The Placid Dutchman | The Lone Ranger (09-15-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns with Andrew Rhynes

Episode: The Placid Dutchman | The Lone Ranger (09-15-52)

Date: November 20, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns revisits the classic Lone Ranger adventure “The Placid Dutchman.” In this digitally restored broadcast from 1952, the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto pursue the notorious outlaw Dutch Van Horn and his cunning gang, who have been spreading terror and committing daring robberies across the western territories. The story is packed with suspense, action, and clever detective work as the heroes race to bring the gang to justice against a backdrop of audacious criminal plans and explosive confrontations.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Introduction to Dutch Van Horn’s Crime Spree

• [04:31] Dutch Van Horn, a seemingly “placid” and simple settler with a Dutch accent, is introduced, quickly revealed as a ruthless outlaw leader.
  • He and his gang enter a café and rob the patrons at gunpoint.
  • Memorable for his deceptive mildness:

    “When I came in here earlier, you all thought I was just a simple farmer. When I was chased from our own country… I came here because I heard you Americans were so trusting. That is good. Gives me a chance to get plenty of easy money.” — Dutch Van Horn ([05:35])

2. The Stockton Bank Robbery

• [06:26] The gang’s next exploit is a brazen robbery at the Stockton bank, using a forged check and the threat of violence to seize $10,000.

3. The Lone Ranger and Tonto on the Trail

• [07:42] Our heroes investigate after the robberies and quickly apprehend one of Dutch’s men following a stagecoach heist.
  • The captured outlaw tries to bargain:

    “Maybe we can make a deal. I have some of the cash from the stage in my saddlebags. Divvy with you.” — Outlaw ([09:42])

  • The Lone Ranger stands firm:

    “We could take it all if we wanted to. But that would be held as evidence against you.” — The Lone Ranger ([09:49])

4. A Plot to Capture the Whole Gang

• [10:19] The Lone Ranger devises a plan for the sheriff: let the prisoner “escape” and follow him to the gang’s hideout.

  • Quote:

    “Why not let the prisoner escape, Sheriff?...We could be ready to follow him to his gang’s hideout.” — The Lone Ranger ([10:55])

• [11:45] A chaotic brawl in the café serves as a diversion, staged by Van Horn’s men to spring their comrade from jail.

5. Dutch’s Tactics and Hideout

• [19:29] In the Stockton hotel, Dutch congratulates his men for the successful jailbreak and prepares to rob the express office once the sheriff leaves town with a posse.
  • Quote:

    “All we have to do now is wait until they ride from town. I think we’ll start at daybreak. Then we’ll get our horses behind the hotel and go through with our plans.” — Dutch Van Horn ([20:40])

6. Detective Work: Lone Ranger and Tonto Track the Gang

• [21:06] Tonto and the Lone Ranger search for clues at night, eventually finding the missing jail keys and boot prints at the back of the hotel.
  • Quotes:

    “Tanu, look here. The jail keys. The sheriff said the outlaws carried them away when they left.” — The Lone Ranger ([22:20])
    “These marks show two men running to backdoor a hotel.” — Tonto ([22:42])

7. Confrontation and Showdown

• [24:14 - 29:09] The Lone Ranger sneaks into the hotel but is caught by Dutch and the gang; tension mounts as the outlaws consider unmasking and killing him.
• Sudden intervention by Tonto and the sheriff’s men changes the tide:
  • As Dutch is about to strike, Tonto shouts:

    “Drop gun. Quick!” — Tonto ([28:08])

  • The Lone Ranger ingeniously knocks out two crooks by clashing their heads together amidst the chaos.
• The sheriff and his posse break in, the bank loot is recovered, and the gang is swiftly tied up and taken into custody.

8. Resolution: Justice Prevails

• [29:16-30:13] The sheriff expresses gratitude to the Lone Ranger.
  • Memorable moment:

    “You sure had your nerve to face that gang alone like you did… you did all right.” — Sheriff ([29:16])

• As Dutch questions why a masked man would help the law, the sheriff delivers the classic reveal:

  “Why you simple-minded coyote. I thought you knew that he’s the Lone Ranger!” — Sheriff ([30:15])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dutch Van Horn’s deceptive humility:

  “When I came in here earlier, you all thought I was just a simple farmer… I came here because I heard you Americans were so trusting.” — Dutch Van Horn ([05:35])

• Lone Ranger’s unwavering sense of justice:

  “We could take it all if we wanted to. But that would be held as evidence against you.” — The Lone Ranger ([09:49])

• Sheriff’s exasperation at outlaw ingenuity:

  “Dutch is clever all right. Nobody noticed them riding away… That ornery outlaw even made off with the jail keys.” — Sheriff ([15:39-16:00])

• The sheriff’s final reveal:

  “Why you simple-minded coyote. I thought you knew that he’s the Lone Ranger!” — Sheriff ([30:15])

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Dutch Van Horn’s Introduction & Café Robbery: [04:31] – [06:13]
• Stockton Bank Heist: [06:26] – [07:22]
• Lone Ranger & Tonto Chase: [07:42] – [09:36]
• Prisoner Interrogation & Escape Plan: [10:19] – [11:16]
• Café Diversion & Jailbreak: [11:45] – [14:46]
• Gang’s Strategy in Hotel: [19:29] – [20:40]
• Lone Ranger & Tonto Find Clues: [21:06] – [22:46]
• Hotel Confrontation and Capture of Outlaws: [24:14] – [29:09]
• Resolution & Iconic Reveal: [29:16] – [30:24]

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Tone & Style

The episode maintains a brisk, suspenseful tone characteristic of classic radio westerns: dramatic, dialogue-driven, with a focus on wit, courage, and camaraderie. The language is direct, colorful, and true to the Western genre, featuring clever banter and old-fashioned lawman bravado.

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Concluding Thoughts

“The Placid Dutchman” is a textbook Lone Ranger adventure, blending sharp wits, daring plans, and the timely intervention of heroes. Dutch Van Horn stands out as a formidably sly villain, only to be bested by the cooperation and detective spirit of the Lone Ranger, Tonto, and the sheriff. The episode’s dramatic arc—from criminal plotting to a suspenseful showdown and ultimate justice—captures the enduring appeal of old-time radio westerns. The final lines, with the sheriff revealing the true identity of the masked hero, bring a satisfying and nostalgic closure to the story.

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Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O Silver the Lone Ranger. It's sam.

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Spin Quest is a free to play social casino void. Where prohibited. Visit spin quest.com for more. With his faithful Indian companion, Tottle, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the Plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse. Silver the Lone Ranger rides again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Go big fellow. I will.

[Sheriff]

Silver.

[Narrator]

Away. Dutch Van Horn was a large man whose placid features and easy Dutch accent caused people who met him casually to think he was a simple, honest settler in the far West. But his reputation as a tough outlaw leader was spreading rapidly as he and his gang moved southward from New Mexico territory, taking advantage at every opportunity to get easy cash. The men in the cafe at Delford were quickly disillusioned about the placid, simple looking man. When Dutch and his men entered with drawn guns.

[Sheriff]

Those shops were to Let you know we mean business, my friends. Keep your hands up.

[Dutch Van Horn]

Line up over there, facing the wall.

[Sheriff]

Curly, sit.

[Dutch Van Horn]

Take their wallets.

[Sheriff]

The others and I keep them covered. All right, Dutch, let's get their cash. It's Dutch Windhorn's gang. Yeah, he sure doesn't look like it now.

[Andrew Rines]

Blonde.

[Dutch Van Horn]

No. When I came in here earlier, you all thought I was just a simple farmer. When I was chased from our own country.

[Sheriff]

I came here because I heard you.

[Dutch Van Horn]

Americans were so trusting. That is good.

[Sheriff]

Very good.

[Dutch Van Horn]

Gives me a chance to get plenty of easy money. Hurry up, Curly. You and Sid are slow.

[Sheriff]

We have all our cash, Dutch. We better get out of here now.

[Narrator]

Hey, are we gonna let that crazy.

[Sheriff]

Owl hoot get away with our cash? I do not like to be called crazy, my friend. Oh, my shoulder. That is to teach you not to call Dutch men Horn names. Hey, Dutch, let's go. The sheriff might have heard the shooting and come here with his man.

[Dutch Van Horn]

Well, we are finished here.

[Sheriff]

Come on.

[Narrator]

A few days later, Dutch with Curly and Sid walked calmly into the bank in Stockton. And just as calmly presented a check at the teller's window.

[Sheriff]

What can I do for you, mister?

[Dutch Van Horn]

I want to cash this check.

[Sheriff]

$10,000. This is for a large amount, Mr. Van Horn. I'll have to. It's signed Dutch Van Horne.

[Dutch Van Horn]

Put the cash in this satchel quick, my friend, or you get a bullet.

[Sheriff]

Yes. Yes, sir.

[Dutch Van Horn]

I knew that check would be honored when you saw my signature. Now, hurry. Shove the satchel through the window to me. Thank you. You have the check to show for it, huh? And don't make a sound till we get out of here. Let's go, men. The others are waiting.

[Sheriff]

Hey, that was Dutchman horn. They got 10,000. We've been robbed.

[Narrator]

It was several days after the Stockton bank robbery when the Lone Ranger and his Indian companion, Totto rode the trail through the hills near that town.

[The Lone Ranger]

Dutch Van Horn is building quite a reputation for himself and his gang around here.

[Narrator]

That's right. We hear plenty talk about gang.

[Sheriff]

Maybe we find out those shots came.

[The Lone Ranger]

Beyond the bend in the trail.

[Sheriff]

Monster monks come.

[Narrator]

The masked man and Indian raced around the bend in time to see several horsemen gathered around a stagecoach which was stopped a short distance up the trail.

[The Lone Ranger]

Must be a whole of class.

[Sheriff]

And a horseman.

[The Lone Ranger]

Use your guns, Israel. I heard a man going to the follow one of the others.

[Narrator]

The two men separated. The Lone Ranger raced after the outlaw who had ridden to the right. For a moment, the gunman didn't seem to know he was being followed. Then Turning in the saddle, he saw the masked man behind him. He raised his gun hurriedly and fired. The motion of his galloping horse spoiled his aim and the bullets went wild. As the Lone Ranger, having holstered his own guns, urged the great horse Silver to faster speed.

[Sheriff]

Come on, Silver. Master.

[The Lone Ranger]

Big fella.

[Narrator]

The great white stallion increased his speed and gradually moved closer and closer. Fleeing man. The outlaw again turned and the Lone Ranger could see the panic stricken look on his face as he once more fired wildly. The crook's gun was now empty and he frantically spurred his horse forward as the masked figure closed in behind him. Finally, the Lone Ranger, whirling his lariat, sent it snaking forward. The loop whipped down over the shoulders of the outlaw and the big stallion Silver braced to a halt.

[Sheriff]

Who? Silver? Steady.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hold it, big fella. Easy setting up.

[Sheriff]

Don't. Don't shoot, mister. Stop whining.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get up.

[Sheriff]

Your mask. You must be an owl.

[Dutch Van Horn]

Hoot.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm not an outlaw.

[Sheriff]

What are you gonna do?

[The Lone Ranger]

Tie you in the saddle and turn you over to the sheriff in Stockton.

[Sheriff]

Horse can hope on that.

[Narrator]

Others get away.

[Sheriff]

Kimasabi.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, Toto, we have one of them. Now get on your horse.

[Sheriff]

Sure, I tort. Use that gun, mister.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right, mountie. Hold horse.

[Sheriff]

Steady, boy. Now, look, maybe we can make a deal. I have some of the cash from the stage in my saddlebags. Divvy with you.

[The Lone Ranger]

We could take it all if we wanted to. But that would be held as evidence against you.

[Sheriff]

And you really meant what you said about taking me to the sheriff, right? Mister, you're gonna be sorry when Dutch Van Horn hears about this.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, so it was part of Van Horn's gang that robbed the stage, huh? That's all the more reason why the sheriff will be glad to get you, Otto. We'll tie him to his horse and head.

[Narrator]

When they reached a grove on the edge of town the Lone Ranger gave Tonto a note to the sheriff in Stockton. Then waited while the Indian left with the captured outlaw. It was about dusk when Tonto returned, bringing the sheriff with him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good evening, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Howdy, mister. Mighty good to see you and Tonto again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thanks.

[Sheriff]

That outlaw you sent is safe behind bars now.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good.

[Sheriff]

I wish we could get our hands on the rest of Dutch Van Horn's gang. But I sure doubt that we'll get any information about him from that prisoner. He just won't talk.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why not let the prisoner escape, Sheriff? Say around daybreak tomorrow morning.

[Sheriff]

Let him escape?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, if it were arranged so that he thought he managed to escape. Of his own accord. We could be ready to follow him to his gang's hideout.

[Sheriff]

That's a good idea, mister. But how can it be fixed so as he'll escape without knowing we planned it that way?

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, I think this will work. Now, when it's time to send the prisoner his breakfast, have the guard be.

[Sheriff]

Wait a minute. Something going on in town. Maybe Dutch came to break his man out of jail.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll go with you. Easy.

[Narrator]

Riding from the grove on the edge of town, the three men galloped through the dusk along the back streets. As they drew closer, they realized the noise was coming from the cafe.

[Sheriff]

There's a rumpus in the cafe. I'll go through the back door. You better stay out here in the shadows because of your mask. And if I need help, you'll be ready.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Sheriff]

Stop. Stop, you hear? Stop it. Hey, it's the sheriff. Yeah, he looks sore too. What's the meaning of this? Did you see who started this? Barkeep? Stranger started a sheriff. I saw him. Seemed to go local all of a sudden. What do you mean? Well, he was sitting over there at that table near the door. Yeah, I saw him jump up all of a sudden, draw his gun and start shooting at the ceiling. When that happened. Well, you know how it is. Everybody just seemed to get into a brawl for no reason. Where's the man who started it? Which one is he? Don't see him now. He was here a short time ago, just before you came in. He must have beat it during the excitement. Yeah, we were too busy to notice. This goes to show how little sense you men have. Always ready to jump up and get into a brawl without asking what it's all about. Yeah, and somebody has to pay for the damage, Sheriff. Now, hold on, Olia. Don't let anyone go sneaking out. If you don't want me to fill the jail with a lot of you for the night, then take up a collection to pay for the damage you did here. As for the stranger who started this, if I get my hands on him, he'll go to jail for 30 days for disturbing the peace. Hey, sheriff.

[Narrator]

Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

I went to the jail to see where you were.

[Narrator]

I found trouble there. You better go there quick.

[Sheriff]

What do you mean you found trouble?

[Narrator]

The deputy who was in charge is wounded and unconscious. All the cells are empty.

[Sheriff]

There must have been a jail break. Oh, I better get over there right away. Come on.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later, the sheriff, followed by some of the townsmen, entered the jailhouse.

[Sheriff]

There's your deputy on the floor.

[Narrator]

Yeah, someone Went for the doctor. Jake.

[Sheriff]

Jake.

[The Lone Ranger]

No.

[Sheriff]

It's just a flesh wound. Got a bump on the head, though. Oh, sheriff, I couldn't stop him. What happened? I heard the rumpus up the street. Stepped out onto the porch to see if you were around. As I went through the door, someone knocked me on the head. Just a glance and blow. I grappled with him and he shot me. That's all I know. The prisoner is gone. He's gone? Yep. Whoever knocked you out must have expected you'd step outside. He took your keys and opened the cell door after dragging you in here. Yeah, but how would he know there was gonna be trouble at the cafe? Easy. As far as I can see, the only prisoner we had was one of Dutch Van Horne's gang. A stranger started the cafe rumpus. I think he did it on purpose so as to cover up for the jailbreak. Yes. Dutch Van Horn put one over on us and got his man away.

[Narrator]

Meantime, the Lone Ranger and Tottle who had been just outside the back door of the cafe had heard the news that was brought to the sheriff. They followed the crowd to the jail and the masked man waited in the shadows behind the building while Tonto went in with the others. After the wounded deputy had been taken care of, the sheriff and Tonto came out to talk to the Lone Ranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, sheriff, that Van Horn ruined our plan.

[Sheriff]

He sure did, mister. He pulled the fast one on us, all right. Must have been one of his men who started that brawl at the cafe.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I'm almost sure of that. Oh, what did the deputy have to say?

[Sheriff]

Nothing much he could say. Someone tried to knock him out. When he rushed out onto the front porch, he got shot. Nothing serious.

[The Lone Ranger]

Dutch is clever. He made sure to get his man away before you could force him to talk.

[Sheriff]

Yes, Dutch is clever, all right. Nobody noticed them riding away. Must have gone right out the front door with the prisoner.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, what are you going to do now, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

The only thing I can do now is to wait till daybreak. And I'll take a posse and make a search for that gang in the hills.

[The Lone Ranger]

Too bad someone didn't see them leaving town. We'd know then where to look for their trails.

[Sheriff]

Yes. Everybody was so dog gone excited about what was happening at the cafe. They didn't notice who passed along the street. That ornery outlaw even made off with the jail keys. Have to get a new set right away. If I could just get my hands on.

[The Lone Ranger]

The moon is coming up. When it's bright enough, Tottenham will look around. Maybe we'll find their hoof marks before you're ready to ride with the posse.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger adventure. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Narrator]

Sam. Now to continue. Meanwhile, in a back room at the Stockton Hotel, just a short distance down the street and diagonally across from the jail, four men lounged about listening as Dutch Van Horn talked in a low voice.

[Dutch Van Horn]

I told you we had nothing to worry about, my friends. And it was simple for us to come here one by one to this room, which Sid keeps at this hotel.

[Sheriff]

You sure do figure things out, Dutch. I knew you'd find a way to spring me out of that jail. I gotta hand it to you, you're plenty smart, sure enough.

[Dutch Van Horn]

That's right, I am smart, Curly. It was a good plan having one of the men start that excitement at the cafe. I knew the sheriff had gone toward the edge of town and that the deputy would come out on the porch to see what was going on.

[Sheriff]

It was taking a chance, Dutch, but it sure worked. Must have been easy once you got the jail keys.

[Dutch Van Horn]

Oh, by the way, I Don't have the keys now. Have any of you seen them?

[The Lone Ranger]

No.

[Dutch Van Horn]

Well, it doesn't matter. I must have lost or mislaid them. But the sheriff will have to get new ones, mate.

[Sheriff]

Besides that, he's going loco trying to get a line.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right, Sid.

[Sheriff]

They'll be searching the hills looking for our hideout while we're sitting right here under the noses.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sure, sure.

[Dutch Van Horn]

And after the sheriff takes the posse away from town, we'll rob the express office and leave this territory. By thunder.

[Sheriff]

The sheriff will be fit to be tied when he gets back with the.

[Dutch Van Horn]

Posse, finds out what happened. All we have to do now is to wait until they ride from town. I think we'll start at daybreak. Then we'll get our horses behind the hotel and go through with our plans.

[Narrator]

When the when moonlight became bright enough, the Lone Ranger and Tonto searched the various trails leading from town for evidence of fresh tracks of galloping horses. They were unable to find any. So they returned to the edge of town and stopped among the trees.

[The Lone Ranger]

Low. And the man he set free may have left their horses behind one of the buildings. We could find that spot. We could trail them.

[Sheriff]

Ah.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'Ll leave Silver and scout here among the trees. Tunnel easy.

[Narrator]

Scout easy. What we do now?

[The Lone Ranger]

We walk behind the buildings in town and search for some trace of the hoof marks left by their two horses. We will not attract attention on foot. All right, let's go.

[Narrator]

Moving in the shadows, the masked man and Indian walked behind the buildings on one side of the main street. Then they crossed over and searched behind the buildings on the other side. It took a great deal of time as they cautiously and carefully studied the ground. And it was about an hour later when they reached the clearing behind the Stockton Hotel. Suddenly, the Lone Ranger's keen eye caught the glint of something lying near a sagebrush. He bent down and picked it up.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tanu, look here.

[Narrator]

What's your plan?

[Dutch Van Horn]

Chemo savvy?

[The Lone Ranger]

The jail keys. The sheriff said the outlaws carried them away when they left.

[Narrator]

In them near Back Door Hotel. Look. He must see boot marks of two men.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I see a good many boot marks too. You look close.

[Narrator]

These marks show two men running to backdoor a hotel.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm glad you read cerns so well. That explains why no one saw those men leaving town. They must have run across the street and came here to enter the hotel through the back door.

[Narrator]

You think them stay at hotels?

[The Lone Ranger]

It's a logical answer. Very clever. Sheriff takes it for granted they've gone into the hills to hide out there.

[Narrator]

Isn't that right? What we do now?

[The Lone Ranger]

You find the sheriff, tell him what we've found, and ask him to bring some of his men here. Meantime, I'll go inside and try to locate their room. All right. Hurry. Tell him.

[Narrator]

The sheriff was getting ready to leave his office when Toto entered.

[Sheriff]

Oh, I was just about to leave, Toto. The posse will be ready to ride at daybreak.

[Narrator]

Sheriff, you come quick with men at the back door. Hotel?

[Sheriff]

Why?

[Narrator]

Toto explained as the sheriff listened attentively and unbelievingly.

[Sheriff]

You mean the masked man thinks they're staying at the hotel? Why, it doesn't seem possible. Dutch and his men at Richland forget about jail keys.

[Narrator]

Methink you catch outlaws soon.

[Sheriff]

Yeah, all right. By golly, it's hard to believe they'd be right across there at the hotel.

[Dutch Van Horn]

Plenty smart move them.

[Narrator]

Think you not look for him so close?

[Sheriff]

I thunder. They thought right, too. I'll get some enemy with you as soon as possible, Tano. It'll sure be great if we can capture that gang.

[Narrator]

After Tonto left to get the sheriff, the Lone Ranger cautiously entered the back door of the hotel. He decided that the crooks would be wise enough to have a room near the back of the building for easy exit. With that thought in mind, the masked man moved along from door to door. In the dimness of the back hallway. In spite of every caution, the rough, bare flooring creaked beneath the masked man's boots as he left one door and moved to another. Light was showing from the crack under the door. He approached. He listened as the murmur of voices reached his ears. For a moment, the Lone Ranger stood motionless. Then he knelt to peer through the keyhole. Inside the room, Dutch, who was talking, suddenly interrupted his flow of words and signaled for silence.

[Dutch Van Horn]

My friends, at daybreak, we.

[Narrator]

Quiet.

[Dutch Van Horn]

I heard a noise. I think someone is outside the door. I'll pull it open suddenly.

[Sheriff]

Better have your gun ready, Dutch.

[Dutch Van Horn]

Yeah, of course.

[The Lone Ranger]

About this.

[Sheriff]

This a mask man.

[Narrator]

As Dutch swung open the door, the Lone Ranger moved fast from his position on one knee, knocking Dutch's gun arm with his left hand. Take this man, Horn, landing a blow to the chin with his right fist. As Dutch fell, his gun flew from his hand. And the force of his effort carried the Lone Ranger into the room where the others were already grabbing for their weapons. But instantly, the masked man's guns appeared in his hands. And as Sid drew, the masked man fired.

[Sheriff]

Reach, mister. I'm behind you. I was wise enough to stand alongside the door. Hey, Dutch. He's the armor. You took me to jail. I'll blast you right now.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger, realizing that for the moment he was cornered, stood motionless. Then he slowly raised his hands as Dutch got to his feet, rubbing his chin. The outlaw leader picked up his gun, then walked slowly from the doorway to where the masked man stood.

[Dutch Van Horn]

There's one gun at your back. Yeah, and there are three more of us holding guns, my friend. Drop your guns to the floor. Drop them.

[The Lone Ranger]

Very well. Good.

[Dutch Van Horn]

Curly, you stand behind him and keep him covered.

[Sheriff]

Right.

[Dutch Van Horn]

Sit. You're wounded, so you can't be of much help. But you other two, holster your guns. Come here.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right. What you gonna do, Dutch?

[Sheriff]

You ought to plug him right now.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah. Remember, he wounded Sid and socked you plenty hard.

[Dutch Van Horn]

Yes, and I haven't forgotten the blow, my friend. I'll return it with lots of interest. Now, each of you take one of his arms. Hold it securely.

[The Lone Ranger]

I warn you, they're taking a risk.

[Dutch Van Horn]

Yes. No. The risk is all yours, my friend. If you try to resist, a bullet will plow into your back. Hold him now.

[Sheriff]

Right. I have one arm. We have him, Dutch.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger braced himself as the two crooks grabbed his arms, one on each side. Pinioned and seemingly helpless, the masked man stood facing the stolid outlaw leader.

[Dutch Van Horn]

I notice you called me Dutch Van Horn. That means you know who I am.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right.

[Dutch Van Horn]

But I do not know you, my friend. I'll holster my gun now before asking you to tell us why you spied on us. I'll remove that mask and repay the blow that you gave me with interest.

[Narrator]

Dutch paused to watch the effect of his words on the masked man. The Lone Ranger thought quickly. He knew that he'd receive a bullet from Curly's gun if he resisted. Yet he had no intention of letting Dutch remove his mask or of meekly taking the outlaw's blows. At that moment came a turn of events. You.

[Sheriff]

Drop gun.

[Narrator]

Quick.

[Sheriff]

Hey, what's going on? You drop gun.

[Narrator]

Upon hearing Topple's voice, the Lone Ranger in the instantly stepped back, pulling his strong arms forward.

[Sheriff]

This is it.

[Narrator]

Two skulls cracked together in front of him. The two crooks instinctively loosened their holds as they fell away from the masked man. Dutch went for his gun.

[Sheriff]

I'll kill you, not shoot.

[Narrator]

No. The Lone Ranger quickly picked up his own guns as the two crooks, rallying from the smashing blows they'd received on their heads, reached to draw.

[Sheriff]

Got him. Don't draw.

[Narrator]

Off to one side in the shadows, the wounded outlaw Sid, who had dropped his gun when the bullet hit him in the leg, slowly reached for it unseen for the moment by the Lone Ranger or Tondo. Then as he raised the gun.

[Sheriff]

Drop that gun. Oh, my arm.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sheriff, you came to that open window just in time.

[Sheriff]

Looks like we got here a little too late to do much good. You and Tondo seem to have everything under control. I'll climb through the window. My men are coming in through the hotel.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's Dutch Van Horn, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Oh, here come my men. All right, search the room boys and see what you can turn up.

[Narrator]

The room was searched and the bank loot found. The sheriff waited while the Lone Ranger and Tonto bandaged the wounded. Then the crooks were tied.

[Sheriff]

Mister, we came up to the wind about the time you smacked those two crooks heads together. You sure had your nerve to face that gang alone like you did. We couldn't use our guns for fear of hitting you, Watanto. But you did all right.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thanks, Sheriff. I really didn't intend to face them alone. I. I was sort of thrown among them. So I had to make the best of it.

[Sheriff]

Who is that masked man, Sheriff? Yeah. I don't savor the mask. Take it easy, boys. I'll vouch for the masked man. Get those crooks to jail. There isn't gonna be a jailbreak this time. I'll take Dutch over myself.

[Narrator]

May bring horses to Mako Hotel, Kimasabe.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good enough. Now that everything seems to be taken care of, Sheriff Pato and I'll ride south tonight. We may see you again soon. Adios.

[Sheriff]

Goodbye. Goodbye. All right, Dutch Van Horn. I'll take you where you belong. Now I'm sure beholden to that mask man for helping us get our hands on you and your ornery gang.

[Dutch Van Horn]

I can't understand why a masked outlaw.

[Sheriff]

Like him would help the law. Outlaw? Why you simple minded coyote. I thought you knew that he's the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

I don't. It.

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[Narrator]

Spinquest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details. This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated. Created by George W. Trendle. Produced by Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated Directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamed Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com.

[Sheriff]

Become one.

[Andrew Rines]

Of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

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