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Talkspace Host
This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace.
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Last year I went through many different life changes. I needed to take a pause and examine how I was feeling in the inside to better show up for the ones who need me to be my best version of myself.
Talkspace Host
When you're navigating life's changes, Talkspace can help. Talkspace is the number one rated online therapy, bringing you professional support from licensed therapists and psychiatry providers that you can access anytime, anywhere.
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Living a busy life, navigating a long distance relationship, becoming a first stepfather Talkspace made all of those journeys possible. I could speak with my therapist in the office. I could speak with my therapist in the comfort of my home. I was never alone.
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Bragg Shelby
2013 and we make bike apparel. The best part of Shopify for me is our ability to run the business as essentially non technical people. We're able to admin everything on the back end, front end and sell things online easily. If Shopify were a bike accessory, I think it would actually be the bicycle. It's the thing that you do the thing on. We run the business on Shopify. Start your free trial on shopify.com.
Andrew Rines
Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.
Narrator
A fiery horse with the speed of
Lone Ranger
light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O Silver the Lone Ranger.
Talkspace Host
This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace.
Talkspace Testimonial Speaker
Last year I went through many different life changes. I needed to take a pause and examine how I was feeling in the inside to better show up for the ones who need me to be my best version of myself.
Talkspace Host
When you're navigating life's changes, Talkspace can help. Talkspace is the number one rated online therapy, bringing you professional support from licensed therapists and psychiatry providers that you can access anytime, anywhere.
Talkspace Testimonial Speaker
Living a busy life, navigating a long distance relationship, becoming a first stepfather Talkspace made all of those journeys possible. I could speak with my therapist in the office. I could speak with my therapist in the comfort of my home. I was never alone.
Talkspace Host
I Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a zero dollar copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off your first month with promo code space80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code
Narrator
space80@talkspace.com General Mills, makers of Cheerios, the ready to eat oat cereal that gives you go power. And Wheaties, the breakfast of champions. Present by special recording the Lone Ranger.
Lone Ranger
Sailor Sam is the smartest boy Whoever shouted ship ahoy. He can weather any storm that blows. He's got Go power from Cheerios. Yes, he's got Go power. There he goes. He's feeling his Cheerios. Cheerios. Cheerios.
Narrator
Good old Cheerios. They got go so nourishing. Cause they're made from oats with minerals, vitamins and proteins that your body needs. Yes, indeed. A bowl of Cheerios and milk really starts your day off right. Does all sorts of good things for your body. Helps you have strong bones and muscles, good red blood and healthy nerves. So every morning take on a bowl of Cheerios and milk for real Go power. You like that wonderful toasted oat flavor too? Downright delicious. Come to think of it, Cheerios is one of the tastiest muscle building foods you can eat. Try Cheerios and you'll hear he's feeling his Cheerios. With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful mask 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.
Lone Ranger
The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fella. I am Silver. Hooray.
Narrator
Frank Shelby had settled in the town of Minerville, north of Santa Fe. By crooked dealings, he managed to gain complete control of a small mining company. Gradually, he gained influence in the town and after surrounding himself with a number of tough gunmen, became mayor of Minerville, which he ran with an iron hand. Even the sheriff was forced to do his bidding.
Bragg Shelby
Well, Sheriff, what brings you to my office?
Lone Ranger
Frank, I came in to talk about that tax you levied on the businessmen of Minerville.
Bragg Shelby
What about it?
Lone Ranger
It's not going to be easy to collect that tax.
Bragg Shelby
You don't have to do the collecting. My men will do that.
Lone Ranger
I've had several complaints.
Bragg Shelby
Don't bother me with your complaints. You don't like your job? I'll see to it someone gets it who's willing to take orders. I run this town, remember that.
Lone Ranger
Yeah, I know.
Bragg Shelby
Now get back to your office and attend to business. I'm busy.
Narrator
Many miles east of Minerville, the Lone Ranger and his Indian companion Toto rode leisurely along the Pony Express trail.
Bragg Shelby
The Pony Express is a new means of communication between the east and the West. Tunnel is still having plenty of trouble. Uh huh. I understand some of the riders have been killed by hostile Indians. If others who follow have advance warning of where trouble might be waiting, it will save lives and at the same time keep the overland mail routes open.
Lone Ranger
How far we ride east, Kimothe.
Bragg Shelby
We'll patrol this entire section of the trail for a few days and see what happens.
Lone Ranger
The Pony Express plenty good for west.
Bragg Shelby
Yes, it is. Especially since trouble is brewing between this country and Mexico. If the people know what's going on in Washington, the military dispatches get through quickly. Riders get through plenty fast. That's right. The pony exchange stations at various points along the trail. Gives each rider a fresh mount so that he's able to keep moving at top speed. Someday, Toto, a telegraph will move out into this territory and the Pony Riders are paving the way.
Lone Ranger
Monte Mobscot.
Narrator
The following week, news arrived almost simultaneously from the east and the far west by Pony Express riders, news of war with Mexico and further news that Commodore John Drake Sloat raised the flag of the United States over Monterey, proclaiming California a part of the United States. Frank Shelby heard the news when he returned to his office after a short trip out of town. He called his men together for a conference.
Bragg Shelby
Oh man. The news of the war with Mexico and of the hostilities in California means a great deal to us.
Lone Ranger
How do you figure that?
Bragg Shelby
Brank, listen. This is unorganized territory. I am the only government there is around here. I'm going to post a notice saying President Polk in Washington has proclaimed that all gold claims revert to the government and all property and livestock owned by Mexicans in this territory is to be confiscated. Of course, we're the government here, so we take over. If the government in Washington gets wind
Lone Ranger
of what's going on.
Bragg Shelby
The government in Washington is too busy with the war to bother about what goes on here. Duke, Sandy, you'll get the print shop to set up some large posters. I'll give you the copy to be printed on them. Right. Before long, we'll all be well off And I'll really be running things in this territory.
Narrator
From that time on, a reign of terrors spread throughout the territory. Near Minerville there was one man, Miles Taylor, who realized the truth and was determined to do something about it. One night he paced the floor in his small ranch house as he talked to his wife, Martha.
Lone Ranger
But can't stand by. Let him take over. Martha, you're the only person here who knows I'm a member of the United States Secret Service. That I came here and leased this ranch for the purpose of investigating conditions after I heard rumors of what was going on here. You should have sent in a report before this, Miles. Now it's too late. I'm going to call a secret meeting of some of the townsmen and ranchers. I'll have them come here if necessary. I'll show them my badge and credentials I have there in the desk. Then I'll organize them against Shelby.
Narrator
The following afternoon, Bragg Shelby sat at his desk talking to a new member of his gang whom Sandy had brought to him.
Bragg Shelby
Sandy says you're mighty handy with a gun, Pete. Do all right, mister.
Lone Ranger
Pete worked with me in Texas. We were in a gang together. You can count on him, Brag, and he's fast in the draw.
Bragg Shelby
Good, good. Long as you recommend him, Sandy, I'll
Narrator
let him work with us.
Bragg Shelby
Well, Duke, what's up?
Lone Ranger
I just found out something, Brag. You know that rancher who came here a couple of months ago, Miles Taylor?
Bragg Shelby
What about him?
Lone Ranger
I hear he's calling a meeting at his place. Ranch hand from one of the nearby spreads told me about it. He's having the meeting tomorrow night. That's interesting.
Bragg Shelby
Hold on. Did you say Miles Taylor? Yeah, why? Is he a tall dark haired fella about 30?
Lone Ranger
That's right.
Bragg Shelby
Why do you ask, Pete? Do you know him? I know something about him. A crooked engine agent near Santa Fe was arrested six months ago. I had some dealings with him for a while. The man who got the evidence against him was a Secret Service man named Miles Taylor. The agent described him to me.
Lone Ranger
That sneakin polecat posing as a rancher is a government man, huh? We better grab him right away, Brag. If he has that meeting and tells everybody about it he might get him to band together and move against him.
Bragg Shelby
No, no, wait, Sandy. He knows I've been having men patrol the trails and making people identify themselves. So he wouldn't be fool enough to carry his credentials with him. Well, I saw him and his wife driving to town a short time ago. You and Pete go out to their Place right now and search it. Look for a badge and papers that identify him as a secret serviceman.
Lone Ranger
All right, but what about the meat?
Bragg Shelby
We'll let them meet, then we'll move in on them. Now get going and do a neat job so they'll not know anyone's been there.
Narrator
The next night, about 30 grim faced men met at Taylor's ranch house. They stood silently in the living room while Miles spoke.
Lone Ranger
Man, you all know what's going on around here. Bragg Shelby has taken over Locke's Stock and barrel. Unfortunately, he was more or less legally elected mayor of Minerville. But since word came that the country's at war he set himself up as ruler of this territory. You men are being intimidated and robbed by Shelby and his cutthroats. But he is mayor and represents the law here. Yeah, what about that? Well, I checked and found out he was elected for two years. His term expired a week ago. But nothing was said about holding another election. Bragg Shelby is no longer legally mayor of Minorville. I say it's about time we got together and turned him out along with his gunmen. What if those proclamations did come from Washington? I'm sure they didn't. This is an emergency. Perhaps you'll have confidence in me if I tell you I'm with a secret service.
Bragg Shelby
Don't move, any of you. My men are covering you through the windows. Come in, Sheriff. Well, Miles Taylor, we can hear what you were saying. Very interesting.
Lone Ranger
Interesting and true.
Bragg Shelby
Shelby, perhaps you can prove you're a government man.
Lone Ranger
Yes, the proof is in my desk.
Bragg Shelby
Well, get it. Remember, you're covered. Well, Taylor, we're waiting.
Lone Ranger
This desk has been forced open. My badge and credentials are gone.
Bragg Shelby
You see, man?
Narrator
He was lying.
Bragg Shelby
Miles Taylor was trying to get you to revolt against the local established government so that he could eventually take over.
Lone Ranger
Don't listen to Shelby men. I for one believe Taylor. Anyhow, we've had enough of Shelby and his gang. I'm gonna do it.
Bragg Shelby
You see, my men don't like to hear anyone talk like that about me. Sheriff, arrest Miles Taylor for inciting a revolt. I charge him with treason. The rest of you go to your homes. And if any of you start trouble, you'll have no homes to go to.
Lone Ranger
Now get out of here.
Narrator
We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment.
Talkspace Host
This podcast is sponsored by talkspace.
Talkspace Testimonial Speaker
Last year I went through many different life changes. I needed to take a pause and examine how I was feeling in the inside to better show up for the ones who need me to be my
Talkspace Host
best version of myself when you're navigating life's changes, Talkspace can help. Talkspace is the number one rated online therapy, bringing you professional support from licensed therapists and psychiatry providers that you can access anytime, anywhere.
Talkspace Testimonial Speaker
Living a busy life, navigating a long distance relationship, becoming a first stepfather, Talkspace made all of those journeys possible. I could speak with my therapist in the office. I could speak with my therapist in the comfort of my home. I was never alone.
Talkspace Host
Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off your first month with promo code space80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code space80@talkspace.com man, whenever I use a sports
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Lone Ranger
Same position.
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Narrator
Check local regulations before trading restrictions and eligibility requirements apply.
Lone Ranger
Cause champions are made not for yes sir.
Narrator
Get on your way get on your way get on your way.
Lone Ranger
With Wheaties, your chances seem brighter just knowing champions are made, not born. It happens. Take Harvey Keane, top notch shortstop for the Detroit Tigers. When Harvey was just a lad of six, he was learning baseball tricks. He trapped those grounders, learned to throw. And this is something you should know. A Wheaties breakfast helped him grow. Now Harvey sparks that Tiger team. Cause Wheaties keep him on the beam. Harvey Keene, a Wheaties guy since he was six years old. He knows there's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties Flake, watch Harvey chase this hot one. Hey, hey, hey. He's on his way, on his way he's on his way, on his way. Get on your way with Wheaties. Cause champions are made, not sports.
Bragg Shelby
Yes, sir.
Narrator
Get on your way get on your
Lone Ranger
way get on your way with Wheaties. Breakfast of champions.
Narrator
Now to continue. Late that night, the sheriff went to Miles Taylor's cell. He sympathized with Miles and expressed the wish that there was something he might do to help. Miles decided to write a letter to his superiors at Kansas City asking them to order troops sent from Santa Fe. And the sheriff promised to see that it was mailed. The following day. Duke, who had gone to a small town 30 miles east of Minerville hurriedly entered Bragg Shelby's office.
Lone Ranger
Hi, Bragg. Where did you hear what I found out? Well, late yesterday afternoon, I was at the Pony Express station at Waytown when the eastbound pony rider came in. Gave the mail clerk a letter from his pocket to put into the Kansas City pouch. Said someone gave a tomb at the outskirts of Minerville.
Bragg Shelby
What about it?
Lone Ranger
It was addressed to the Secret Service headquarters.
Bragg Shelby
Listen, you take Pete with you tomorrow. Yeah. Ride east about 40 miles to the place where the Pony Express trail branches off. The branch trail goes through Santa Fe. The main trail comes through here.
Lone Ranger
Yeah, I know.
Bragg Shelby
What are we to do? Pony riders come west twice a week. One comes through tomorrow, but that's too soon for anything to be sent this way. In answer to that letter, you and Pete get the mail pouches. Many riders after that who might be heading either for here or for Santa Fe. I don't care how you do it, but get them and read every dispatch. You'll know when you've found what I want.
Narrator
A week later, Duke and Pete camped in a thick grove some distance east of where the trail divided.
Lone Ranger
So far we got two pouches. There wasn't anything in them about Minerville or Bragg. Shelby.
Bragg Shelby
Hey, I hear hoof beats coming from the east.
Lone Ranger
Must be another pony rider. Let's mount. Easy, boy. Steady, fella. Yeah. Look, I see him coming around the bend down the trail. Have your gun handy and let's go.
Bragg Shelby
Get up. You nailed him. He fell off his horse.
Narrator
The two crooks hurriedly rode to the side of the fallen rider and dismounted.
Bragg Shelby
Got him in the shoulder.
Lone Ranger
Here's the mail pouch.
Bragg Shelby
I'll open it.
Lone Ranger
I'll rip all the envelopes open with your knife, Pete. Then I'll examine each letter.
Bragg Shelby
Right.
Narrator
Working quickly, Duke began checking the contents of the envelopes. Before he had a chance to complete his task. They heard hoof beats.
Bragg Shelby
Hey, look. Masked man and Indian coming around the bend.
Narrator
Let's get away from here. Maybe others wouldn't.
Lone Ranger
Yeah. Steady, boy.
Bragg Shelby
Oh, I dropped the open pouch.
Lone Ranger
Can't stop now, though. Get out.
Narrator
Pete and Duke rode quickly into the woods and out of sight over a ridge as the Lone Ranger and Totto rounded the bend and stopped beside the pony rider.
Bragg Shelby
He's wounded and unconscious. Totto, mail pouch, open letters, filth and crail. The men who shot him were after something. Manage his wound while I check through the dispatches. Ah, me do it.
Narrator
While Tuttle gave first aid to the rider, the Lone Ranger picked up the dispatches. All of them had been ripped open, but the last four or five hadn't been read. The Lone Ranger examined them.
Bragg Shelby
Here's one addressed to the commandant at Santa Fe. This must have been what those men were after. I'll read it. This is from the Secret Service headquarters in Kansas City. Listen. Toto Commandant, army post, Santa Fe. Move cavalry to Minorville territory at once. Arrest Bragg, Shelby and followers for treason. Ace necessary to save life of Miles Taylor, Secret Service agent. Signed S.F. jones, Agent in charge, Kansas City officer.
Lone Ranger
That plenty important.
Bragg Shelby
Yes. How do you stay and take care of this man? Get him to the nearest town, then head for Minorville. Ah.
Narrator
And what you do?
Bragg Shelby
I'll take the pony rider's place and carry this pouch and the dispatch to Santa Fe.
Lone Ranger
Matt, plenty risky trail to Santa Fe. Go through Indian country. Maybe spies an enemy in hills. Try get mail pouch.
Bragg Shelby
The pony Riders take their risk. So shall I. Easy. Steady, big fellow. See you in Minerville. Marios.
Lone Ranger
Marios, Monselle.
Narrator
It was more than a hundred miles to Santa Fe. And as darkness fell, the Lone Ranger realized there were more risks than those Toto had mentioned. After he reached the branch trail and headed southwestward, the masked man found the going rougher than on the main route. But the great white stallion Silver used to long, hard travel moved at a steady but fast pace through the darkness over the rutted trail. A sudden thunderstorm added to the danger and the rain soon turned the dirt into slippery mud.
Bragg Shelby
Easy, Silver. Silly boy.
Narrator
Though impatient to reach his goal, the Lone Ranger stopped for short periods to rest his horse, then moved on at the same steady pace. It was just after dawn when
Bragg Shelby
engines coming across the plains. Faster, big fella. You must outrun them.
Lone Ranger
Faster, Mont.
Narrator
In spite of the weary miles, he had already run the gallant Silver Sea to find strength and added speed in his master's voice and managed to outrun and lose the hostile Indians. Then he once more moved at the same steady pace as before with intermittent rest periods. The great horse pushed onward and the miles faded beneath his steadily pounding hooves. Home flecked and spattered with mud, but with his head held high Silver carried his determined but weary master toward his destination in the true tradition of the porcelain pony riders. Finally, Santa Fe loomed in the distance the sight of which filled both horse and rider with renewed energy.
Bragg Shelby
Not far now, Big Fella.
Lone Ranger
Mont.
Narrator
Meanwhile, at Minerville, Miles Taylor's trial, a mockery of justice, was being brought to a close. After several days of unusual court procedure Brank Shelby presumed to sit on the judge's bench. The improvised courtroom was packed with grim faced townspeople as the jury, composed of Shelby's men, filed in. After a five minute stay in a back room,
Bragg Shelby
the court will come to order. Has the jury reached a verdict? Yes.
Lone Ranger
We find Miles Taylor guilty.
Bragg Shelby
Stand up. Taylor, you have been found guilty of treason. While the country is at war, do you have anything to say before you hear the sentence?
Lone Ranger
You're the guilty one, Bragg, Shelby. Guilty of robbery, murder and treason to your country. Quiet. Quiet. Watch the crowd, man.
Bragg Shelby
Keep your guns handy. As mayor and acting judge of this court I sentence you, Miles Taylor, to be hanged.
Lone Ranger
No. No, you can't do that. Listen, everybody. My husband told the truth. He is a government agent. If you let this happen, you'll all be guilty of murder. Shut that woman up. Get her out of here. No, no, by Jimmy, I won't. She's right. We'd all be guilty if we let you get away with this. If you townsmen have any nerve you'll help me put an end to all this here and now.
Bragg Shelby
My men are covering all of you. As for you, Sheriff, I'll.
Narrator
Before Bragg could pull the trigger, a bullet came through the open window. Everyone turned at once and saw a masked man holding two guns. At the next window was an Indian, also holding guns.
Lone Ranger
Hey, look, a masked man. An Indian. He fudged Shelby. They're two against all of us. Use your guns, man. Drop a chanding. No. Point your way out, men. Don't let him take me. Wait. Look to the windows. The United States Cavalry. Look at that. All right, drop your guns, all of you. Its territory is now.
Bragg Shelby
Captain. Captain, I'm mayor of this town. That mask man, an Indian, interrupted court procedure. I demand they be taken into custody. Also, I charge the masked man with attempted murder.
Lone Ranger
Your brag, Shelby.
Bragg Shelby
Yes, that's right, Captain.
Lone Ranger
Point out the men who have stuck by you, Shelby.
Bragg Shelby
By all those in the jury box. And those two men who just entered.
Lone Ranger
Thank you. That's all I want to know. Sergeant, have Shelby and the men he pointed out taken into custody.
Bragg Shelby
Wait.
Lone Ranger
What is this?
Bragg Shelby
I'll tell you, Shelby. Those two men the troopers just grabbed near the door are the men whom we saw leaving after wounding a pony rider. You must have sent them. Who are you to tell me that I. You're through. The army will take care of you and your followers. Miles Taylor, the Secret Service agent you were about to murder, will be one of many to testify against you.
Lone Ranger
All right, take them away, man. Captain, you arrived just in time. I'm glad my message got through. Thank heaven for the brave pony rider. The thanks go to the masked man who took the wounded pony rider's place.
Bragg Shelby
Ma'. Am.
Lone Ranger
If it hadn't been for him. But where is he? He was here just a moment ago. He went out in a hurry. Who is he? Captain, I'm surprised that a masked man did so much for it. And I'm surprised, sir, that you, an agent of the Secret Service of the United States, doesn't recognize him as the foremost American patriot in the West. A man who has the confidence of the President himself. He's the Lone Ranger. Man.
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Narrator
Not available in all jurisdictions. Check local regulations before trading restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger, Incorporated, is produced by Trendall Campbell Muir Incorporated. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer, your announcer, Fred Foyer. Listen to the Lone Ranger brought to you by special recording Mondays through Fridays at this same time.
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 YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve 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 Like Copyright. For more information go to okay. OTRwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
Lone Ranger
It.
This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, hosted by Andrew Rhynes, features a digitally restored broadcast of “The Pony Riders,” an original Lone Ranger story first aired on October 19, 1953. The episode explores themes of justice, tyranny, and heroism on the Western frontier, centering on corrupt mayor Bragg Shelby’s reign in Minerville and the critical role of the Pony Express, Secret Service, and—of course—the Lone Ranger in restoring law and order.
1. Minerville Under Corruption
2. The Vital Role of the Pony Express
3. Bragg Shelby’s Coup and Scheme
4. Secret Organizing Against Shelby
5. The Framed Rebellion and Arrest
6. The Desperate Plea for Federal Help
7. The Lone Ranger’s Heroic Ride
8. The Town’s Showdown & Justice Restored
9. The Lone Ranger’s Departure & Identity Reveal
The narrative blends classic Western drama with clear moral lines and stirring heroism. Dialogue is forthright and urgent, with a blend of town-wide anxiety and patriotic resolution. The Lone Ranger himself is depicted as gallant and purposeful, always stepping into danger where justice is threatened.
“The Pony Riders” is a quintessential Lone Ranger episode, combining tense frontier drama, timely intervention, and a celebration of courage—both from ordinary townsfolk and legendary heroes. The Lone Ranger’s steadfastness and clever actions, paired with the historical reverence for the Pony Express and the Secret Service, make for a riveting restoration of radio’s golden Western age. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to Old Time Radio, this episode stands as a powerful, action-packed tale of justice prevailing on the wild frontier.