The Ribbon of Honor | The Lone Ranger (12-06-50)

Summary

Podcast Episode Summary: "The Ribbon of Honor" | The Lone Ranger (12-06-50)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns

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Introduction

In this thrilling episode of "The Ribbon of Honor", the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast brings to life a classic Lone Ranger adventure, enhanced with meticulously restored audio. Hosted by Andrew Rhynes, the episode immerses listeners in a tale of deceit, honor, and justice set against the backdrop of the Wild West.

Characters and Setting

• The Lone Ranger: The masked, heroic figure dedicated to upholding law and order in the western United States.
• Card Wilkins: The barrel-chested proprietor of the First Call Cafe, involved in illicit activities such as stage holdups and cheating soldiers at poker games.
• Spud and Rip: Wilkins' unscrupulous companions who assist in his schemes.
• Art Cary: A recently discharged Sergeant seeking revenge against Wilkins for cheating two of his former soldiers out of money in a poker game.
• Colonel Esterly: The stern Provost Marshal at Fort Wade Military Reservation, orchestrating the search for the culprits behind the payroll robbery and murder.
• Tonto: The Lone Ranger’s faithful Native American companion.

Plot Development

The episode opens with Card Wilkins and his associates, Spud and Rip, lounging on the porch of the First Call Cafe near Fort Wade Military Reservation. Wilkins reveals their involvement in cheating soldiers during poker games and discusses their plans to hijack the depot's gold shipments scheduled for the next payday.

At [04:24], Art Cary confronts Wilkins, accusing him of cheating and demanding restitution. The tension escalates into a physical altercation as Wilkins attempts to defend his deceitful actions. Just as the fight intensifies, The Lone Ranger intervenes, urging Wilkins to drop his gun:

[05:36] Lone Ranger: "Drop that gun."

Wilkins reluctantly complies, and the Lone Ranger disarms him, revealing his commitment to justice. Art Cary explains his motive, seeking to recover his lost money and hold Wilkins accountable:

[06:03] Art Cary: "Two of my friends lost to him in a crooked card game. Now that I have their guns, I'll take it."

Despite Art Cary's initial intentions, the Lone Ranger warns about the legal repercussions of accepting money from Wilkins:

[06:09] Lone Ranger: "Whether that fellow is a crook or not, you'll be arrested for robbery if you take any money from him."

Realizing the complexity of the situation, the Lone Ranger and Art Cary decide to cooperate, forming an uneasy alliance to uncover the truth behind the recent payroll robbery and the murder of Major Hayes.

Climax

As the investigation unfolds, Colonel Esterly becomes suspicious of Cary and the Lone Ranger. Through strategic planning, the Lone Ranger devises a plan to expose Wilkins and his gang. Key moments include:

• Discovery of a False Ribbon: Wilkins finds Art Cary's military honor ribbon on the murdered paymaster, intent on framing Cary and the Lone Ranger.

• Confrontation at Fort Wade: The Lone Ranger presents a silver bullet cartridge as proof of his identity, convincing Colonel Esterly of his innocence:

  [12:43] Lone Ranger: "Here you are, sir. This cartridge may identify me." [12:46] Colonel Esterly: "You are the Lone Ranger. I accept your word that you and your friends are innocent."

• Setting a Trap: The Lone Ranger and Colonel Esterly collaborate to lure Wilkins into a confrontation. Using the reward notice as bait, they anticipate Wilkins' move to retrieve the payroll money, leading to a decisive showdown.

During the pivotal encounter, Wilkins attempts to escape but is thwarted by the Lone Ranger's quick thinking and intervention:

[16:18] Lone Ranger: "I'll follow his trail while you and Art take the prisoners to the fort."

Conclusion

In the final confrontation, Card Wilkins attempts to flee with the payroll money but is ultimately captured after a tense pursuit and a near-fatal horse attack orchestrated by the Lone Ranger and Colonel Esterly. Wilkins, along with his men Spud and Rip, confess to their crimes, revealing their attempts to frame the Lone Ranger and Art Cary.

Colonel Esterly acknowledges the Lone Ranger's heroism and reinstates Art Cary into the army, impressed by his bravery and commitment to justice:

[19:44] Colonel Esterly: "Let me pin the ribbon of your special medal on your tunic. Again, I'm sorry that this proud emblem caused me to doubt your honor."

The episode concludes with the Lone Ranger departing, his honor and integrity reaffirmed, leaving listeners with a satisfying resolution to the tale of betrayal and redemption.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Lone Ranger on Justice:

  [05:15] Lone Ranger: "I'll tear you apart."

• Art Cary's Vow for Revenge:

  [05:17] Art Cary: "You can."

• Colonel Esterly Confronting the Lone Ranger:

  [12:25] Colonel Esterly: "You and Kerry."

• Lone Ranger's Strategic Insight:

  [13:02] Lone Ranger: "Colonel, I have a plan. Most men become murderers because they want money or revenge."

• Colonel Esterly's Recognition:

  [19:55] Colonel Esterly: "Consider it done, Sergeant Gary. Dismissed."

• The Lone Ranger's Farewell:

  [19:59] Colonel Esterly: "Why are you leaving your space?" [20:00] Lone Ranger: "Yes, Colonel. Adios, sir."

Insights and Themes

• Honor and Integrity: The Lone Ranger epitomizes unwavering moral standards, contrasting sharply with Wilkins' deceit and corruption.

• Justice vs. Vengeance: While Art Cary initially seeks personal revenge, the Lone Ranger guides him towards lawful justice, highlighting the importance of rightful retribution.

• Redemption: Art Cary's reinstatement into the army symbolizes personal redemption and the restoration of honor.

• Camaraderie and Trust: The alliance between the Lone Ranger, Art Cary, and Colonel Esterly underscores the strength found in trust and collaboration against wrongdoing.

Conclusion

"The Ribbon of Honor" masterfully weaves a narrative of deception, honor, and justice, showcasing the Lone Ranger's enduring legacy as a symbol of righteousness in the Wild West. Through engaging dialogue and dynamic character interactions, this episode captivates both long-time fans and newcomers, offering a rich listening experience that honors the golden age of radio Westerns.

Transcript

[Card Wilkins]

Foreign.

[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 for the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hio. Silver. The Lone Ranger. Before this exciting adventure, a word from our sponsor, General Mills, makers of Cheerios, the oat cereal that's ready to eat, Betty Crocker mixes and Wheaties, the breakfast of champions present by special recording, the Lone Ranger. Say, youngsters, what's your favorite summer fruit? If it's peaches, blueberries or pineapple, it would make a delicious Betty Crocker Upside down cake. All you need is a package of Betty Crocker yellow cake mix. It's so easy. The finest ingredients are right in the package. Ingredients like softer silk cake flour and pure vegetable shortening. You just add water and two fresh eggs. Beat and bake. For the upside down part, line a square pan with a fruit and a sprinkling of brown sugar. Then pour in half the batter and bake. Your mom can use the extra batter for a breakfast cake topped with brown sugar and cinnamon. And Betty Crocker Yellow cake turns out perfect every time. In fact, Betty Crocker guarantees a perfect cake every time. You bake cake after cake after cake. Perfect. Or write General Mills, Minneapolis, Minnesota. For your money back, keep several packages of Betty Crocker Yellow cake mix on hand and enjoy one soon. With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, 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. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fella. Are you Silver?

[Narrator]

Away. Three men lounged on the porch of the First Call Cafe just outside the limits of the Fort Wade Military Reservation. One was the barrel chested proprietor, Card Wilkins, his companions, nondescript characters generally known as Spud and Rip. The cafe keeper scowled at them as.

[Card Wilkins]

He said, fellas, this cafe isn't worth the pot it would take to blow it up.

[Art Cary]

They used to trim the soldiers out.

[Card Wilkins]

Of plenty of money on paydays. Yeah, they're getting suspicious of my poker games. A lot of them won't play here anymore, of course. I did Slick Ace, Bill Evans and Hank parrish out of $100 last night. That don't happen often. Yeah, but even so, Card, this place makes good cover for us between stage holdups. But we've overplayed our hands in the hold, too. Wells Fargo Company says it isn't going to ship any more gold out of Valley City by stage. Then we'll try something else. When's the next payday at fort? Next Friday. A dispatch rider stopped here yesterday. Told me that Major Hayes, the paymaster for this military district, is at Fort Hobart now. He's due here late Thursday. Let's haul up the pay wagon. Take more than the three of us to pull that kind of a job. There's always a cavalry escort with a wagon. But I think. Yeah, I'm sure that we could get to the money after it reaches the fort. There's a thousand men there. That's why the paymaster figures the money is perfectly safe. I've heard the soldiers say he stays overnight in the quartermaster's office, keeping the cash with him and checking the payroll. He only has one guard, a sentry who stands point duty outside the office. What about the other sentries? They walk posts outside the fort up until 10:00 at night. They don't haul any soldiers because all the fellows at the fort are off duty until taps. And we could slip in and out.

[Art Cary]

Between dark and taps if we had soldiers uniforms on.

[Card Wilkins]

Right. And I've got some uniforms stored away. I bought them from discharged soldiers and took them in on debts. Then we're all set. That's all. Out. Here comes Sergeant Art Cary. Looks like he's got his dander up. Howdy, Sergeant.

[Art Cary]

I'm not a sergeant any longer. I was discharged today.

[Card Wilkins]

What are you aiming to do now?

[Art Cary]

Something I couldn't do before without blackening my army record.

[Card Wilkins]

What do you mean?

[Art Cary]

God, you cheated two of my soldier friends out every cent they had last night.

[Card Wilkins]

You can't prove I cheated them.

[Art Cary]

I know your tricks. I've seen you deal cards on the bottom of the deck.

[Lone Ranger]

So what?

[Art Cary]

So I'm here to get their money back for them and knock your ears down. Now, shell out or square off.

[Card Wilkins]

Look here, fella, you can't. Rick, you and Spud stay out of this. I want the fun of lambasting this smart aleck alone. Watch this.

[Narrator]

As he spoke, Card Wilkins swung a wild right at Art Carey's head. The ex sergeant ducked and the cafe keeper's fist slid over his shoulder. Then they grappled.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll tear you apart.

[Card Wilkins]

Fight with your fish.

[Art Cary]

You can.

[Narrator]

The two men swayed back and forth across the porch with a cafe keeper clawing, gouging and kicking. Breaking away from the cafe keeper, Cary drove a hard uppercut to Wilkins, measured his length of the porch floor. The ex sergeant stepped back, giving him a chance to get to his feet and renew the battle. But the crook only lifted himself on one hand. With the other, he jerked a six gun from inside his shirt.

[Lone Ranger]

Drop that gun.

[Card Wilkins]

Easy, Teddy Befoot. Don't shoot, Card. They got us covered.

[Lone Ranger]

Drop that gun, I said. There it goes.

[Card Wilkins]

This is a whole.

[Lone Ranger]

It isn't my mask doesn't make me an outlaw. I simply wanted the sergeant to get fair play.

[Art Cary]

Thanks, mister. You and the redskin got here just in the nick of time.

[Lone Ranger]

You two bystanders keep your hands frozen. Sergeant, you'd better take all of their guns and give them to me.

[Art Cary]

Right.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll leave them 100 yards down the trail.

[Art Cary]

I'll get them.

[Lone Ranger]

What caused the trouble here, Art?

[Card Wilkins]

Carrie tried to rob me.

[Art Cary]

I only tried to recover some money. Two of my friends lost to him in a crooked card game. Now that I have their guns, I'll take it.

[Lone Ranger]

Hold on, sergeant. Whether that fellow is a crook or not, you'll be arrested for robbery if you take any money from him.

[Art Cary]

I reckon you're right, mister. Anyhow, I had the satisfaction of licking him.

[Card Wilkins]

Yeah, and you'll pay for it.

[Art Cary]

Keep still or I'll punch you again. Here, mister, take the guns.

[Lone Ranger]

Right, I have them. Where are you going? To the fort?

[Art Cary]

No, I'm out of the army. I was headed for Valley City when I stopped here. I intended to outfit in town and prospect on Caravan Creek.

[Lone Ranger]

Easy, Cindy. Big fellow.

[Narrator]

Easy, Scott. Easy fellow.

[Lone Ranger]

If you want to ride double with me, I'll take you most of the way to Valley City.

[Art Cary]

Why, thanks, mister. Being an old cavalryman, I'd rather ride any fashion than walk.

[Lone Ranger]

All right, up you go.

[Art Cary]

I'm ready.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on.

[Narrator]

As the Lone Ranger dropped the guns on the trail and passed from sight with the ex sergeant and Toto cart, Wilkins got to his feet. Rubbing his jaw, he rasped, why didn't.

[Card Wilkins]

You fellas help me?

[Narrator]

You told us to stay out of it.

[Card Wilkins]

Hey, what's this thing I just picked up from the floor? Hear that? It's one of those ribbon soldiers wearing their blouses. Let me have it.

[Art Cary]

There you are.

[Card Wilkins]

Must have pulled it from Carrie's coat. What does it stand for? This is the ribbon for a medal granted to Cary by a special act of Congress. They say that no enlisted man except Carrie Ever won that medal? Had he winner? I don't know. But I've thought of a way to make this ribbon hang. Art carry. Maybe the mask man and engine too. And you're thinking too fast for me. First off, we'll report to the provost marshal at the fort that Kerry and the other two hombres tried to rob us. Then when we go after the army payroll, this is what we'll do.

[Narrator]

That night, Card, Wiltons and his fellow crooks slipped through the guard lines at Fort Wade. Clad in cavalry uniforms, they cat footed to the corner of the quartermaster's building, pulling yellow neckerchiefs over their faces. Then Card, who was in the lead and carried an iron stake used to picket horses, halted them.

[Card Wilkins]

There's the sentry. Before I knock him out, I want to make sure he sees and hears us.

[Art Cary]

I know what to say.

[Card Wilkins]

All right then. Come on. The sentry's turned his head.

[Colonel Esterly]

Who goes there?

[Art Cary]

Hey, Kerry.

[Card Wilkins]

It takes care of him. You better stay back while I pull down my neckerchief and call the paymaster the door. Right.

[Narrator]

Who's there?

[Card Wilkins]

The sergeant of the guard. I have a message for you from Colonel Esterly.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, let me have it.

[Card Wilkins]

Colonel's compliments. There you are.

[Lone Ranger]

Ripped out.

[Card Wilkins]

Yeah. Haven't fixed him. I. Come on inside. Hey, is he sure? He's dead. Grab those sacks of money from the table. Now. I'll upset some of the furniture. Put out Cary's Honor ribbon in the paymaster's hand. I said I'd fix him.

[Narrator]

An hour later, Captain Hoyt, the provost marshal, reported the murder of the paymaster and theft of the payroll to Colonel Esterly at post headquarters.

[Art Cary]

He was saying after the sentry came to. He said that he'd been attacked by three men who wore masks and uniforms. He claimed that one of the killers called another one. Kerry. Kerry?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, sir.

[Art Cary]

I then investigated. The quartermaster's office was in a state of disorder indicating that Major Hayes put up a hard fight for his life. In his right hand he clutched the ribbon of the Special Service Medal.

[Colonel Esterly]

No one holds that honor in this part of the west except Art Carey. What's Kerry been doing since he was discharged?

[Art Cary]

Card Wilkins told me today that Kerry and two other outlaws tried to hold up the First Call Cafe on Tuesday. He described one of the others as wearing a mask. The third bandit was an Indian, he said.

[Colonel Esterly]

Probably the same outlaws were with him tonight.

[Art Cary]

I have no doubt of it.

[Colonel Esterly]

Issue rations for a week. Divide the regiment into 50 patrols. Scour this district from end to end, but bring In Kerry. The Masked man and the Indian.

[Lone Ranger]

It.

[Narrator]

Was early the next morning when the Lone Ranger, Tottle and Art Carey broke camp. The ex sergeant left for Lonely Caravan Creek with his pack mules while Toto rode off to Valley City to buy supplies. Soon the Indian galloped back with news of the army payroll murder which he had heard in town. Without dismounting, he gave the Lone Ranger the details, including the fact that a masked man and Indian were wanted as accomplices of Carrie. That mean us Kimosabe. Me here. The tellers at cafe say Carrie and us try to Wrong place Otto.

[Lone Ranger]

He was with us last night so we know that he's as innocent as we are. His honor ribbon was planted in the murdered man's hand. We're all victims of a frame up. Clar Wilkins has a grudge against Cary and us. Likely that he tore off Carrie's honor ribbon during the fight and built the frame up around it. The desperate situation. The boldest course is often the best. We'll put our case before the commanding officer if we can find him.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment. Sheriff Sam is a boy of 10. He busts right in the robber's den and gets his man beat cause he knows he's got Go power from Cheerios. Yes, he's got Go power. There he goes. He's feeling his Cheerios. Cheerios. Cheerios. That's Cheerios. The cereal shaped like little letter O's. And those O's stand for oats. The good grain Cheerios is made from every delicious spoonful of Cheerios. And milk is real muscle building food. Each spoonful contains vitamins, minerals and proteins your body needs. Yes, those good things in a Cheerios breakfast do good things for your body. Help you have healthy nerves, good red blood, strong bones and muscles. You can see that Cheerios is made to give you real Go power. So make sure you have a Cheerios breakfast every day. Then you'll hear people say he's feeling his Cheerios. Now to continue, Colonel Esterly paced the floor of his office. Alone at headquarters in an almost deserted fort. He had been directing the widespread search for the suspected killers through dispatch riders. As his restless movements took him toward the orderly room, the connecting door opened. The colonel stopped and stiffened the masked.

[Lone Ranger]

Man and Indian Colonel, we don't intend.

[Colonel Esterly]

To harm you if you killers think you can hold me as hostage.

[Lone Ranger]

We're not killers.

[Colonel Esterly]

You and Kerry.

[Lone Ranger]

Art Carey spent the night of the payroll murder with us at a camp near Valley City.

[Colonel Esterly]

Such an alibi is worthless.

[Lone Ranger]

Coming from you, I realize it will carry no weight. As long as we are suspects, we've been framed. Probably by Card Wilkins and his men. Rip and Spud.

[Colonel Esterly]

Before you waste any more words, you'd better identify yourself.

[Lone Ranger]

Here you are, sir. This cartridge may identify me.

[Colonel Esterly]

Why, it's loaded with a silver bullet. You are the Lone Ranger. I accept your word that you and your friends are innocent.

[Lone Ranger]

If a private individual were to offer a substantial reward, would you have the notices printed and posted?

[Colonel Esterly]

Yeah, certainly. But why should such notices be necessary?

[Lone Ranger]

Colonel, I have a plan. Most men become murderers because they want money or revenge. Card Wilkins is both money hungry and revengeful. Those qualities in his character can be used to establish his guilt. If, as I believe, he and his men committed the crime, this is what I expect to do.

[Narrator]

After listening to the Lone Ranger's plan, Colonel Esterly directed him to an abandoned powder magazine at the edge of the military reservation. There he and Topper remained for the rest of the day. That night they set out for Caravan Creek to hunt for Art carrying. It was several days later when the crook known as Rip hurried into the first call cafe.

[Art Cary]

Fellers, look at this.

[Card Wilkins]

What is it?

[Art Cary]

It's a reward notice some soldier just gave me. A citizen who doesn't want his name used is offering a heap of money for Kerry.

[Colonel Esterly]

The masked man in the intern let me see.

[Card Wilkins]

Says they're wanted dead or alive. Boys, this is our chance to square accounts with Kerry and get paid for doing it. Pack some grub and settle up. Where are we going, Kai? To Caravan Creek will fix. That has been Sergeant collect Danny's car keys.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger and Totto had found the former non commissioned officer at work on a worthless placer. They explained what had happened and advised him what to do in event the cafe gang appeared. The ever adventurous Kerry readily fell in with a plan. After several uneventful days, the masked man and Indian who had concealed themselves on the boulder covered creek bank while Kerry panned gravel below them sighted three riders a short distance downstream. They loosened their guns.

[Lone Ranger]

Those men are civilians.

[Card Wilkins]

Ah, and methink them fellows we want.

[Lone Ranger]

They're stopped and dismounted. Now they're coming on Indian fashion. Art be ready. This may be it.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later the crawling men were close enough for the Lone Ranger and Tottle to identify them as Card, Wilkins, Rip and Spud. Suddenly the crooks rose as one man, their guns drawn.

[Card Wilkins]

Please carry Wilkins.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, fellas.

[Card Wilkins]

Jump down the bank. Here I now take his gun. Hold his arm right.

[Art Cary]

You. I've got his gun a little still fell.

[Lone Ranger]

Hang on to him.

[Card Wilkins]

I'm going to bust his jaw before I plug him.

[Narrator]

In their efforts to hold on to the ex sergeant, Rip and Spud had holstered their revolvers. As Card lowered his six shooter and prepared to slug the prisoner. The Lone Ranger and Tonto leaped from their hiding place.

[Lone Ranger]

Wilkins, drop that gun.

[Card Wilkins]

You're the master planet, ain't you?

[Lone Ranger]

Drop your gun or on fire.

[Card Wilkins]

There it goes.

[Colonel Esterly]

Our hands are up.

[Art Cary]

Don't shoot. I'll pick up Wilkins. Gun. Disarm the others, mister. Keep him covered.

[Card Wilkins]

All right.

[Colonel Esterly]

There.

[Art Cary]

That takes care of him.

[Card Wilkins]

You can't get away with this. A thousand soldiers after you.

[Art Cary]

They're not here. That's why we tricked you into hunting me on this Crick.

[Card Wilkins]

Tricked us?

[Art Cary]

That's what I said. The masked man had that reward notice printed just as a come on. And so.

[Card Wilkins]

Art, what are you gonna do to us?

[Art Cary]

You've tried twice to kill me. You free me, so I'm liable to hang. What did you do in my boots? He's fixing the shooter. Shooting's too good for varmints like you. I have another idea. It's something that'll make you fellas confess that you murdered the paymaster.

[Narrator]

Wilkins whirled and ran. I'm getting out of here.

[Lone Ranger]

Stop Wilkins try and stop me.

[Card Wilkins]

Him on top of bank.

[Narrator]

Him run for horse.

[Lone Ranger]

Now he's out of sight among the rocks.

[Art Cary]

You let him get away on purpose. You shot way over his head.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, you're right. I allowed him to escape just as soon as I saw that he was afraid you two men would confess.

[Card Wilkins]

I don't savvy, Dad.

[Lone Ranger]

I know crooks. Wilkins will head straight for the place where you hid the payroll money. He probably hopes to get across the Mexican border with it.

[Narrator]

Him got big start now.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, it should be big enough to make him think he's safe. I'll follow his trail while you and Art take the prisoners to the fort.

[Narrator]

As the day drew to a close, the Lone Ranger and Colonel Esterly crouched in the chaparral. Which grew along one side of a First Call cafe. The masked man was saying, I saw.

[Lone Ranger]

Wilkins dig something out of the hill over there. Then he took his saddlebags and went into the cafe. That was just before I reported to.

[Narrator]

You at the fort.

[Colonel Esterly]

He must still be inside.

[Card Wilkins]

His force is at the hitch rack.

[Lone Ranger]

Colonel, I only need you as a witness. May I suggest that you stay here when he comes out?

[Narrator]

There he is, stooping under the weight of two bulging saddlebags which hung over his Right shoulder. Card Wilkins crossed the cafe porch to his horse. As he turned his back and took hold of the bags with both hands, the Lone Ranger nudged the colonel.

[Lone Ranger]

This is our chance.

[Narrator]

Let's get him. As the Lone Ranger and army officer broke from COVID Card Wilkins whirled. At the same moment moment he dropped his heavy saddlebags and dove behind a nearby rock. The masked man was shouting, give up, Wilkins.

[Lone Ranger]

You can't get away.

[Narrator]

The outlaw's response was a wild shot. The bullet missed the Lone Ranger, who had reached the horse's head, but creased the animal's neck. Squealing with pain and rage, the big stallion reared, breaking his tie strap and striking out with his front hooves. The Lone Ranger dodged, but one thrashing hoof planned his head and hit his shoulder. Although the blow was glancing, it stretched the masked man on the ground. Half stunned, Colonel Esterly ran to his aid.

[Colonel Esterly]

I'll help you, mister.

[Narrator]

Seizing the stallion's bridle, the colonel attempted to quiet him before his deadly hoops again reached the Lone Ranger's body. In his struggle with the horse, the colonel dropped his revolver. Then Wilkins rose from behind the rock. As Colonel Astley groped on the ground for his fallen gun, the outlaw kicked it out of his reach. The spinning gun came to rest beside the Lone Ranger, who in the meantime had shaken off the effects of a blow he had received from the stallion's hoof. Grasping the weapon, he struggled to one knee as Wilkins yelled, this way.

[Card Wilkins]

You get it, Colonel.

[Lone Ranger]

Drop that gun, Wilkins.

[Colonel Esterly]

You sure took care of that crook, mister. Another second, he'd have murdered me. Are you badly hurt?

[Lone Ranger]

No, Colonel. Neither is Wilkins. I'll take his gun while you examine those saddlebags.

[Colonel Esterly]

I'll look inside of them at once, sir. Ere I have one of the flaps open.

[Lone Ranger]

Is it the army payroll?

[Colonel Esterly]

Yes, it is, beyond a doubt.

[Card Wilkins]

Do something for me. My arm's broken.

[Colonel Esterly]

I'll take you to the post hospital shortly. Meanwhile, you'd better make a clean breast of your part in the payroll robbery and the murder of Major Hayes.

[Card Wilkins]

I haven't anything to say.

[Colonel Esterly]

I think your confederates may be persuaded to talk.

[Card Wilkins]

So you figure I'm making a deal with Sput and Ripper?

[Colonel Esterly]

Few outlaws refuse to talk when it's a matter of saving their own nec. The first who tells the truth and agrees to testify for the government stands a little chance of getting off with his life.

[Narrator]

If you promise.

[Colonel Esterly]

I don't make promises to a crook. The decision is up to you.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll talk.

[Card Wilkins]

Spud and Rip helped me on the job. We put carries on a ribbon in the paymaster's hand and lied about the mask man and engine. Spud and Rib are the kind of fellows who'd blab if I didn't. They were in with me on some stage hold ups.

[Lone Ranger]

That's all I want to know.

[Card Wilkins]

Get me to a hospital. My arm.

[Lone Ranger]

Colonel, here comes one of your patrols.

[Colonel Esterly]

That's the provost marshal's detachment. Captain Hoyt, commanding detachment.

[Art Cary]

We heard firing, sir. You've caught the masked man. Did he shoot Card Wilson?

[Colonel Esterly]

I'll ask the questions. What are you doing with Kerry and the Indian?

[Art Cary]

We just captured them. They had two civilian hostages that I'm holding as witnesses.

[Lone Ranger]

Colonel, those civilians are Rip and Spud.

[Colonel Esterly]

Arrest them. Captain Hoyt. Release the other two men.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, sir.

[Colonel Esterly]

The masked man and I have recovered the payroll money and obtained a confession from Card Wilkins. He and his henchmen Rip and Spud committed the crimes at the Fort Kerry, sir. Front and center.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, sir.

[Colonel Esterly]

Let me pin the ribbon of your special medal on your tunic. Again, I'm sorry that this proud emblem caused me to doubt your honor.

[Art Cary]

And I'm sorry that I ever quit the army. I'd like to reenlist, sir.

[Colonel Esterly]

Consider it done, Sergeant Gary. Dismissed.

[Lone Ranger]

Easily.

[Colonel Esterly]

Why are you leaving your space?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, Colonel. Adios, sir. Adios, Sergeant.

[Art Cary]

Adios, mister. You did a lot for me. You should be wearing this ribbon.

[Lone Ranger]

No. There's only one place for it and that's a soldier's tunic. Are you ready, Tahlo? You said it Be fluff me.

[Narrator]

Ready. One, two.

[Lone Ranger]

Let's count.

[Colonel Esterly]

Men, give our friends a cheer.

[Card Wilkins]

Hurray.

[Lone Ranger]

Captain.

[Colonel Esterly]

Have the bugler sound recall. I don't want any more mistakes made. About the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

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 Foy. 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 the following ranch hand, 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 copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com/copyright. Have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Lone Ranger]

Ra.