The Rodeo Star | The Lone Ranger (03-24-52)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: The Rodeo Star | The Lone Ranger (03-24-52)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: October 1, 2025

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Main Theme and Purpose

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a classic Lone Ranger radio drama, “The Rodeo Star” (original airdate: 03-24-1952). Set in the bustling world of rodeo competitions, the tale centers around a masked cowboy whose impressive winning streak attracts gamblers, schemers, and ultimately, the attention of the Lone Ranger and his trusted companion Tonto. When a crooked plot threatens to upend the fairness of the rodeo and cheat the whole town, it’s up to the Lone Ranger to uncover the truth and ensure justice prevails.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction: The Mysterious Masked Cowboy (03:20 – 05:26)

• A masked cowboy is winning every rodeo event except for shooting, becoming the talk of fans and bettors alike.
• Two local gamblers, Fenton and Curly, recognize an opportunity to profit if the streak is broken—and begin plotting.

Curly: “That masked cowboy did it again. You can count on him winning every time.” (03:49)

2. The Crooked Scheme (05:26 – 09:46)

• Fenton hatches a plan to find the masked cowboy (Roy Beaver), convince or coerce him to throw the next rodeo, and bet heavily against him at high odds.
• Fenton enlists Curly and Gil, making arrangements to intercept Roy before the Stockton rodeo.

Fenton: “If the odds are 20 to 1, you'll get one fourth of all we win if you make sure that you lose tomorrow. You savvy?”
(09:02)

3. Deception and Substitution (09:46 – 12:24)

• Roy refuses to be bribed or intimidated, so the gang kidnaps him, planning to have Curly impersonate him in the rodeo (with mask and horse).
• Curly is nervous about the ruse but agrees, spending the night at Roy’s hotel room to maintain the illusion.
• Fenton lays heavy bets in the cafe, drawing suspicion with his confidence.

4. Lone Ranger and Tonto Investigate (12:24 – 15:47)

• Lone Ranger and Tonto suspect foul play after seeing Fenton’s odd behavior and heavy betting.
• They follow Fenton to the hotel, confront Curly (posing as Roy), and are briefly taken prisoner, but escape with quick thinking and action.

Lone Ranger: “He wouldn't wager that way if he weren't fairly sure he'd win.” (13:15)

5. A Plan to Outwit the Crooks (18:28 – 20:28)

• Realizing a direct accusation wouldn’t be believed, the Lone Ranger decides to outmaneuver the plotters by entering the rodeo disguised as the masked cowboy himself.
• Before dawn, Tonto ambushes Curly in the stables and ties him up, allowing the Lone Ranger to legitimately compete and defend Roy’s title.

Lone Ranger: "I'll take his place and win if possible... That's the only way I know to beat them at their own game."
(19:18)

6. The Rodeo Unfolds (21:29 – 24:04)

• The Lone Ranger, in Roy’s gear, sweeps every rodeo event, confounding Fenton, Curly, and Gil, who expected a poor showing.

Spectator: “He did it again. The Masked Cowboy won every event. Man alive, what a rodeo rider.”
(23:25)

• Fenton and his gang panic and try to figure out what went wrong, suspecting their own plan was sabotaged.

7. Revelation and Justice (24:08 – 27:13)

• Fenton and Gil confront the “masked cowboy,” (Lone Ranger) who reveals their plot with Tonto’s help.
• The sheriff (alerted by the Lone Ranger) arrives. Curly confesses that Roy Beaver is tied up in a shack on the west trail.
• The conspiracy is exposed; the criminals are handed over to the sheriff.

Sheriff: “Say, you there, Where's Roy Bieber?”
(25:54)
Curly: “Roy Beaver is all right. He's tied up in a shack about a mile from here on the west trail.”
(26:27)

• The Lone Ranger, true to his code, refuses the prize money and ensures it goes to the rightful winner, Roy Beaver.

Lone Ranger: “No, the prize money goes to Roy Beaver, the masked cowboy. See, I wrote in his name.”
(26:53)

• In a classic moment, the sheriff and townsfolk realize the mysterious rider was the Lone Ranger all along.

Sheriff’s realization: “You see, I heard him call the Indian Tonto. And I heard him call the horses Silver and Scout. It was then I realized he must be the Lone Ranger.” (27:13)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Fenton’s Scheme: “If you take his horse and enter the rodeo wearing the black mask, who's to know the difference?” (10:00)
• Roy's Integrity: “Mister, I'm gonna do all I can to win tomorrow. I don't deal with crooked gamblers threatening your receiver.” (09:20)
• Lone Ranger’s Cunning: “We'll go to the ground just before dawn and wait in that stall. ... I'll take his place and win if possible.” (19:06–19:18)
• Town’s Suspense: “If the Masked Cowboy did happen to lose most everybody in town would go broke paying off.” (12:45)
• Triumphant Justice: “The man they hoped to have enter the rodeo is tied up in that box stall. Sheriff, I took his place to keep the townsmen from losing everything they had. I rode to win.” (25:45)
• Unmasking the Hero: “No, I'll keep the mask on, Sheriff. Tell Roy we'll see him at the next rodeo. Well, our work is done, Toto. Let's go. Adio, Sheriff.” (27:05)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:20: The mysterious masked cowboy impresses the crowd
• 04:41: Fenton and Curly concoct their scheme
• 08:04: The set-up: Roy Beaver taken to the shack
• 10:00: Crooks' plan to substitute Curly in Roy's place
• 12:24: Lone Ranger and Tonto's investigation begins
• 16:24: Lone Ranger and Tonto escape from being captured
• 19:06: Lone Ranger’s plan to spoil the fix by riding as Roy
• 22:15: Rodeo events unfold; Lone Ranger wins
• 24:08: Villains realize something has gone wrong
• 25:39: Lone Ranger exposes the scheme to the sheriff
• 26:12: Curly confesses where Roy is being held
• 26:53: Lone Ranger ensures the rightful winner gets the prize
• 27:13: The sheriff identifies the Lone Ranger

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Conclusion

“The Rodeo Star” is a classic tale of Western justice, where integrity and quick-thinking outwit greed and deception. Restored with modern audio clarity, this episode showcases the Lone Ranger’s cunning and moral code, delivering a suspenseful and satisfying story for fans old and new. Listeners are reminded of the enduring appeal and clever storytelling of these golden age radio dramas.

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Transcript

[Sam]

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 with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high. Silver, the Lone Ranger.

[Sam]

It's.

[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, 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.

[Sam]

Come on, Silver.

[Lone Ranger]

Let's go, big fellow.

[Narrator]

The spectators at the Pecos Rodeo went wild with excitement as they watched a masked rider put a bucking bronco through his paces with seeming ease. The masked cowboy had aroused great curiosity and had created an atmosphere of mystery which brought a large attendance wherever he appeared in a rodeo. Two men stood watching in silence as the rider finally subdued the bronco and headed for the exit.

[Fenton]

Come on, Curly, let's head to the cafe ahead of the crowd.

[Curly]

Right. Excuse me, will you? Let me get through there. That masked cowboy did it again. You can count on him winning every time.

[Fenton]

Yeah, it sure looks that way. I'd hate to be wagering against him.

[Curly]

It's hard to get anyone to bet against him, Finn.

[Sam]

Why?

[Curly]

They were offering 20 to 1 in.

[Fenton]

His favor before the rodeo started. Well, in spite of that, a man would be a fool to bet against the mask rider. He wins practically every event in the rodeos. I've seen him in four. Of course, if he did lose some time, what are we stopping for? Hey, I thought of something. Curly. By Jiminy, if we could manage it somehow, we'll clean up and have cash to burn.

[Curly]

What's it all about?

[Fenton]

I'll tell you when we get to the cafe. Come on.

[Narrator]

Later at the cafe, Fenton and Curly sat at a table talking in low voices.

[Curly]

Tell me what you had in mind.

[Fenton]

That would make us rich, Fenton. The next rodeo is in Stockton, Curly. They're already putting up posters saying the Masked Cowboy will compete. Well, first we have to get a line on that cowboy. We'll go to Stockton a few days before the rodeo starts. Savvy? Ah, you will, Curly. We'll borrow all the cash we can before we go. We'll need it. Then I want you to get your friend Gil to meet Us in Stockton. When we're all together, I'll explain what I have in mind. In.

[Narrator]

There were two other men who had witnessed the rodeo. A lone ranger who had disguised himself as a cowhand attended the event with his Indian companion, Toto. Later, wearing his mask again, he rode the trail towards Stockton with Tonto.

[Fenton]

Masked cowboy who ride in rodeo plenty good.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, he derives a great deal of interest. The only event he has consistently lost in the rodeos have been the shooting events.

[Fenton]

Him not very good marksman, but he's.

[Lone Ranger]

Exceptional when it comes to riding and roping.

[Fenton]

That right?

[Sam]

Me wonder why him wear mask.

[Lone Ranger]

Perhaps just to attract the crowd. Tono. Frankly, though, I'd like to know more about him.

[Fenton]

Posters say he make next appearance at Stockton rodeo.

[Lone Ranger]

It will be a big event and attract many people. Maybe we'll be able to find out more about the man at Stockton. Come on, Zulu.

[Narrator]

The day before the rodeo in Stockton, Fenton met in a hotel room with Curly and a man named Gil.

[Fenton]

The first thing we have to do is locate that masked cowboy. Curling.

[Curly]

Yeah? Then what?

[Fenton]

It's up to you and Gil to persuade him to meet me at the shack a mile from here where we sometimes stop.

[Curly]

Suppose we do find him, but he refuses to go out there with us.

[Fenton]

It's up to you men to get him there one way or another. He ought to be at the fairgrounds tonight making sure that things are ready for the rodeo. I suggest you both come out there, watch for him.

[Curly]

All right.

[Fenton]

I'll not see you again until we meet at the shack. I expect you to come there with that masked cowboy. Now get going.

[Narrator]

That evening at the rodeo grounds on the edge of town, the masked cowboy had finished his inspection of the large enclosure. It was about to mount when Curly and Gill approached.

[Curly]

Good evening, Mrs. I want to have a few words with you. Well, what is it you want? Well, a friend of ours has something to discuss with you. Something important. I'm stopping at the hotel if he wants to talk to me. Well, he's not in town right now, but it isn't far to his place if you're willing to ride there with us. Shouldn't take long, miss. It's less than a mile from here. He said it's very important. Yeah, that's right. He has a lot to do with.

[Fenton]

Running the rodeo, but.

[Curly]

Well, he doesn't want to be seen.

[Fenton]

Talking to you privately.

[Curly]

Why not? Well, he didn't say, but. Look, mister, why don't you go see him and find out what it's all about? Well, all Right.

[Sam]

I'll go to see him with you.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, good.

[Fenton]

Easy boy.

[Curly]

I'm ready.

[Narrator]

Later, Curly and Gill entered the shack where Fenton was waiting. A tall cowboy walked in behind them. He had removed his mask and put it in his pocket.

[Curly]

Here he is, Fenton.

[Fenton]

Oh, hi stranger. Sit down. Be comfortable. Yeah, thanks. My name's Fenton. This is Curly, Hottie Gill, and my.

[Curly]

Name is Roy Beaver.

[Fenton]

It's a good idea wearing a mask when you're riding a rodeo. It creates a lot of interest.

[Curly]

Yeah, I figured it'd draw bigger crowds. And the prizes will be bigger since they're figured on a percentage of what's taken in.

[Fenton]

I reckon you make plenty on the side betting on yourself.

[Curly]

Nope, I don't bet. I'm satisfied with the prize money I collect. But let's get to the point. Sure.

[Fenton]

I suppose you know that people are betting as much as 20 to 1 that you'll win. Yeah, I've heard that.

[Curly]

Uh huh.

[Fenton]

Well, if you happen to lose, the persons who bet against you stand to win plenty of cash.

[Curly]

Yeah, but I don't intend to lose, Fenton Beaver.

[Fenton]

We put out a lot of cash around town. All we had and all we could borrow. We bet it against you. If the odds are 20 to 1, you'll get one fourth of all we win if you make sure that you lose tomorrow. You savvy?

[Curly]

So that's the important something you had to tell me, huh?

[Fenton]

Yeah, it'd be easy for you to just take your breath.

[Curly]

Mister, I'm gonna do all I can to win tomorrow. I don't deal with crooked gamblers threatening your receiver. You aren't gonna win because you aren't gonna be there. Pulling that gun on me isn't gonna help, Curly. If I don't show up at the rodeo, the bets will be off. Sure.

[Fenton]

At least we'll get our money. Bank. No, Curly. The way I have it planned, we'll win. Take Beaver's gun. In time, Gil. Right.

[Sam]

All right.

[Narrator]

In a few moments, Roy Beaver was bound hand and foot and lay on a bunk in the shack. Then Curly asked, hey, Fenton, you said.

[Curly]

You were gonna win.

[Fenton]

Well, if he doesn't show up at.

[Curly]

The rodeo, how can we do that?

[Fenton]

Easy, Curly, easy. You're built something like him. If you take his horse and enter the rodeo wearing the black mask, who's to know the difference?

[Curly]

Hey, now, I'm not too good at that sort of stuff.

[Fenton]

Why, that's just the point. You'll lose as a masked cowboy and we'll collect plenty. Why, you'll be able to put up a fairly good show to get by on.

[Curly]

Sure, girly, you can do it. What do we do with the cowboy?

[Fenton]

Simple. After the rodeo is over and we've collected, we let him go. Nobody will believe anything he has to say. If he tries to explain what really happened. Why he can't prove he really wasn't riding in the rodeo because of the mask. Do you savvy?

[Curly]

That's right. But if he doesn't go back to the hotel tonight, it might start people wondering.

[Lone Ranger]

Mm.

[Fenton]

Curly, take his mask, put it on. We'll help you change clothes with him. Then you'll ride his horse to town and spend the night in his room at the hotel.

[Curly]

That's fine.

[Fenton]

Tomorrow you'll ride in the rodeo as the masked cowboy.

[Narrator]

Later, Fen, Gill and Curly arrived in town and pulled to a stop in front of the hotel. Curly, dressed in Roy Beaver's clothes and wearing the mask, stood a moment apprehensively as a curious crowd surrounded him and began asking questions.

[Sam]

Hey there, mashed cowboy. All ready to win? Yeah.

[Narrator]

Everybody in town's betting on you.

[Curly]

Oh, sure, sure, I'll win. Don't worry about this.

[Narrator]

Fenton and Gill had moved off to one side so as not to seem too friendly with a rodeo. Then Fenton walked through the crowd nonchalantly saying, howdy, mister.

[Fenton]

We watch you perform several times. And my partner and I think you're slipping. Don't we, Darryl?

[Curly]

Yeah. I've seen him do better than he did last time in Pecos. Now, look, my friend, if you think.

[Fenton]

You can do better, why don't you.

[Curly]

Enter the rodeo and try to beat me?

[Fenton]

Let's tell them, cowboy.

[Sam]

Yeah. Maybe they'd like to bet against you.

[Fenton]

Maybe we'll do just that.

[Curly]

I'll warn you, I'm out to win.

[Fenton]

And we say you're slipping. I'll tell you what. If any of you men are in the cafe later, we might take your bets there. Loco. Both of them.

[Curly]

Let's go to the cafe and wait for him.

[Lone Ranger]

Good work, Curly.

[Fenton]

You fooled him plenty.

[Curly]

I was mighty nervous at first, thinking someone might notice I wasn't the masked cowboy.

[Fenton]

Ah, you'll get by. You look enough like him, so stop being nervous. Now go on into the hotel and stay in the cowboy's room while Gil tends the horses. I'll go to the cafe and lay some real bets.

[Narrator]

Meantime, the Lone Ranger and Tonto had made camp in a woodland near the edge of town. The Lone Ranger removed his mask and disguised his features. Then the two men walked into the noisy, crowded Cafe?

[Fenton]

I have a little more cash left to put up. Cash that says the Masked Cowboy will lose tomorrow.

[Narrator]

You must be loco, mister.

[Fenton]

Yeah, you sure are throwing away your money.

[Sam]

All right, I'll take your wager, mister, since you seem so anxious. By thunder, if the Masked Cowboy did happen to lose most everybody in town would go broke paying off.

[Narrator]

Touching Toto's elbow, the Lone Ranger moved to the back of the cafe where they could talk without being overheard.

[Lone Ranger]

Toto, that man who seems to think the Cowboy will lose tomorrow seems familiar to me. Oh, wait a minute. I remember him now. His name is Fenton. He's a gambler who had trouble a few weeks ago and Pecos were cheating.

[Sam]

That right.

[Lone Ranger]

He wouldn't wager that way if he weren't fairly sure he'd win.

[Fenton]

Well, you think maybe he'll make deal with Mask Rider?

[Lone Ranger]

I don't know, but I intend to find out. How you do that. We'll wait until Fenton leaves and then follow him.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Toto waited about half an hour. Then Fenton left the cafe and the two men nonchalantly followed. They stood a moment in the shadows on the cafe veranda and watched Fenton.

[Fenton]

You crossed the hotel.

[Lone Ranger]

We'll go in behind him and try to find out if he meets a cowboy. Come on.

[Narrator]

A few moments later, the Lone Ranger and Tonto entered the crowded lobby of the hotel. They saw Fenton just entering a corridor across the lobby.

[Lone Ranger]

There he goes, Toto.

[Narrator]

We follow him. Yes.

[Lone Ranger]

Be careful. Come on.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto walked across the lobby and went along the corridor which Fenton had taken. As they turned a corner in the hallway, they heard a door close and.

[Fenton]

Go into room down there.

[Lone Ranger]

It may be his own room. We'll find out.

[Narrator]

The two men stopped in front of the room door. The Lone Ranger hesitated a moment, then knocked.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, pardon me. We must have the wrong room.

[Fenton]

Forget it.

[Curly]

Hey, wait a minute. I got him covered, Fenton. Better have him come inside.

[Fenton]

Come in, both of you.

[Lone Ranger]

I see you're visiting the Masked Cowboy.

[Fenton]

Yeah. Too bad you were so nosy, mister.

[Curly]

I watched the cafe like you told me to, Fenton, to see if anyone followed you. These two must have been suspicious because they left right behind you and followed you here.

[Fenton]

I was afraid somebody'd wonder about all.

[Curly]

The betting we did.

[Lone Ranger]

So you've finally gone crooked.

[Curly]

Mind your own business. What are we gonna do with these two, Fenton?

[Fenton]

We'll take their guns and keep them here till after the rodeo. They'll be tied and gagged by the time they're discovered. We'll Be far away with plenty of cash.

[Curly]

Yeah, I reckon it is better to keep them here. Otherwise they'll gab all over town about what they know.

[Fenton]

Oh, I doubt that anybody'd listen to em, Gil. But we'll play it safe anyway. Now, while Curly and I keep them covered. Gil, you take their gun.

[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.

[Sam]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. Fenton and Curly stood in front of the Lone Ranger and Toto with their guns. Gill holstered his pistol and walked forward to disarm the two intruders. A quick glance of understanding passed between the Lone Ranger and Tottle. Then, as Gill momentarily stepped between him and the other gunman, the Lone Ranger suddenly raised his boot and shoved it against Gill, sending the crook sprawling towards Fenton.

[Fenton]

Get back, you.

[Narrator]

At the same moment that Gill fell against Fenton, Totto dropped his hand and drew.

[Sam]

You dropped gun? No.

[Narrator]

Then fired at Curly, whose attention had been distracted.

[Fenton]

Get my gun out of my way, Gil.

[Sam]

I'll use my gun.

[Lone Ranger]

Hold it.

[Curly]

No, my wrist.

[Lone Ranger]

All right, let's go, Toto, before a crowd gathers.

[Narrator]

A few minutes after the Lone Ranger and Totto left, Hanton and Gill ran from the room into the corridor, closing the door behind them. Then, as several men came from the lobby to investigate, they spoke excitedly, shooting Back there.

[Sam]

Where was it?

[Fenton]

We were coming along the corridor and heard shots that seemed to come from that room there.

[Curly]

Say, that's where the Masked Cowboy stands. What happened, mister? I thought I saw somebody trying to get in through the open window. So I fired a couple of shots, that's all.

[Sam]

You all right?

[Curly]

Oh, yeah, sure.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, good.

[Narrator]

You know you have to get out and win tomorrow.

[Sam]

That's right. We're all betting on you.

[Curly]

Well, since everything's all right, there's no use staying here, man.

[Fenton]

All right. That satisfied him, I think. You sure that Indian shot didn't hurt you, Curly?

[Curly]

Just hit my gun and numb my arm from it.

[Fenton]

That ornery cowhand creased my wrist when he shot, Gil. If you hadn't been so clumsy, wouldn't have had the chance to shove you with his boot and have you fall against me.

[Curly]

I couldn't help it. Those two move like greased lightning. What do you think they'll do now?

[Fenton]

I don't think anyone believe them. They said it was fixed for the Masked Cowboy to lose, so let him go.

[Curly]

We had a close shave with those two hombres.

[Fenton]

Oh, forget it, Gil. You better go to the shack and stay There to make certain that the real Masked Cowboy doesn't get away.

[Curly]

All right, Fenton. I'll stay there until the rodeo starts and then I'll come back to town. See you in the morning.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto had gone to their camp on the edge of town. While the Lone Ranger removed the disguise from his face, Tato discussed what had happened.

[Fenton]

Kimasabi, we know them, planned to have mask rider lose. But it'd not be easy to make.

[Sam]

Other people believe that.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, I know. I think it would be useless to try to get word around now.

[Fenton]

But if him lose, crooks make plenty cash.

[Lone Ranger]

I thought of a plan to make them lose Toto.

[Fenton]

How you do that?

[Lone Ranger]

The Masked Cowboy has a special box doll assigned to him at the stable on the rodeo grounds.

[Fenton]

Ah, me notice that Pecos him have stalled with sign that say Mass Cowboy.

[Lone Ranger]

We'll go to the ground just before dawn and wait in that stall. When he shows up, we'll try and gag him. And I'll take his place and win if possible.

[Fenton]

That heap good idee. No one know a different rider cuz a mask.

[Lone Ranger]

That's the only way I know to beat them at their own game.

[Narrator]

Just before dawn the following morning, the Lone Ranger and Tato arrived at the rodeo grounds and entered the stall which was assigned to Roy Beaver, the Masked Cowboy. Before long they heard hooves stopping outside. As Curly stepped into the shadowy stall, Tonto, who was alongside the doorway, raised the butt of his gun and brought it down on the back of Curly's head.

[Lone Ranger]

That did it. That will tie and gag him, Caro. Good thing he rides a white horse. Leave his horse here in the stall with him and I'll use silver in the rodeo. That would lift him out of the way so the horse can't step on him. Then we'll close up the stall.

[Fenton]

Maybe other crooks come before events start to talk to him and see another white horse.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll be out on the grounds exercising my horse. That way I'll avoid them. Now let's get busy.

[Narrator]

At the shack where the real Masked Cowboy, Roy Beaver was being held prisoner, Gil was getting ready to go to the rodeo.

[Curly]

It's almost time for the rodeo. You know, when we told some men in front of the hotel last night that you were slipping, they wouldn't believe us. But they will. After the poor show and Curly will make in the rodeo folks. He'll know he isn't a real Masked Cowboy. He's not going to get away with it. And they realize someone's taken my place. Hardly Know most of the spectators haven't seen you riot. They've just heard about you. That's why they're willing to grab all our bets when we bet against you. You and those other two are nothing but low down sneaking crooks. Shut up. If I weren't tied, you wouldn't do that. Well, you are tied. I'm wasting my time yapping with you. Gotta get going so as to see the start of the rodeo. And when it's over, we'll have plenty of cash. So long, Masked Cowboy.

[Narrator]

A short time later, the contestants and the crowd began to arrive. Fenton and Gil took seats along the rail.

[Curly]

Did you see this certain party this morning? Fenton?

[Fenton]

No. He's been out there working his horse ever since I got here. Reckon it's better for us not to talk to him now.

[Curly]

Yeah, that's right.

[Fenton]

About the hombre you went to see.

[Curly]

Don't worry, he's still out there.

[Sam]

There goes the Masked Cowboy. Come back.

[Curly]

Curly's riding like a champion. Looks better than I thought he would. Where'd he get the fancy outfit?

[Fenton]

Must have found it among Beaver's belongings. There's the signal to begin. Now we'll see what happens.

[Narrator]

The Stockton Rodeo was officially opened. And the crowd watched intently as the first event, chasing, roping and hog tying a longhorn got underway.

[Sam]

There goes the Bass Cowboy. Get him, cowboy. Get in.

[Fenton]

Hey, look at him go.

[Curly]

By golly, he's faster than all the others. He did it quicker than anyone else.

[Fenton]

I can't savvy this.

[Sam]

The winner of the first event, the Bass cowboy.

[Narrator]

And then followed a shooting event. Riding at a gallop past a target and firing six shots. Fenton and Gill watched breathlessly as the masked man finally appeared to compete.

[Sam]

The winner of the second event, the best couple.

[Narrator]

And so it went, event after event, with the Lone Ranger coming out each time as the winner. As the final event, bronco busting, ended, the crowd went wild.

[Sam]

He did it again. The Masked Cowboy won every event. Man alive, what a rodeo rider.

[Curly]

Let's get away from here. Gil.

[Fenton]

Curly.

[Curly]

Double cost of support.

[Fenton]

All right. Let me throw, will you?

[Curly]

Come on, get out of the way.

[Fenton]

Something I don't understand about all this. Curly never could have won like that. He never was any good at shooting. By thunder, Gil, maybe you sold us out. You let that fella Beaver get away and come here.

[Curly]

That's the answer. No, no, Patton, I swear. He's still tied up at the shack.

[Fenton]

If he isn't, I'll plug you, so help me. Come on, we'll go talk to cur.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger hurried back to the stables where he met Toto.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, easy, silly big fella.

[Fenton]

You do fine, Kimasabe.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, thanks, Toto. I keep out of sight a while. I expect Fenton and his other friend to appear. I want to hear what they have to say.

[Fenton]

You send word to Sheriff. What them try to.

[Lone Ranger]

Their punishment is the total loss of all their money along with what they borrowed.

[Fenton]

Toto.

[Lone Ranger]

I see them coming up so quick.

[Narrator]

Toto quickly went into an empty stall nearby. And as Fenton and Gill pushed their way through the crowd and approached the Lone Ranger.

[Fenton]

Hurley, how come you won? Jiminy, if I thought you got paid off.

[Lone Ranger]

Don't threaten me, Fenton.

[Fenton]

You aren't Curly. No, Gil, you did let that masked cowboy get loose in time to come here and win.

[Curly]

No, I didn't. He was still tied up when I left the shack a while ago.

[Lone Ranger]

Otto, come out here.

[Curly]

Hey, look. The engine was in the room last night.

[Sam]

What?

[Lone Ranger]

Me?

[Sam]

Here?

[Lone Ranger]

These crooks didn't persuade the masked cowboy to throw the rodeo, Tonto. They took him prisoner and substituted one of their own friends.

[Sam]

You.

[Curly]

You must be the hombre who followed Fenton last night.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, that's right. Your crooked friend is tied in a box stall there. You have some explaining to do, Fenton.

[Fenton]

Oh, here comes Sheriff Kimasabe.

[Sam]

Hey, Roy Beaver. That was about the finest I ever saw. You say, what's going on here?

[Lone Ranger]

You called me Roy Beaver.

[Sam]

That's right. Roy Beaver is a mashed cowboy. His father is a marshal in Eagle Pass. But if you're not Roy.

[Lone Ranger]

These crooks have Roy Beaver a prisoner in some shack near here. Evidently, they planned to run in a substitute rider who'd lose the rodeo so they'd make plenty of money.

[Sam]

Great day. I heard a couple of hombres were making wages that Roy would lose. But I just thought they must be loco.

[Lone Ranger]

The man they hoped to have enter the rodeo is tied up in that box stall. Sheriff, I took his place to keep the townsmen from losing everything they had. I rode to win.

[Sam]

You sure did a good job of winning, too. Say, you there, Where's Roy Bieber?

[Fenton]

We don't know anything about him. This hombre isn't the real masked cowboy. We don't know where.

[Lone Ranger]

Don't lie, Sheriff. You might hold these crooks on suspicion of murder. Since Roy is missing.

[Fenton]

You're the one who took his place. Maybe you got rid of him so as you could.

[Lone Ranger]

I had nothing to gain.

[Sam]

That's right. Why, this hombre beat every record Roy ever made so he could have Won. Even if Roy had entered, I discovered.

[Lone Ranger]

What they intended to do. That's why I prevented their man from entering and tried.

[Narrator]

They will fix the cheetahs.

[Fenton]

We ought to string them up.

[Sam]

No, no, no. Wait.

[Curly]

Wait, please. Roy Beaver is all right. He's tied up in a shack about a mile from here on the west trail.

[Sam]

What? Yes.

[Lone Ranger]

From what I overheard them say, Sheriff, I think you'll find Roy safe at that shack.

[Sam]

I'll take these crooks over to the jail, lock em up for assault and battery and hold them for Roy to press charges. I'll take their guns.

[Lone Ranger]

You'll find the third man in the stall where Todd and I left him just before the rodeo.

[Sam]

Yeah, mister, I reckon the prize money goes to you and you sure earned it.

[Lone Ranger]

No, the prize money goes to Roy Beaver, the masked cowboy. See, I wrote in his name.

[Sam]

Well, now, that's sure decent of you. But now that the rodeo is over, you might as well take off that mask so we can see who you are, mister.

[Lone Ranger]

No, I'll keep the mask on. Sheriff. Tell Roy we'll see him at the next rodeo. Well, our work is done, Toto. Let's go. Adio, Sheriff.

[Sam]

Goodbye. Hey, wait. Wait. Come back here. What are you yelling after him for? Sheriff, these are the crooks. Yes, but I just figured out who that masked man is. No wonder he wouldn't take off the mask. You mean he always wears it? So far as I know. You see, I heard him call the Indian Tonto. And I heard him call the horses Silver and Scout. It was then I realized he must be the Lone Ranger. It sa Sam.

[Narrator]

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 Beamer.

[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 and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com 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.

[Sam]

Sam.