The Sawtelle Saga’s End | The Lone Ranger (10-11-50)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "The Sawtelle Saga’s End | The Lone Ranger (10-11-50)"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
• Host: Andrew Rhynes
• Episode Title: The Sawtelle Saga’s End | The Lone Ranger (10-11-50)
• Release Date: April 3, 2025

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Introduction

In this riveting episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rhynes presents an enthralling installment of The Lone Ranger, titled "The Sawtelle Saga’s End." Through meticulous digital restoration, listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio Westerns, experiencing enhanced audio quality that brings the Wild West to life with unprecedented clarity and depth.

Plot Overview

The episode chronicles the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto, as they navigate the treacherous terrains of New Mexico Territory. Their mission revolves around protecting the burgeoning railroad expansion from malevolent forces led by Sam Comstock, a deceitful land baron determined to sabotage the railroad for personal gain.

Key Characters

• The Lone Ranger: The masked hero riding his trusty horse, Silver, dedicated to upholding justice in the Wild West.
• Tonto: The resourceful and loyal Native American companion of the Lone Ranger.
• Sam Comstock: The antagonist, a railroad owner bent on eliminating rivals and monopolizing land.
• Elmore Cushing: The new superintendent of the railroad, targeted by Comstock’s schemes.
• Jake Lackey & Baldy: Members of Comstock's railroad gang assisting in his nefarious plots.

Detailed Summary

Pursuit and Discovery (00:47 - 04:00)

The episode begins with the Lone Ranger and Tonto capturing an outlaw and deciding to pursue news of railroad troubles in Las Vegas. Tonto informs the Ranger about Sam Comstock's attempts to sabotage the railroad by eliminating superintendents:

• Tonto [00:47]: "Me here. Men in Capay say new feller coming to Take charge of railroad." [03:42]
• Lone Ranger [04:14]: "He must have been finally convinced that the railroad would be a good thing for this territory." [04:20]

The Ambush Plot (04:00 - 07:00)

Sam Comstock schemes to murder the incoming superintendent, Elmore Cushing, by staging an ambush on the stagecoach:

• Tonto [06:00]: "Remember, I don't want that super to get here alive." [06:00]
• Lone Ranger [06:05]: "They work for me. Will you stop the stage and plug that super with a Comanchere so there'll be no question about who killed you." [06:05]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto follow the stage but witness what appears to be an Indian attack. Suspicious of the Indians' friendliness, they decide to investigate further.

Confrontation and Revelation (07:00 - 15:00)

Upon closely observing, they realize the attack was staged by Sam Comstock to tarnish the railroad's reputation and eliminate opposition. The Lone Ranger and Tonto confront Comstock and his accomplices, leading to a dramatic showdown:

• Lone Ranger [15:02]: "It's sure lucky we saw these homies up here when we came up to watch the ambush in the valley." [15:02]
• Tonto [17:35]: "This masked man is the Lone Ranger." [21:19]

Comstock attempts to deceive them, but the Lone Ranger's vigilance exposes the truth, resulting in Comstock and his gang's defeat.

Resolution and Closure (15:00 - End)

With Comstock apprehended, the Lone Ranger and Tonto reflect on the importance of integrity and bravery in maintaining law and order in the Wild West. They commend Elmore Cushing for his role and affirm their commitment to protecting the frontier:

• Lone Ranger [21:03]: "We need men like you in the West, Mr. Cushing." [21:03]
• Tonto [21:19]: "That masked man is the Lone Ranger." [21:19]

Notable Quotes

• Tonto [04:10]: "Ah, him get to Fort Union by train today. Leave in morning on stage for Las Vegas." [04:00]
• Lone Ranger [06:14]: "I see. Comstock seems to think the same thing will happen to the new man that happened to the three others." [04:45]
• Tonto [15:15]: "It's hard to believe, but you'll hang with the rest of them." [20:49]
• Lone Ranger [21:03]: "I'm glad we could be of service, Mr. Cushing." [21:03]

Insights and Themes

This episode delves into themes of justice, loyalty, and the struggle between progress and greed. The interplay between the Lone Ranger and Tonto highlights the importance of trust and collaboration in overcoming adversity. Sam Comstock's character serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the lengths individuals will go to achieve personal gain at the expense of others.

Conclusion

"The Sawtelle Saga’s End" stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Lone Ranger series. Through expertly restored audio and compelling storytelling, this episode not only entertains but also reinforces timeless values of righteousness and courage. Listeners are left eagerly anticipating future adventures of the Lone Ranger and Tonto as they continue to defend the Wild West from those who threaten its peace and prosperity.

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Transcript

[Tonto]

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 a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high.

[Tonto]

O Silver, the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

Before this exciting adventure, a word from our sponsor, General Mills, makers of Cheerios, the oat cereal that's ready to eat, Benny 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 the 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 go, big fella.

[Tonto]

I am still.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger. And Toto had ridden into New Mexico territory in pursuit of a killer outlaw. After the outlaw had been captured and turned over to the law in Santa Fe, the masked man and Indian decided to ride over to the vicinity of Las Vegas. Tonto had heard a discussion in the cafe about the trouble the railroad was having. And it was because of this that the two men headed for Las Vegas and made camp in the nearby hills. One day, Toto returned to the camp from a trip into town.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, Toto, any news in town?

[Tonto]

Me here. Men in Capay say new feller coming to Take charge of railroad.

[Lone Ranger]

I wondered if they'd get anyone else to take the job since three superintendents have already been killed. When has he arrived? Did they say?

[Tonto]

Ah, him get to Fort Union by train today. Leave in morning on stage for Las Vegas.

[Lone Ranger]

The Indians who have caused all the trouble for the railroad gang hear about it. They might waylay the stage and murder the new superintendent.

[Tonto]

Ah, it not good men in town talk about it.

[Lone Ranger]

I understand a man named Sam Comstock owns that stage line.

[Tonto]

That right him. Fellow who fight railroad for a long time and him selling land through valley.

[Lone Ranger]

He must have been finally convinced that the railroad would be a good thing for this territory. I hope Comstock realizes the danger of the new man and puts an extra guard or two on the stage.

[Tonto]

Me here feller in cafe mention Comstock.

[Lone Ranger]

What did he say?

[Tonto]

That Comstock's a railroad. Plenty foolish to send other men out to be murdered. Him say it better railroad give up all rout and not bring trains through Las Vegas.

[Lone Ranger]

I see. Comstock seems to think the same thing will happen to the new man that happened to the three others. Otto, we'll ride the trail toward Fort Union and try to reach there in time to follow that stage back to Las Vegas.

[Narrator]

At the hotel in Las Vegas where the railroad crew made their headquarters. When not camped along the right of way, Jake Lackey, the foreman, was talking to some of the men.

[Tonto]

We're hitching a caboose to the work train in Fort Union. The new super ride out to the point where construction stopped at the valley. Now you, baldy, with a couple of others will ride with me to meet him and bring him here. Hey, that's a good idea. Everybody thinks he's riding the stage. We leave here after breakfast and get there in time to meet the work train.

[Narrator]

One time in the freightline office, Sam Comstock, the owner, was in conversation with two of his men.

[Lone Ranger]

All right.

[Tonto]

You and Tex get that gang of yours and head for your cave hideout. Get into your Indian disguises. Be ready to waylay that stage somewhere between here and Fort Union.

[Lone Ranger]

Right now.

[Tonto]

Remember, I don't want that super to get here alive.

[Lone Ranger]

But be careful of the driver and the guard.

[Tonto]

They work for me. Will you stop the stage and plug that super with a Comanchere so there'll be no question about who killed you. The men on the stage know what we intend to do? Yep, I sent them word. Now get going and do a good job. It's as good as done right now, Sam. Letting the railroad company think Redskins got that new Super. Even before he could get on the job will discourage him plenty. I ought to be able to buy back that valley land for almost nothing.

[Narrator]

The following morning, Malone, Ranger and Tottle picked up the trail of the stage just after it left Fort Union. They followed at a distance for a couple of hours. Finally, the stage went out of sight around a bend. Just before the masked man and Indian reached the bend, they heard shots and what seemed to be Indians yipping.

[Lone Ranger]

Indians must be attacking the stage.

[Narrator]

That right. As the two men rounded the bend, they saw five or six Indians in war bonnets surrounding the stage. The shooting had stopped and the Lone Ranger suddenly signaled a halt.

[Lone Ranger]

Look, fellow driver and guard are talking to those Indians.

[Tonto]

Ah, driver and guards still have guns, not have hands raised.

[Lone Ranger]

Something strange about that. Those Indians don't seem hostile.

[Tonto]

One of them open coach door. Look inside now.

[Lone Ranger]

Enclosed door. The new superintendent is inside. They haven't bothered him, it seems in.

[Tonto]

Mackright and wave to driver. Now them leaving. Them not see us. Them ride off to tide over hill. We follow stage huddy.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, we'll stop it and question the driver and guard.

[Tonto]

Once a little.

[Narrator]

Ranger and Tottle rapidly gained on the stage coach. They fired a few warning shots.

[Andrew Rines]

As.

[Narrator]

The stage slowed to stop. They rode up on either side.

[Tonto]

Hold it. They got us covered from both sides.

[Lone Ranger]

Go down your guns and reach.

[Tonto]

We better do as he says. There isn't much in the money box, mister. We don't have any passengers you could rob.

[Lone Ranger]

We didn't stop you to rob the stage.

[Tonto]

Then why did you stop us?

[Lone Ranger]

We're curious about those Indians who stopped you a few minutes ago. We saw them talk to you then right away.

[Tonto]

Oh, damn. They was looking for a certain party who wasn't on the stage.

[Lone Ranger]

Those Indians were wearing war bonnets, which usually indicates they're on the war path. Strange it didn't harm either of you or search the stage for loot.

[Tonto]

Well, no. I reckon I got away with Indians, mister, so I just talked them out of it. Like I said, they were after someone who wasn't with us.

[Lone Ranger]

I see. Well, we'll leave now. You can get your guns and be on your way.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tahoe turned and rode back along the trail. When they reached the place where the Indians had stopped the stage, they pulled rain.

[Tonto]

I know.

[Lone Ranger]

We'll pick up the trail of those Indians and see where they went. All right, let's go.

[Narrator]

When the stage arrived in Las Vegas, the driver went to the freight line office and told Sam Comstock what had happened.

[Tonto]

But the thing that puzzles Me? Is that a mask? I'm brain. An Indian stopped the stage after you fellas did and just ask a lot of questions. What do you mean asked a lot of questions? Just that they didn't even attempt to take anything. Just asked why the Indians who stopped us were so friendly. Things like that. Yeah, that's a hot one. Hey, wait a minute. What'd that mass man look like? Tall, well built, riding a fine white stallion with fancy gear. The other was an Indian on a painting. Holy smoke. It must be the same too. What do you mean the same too? Yeah, Tex, what are you talking about? Listen, before I left Texas a few months ago, I heard a lot about a couple of hombres like that. A masked man and Indian riding together. That masked hombres? Dynamite. He's known down there as the Lone Ranger. Lone Ranger? Seems to me I've heard of him. Isn't he on the side of the log? Yeah, he sure is. I tell you boss, it's bad having them two around right now. That master is. All you say is we better lay off that Indian stuff for a while. Yeah, that's right. Hey, look out the window. The foreman of the railroad gang and some of his men riding toward the hotel.

[Narrator]

Let's have a look.

[Tonto]

Hey, I'll bet that one riding with him is a new super. The man we want to get rid of. Reckon they rode over to meet him. That's why he wasn't on the stage. Well, no matter. We lay plans to finish him off before he can get work started on that right of way through the valley. Hey, don't forget that hombre the Lone Ranger. Course we won't forget Tex. It just means we have to get rid of two hombres instead of one. Before long folks will hear that Indians have ambushed both the new superintendent and the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment.

[Lone Ranger]

All over the country in every direction.

[Tonto]

How ya how you doing? Is a question. And here's what the hapha happy people have to say.

[Narrator]

Wheaton, are we deep?

[Tonto]

Sure. Take champion Bob Cousy who can really make a basketball do tricks. Bob was born in New York, plays with the famous Boston Celtics, leads them all in fast break play. And cousinos the champion way starts his day the Wheaties way. Take Neil Johnston, another great champ from the east. Say, Neil has been eating Wheaties since he was 3ft tall instead of 6 foot 8. Grew up a long ways on him, didn't he? Mighty appetizing eatin. And there's a whole kernel of wheat in every wheatie's flake.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. From the description given by the stage driver, Tex recognized the Lone Ranger and Toto. Sam Comstock, the owner of the freight line, stated that their plans would include the death of a Lone Ranger along with that of the new superintendent, Elmore Cushing, who was speaking to a gathering of the railroad gang in the lobby of the hotel.

[Tonto]

Ben, I decided to come out here myself because there's more to this trouble than meets the eye. Jake, Baldy and I are going to ride out to the valley right away so I can look things over. Tomorrow we'll go to work in full force. Better watch out they don't ambush you. Don't worry. I'll keep my eyes open. Let's get our horses now, Jake, and get started.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later, the stage guard hurriedly entered Sam Comstock's office where Sam was still conferring with Tex, Rusty and the driver.

[Lone Ranger]

Hey boss, I just heard something. I heard the new super name of Cushion talking to the railroad men riding.

[Narrator]

Out to the valley right away.

[Lone Ranger]

With two of them to look things over.

[Tonto]

It'd be a good chance to ambush him, boys. Yeah, it would. You and Russell get back to the cave and tell the others all six you're good India Indian disguises. And get to the valley as fast as you can. You'll be six against three. What about that master? He won't expect us to move so quick. We'll attend to him later. Now get going and do a good job.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger and Totto had lost the trail of the so called Indians who had stopped the stage. They rode up to a bluff and stopped to look around.

[Tonto]

Them have camped somewhere in foothills maybe.

[Lone Ranger]

Look for smoke from a campfire. Taro. Me look?

[Tonto]

Let me not see smoke.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, wait a minute, Taro. I thought I saw someone on the other side of the stream. I'd use my telescope.

[Tonto]

What?

[Lone Ranger]

You see Kimasabi men on horseback about to cross the stream up there.

[Tonto]

Them Indians maybe?

[Lone Ranger]

No, they're going across now.

[Narrator]

The masked man watched through the telescope a few moments, then he spoke again.

[Lone Ranger]

Otto. They rode onto the bank on this side of the stream, then suddenly disappeared.

[Tonto]

Maybe they're caves that go into bluff.

[Lone Ranger]

I was thinking the same thing. I think we'll ride up there and investigate.

[Tonto]

We'll take you up there, mister.

[Lone Ranger]

Reach for you.

[Narrator]

Startled by the voice behind them, the Lone Ranger and Tottle turned to stare into the faces of Sam Com Stock and the stage driver.

[Tonto]

Yes, we're both covered now. Reach.

[Lone Ranger]

Better doozy Says trouble.

[Narrator]

Look, other fellow. One who drives stage.

[Tonto]

It's sure lucky we saw these homies up here when we came up to watch the ambush in the valley.

[Lone Ranger]

You think we're outlaws? You're mistaken, mister.

[Tonto]

I didn't say we thought you're outlaws. Fact is, we know you're the Lone Ranger and his Indian friends.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, you have the advantage of me. I don't know you.

[Tonto]

No matter. You won't live long enough to let it mean anything to you. Unholster your guns and drop them to the ground. Bravo. You burst.

[Narrator]

Slowly, the Lone Ranger lowered his hands toward his holsters. Sam watched him closely, but not close enough. As the Lone Ranger's hands closed on his guns, he nudged the great horse, Silver, with one knee. Silver suddenly whirled around. At the same time, one of the masked man's guns blazed.

[Lone Ranger]

Drop your gunner. You got the same.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tottle rode close to the two other men, stopped and dismounted.

[Lone Ranger]

Tie them to their horses and take them with us.

[Narrator]

Tottle. The Lone Ranger and Tottle, leading the horses of the other two, followed a trail from the bluff that led into the valley. Meantime, Elmore, Cushing with Jake and Baldy, rode slowly into the valley and headed toward the construction shack at the upper end where work on the rails had stopped.

[Tonto]

What's the matter? Just saw several horsemen go around the bend in the trail that leads from that bluff over there into this valley. Let's ride behind those big bowlers over there and be ready for them when they get close enough.

[Narrator]

Cushing, with Jake and Baldy waited behind the big boulders near which the Lone Ranger and Tottle would pass with their two prisoners.

[Tonto]

Shoot first and ask questions afterwards. No one has any right in this valley but men from the railroad gang hear them coming now. Get your gun for the. There they come. Look. A masked army and an Indian with two others. Now, wait. Don't shoot. I know that man.

[Lone Ranger]

Know him?

[Tonto]

What the devil? Smoke. Jake. That's Sam Comstock and the stage driver with him. And they're tied up. Stop where you are. Come on, Jake. That's the one, all right. I remember him. Hi there. Glad to see you again.

[Lone Ranger]

Elmar Cushing. What are you doing here?

[Tonto]

Came out to finish the railroad job through the valley. Being a vice president in St. Louis. Too tame for me, anyway. Jake. Baldy. This ass man saved my life once when we were laying rails near Fort Dodge in Kansas. He's our friend.

[Lone Ranger]

Howdy. Howdy. Then you're the new superintendent?

[Tonto]

Temporarily, until I get trains into Las Vegas. What's Sam Comstock doing all tied up. The stage driver, too.

[Lone Ranger]

That's a long story. No time for telling it now. But these two need watching for a while.

[Tonto]

That's Mr. Comstock. He's the man who sold us the valley. That is, after doing everything to block us. He shouldn't be tied up.

[Lone Ranger]

Do you mention being on the bluff to watch an ambush? I suggest we take cover behind the boulders you just left. Perhaps we'll know what he meant before long.

[Tonto]

This is all local Thunder. I'll cause plenty of trouble for all of you for this.

[Lone Ranger]

If you meant no harm, Mr. Comstock, I'll give you a chance to prove it. Let's go behind those boulders now.

[Narrator]

After the group had settled behind the boulders, the Lone Ranger spoke again.

[Lone Ranger]

Mr. Cushing, I suggest you change coat and hatch with Comstock. Then let him take your horse and ride along the valley. I scraped his wrist with a bullet a while ago, but it's just a scratch so he's able to ride.

[Tonto]

No, I won't do it.

[Lone Ranger]

Never mind. I. I have an idea what this is all about now.

[Tonto]

Sorry. Five, six Indians coming down slope. And we'll let them get close to.

[Narrator]

Meantime, Rusty and Tex, wearing Indian dress and war bonnets, led four others who were also in disguise. As the fake Indians approached the boulders where Cushing and the others waited, they were suddenly startled when a masked figure stepped partly out from the boulders and spoke sharply.

[Tonto]

Up here you are. And reach me hand alone. All right. Go on, you axe. Let's get him, boys.

[Narrator]

Anticipating the gang's actions, the Lone Ranger, with blazing guns, sprang back behind the boulders, not realizing others were waiting. The gang threw plenty of lead as they reached forward and spread out to surround the boulders. But the battle that followed took them wholly by surprise. They faced five men instead of only the masked man. Finally, the six men in Indian dress were badly defeated, several of them being wounded. They were rounded up and brought to the place where Comstock and the driver lay tied and gagged.

[Tonto]

Look, it's the boss.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, Comstock has told us plenty enough to clear up all that's taken place around here in the past.

[Tonto]

So he told her. I suppose he put all the blame on us. Well, it was his idea. Dressing like Comanches and killing off those construction bosses so's he could get back to valley land cheap. We can't put our heads in a noose without coming with us.

[Lone Ranger]

Take Comstock. Gag away, Totto.

[Tonto]

Tex. Rusty, you fool. Because I was gagged and couldn't warn you. That mask hombre tricked you into talking? We've certainly heard enough. By thunder, Comstock. It's hard to believe, but you'll hang with the rest of them. Yeah, thanks to the mask, hombre.

[Lone Ranger]

Mr. Cushing, if you, Dick and baldy.

[Tonto]

Need our help against, we can get them back again. Town, sir. None of them is in very good shape to put up a fight. Thanks again for what you've done. This is the second time you've saved my life.

[Lone Ranger]

We need men like you in the West, Mr. Cushing. Men who risk their lives time and again if need be. I'm glad we could be of service, Mr. Cushing. We have a long way to go.

[Tonto]

If it hadn't been for that ornery Mastombury buttin in, we'd have finished what we came to do. I expected trouble. Well, bless my shiny Pete. Ole Texas ain't upset over that little old mascarmbury. Seems like they must have crossed paths before somewhere. Ah, he should have stayed in Texas where he belongs. I reckon Texas don't want the likes of you. But they'll be glad to get him back. Who is he, boss? He's a real American who belongs not only to Texas, but to the entire Far west. Or for that matter, to any part of his country where he can be of help. That masked man is 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. Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

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