The Secret Canyon | The Lone Ranger (05-09-52)

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Episode: The Secret Canyon | The Lone Ranger (05-09-52)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: October 23, 2025

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Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns brings to life “The Secret Canyon” from The Lone Ranger (original airing: May 9, 1952). Enhanced through digital restoration, listeners are transported to the classic wild west, following a high-stakes tale of cattle rustling, betrayal, and justice. At the center: Shem Willard's troubled conscience, Del Meadows’ ruthless gang, Deputy Marshal Bill Holland’s investigation, and the masked heroism of the Lone Ranger and Tonto. The show delivers the timeless themes of loyalty, right versus wrong, and the pursuit of justice against adversity.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Tension in the Willard Home

• (03:14 - 04:45)
  • Shem Willard’s loyalty to his outlaw associates puts him in direct conflict with his wife, Kate.
  • Kate pleads with Shem not to leave with Del Meadows’ gang, threatening to turn him in if he continues down this path:
    • "I'll tell about you when I write to that marshal, all I know about Del Meadows and the rest of his gang. I'll show you, Shem." — Kate Willard (04:10)

2. Del Meadows and the Cattle Rustlers

• (04:45 - 08:43)
  • Meadows’ gang prepares for a major cattle heist, driving stolen stock into a concealed canyon.
  • The secret canyon is so cleverly hidden that only a select few know its existence.
  • The outlaws’ precision and organization in rerouting cows through a narrow, nearly impassable pass underscore their experience and the scale of their operation.

3. Kate’s Stand & Initiative

• (09:01 - 09:43)
  • Unwilling to stand by, Kate spies on the outlaws and writes to the marshals, revealing the canyon’s secret and incriminating her own husband.
    • "Last week I wrote to the marshal's office and told him I know. And when he gets here tomorrow like he promised…I’ll show you, Shem Willard. You and your thieving friends." — Kate Willard (09:19)

4. Deputy Marshal Bill Holland Arrives

• (10:05 - 13:02)
  • Bill Holland, responding to Kate’s letter, receives her directions and rides out to meet her.
  • Shem, learning of his wife’s actions, races home, setting off a chain of confrontation.

5. Dramatic Meeting in the Hills

• (13:02 - 16:12)
  • Holland meets Kate at the secret rendezvous point, proving his identity as lawman.
  • Shem, having followed, confronts them at gunpoint, shooting and wounding Holland and forcibly taking Kate toward the canyon.
    • "You've said enough… you reach for the sky, quick." — Shem Willard (16:12)
    • "Shem, you killed him." — Kate Willard (16:19)
    • "Not yet, I haven't. He's still alive." — Shem Willard (16:20)

6. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Intervene

• (17:04 - 19:23)
  • The masked hero and his loyal companion discover Holland wounded and administer first aid.
    • "Let me have the bandage first, Tonto. Thanks. This is Deputy Marshal Holland. Remember him?" — Lone Ranger (17:33)
  • Tonto tracks Shem and Kate into the canyon, confirming the rustlers’ location.

7. Trapping the Outlaws

• (20:09 - 25:04)
  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto plan to bottle up the outlaws in their canyon hideout until reinforcements arrive, taking tactical positions at key exits.
    • "You'll be able to shoot down anyone who tries to ride or climb on foot from the bottom of the canyon." — Lone Ranger (21:17)
  • The rustlers, realizing they are surrounded after coming under fire from both directions, panic.
    • "We're surrounded. They have us on both sides. It's a trap. We can't get out." — Shem Willard (24:31)
  • Tonto's sharpshooting convinces them a large posse is present.

8. The Law Closes In & Justice Delivered

• (25:04 - 26:28)
  • Sheriff Grady and his posse, guided by the Lone Ranger’s map and signals, arrive and trap the outlaws.
  • Del Meadows, wounded and recognizing defeat, orders his gang to surrender.
    • "Men, stop shooting. It's no use. We haven't a chance…We surrender." — Del Meadows (26:09)

9. Aftermath & Revelation

• (26:28 - 27:30)
  • The rustlers are taken to jail; stolen cattle are recovered.
  • Kate Willard expresses her determination to do the right thing, even against her husband.
    • "Well, maybe. But if Shem had a kill that nice Marshal Holland…I'd have testified against him, law or no law." — Kate Willard (26:50)
  • Marshal Holland credits the Lone Ranger for the victory, and his mysterious identity is confirmed for newcomers.
    • "That masked man is the Lone Ranger." — Shem Willard (27:30)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Kate’s Defiance:
  • "I'll show you, Shem. I was gonna try and save you because you're my husband. But I'm not gonna now. I'll tell about you when I write to that marshal..." (04:10)
• Confrontation at the Rendezvous:
  • "Maybe you're just pretending. Maybe this is a trick. How do I Know you're a deputy marshal. Prove it to me." — Kate Willard (13:34)
• Shem’s Desperation:
  • "You must have reached for the sky, quick." — Shem Willard (16:13)
• Trap Closes:
  • "We're surrounded. They have us on both sides. It's a trap." — Shem Willard (24:31)
• Classic Unmasking:
  • "That masked man is the Lone Ranger." — Shem Willard (27:30)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening tension, Willard home: 03:14 – 04:45
• Cattle rustlers’ plan and execution: 04:45 – 08:43
• Kate spies, writes to marshal: 09:01 – 09:43
• Bill Holland’s arrival and letter: 10:05 – 13:02
• Meeting at the rendezvous, Shem’s attack: 13:02 – 16:12
• Lone Ranger aids Holland, Tonto investigates: 17:04 – 19:23
• Lone Ranger and Tonto’s ambush setup: 20:09 – 21:17
• Climax: Outlaws trapped: 24:12 – 25:04
• Sheriff’s posse resolves the case: 25:04 – 26:28
• Closing—the Lone Ranger revealed: 27:20 – 27:30

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Tone and Style

The episode expertly blends suspense, action, and classic western ethos. Dialogue is often clipped and earnest, driven by urgency and moral conviction. Kate’s courage, Shem’s conflicted loyalty, and the Lone Ranger’s calm heroism are all portrayed in a style true to classic western radio drama: straightforward, dramatic, and emotionally charged.

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Conclusion

The Lone Ranger’s “The Secret Canyon” is a masterclass in vintage radio storytelling, capturing the tension between personal loyalty and the greater good. Through dynamic voice work, atmospheric audio, and sharp writing, the episode delivers drama and heroism at every turn, culminating in a clean sweep for justice courtesy of the masked ranger and his steadfast friend.

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Transcript

[Lone Ranger]

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 Hio.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Silver.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger.

[Lone Ranger]

It's Sam Saith.

[Narrator]

Indian Companion Tonto, 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 hoofbeats of the great horse Silver.

[Shem Willard]

The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver.

[Lone Ranger]

Let's go.

[Shem Willard]

Big fellow, are you Silver?

[Lone Ranger]

Away.

[Narrator]

Shem. Willard prepared to leave his small ranch house located outside the town of Rollin. But his wife barred the way.

[Kate Willard]

Shem, you're going out. Hefty, you promised you wouldn't.

[Shem Willard]

Yes, I'm going out. Now get out of my way. Let me through that door.

[Kate Willard]

No. You're going out with that gang of Delmeadows again.

[Lone Ranger]

You're going.

[Shem Willard]

Get out of my way, I said. And stop blabbing about the people. I know. I'm tired of all the things you're saying lately.

[Kate Willard]

There's lots more I could say, Shem. I'll be saying it, too. You'll see.

[Shem Willard]

Stand aside. I'm going out.

[Kate Willard]

I'm not standing aside. You're making a big mistake, Shem, doing the things you're doing. I aim to see that you stop her up.

[Shem Willard]

I don't want to hear anymore. That's all I get while I'm around here.

[Kate Willard]

Shem, you hurt my arm. Listen, I'll tell you something. Something that'll make me shut up.

[Shem Willard]

I'm going and I'm not coming back.

[Kate Willard]

Shem. Shem, darling. Shem, come back.

[Lone Ranger]

Come back.

[Kate Willard]

Don't ride off.

[Shem Willard]

Let me tell you what. Rhofy, get it back.

[Kate Willard]

Shame, Shame. All right, ride off. I'll show you. I was gonna try and save you because you're my husband. But I'm not gonna know. I'll tell about you when I write to that marshal. All I know about Del Meadows and the rest of his gang. I'll show you, Shem.

[Narrator]

That night, cafe owner and outlaw chief Del Meadows joined the band of horsemen who had been waiting for him in the hills to the north of Rawlins. Two horsemen left the rest of the group and rode up to Meadows, the riders were his lieutenant, Pedro Navarro, and the scowling Shem Willard. Pedro spoke first.

[Shem Willard]

You come at last, eh, boys? We waited all this time. Think maybe you'll not get here tonight.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Well, I'm here.

[Del Meadows]

I got stuck at the cafe for a while. Everyone ready?

[Shem Willard]

All ready, Boss.

[Del Meadows]

Good. Riding in on the Circle T tonight. Most of their stock is grazing on the east range, Boss. Yeah, what is it, Jim?

[Shem Willard]

You want me to ride with the rest of the boys?

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

No.

[Del Meadows]

You go along to the Snake Trail like you always do and keep a lookout there.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Right.

[Del Meadows]

Pedro, you ride with me.

[Shem Willard]

Oh, sure thing, boss. You come back with us when we.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Drive the cattle to the canyon.

[Del Meadows]

I think I will. Tonight. Takes too long to drive the cows through there. Once we have them on the run.

[Shem Willard]

It takes just as long to drive them out, Boss.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Yes, I know that.

[Del Meadows]

We've got to be driving them out real soon. They must have more than a thousand head of cattle down here. They're well hidden. Soon as we get all the brands changed, we're taking them to Kansas City.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

I call the boys to get going.

[Shem Willard]

Sure thing, boss. Get up there.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on.

[Shem Willard]

All right, caballeros, now we go see it. The canyon, boys?

[Del Meadows]

Yeah, sure. You'll see if the trail's clear for us, Shem.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Right.

[Del Meadows]

Hey, you men, take it easy. Ride quietly, will you? Keep your voices down. We have work to do.

[Narrator]

Get him back.

[Del Meadows]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Del Meadows and his rustlers, wearing masks, rode onto the range and expertly rounded up the cattle which had been startled from Slee a short time later. The rustlers were driving the cattle off the range into the rolling hills and along the road that led to the descending Snake Trail. As they neared the Snake Trail, Shem Willard galloped up to Del Meadows, who rode in front of the cattle herd.

[Shem Willard]

Easy now.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Easy, boy.

[Shem Willard]

The road's clear, Boss. Not a sign of anyone. Good. Pedro, get up there.

[Del Meadows]

See that the men length of that line and want those cows piling up on top of each other when they go through the pass. Make it quick.

[Shem Willard]

Sure thing, Boss. Get up there. Take our yellows. Bring those cows out.

[Narrator]

Prodded and guided by the rustlers, the cattle plodded down the steep Snake Trail. Which was overhung from both sides by giant shade trees. The trail continued straight downward to the canyon floor. But at a point halfway down, the rustlers led the animals off at an angle. Away from the narrow but distinct path.

[Del Meadows]

Careful, you men. Those cows run off when they start going through this brush. Keep them close. Don't let them pile up at the pass.

[Narrator]

The hidden trail between giant walls of shale gradually narrowed to a degree that permitted the passage of only two animals at most. But the cowboys herded the animals through the pass without inc. On the other side of the pass, steep canyon walls towered to the right and left. And at the end of the lush grazing ground, a slanting ramp of shale boulders and scrub trees at an angle of almost 45 degrees made outward passage virtually impossible. Roaming the grounds were great herds of cattle bearing the brands of many ranches. Del Meadows summoned his men around him.

[Del Meadows]

Well, we did it again, boys. Nice, easy boys. You're going to stay here for a few days, brand these cows. The my D Star m want to get this beef to market. Pedro, Shem and I are going to leave at dawn. We have things to do. We'll be back after sunset.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Shem. Pedro.

[Shem Willard]

I see.

[Del Meadows]

Divide them in. Round up some beef. I'll start a fire and get the branding irons ready. Let's work fast, huh?

[Narrator]

Atop the slanting rear wall of the canyon and hidden by some scrub trees, Kate Willard sat astride a horse and viewed the scene below. It was a scene she had watched many times since two weeks before when she had followed her husband, Shem, and learned the secret of the canyon.

[Kate Willard]

Smart down there, aren't you? Think nobody knows where you keep the cat. And you, Russell? Well, I know. And last week I wrote to the marshal's office and told him I know. And when he gets here tomorrow like he promised in the letter I got today, then I'll show you Shem Willard. You and your thieving friends.

[Narrator]

The next afternoon, Kate Willard entered the Drovers Hotel in Rawlins and handed an envelope to the clerk on duty, Tom Rivers.

[Kate Willard]

Give this to Mr. Holland, will you?

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Mr. Holland? We don't have anybody here by that name.

[Kate Willard]

Well, I expect you'll be here soon. Keep that letter and give it to him, huh?

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Well, certainly, Mrs. Willard. I'll be glad to.

[Narrator]

Deputy Marshal Bill Holland arrived in Rawlins that evening and went to the Drovers Hotel. He had been sent from the territorial capital in response to a letter from Kate Willard. When he registered, the clerk spoke to him.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Oh, so you're Mr. Holland. I have a letter for you.

[Del Meadows]

Good.

[Lone Ranger]

I was expecting one.

[Narrator]

Alone in his room, Holland withdrew two sheets of paper from the envelope. One was a map. The second was a note from Kate Willard, which he read.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm hoping you receive this. What I said in my first letter.

[Shem Willard]

To you was true.

[Kate Willard]

If you want to know all about the cattle rustling and who the rustlers are and where they hide the cows. Then meet me at nine o'clock tonight at the spot marked on the map, which is attached. It does not matter what day you receive this. I'll be waiting every night at nine o' clock until you come. Mrs. Shem. Kate Willard.

[Lone Ranger]

Nine o', clock, huh? Well, I'd better hurry along. It's almost eight now.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tato had heard of the widespread cattle rustling in and around Rawlins and had ridden there hoping to help authorities. At that moment, they were preparing to make camp in the hills west of the town.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

We'll stay here for the night.

[Del Meadows]

Toddo.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

This looks like a good spot.

[Lone Ranger]

Ah, Kimasabe. Meet Thai horses and start fire. You going to town tonight?

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

No, Todo. I'll wait until morning.

[Narrator]

At a few minutes before 8 o', clock, Deputy Marshal Bill Holland. Rod out of town toward the west.

[Del Meadows]

Get him. Get him.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on.

[Narrator]

And a few minutes later, clerk Tom Rivers, leaving the Drovers Hotel, met Shem Willard on the street.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Well, howdy, Shem. Too bad I didn't know you were in town. And Mr. Holland's already riding out to your place, I imagine.

[Shem Willard]

Mr. Holland riding to my place? What are you talking about, Tom?

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

About Mr. William Holland. I thought he was a friend of yours when your wife left the letter for him.

[Shem Willard]

What's that you say? My wife left a letter for some man at your hotel?

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Yeah, Mr. Holland. I gave it to him. He headed out your way only a little while ago.

[Del Meadows]

Not more than.

[Shem Willard]

Hey, Sham, what you running off for? Wait till I tell you.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Well, don't go and look at him. Jump onto his horse and ride off. Man, he sure must want to see that. Mr. Holland.

[Narrator]

Shem Willard was within a few hundred yards of his house when he saw someone on a horse riding away from it, heading westward.

[Shem Willard]

Hey, that's Kate.

[Lone Ranger]

Now, what's she up to?

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Well, we're gonna follow her.

[Del Meadows]

Smoky.

[Lone Ranger]

Easy, boy.

[Shem Willard]

Now, come on.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Marshall Bill Holland arrived at the rendezvous designated by Kate Willard. The woman arrived a few minutes after he did and was surprised to find him waiting.

[Shem Willard]

Oh, who there?

[Kate Willard]

I came here like I said I wouldn't. My letter. I was expecting you, but not so soon.

[Lone Ranger]

I arrived in rawlins this evening, Mrs. Willard. I received the letter you left for me at the hotel and, well, here I am.

[Kate Willard]

You're a government marshal?

[Lone Ranger]

A deputy marshal, ma'. Am.

[Kate Willard]

Seems to me you're mighty young for a job like that.

[Lone Ranger]

Nevertheless, that's my job.

[Kate Willard]

Maybe you're just pretending. Maybe this is a trick. How do I Know you're a deputy marshal. Prove it to me.

[Lone Ranger]

You insist. There's more light over here, ma', am, where the moon's shining. I'll show you my official papers. Yeah.

[Narrator]

Shem Willard had followed his wife at a distance, screening himself as he rode behind the large boulders that dotted both sides of the trail. Now, as his wife studied Holland's papers, Willard, having dismounted, used the boulders to shield him again as he crawled to a spot where he could hear every word spoken by Holland and Mrs. Willard. And in the hills above the road, the Lone Ranger and Tonto, studying the terrain around their camp, saw the silhouettes below.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Otto, look behind that boulder down there. There's a man hiding. And that couple on the road doesn't see him.

[Lone Ranger]

Asabi. Him have gun.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Maybe him shoot Tano. We're going down there. It'll mean riding through those trees. There's no trail, but we'll get there. Easy. Steady, big fellow.

[Narrator]

Easy, scout.

[Lone Ranger]

Easy.

[Del Meadows]

The monst.

[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.

[Lone Ranger]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. After Bill Holland proved his identity as a deputy United States Marshal, Kate Willard revealed the information that she had merely outlined in her original letter. She poured out the knowledge of the secret canyon mentioning the name of Del Meadows. She was about to tell the location of the rustler's hideout when her husband stepped suddenly from behind the boulder.

[Shem Willard]

You've said enough.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Canyon.

[Shem Willard]

You must have reached for the sky. Quick.

[Kate Willard]

Shem.

[Shem Willard]

So this is a trick. Oh, too late, Mr. Lawman.

[Kate Willard]

Shem. You killed him.

[Shem Willard]

Not yet, I haven't. He's still alive.

[Kate Willard]

Hey.

[Shem Willard]

What? Those shots were close.

[Kate Willard]

Yes. I see men up there. Men riding down here to get you.

[Lone Ranger]

Help. Help.

[Shem Willard]

Enough of that. I'm taking you out of here. They'll have a hard time coming down that hill.

[Lone Ranger]

Help. Help.

[Kate Willard]

Your hand from my mouth. Jim. You hurt? Where are you dragging me here?

[Shem Willard]

To my horse. Get up there into the saddle. I'll shoot you, be old, wife or no wife.

[Lone Ranger]

Don't.

[Kate Willard]

Don't kill me.

[Shem Willard]

Then don't struggle or yell. I'll get up behind you there. We're going to the canyon fast.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Get.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tottle. Finally reached level ground, they found Bill Holland sprawled on the road, groaning through gritted teeth and holding his wounded side.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Otto, this man is wounded. Got bandages from the saddlebag.

[Lone Ranger]

Me get him.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

I'm sorry we couldn't get here faster. The rough riding and shooting coming down that hill. And Holland. Marshal Holland.

[Shem Willard]

Mask man.

[Lone Ranger]

I know who you are. Lone ring. Your medicine good. Your bandage. You must hurry. What matter?

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Let me have the bandage first, Otto. Thanks. This is Deputy Marshal Holland. Remember him?

[Lone Ranger]

Ah, we helped him once. You remember Me put medicine here on the ground.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Otto, while I'm treating this wound, you ride after that man. You saw the way he went.

[Lone Ranger]

Ah, me see him. Me go after him now. Easy, Scout. Easy, fella.

[Del Meadows]

Get him.

[Narrator]

Bill Holland's wound was not serious, but it was painful and bled profusely. More than an hour passed before the Lone Ranger stopped the flow of blood and had the marshal bandaged and well enough to move. Then Holland told his story. When he finished, the masked man was thoughtful.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

You say Mrs. Willard said Del Meadows is the leader? That her husband is.

[Lone Ranger]

Someone's riding this way.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Yes, I hear. Stay right where you are. I have my gun ready. I'll handle this.

[Del Meadows]

Did you follow him?

[Lone Ranger]

Me go slow, Stop. When them stop, hide behind trees.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

But they didn't see you?

[Lone Ranger]

No. Me make sure. But when they move again, me follow.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Did you see where they went?

[Lone Ranger]

Ah, them go down Snake trail. Then them turn right through bushes, then go through big hole in rock.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Go on.

[Lone Ranger]

Me able to see between rocks. See when in the inside their fire. Them ram cows.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Toto. Now let me get this straight. You say they left Snake trail, rode through the underbrush, then went between two large rocks. Were the rocks close together so that only one or two horsemen might go between them?

[Lone Ranger]

Ah, inside look like big canyons.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Yes, it is a canyon. And that space between the rocks is a pass. I thought I was the only one who knew that canyon existed. Todo are the rustlers still there?

[Lone Ranger]

Me right back fast. I'm still there.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

I'm riding to the canyon at once.

[Lone Ranger]

Let me go with you. My side's all right now.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

I'll be in no marshal.

[Lone Ranger]

No.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

You're going back to Rawlins to a doctor.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll be able to help.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

You're really that well, then you'll help by going back to Rawlins? I was going to have Toto ride with you so that he might bring back the sheriff and a posse to the pass. You're able to ride? You can get the sheriff before you go to a doctor.

[Lone Ranger]

But I don't know where this pass is.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

I do. Now that Tottle's described the place, I'll draw a rough map which the sheriff may use to reach the pass quickly.

[Lone Ranger]

May go with you?

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Yes. I have a plan in mind that may work. I think we'll be able to keep those rustlers bottled up inside the pass until the sheriff and his men get there.

[Narrator]

Thanks to the Lone Ranger's first aid, Bill Holland, though still in pain, was surprisingly hale as he prepared to ride away. A few minutes later, the Lone Ranger spoke to him.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

I think the sheriff will be able to follow that map. Tell him I'll place a bandanna on the brush to the left of the canyon road the spot where the hidden trail leads down to the pass in the secret canyon.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll tell him. Thanks and good luck.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Good luck to you.

[Lone Ranger]

Get up.

[Kate Willard]

Get up.

[Del Meadows]

Ready?

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Tunnel.

[Lone Ranger]

Easy. Ready.

[Shem Willard]

Come on.

[Narrator]

A masked man and Indian, having ridden down the hidden trail dismounted a few hundred feet from Threadneedle Pass and left their horses tied to trees. The Lone Ranger spoke low as they walked.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Toto, you saw the map I made for the sheriff. You remember how the canyon is laid out?

[Lone Ranger]

Both sides high, straight up and down End a canyon. Very steep, but not straight up and down.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Very narrow at that part too. More than 20ft wide. Men will have a very difficult time riding out of the canyon at that end. Their eyes is too sharp. What's more, the ground is covered with rocks and boulders.

[Lone Ranger]

Horses slip in place like that?

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Yes. So right up to the top of the canyon wall. Now go around at the opposite end. Set yourself there on top of the incline at the far entrance with boulders and scrubbed trees to protect you. You'll be able to shoot down anyone who tries to ride or climb on foot from the bottom of the canyon.

[Lone Ranger]

Me make sure then not get out.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Good. I'll stay down behind that tree we see ahead of us. It faces a pass. I'll keep the opening at this end covered every minute.

[Lone Ranger]

Crook's not able to get out this way either.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

No, the opening is too small. They try to come through one or two at a time. That'd be like targets in a shooting gallery.

[Lone Ranger]

Me see fire burning inside past schema zombie.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

That'll make a fine background for any targets. This is a tree I'll use for cover. Tundo. I'll stay here.

[Lone Ranger]

Go fast. At the top of the canyon.

[Shem Willard]

Del.

[Narrator]

Meadows, who had ridden with Pedro to the canyon shortly after sundown had been surprised when Shem Willard appeared there with his wife. Willard told his story and the men questioned the frightened Kate Willard. When they'd finished an hour later, Meadows, Pedro and Willard stepped away from the fire into the shadows. Meadows was worried.

[Del Meadows]

Shem, that was a fool trick bringing your wife here.

[Shem Willard]

But I heard her tell the marshal she knew where this place was. If I'd have left her, she'd have the law out here, Del. I. I just couldn't get myself to kill her.

[Del Meadows]

I don't want women killed, no matter who they are.

[Shem Willard]

I kill her if you see, I am not bashful about killing women who talk too much.

[Del Meadows]

Forget anything like that, Pedro.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Now look, you two.

[Del Meadows]

Whoever it was that fired at you, Shem, that person is dangerous. May still be dangerous.

[Shem Willard]

Yeah, we're more than one.

[Del Meadows]

Well, that's more reason why I'm going to take all the men out of here at one once.

[Shem Willard]

What about my wife?

[Del Meadows]

We'll leave her here bound and gagged. We'll keep a lookout at the top of the canyon. If anyone comes here, they'll find her. We'll get the word in time to escape.

[Narrator]

Del Meadows and Pedro Navarro led the way on their horses. As a short time later, the rustlers began to leave the secret canyon by way of the pass.

[Del Meadows]

We'll break up as soon as we reach Snake Trail. Take off in different directions.

[Shem Willard]

Man, someone is shooting at us. Ambush. Look, the boss is shot.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Back up.

[Shem Willard]

They're waiting out there with me. Senor Dell, you're here. They shoot you.

[Del Meadows]

My shoulder. Help me, Pedro.

[Shem Willard]

I take you. Oh, I am here too.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger shots, deadly in their accuracy, made the rustlers believe men waited outside the pass. Delmeadows, though wounded, was able to give orders.

[Del Meadows]

I have to get out of here, Pedro.

[Shem Willard]

Sham, man.

[Del Meadows]

Ride to the other end of the canyon. We'll try to ride up and out that way. It's our only chance. Come on.

[Narrator]

The rustlers followed their wounded leaders and spurred their horses to the far end of the canyon. Gingerly, they started to guide their horses up the steep, narrow, rock covered incline. But suddenly shots rang out from above and one man fell from his horse wound. Bullets whined around the heads of the others. And once again the riders retreated to the center of the canyon.

[Shem Willard]

We're surrounded. They have us on both sides. It's a trap. We can't get out. We're surrounded.

[Narrator]

Toto, loading and reloading his gun with unbelievable swiftness, continued to fire after the fleeing horsemen, who believed that snipers were hamming them inside their retreat.

[Lone Ranger]

Lone Ranger guess right. They never get out now. Soon posse come and crooks go.

[Narrator]

Sheriff Grady and his posse, using the Lone Ranger's rough map, came upon the masked man a few hours later.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Sheriff, we bottle those rustlers inside the canyon.

[Shem Willard]

Yeah, they're still in there.

[Lone Ranger]

Wonderful.

[Shem Willard]

When Holland told me about this, I thought we might arrive too late. We'll go in after them now.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Don't Try entering by Threadneedle Pass, sheriff. No more than two horses can enter at a time. They'd mow you down just as we're able to do. If they try to come out, isn't.

[Shem Willard]

There some way to get in without exposing ourselves?

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

Yes, from the far end of the canyon where Tahno's been pinning them down. I'll lead you there now. If you leave a man here to cover the pass, I'll leave three.

[Shem Willard]

I'm not sure that they're able to shoot as well as you and your Indian friends seem to have done. Phillips. Stone.

[Narrator]

Shortly after, the sheriff's men, using the boulders and scrub trees for protection made their way down the slippery ramp that was the rear of the canyon. Del Meadows, believing another body of men waited outside the pass and in pain from his wound, decided that discretion was better than valor. He shouted to his men.

[Del Meadows]

Men, stop shooting. It's no use. We haven't a chance. Get your hands up and let them see. We surrender. Stay. Stop shooting. Stop it, whoever you are. We surrender.

[Narrator]

The rustlers were handcuffed and led into the jailhouse in Rollins. Cattlemen would be notified that their stolen stock had been recovered. And Kate Willard volunteered to act as a witness against the rustlers. Sheriff Grady told her.

[Shem Willard]

You can't testify against your husband, Mrs. Willard. And we shan't ask you to. The evidence against the Meadows Gang is so great that testimony like yours is unnecessary.

[Kate Willard]

Well, maybe. But if Shem had a kill that nice Marshall Holland when he shot him, I'd have testified against him, law or no law.

[Lone Ranger]

But he didn't kill me, Mrs. Willard.

[Kate Willard]

Land sakes, you're up and around. How did that happen?

[Lone Ranger]

Thanks to the masked man, I was bandaged and received medication. Right after Shem took you away to.

[Kate Willard]

The case, the masked man doctored you before doing what he and his Injun friend did?

[Lone Ranger]

That's right. And his idea of covering the canyon from both ends made it possible for us to capture the greatest rustling gang in the West.

[Kate Willard]

Yeah, Sheriff Grady told me how they did that. Real smart, wasn't it? But, say, who is that masked man?

[Lone Ranger]

You tell us.

[Deputy Marshal Bill Holland]

You have? Sure.

[Shem Willard]

And I met him, too. After hearing about him all these years. Mrs. Willard, that masked man is the Lone Ranger.

[Lone Ranger]

Sam, it's.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle. Produced by Trendall Campbell Muir Incorporated it 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 donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Kate Willard]

Sam.