The Sheriff’s Wife | The Lone Ranger (05-31-50)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "The Sheriff’s Wife | The Lone Ranger"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
• Host: Andrew Rines
• Episode: The Sheriff’s Wife | The Lone Ranger (05-31-50)
• Release Date: February 10, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rines presents "The Sheriff’s Wife," a classic Lone Ranger adventure originally aired on May 31, 1950. Through meticulous digital restoration, listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio with enhanced audio quality that brings every sound to vivid life. This episode pays homage to iconic shows like Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger, showcasing legendary radio performances and engaging storytelling that once captivated audiences nationwide.

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Plot Overview

Setting the Scene: Sandrock Without a Sheriff

The episode opens in the western mining town of Sandrock, which has been struggling without a sheriff. After two raids by the notorious Kansas Jack and his gang, the townspeople elect Frank Russell as the new sheriff, determined to restore peace and order. Frank’s dedication is immediately tested when Kansas Jack returns with a vengeance.

At [05:45], Frank Russell confidently remarks, “Yeah, as long as I'm sheriff, I aim to keep this town peaceful,” signaling his commitment to protecting Sandrock. However, his resolve is quickly challenged when Kansas Jack ambushes the café, leading to a fierce gunfight that leaves Frank critically wounded ([07:18]).

The Aftermath and Community Response

As the town grapples with the aftermath of the attack, Jim Miles, a determined miner, steps forward to rally the townsmen. At [10:09], Jim passionately declares, “If you want me to take charge, I'll form a posse and start the hunt for those outlaws,” highlighting the community’s desperate need for action against the outlaws.

Ella Russell’s Determination

In a surprising turn, Ella Russell, Frank’s wife, emerges as a pivotal character. Initially sidelined, Ella proves her resolve by joining Jim Miles in the quest to capture Kansas Jack. Her determination is encapsulated at [12:26], where she asserts, “Jim Miles, I swore that I'd hunt for Kansas Jack and his gang until I find them,” demonstrating her unwavering commitment despite societal expectations.

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Key Character Developments

Frank Russell: The Reluctant Leader

Frank Russell embodies the struggles of leadership under pressure. After surviving the ambush, he grapples with his mortality and the pressing need to protect his town. His vulnerability is evident when he confides, “Frank's in a bad way” ([08:10]), revealing the personal toll of his duties.

Jim Miles: The Spirited Miner

Jim Miles represents the everyman’s courage and determination. His refusal to back down, even when facing overwhelming odds, is a central theme. At [13:00], he firmly states, “I'll stay home. But if a posse doesn't find those outlaws, I'm going to start a search,” showcasing his relentless pursuit of justice.

Ella Russell: The Unsung Heroine

Ella Russell breaks the mold of traditional female roles in Westerns. Her active participation in the hunt for outlaws challenges gender norms, as seen when she confronts Jim Miles: “Why are you so determined to track them down alone?” ([15:26]). Ella’s ingenuity and bravery are pivotal in devising the plan to flush out Kansas Jack.

The Lone Ranger: The Mysterious Savior

The Lone Ranger remains a mysterious and heroic figure throughout the episode. His strategic mind and combat prowess come to the forefront as he collaborates with Ella to strategize the posse’s efforts. At [19:35], he articulates, “We can shoot him down,” demonstrating his tactical acumen.

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Themes and Insights

Community and Leadership

The episode underscores the importance of community solidarity and proactive leadership in the face of adversity. The transformation from a vulnerable town to a united front against outlaws illustrates the power of collective action.

Gender Roles and Empowerment

Ella Russell’s active role challenges the stereotypical portrayal of women in Westerns. Her leadership and tactical contributions highlight themes of empowerment and gender equality, paving the way for more nuanced female characters in the genre.

Justice and Vigilantism

The narrative explores the fine line between justice and vigilantism. While Jim Miles and Ella Russell take matters into their own hands, the intention remains rooted in restoring peace and protecting the community, raising questions about the ethical boundaries of self-appointed justice.

Resilience and Determination

The characters exhibit remarkable resilience and determination, particularly in overcoming personal and communal setbacks. This theme resonates with listeners, emphasizing the human spirit’s capacity to persevere against formidable challenges.

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Climactic Resolution

The episode culminates in a strategic confrontation where Ella Russell’s plan to use oil and fire to flush out Kansas Jack and his gang proves effective. The collaboration between the posse and the Lone Ranger leads to the outlaws’ capture. A notable moment occurs at [29:53], where the narrative confirms the Lone Ranger’s identity: “I can tell you that you see, when you showed me that silver bullet, I knew right away he's the Lone Ranger.”

Ella’s Triumph

Ella’s ingenuity is key to the posse’s success. Her plan to set the oil on fire demonstrates her strategic thinking and courage, ultimately securing Sandrock’s safety. Her actions affirm her role as a central figure in the town’s quest for justice.

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Conclusion

"The Sheriff’s Wife" is a compelling episode that weaves together themes of leadership, empowerment, and resilience within the classic framework of a Western radio drama. Through enhanced audio quality and engaging performances, Old Time Radio Westerns revives this timeless tale, offering both nostalgia and fresh insights for modern listeners. Ella Russell’s character serves as a powerful reminder of the often-overlooked contributions of women in shaping their communities and restoring order.

Notable Quotes:

• Frank Russell at [05:45]: “Yeah, as long as I'm sheriff, I aim to keep this town peaceful.”
• Jim Miles at [10:09]: “If you want me to take charge, I'll form a posse and start the hunt for those outlaws.”
• Ella Russell at [12:26]: “Jim Miles, I swore that I'd hunt for Kansas Jack and his gang until I find them.”
• Frank Russell at [28:38]: “Good. Have them poured on the water and light it.”
• Jim Miles at [29:35]: “He was the spy who was planted in Sandrock.”

This episode not only entertains but also offers profound reflections on community resilience and the transformative power of determined individuals.

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About the Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns, hosted by Andrew Rines, specializes in digitally restoring and presenting classic Western radio dramas with enhanced audio quality. Each episode revives timeless stories with clarity and depth, honoring legendary shows and actors from the golden age of radio.

Transcript

[Talkspace]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. You know when you're really stressed or not feeling so great about your life or about yourself, talking to someone who understands can really help. But who is that person? How do you find them? Where do you even start? Talkspace. Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need. With Talkspace, you can go online, answer a few questions about your preferences, and be matched with a therapist. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You, you'll meet on your schedule wherever you feel most at ease. If you're depressed, stressed, struggling with a relationship, or if you want some counseling for you and your partner or just need a little extra one on one support, Talkspace is here for you. Plus, Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a zero dollar copay. No insurance. No problem. Now get $80 off of your first month with promo code SPACE80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code SPACE80@Talkspace.

[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 ocean. Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Talkspace]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. You know when you're really stressed or not feeling so great about your life or about yourself, talking to someone who understands can really help. But who is that person? How do you find them? Where do you even start Talkspace? Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need. With Talkspace, you can go online, answer a few questions about your preferences, and be matched with a therapist. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You'll meet on your schedule wherever you feel most at ease. If you're depressed, stressed, struggling with a relationship, or if you want some counseling for you and your partner or just need a little extra one on one support, Talkspace is here for you. Plus, Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. No insurance. No problem. Now get $80 off of your first month with promo code space80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code space8zerokspace.

[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion Tato, 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. The Lone Ranger rides again. The western mining town of Sandrock had been without a sheriff. But after two raids by Kansas Jack and his gang had practically cleaned out the town. Frank Russell had been elected sheriff. From that time on, Frank took his place at the end of the long bar in the cafe facing the door, ready and determined to thwart any further attempts by Kansas Jack to rob the cafe and the miners.

[Frank Russell]

Frank, Sandrock sure has been a mighty peaceful since you took over the sheriff. Yeah, as long as I'm sheriff, I aim to keep this town peaceful. Let's have service for you. Sure, coming right up.

[Narrator]

Stranger.

[Frank Russell]

I guess I haven't seen you around here before. That's right, Sheriff. You haven't just come to town. You might say I'm just passing through.

[Ella Russell]

Here you are.

[Frank Russell]

Thanks. Well, here's to you, Sheriff. Hey, will you have something, Sheriff? No, thanks. Just sort of standing here keeping your eye out for trouble, is that it? That's it. You expecting trouble from anybody in particular? I'm ready for trouble no matter who starts it, stranger. And what's more, you must be can to shack in his gang. Get your guns ready. Man, you must get away with this. Oh, wait a minute. Oh yeah. Quiet, Sheriff. I got this gun in your face. Now listen to me. The cafe surrounded. Our men at every win are ready to blast anybody who makes a move. Now take a look for yourself. You won't get away with this. You're double crossing skunk. I fooled you, didn't I? Came in this man. Well, here we are again folks. I guess he sort of took you all by surprise. I'm not standing by. See that thieving hombre and his coyotes clean everybody out. Just what are you going to do about it, Sheriff?

[Jim Miles]

He shot the sheriff.

[Narrator]

The pipe waxed fast and furious. Tables were overturned and the townsmen ducked for anything that would give them cover. But the odds were against them. Many of them had been wounded in the first onslaught. And when the smoke finally cleared and the firing ceased, the outlaws were gone. Leaving Sheriff Russell and others wounded and the cafe a complete shambles.

[Frank Russell]

Man alive, look at the place. Yeah. Better get the sheriff and the other wounded men. Out of here.

[Narrator]

Prado.

[Frank Russell]

Come on, boy.

[Narrator]

Later that night, Frank Russell, who had been taken to his home, lay on the couch in the living room in critical condition. His wife, Ella, a pioneer type of woman, stood nearby as the doctor turned from the wounded man.

[Jim Miles]

How bad, little Doc?

[Frank Russell]

Ella, it's no use lying to you. Frank's in a bad way.

[Jim Miles]

Poor Frank.

[Frank Russell]

Ella. Ella.

[Jim Miles]

I'm right here, Frank.

[Frank Russell]

Ella, I. They did my best. Did the outlaws clean out the town?

[Jim Miles]

Yes, they did. The cafes are shambles. A lot of miners were wounded, some bad.

[Frank Russell]

If they only had someone who could go after Kansas Jake. Get him first.

[Jim Miles]

Oh, never mind, Frank. Just remember, you did your duty for Sandrock. Someday somebody will get that outlaw and his gang and see that they have.

[Frank Russell]

I'm afraid no one will ever try now, Ella. Tom, I. I'll be gone.

[Jim Miles]

Take it easy, friend. I'll see the 10 of Jack hang for what he's done.

[Frank Russell]

Forget about it, Ella. You couldn't. Easy, Frank, easy. Ella, you mustn't try. It's gone, Emma. Frank. Frank.

[Jim Miles]

You can't hear me now, but I promise not to give up. Did I hunt down Kansas Jack in this game? Everyone, then thanks for what they've done to you.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, in the general store, the townsmen were having a meeting to discuss the raid. A husky young miner named Jim Miles had taken the floor.

[Frank Russell]

Quiet. Quiet. Quiet down, everybody. Quiet. You all know what a beating we took from Kansas Jack and his gang tonight. The cafe is wrecked and a lot of our men are hurt bad, including the sheriff, Frank Russell. Besides that, the outlaws got away with all our money again, just like they did two times before.

[Ella Russell]

Yeah, it looks like them outlaws got his buffalo.

[Frank Russell]

Not much. You stand around, Sandra. Now, wait a minute. Wait a minute, man. I'm not finished. The sheriff had been on his toes. That gang couldn't have taken us all by surprise like they did. Instead of going out and hunting for him, the sheriff just hung around at the cafe waiting for him to show up again. Right now it's up there to do something about it. What can we do about it, Jim? We can do something the sheriff should have done and didn't, that's what.

[Jim Miles]

And just what was it my friend didn't do? Jim Miles.

[Frank Russell]

Oh, hello, Ella. I didn't expect you to come here.

[Jim Miles]

I want to hear what you were going to say.

[Frank Russell]

Go on, say it. All right, I will. What I was about to say was that we ought to form a party and go out and try to track down those outlaws. Just what the sheriff should have done and didn't. That's right. Maybe all this wouldn't have had it.

[Jim Miles]

Listen to me, men. Louisa came here with the tenure. My husband is dead.

[Frank Russell]

Gosh, I'm sorry to hear that. Are you?

[Jim Miles]

I wonder.

[Frank Russell]

I still say he didn't do the right thing though. Man, you all heard what Ellis said. That means we don't have a sheriff. But if you want me to take charge, I'll form a posse and start the hunt for those odd lords.

[Narrator]

Why not keep my foot?

[Frank Russell]

Good. Good. We'll start out first thing in the morning. Now then, I'll lead the posse and we'll search the hills for that outlaw hideout.

[Jim Miles]

And I'm going with the posse.

[Frank Russell]

You? Why? Don't be local, Ella. A woman can't go riding with a posse.

[Jim Miles]

Jim Miles, I swore that I'd hunt for Kansas Jack and his gang until.

[Frank Russell]

I found him for what they did to Frank. Now you just leave it to us. Ella is that of a found. We'll find them. But we don't need the help of a woman.

[Jim Miles]

Then you refuse to let me go along.

[Frank Russell]

Zaddy, that's it. You'd need taken care of if we met up with Kansas Jack and his outlaws. We ain't right with any female in the party. You stay home with the women folk. Imagine her wanting to hunt for outlaws.

[Jim Miles]

All right, I'll stay home. But if a posse doesn't find those outlaws, I'm going to start a search. And I won't give up till I find them.

[Narrator]

It was two weeks later when the Lone Ranger and Toto were riding the trail about 10 miles miles to the west of Sandrock. As they followed the winding trail through the hills, they were suddenly startled by.

[Frank Russell]

A shot.

[Ella Russell]

That was close.

[Frank Russell]

To your hat brim.

[Ella Russell]

Shot seemed to come from among those rocks on the side of that hill.

[Frank Russell]

Maybe then try again, Kimasabi.

[Ella Russell]

I'd be ready.

[Narrator]

Look.

[Frank Russell]

Sun gleam on gun barrel.

[Ella Russell]

Yes, I see it. Maybe I'll be able to.

[Frank Russell]

A nice woman up there.

[Ella Russell]

We'll go find out.

[Narrator]

Steady, big fellow.

[Ella Russell]

Easy, Silver. Easy fellow. Come out from behind those rocks.

[Frank Russell]

Look, someone come out. It's woman.

[Jim Miles]

You shot the guns right out of my hand. But I'm not afraid of him.

[Ella Russell]

Why did you shoot it? Us?

[Jim Miles]

You've got a new class near that, mister. Anyone can see you're an outlaw with that mask on. And I'm sure you're one of Kansas Jack's game.

[Ella Russell]

Oh, you're wrong. We're not outlaws. But we have heard of Kansas Jack.

[Jim Miles]

Everybody around here knows of him. He's raided Sandrock often enough. I still think you both.

[Ella Russell]

We were heading for Sandrock when you shot at us. We've come from further west. Now tell me, what are you doing out here in the hills alone?

[Jim Miles]

Kansas Jack and his gang pulled a surprise raid on Penrock. In spite of the fact that the sheriff had planned to trap him, I swore to track him down.

[Frank Russell]

They're no match for gang outlaws.

[Ella Russell]

Yes, that's right. You better leave the outlaws to the men of the town. I'm sure they've formed a posse to hunt them.

[Jim Miles]

They did at the time. That was two weeks ago. But they've given up the hunt. I'm going to keep on until I find Kansas Jack. Anyway, everybody in town laughed at me when I said I was going to round up the outlaws. If I go back and give up, they'll laugh over harder.

[Ella Russell]

I'm sure they all know a woman couldn't cope with a band of outlaws. Why are you so determined to track them down alone?

[Jim Miles]

Because they killed my husband, Frank. He was sheriff of Sandrock.

[Ella Russell]

You must be Mrs. Russell.

[Jim Miles]

That's right, I am.

[Ella Russell]

I'm sorry about your husband. Maybe we can help you in your hunt for the outlaw gang.

[Frank Russell]

You?

[Jim Miles]

Why should you want to help? How do I know that you're not one of them?

[Ella Russell]

I told you. We were on the way to Sandrock when you shot at us. I have a message Sheriff Russell sent to a padre friend of mine asking for help.

[Jim Miles]

Message? Frankson.

[Ella Russell]

Yes. Here's the note. Your husband appealed to the padre for my help in catching a gang of outlaws who had repeatedly raided Sandrock. Must have been Kansas Jack and his men.

[Jim Miles]

Yeah, it was. Let me see that note.

[Ella Russell]

Why, of course.

[Jim Miles]

Notes in Frank's handwriting. All right. Says he heard of a Mass lawman and wanting help. Well, you must be him. The one Frank wanted to come and help.

[Ella Russell]

That's right. That was our purpose in coming here.

[Jim Miles]

Then I can trust you? Will you really help me track down the outlaws?

[Ella Russell]

Of course. Unwary. Going to pitch camp over there in the hills. You come along with us. I tell you a plan I have that may bring the outlaws into the open. For the good of the West. Men like Kansas Jack must be stopped.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger adventure before the next exciting scene. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

[Talkspace]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. You know when you're really stressed or not feeling so great about your life or about yourself, talking to someone who understands can really help. But who is that person? How do you find them? Where do you even start? Talkspace Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need. With Talkspace you can go online, answer a few questions about your preferences, and be matched with a therapist. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You'll meet on your schedule wherever you feel most at ease. If you're depressed, stressed, struggling with a relationship, or if you want some counseling for you and your partner or just need a little extra one on one support, Talkspace is here for you. Plus, Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off of your first month with promo code space80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code [e-mail].

[Frank Russell]

It.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. At the newly made camp the Lone Ranger discussed the plan he had in mind. Then he and Tano accompanied Ella Russell to the edge of town. Following instructions, Ella rode on into town. Entered the general store where a small group of men were usually gathered.

[Frank Russell]

Oh here comes Ella Russell. Well maybe she's got kids. Gang all tight outside?

[Jim Miles]

Maybe you won't laugh when I tell you what I found out.

[Frank Russell]

You look excited Ella. What have you found out?

[Jim Miles]

I think we have a chance to capture Kansas Jack and his gang.

[Frank Russell]

I thought you were going to capture him by yourself.

[Jim Miles]

Oh don't be a fool Jim Myles. I said I'd track him down. Now it's up to the posse to get them and bring them in.

[Frank Russell]

Now wait a minute. Are you trying to say that you found their hideout?

[Jim Miles]

Not exactly. But I do know where two men, one of a mess have their camp. I've heard them talking. They're camping for the night. Do they expect someone to take them to the outlaws hideout in the morning?

[Frank Russell]

You sure about that?

[Jim Miles]

You men have a posse ready to ride for dawn. I lead you to their camps. Then when they meet the man who's to lead them to Kansas Jack Tidel, we'll follow them and surprise the whole gang.

[Frank Russell]

Let's get some men together and go right now to that camp and grab them.

[Jim Miles]

Yeah, maybe we'll get something out of them. Oh he's bail it away. So they start with their guides at the hideout in the morning?

[Frank Russell]

Yeah, that's right. Men, get the men together and have them ready to ride at dark.

[Narrator]

Meantime the Lone Ranger and Toto waited in a clump of cottonwoods on the edge of town. A short time after Ella had gone into Sandrock with their story, Toto spoke to the masked man in a low tone.

[Frank Russell]

Somebody said, we hear horse. It come fast.

[Ella Russell]

I don't hear anything, Tato. Yes, I hear it now.

[Frank Russell]

I don't have to see us here in Parole.

[Ella Russell]

Must be the one who is doing the spying in town for Kansas Jack.

[Frank Russell]

Ah, you think he'll go to outlaw hideout?

[Ella Russell]

Yes, and we'll follow him. You go back with a message to Ella Russell.

[Narrator]

Still working amongst. It was made after afternoon as the Lone Ranger and Taco followed the trail of the racing figure before them. They have no difficulty in trailing him. After going several miles, they caught sight of him as the man turned off and rode to the foot of a small hill.

[Frank Russell]

Rider leap trail Kiwisabi ride to creek.

[Ella Russell]

That creek flows into a cleft in the cliff just beyond. I wonder.

[Narrator]

Hold Scarbo fella.

[Ella Russell]

Wait here a moment to watch where he goes.

[Frank Russell]

Right into Cricket. Not seem deep.

[Ella Russell]

He's heading downstream toward that opening.

[Frank Russell]

Oh, and go right into place and cliff.

[Ella Russell]

Must be a cave in there. The creek flows into it and covers a trail.

[Frank Russell]

What we do now?

[Ella Russell]

You ride back to town. Toto, ask Ella Russell to get the posse to come back here with you. Give her this silver bullet. One of the men in town will know what it means.

[Narrator]

Isn't that right?

[Ella Russell]

Ask them to get a couple of barrels of oil from the general store and bring them along on a buckboard. I watch to see if the gang doesn't leave.

[Narrator]

Hurry, Tunnel. Meantime, the man whom the Lone Ranger had trailed from town had entered a large cavern which served as a hideout for Kansas Jack and his outlaws. A few minutes later, the outlaw leader and the newcomer were in earnest conversation.

[Frank Russell]

So the sheriff's wife's gonna lead a posse to the camp where those two hombres are, huh? Yeah. Jack. The party's gonna wait till the two men you're expecting leave there for the hideout with a guide you say will follow them here. I suppose that's the idea. Only. Only what? I wasn't expecting to. I'm brazen. I'm not sending any guide to bring him here. Expecting anyone but Ella Russell? I don't care what you said, Miles. Maybe you're not as smart as I thought you were. Maybe that woman's pulling some sort of trick on you.

[Narrator]

Trick?

[Frank Russell]

I know she can't be, Jack. She trusts me just like the others do. She doesn't suspect anything. That's what you think. I'm sure of it. Ella Russell is loco. In the first place, she wouldn't set out to hunt down a bunch of outlaws single handed. No woman would. Yeah?

[Ella Russell]

No.

[Frank Russell]

Look how that posted the entrance. That spotted somebody. Come on. Hey, what you shooting for? I saw somebody on a white horse. See him playing the cave? He rolled right down to the edge of the creek.

[Narrator]

He's behind that big rock.

[Frank Russell]

Here, I'll take another shot just for luck. See what I tell you out there playing the hideout. Seems like someone break full of Jim here. Murray coyotes up along the creek behind the big rock. Jim Miles ought to be the one to ride up the creek and get him out of there. Oh, no, not me. He could pick me off.

[Narrator]

Wait a minute.

[Ella Russell]

Wait a minute.

[Frank Russell]

Minute. I have an idea for getting that sad wind. There's a narrow bank along each side of the creek where it comes into the cave. Those banks are overgrown with high brush. Several of you can sneak along each bank under cover of that brush. Then you can crawl through the brush that grows all along the creek. That way you can sneak up on that umbre from both sides. That's a good idea. Jake, you lead them. Jim, take your time and keep down. The rest of you full of. Jim, you move slow and careful. You can corner him before he gets wide and shoot him down.

[Ella Russell]

I'll be in your way.

[Frank Russell]

All right.

[Narrator]

After a hard and fast ride, Toto reached town, sought out Ella Russell, giving her the Lone Ranger's message along with a silver bullet. Ella persuaded the townsmen to gather once again in the general store, but they were skeptical.

[Frank Russell]

Earlier this afternoon you told us to form a posse and ride tomorrow at dawn.

[Ella Russell]

Now you tell us.

[Frank Russell]

You find out where they're hiding and you want us to go right away. Who told you about the hideout being found?

[Jim Miles]

An engine is waiting outside to lead you to the outlaw slave. And you gotta take along some oil. He asked for oil.

[Frank Russell]

Just a minute, man. Yeah, Doc. What you got in your mind? Ella? I was there when Frank died and I heard you make your promise to track down Kansas Jack. What this talk about an Indian and all. You can't blame the men for hesitation. What's more, I don't see any sense taking barrels of oil along with the posse.

[Narrator]

Where's Jim Myers?

[Frank Russell]

Hear what he has to say. A man rode out from San Rock.

[Jim Miles]

A while ago to warn the outlaws. It's a man who's been here in town as one of Kansas Jack's 5. Jim Miles isn't anywhere in town. Maybe he's the one who went to the outlaw hideout.

[Frank Russell]

Wait a minute, men. Quiet down. Wait, Ella. You can't say things like that without proof. How do we know? In fact, how do you know somebody went to war?

[Jim Miles]

Because he was spared by the engine and by another man, a man I trust. I. Oh, look here. What does this mean to anyone here?

[Narrator]

It looks like a bullet.

[Frank Russell]

It's a silver bullet. Yes, it's a silver bullet.

[Jim Miles]

The man I spoke of sent it for the injured.

[Frank Russell]

Just a minute. Let me see that.

[Jim Miles]

Here.

[Frank Russell]

I guess what you say is true after all. Men, this silver bullet changes everything. Take my word for it. You can trust the man who sent us. Let's hurry.

[Jim Miles]

There's no time to lose.

[Frank Russell]

Get your horses, men. I'll ride with you.

[Jim Miles]

Now get going. Put them oil barrels on the buckboard.

[Frank Russell]

Then we'll follow the engine.

[Narrator]

As time wore on, the Lone Ranger held his own against the outlaws who filtered through the cliff opening and spread out behind the rocks along the banks of the creek. But they were gradually closing in from both sides. And the Lone Ranger realized his position was a precarious.

[Ella Russell]

One must hold out until the posse gets here. Easy, Silver, easy. My last round. The. You all right?

[Frank Russell]

Yes.

[Ella Russell]

I couldn't have held out much longer.

[Frank Russell]

It looked like outlaws going back into cave. Let them have it, boy. Don't let any of them get away.

[Ella Russell]

Mrs. Russell.

[Narrator]

What's he doing here?

[Frank Russell]

He not able to make us stay home.

[Narrator]

Her Palmer posse.

[Frank Russell]

Here you are. He got here as soon as we.

[Jim Miles]

Got convinced that the doc recognized the meaning of the silver bullet and persuaded them to come.

[Ella Russell]

Good. But you should have stayed in town.

[Jim Miles]

I can shoot as well as any hombre here about.

[Ella Russell]

Stay down behind this large rock. The outlaws have all gone back into the cave. Oh, did you bring the oil?

[Frank Russell]

Be sure to. What do you expect to do with it, mister?

[Ella Russell]

This creek flows in the outlaw's cave.

[Frank Russell]

What's that got to do with the oil?

[Ella Russell]

We'll dump the oil into the creek and set it a fire. The water will carry the flaming oil and dense smoke right into their stronghold.

[Frank Russell]

See? You sure thought up a good trick. I'll get the men to bring the oil here behind this big rock right away.

[Ella Russell]

Good. Have them poured on the water and light it. I'll t and I keep the cave opening covered with our guns. All right. Let's get busy with that oil.

[Narrator]

Working with feverish hate, the men lifted the two barrels of oil from the buckboard and carried them to the point where the Lone Ranger was waiting. Then Opening the barrels, they poured the heavy oil into the creek. As the thick black oil spread out over the water, the Lone Ranger twisted some of the tall dry grass into a torch, lit it and tossed it into the creek. In a few seconds, the oil burst into flames and both flames and dense black smoke floated down the creek and into the cave opening.

[Frank Russell]

Man alive, look at that smoke. That'll bring them out.

[Jim Miles]

There's no other opening into the cave.

[Ella Russell]

I know there isn't. There were. They'd have used it before now.

[Frank Russell]

Do you think it will work?

[Ella Russell]

We'll soon find out. There's a lot of smoke going into the cave.

[Frank Russell]

Smoke's taking it back.

[Narrator]

Suddenly, the outlaws started out of the opening along the narrow banks of the stream, shooting as they came out. The fight raged furiously for a short time.

[Frank Russell]

The outlaws tried to escape off the.

[Narrator]

Inside through the sage brush, but found members of the posse all around them. It's the doctor who recognized Jim Miles as the crook ran from one boulder to another.

[Frank Russell]

Great thing. Jim Miles is whisked. I just saw him then.

[Jim Miles]

He was the spy who was planted in San Rafa Cannon. Oh, I'm going to put that n back toyot right away.

[Frank Russell]

Hey, come back.

[Jim Miles]

You plugged him in.

[Narrator]

Seeing Jim go down, Kansas Jack jump from behind a low boulder, gun in hand, and shouted.

[Frank Russell]

I've never given up.

[Ella Russell]

I'll fix that mask on Bre. You're through right now. The rest of you drop your guns.

[Frank Russell]

That's offing them like you said.

[Jim Miles]

All right, boys, round up the ornery criminal.

[Ella Russell]

I guess you're the posse can handle things from now on.

[Frank Russell]

He's leaving here.

[Narrator]

I know.

[Frank Russell]

You try to thank him. He helped you keep your promise around top Kansas Jack and his whole game.

[Jim Miles]

Oh, Doc, that masked man. He was wonderful. And to think I don't even know who he is.

[Frank Russell]

I can tell you that. You see, when you showed me that silver bullet, I knew right away he's the Lone Ranger. It.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendall Campbell Enterprises, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beaver.

[Frank Russell]

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.