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Andrew Rines
Welcome to the Old Time Radio West Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.
Narrator
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Will Halden
light, a cloud of dust and a haughty high of silver.
Narrator
The Lone Ranger, With his faithful Indian companion, Toto the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains, led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger arrives again.
Will Halden
Front tilde. Let's go, big fellow. Hi. Until there,
Terry Keller
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Will Halden
There he goes.
Terry Keller
He's feeling his Cheerios. Cheerios.
Narrator
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Will Halden
Sure.
Narrator
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Narrator
For several weeks after leaving Springfield, Missouri, the journey of a big wagon train was uneventful. One night, as the pioneers gathered around a large campfire within the encircled wagons, the wagon master, Will Halden, stood up to speak.
Will Halden
Well, Ben, as you all know, we're not very far from our destination. But that doesn't mean we're going to relax our vigilance so far as the Indians are concerned. As a matter of fact, the territory we'll pass through during the next few days is said to be overrun by a hostile red ski.
Terry Keller
Terry Keller says there isn't any danger. And he thinks we're foolish to follow the Butterfield Trail when there's a shorter route from Phantom Hill on.
Will Halden
Terry Keller is a young headstrong fool.
Terry Keller
Well, it's not fair to say such a thing about Terry. At least you ought to wait until he's here to defend himself.
Will Halden
Well, he ought to be here instead of taking up with Carver and Beauvais going away like he did. Terry said they were going to do some trail scouting. Will, what's he know about Scout? Or the other two for that matter? Just because Beauvaie and Carver have made one trip out here, they seem to think they know it all.
Terry Keller
Well, I suppose Terry wants to be sure everything goes right because his father financed the trip.
Will Halden
Now, I was put in charge of this wagon train and what I say goes unless you all get together and vote somebody else in my place. No. Say, that's all right. Now come along, Bruce.
Narrator
On the trail ahead, Terry Keller, a young man about 25, was returning to the wagon camp with Beauvais, a Frenchman, and Carver, a rough talking, heavyset man. As they rode, Carver was saying, terry,
Will Halden
you and the others listen to Will Halton. It'll take weeks longer maybe to get where you're heading. You can take our word for it.
The Lone Ranger
That branch trail we just showed, you'll
Will Halden
get the wagons there safer and quicker. Hey, Boobat. But of course, we have traveled the short route and we know it is the far better way to go. Is there danger if we leave the well traveled Butterfield Trail? Ah, The Indians are well under control now.
Narrator
Cover.
Will Halden
It's right, Terry. Talk to the others, Terry. Get them on your side. They'll listen to you. Convince them the short route is better
Narrator
all the way around.
Will Halden
All right. I'll see what I can do. Come on, get up. Get up. Get up.
Narrator
Late that night, after the camp had quieted, Beauvais and Carver slipped away and rode west along the trail to meet an Indian scout and send word to Chief Lightfoot that the wagons would be certain to take the so called short route. A route leading into wild and unpatrolled country which was ideal for an Indian attack. As the two men rode, Beauvais was
Will Halden
saying, what do we get out of all this car? All the cash and valuables in the wagon train. And there's plenty. The Comanches get the guns, ammunition and horses. But if Will Alden is still wagon master and insists on going the regular route. I've been putting the idea in Terry's mind to get the men to vote out Halton and elect me as wagon master. You? Oh, that is laughable, Mon Amy. Yeah, well, I'll be able to stop the wagons for the night just where the Comanche chief wants them to stop. And you and I'll slip away just before the attack. Come on, let's hurry. Get up there.
Narrator
After meeting a Comanche brave and sending the message to Chief Lightfoot, Carver and Beauvais returned to the wagon camp. All the next day, as they rolled slowly over the prairie, Terry talked to the pioneers one by one. That night, after the wagons were circled in camping formation, a man who had been chosen as spokesman called for a vote to replace Will Holden as wagon master. After the voting, he spoke to the group. The voting shows that Carver is to replace Will Holden as wagon master. I hope there's no hard feeling.
Will Halden
Go ahead. Follow Carver from now on. As for me, I'm taking my wagon and leaving the train with any who want to go along. I'm still going to follow the Butterfield trail.
Narrator
Or leave. A following morning, Malone Ranger and his Indian companion Toto rode the Butterfield trail eastward toward Fort Phantom Hill.
Will Halden
It's not far to Fort now Kimasabi. Maybe two, three miles.
The Lone Ranger
That's right, Toto. We'll stop and see our friend Colonel Davis.
Will Halden
Look, Kimasabi wagons coming this way.
The Lone Ranger
Only three of them.
Will Halden
Then shoot.
Narrator
Maybe.
Will Halden
Think we outlaw?
The Lone Ranger
Oh, stop and wait, Tato. Don't draw your gun. If that's what you think.
Will Halden
Don't listen to him, Will. I've heard about the masked outlaws out this way, Will.
Terry Keller
Maybe he's telling the truth. Maybe they aren't outlaws. Of course he is wearing a mask.
Will Halden
Wait a minute, Fousey. I remember hearing about a mask when we lived out here before. He was said to ride a white stallion and carry silver bullets.
The Lone Ranger
My gun belt is filled with silver bullets.
Will Halden
What's your horse's name, mister?
The Lone Ranger
So, Lucy.
Will Halden
He's the one I heard about, Mister. You must be the Lone Ranger.
The Lone Ranger
That's right. Come on, boy.
Will Halden
Mighty glad to meet you. My name is Will Holden. This is my wife, Lucy. How do you do?
The Lone Ranger
How do you do, Mrs. Holden? This is Tottle.
Narrator
How.
Will Halden
How do you do, sir?
The Lone Ranger
I'm surprised that only three wagons made the trip west, Mr. Holden. You'd run into hostile Indian.
Will Halden
Oh, we had a big wagon train as far as Phantom Hill.
The Lone Ranger
What happened to the others?
Will Halden
Well, it's a long story, mister. But if you have a few minutes, I'll tell you all about it.
The Lone Ranger
Go right ahead.
Narrator
Briefly. Will hauled in tow the Lone Ranger and Tottle what had taken place. When he finished, the masked man spoke.
The Lone Ranger
The trail the others have taken isn't really shorter. It's far rougher. Also, there's more danger running into hostile Indians.
Terry Keller
Heaven, that sounds terrible. I wonder why Mr. Carver and Mr. Beauvais think it's the better and shorter route.
The Lone Ranger
That's what I wonder, Mrs. Holden. What type of men are they, Mr. Holden?
Will Halden
I'll answer that, mister. I figured to be a couple of no good polecarts. They pulled the wool over young Keller's eyes and got him to side with them against Will Halden. Now take it easy, Jake. Terry Keller has the right to his own opinion. No, he hasn't tried to put you in charge. He should have stuck by it. No telling what those three will lead the wagon train into on that other route.
The Lone Ranger
I suggest you turn back and wait at Fort Salom Hill for another wagon train coming west. I'll turn south and take a shortcut to the other trail. The sooner we locate the other wagons, the better. We'll get word to you later. Adios.
Narrator
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Will Halden
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Will Halden
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Narrator
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Will Halden
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Will Halden
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Narrator
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Liberty Mutual Spokesperson
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Narrator
Now to continue. The route the wagon train had taken branched off the Butterfield Trail east of Phantom Hill and ran southward for several miles. Then it swung west and ran parallel to the main trail. The Lone Ranger and Tonto took a shortcut and managed to reach the lower trail in time to see the wagon train approaching.
The Lone Ranger
There come the wagons, Tonto. They're still some distance away. So far, nothing has happened to them. We ride ahead along the trail and look for possible danger.
Will Halden
Get him on the Scout.
Narrator
The new trail ran through rolling country, and as the Lone Ranger and Toto Road, they noticed the fresh hoof marks of one horse. A short time later, as they topped a rise, they Saw a rider just disappearing over the low hill ahead. A few moments passed before they reached the top of the low hill and saw him turn from the trail into the woods. The masked man and Indian also left the trail and rode cautiously through the woods for some distance. Then they approached the edge of a low mesa. They stopped and dismounted.
The Lone Ranger
Mars go right to the edge of this mesa. Come on.
Narrator
A moment later, the two men saw that the Hoop Prince followed a steep, narrow path to a valley below in which there was an Indian camp. Using field glasses, they saw a white man talking to the Indian chief in sign language. TTO watched, then said he must have.
Will Halden
Yes. White palate chief about wagons. Him say they're many rifle guns, much ammunition.
The Lone Ranger
And he's from the wagon train now,
Will Halden
Chief Mech sign say Indian attack from behind.
Narrator
When wagons reach river tunnel, there will be a massacre.
The Lone Ranger
We must get help. You ride to Fort Phantom Hill. Will take those wagons several hours to reach the river. The troopers may have time to get here, huh?
Will Halden
May go now.
Narrator
Adios. After Toto left, the Lone Ranger mounted Silver and rode off to the trail. Then he headed eastward to meet and warn the pioneers. Meantime, Tato started back along the shortcut trail he had written about a mile when, rounding a bend, he saw a Comanche scouting party approaching quickly. He turned his horse around and started back. The Comanche saw him and urged their opponent to a gallop. Tahoe glanced back. Then, feeling sure he could outrun his pursuers, gave scout his head. But at that moment, more Indians rolled from the bordering woods ahead of him and barred his path. Realizing he was trapped, Tahoe pulled to a stop.
Will Halden
Be right in peace. Not want trouble with Comanche. No, not Comanche. What you do here? Braves say we take your chief Lightfoot. If you move, you'll die. Now take guns. Fire.
Narrator
Back on the trail and slowly moving west, Terry Keller rode at the head of a wagon train with Beauvais.
Will Halden
Where did Carver go? He has gone ahead to do some scouting. Terry. He should be back. I wish Holden had stayed with us. Even though he's no longer in charge, I still think. Look. A rider coming toward us. Man must be Carver returning. Oh, it cannot be. He doesn't ride a white horse.
Terry Keller
Check.
Will Halden
That rider is masked. He must be a highwayman or something. With a bullet.
Narrator
No.
Terry Keller
Wait.
Will Halden
We have 30 men to his warrant. He can't harm us. Better stop the wagon. Stop the wagon.
The Lone Ranger
Hold.
Will Halden
Over. Hold. Easy.
Narrator
Silly big fellow.
Will Halden
You are covered, miss. You do not reach for your guns.
The Lone Ranger
I come as a friend. Who's in charge? Here.
Will Halden
The new wagon master isn't here at the moment. What is it you want? I'm Terry Kelly.
The Lone Ranger
Well, Holland told me about you. I came to warn you of danger. The Comanches plan to attack.
Will Halden
Why should we listen to you, an outlaw? This is some trick, Terry.
Terry Keller
Do not pay any attention.
The Lone Ranger
I'm not an outlaw, and this isn't a trick.
Will Halden
Wait a minute. You mentioned Will Harden.
The Lone Ranger
Yes. I met him on the other trail earlier today. He told me all that took place.
Will Halden
Gary, we get the men to tie up this masked man. And we turn him over to the
Terry Keller
first sheriff we meet.
Will Halden
Just a minute. If you talk to Haulen, he must consider you a friend.
The Lone Ranger
Yes, he does. You must heed my warning. A heavyset man went to the Commandee camp a while ago and talked to the chief.
Will Halden
Heavyset man? He must be Carver. And you? I heard you call out. Come on. Silver.
The Lone Ranger
Yes, that's right. My horse's name, Silver.
Will Halden
My father told me of a masked man who rode a white stallion by that name. A man who carried two fancy guns and used silver bullets. Here's a silver bullet he gave Dad.
Terry Keller
I carry it.
Will Halden
Now.
The Lone Ranger
Here's one like it from my gun belt.
Will Halden
You must be the Lone Ranger.
The Lone Ranger
I am. Evidently, Carver is a traitor and plans to lead you into a trap. The attack with the Indians will take place at the river. River? Yes, it's about 10 miles from here.
Will Halden
So Carver would betray us, eh? And all the time I trusted him as a friend, almost as a partner. Then you knew nothing about all this, Beauvais? Of course not, but. But what are we to do?
The Lone Ranger
Turn back and head for Fort Phantom Hill? The Comanche camp is about two miles from here. Let's hope they don't find out the wagons have turned back.
Will Halden
All right. We'll do whatever you say, mister. I agree with you, Terry. Let us start them back at once. I ride back and tell the others. Dealer. Get it back. Turn it back. Turn around. Turn back.
Narrator
Bovet played his part so well that neither the Lone Ranger nor Terry suspected what he intended to do. The Frenchman rode toward the rear of the line of wagons and told each driver to turn back. After all the wagons had turned, he waited until they moved past him. After the last of them had gone by, Beauvais turned hurriedly and rode into the woods. Meanwhile, at the Comanche camp, Toto, tied hand in front foot, was a prisoner in one of the teepees. Realizing what would happen if the troopers weren't warned, he struggled for some time to loosen his hands. But without success.
Will Halden
No Use ropes to keep plenty tight. Keep saying my pale face, come back with other pale faces now. The chief gentleman warned the wagon train. The wagons are turned back. Oh, mill table mouth
Narrator
listened intently as the chief and the other command, she's discussed the situation. He understood their language and heard the chief say his braves would soon start in pursuit of the wagons and attack them on the open plain at dusk. Tato looked about him frantically for some way to get loose. At first it seemed hopeless. Then his eyes rested on a double edged tomahawk securely wedged into the center post of the teepee. He struggled to his feet, hopped to the post, then, turning his back, worked the rope on his wrists against the protruding sharp edge of the tomahawk.
Will Halden
I hope no one come in sleepy.
Narrator
The rope frayed strand by strand until finally it parted.
Will Halden
My hands free now. Next me on t feet.
Narrator
Just as he loosened the rope on his ankles, he saw the shadow of an approaching figure. Quickly he lay down and waited. Then the Indian who had captured him and taken his guns, entered.
Will Halden
Soon we take you out. Are you to post? Chiefs say you'll die for what you do.
Narrator
As the Indian moved close, Toto suddenly went into action. He reached up, grabbing the surprised Comanche and pulling him to the ground. The Indian went limp and Tato took back his own guns. Next he took the fallen savage's war bonnet to use as a partial disguise and placed it on his head. He used his hunting knife to cut an opening in the back of the wigwam. Making sure he wasn't unobserved, he quickly headed for a nearby grove and soon made his way to the horses where he found Scout. A moment later he mounted and discarding the war bonnet, hurriedly rode away. Later, the Lone Ranger rode at the rear end of the wagon train to watch for the Comanches in case they followed. Toward dusk, the wagon stopped and circled for the night. The circle had just been completed when the Indians, a hundred strong, appeared over a rise.
Will Halden
The Comanches are coming. Every man to his post.
Narrator
The Comanches began circling the wagons, using what guns they had and firing blazing arrows. The masked man was everywhere at once, advising, helping keep down.
The Lone Ranger
Make every shot count.
Will Halden
Watch out for those blazing arrows, mister. We haven't much chance.
The Lone Ranger
Don't give up, Terry. They haven't many guns.
Narrator
We must hold them out. For some time the battle raged. The Comanches rolled in an ever closing circle. Many of the pioneers had been wounded, and Terry Keller felt certain the end was near for them all.
Will Halden
No use, mister. We can't hold Up. This is my fault. I'd listen to Will Holl.
The Lone Ranger
There's no time to blame yourself, Terry.
Will Halden
I saw Bove and Carver at the edge of the grove with the Indian chief. They got us into this. Yes.
The Lone Ranger
I should have realized Beauvais was in with Carver on the plans.
Will Halden
They're too much for us, I tell you. A bugle. That means Cooper.
The Lone Ranger
Yes, I see them.
Narrator
Numbering almost 200, moved in from two sides. Their sudden appearance took the Comanches by surprise. And though the savages fought desperately, they were soon subdued. Those who could still ride tried to escape, but failed. The fight had come to an. In the battle, Carver, Beauvais and the chief were captured. Later, within the circle of wagons, Will Halden, who had come with the soldiers, spoke to the pioneers.
Will Halden
I understand you want me to take over as wagon master. Thank you. Cover and Beaufet were captured and are gone back to the fort as prisoners along with the Comanche chief. It serves him right. Thanks to the masked man and his Indian friend Tato, who came to the fort with the news, a massacre has been averted. I. I want to apologize for the way I acted. The masked man told me you fought mighty well, Terry. I reckon you won't be taken in so easily the next time. By traitors like Carver and Beauvais. That's right. I think we should give the masked man a vote of thanks right now. The Indian, too. Wait a minute. It's too late for that. They've already left with the troopers. Terry, dad sure will be surprised and happy to hear that I actually met the Lone Ranger. He's a true American and an hombre who believes always in the right. We're mighty lucky to have a friend like the Lone Ranger.
Narrator
We'll return in just a moment for a word about our next exciting Lone Ranger adventure. Railroad robberies.
Will Halden
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Liberty Mutual Advertiser
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Liberty Mutual Spokesperson
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Narrator
A man whom the Lone Ranger and Toto had hunted for murder successfully planned a trap for the masked man under unusual circumstances. This is a story packed with action and thrilling suspense. Be sure to listen. The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger, Incorporated, is created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Striker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer, your announcer, Fred Floyd. The Lone Ranger is brought to you by General Mills. Starting May 30, listen to the Lone Ranger every day, Monday through Friday on another network. This recorded program came to you from Detroit. This is ABC Radio Network.
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, 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 Like Copyright for more information, go to otrwesterns.com copyright right. Have a great day and thanks for listening.
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Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Airdate: September 18, 1953
Re-release Date: May 25, 2026
This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a lovingly restored broadcast of "The Short Route," a classic Lone Ranger radio adventure originally aired in 1953. The story follows a perilous decision faced by a pioneer wagon train as it journeys across the frontier: whether to stick to the established Butterfield Trail or risk a "short route"—one that may lead them straight into danger. Treachery, bravery, and quick-thinking abound as the Lone Ranger and Tonto work to foil a betrayal and save the unsuspecting settlers from a deadly trap.
Intro to the Wagon Train
Conflict Over the Route
Carver and Beauvais’ Scheme
The Split
Fateful Encounter
Action Plan
Scouting the Ambush
The Lone Ranger Confronts the Wagons
A Race Against Time
The Ambush
Timely Salvation
Aftermath
Tribute to the Lone Ranger
The episode maintains a classic Western heroism and suspenseful tone throughout. The Lone Ranger’s steady moral compass, Tonto’s resourcefulness, and the ultimate triumph over betrayal and adversity are showcased with stirring drama and earnest performances. The sound restoration breathes new vitality into the galloping hooves and battle scenes, enhancing engagement for today’s listeners.
If you enjoy vintage radio adventures, this restored episode is a vivid trip back to a golden era, complete with timeless lessons on courage, discernment, and the vital importance of trustworthy leadership.
For more restored Western episodes, visit otrwesterns.com.