The Storekeeper Stands Up | The Lone Ranger (03-17-41)

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: The Storekeeper Stands Up | The Lone Ranger (03-17-41)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: February 14, 2026

---

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a digitally restored broadcast of "The Storekeeper Stands Up" from the legendary Lone Ranger series (originally aired March 17, 1941). The story centers on Sam Birdwell, the only storekeeper in Rainbow Bend, who bravely refuses to submit to the area’s most powerful rancher, Dirk Kincaid, despite mounting threats and social pressure. Through a tale of courage, solidarity, and justice, the Lone Ranger and Tonto help Birdwell stand up to oppression and inspire an entire community to unite against wrongdoing.

---

Key Discussion Points & Story Segments

1. Setting the Scene: Tensions in Rainbow Bend

• [04:19] Sam Birdwell runs the only store for miles. Dirk Kincaid, a powerful and feared rancher, has never bought anything from Sam—until now.
• Kincaid and his foreman, Gonzalez, enter determined to intimidate Birdwell into compliance.

2. Birdwell's Stand Against Kincaid

• [05:01–07:41]
  • Kincaid tries to force Sam to slice bacon at gunpoint, threatening violence.
  • Birdwell refuses:

    "No, Kincaid, I ain't selling you nothing. Not a thing. I sell to most folks, but not to you. ... You're a poison sidewind and rattler."
    — Sam Birdwell [06:06]

  • The confrontation escalates until the Lone Ranger and Tonto intervene, diffusing the situation.

3. Kincaid's Retaliation and Community Pressure

• [08:03–10:19]
  • Kincaid orders his men to tell all the locals not to trade with Birdwell.
  • Friends begin avoiding the store, fearing Kincaid’s power.
  • Birdwell, feeling betrayed and isolated, is told by a customer:

    "Kincaid’s a tough army to rile. Sam. He’s one man, ain’t he? You and all the rest put together could stand up agin him."
    — Carney [10:49]

  • Sam laments:

    "What good's a law when nobody uses them? ... What good friends if they won't stand behind you?"
    — Sam Birdwell [12:58]

4. Birdwell Decides to Confront Kincaid

• [12:17–14:19]
  • Sam arms himself and rides out at night to face Kincaid, intending to settle the matter directly.
  • Deborah, his wife, is distraught, fearing for his life.

5. The Lone Ranger’s Intervention and a Plan

• [17:08–20:15]
  • The Lone Ranger stops Sam from confronting Kincaid, saving him from a certain ambush.
  • As Sam despairs over his isolation, the Lone Ranger observes:

    "Sometimes it isn't until someone is gone that his friends realize they should have helped."
    — The Lone Ranger [19:47]

  • The Lone Ranger details his plan: Birdwell is to remain hidden while Deborah and Tonto inform their friends that Sam went to confront Kincaid and hasn't returned.

6. Communal Guilt and Awakening

• [22:29–23:12]
  • Deborah and Tonto spread word of Sam's disappearance across the prairie, prompting the townsfolk to reflect on their inaction.
  • Birdwell's friends are “plumb ashamed of themselves," realizing the price of their fear.

7. Kincaid’s Final Move and the Community’s Stand

• [24:49–27:07]
  • Kincaid and Gonzalez attempt an attack on Birdwell, only to be outsmarted by the Lone Ranger’s decoys and surrounded by Birdwell’s now-galvanized supporters.
  • The townsfolk finally stand together. Carney admits:

    "It weren't until we thought you was dead that we realized we let ourselves be bulldozed by a polecat. We should have stood up against Kincaid right from the first."
    — Carney [27:23]

8. Resolution and Call to Courage

• [27:34–28:07]
  • The Lone Ranger addresses the crowd:

    "Sam Birdwell did what every one of you wanted to do. He stood up against oppression and wrong. ... But from now on, I've got a feeling that you'll act like true Americans. Remember to stick together all the way. To fight oppression in wrong, no matter where you find it."
    — The Lone Ranger [27:36]

  • Kincaid and Gonzalez are taken into custody.
  • Sam is welcomed back by friends and business returns to the store.

---

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Sam’s Integrity:

  "You're an ornery, scheming crook. ... You rustle cattle, you steal horses. You're a poison sidewind and rattler. ... Other folks do what you order, but not me."
  — Sam Birdwell [06:06]

• On Community Complicity:

  "What good are friends when they don't stand by you? There ain't one of them dares to come into my store."
  — Sam Birdwell [19:32]

• Lone Ranger’s Wisdom:

  "Sometimes it isn't until someone is gone that his friends realize they should have helped."
  — Lone Ranger [19:47]

• The Moment of Solidarity:

  "It weren't until we thought you was dead that we realized we let ourselves be bulldozed by a polecat."
  — Carney [27:23]

• Final Rallying Cry:

  "Remember to stick together all the way. To fight oppression in wrong, no matter where you find it."
  — Lone Ranger [27:41]

---

Key Timestamps

• [04:19] – Introduction to Sam Birdwell’s store and Kincaid's arrival
• [06:06] – Birdwell refuses to submit to Kincaid
• [12:58] – Birdwell questions the power of law and friendship
• [14:19] – Sam leaves to confront Kincaid
• [19:47] – The Lone Ranger comments on delayed community action
• [23:01] – Deborah spreads the word to friends
• [27:23] – Townsfolk recognize their fault and unite
• [27:41] – Lone Ranger’s closing message to the community

---

Tone & Takeaways

True to classic western sensibility, the episode is populated with stoic bravery, moral clarity, and the evocative soundscape of the Old West. The Lone Ranger’s calm, authoritative presence provides a beacon for justice and unity. Birdwell’s plight and the eventual awakening of his friends underscore a timeless lesson: standing up to injustice often requires both personal courage and communal solidarity.

This episode delivers an uplifting, action-packed story with resonant themes—brought vividly to life by digital restoration and authentic voice acting.

---

Transcript

[Rebel.com Advertiser]

Did you know you can save up to 70% on the best brands just by shopping at from rebel.com we're talking about strollers, car seats, high chairs, espresso machines, cookware. Everything you need for way less. Here's how it works. Every single day, REBBL drops thousands of new products on the site for up to 70% off. It is a constant stream of endless deals from top brands like Uppababy, Nuna, Baby bjorn, Breville, Nespresso, KitchenAid, Le Creuset and more. But you have to act fast because every deal is one of a kind. So if you see something you love, make sure you add to cart fast. So stop paying full price when you don't have to. Whether it's baby gear, kitchen upgrades or a treasure for your home you didn't know you needed, Rebel has it for way less. Up to 70% less. Shop from rebel.com and save big.

[Narrator]

Does your dessert game need a makeover? Scoop it or swirl it. That's the sound of an ice cream shop on your countertop. Ninja Creami turns almost anything into flawless ice cream. Sweet, indulgent or macro friendly treat. Repeat. Get your Ninja Creami today.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio 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.

[Sam Birdwell]

By Hawaii. A fiery horse with a speed of light. A cloud of dust to the hearty hi Silver the Lone Ring.

[Rebel.com Advertiser]

Did you know you can save up to 70% on the best brands just by shopping at from rebel.com we're talking about strollers, car seats, high chairs, espresso machines, cookware. Everything you need for way less. Here's how it works. Every single day, Rebel drops thousands of new products on the site for up to 70% off. It is a constant stream of endless deals from top brands like Uppababy, Nuna, Baby bjorn, Breville, Nespresso, KitchenAid, Le Creuset and more. But you have to act fast because every deal is one of a kind. So if you see something you love, make sure you add to cart fast. So stop paying full price when you don't have to. Whether it's baby gear, kitchen upgrades or a treasure for your home you didn't know you needed, Rebel has it for way less. Up to 70% less. Shop from rebel.com and save big.

[Narrator]

Whenever men gathered around the campfire. In the early days of the western United States, stories were told of the masked rider of the plains. And these stories have come down to us through the generations.

[Sam Birdwell]

Their strength and courage were always on the side of right against mighty.

[Narrator]

His daring and resourcefulness brought law and.

[Sam Birdwell]

Order to the lawless frontier.

[Narrator]

And blazed the trail for the winning of the West. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the.

[Sam Birdwell]

Thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Narrator]

Sam Birdwell ran the only store in Rainbow Bend. It was the only store in over 400 square miles of rangeland. Every settler and rancher bought supplies there. With one exception. Sam Birdwell had never sold any groceries or supplies to Dirk Kincaid. The man who owned the biggest spread in the section. But one day.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Look who's coming into the store.

[Sam Birdwell]

Yeah, I seen him tie up to the hitching rail.

[Deborah Birdwell]

It's Kincaid, Kincaid and his foreman, Gonzalez.

[Sam Birdwell]

You better get him back, Deborah. They're coming in.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Remember, Sam, he's the biggest rancher around these parts. If he wants anything, you sell him.

[Sam Birdwell]

You're getting back Dirk Kincaid himself coming to my store.

[Narrator]

Howdy.

[Sam Birdwell]

Howdy. Good will, my baby. I. I know your name. Kincaid. My foreman here, Gonzalez, dropped around yesterday to buy some grubbing supplies. He didn't get them. Well, I got other customers. Yeah, My Lazy K ranch is in need of some grub, Sevy. Reckon you can sell them? Well, I'm sort out of a lot of food. A long trip to Los Angeles to get more. Yeah, that's what I'm figuring so far. I've been doing my buying of Los Santos. But like you say, it's a long travel. So I'm buying and you're selling. If I got what you want. You're bacon, ain't you, Fletcher? Bacon hanging. Yandy. Hustle it down and put it on this here counter. All right, Birdwell, here's your knife. Slice it big enough for me. Slice it? You heard me, Burtwell. I would have sliced, but the cook on your spread, he can do that. I am handy with a knife. Very handy.

[Narrator]

You want I slice this?

[Sam Birdwell]

Yes, sir. Ellis, you're always itching to use your knife. Put it away. I'm asking, Birdwell. Take up that knife, Birdwell. And be sure you slice it thin, the way I like it. And just in case, here's my six shooter resting right on the counter stud. How's that? Finne Fenener at Calais. All right, all right. No, by gravy, I won't do it very well. Pick up that knife. No, Kincaid, I ain't selling you nothing. Not a thing. I sell to most folks, but not to you. Pick up that knife and start slicing. No. You're an ornery, scheming crook. You own the biggest spread this side of the high sears. But you rustle cattle, you steal horses. You're a poison sidewind and rattler. Maybe other folks do what you order, but not me. Now get out. A man could talk to me like that. If you get a gun into that, try to reach for it, I'm gonna blast it. But then somebody get out of here and mind your own business. Savvy? You put gun back right away, Hondo. All right, go on your head and do it like you say. Good for you. Me come in store, huh? Yeah, ain't you? Only I look out, look out. Gonzalez has a knife.

[Narrator]

The next time I draw my gun.

[Sam Birdwell]

The bullet may not hit your knife. Fastest draw I ever seen, mister. You saved the engine for sure. Oh, you're huffing up with that lossy Birdwell sound of one.

[Narrator]

I never saw Birdwell before and he never saw us. We came here for supplies, but we heard enough outside. Kincaid, are those your horses at the hitching rail?

[Sam Birdwell]

Suppose they are.

[Narrator]

The door's still open. You and your foreman can make tracks right now.

[Sam Birdwell]

Looky here, mister.

[Narrator]

You heard me. On your way.

[Sam Birdwell]

Come on Godzilla's and go on. What I said still goes, but. Well, you won't sell. The grub was applied to the Lazy K, eh? Well, you're staking up trouble for yourself. A heap of trouble. It won't be long in coming. Adios. I reckon I'm a plumage yet. Mr. Kincaid sure means what he says. Now I've got you in trouble too.

[Narrator]

Tahlo and I are used to trouble, Birdwell. We were glad to help.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Same, same. Are you all right?

[Sam Birdwell]

Sure, Deborah. Sure.

[Deborah Birdwell]

I was out and back taking a walk. I was so nervous I couldn't stay in the back room. Then I heard that shot. What did Kincaid try to do?

[Sam Birdwell]

He tried to do a plenty. Deborah.

[Deborah Birdwell]

You sure you ain't hurt?

[Sam Birdwell]

I said he tried. Only the masked man and the engine stopped him cold.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Masked man and engine? Who you talking about?

[Sam Birdwell]

These two gents right here. Well, I'll be hog tied. They've gone. I don't even know their names. I'd sure like to have them on my side. Kincaid wasn't fooling when he said there'd be trouble. I'll fill the. Things that almost got back to the lazy K Ranch all the way from town. You say nothing. I've been figuring out what to do. Gonzalez. They got it all set. Now. As soon as we get to the ranch house, get some of the boys. Savvy? Yeah. They're riding to every spread around here. At every rancher and settler and townsman. Every single solo buys from Birdwell. They're buying from him. No more. Birdwell don't sell to me. He don't sell to nobody. Hey, you're a rich man. I got message from Senor K. They say nobody trade with word. Well, huh? Nobody. Sorry. You stop trade with Birdwell, Planto, Richmond or King K. They don't like it much better. You do like King can tell you, eh? Remember, Mercy, I'm in a hurry. There'll be no more trading at Birdwell. I've given the orders. Don't trade the Birdwells, that's all. Nobody's going that store. Not me. Not me. Birdwell won't sell to me. He won't sell to nobody. Sure, kid, sure. Whatever you say. You're a top man around these parts. You say so. I stopped buying from Birdwell right this minute. There's Carney. Carney. Hey, Carney, reign up a second, will you?

[Narrator]

How's your Birdwell?

[Sam Birdwell]

Birdwell? You get mighty offish all of a sudden. You always used to call me Sam. Well, I. Why don't you drop in the store for a minute? Can't I? That is, I'm in all fired hurry. I didn't notice that your horse was just ambling along. Well, I am. Say, need a new vest, Connie. I just got in to supply the fanciest you ever seed. Real antelope and stitched with red beads from back east? Nope. Don't need nothing. Besides, I gotta get going. Connie. What's ailing everybody? Well, let go of that rain, will ya? Carney, I'm asking you. What's wrong? Why ain't nobody been in my store? Why ain't you been in? You ought to know why, Sam, I. I've been told it'd be healthy or not. You mean Kincaid, don't you? I'd rather not mention any names. Don't have to. I suspicioned it. But I thought you fellas had more gumption. Kincaid's a tough army to rile. Sam. He's one man, ain't he? You and all the rest put together could stand up agin him. Connie, you know what kind of skunk he is. I gotta travel. I did what any man with backbone'd do. I count on you fellas to keep tradin with me. They go the rain saying. Nobody knows better than you that Kincaid's a coyote. He handles his guns too good for argument. Let go of the rain, Sand. Carly. Carly. It ain't no use yelling. Kincaid's got him scared to a frazzle. Every last one of them. I got to do something. I got to. That does for one gun. Now the other. So.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Who's that? How you going?

[Sam Birdwell]

You get back to bed, Deborah.

[Deborah Birdwell]

It's the middle of the night. Sam, what on earth you. You're wearing guns.

[Sam Birdwell]

I got a little business to attend.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Her and your horse all saddled and ready. Sam, what's on your mind? Where you going?

[Sam Birdwell]

I'll be back right soon.

[Deborah Birdwell]

No, no, wait. Let me see your face. You're trying not to look at me.

[Sam Birdwell]

Deborah. Where I'm heading for ain't a woman's business.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Kincaid. You're going after Kincaid? Answer me. Sam. You're going to shoot it out with Kincaid?

[Sam Birdwell]

A man's got a right to protect his business.

[Deborah Birdwell]

If man he'll kill you, he's a dead shot.

[Sam Birdwell]

I'll take my chances.

[Deborah Birdwell]

It's better than starving because nobody trades at our store. You can't go gunning.

[Sam Birdwell]

Kincaid's an ornery snake. He thinks he can run this section. He thinks he can ruin me because I prefer to do business with good people.

[Deborah Birdwell]

But you can't. This is a law gang gun fighting law.

[Sam Birdwell]

What good laws when nobody uses them? And friends too. I thought I had plenty. But what good friends if they won't stand behind you?

[Deborah Birdwell]

You can't blame them for knuckling on it, Cage.

[Sam Birdwell]

I ain't blaming them, Deborah. But I'm settling this. I gotta.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Sam.

[Sam Birdwell]

No. No.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Come back.

[Sam Birdwell]

Let's go with me. My mind's made up. Sam.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Sam. Your clan.

[Sam Birdwell]

I'm calling him out, Deborah.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Tonight.

[Sam Birdwell]

Soon as I get to his ranch. Give me a kiss for luck.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Sam.

[Sam Birdwell]

Deborah. Get up, boss. Get up, Sam. Did you see that? Ah. In clear and moonlight.

[Narrator]

Looked like Birdwell pushing his horse bloody hard.

[Sam Birdwell]

That's right. Come along. We go to storm.

[Narrator]

Yes, I noticed the lights of the window in the back. You see it? Did you see that? How the door just closed. It was a woman. You see her in the lamp light? That Birdwell's wife?

[Sam Birdwell]

Huh?

[Narrator]

It must have been. Come on.

[Sam Birdwell]

Tata. Hello.

[Narrator]

Hello in there.

[Sam Birdwell]

Listen. Woman crying, huh?

[Narrator]

Yes. We're going in. Tata. Mrs. Birdwell.

[Deborah Birdwell]

A masked man. That agent with you. Move one step closer. Now pull his trigger.

[Narrator]

Sato and I are your husband's friends.

[Sam Birdwell]

Oh, we help a nice man here.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Sam did say something about us. You helped him before, but you can't.

[Narrator]

We saw your husband making tracks. Where's he going?

[Deborah Birdwell]

I tried to stop him. Kincaid will kill him.

[Narrator]

Kincaid? Is that where he's heading?

[Deborah Birdwell]

Sam was going plum loco seeing how Kincaid made everybody stop trading here. Sam took his guns. He's going to call Kincaid out.

[Narrator]

Gotta look after Mrs. Birdwell. Help me do it, Mash man.

[Sam Birdwell]

Where you going?

[Narrator]

I'm going after your husband here, Silver.

[Deborah Birdwell]

You mean it, Mash man? You go after him.

[Sam Birdwell]

Come on, Silver. Come on him.

[Narrator]

Go after him.

[Deborah Birdwell]

He's got to get there in time.

[Sam Birdwell]

He's got to let him go plenty fast. I don't kill my. House. Sure, you listen. Come on, King K. Come on out and bring your guns. I ain't a call yet. Well, I'll be it. That dumb rabbit means it. He aims to fight a gun duel with me. Give me that gun belt, proto. Yes, anyor you fix him good, eh, silly? Say, I can outshoot Birdwell from here to breakfast. When I get through out there, he'll be face down in the dust, ready for a gravestone. Come.

[Narrator]

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

[Sam Birdwell]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. Moonlight silvered the prairie. Sam Birdwell, the storekeeper, stood outside Dirk Kincaid's ranch house, challenging him to a gunfight. Birdwell was determined to end once and for all Kincaid's attempt to ruin his business.

[Sam Birdwell]

Come on out, Kincaid. Come out or I'll come in and drag you out. Who's that?

[Narrator]

It's Gonzalez Bothwell.

[Sam Birdwell]

I come to tell you, Kincaid, he'll.

[Narrator]

Be out very soon.

[Sam Birdwell]

Oh, you better.

[Narrator]

What is wrong? You scared, eh?

[Sam Birdwell]

Maybe I am. I ain't much of a hand for gun fighting, but I'm going through with it.

[Narrator]

You end up six feet under.

[Sam Birdwell]

Yeah, so be it then. I'll get away. Yonry knife. Sure, sure.

[Narrator]

I leave you by yourself now.

[Sam Birdwell]

That's you, Kincaid. Well, great Birdwell. Come out in the moonlight where I can see you. So you come gunning for the eight. Bird will. Come out where I can see your fare. I could let you have it right from here. Yeah, I reckon you could. I reckon that's the way you like to fight too. I ain't told you the gun for years, but I still got nerve enough to use him. Now come on out. It's you or me, Kincaid. Come out. He can't get him Back.

[Narrator]

Come on, Burnwell. You're coming with me.

[Sam Birdwell]

Let go of me mask fan. Set me down. You're staying on this coast and you're away from it. Talk on you, Mr. David. We'll talk later. Come on, Silver. Faster, boy. I'll away.

[Narrator]

Well, this is fine up we'll solve here, Bird Will.

[Sam Birdwell]

Ain't no good stopping me, master man. I'll go back there as soon as I can. I gotta face out Kincaid once and for all.

[Narrator]

If I hadn't come along, you'd have been killed.

[Sam Birdwell]

It would have been a fair fight.

[Narrator]

It would not. I saw the flash of Kincaid's guns as I rode up. He had them drawn. He was ready to shoot. You mean he went from the force before you could see him. He had no intentions of giving you the slightest chance.

[Sam Birdwell]

Why, that low down pole cat. I ought to.

[Narrator]

Besides, Birdwell, he wouldn't stand a chance against a gunfighter like Kim Cade. Even face to face with an equal draw.

[Sam Birdwell]

Yeah, I knew that. Thunderation. Mister. A man's got his pride. Kincaid's ruined me and I can't take it lying down.

[Narrator]

You still have your friends. Friends?

[Sam Birdwell]

What good are friends when they don't stand by you? There ain't one of them dares to come into my store.

[Narrator]

I'm not so sure of that, Birdwell.

[Sam Birdwell]

It's true. Not one of them dared stand up against Kincaid's orders.

[Narrator]

Sometimes it takes people a long time to act.

[Sam Birdwell]

Yeah. Too long, mask man. Too long.

[Narrator]

Sometimes it isn't until someone is gone that his friends realize they should have have helped.

[Sam Birdwell]

Man, the way you said that like. Like you had some kind of plan up your sleeve.

[Narrator]

Would you be willing to do as I tell you?

[Sam Birdwell]

Mister, you saved me twice. I reckon I'll do anything you say.

[Narrator]

All right. I'm riding back to Rainbow Bend. But you'll stay here. What?

[Sam Birdwell]

Well, I. I don't savvy.

[Narrator]

You will, Birdwell. Now listen.

[Sam Birdwell]

Engine.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Engine.

[Sam Birdwell]

Is that that friend? That's Silver.

[Narrator]

I got there in time. Kimasabi.

[Sam Birdwell]

Mister.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Mister. Where's my husband? Where's Sam? His horse come back, but the saddle was empty.

[Narrator]

Your husband is unharmed, Mrs. Birdwell. I left him up in the hills for the time being.

[Deborah Birdwell]

What?

[Narrator]

Kincaid was going to shoot him without giving your husband a chance to reach his guns. He could have done, Mister.

[Deborah Birdwell]

If Sam ain't hurt, why didn't he come back here?

[Narrator]

I have a plan to help him. That's part of the plan.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Mister.

[Sam Birdwell]

You.

[Deborah Birdwell]

You ain't lying to me, Sammy.

[Sam Birdwell]

Friend.

[Narrator]

Always tell truth. Your husband isn't even scratched, Mrs. Birdwell. You've got to believe that.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Mister, I reckon I do believe it.

[Narrator]

Fine.

[Deborah Birdwell]

There's something about you that makes me trust you. You say you got a plan to help Sam.

[Narrator]

By refusing to sell to Kincaid, your husband has lost all of his trade, hasn't he?

[Deborah Birdwell]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Yet everyone is friendly with him.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Oh, everybody. If it weren't for Kincaid's orders, they'd still be buying.

[Narrator]

Very well, Mrs. Birdwell. I want you to hitch up your wagon. I want you to make the rounds of all your friends. The ones who are afraid to stand up against Kincaid. I want you to tell them your husband went to call on Kincaid and he didn't come back.

[Deborah Birdwell]

But, mister, if I say that, they'll think Sam's been done for.

[Narrator]

Yes, they will. They'll jump to that conclusion.

[Deborah Birdwell]

But it'll take Nyah, two days to get to all of them. They're all spread out.

[Narrator]

Then take two days. Tyler can go with you.

[Deborah Birdwell]

What about you, mask man?

[Narrator]

You coming along with this, mask? No, I'll stay here. I have some work to do.

[Sam Birdwell]

You.

[Narrator]

You call on everyone you can?

[Deborah Birdwell]

Yes, mask man. Yes. And? And I'll tell him just what you told me to say.

[Sam Birdwell]

But, mask man, I've been setting up here nigh only two days now. I ought to be down in my store.

[Narrator]

Why? You have no business to attend to. Well, maybe I ain't. You promised you'd stay here till I told you to leave. You got to keep that promise.

[Sam Birdwell]

All right, all right, I will.

[Narrator]

But.

[Sam Birdwell]

Hey. Hey, mister, where you going?

[Narrator]

Here, Silver.

[Sam Birdwell]

Mister, where you going this time? Look out there.

[Narrator]

Across the slope toward Rainbow Bend.

[Sam Birdwell]

My eyes ain't as good as yours, mister.

[Narrator]

It's a wagon. Your wife's coming back. Well, I'm sure no bird will. It's getting dark. I can go down there and meet them. But you stay here. Come on, Silver.

[Deborah Birdwell]

It's the masked man injured.

[Sam Birdwell]

Rena.

[Narrator]

Ah, good friend. Give us hurry, Ty.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Well, masked man, we've done it. Me and Tonto must have covered 970 miles. But we told them all they're coming.

[Narrator]

Into Rainbow Ben in the morning.

[Deborah Birdwell]

It's just like you figured, mister. They all jumped to the conclusion that Sam was done for. I sure had a hard time not letting them know Sam was alive and well. He is, Andy.

[Narrator]

He's fine. How did they take the news?

[Deborah Birdwell]

Ask the engine. They was plumb ashamed of themselves.

[Narrator]

That's right. You Must be tired, Mrs. Birdwell.

[Deborah Birdwell]

I'd like to see Sam.

[Narrator]

You'll see him. In the morning, I look up there into the twilight. You see that fire winking on the hill?

[Deborah Birdwell]

Is that where Sam is?

[Narrator]

That's the camp. You sure those friends will be here?

[Deborah Birdwell]

Positive, mister.

[Narrator]

Good. I brought scout for you, Tyler. Time for us to make tracks. Me come now, you go home and get some sleep as it's Birdwell. And in the morning, you lead all of Sam's friends up on that hill. Understand?

[Deborah Birdwell]

I sure will, mister.

[Sam Birdwell]

Good night.

[Narrator]

Good night. What we do now, Kim? Sammy. I've been watching Kincaid's ranch every night. Hunter Kincaid's been on the lookout for Birdwell, huh? What's more, Kincaid believes I'm with Birdwell. He thinks the two of us are dangerous and we interfere with his rule of the district. Oh, Tanto's happy now. So far, I've made sure King K's men didn't see me. But this time I'm making sure sure they do. Come on, T. Get him up. Scout, come on the trail. Meet a little knife. Always be watched for a long time. Maybe, kid, you were wrong about this. M. Maybe the MAs and B will even move it. What?

[Sam Birdwell]

He's.

[Narrator]

No sign of Kincaid up here. T all sleep, it might just as well get back to Birdwell. We do that. Where Birdwell now? On the hill south of town. Heather, we go sleep, huh? We've been up most of the night. Kimasabi. Yes. We'll head back for camp.

[Sam Birdwell]

Sure time for me to tell Kinky. He's not. He'll be waiting for. It's getting lighter. Mask man see him yet?

[Narrator]

We were close enough to Gonzales last night so he could hear Tuttle and me talking. Very well. I'm sure Kincaid has been told.

[Sam Birdwell]

Huh?

[Narrator]

What is it, T?

[Sam Birdwell]

Look there. Off that way.

[Narrator]

Two riders crossing the ridge.

[Sam Birdwell]

I can't make him out at all.

[Narrator]

It's Kincaid and Gonzales. It must be. They'll be here in about an hour. Isn't that right? There's no doubt what they plan to do.

[Sam Birdwell]

Dry goat?

[Narrator]

Yeah, what else? All right, Sato, on your way here. Scout, head down into Rainbow bend. Get to Mrs. Birdwell and make sure she comes up here proudly.

[Sam Birdwell]

Me, Sammy.

[Narrator]

She'll make certain those friends come along, too.

[Andrew Rines]

Hurry.

[Narrator]

Tado.

[Sam Birdwell]

Me tell them in em ups down.

[Narrator]

Very well. You know what our plan is?

[Sam Birdwell]

Yeah. Last man. If their mammaries want to surprise this campfire, then.

[Narrator]

Then that's just what we'll let them do. It shouldn't take them long. Hit your horse, Gonzalez.

[Sam Birdwell]

The campfire's right ahead. Yeah. The smokes. He's really his way.

[Narrator]

Can't hear the sound. Reckon this would be like shooting at a target.

[Sam Birdwell]

Senor, what is that?

[Narrator]

Sounds like horses.

[Sam Birdwell]

Gonzalez, spread this mosquito part. Look at it. Well, senor, it is the Indian. They bring the woman, Mrs. Fortwell and all the people. They're coming this way. Look. Yeah. Senior, maybe we better go, eh?

[Narrator]

You're doing.

[Sam Birdwell]

We still got time. Follow me. Look, the others at camp.

[Narrator]

Stop. Cast your eyes that, Gonzalez. Two of them wrapped up in blankets. Not more than 50 yards down from.

[Sam Birdwell]

Us there is a white hut. That more bit than my stone bracelet.

[Narrator]

Okay? Yeah.

[Sam Birdwell]

The other's Birdwell. Can't see his face, but he's got that spotted vest as a side behind blanket. Which one? I shoot, you take Bird.

[Narrator]

Well, now get the mas man.

[Sam Birdwell]

We start shooting. Those below, they come fast. No, let them.

[Narrator]

We still have time to get to our horses and get away.

[Sam Birdwell]

All ready. I take B. Will.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Sam Birdwell]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

All right. Cancel it.

[Sam Birdwell]

Now, what's more, that is fine, eh? They do not even store d and mackerel. Both of them. Now, come on, we got to make tracks. Faster, King. Come on. The horse is right past this clip. What's up?

[Narrator]

What?

[Sam Birdwell]

Brace is a mish man. Drop those guns.

[Narrator]

Move.

[Sam Birdwell]

And bwell. It is impossible. They are both dead. Close your knowers at your cold cat.

[Narrator]

And drop those bullets into logs under the blankets. Kincaid. Now drop those guns.

[Sam Birdwell]

Now find another gun on us.

[Narrator]

Give up.

[Sam Birdwell]

Knock the guns clean into the bushes. And look, man, here comes Deborah and all the rest of them. I ain't even scratch, Deborah. Howdy, Carney. Howdy, Masters. Howdy. Howdy. One of you gents keep your eye on these two ory skunks.

[Narrator]

I got them, Carney.

[Sam Birdwell]

Sam, I reckon we owe you an apology. It weren't until we thought you was dead that we realized we let ourselves be bulldozed by a polecat. We should have stood up against Kincaid right from the first.

[Narrator]

Just a minute. Hold on a minute.

[Sam Birdwell]

It's a masked man. Quiet, you fellas, quiet.

[Narrator]

Sal and I are going. But first I'd like to say a word to you men. Sam Birdwell did what every one of you wanted to do. He stood up against oppression and wrong.

[Deborah Birdwell]

He sure did.

[Narrator]

Yet each of you was a little too lazy. Yes, and a little bit afraid to back him up until you realize what might have happened to Sam.

[Sam Birdwell]

Yeah, we thought he was dead.

[Narrator]

Yes, Kenny. But from now on, I've got a feeling that you'll act like true Americans. Remember to stick together all the way. The fight oppression in Rome. No matter where you find it, mister, these poor cats are on their way to the calaboose. Adios to all of you.

[Sam Birdwell]

Come on, Kim Savage There you go, Sam.

[Deborah Birdwell]

Ma and a ginger. I just wonder where we'd be if he didn't come along to help folks out.

[Sam Birdwell]

Oh, Deborah, we won't think about that. Now. For a gent that's supposed to have been dead, I'm full of ginger. How about it, gents? Is my store open for business again or ain't it? Sam.

[Andrew Rines]

Back in the Old west, folks didn't run to the pharmacy every time trouble hit. They relied on the know how and natural remedies. Kind of like how Tonto always seems to have a special mixture ready for whatever came next. If you want to learn how to do that today, check out the Beginner's Guide to Herbal Remedies, Easy steps for teas, tinctures and salves. Even if you've never tried herbs before, visit otrwesterns.com herbs to learn more again. Otrwesterns.com herbs.

[Sam Birdwell]

Sam.

[Narrator]

The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.

[Sam Birdwell]

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 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 Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Sam Birdwell]

Sam.