The Strange Fugitive | The Lone Ranger (12-12-52)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Strange Fugitive | The Lone Ranger

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: 1952-12-12
Podcast Release: January 6, 2026
Restoration: Digitally enhanced for clarity and richness

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Lone Ranger centers on mystery and redemption in the Old West. The Lone Ranger, Tonto, and Dan Reed become suspicious of a new stranger in Rockville, who may be linked to a murder back East. As an epidemic threatens a nearby town, the trio must uncover the truth while delivering justice and hope. The episode emphasizes themes of justice, duty, compassion, and the dangers of prejudice.

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Key Discussion Points & Storyline Breakdown

1. Arrival of a Mysterious Stranger (03:56–07:30)

• Dan Reed meets a reserved man with a black bag on the train to Rockville, suspecting he is a doctor. The stranger brusquely denies it, claiming he’s a medical instrument salesman.
• Quote:
  "A salesman of medical instruments would never make a living here in the Far West, Dan... I'm sure that Dan's traveling companion is here for some other purpose."
  — The Lone Ranger (06:54–07:28)

2. Suspicion Grows in Town (08:01–09:48)

• Mrs. Jackson, the boarding house owner, describes the newcomer (Bob Thorne) as strange—he never leaves his room and pays in advance for everything, including private meals.
• Quote:
  "Outside of the time he came to ask for a room, I really haven't set eyes on him. ... It's very strange."
  — Mrs. Jackson (09:18–09:37)

3. The Handbill and an Unwelcome Connection (10:34–11:28)

• The Lone Ranger discovers an old wanted poster matching the stranger’s description: Dr. Thornton Roberts, wanted for murder in St. Louis.
• Quote:
  "He could have grown a short beard and whiskers in that time. Also, there's a similarity in the names. Thornton Roberts, Bob Thorne."
  — The Lone Ranger (11:06–11:18)

4. News of an Epidemic (12:07–13:15)

• A rider brings urgent news: an epidemic (later revealed as diphtheria) is decimating the town of Milton. Dr. Cushing, Rockville’s only doctor, leaves to assist, further straining resources.

5. Investigating Thorne/Roberts (17:42–19:36)

• The Lone Ranger confronts Bob Thorne and confirms he is Dr. Roberts. Revealed in dialogue:
• Quote:
  "So I'll admit I'm Dr. Roberts. But I didn't commit murder. I shot in self defense, and they don't believe it."
  — Dr. Roberts/Thorne (18:19–18:36)
• The Lone Ranger urges him to help with the Milton epidemic in keeping with the physician's oath.

6. Choosing Duty Over Self-Preservation (19:03–20:14)

• After internal struggle, Dr. Roberts overcomes his fear of arrest, meets the Lone Ranger and Tonto, and rides to Milton to help.
• Quote:
  "You realize I'm practically riding to the gallows."
  — Dr. Roberts/Thorne (20:11–20:14)
• Lone Ranger:
  "I admire your great courage. All right, let's go."
  (20:14)

7. Milton's Crisis and Dr. Roberts’s Heroism (20:33–26:39)

• Dr. Cushing collapses sick; Dr. Roberts steps in, working tirelessly with Mrs. Jackson’s aid, containing the epidemic.
• The townsfolk, grateful and relieved, offer Dr. Roberts a permanent position as their doctor.

8. Resolution and Redemption (26:39–28:12)

• Word arrives: the telegraph message from St. Louis confirms Dr. Roberts’s innocence—he was exonerated after the wanted notice was issued.
• Quote:
  "That telegram says you're not wanted there at all. You were exonerated by witnesses after that handbill was sent out."
  — Sheriff (27:04–27:09)
• The Lone Ranger commends Dr. Roberts for his courage and adherence to his medical oath.
• Quote:
  "When I faced you in your room and reminded you of your doctor's oath, I felt that if you were really guilty of murder, the oath would mean nothing to you."
  — Lone Ranger (27:13–27:22)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Duty vs. Self-Preservation:
  "You took an oath to help mankind, Doctor, regardless of the outcome to you. Don't you think you should keep that oath and go offer your services?"
  — Lone Ranger (18:48–18:55)

• On Prejudice and Justice:
  "I knew you couldn't have committed deliberate murder. You lived up to your oath, though it might have meant you'd be facing a murder charge."
  — Lone Ranger (27:29–27:38)

• On Redemption:
  "If it hadn't been for him, I might have been a fugitive from justice the rest of my life. I'll never forget the Lone Ranger."
  — Dr. Roberts (28:12–28:25)

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Important Timestamps

• 03:56–05:14: Dan meets “Bob Thorne” on train, seeds of suspicion planted
• 10:34–11:28: Discovery of the wanted handbill for Dr. Thornton Roberts
• 12:17–13:49: Milton’s epidemic is announced, Dr. Cushing summoned
• 17:42–19:36: The Lone Ranger confronts Bob Thorne/Dr. Roberts—truth revealed
• 20:33–21:47: Dr. Cushing falls ill; Dr. Roberts commits to help Milton
• 25:24–26:39: The epidemic is abating; town offers Dr. Roberts a home
• 26:39–28:12: St. Louis telegraph: Dr. Roberts is innocent; full redemption

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Episode Tone & Style

True to its roots, the episode delivers suspense, drama, and heroism in the classic Lone Ranger style. The dialogue is earnest and direct, often didactic but compassionate, emphasizing trust in justice and the higher calling of duty.

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Conclusion

The Strange Fugitive masterfully intertwines a tale of mistaken identity, suspicion, and the ever-relevant struggle to do what's right despite personal risk. The Lone Ranger’s influence is profound—not only ensuring justice, but compelling a man to honor his oath and, in so doing, find redemption, acceptance, and a new beginning.

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Transcript

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[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. From your enjoyment, you can find more western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O.

[Lone Ranger]

Silver.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger.

[Tonto]

Sam.

[Lone Ranger]

Sa.

[Narrator]

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 hoop beats of the great horse.

[Lone Ranger]

Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fella. I am Silver. Hoy.

[Narrator]

Dan Reed, teenage nephew of the Lone Ranger, was returning to join his friends after a visit some distance away. He sat in the passenger car of the train next to a man who wore a short beard and side whiskers. No words were spoken between the two until the train approached Rockville, Dan's destination. Then the man stood and reached to take his baggage from the rack overhead. A small black bag fell to the floor beside Dan.

[Dan Reed]

I'll pick up your things.

[Lone Ranger]

Let him alone.

[Tonto]

I'll pick them up.

[Dan Reed]

I'm sorry. I was just trying to help.

[Tonto]

Forget it.

[Dan Reed]

He must be a doctor.

[Tonto]

No, no, I'm not. I. I'm a salesman. I sell medical instruments. Oh, I think I found everything. I. I didn't mean to be sharp with you, sir.

[Dan Reed]

That's all right.

[Tonto]

You going to Rockville?

[Dan Reed]

Yes, sir.

[Tonto]

You live there?

[Dan Reed]

I'm staying near there for a while with friends.

[Tonto]

But you are familiar with the town?

[Dan Reed]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Tonto]

Is there a good boarding house there?

[Dan Reed]

Several. Mrs. Jackson's is the best, I think. Good.

[Tonto]

Thanks. Do you think you could take the time to show me the way to the Jackson place?

[Dan Reed]

Oh, it's easy to find, sir. The Last toss up Main street from the station on the left.

[Tonto]

Thanks.

[Dan Reed]

Goodbye. Bye, sir.

[Narrator]

Dan Reed left the train and met Tonto, who waited nearby with the horses.

[Dan Reed]

Hello, Tonto.

[Tonto]

Oh, Dan, it's good to have you back. You have nice times.

[Dan Reed]

Yes, but I'm glad to be back too. I miss Victor especially.

[Tonto]

And Victor miss you. We leave now. Go to camp.

[Lone Ranger]

Get him up.

[Tonto]

Come on, Victor.

[Narrator]

Dan and Tonto soon arrived at the camp in the hills where the Lone Ranger was waiting.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, Dan, it's good to have you back. Did you enjoy your short stay with Clarabelle Hornblower?

[Dan Reed]

Yes, sir. Thunder Martin spent most every evening there. And the way he and Clarabelle talked to each other, you think they were.

[Lone Ranger]

About to come to blows. Clarabelle and Thunder are the best of friends. They have to be known to be appreciated.

[Tonto]

That's right.

[Lone Ranger]

Did you see anyone on the train you knew then?

[Dan Reed]

No, sir. I sat with a man who was going to Rockville.

[Tonto]

He wasn't very friendly.

[Lone Ranger]

Some people don't take well to strangers, Den.

[Dan Reed]

But I didn't try to talk to him. He dropped a small black bag and the instruments in it spilled. I started to pick them up, and he told me to let them alone. I was only trying to help.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm sure you were. You mentioned instruments.

[Dan Reed]

That's right, sir. The kind doctors use.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, he's a doctor then.

[Dan Reed]

That's what I thought. But when I asked him, he said he was a salesman, that he sells medical instruments.

[Lone Ranger]

A salesman of medical instruments would never make a living here in the Far West, Dan, doctors are few and far between. Those who have come out here have come prepared to practice.

[Tonto]

Isn't that right?

[Dan Reed]

That's what he told me.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, perhaps he resented you asking questions.

[Dan Reed]

Maybe he apologized.

[Lone Ranger]

Right after you say he left the train at Rockville.

[Dan Reed]

Yes, sir.

[Lone Ranger]

The only doctor There is old Dr. Cushing. In fact, he's the only doctor within 100 miles of here.

[Tonto]

Ah, better not get rich selling Doc Cushing instrument.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm sure that Dan's traveling companion is here for some other purpose, Toto.

[Dan Reed]

I wonder why he told me that.

[Lone Ranger]

I wonder, too. Dan.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Toto stopped in the neighborhood of Rockville for two weeks to rest the horses and to repair worn riding gear. During that time, Dan Reed took another trip to visit old friends. Two days after Dan's return, he went to the general store in Rockville for supplies.

[Lone Ranger]

Ho, ho, Victor. Ho.

[Dan Reed]

Steady.

[Lone Ranger]

Are you sure that's all, Mrs. Jackson?

[Mrs. Jackson]

Sure that's all for now.

[Tonto]

I'll help you take your packages out to your buggy.

[Mrs. Jackson]

Oh, I think I can manage it.

[Telegraph Operator]

Let me help, ma'.

[Lone Ranger]

Am.

[Mrs. Jackson]

Well, now, that's right nice of you, son. Here, you carry the bag of sugar.

[Dan Reed]

All right.

[Mrs. Jackson]

Declare, you're a mighty polite boy. Follow me. The buggy's right over there.

[Dan Reed]

Yes, sir.

[Mrs. Jackson]

This is it. Now, Jenny, be patient. That mare Jenny hates to. Wait a minute. There. Put that bag in front, son.

[Lone Ranger]

All right.

[Mrs. Jackson]

Thanks for the help. What's your name?

[Dan Reed]

Den reed.

[Mrs. Jackson]

I'm Mrs. Jackson. I own the boarding house at the end of Main Street.

[Dan Reed]

Yes, I know. I sent you a boarder, A man I met on the train.

[Mrs. Jackson]

Let me see. Oh, yes. He must be the tall, slim man with the short beard and whiskers. Mr. Bob Thorne.

[Dan Reed]

I don't know his name, but the description fits him.

[Mrs. Jackson]

It was nice of you to send him, Dan, but, well, he's a strange one. Though he does pay promptly and, well.

[Dan Reed]

I don't know much about him. He asked about a place to stay and I told him about your place.

[Mrs. Jackson]

You know, Danlip, outside of the time he came to ask for a room, I really haven't set eyes on him. He never leaves his room.

[Dan Reed]

What about his meals?

[Mrs. Jackson]

He paid me to have his meals sent to him in his room. Pays for everything in advance, but stays away from everyone.

[Tonto]

Gosh, that's strange.

[Mrs. Jackson]

That's just what I say. It's very strange. Of course, it's not up to me to question my rumors as long as they pay up and behave themselves.

[Dan Reed]

I suppose not.

[Mrs. Jackson]

He asked for the best room in the house, so I gave him the back room on the ground floor. Charged him plenty, but he paid without arguing. Well, thanks for helping me, Dan. I'll be getting back. It'll soon be time to feed a lot of hungry boarders. Goodbye, son.

[Dan Reed]

Bye, Mrs. Jackson.

[Mrs. Jackson]

Get up there.

[Tonto]

Get up.

[Narrator]

Dan Reed went back into the store and bought his supplies. When he returned to camp, he found the Lone Ranger and Toto studying several handbills the Indian brought from town earlier that day. Dan told of his conversation with Mrs. Jackson. When he finished, the Lone Ranger remarked.

[Lone Ranger]

That stranger at the Jackson boarding house interests me, Dan. He must have some reason for avoiding people.

[Tonto]

That's right.

[Dan Reed]

Even Mrs. Jackson thinks he acts strangely.

[Lone Ranger]

She said his name is Bob Thorne.

[Dan Reed]

That's right, sir.

[Lone Ranger]

Give me those handbills, Tono, please. I remember one of these. See? Here it is.

[Dan Reed]

What does it say?

[Lone Ranger]

Listen. Wanted for murder. Dr. Thornton Roberts, 35, tall, slim, clean shaven, dark hair. Notify United States Marshal St. Louis.

[Tonto]

You think fellow named Thorne wanted for murder, Kimosabe.

[Lone Ranger]

It's possible, Toto. This hand Bill is two months old. He could have grown a short beard and whiskers in that time. Also, there's a similarity in the names. Thornton Roberts, Bob Thorne.

[Dan Reed]

Gosh, he was carrying medical instruments, too.

[Lone Ranger]

That's right, Dan. He was upset because you saw them.

[Tonto]

And what you do?

[Lone Ranger]

First, I'll telegraph the marshal in St. Louis and get more details. Then I'll try to prove that the man in town is Dr. Thornton Roberts.

[Narrator]

After the Lone Ranger prepared a message, Tonto took it to the telegraph office in Rockville and had it sent to the United states marshal in St. Louis.

[Tonto]

How soon you get answer?

[Telegraph Operator]

I can't tell you. Indian message has to be relayed to St. Louis. Might be hours before the answer comes through me.

[Tonto]

Come back later.

[Telegraph Operator]

Don't make it too soon. I'll tell her how long it'll take.

[Lone Ranger]

Come back after supper.

[Narrator]

Meantime, Dan Reed, who had ridden to town with Tonto, waited at the hitch rack outside the telegraph office. Dan saw a horseman galloping into town. The man drew rein when he saw Dan.

[Lone Ranger]

Ho. Ho. Hey.

[Mrs. Jackson]

Whoa.

[Lone Ranger]

Hey, son. Where'll I find Doc Cushing?

[Dan Reed]

Third house on the right beyond the hotel. What happened, mister?

[Lone Ranger]

Some kind of epidemic broke out over Milton. Getting worse, and there isn't any doctor there. I sure hope Doc Cushing's at his office. Get him at Doc. Who, fella? Just leave. Dan.

[Dan Reed]

He's from Milton. Asked me where to find Dr. Cushing.

[Tonto]

Why him want doctor?

[Dan Reed]

He says there's an epidemic in Milton. They have no doctor there.

[Tonto]

Oh, that's not good. We go tell Lone Ranger. Get him off. Come on, Victor.

[Narrator]

A short time later, Dan and Tahoe arrived at the camp where the Lone Ranger was waiting.

[Lone Ranger]

Both seem to be in a hurry. Is there something wrong?

[Dan Reed]

A man came to town from Milton looking for Dr. Cushing. He says there's an epidemic over there.

[Tonto]

Isn't that right?

[Lone Ranger]

What kind of an epidemic?

[Dan Reed]

He didn't say, sir.

[Lone Ranger]

We'll ride to town and try to find out more about it. Did you send the telegram, fellow?

[Tonto]

Ah, fellow say it take a long time get answer.

[Lone Ranger]

It's sundown now. It will be dark by the time we reach town. We'll get news of the epidemic in Milton before long. I hope to know for certain if that fellow, Bob Thorne, is a doctor who's wanted for murder in St. Louis. All right, let's go.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger, Toto and Dan rode to the outskirts of Rockville and stopped in a clump of cottonwoods.

[Lone Ranger]

Dan, you go to the telegraph office and wait there for the answer to the telegram Toto sent.

[Tonto]

Yes, sir.

[Lone Ranger]

Toto, I want you to go into town and try to find out more about that epidemic. I'll wait here until you come back.

[Tonto]

Come down. Get him up, Scout. Come on, Victor.

[Narrator]

A short time later, Tonto returned and told the lone Ranger that Dr. Cushing had gone to Milton, a small town four miles away. Otherwise, there was no further news about the epidemic. The Lone Ranger decided that he and Tonto would wait until Dan returned with the answer to the telegram. It was two hours later when Dan finally came back to the Cottonwood grove.

[Lone Ranger]

Did you bring the answer, Dan?

[Dan Reed]

No, sir. It hasn't come through yet.

[Lone Ranger]

Why did you come back?

[Dan Reed]

I thought I ought to tell you something that happened while I was waiting at the telegraph office. Mrs. Jackson, the lady who owns a boarding house, came in.

[Mrs. Jackson]

Where could you telegraph to reach another doctor?

[Telegraph Operator]

The nearest Doctor, outside of Dr. Cushing's, just 100 miles away. What's it all about, Ms. Jackson? Can't you find Doc Cushing?

[Mrs. Jackson]

He drove to Milton several hours ago. Just sent a man from there to my house, asking me to come over to help. There's an epidemic of diphtheria in Milton. Seems it's mighty bad. I thought if you could reach another doctor. But never mind.

[Lone Ranger]

Dr.

[Mrs. Jackson]

Cushion and I'll do what we can.

[Lone Ranger]

Diphtheria, huh? That is bad.

[Telegraph Operator]

I'll telegraph to Austin. But even if the doctor's there, it'll take him some time to drive a hundred miles.

[Mrs. Jackson]

Thank you. I'll be on my way to Milton now. There's no time to lose.

[Dan Reed]

I thought you ought to know, so I came right over to tell you.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm glad you did. Go back and wait at the telegraph office then. Meanwhile, Pattle and I'll see what we can do to help.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger adventure before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue. A short time later, the man Dan had met on the train, Bob Thorne, sat on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands. Suddenly he looked up, startled, as he heard a thud near the window behind him.

[Tonto]

What? Don't draw your cover, mask man. What do you want?

[Lone Ranger]

I came to talk to you, Thorne. I want straight answers.

[Tonto]

I have no reason to talk to a man wearing a mask.

[Lone Ranger]

Forget the mask. Dr. Thornton Roberts is wanted for murder in St. Louis.

[Tonto]

What's that got to do with me?

[Lone Ranger]

If you were clean shaven, you'd match his description, Thorn.

[Tonto]

No, you. You can't say I'm Roberts. You have no proof.

[Lone Ranger]

You carry a medical kit.

[Tonto]

That means nothing. Nothing, I tell you, no.

[Lone Ranger]

You're not very convincing, Thorne. Even the way you change your name gives you away. Thornton Roberts changed to Bob Thorne.

[Tonto]

Why have you come here? I've done nothing wrong. No matter what you or anyone else says, you're an outlaw. So I'll admit I'm Dr. Roberts. But I didn't commit murder. I shot in self defense, and they don't believe it.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm inclined to believe you, Thorne. Have you heard of the epidemic in Milton, four miles from here?

[Tonto]

Yes. Mrs. Jackson told me.

[Lone Ranger]

They needed help desperately.

[Tonto]

I don't dare go. The law would pick me up.

[Lone Ranger]

You took an oath to help mankind, Doctor, regardless of the outcome to you, don't you think you should keep that oath and go offer your services?

[Tonto]

I. I don't know. I don't know.

[Lone Ranger]

It may mean saving many lives. Think that over.

[Tonto]

I can't decide now. I must think.

[Lone Ranger]

All right.

[Narrator]

Think about it.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll wait for you in the clump of cottonwoods on the south edge of town. If you decide to go to Milton, I'll ride with you. Remember your oath, Doctor. And remember that many lives depend on your decision. I'll be waiting. And I'll have a horse for you. Adios.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto waited a short time at the edge of town. Toto had procured another horse at the livery stable. The two men sat in silence on Silver and Scout for some time. Then Toto spoke.

[Tonto]

Well, it looked like him not. Come, Kimosade.

[Lone Ranger]

Maybe you're right, Toto. I may have misjudged him.

[Tonto]

You really think Himasadi may hear footsteps now?

[Lone Ranger]

That must be Thorne.

[Tonto]

That'd be good.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, you win, mister.

[Tonto]

Here I am.

[Lone Ranger]

Good. We brought this horse for you. Easy.

[Tonto]

You realize I'm practically riding to the gallows.

[Lone Ranger]

I admire your great courage. All right, let's go. Come on, Silver. Get him up. Get up.

[Narrator]

In the meeting house at Milton, Dr. Cushing worked unceasingly over the many sufferers who had been brought into the place. At his side was Mrs. Jackson. Both were exhausted with their continued efforts to stem the epidemic, which seemed to be growing worse.

[Tonto]

Mrs. Jackson, I'm fighting to stay on my feet.

[Mrs. Jackson]

I know, Doctor. If only we could help another doctor. But there's none to be had.

[Tonto]

My medicine is running low, too. When that's gone, it'll be pretty bad. Pretty bad. Get me to a cot.

[Lone Ranger]

Quick.

[Mrs. Jackson]

Heaven help us. You've got it yourself. Let me help you to that cot over there.

[Tonto]

Can't let it get me. I gotta keep going. Doctor, whatever are we gonna do now?

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, in the cafe in Milton, a subdued group of men stood around talking.

[Lone Ranger]

It's getting worse. That's what had several deaths already.

[Tonto]

Yeah.

[Lone Ranger]

Doc Cushing can't handle it alone.

[Telegraph Operator]

We can't find another doctor we can get to. Come here.

[Lone Ranger]

We ought to get our families out of here.

[Dan Reed]

Can't do that.

[Lone Ranger]

Sheriff's orders. Here come Sheriff, now. Howdy, boys. Things getting any better? Sheriff, we can't stay here and die like rats. I'm sorry, but I can't allow anyone to leave town. You'll just be taking the epidemic somewhere else. Maybe Doc Cushing will be able to. Sheriff, Doc Cushing's down. Sick, huh? Holy smoke. We'll all get it. Now what are we gonna do? Hold on, all of you. Looks mighty bad, I know. But we'll have to do the best we can until we can find another doctor. There isn't another doctor within a hundred miles. That's right, Sheriff. And he can't leave. He's sending medicine. But he can't come. We just got word. Hey, look. I saw through the door. A masked man just stopped outside. All right, stay here. Ollie, go out. Sheriff, I'm looking for you. This letter will identify me. Let me see. Signed by the governor. It says you're the Lone Ranger. That's right. Well, I'm mighty glad to see you, my friend, but things are mighty bad here. Let me tell you. Doc Cushing's been stricken too. Oh, that's bad. Sheriff, I brought another doctor. Les man here. Another doctor? But there isn't any to be had. Only Doc meeks, and he's 100 miles away.

[Tonto]

I'm a doctor, Sheriff.

[Lone Ranger]

Then you're the best news we've had today. You better get over the meeting house right away, Doc, and hurry. All right, Sheriff. Come on through there. Get up there.

[Narrator]

Arriving at the meeting house, the Lone Ranger and Tonto went inside with the young doctor. They approached. Mrs. Jackson.

[Lone Ranger]

Mrs. Jackson. I brought another doctor.

[Mrs. Jackson]

Oh, thank heaven.

[Lone Ranger]

We.

[Mrs. Jackson]

A masked man and a Mr. Thornton.

[Tonto]

The masked man is a friend to all of us. As for me, I'm Dr. Thornton Roberts. I'm ready to go to work, Dr. Thornton Roberts. But I thought.

[Lone Ranger]

No time for explanations now. They can come later.

[Tonto]

Yes, they'll come later. Now we have serious work to do.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, back in Rockville, Dan Reed waited for an answer to the telegram. Tonto had sent. He made several visits to the telegraph office without result. The last time he went there, the operator had news for him.

[Telegraph Operator]

That was so nice. See you're back again.

[Dan Reed]

Yes, sir. That message I'm waiting for is very important.

[Telegraph Operator]

I have news for you and it's not good.

[Dan Reed]

What do you mean?

[Telegraph Operator]

I got word the lines are out of order somewhere between here and St. Louis.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, then you can't receive any messages from the East.

[Telegraph Operator]

That's right. I'm sorry, son.

[Dan Reed]

Kelly, how long do you think it'll be before the line will open up again?

[Telegraph Operator]

No telling. Linesmen will have to be sent out to find the trouble.

[Tonto]

May take a few hours.

[Telegraph Operator]

Then again, it may take a couple of days.

[Tonto]

Golly.

[Telegraph Operator]

There's nothing I can do about it, son. Only thing I can suggest is that you keep coming back here till the lines are working and that message comes.

[Dan Reed]

All right, sir. I'll wait at the hotel.

[Telegraph Operator]

At the hotel, eh? Well, I tell you what. If they get the lines working, the message comes in, I'll bring it over to you.

[Dan Reed]

Well, thanks a lot. Goodbye.

[Telegraph Operator]

Goodbye, son.

[Lone Ranger]

Several days passed.

[Narrator]

Young Dr. Roberts, with the Lone Ranger and Mrs. Jackson constantly at his side, worked without let up. He knew his business thoroughly and brought hope and confidence to the whole town. It was almost noon of the third day when he and the Lone Ranger stood with Mrs. Jackson outside the meeting house door.

[Tonto]

Well, I think we've got this under control. There haven't been any new cases brought in.

[Lone Ranger]

You certainly know your business, doctor.

[Mrs. Jackson]

Oh, he's wonderful. Doc Cushing is feeling better too. And we haven't had a death since Dr. Roberts started working on them.

[Lone Ranger]

Here comes the sheriff. Morning. Everybody's talking about what the new doc's done here. That's right. It's sure like a miracle the way.

[Telegraph Operator]

You stick stepped in and practically stopped this epidemic.

[Tonto]

Fortunately, I made a special study of this disease also. I had a goodly quantity of medicine with me.

[Lone Ranger]

It was fortunate you came to Rockville. Look, we come over after having a meeting in the cafe. We voted to ask you, Doc, to.

[Tonto]

Stay here for keeps.

[Lone Ranger]

We'll give you a house to live in. It would be a wonderful thing for this town if the doctor will accept.

[Tonto]

And look, why haven't you told the sheriff what you know about me?

[Lone Ranger]

I did, doctor. You did? Sure he did. Right after a boy came over from Rockville early this morning with a telegram from St. Louis.

[Tonto]

And that's the answer to your offer for me to stay here. I'll be going back to St. Louis.

[Lone Ranger]

Maybe the sheriff has more to say, Dr. I sure have. That telegram says you're not wanted there at all. You were exonerated by witnesses after that handbill was sent out.

[Tonto]

I don't know what to say, doctor.

[Lone Ranger]

I realized you were the man listed on a handbill I received. When I faced you in your room and reminded you of your doctor's oath. I felt that if you were really guilty of murder, the oath would mean nothing to you.

[Tonto]

The frenzied husband of a woman patient who died came gunning for me. I had to shoot in self defense.

[Lone Ranger]

When you promised huddle and me to come here to help, I knew you couldn't have committed deliberate murder. You lived up to your oath, though it might have meant you'd be facing a murder charge.

[Mrs. Jackson]

What is all this?

[Lone Ranger]

Don't worry, Mrs. Jackson. Dr. Roberts is free to stay here if he chooses. After I talked to him, he could have tried to escape. Instead, he decided to come here and take the consequences. I admire his courage. Yep, we all do. Mr. We'll be proud to have him for our town. Doctor.

[Tonto]

Thank you. I'm happy and proud to accept.

[Lone Ranger]

Sheriff hello. Dan is waiting for us at the edge of town. Dr. Roberts has everything well in hand here now. Adios, Doctor. Goodbye all. Adios.

[Tonto]

He's a wonderful and remarkable man, Sheriff. If it hadn't been for him, I might have been a fugitive from justice the rest of my life. I'll never forget the Lone Ranger.

[Dan Reed]

I hope to h.

[Lone Ranger]

It, Sam.

[Narrator]

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

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day, and thanks for listening.

[Tonto]

Sam.