The Sure-Thing Man | The Lone Ranger (02-13-53)

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: The Sure-Thing Man | The Lone Ranger (02-13-53)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: February 6, 2026

---

Overview

This episode revives the classic Lone Ranger radio drama “The Sure-Thing Man,” originally aired on February 13, 1953. Through meticulous digital restoration, the episode presents a tale of desperation, temptation, corruption, and ultimately justice in the Old West. The Lone Ranger and Tonto unravel a bank robbery orchestrated by the cunning Frank Norton and his associates, highlighting themes of greed, moral weakness, and redemption.

---

Key Discussion Points & Dramatic Developments

1. Setup at the Bank and Cafe

• Frank Norton, owner of a saloon and gambling hall, observes a large money shipment at the town bank and devises a plan to steal it, exploiting bank teller Lee Madison's gambling debts.

• Lee Madison is found embezzling $8,000 to cover his gambling losses and is desperate as auditors arrive soon.

  "Frank, I'm short in my accounts. Money I lost here...Gambling hasn't been my own. At least not after the first few thousand dollars. I stole $8,000 from the bank."
  — Lee Madison (05:36)

  Norton presents a ruthless alternative:

  "Killing you will be better, huh? That way you don't have to go to jail. That way you can't implicate me in your crimes."
  — Frank Norton (06:37)

• Madison is cornered into assisting in the robbery by providing insider information and the safe combination, establishing a false alibi at the sheriff’s daughter's party.

---

2. The Robbery and the Alarm

• Norton's men, Eddie Cassidy and Jocko Hinsdale, break into the bank at night with Madison’s help.

• The heist is interrupted when Sheriff Gibson is alerted and rushes to the scene, but is shot (survives, though wounded).

  "The bank's being robbed. Right now. It's being robbed? Are you sure, Roy? Yeah. I saw a light inside and I looked in through the window. There's two armories kneeling by the side."
  — Roy Shannon and Sheriff Gibson (10:07)

• Eddie and Jocko escape with the loot as the town alarm rings.

---

3. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Pursue

• Hearing the alarm, the Lone Ranger and Tonto pick up the trail and follow the robbers to a remote cabin near Wild Creek.

  "Tado, that's the alarm bell in town. Something's happened there. Let's go."
  — The Lone Ranger (11:27)

• They stealthily observe the crooks discussing how to double-cross their own boss, Frank Norton, and keep more of the loot.

  "Hey, Jocko...this is almost twice as much as Frank said we'd get...you think we could hold out 18,000 for ourselves? Not say anything to the boss, just give him 25?"
  — Eddie Cassidy (15:36)

---

4. Confrontation and Confession

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto burst in, subdue the crooks (with Tonto expertly shooting a gun from Eddie's hand), and bind them while waiting for Lee Madison to arrive for his “share.”

  "Nice shooting, Toto. I had a friend covering you from the window. Eddie, drop that bag and reach for the ceiling. That's it."
  — The Lone Ranger (16:52)

• Once Madison arrives, he crumbles under the masked hero’s interrogation and confesses everything, including Norton’s involvement.

  "What's your name? … Madison. Lee Madison. Keep away from me. Please. I can't stand anymore. I can't. What do you want me to tell you?"
  — The Lone Ranger and Lee Madison (20:04)

---

5. Justice Delivered: Exposing the Mastermind

• With the crooks and Madison in tow, the Lone Ranger confronts Frank Norton at his saloon, exposing his cheating at cards and complicity in the crime to the townsmen.

  "Sit down, Norton. If you don't, I'll shoot you down...You've been cheating these men just as you've cheated everyone who ever gambled in your place. The wheels are fixed, the cards are marked."
  — The Lone Ranger (21:16, 21:23)

• The gambler's guilt is confirmed as the Lone Ranger reads the marked cards aloud, stunning the poker players.

  "Those cards are readers. They're marked on the back in a way that you can't notice. Let me prove something to you men. Those cards are readers..."
  — The Lone Ranger (21:49)

• The townspeople are ready for vigilante justice, but the Lone Ranger insists on letting the law prevail.

  "And the only thing to do is let the law decide the punishment of this man and his partner."
  — The Lone Ranger (22:39)

---

6. Resolution and Aftermath

• All the criminals confess, Norton's operation is fully exposed, and Sheriff Gibson survives.

  "It's just luck that Sheriff Gibson's gonna live or we'd have murder, too. Madison, will you sign the confession?"
  — Deputy Sheriff White (23:20)

• Lee Madison accepts responsibility:

  "Yeah, I'll be glad to. And I'll take whatever punishment's coming."
  — Lee Madison (23:30)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto depart quietly, their identities still mysterious but their justice delivered.

  "The masked man did enough to clean up this town. And I happen to realize who he is. That's why we should all say thanks to the Lone Ranger."
  — Roy Shannon (23:54)

---

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Norton's Ruthlessness: “Killing you will be better, huh? That way you don't have to go to jail..." [06:37]
• Lone Ranger's Justice: “The card game you're playing. Sure, it's a hold up. It always has been.” [21:23]
• Marked Cards Exposed: “Let me prove something to you men. Those cards are readers. They're marked on the back..." [21:49]
• A Call for Law: “The only thing to do is let the law decide the punishment of this man and his partner.” [22:39]
• Madison’s Remorse: “Yeah, I’ll be glad to. And I’ll take whatever punishment’s coming.” [23:30]
• The Lone Ranger’s Quiet Departure: “The masked man did enough to clean up this town. And I happen to realize who he is. That's why we should all say thanks to the Lone Ranger.” [23:54]

---

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• [04:42] — Lee Madison confronts Frank Norton about his embezzlement and pleas for help.
• [08:32] — The gang plans the bank heist.
• [10:07] — The alarm is raised; townsfolk and sheriff respond to the robbery.
• [11:27] — The Lone Ranger and Tonto pursue the criminals.
• [16:52] — Robbers are confronted and subdued at the cabin.
• [20:04] — Madison’s full confession under the Lone Ranger’s questioning.
• [21:16–22:07] — The Lone Ranger exposes Norton’s cheating and criminality in front of townsfolk.
• [23:20] — Madison signs his confession; the law takes charge.
• [23:54] — The Lone Ranger and Tonto quietly depart, their legend cemented.

---

Tone & Atmosphere

Tense, suspenseful, and ultimately cathartic, this episode exemplifies classic radio western drama and the Lone Ranger’s unyielding pursuit of justice. Character motivations are vivid and the interplay between honor, betrayal, and lawfulness remains potent.

---

For Listeners

If you love classic westerns, this restored episode delivers drama, memorable dialogue, and the timeless adventures of the Lone Ranger. The rich audio landscapes and character-driven storytelling make for a gripping journey into the Golden Age of Radio.

---

Transcript

[VRBoCare Announcer]

Day or night. VRBoCare is here 247 to help make every part of your stay seamless. If anything comes up or you simply need a little guidance, support is ready whenever you reach out. From the moment you book to the moment you head home. We're here to help things run smoothly because a great trip starts with the right support. And hey, a good playlist doesn't hurt either. You buy organic, you read ingredient labels, you care about what goes into your body. So why not think about birth control the same way? Natural Cycles is the only FDA cleared birth control app that's 100% hormone free. It's based on science and uses your body temperature to identify which days you can and cannot get pregnant. No synthetic hormones, no side effects, just science you can trust. Save 15% with code RADIO15@natural cycles.com.

[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.

[Narrator]

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

[The Lone Ranger]

The Lone Ranger.

[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 Silver.

[Roy Shannon]

The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Narrator]

Frank Norton, in the rear office of his combined cafe and gambling hall, looked out the window and watched a stagecoach stop in front of the bank across the street. Two guards, one of them carrying a bulky canvas bag, emerged from the coach and entered the bank. Norton turned to his lieutenant, Eddie Cassidy.

[Frank Norton]

Eddie, did you see that? Looks like a money shipment, doesn't it? Sure does, Frank. When the Kansas City stage brings in two men looking after one shipment, it means plenty of money. You have any ideas, Frank? Yeah, I think I have. I have an idea. I want to talk with Lee Madison.

[Narrator]

But Lee Madison, young teller at the bank, came to Norton's office that afternoon before the gambler summoned him. Madison was visibly disturbed and there was desperation in his voice as he closed the door behind him.

[Lee Madison]

Hope no one saw me come in.

[Frank Norton]

Don't worry, no one did. Sit down.

[The Lone Ranger]

Lee.

[Frank Norton]

I hear you received a big money shipment at the bank today.

[Lee Madison]

Yeah, but I haven't time to talk about that, Frank. The bank president, Mr. Eldridge, told me only a few minutes ago that he's having auditors in tomorrow. They arrived on the stagecoach from Kansas City.

[Frank Norton]

So?

[Lee Madison]

Frank, I'm shorting my accounts. Money I lost here. Gambling hasn't been my own. At least not after the first few thousand dollars. I stole $8,000 from the bank, which.

[Frank Norton]

I didn't ask you to do and which doesn't concern me in the least. What does concern me is the fact that I hold IOUs for $11,000. What about those?

[Lee Madison]

I can't pay you, Frank. You know that. What I do want is for you to lend me $8,000 tonight.

[Frank Norton]

Are you crazy, Frank? You must.

[Lee Madison]

It'll be only for a few days, until after the auditors go. I'll get it back to you then.

[Frank Norton]

I'm not interested. You see this gun, Lee?

[Lee Madison]

Why are you fingering your gun like that?

[Frank Norton]

No reason. Just nervous. Perhaps, Lee, all this trouble you're in is of your own making, you know. Whatever happens to you, you're the one who caused it to happen.

[Lee Madison]

I don't know. Maybe you're right. But, Frank. Frank, I don't want to go to jail.

[Frank Norton]

You're not going to jail.

[Lee Madison]

Oh, you. You mean you're going to lend me the money?

[Frank Norton]

No. Killing you will be better, huh? That way you don't have to go to jail. That way you can't implicate me in your crimes. True, I'll lose the money you owe me, but, Lively, you're more trouble than you're worth.

[Lee Madison]

Oh, Frank, don't kill me, please.

[Frank Norton]

Of course, you don't have to die. No more than you have to go to jail.

[Lee Madison]

What do you mean?

[Frank Norton]

You received a big money shipment at the bank this morning. How much was in it? Speak up. How much?

[Lee Madison]

I'm not sure. About $25,000.

[Frank Norton]

Why, that's a nice sum, Lee. A perfect sum. If you were to make it possible for me to steal that money, I'd cancel that $11,000 you owe me.

[Lee Madison]

But the auditors would still find the shortage.

[Frank Norton]

Not if the bank's cash reserves, as well as the $25,000 were taken. You have other money in the bank safe, haven't you? Yeah. So if there's a robbery, you're in the clear. No one will ever know of the shortage.

[Lee Madison]

That's right.

[Frank Norton]

And what's more, Lee, I'll cut you in for a share of the loot. Yeah. What?

[Lee Madison]

But, Frank, you want me to steal the money?

[Frank Norton]

No.

[The Lone Ranger]

Not you.

[Frank Norton]

That might be too obvious. I'll have some friends of mine do that. And while they're robbing the bank, you'll be able to set up an alibi for yourself and be in the clear. There's not a chance of your being involved if we do this thing right.

[Narrator]

Lee Madison's desperate situation, Frank Norton's persuas and Madison's innate weakness of character caused him to relent. He agreed to pave the way for the bank robbery. Later that night, the young bank clerk met the men whom Norton had selected to do the job. They were Eddie Cassidy and Jocko Hinsdale. They met secretly on the outskirts of town and Eddie Cassidy led the conversation.

[Frank Norton]

Kid, we talked with Frank after you left his office tonight. He said you'd give us the entire bank setup so we could do this job easy.

[Lee Madison]

That's right. I'll tell you how to get in. I'll give you the safe combination.

[Roy Shannon]

And when we get away, we'll go right out the mountain trail to the cabin near Wild Creek. You know where that is, don't you?

[Frank Norton]

Yeah.

[Lee Madison]

Frank took me there one time.

[Frank Norton]

Hunting. Then it's easy. We give you your share of the loot out there. Like Frank said.

[Lee Madison]

That's important to me.

[Roy Shannon]

You have an alibi set up yet?

[Lee Madison]

Yeah. Sheriff Gibson's daughter's holding a party at their house tonight. I'm invited and I'll be there. Gibson will be there himself. So what better alibi can I have than one given by the sheriff?

[Frank Norton]

Good boy. That's being real smart. Well, let's have the information, kid, and give it to us straight and easy.

[Narrator]

It was shortly after midnight when the two crooks mask made their way into the bank by breaking open the rear door.

[Frank Norton]

Safe's over there in the corner. Jocko behind that counter.

[The Lone Ranger]

Next the office.

[Frank Norton]

Come on. Here we are. I like the candle. And let's open this thing.

[Narrator]

Lee Madison went to the party given at Sheriff Gibson's home and remained there until after midnight. Sure that his alibi was established, he prepared to leave when suddenly the door opened and the townsman, Roy Shannon, made an excited entrance.

[Roy Shannon]

Sheriff, the bank's being robbed. Right now. It's being robbed? Are you sure, Roy? Yeah. I saw a light inside and I looked in through the window. There's two armories kneeling by the side. Wait till I get my gun. Oh, it would have to happen when all my deputies are away. Lee, what's the matter with you? You look sick.

[Lee Madison]

The bank.

[Frank Norton]

Well, come along.

[Roy Shannon]

It's where you work.

[Narrator]

We'll need you.

[Roy Shannon]

Yeah. Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

Sheriff Gibson hurried from his house, followed by Roy Shannon. Lee Madison, ashen faced, lagged behind. As the lawman neared the bank, he yelled over his shoulder to Shannon, Roy, we'll need help.

[Roy Shannon]

I'll cover the rear door of the bank. You run to the fire bell and sound the alarm. Arouse everybody out into the street and hurry.

[Narrator]

As Roy Shannon ran to the huge bell that hung at the end of the street, Sheriff Gibson sped to the rear door of the bank, figuring to make an unexpected entrance there. But at that moment, the door opened and two men emerged. One carried a canvas bag and the other held two guns. The sheriff shouted, get your hands up.

[Roy Shannon]

I got you. Reach.

[Narrator]

Before they could shoot, Jocko Hinsdale's guns blazed. As Sheriff Gibson fell to the ground, the robbers ran past him and mounted their horses.

[Roy Shannon]

Eddie, they're sounding the fire alarm. That means the whole town will be out. Jocko, ride back there through the woods. Let's go. Get up there. Get up.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Toto, camping in the hills outside of town, were aroused by the sound of the great bell heard plainly in the still night.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tado, that's the alarm bell in town. Something's happened there. Let's go.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later, the masked man and Indian astride their great horses darted toward town.

[The Lone Ranger]

Montalais come.

[Narrator]

The moon was high in the sky, and the Lone Ranger, looking down on the crossroad below, reined his horse abruptly.

[The Lone Ranger]

Toto, do you see down there? Kimasabi?

[Frank Norton]

Two men ride fast on horses.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. They're wearing bandanas across their faces.

[Frank Norton]

Toddo.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm sure of it. They're riding away from town. Must be crooks. The only answer. That's why the alarm was ringing.

[Frank Norton]

Tono, let's go.

[The Lone Ranger]

We're going after them. Mont, Here's the road tunnel. Easy, Silver.

[Frank Norton]

Easy, boy.

[The Lone Ranger]

We lost time coming down through the underbrush, but we'll make it up. Moon plenty bright.

[Frank Norton]

We see fresh footprints and dirt.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Come scout.

[Frank Norton]

We get near creek now. Maybe them ride through water, try to lose trail. Quiet.

[The Lone Ranger]

Listen.

[Frank Norton]

Me here. Horses. Yes, Toto.

[The Lone Ranger]

Perhaps those are their horses. We'll just mount here and make our way quietly to where that sound came from.

[Roy Shannon]

Easy City locked out.

[Frank Norton]

Easy fella.

[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. The Lone Ranger and Tonto dismounted, led their horses into the deep brush, tied them to a sapling, then made their way through the thick Underbrush heading toward Wild Creek. They saw a clearing ahead and were about to circle around it when they saw the outlines of a shack in the moon bathed night.

[The Lone Ranger]

A cabin, Toto.

[Frank Norton]

Ah see horses tied to tree near creek.

[The Lone Ranger]

I think those are the men we've been trailing. T will crawl through the grass and approach the cabin from the rear.

[Frank Norton]

Here we are, Toto. There's a window right above us. Someone talk inside.

[Narrator]

Get to your feet.

[Frank Norton]

Listen to what they say.

[Narrator]

Inside the cabin, the two bank robbers, Eddie Cassidy and Jocko Hinsdale, counted the last of the bills that made up the loot from the robbery. A dimly lighted lantern revealed the money scattered on the table.

[Frank Norton]

Hey, Jocko.

[Roy Shannon]

Well, this is almost twice as much.

[Frank Norton]

As Frank said we'd get.

[Roy Shannon]

Yeah, there's $43,000. I wonder if Frank has any idea how much we were gonna get.

[Frank Norton]

Well, if he did, he didn't mention it to me. Hey, Jacko, you think we could hold out 18,000 for ourselves? Not say anything to the boss, just give him 25.

[Roy Shannon]

You forgot about the kid. But why wait for him? And why turn over any of this money to Frank Norton?

[Frank Norton]

Jocko, Frank's a smart hombre, we know that. We double crossed him on this job. He'd track us down some way.

[Roy Shannon]

I don't know how he'd do it.

[Frank Norton]

But he'd do it.

[Roy Shannon]

Listen, Eddie, Frank Norton can mark cards and fix the wheels and faro banks, but he can't put a mark on us if we're in San Francisco or someplace like that. Now, what do you say?

[Frank Norton]

It's a deal, Jocko. Good.

[Roy Shannon]

Let's put the money back into this bag.

[Frank Norton]

Yeah, there and there. Wish that pile of bill's over, huh?

[Roy Shannon]

Right.

[Frank Norton]

That's it. At the last bunch.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Frank Norton]

You ready to go now?

[Roy Shannon]

Sure.

[Narrator]

Eddie, carrying the money filled bag, led the way to the door and opened it.

[The Lone Ranger]

But you hurry, boys.

[Frank Norton]

Hey, wait. A mask man.

[The Lone Ranger]

Move back into the cabin.

[Frank Norton]

You're covered.

[Narrator]

Jocko, behind. Eddie, unshielded by his partner, drew his.

[Roy Shannon]

Gun out of the way.

[Andrew Rines]

Eddie.

[Lee Madison]

Let me.

[The Lone Ranger]

My arm. I'm shot. Who did that? Nice shooting, Toto. I had a friend covering you from the window. Eddie, drop that bag and reach for the ceiling. That's it. I'm inside. Toto, look. Look at my arm.

[Roy Shannon]

It's bleeding.

[The Lone Ranger]

Otto will bandage it. You're not going to die.

[Frank Norton]

You and your pal were listening outside?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, watching too. You were so busy with your loot, you didn't see us, did you? No, that's why we were able to Cover you from both sides.

[Frank Norton]

Imusabi me fix wounded man.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Tarto. When you're done that, tie his wrists and ankles. I'll do the same to this fellow.

[Frank Norton]

Hey, what's the idea?

[Roy Shannon]

You gonna leave us here and take the money?

[The Lone Ranger]

No, we'll stay and wait for your other pal, the bank clerk, the one you call the Kid.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Toto bound the two crooks after Jocko's wound had been bandaged. Then the masked man sternly gave instructions to the two crooks. He ended by saying, and you'll do.

[The Lone Ranger]

Exactly as I say or we'll use our guns. You understand?

[Roy Shannon]

Yeah, I hear you. And if you want to take the Kid, go ahead. He's the one that got us into this.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah.

[Roy Shannon]

Yeah, he's the one. We'll do what you say, all right.

[The Lone Ranger]

But judging from what I heard, Frank Norton's the one who got you into this. Sit down on these chairs in front of the table.

[Frank Norton]

All right.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now stay there. Do as I told you. We'll be crossed behind the table just in case you get ideas.

[Roy Shannon]

Don't worry about that.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tano, fill out that lamp, please.

[Frank Norton]

There.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good. Now we'll wait.

[Narrator]

A short time later, they heard a horse stop outside. Then, after an interval, the door to the shack opened and a figure stood there, silhouetted in the moonlight.

[Roy Shannon]

Eddie.

[Lee Madison]

Jack, you here?

[Frank Norton]

Yeah, Kid. Come inside and close the door behind you. Sure.

[Lee Madison]

What's the matter with the lamp?

[Frank Norton]

Leave it out. Might be seen from the outside.

[Roy Shannon]

Did anybody see your head up this way, Kid?

[Lee Madison]

No. No, I made sure of that. I rode behind the posse. Posse kept riding along the road down below. I waited till they came to a turn, the trail. Then I fell back and made my way up here. They didn't get wise to me at all. Where's the money?

[Roy Shannon]

Here, behind us, on the table.

[Frank Norton]

What about the sheriff?

[The Lone Ranger]

Did he.

[Frank Norton]

Did he die?

[Lee Madison]

No, you just wounded him.

[Roy Shannon]

What about Frank?

[Frank Norton]

Where's he?

[Lee Madison]

He didn't ride with a posse. Last I saw him, he was sitting in the rear of the cafe playing cards with three other fellows.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sure he would be.

[Lee Madison]

But look, I want my share of the money. Where is it? Say, fellas, just keep sitting there. Put on a light for at least a couple of minutes, huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll do that.

[Frank Norton]

Who. Who.

[Lee Madison]

Who was that?

[The Lone Ranger]

See the lamp's on.

[Lee Madison]

Mask man and an idiot. Eddie.

[Narrator]

Jocko.

[Roy Shannon]

That's no good, Kid.

[Frank Norton]

They have us tied up.

[Lee Madison]

I'll get out of here.

[Frank Norton]

Oh, you're not cold.

[Lee Madison]

You stay here.

[Roy Shannon]

Don't hurt me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't shoot that gun and come back into the center of the room and start talking.

[Lee Madison]

Talking about what?

[The Lone Ranger]

Everything. And you'd better talk fast.

[Roy Shannon]

He's a tough armory kid and you're just a pigeon. You'd better talk. Besides, he's promised to take me to a doctor when we get back to town. Back to town?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. What's your name?

[Lee Madison]

Madison. Lee Madison. Keep away from me. Please. I can't stand anymore. I can't. What do you want me to tell you?

[Narrator]

Everything.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll ask questions as we ride along.

[Narrator]

When Lee Madison, his nerves completely shattered, finished his confession, the Lone Ranger and Tonto placed him and the other two crooks on horses.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now we're riding to town. We'll ride behind you with guns ready all the way. When we get there, if the posse hasn't returned, we'll go to Norton's office. Then, if things go as I planned, I got the whole story. All right, Go on, get up there. Come on, children.

[Narrator]

A short time later, in his cafe, Frank Norton spread five cards in front of the pile of blue chips stacked in front of him. He looked mockingly at the three other players, the only men in the otherwise deserted building.

[Frank Norton]

Aces and trays, men. I can't seem to lose a hand tonight. The cards are running for you.

[Narrator]

That.

[Frank Norton]

What's the matter? What are you fellas looking at? Look behind you, Frank. It's a masked man with a gun. He came from your office. What?

[The Lone Ranger]

Sit down, Norton. If you don't, I'll shoot you down.

[Frank Norton]

I'm sitting. What is this?

[The Lone Ranger]

A hold up? The card game you're playing. Sure, it's a hold up. It always has been. You've been cheating these men just as you've cheated everyone who ever gambled in your place. The wheels are fixed, the cards are marked.

[Narrator]

That's a lie.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm just lucky. Your luck's run out, Norton. You men who've been playing here spit out the card you've been using face downward on the table. Sure, sure, I'll do that. Let me prove something to you men. Those cards are readers. They're marked on the back in a way that you can't notice.

[Narrator]

That's a lie.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't believe it. Heads down. I've studied the ways of crooks. I'll tell you what those cards are. Check me and see if I'm right. Starting at the left is the 10 of diamonds and the ace of clubs, the nine of hearts, the six of diamonds.

[Roy Shannon]

The masked man's calling him right. Norton, you dirty, scurvy thief. Let's lynch him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Wait, man, wait. I believe you're honest men. Lee Madison said you were when he saw you out here.

[Frank Norton]

Lee Madison? Where's he?

[The Lone Ranger]

In your office, Norton, with your two bank robbers, Bowley and Jocko. They're ready to tell their part in your conspiracy. Man, Norton is the one behind that bank robbery tonight. The robbers are inside, including the one who shot Sheriff Gibson.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger had difficulty restraining the angry man as he told the story of Lee Madison and his part in the bank robbery he ended.

[The Lone Ranger]

And the only thing to do is let the law decide the punishment of this man and his partner.

[Roy Shannon]

We'll hold them all, stranger. And we'll find a way to get back the money he took from us over the years.

[Frank Norton]

By cheating.

[The Lone Ranger]

So will Lee Madison, I think. But he'll pay the penalty for his thievery in this night's robbery.

[Roy Shannon]

Boys, look. It's the posse. Here's Deputy White. Come on in. We have the man who robbed the bank and all the money they stole. We have proof about Norton.

[Narrator]

It was two hours later when lawman with Lee Madison's help had the confessions of all the crooks involved, Deputy Sheriff White said.

[Roy Shannon]

And every crime but murder is on the list. And it's just luck that Sheriff Gibson's gonna live or we'd have murder, too. Madison, will you sign the confession?

[Lee Madison]

Yeah, I'll be glad to. And I'll take whatever punishment's coming.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, what are we waiting for? You going to take me to jail?

[Roy Shannon]

Get it over with? I'll take you, Norton, and I'll place a guard around the place to keep you from being lynched. But the honor of arresting you should go to the. Say, where is the masked man? He and the Indian just left. Slipped out without even saying a thing. The masked man did enough to clean up this town. And I happen to realize who he is. That's why we should all say thanks to the Lone Ranger.

[Frank Norton]

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.

[Frank Norton]

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 Beame.

[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 podcast trwesterns.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.

[Frank Norton]

Sam.