The Thunder Rod | The Lone Ranger (10-26-53)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns – The Lone Ranger: "The Thunder Rod" (10-26-53)

Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Release: June 11, 2026
Classic Western Drama Restored and Presented

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Episode Overview

This episode reintroduces the classic Lone Ranger tale, "The Thunder Rod," focusing on a high-stakes shooting contest, family honor, and a thrilling pursuit of justice in the Old West. Digitally restored for clarity, this rendition brings vivid life to a dangerous plot involving a legendary rifle rumored to hide stolen jewels, a grieving daughter facing debts, and the Lone Ranger's relentless quest to thwart outlaws.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: A Hero’s Loss and a Village in Mourning

[05:10 - 07:44]

• Sheriff Logan’s passing: The story begins in Ledgeville where revered Sheriff Logan has died of fever, leaving his daughter Mary in emotional and financial distress.

• Mary’s Pride: Despite her hardships, Mary insists on paying her father's debts, refusing charity—even from her fiancé, Bob Grant.

  • “Bob, I'll not accept charity.” – Mary Logan [06:34]

• The ‘Thunder Rod’: Sheriff Logan’s trophy rifle—once belonging to infamous outlaw Wolf Larsen—is their last hope for raising money.

2. A Plan for Hope: The Shooting Contest

[07:45 - 08:22]

• Bob proposes a shooting contest, offering the Thunder Rod as the grand prize, igniting interest across the territory.
  • “We'll have men coming from miles away to see and shoot the thunder rod.” – Bob Grant [08:02]

3. Outlaw Schemes: Bart Simms, Hank Dorman & The Hidden Fortune

[09:02 - 11:16]

• The Outlaws Miscalculate: Bart and Hank, intent on stagecoach robbery, end up intercepting a shipment of newspapers instead of valuables.

• The Secret's Out: Amidst the discarded papers, they spot news of the contest and realize the rifle may still contain stolen jewels—valued at $20,000 and hidden in its stock.

  • “Wolf Larsen once held up a stagecoach ... He told me he hid the jewels in a hollowed-out section in the stock of his rifle.” – Hank Dorman [10:52]

• The Contest Heist Plan: The two hatch a scheme to enter and, if necessary, steal the rifle.

4. Law and Misunderstood Justice: Lone Ranger Faces the New Sheriff

[15:08 - 17:35]

• Lone Ranger is Suspect: The new sheriff, Len Thomas, wrongfully arrests the Lone Ranger at the site of the outlaws’ former camp, refusing to trust the masked hero.

• Quick Thinking: Tonto’s sharpshooting ensures their escape without bloodshed.

  • “Sheriff, you're not wound. My friend's bullet hit your gun.” – Lone Ranger [16:02]

• Lack of Trust: The team realizes they must collect irrefutable evidence before the law will assist.

5. Town on Edge: Anticipation for the Contest

[18:26 - 20:18]

• Contest Excitement: Townspeople descend on the event. Mary is hopeful—the entry fees could clear her father's debts.
  • “Bob, we sold 80 tickets at $10 each. I have enough to pay all of Dad's debt.” – Mary Logan [20:18]

6. Showdown: The Shooting Contest

[20:32 - 21:39]

• Fierce Competition: The final round pits Bart Simms against a disguised Lone Ranger. The masked man’s perfection secures victory.

  • “Number 80 is the winner.” – Mary Logan (on Lone Ranger’s flawless performance) [21:14]
  • “I never saw such marksmanship. Anytime you want a job as deputy, just let me know.” – Sheriff Thomas [21:38]

• Precaution: The Lone Ranger entrusts the rifle to the sheriff for safe keeping, anticipating trouble.

7. The Midnight Heist: Justice Unfolds

[22:24 - 23:48]

• Burglary: Bart and Hank break into the sheriff's house, subduing him and searching for the jewels.

• Ambush: The Lone Ranger and Tonto intervene. A short firefight ends with the outlaws wounded and disarmed.

  • “You wouldn't listen to me the last time we met, Sheriff. But you'll listen now...” – The Lone Ranger [23:32]

• Truth Revealed: The Lone Ranger explains the set-up—proving the men’s criminal intent, and awaiting the federal marshal's arrival.

8. Resolution: The Lone Ranger’s Legacy

[24:01 - 24:58]

• The sheriff, grateful for the masked hero’s help, reveals to reporters that the rifle’s stock indeed hides the valuable jewels.
• The Lone Ranger’s true identity is hinted at, but Mary Logan claims:
  • “I'd believe it, Sheriff. I knew it all the time. ... And I'll tell you something else about him. He's the Lone Ranger.” – Mary Logan [24:57]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Champions are made, not born. Get on your way with Wheaties. Breakfast of champions."
  – Narrator / The Lone Ranger [03:48-04:06], capturing the episode’s spirit of self-improvement and persistence.

• "Why risk stealing it unless we have to? You enter the contest and win the rifle. You're the best shot I ever saw."
  – Hank Dorman [11:06], underlining the outlaws' confidence and cunning.

• "You wouldn't listen to me the last time we met, Sheriff. But you'll listen now before I free your hands and feet."
  – Lone Ranger [23:32], marking the turning point of the episode.

• "Those crooks are really bad. They rob the stage and they're wanted for a long list of other crimes."
  – Sheriff Thomas [24:36], summarizing the magnitude of the villains’ deeds.

• "He's the Lone Ranger."
  – Mary Logan [24:57], closing the story with a nod to the legend.

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Important Segment Timestamps

• [05:10] Lone Ranger and Tonto discuss the death of Sheriff Logan
• [07:45] The idea for the shooting contest is born
• [09:02] Outlaws learn of the rifle's secret
• [15:08] Lone Ranger faces off against new Sheriff
• [20:16] Shooting contest begins; stakes for Mary Logan
• [21:14] Lone Ranger wins contest
• [22:24] Outlaws attempt the heist, are foiled
• [24:01] Discovery of the jewels, Lone Ranger’s identity revealed

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Tone and Style

The episode blends warmth, suspense, and heroic optimism, maintaining the stoic, principled voice of the Lone Ranger and fast-paced dialogue typical of classic radio Westerns. The digitally restored soundscape—clinking gear, galloping hooves—further immerses listeners in the heart of frontier drama.

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A classic Western morality play, this restored episode serves action, mystery, and justice in equal measure—reminding listeners that true champions are made by courage, determination, and doing what’s right.

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 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 haughty hi O Silver the Lone Ranger. General Mills, makers of Cheerios, the ready to eat Oat cereal that gives you go power and Wheaties, the breakfast of champions present by special recording the Lone Ranger.

[Talkspace Announcer]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace.

[Talkspace User/Testimonial Speaker]

Last year I went through many different life changes. I needed to take a pause and examine how I was feeling in the inside to better show up for the ones who need me to be my best version of myself.

[Talkspace Announcer]

When you're navigating life's changes, Talkspace can help. Talkspace is the number one rated online therapy bringing you professional support from licensed therapists and psychiatry providers that you can access anytime, anywhere.

[Talkspace User/Testimonial Speaker]

Living a busy life, navigating a long distance relationship, becoming a first stepfather Talkspace made all of those journeys possible. I could speak with my therapist in the office. I could speak of my therapist in the comfort of my home. I was never alone.

[Talkspace Announcer]

Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay, no insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off your first month with promo code space80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code [e-mail] and now, here's the Lone Ranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

You'll hear it said that someone was born to the saddle. That means he's a mighty good rider. But remember, like anyone else, he had to learn to ride. He probably took many spills doing it. He's good because he practiced rode every time he had a chance in anything, not just riding. The winners are the fellows who train. Champions are made, not born.

[Narrator]

I'll agree, Lone Ranger. But is there anything besides practice a person can do to help his training?

[The Lone Ranger]

Absolutely. Eat the right foods. I'd like to pass along something the old pioneers knew. Wheat is one of the best all around foods you can find for staying power and energy.

[Narrator]

Today's champions agree with the pioneers about wheat. Lone Ranger champions choose Wheaties. There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. Champions are made, not born. Get on your way with Wheaties. Breakfast of champions. With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the daring and resourceful mask rider of the Plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Tonto]

Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fella.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hey, Silver.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger sat beside the fire in his woodland camp, cleaning his ivory handled guns while he waited for Tonto to return from the nearby town of Ledgeville. It was about 9 o' clock in the evening when the Indian arrived.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, Tonto, did you see our friend Sheriff Logan?

[Tonto]

Kimasabe. Sheriff Logan. Dead.

[The Lone Ranger]

Dead. Ah, I'm sorry to hear that. Did a gunman finally outshoot him?

[Narrator]

No.

[Tonto]

Him half fever die last week.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who took his place?

[Tonto]

A new sheriff named Len Thomas. Me see him in town.

[The Lone Ranger]

Did you tell him we've trailed two outlaws as far as the old abandoned mining area?

[Tonto]

Me not know him, so me not steep.

[The Lone Ranger]

He most likely wouldn't take our word that Hank Dorman and Bart Simms are outlaws. We'll continue the trail at daybreak and try to capture those crooks without the help of the law.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, Bob Grant, owner of the Ledgeville News, sat beside his sweetheart, Mary Logan in the house where her father, the sheriff, had died. The girl showed Bob a silver bullet.

[Mary Logan]

As she said, dad treasured this very highly. Bob, it was a gift from a mysterious friend.

[Tonto]

Is that all he had in his strongbox.

[Mary Logan]

Yes. I hoped there'd be money enough to pay his bill.

[Tonto]

Mary, everyone in town would be glad to help you.

[Mary Logan]

Bob, I'll not accept charity.

[Tonto]

Proud, just like your father. Jim earned a big reward when he caught and killed Wolf Larsen. He should have accepted it.

[Mary Logan]

Dad earned a lot of rewards and turned them all down. He felt that he did only the job he was paid for in capture and crook.

[Tonto]

Honey, if you'd marry me, let me take the responsibility of paying the doctor and the funeral expenses and other bills.

[Mary Logan]

Bob, I promised to marry you and I'll keep my word. But not now. I'll not saddle you with my father's death. You've enough trouble keeping the paper going.

[Tonto]

But, Mary, honey, don't you know?

[Mary Logan]

We'll talk about a wedding date after the debts are paid.

[Tonto]

But how can you pay them without help?

[Mary Logan]

I'll find work of some kind. And I'll try to sell some of things in the house. Dad's six gun and rifle should bring a fair price.

[Tonto]

Where's the rifle your dad took away from Wolf Larsen?

[Mary Logan]

There in the corner. I'll get it.

[Tonto]

I know a lot of men who'd like to own that shoot.

[The Lone Ranger]

Nine.

[Mary Logan]

Here it is.

[Tonto]

So this is the thunder rod.

[Mary Logan]

Thunder rod?

[Tonto]

That's what Wolf Larsen called it. He boasted of how fast he could fire. Certainly works smooth. It might be a good idea to auction it off.

[Mary Logan]

Whatever you think. There.

[Tonto]

Oh, no. Wait, wait.

[The Lone Ranger]

A better idea.

[Tonto]

I know how the thunder rod can really bring in some cash. We'll hold a shooting contest.

[Mary Logan]

Shooting contest?

[Tonto]

Yes. We'll offer the thunder rod as the prize to the man getting the highest score. And we'll charge a stiff price for everyone who wants to compete.

[Mary Logan]

Bob, that sounds like a great idea.

[Tonto]

A lot of men would pay a good price just for the chance to fire this weapon. I'll write up the contest in my paper. And I'll get out hand builds. We'll have men coming from miles away to see and shoot the thunder rod.

[Narrator]

In the morning, the Lone Ranger and Toto followed the tracks of Hank Dorman and Bart Sims into the region of Bleak Hills and worked out mines where they lost the trail on rocky ground. When darkness closed in, they camped for the night and continued their methodical manhunt. At daybreak, The outlaws whose trail of robbery and murder had led the Lone Ranger and Tonto to the Ledgeville area rode out of the mountains to the stage route where they prepared to strike again. As they waited in a clump of willows beside the trail some miles from town. Bart Simms said.

[Tonto]

Hank, isn't Ledgeville where Wolf Larsen wound up his career?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah, Bart. Somewhere in his vicinity. He was killed in a gunfight with a lawman.

[Tonto]

Wait, Hank.

[Narrator]

I hear the stage and I'm ready.

[The Lone Ranger]

Let's go,

[Tonto]

Ray. Then it's a stick up. Reinhardt will blow you off the seat.

[Narrator]

Easy there.

[Tonto]

Oh.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't reach for a gun.

[Tonto]

I'll hold your fire.

[Narrator]

I don't aim to resist.

[The Lone Ranger]

Where's your Wells Fargo box?

[Tonto]

If I had anything worth stealing, it'd be a shotgun guard. I'm not even armed.

[The Lone Ranger]

Of all the confounded luck. Cut the horses free right now.

[Tonto]

Listen, mister, there's no need to cut the leather out. Don't tell us what to do. Is that a mail sack at your feet? Not exactly. Throw it down. Yeah. All right. Here it comes.

[The Lone Ranger]

The leather's cut.

[Tonto]

Start the horse. No, please. Get along. Get up.

[The Lone Ranger]

There they go.

[Narrator]

The outlaws rode hard to their camp beside the sagging walls of an old smelter in the abandoned mining region. Hank tossed the canvas sack to the ground, and Bart ripped it from end to end with a knife.

[Tonto]

Hey, this isn't mail.

[The Lone Ranger]

Newspapers. You sure there's no mail?

[Tonto]

There's nothing but the Ledgeville News.

[The Lone Ranger]

This is the poorest haul I ever made.

[Tonto]

That goes for me, too.

[The Lone Ranger]

Newspapers.

[Tonto]

Hey, Hank, here's an article on the first page.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now don't tell me about it. I never want to see a newspaper again as long as I live.

[Tonto]

But this is about Wolf Larsen's thunder rod.

[The Lone Ranger]

I know. Chip. Huh? Let me see that.

[Tonto]

Right there. See? The thunder rod's to be offered as the prize in a shooting contest.

[The Lone Ranger]

Bart, that rifle's worth $20,000.

[Tonto]

How do you figure?

[The Lone Ranger]

Wolf Larsen once held up a stagecoach single handed.

[Narrator]

Stole the jewelry of a famous actress. He and I were pals.

[Tonto]

He told me he hid the jewels

[Narrator]

in a hollowed out section in the stock of his rifle.

[Tonto]

Hank, think we can steal that rifle?

[The Lone Ranger]

Why risk stealing it unless we have to? You enter the contest and win the rifle. You're the best shot I ever saw.

[Tonto]

That's a deal. Let's break camp right now.

[Narrator]

I'll tear out this article about the contest. We'll continue our loneliness range your adventure in just a moment.

[Talkspace Announcer]

This podcast is sponsored by talkspace.

[Talkspace User/Testimonial Speaker]

Last year, I went through many different life changes. I needed to take a pause and examine how I was feeling in the inside to better show up for the ones who need me to be my best version of myself.

[Talkspace Announcer]

When you're navigating life's changes Talkspace can help. Talkspace is the number one rated online therapy, bringing you professional support from licensed therapists and psychiatry providers that you can access anytime, anywhere.

[Talkspace User/Testimonial Speaker]

Living a busy life, navigating a long distance relationship, becoming a first stepfather, Talkspace made all of those journeys possible. I could speak with my therapist in the office. I could speak of my therapist in the comfort of my home. I was never alone.

[Talkspace Announcer]

Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off your first month with promo code space80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code space talkspace.com G man Jimmy is 8 years old.

[Mary Logan]

He is strong and he is bold. He can capture outlaws cause he knows he's got go power from Cheerios. Yes, he's got go power. There he goes. He's feeling his Cheerios. Cheerios. Cheerios.

[Narrator]

That's Cheerios all right. The nourishing Oat cereal that's shaped like little letter O's. The ready to eat cereal with a wonderful toasted oat flavor. What's more, every delicious spoonful of Cheerios and milk is real muscle building food. That's right. Each spoonful contains vitamins, minerals and proteins your body needs. And these good things in a Cheerios breakfast do good things for your body. Help you have healthy nerves, good red blood, strong bones and muscles. Yes, Cheerios is made to give you real go power. So try Cheerios, the famous Oat cereal that needs no cooking. And soon you'll hear people say he's feeling his Cheerios. Now to continue. A few minutes later, the two crooks were on their way by a roundabout route to Ledgeville. Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger and Toto continued their search through the old mining region. They covered several miles, going from one abandoned claim to another and stopping at each to explore tunnels, shafts and tumble down buildings. It was late afternoon when they drew rein beside the old smelter where they found a ripped sack, a pile of newspapers and the remains of a campfire.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hank and Bart must have camped here. Toto here.

[Tonto]

Torn sacula. Look like them steel mail.

[The Lone Ranger]

Apparently they got nothing but a shipment of newspapers.

[Tonto]

The Ledgeville News Brown rocky here like everywhere else. No hoof marks to tell which way crooks go. But maybe me find other signs. Hello.

[The Lone Ranger]

Look here. An article was torn from the front page of this paper. Here's the article and another copy of the paper about a Shooting contest.

[Tonto]

It mentioned Mary Logan.

[The Lone Ranger]

Totto. I hear horses.

[Tonto]

I mean woods. Downhill. Come this way.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll get out of sight in this old building until we see who's coming. Bring Scout Monster.

[Tonto]

Come, fella.

[Narrator]

Concealed with their horses inside the old smelter. The Lone Ranger and Tottle look through wide cracks in a wall and watch three men ride out of the woods and approach the camp. Tottle recognized the new sheriff.

[Tonto]

Kim Sabi. Yes, Kim. Len Thomas.

[The Lone Ranger]

These two men with him also wear badges. They must be deputies. Toddle, this is a good chance to meet and talk to the new sheriff. I'm going out there. You stay here and cover me in case of trouble.

[Tonto]

Sheriff, people stolen newspapers and canvas. I hear someone. There he is, Mayor.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get your hands up, Sheriff. Very well.

[Tonto]

You're under arrest for robbing the stage.

[The Lone Ranger]

I didn't rob the stage.

[Tonto]

Don't tell me that. We followed your tracks on the stage trail through that wood.

[The Lone Ranger]

If the ground this side of the woods were soft enough to show tracks you'd see that I came from the opposite direction. You'd also see the tracks of the stage robbers going away from here.

[Tonto]

A likely story. Disarm and unmasking, boys.

[The Lone Ranger]

You not cry, my friend. Inside the building had you covered.

[Tonto]

I knew there were two of them. Well, if you want gunplay. No. My hand.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sheriff, you're not wound. My friend's bullet hit your gun. Now, if you deputies want gunplay. No, no. Drop your guns.

[Tonto]

I drop mine.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't shoot.

[Tonto]

My hands are up.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now, Sheriff, I'll tell you about the men who robbed the stage. They're outlaws.

[Tonto]

You're the outlaw I want.

[The Lone Ranger]

We could have left before you came here. But I want the state to tell you that.

[Tonto]

I'll listen to you when you're disarmed, unmasked and behind bars.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then there's no use talking to you. Now lie on the ground, face down, all of you. We'll tie your hands and blindfold you so you'll not recognize my friend if you see him in town.

[Narrator]

Tottle remained unseen, but covered the lawmen while the Lone Ranger tied their hands and fastened bandanas over their eyes. After leaving the lawman, the Lone Ranger and Toto rode several miles to their original camp in the woods near town. As they drew rein and dismounted, Toto

[The Lone Ranger]

said, timothy, what you think of new sheriff? He may be honest, Toto, but we certainly can't count on him for help. Jim Logan would have taken our word that Barton Hanker fugitives from justice. He'd have arrested and held them. But For Sheriff Thomas. We will have to have proof.

[Tonto]

We got no proof, Kimasabi.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I know it. I'll send a letter to the federal marshal. If he knows where to find the crooks, he'll come and get them.

[Tonto]

We not find them yet.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm sure they'll be in town for the shooting contest. Bart's a crack shot. He wouldn't miss a chance to win Wolf Larsen's rifle.

[Tonto]

Me look for him in town.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. Find Bart and Hank and keep an eye on them. I'll go to town after dark. You'll hear from me.

[Tonto]

Need to start now?

[The Lone Ranger]

All right. Wait until I write a letter to the marshal. I want you to mail it.

[Narrator]

In town. Everyone was talking about the coming contest. Tato found Barton Hank in a cafe and moved close enough to their table to hear the low voiced conversation.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't worry, Bart. Even if you don't win the contest, we'll get that thunder rod rifle.

[Tonto]

We'll run a risk stealing it from the winner.

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't mind the risk when there's $20,000 to be had.

[Narrator]

The outlaws left the cafe a few a few minutes later. Tonto followed as far as the swinging doors. Where he was stopped by a tall man who wore a black hat and a dark suit.

[The Lone Ranger]

Just a minute, Tonto.

[Tonto]

He was savvy. Me not know you.

[The Lone Ranger]

The stubble of beard that grew while we were hunting the outlaws helped my disguise.

[Tonto]

You make it gray.

[The Lone Ranger]

I did the same with my hair. Let's step outside. After dark, I went to the Logan house. Mary still had the silver bullet was very helpful. When she learned I had given it to her father. She loaned me some of her father's clothes.

[Tonto]

And where?

[The Lone Ranger]

Silver in the shed behind the Logan house. My own clothes are there too.

[Tonto]

Kimasabe. Yes, Me fine.

[The Lone Ranger]

Bart.

[Tonto]

Hank.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. I saw you sitting near them.

[Tonto]

We hear him talk. Them say Thunder rod worth $20,000. 20,000. Ah, and them want it plenty bad then. Steve, if Bart not win contest.

[The Lone Ranger]

There must be something about that rifle that's not generally known.

[Tonto]

Why you think it worth that much?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know. But if those men want it badly enough to steal it, I. Toto, I've been wondering how to hold those crooks in town until the marshal arrives. The problem would be solved if they were jailed for stealing the thunder rod.

[Tonto]

Them steal it if Bart not win.

[The Lone Ranger]

To win, you'll have to beat me. I'm going to enter the contest.

[Narrator]

On the morning of the contest, the gay crowd gathered in an open field beyond the edge of town. Where the Rifle range had been roped off. Sheriff Thomas headed the group of prominent townsmen who wore red ribbons to mark

[The Lone Ranger]

them as the judges.

[Narrator]

Bob Grant and Mary Logan sat at a table near the farm firing line accepting entrance fees and handing out numbered tickets until the sheriff, after looking at his watch, raised his gun and fired into the air.

[Tonto]

The contest is about to begin.

[Mary Logan]

Bob, we sold 80 tickets at $10 each. I have enough to pay all of Dad's debt.

[Tonto]

Oh, that's great, honey.

[Narrator]

It was mid afternoon before each man had his turn. Then it was found that five men had perfect scores. With the target moved back, the five leaders fired a second string of bullets. This time only Bart Simms and the disguised Lone Ranger placed all of their shots inside the bullseye.

[Mary Logan]

Numbers 67 and 80 will have to fire a third time.

[Narrator]

At an even greater distance. Bart missed the bullseye once. All five of the Lone Ranger shots were perfect.

[Tonto]

Number 80 is the winner. Hank, that stranger's the best marksman I ever saw.

[The Lone Ranger]

I didn't think there was a man alive could beat you.

[Tonto]

Part look at him admiring that rifle.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll get that shooting iron tonight. Part let's go over there and find out where the stranger is going to sleep.

[Tonto]

Congratulations, mister. I never saw such marksmanship.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thank you, Sheriff.

[Tonto]

Anytime you want a job as a deputy, you just let me know.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thanks. I don't want a job. But I'd like to ask a favor.

[Tonto]

Something I can do for you?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, sir. I'd appreciate it if you'd take charge of this rifle until I'm ready to leave town.

[Tonto]

Why, glad to.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes siree, I'd hate to leave it. My hotel room might be stolen.

[Tonto]

I'll keep it right by my side, mister. And I'll guarantee no one will steal it. Whenever you want it, just come and claim it. You know where I live? First house next to the jail.

[The Lone Ranger]

You hear that? But the sheriff's gonna have the thunder rod. We'll call on him tonight.

[Narrator]

That night the sheriff slept with the famous rifle in his bedroom. The opening of the door awakened him.

[Tonto]

Who's in this room?

[Narrator]

I can't grab him. Let me go.

[The Lone Ranger]

I've got his hands. Gag him.

[Narrator]

The sheriff was only half awake and no match for the two strong men. He was quickly bound and gagged. One of the intruders lighted a candle and the lawman, lying helpless on the bed, saw that both men wore bandanas to according across their faces.

[Tonto]

There's the thunder rod. Good, you've got the screwdriver. Take off the shoulder plate.

[The Lone Ranger]

Not now.

[Tonto]

But I Want to know if the stuff's inside the stock?

[Narrator]

Plenty of time to find out later.

[The Lone Ranger]

We've got to get going. Come on. They're not going anywhere, man.

[Tonto]

Shoot him.

[Narrator]

Hank and the masked man fired together. Hank's bullet hit the door frame while the Lone Ranger struck the fleshy part of the outlaw's arm.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll get him.

[Narrator]

In the same instant, Bart threw the unloaded rifle, then reached 46 gun as the mask man dodged as the rifle hit the wall. TTO fired from the doorway. His shot smashed Bart's gun as it cleared the holster.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good work, TTO I have my arm. Got more gun play.

[Tonto]

Don't shoot.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hand over there and face the wall. Keep them covered, Tutto, while I free the sheriff.

[Tonto]

You got knife?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. There. That takes care of the gag.

[Tonto]

Why, you.

[The Lone Ranger]

You wouldn't listen to me the last time we met, Sheriff. But you'll listen now before I free your hands and feet. Toto and I were outside the house waiting for those crooks to steal the rifles.

[Tonto]

Well, then you must have known they planned to steal it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I wanted to prove to you that they were crooks so you'd hold them in jail until the federal marshal arrives.

[Tonto]

Federal marshal?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I'll tell you about him. I have a lot to tell you, Sheriff, so listen carefully.

[Narrator]

It was later the same night when the sheriff entered the office of the Ledgeville News, where Bob Grant, assisted by Mary Logan, was working on the next day's paper.

[Mary Logan]

The sheriff.

[Tonto]

Well, this is a surprise, Bob. I have a big story for you. It's about two crooks who tried to steal the thunder rod and a masked man who helped me catch him. Where are the crooks? In jail. But that's only the start of the story. There were jewels worth $20,000 hidden in the hollow stock of the rifle. Stolen Jews that I'll have the honor of returning to a famous actor. Great Scott, that is a story. And what's more, those crooks are really bad. They rob the stage and they're wanted for a long list of other crimes.

[Mary Logan]

Sheriff, isn't that rifle in your hand the thunder rod?

[Tonto]

Oh, yes, Mary, I. I'm to give it to you to keep. Ask what the masked man wanted. He and the gent who won the contest are one and the same. Now, would you believe that?

[Mary Logan]

I'd believe it, Sheriff. I knew it all the time.

[The Lone Ranger]

You did?

[Tonto]

Yes.

[Mary Logan]

And I'll tell you something else about him. He's the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, is produced by Trendall Campbell Muir Incorporated. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer, your announcer friend. Boy, Listen to the Lone Ranger brought to you by special Recording Mondays through Fridays at this same time.

[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.

[Tonto]

Sam.