The Two Empty Graves | The Lone Ranger (06-30-41)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: “The Two Empty Graves”

The Lone Ranger (06-30-41)

Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Release Date: July 18, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a digitally restored recording of The Lone Ranger episode “The Two Empty Graves.” The story unfolds with tensions over valuable ranch land, a barroom brawl, and a twist-filled murder accusation, leading to a climactic reveal of deception and greed in the Old West. Classic themes of justice, reputation, and frontier cunning are brought to life with vivid audio restoration and spirited performances.

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Main Themes and Story Arc

• Land Disputes and Greed: The core conflict centers around the Mason ranch, which both Richie and his “brother” covet for undisclosed reasons, eventually revealed to be the coming railroad.
• Reputation and Justice: Dan Mason's reputation for fighting makes him the perfect scapegoat in a plot to frame him for murder.
• Deception and Unmasking the Truth: The Lone Ranger works behind the scenes to reveal the true nature of the murder, the identity of Richie’s “brother," and clear Dan’s name.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

1. Introduction and Barroom Brawl (05:06–09:00)

• The Lone Ranger and his companion Tonto arrive in Burkeville as Dan Mason (a local rancher) is involved in a heated barroom fight with Richie.
• The Lone Ranger intervenes, breaking up the fight and admonishing Dan.
• Notable Quote

  “They’ll be shooting. I’ll stop him. Oh, my hand. He shot the gun clean out of my hand.”
  — Dan Mason, after the Lone Ranger uses his legendary marksmanship (06:06)

• Dan is upset at the intervention, but the Lone Ranger insists on a private talk.

2. Plot Against Dan Mason Revealed (08:16–09:50)

• In camp, Dan confides that Richie has tried to drive him off his land, offering a low price and trying to frame him for cattle theft.
• Tonto shares overheard information: Richie is willing to pay for Dan to be lured into a fight, hinting at a plot for an “accident.”

  “Richie pay plenty when you fight in town.”
  — Tonto shares overheard plot (09:13)

3. Arrest and Murder Accusation (10:27–14:23)

• Dan returns home, only to find the sheriff waiting to arrest him. Dan learns he is accused of murdering Richie during the fight.
• Dan’s wife, Kate, is devastated; Dan insists he’s innocent.

  “You killed Richie... The charge against you is murder—premeditated and afore planned.”
  — Sheriff Doyle (12:18)

• Despite resisting, Dan is overpowered and taken toward jail.

4. Lone Ranger's Intervention & Dan's Escape (15:05–17:15)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto ambush the posse, “stealing” Dan back, leaving the sheriff with one of the Lone Ranger’s silver bullets as a mark.
• The sheriff suspects the masked man is indeed the fabled Lone Ranger.

5. Arrival of Richie’s “Brother” & Suspicion (19:56–22:41)

• A week later, another newcomer arrives, claiming to be Richie’s brother. He seeks to settle his brother’s affairs and buy the Mason ranch.
• The sheriff is suspicious, noting the newcomer’s close interaction with Dan’s wife.
• The Lone Ranger (in disguise) investigates further, orchestrating a meeting.

6. The Two Empty Graves and the Truth Revealed (25:24–32:16)

• The group is lured to a remote grave bearing Dan Mason’s name.
• Suddenly, they are surrounded by a band of Indians led by Tonto; everyone is taken captive to the camp.
• “Richie’s brother” tries to buy the Mason ranch from Kate, hinting at her financial troubles.

  “My dear Mrs. Mason, you can't afford not to sell. You see, I investigated, and Dan had many debts which must be paid.”
  — “Richie’s brother” (27:25)

• The Lone Ranger reveals the railroad’s plans to come through the Mason land—explaining the scheme to buy low and profit big.
• Dan Mason, alive, is brought out; the grave was a ruse.

  “So that's it. So that's why Richie wanted the land.”
  — Kate Mason (28:23)

• Richie is exposed to be the very same man believed dead, having faked his own death (by shaving off his beard and changing appearance) to frame Dan and force a sale.

7. Confession and Justice Served (30:27–31:34)

• Doc Sykes, the compliant town doctor, is brought in by the Indians—he is complicit in proclaiming Richie dead.
• Under pressure, the doc and Richie turn on each other, exposing the whole plot.

  "That man is Richie, Sheriff. He made me see that he was dead...We just buried an empty box."
  — Doc Sykes, confessing the fraud (30:07)

• Sheriff Doyle prepares to take both to jail, promising justice.

  “There's civil law as well as criminal law—justice is gonna be done.”
  — Sheriff Doyle (31:13)

• The Lone Ranger advises Dan that his own hot-headedness made the plot possible, and Dan pledges to mend his ways.

  “If you didn't have a reputation for fighting, Richie could never have planned this.”
  — The Lone Ranger (31:17) “I promised you, masked man, that if you proved the truth like you said you would, I'd never start another fight.”
  — Dan Mason (31:23)

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Memorable Moments

• Showdown in the Cafe: The classic Lone Ranger gunplay, disarming a room of toughs to keep the peace. (06:06–06:14)
• The Grave Reveal: Emotional moment as the group discovers the grave with Dan Mason’s name, only to learn he is alive. (25:24–28:31)
• Plot Unraveled: The reveal that Richie had only faked his death, and the final confrontation is orchestrated by the Lone Ranger and Tonto. (29:33–31:34)

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Important Timestamps

• (05:06–06:14): The Lone Ranger calms the brawl and displays his expert marksmanship.
• (08:16–09:20): Tonto and the Lone Ranger uncover the depth of Richie’s scheme.
• (12:18): Dan is charged with murder.
• (16:09): The Lone Ranger rescues Dan from the sheriff’s posse.
• (27:25): Richie’s brother proposes to buy the ranch, revealing ulterior motives.
• (28:23–28:31): The railroad’s interest in the land comes to light.
• (30:07): Doc Sykes admits to helping fake Richie’s death.
• (31:17–31:23): The Lone Ranger confronts Dan about his reputation and Dan vows to change.

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Tone and Language

True to classic radio drama, the episode is rich in frontier slang, tense dialogue, and moral lessons. The performances are energetic and earnest, with the Lone Ranger’s even-toned wisdom contrasting with Dan’s blustery anger and Richie’s sly conniving.

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Conclusion

“The Two Empty Graves” is a classic Western morality tale, dramatizing how greed and reputation can lead men astray, while heroism and persistence triumph. The Lone Ranger, with Tonto’s aid, uncovers and undoes an elaborate frame-up, using both guile and justice to restore peace—and reinforcing a lesson: a reputation for trouble can invite it.

The audio restoration breathes new life into the gunsmoke, galloping hooves, and crackling confrontations that made old-time radio a frontier of its own.

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Transcript

[Dan Mason]

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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]

Horse with the speed of light, A cloud of dust and a hearty high. Old Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Richie]

Sam.

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[Dan Mason]

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[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order. In the early western United States, stories of his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness were told around thousands of frontier campfires by cowboys and wranglers, by miners and trappers. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the west was young. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse.

[Dan Mason]

Silver.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Dan Mason]

Lone Silver. We're heading for Brickville. There's going to be trouble. Hide. Old Silver.

[Kate Mason]

Hi.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger raced at breakneck speed across open country toward the town of Burkeville.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on there, Silver.

[Narrator]

Dusk had fallen and lights gleamed from the buildings on both sides of the one street of the town. The masked man headed straight for the cafe and leaped to the ground before Silver had stopped. The noise of a fight came from the cafe. The masked man burst through the door.

[Dan Mason]

I can lick my waiting wildcats. Ten. Ten, my waitin man.

[Deputy]

Let me get a gun on him.

[Kate Mason]

Knock him out.

[Deputy]

Laugh.

[Dan Mason]

Face him with that buckle. Clear back so I can get a shot.

[The Lone Ranger]

Dan, you fool. Come on, get out of here.

[Dan Mason]

Hey, there's a masked man. I'll get him.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, you don't.

[Dan Mason]

Good walk, stranger. That laid one of them out.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Dan. How's. Well, there's a chance.

[Dan Mason]

I ain't done with him yet.

[The Lone Ranger]

They'll be shooting.

[Dan Mason]

I'll stop him. Oh, my hand. He shot the gun clean out of my hand.

[The Lone Ranger]

Keep your guns down. All of you. Back up and get quiet.

[Dan Mason]

Shoot again. Get him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Stand back, I said.

[Dan Mason]

Don't move.

[The Lone Ranger]

No more shooting. Next time I shoot, I might hurt someone. Then get out of this cafe. I'll meet you outside.

[Dan Mason]

I ain't a cone. I didn't start the fight. They started it and I'll finish it.

[Kate Mason]

Rush him.

[Dan Mason]

Take that last man's gun.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't try it. Come on, Dan.

[Richie]

I ain't done with you yet.

[Deputy]

Dan.

[Richie]

I'll get you for the last thing I do.

[Dan Mason]

You and your whole pack of wolves can't lick me, Richie. I'll meet the pack of you anytime. You help me. Come on, Dan. Let me go. Let me go.

[The Lone Ranger]

You do nothing. Come out of here. The rest of you men stay where you are. The first one that comes out to chase us might stop a bullet.

[Narrator]

As the Lone Ranger hurried Dan from the cafe, Richie groaned and dropped to the floor. Immediately, Doc Sykes ran and the rancher's men closed in around him outside. The masked man did not relax his hold on Dan until they reached their horses.

[Dan Mason]

Let me go. Talk on it all. You can't drag me along like this.

[The Lone Ranger]

Save your breath, Dan. Get on your horse. You and I have some talking to do.

[Dan Mason]

Who are you, anyhow? Where'd you come from? What's the idea of mixing into a private fight?

[The Lone Ranger]

Mouth up. We'll talk while we ride.

[Dan Mason]

If I hadn't used up half my strength, you wouldn't have handled me like that.

[The Lone Ranger]

Up and get away from here. I want to talk to you. But listen. Hurry.

[Dan Mason]

Who are you, anyhow?

[The Lone Ranger]

This way. Come on, Silver.

[Dan Mason]

Get along there. Now look at here, stranger. I want to know who you are, where you're taking me.

[The Lone Ranger]

There are a few things I want to know. We'll go to some place where we can talk without shouting from one horse to another.

[Dan Mason]

I ain't going nowhere till I know who you are and why you stop my fight.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're going, Dan. If I have to throw a rope on you and drag you my turnip.

[Dan Mason]

I won't be talked to that turn this way. Now listen, stranger. If you just tell me who you.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll be able to talk in about half an hour. Save it until then.

[Dan Mason]

Hail, Silver.

[Deputy]

Hi.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto had made their camp in the woods not far from town. And it was there the masked man headed. By the time the place was reached, Dan had calmed down enough to answer questions. He finally realized he was among friends and described the events that had led up to the fight in the cafe.

[Dan Mason]

Percy wants my land. I don't know why he wants it, but he does. He's done everything to try and make me sell out to him.

[The Lone Ranger]

What sort of price does he offer then?

[Dan Mason]

He won't pay a third of what the land is worth. The ornery Polecat's been trying to frame me into jail since he could buy the land from my wife.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why?

[Dan Mason]

I don't know. I don't know why Richie wants to land.

[The Lone Ranger]

You have a reputation for fighting.

[Dan Mason]

If any man wants a fight, I'll accommodate him yet. Or Polecat. Richie's been spoiling for a fight. He has even tried to frame me for stealing his cattle. When I finally showed the sheriff that I warn't guilty of stealing the critters I figured it was time I gave Richie what he was asking for. I'd have beat him up a plenty if you hadn't busted up the fight.

[The Lone Ranger]

Richie seemed to have a lot of men on his side.

[Dan Mason]

Pole cats. Every last one of them is a no good.

[Narrator]

Tell her, huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

Tell Dan what you heard.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Well, me hear feller talk them name. Dan Mason, that's me. Them say you quick to fight, go to cafe, make fight there plenty fight.

[Dan Mason]

Who was saying that about me?

[Narrator]

Me not know.

[Sheriff Doyle]

That feller say Richie pay plenty when

[Narrator]

you fight in town.

[The Lone Ranger]

You suppose Richie wanted to get you in a fight in Burkeville so he could kill you?

[Dan Mason]

I don't know why, Juniper, that accounts for.

[The Lone Ranger]

Accounts for what?

[Dan Mason]

That's why I framed me. Perhaps I thought it was a mighty flimsy way of framing a man. I didn't have no trouble at all proving that I was innocent of stealing that kettle.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then you made a beeline for town to teach Richie a lesson.

[Dan Mason]

Your dog on right.

[The Lone Ranger]

And that was exactly what he wanted you to do.

[Dan Mason]

Onerous snake. Why that double dyed horn toed that.

[The Lone Ranger]

You gotta be careful, Dan. Ride directly home and watch yourself. Richie means business.

[Dan Mason]

That double edged cr.

[Narrator]

Dan followed the Lone Ranger's advice and rode straight home. But he was unable to forget his anger at Richie's attempt to frame up. The whole plan seemed clear to him now and he muttered his indignation.

[Dan Mason]

Crook the pole cat. Framing me so I'd fight him and then have reason to finish me off. Wish I knowed more about that mastermind. Sort of liked his style. Here's Kate standing at the door.

[Deputy]

What?

[Dan Mason]

Is there something.

[Kate Mason]

Daniels, is that you?

[Dan Mason]

Of course it is. What's the matter?

[Kate Mason]

Need a horse? Saddle, dad. And come to the house right away.

[Dan Mason]

What's wrong, Kate? Is that Richie Crook? You're pale as a ghost, Kate. What's happened?

[Kate Mason]

Oh, look at you. Shirt torn, face all bashed up. And your hands. Oh, Dan, you've been fighting again.

[Dan Mason]

All I had to do was.

[Kate Mason]

You didn't go to town, did you, Dan? Tell me you were fighting at one of the other ranches. You don't know anything about a fighting Burkeville, do you?

[Dan Mason]

If I don't, there ain't no one else that does. Sure, I had a fight in Burkeville and I gave Richie a couple of cracks he won't forget for a long time. I'd have done better if the fight hadn't been broke up.

[Kate Mason]

Oh, Dan. Danny. It can't be.

[Dan Mason]

What can't be? What's the matter with you, Kate? I'd read it all. I fought before and you never took on so.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's different this time, Dan.

[Dan Mason]

Sheriff Doyle.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Sorry, Dan, but I gotta take you in.

[Dan Mason]

You've been hiding here in my house.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Had to get your own admission that you fought Richie in the Burkeville cafe.

[Kate Mason]

I couldn't help it, Dan. The sheriff brought his men here.

[Dan Mason]

His Friend.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Come out, boys. No use hiding any longer.

[Dan Mason]

We heard what was said, Sheriff. Look at here. What's your idea of hiding a posse in my house?

[Sheriff Doyle]

Ain't a posse, Dan. We had to have a couple of men for witnesses, that's all. You'll have to stand trial.

[Dan Mason]

Trial? For fighting? Hey, look here, you crazy galoot. Since when's it been agin the law for a man to have a fight?

[Sheriff Doyle]

Tell me one thing more, Dan. You went to the cafe of your own free will and accord, didn't you?

[Dan Mason]

Sure I did.

[Sheriff Doyle]

You went there with malice aforethought.

[Dan Mason]

Hey, what's that mean?

[Sheriff Doyle]

You intended to hunt out Richie and fight with him.

[Dan Mason]

You're doggone right I did. There ain't no other reason for me to go to that cafe.

[Sheriff Doyle]

That makes it premeditated.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's bad.

[Dan Mason]

Fred. Pete, you crying? Hey, Sheriff, look here. Tell me, what are you here for?

[Sheriff Doyle]

Take you to jail, Dan. You'll have to go, peaceable or otherwise. You killed Richie.

[Richie]

What's that?

[Sheriff Doyle]

I said the charge again, you is murder. Premeditated and afore planned.

[Dan Mason]

Richie's is dead.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Yep.

[Dan Mason]

You're charging me with murder? That's an out and out lie. I didn't kill him. I didn't hurt him at all. Look at me. Am I near being dead? Course I ain't. Well, Richie was a doggone sight healthier when I left him than I am right now. That ain't so, Dan.

[Kate Mason]

Huh?

[Dan Mason]

You heard him call for help just before the masked man dragged you out. No such thing. Well, he did all right then. Just as soon as you were out the door, he drops to the floor. Doc Sykes examined him, but it wasn't nothing either. Failure. He hit him one crack just above the heart and that's what did it. The doc saw you. The doc's a friend of Rich's. He's just saying that. No, he ain't. There was. Others saw it. You can't call it murder if it died.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Natural law says you killed him.

[Dan Mason]

I can't believe it. I won't believe it till I see him for myself. It's too late for that. I told Richie's men they could go ahead and bury him. Then a high tail for the sheriff.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Come on then. I ain't going no use taking that way of acting.

[Dan Mason]

You want me? You try and take me. I'll fight while I got breath left in me.

[Kate Mason]

No, you, Stan. You can't fight the law.

[Dan Mason]

I can and I will. Why Juniper ever? Once again. Me. I thought I had a few friends. She a few. Always been friendly with me.

[Sheriff Doyle]

I know, Dan. I'm still afraid.

[Dan Mason]

Fine friends.

[Sheriff Doyle]

My job is to carry out the law. I'll see that you get a fair trial. There ain't no lynching started.

[Dan Mason]

You, Kid Mason. You my own wife. Oh, Dan, I didn't let them tell me that the law was hid here waiting to grab me as soon as they come out with the truth about where I went.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Don't hold nothing again. Your wife, Dan. She was so sure you didn't kill no one that she was glad of the chance to prove you hadn't even gone to Burke.

[Dan Mason]

He acted the part of a friend. Had me most believing in him. Now I see it was all a trick to get me out of the way while you got here and got rid. All right. Everyone's out to frame me. Well, I won't be framed. I'm hanged. If I'll rot in any tail, I'll go down fighting. You want me, come and take me. Put up the shooting iron, Dan. Come on. Oh, good, Dan. That won't help you not. Come on, take me. Try and get me. First one to step forward and reach for a gun to lead.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Hot lid, Dan, even if you shot the three of us, there'll be others. You can't hide in the law forever.

[Dan Mason]

I can make a try, and that's what I aim to do.

[Sheriff Doyle]

All right.

[Dan Mason]

Jeopardy. Rope him, boys. Rope him and load him on a horse.

[Sheriff Doyle]

We'll take him to jail.

[Narrator]

For the second time that night, Dan went into action. He falted his back to the wall. And time after time, he drove the sheriff's men off. But then he made the mistake of following his advantage. In the center of the room, a rope snake dun dropped over his shoulders and his arms. The loop was drawn tight in a second, and the posse closed in. With his hands tied behind his back, Dan was carried from the house and lifted to his horse. The trip to jail began.

[Dan Mason]

No, sheriff, I'm real sorry that Dan done this. I always liked the big galoots. Never mind talking that way, deputy. Well, have a look at the ropes, Dan. They're plenty tight. I better make sure you still got

[Sheriff Doyle]

a way to ride, Dan.

[The Lone Ranger]

Riding comfortable?

[Sheriff Doyle]

What's it to you? No use you being made any more miserable than you gotta be. I'd be willing to take the ropes off. I had your word you wouldn't try and escape.

[Dan Mason]

I'll give you my word.

[Sheriff Doyle]

That's good enough for me, Dan.

[Dan Mason]

On one thing, I don't aim to stay in jail and wait for no trial. I'll give you my word that I'll bust loose the first chance I get. And if anyone stands in my way, I won't be careful of what happens to them.

[Sheriff Doyle]

You're only making it hard for yourself.

[Dan Mason]

Yeah?

[Sheriff Doyle]

We'll see that you don't get no chance to bust loose, Dan. That's my word to you.

[Narrator]

Half a mile farther on, the sheriff cut away from the trail and led his men into a grove of cottonwoods. The grove where the Lone Ranger and Tonto were camped.

[Dan Mason]

Shortcut through the woods, huh, Sheriff?

[Sheriff Doyle]

That's right, Deputy. What the.

[The Lone Ranger]

Right up, Sheriff.

[Dan Mason]

That horse.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Who are you?

[The Lone Ranger]

Sorry, there's no time for that.

[Dan Mason]

Get him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Totto.

[Sheriff Doyle]

A redskin detect.

[Dan Mason]

Piffin. Hey.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Your mess.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right, Sheriff. Please try to understand that I'm doing this for a good reason.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Stealing the prisoner?

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right.

[Dan Mason]

What if I won't go with ye?

[The Lone Ranger]

You have no choice, Dan.

[Sheriff Doyle]

You'll be hunted down, stranger. We'll get you. And we'll get the red skin the same time we get Dan.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll have to take that chance, Sheriff. Here, take this.

[Sheriff Doyle]

What's that? Take it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Look at it after we've gone.

[Sheriff Doyle]

You ready?

[The Lone Ranger]

Now. All right, kimosabe. We'll meet again, Sheriff.

[Dan Mason]

Come on, Silver. I'll drop him.

[Sheriff Doyle]

You missed. So Die.

[Dan Mason]

Can't shoot good from a horse against men riding like that.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Boys, this here's what that masked man gave me. Take a look.

[Richie]

A bullet.

[Dan Mason]

Yeah.

[Sheriff Doyle]

And if the moonlight ain't making things look different. It's a silver bullet.

[Dan Mason]

A Lone Ranger.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Maybe so, maybe not. There's lots of folks know the Lone Ranger uses silver bullets. Nobody knows it better than outlaws. If that was the Lone Ranger, I don't savvy why he's interfering with the law. The masked man was a crook. And Dan's riding away with him. Proves he's guil.

[Narrator]

Curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story. Before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. The stage from the east arrived in Burkeville one week after Dan's escape.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Hey, where's the mail?

[Dan Mason]

Hi, driver. Foot trip.

[Deputy]

There's a passenger aboard.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Yeah, A newcomer. Two of them, in fact.

[Richie]

Is this the town of Burkeville?

[Sheriff Doyle]

There's the name on the station. You can read, can't you, stranger?

[Richie]

You must be the sheriff.

[Sheriff Doyle]

I am.

[Richie]

My name is Richie. My brother lives here.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Richie? Your brother?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Richie]

You know him?

[Sheriff Doyle]

Yeah, I reckon so.

[Richie]

Well, where can I find him?

[Sheriff Doyle]

You better come with me, Mr. Richie.

[Richie]

What's the matter?

[Sheriff Doyle]

Step over here where we can talk.

[Richie]

Has my brother done something wrong?

[Deputy]

Tell me.

[Richie]

Where is he? Why are you acting like this?

[Sheriff Doyle]

Right over here. Who was the man on the stage with you?

[Richie]

I don't know.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Didn't you get to talk to him?

[Richie]

Some. But he didn't give me his name or business. What about my brother?

[Sheriff Doyle]

Yeah. I don't like to be the one to tell you, Mr. Ritchie, but your brother's dead.

[Deputy]

Dead?

[Richie]

Yep.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Killed a week ago.

[Richie]

Who did it? Name the killer. Has he been hung?

[Sheriff Doyle]

Not yet he ain't, but he likely will be.

[Richie]

Where is he now? Let me add him.

[Sheriff Doyle]

He's cleared out, Mr. Richie. We had men scouring the country for him for the past week. We'll find him.

[Richie]

Name him.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Dan Mason.

[Richie]

Mason, huh? I might have guessed that. My brother wrote about him. He was afraid Mason wouldn't try to kill him. I'll square things.

[Sheriff Doyle]

No, Mr. Ritchie. There ain't a thing you can do. My posse in charge of a deputy will find Dan Mason sooner or later. He'll pay for what he's done.

[Richie]

He'll pay all right. I'll see to that. Where did he live?

[Sheriff Doyle]

His house is the last one in town, on the north side of the road. I reckon everything there is just about the way it was when he was buried. You maybe find his friends introducing themselves soon after you go there.

[Richie]

All right, I'll go there. Now.

[Sheriff Doyle]

I've got to hunt up that other newcomer to town. See what he has to say about himself. Hey, Steve. Yes, Sheriff? Wasn't there another stranger on the coach? Where'd he go?

[Dan Mason]

I see him get off. I don't know where he went.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Driver, where's the other passenger?

[Deputy]

I don't know, Sheriff. He got off from the stage, but I didn't see where he went. He didn't have no luggage.

[Dan Mason]

I don't know where he went.

[Sheriff Doyle]

He couldn't have dropped out of sight. Whereat is this newcomer?

[Dan Mason]

I don't know.

[Richie]

I ain't seen him.

[Dan Mason]

Now where he went just seems to disappear, that's all.

[Richie]

I seen him get off the stage, that's all.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hang it all.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Where is he? Who is he? If anyone finds him, I'll be in my office.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tell Gone.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Funny. A man can drop right on a site like that. Makes me fighting mad.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hello, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Great Scott, you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Not too much noise. I have something to tell you.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Still wearing that mask? If you're really the Lone Ranger, why are you working against the law? Where'd you hide my prisoner?

[The Lone Ranger]

Dan is where you'll not be able to get him.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Where?

[The Lone Ranger]

About an hour's ride from here, due north.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Yeah, well, you lead me to him and I'll forget the way you and that redskin took him away from me.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll take you to Dan Mason.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Well, come on, then.

[The Lone Ranger]

Wait. One thing more. Don't waste time looking for the stranger who came here on the stagecoach. You mean, don't waste time looking for him. You'll not find him, by thunder.

[Sheriff Doyle]

So you're him.

[The Lone Ranger]

I didn't say that.

[Sheriff Doyle]

But you are. You was riding that stage in different clothes and without a mask. Likely had your face fixed with a disguise.

[The Lone Ranger]

I wanted to get acquainted with the other newcomer, Richie's brother. Now, if you want to find Dan Mason, you're doggone right I do. Why not bring Richie's brother along? You'll be interested.

[Sheriff Doyle]

I'll get him right away.

[The Lone Ranger]

And Dan's wife. You think that'd be wise? I think it would.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Well, if you say so.

[The Lone Ranger]

One thing you've got to understand, Sheriff. Well, there might be some delay in seeing Dan Mason.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Oh, what do you mean?

[The Lone Ranger]

You Might not see him as soon as you think. Now, if you're ready to start, go ahead.

[Sheriff Doyle]

I'm ready. How much further we gotta ride?

[The Lone Ranger]

Not far. Just beyond the next rise of ground.

[Sheriff Doyle]

This here is bad country. There's redskins around here.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I know there is.

[Sheriff Doyle]

How'd you know about this place for hiding out?

[The Lone Ranger]

I've been all over this country.

[Sheriff Doyle]

I reckon that Injun friend of yours knows the redskin country, don't he?

[The Lone Ranger]

Otto has many friends among the tribes.

[Sheriff Doyle]

I bet he has. Ridgy's brother seems to be getting on real well with Dan Mason's wife. They've been riding together and talking ever since we left town.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I noticed that.

[Richie]

I'm real sorry for you, Mrs. Mason. It must be hard to know that your husband is a murderer soon enough

[Kate Mason]

talk about it, Mr. Ritchie.

[Richie]

I'm sorry. I can understand that. I want you to understand one thing, though.

[Kate Mason]

Yes?

[Richie]

I feel that, well, as long as Mason shot my brother.

[Kate Mason]

He didn't shoot him.

[Richie]

At least. I mean, as long as your husband was to blame for my brother's death. It means that when Dan is hanged, it will be, well, sort of through my brother that you've been made a widow.

[Kate Mason]

Please.

[Sheriff Doyle]

It's just ahead now.

[Richie]

Come on, get up there.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Ms. Mason, you do what you can to keep Dan from shooting.

[Kate Mason]

I will.

[Richie]

I'll have some things to talk to you about when it's all settled. Mrs. Mason.

[Kate Mason]

Look, there's a grave.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Great gun's right out in the middle of nowhere.

[The Lone Ranger]

Read the sign, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Dan Mason. That's what it says.

[Kate Mason]

You buried him here?

[The Lone Ranger]

Tonto and I are set up the head marker, Mrs. Mason.

[Kate Mason]

I reckon it's better this way.

[Richie]

Gone, huh? Well, Sheriff, this saves the trouble of a trial.

[Sheriff Doyle]

RECKON it does, Mr. Ritchie.

[Richie]

How did he die?

[The Lone Ranger]

This is dangerous country, Richie. There have been several bands of Indians around here. They.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Look, they're close to us. We're surrounded.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't shoot. We can't fight them off. Surrender and take our chances.

[Dan Mason]

I'll never surrender.

[The Lone Ranger]

Put that gun down, Richie. You start them shooting, they'll kill us without giving us a chance.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Take your hands off me. You come Indian want prisoner. You led us into this trap. You brought us here.

[The Lone Ranger]

I wanted you to see that grave.

[Sheriff Doyle]

These redskins was all set and waitin to trap us. You come. Indian got camp nearby.

[Dan Mason]

Don't scalp me.

[Richie]

I ain't done nothing. I like the Indians. I've always been a friend of the redskins.

[Sheriff Doyle]

You come, we talk by and by. We'll go. But there'll be a Settlement. For this, there'll be settlement in full.

[Narrator]

Several days went by, during which the sheriff, Mrs. Mason, Richie and the Lone Ranger were headed held captives by a tribe of Indians under the leadership of Tonto. It was on the fourth day that Richie found a chance to talk with Mrs. Mason.

[Richie]

Now, we needn't worry, Mrs. Mason.

[Kate Mason]

No.

[Richie]

I just heard that the masked man and the leader of these Indians were talking. We're to be free before nightfall.

[Kate Mason]

Oh, I see.

[Richie]

There must have been a mistake. The Indians, I guess, thought we were someone else. Oh, now we can continue talking about something I wanted to bring up a little while ago. I know that you won't want to stay here with your husband gone, will you?

[Kate Mason]

Here?

[Richie]

I mean, on your ranch.

[Kate Mason]

I haven't thought much about that.

[Richie]

I'll buy the place from you. That will make me feel that I've

[Narrator]

done what I can to relieve your problem.

[Richie]

I can't help feeling somewhat responsible, you know.

[Kate Mason]

Well, perhaps I don't want to sell.

[Richie]

My dear Mrs. Mason, you can't afford not to sell. I happen to know something of the circumstances. You see, I investigated, and Dan had many debts which must be paid.

[Kate Mason]

Why was your brother so eager to get the ranch, Mr. Richard?

[Richie]

I didn't know he was.

[Kate Mason]

Oh, yes, indeed. He was mighty anxious to buy the place. Now you owned it. You and your brother are a lot alike, aren't you?

[Richie]

Oh, nothing alike. Of course, My brother had a beard. But if you saw me with one, you'd see that we were a lot different.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's interesting.

[Richie]

But where did you come from?

[The Lone Ranger]

The sheriff and I have been right outside the wigwam, Richie.

[Richie]

Eavesdropping, huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

Do you know about the railroad that plans to buy land through here, Richie? No.

[Richie]

What railroad?

[The Lone Ranger]

The tracks are to go right through the Mason ranch. Had you heard about that?

[Richie]

How would I hear about it?

[The Lone Ranger]

It's quite common talk a few days east of here. News travel slowly, it seems.

[Kate Mason]

Is there a railroad coming through here?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Mrs. Mason. And I wouldn't be surprised if you would get a mighty attractive offer for a small part of your ranch.

[Kate Mason]

So that's it. So that's why Richie wanted to buy the land.

[Dan Mason]

You're talking right at here.

[Kate Mason]

Oh, Dan, the mess man told me you were all right before we left town. Dan Mason?

[Dan Mason]

Yes, it's me. All right, enough.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Get your hands up.

[The Lone Ranger]

Put the gun down, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Alive. You tricked me, you said.

[The Lone Ranger]

I said nothing. That was not true. I simply showed you a place on the ground that was marked with Dan Mason's name. I also Told you that you wouldn't be able to see him as quickly as you thought.

[Sheriff Doyle]

I'll take your gun.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's better, Sheriff.

[Dan Mason]

Of all the double dyed, honor reminded, scheming snakes, Richie was the biggest. He knew all the time about the railroad and done his best to get my land. Even framing me for murder to do it.

[Sheriff Doyle]

I don't hold of the facts, Mason. You're an outlaw and a fugitive from justice. You've got to stand trial and I you. You all come now. What's that? Injun? You come. I thought you said we was free.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ah, Indian.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Fine man them look for. You come now and watch him die.

[Kate Mason]

Oh, no. An execution. I couldn't.

[Dan Mason]

You better do what he says, Keith.

[Kate Mason]

Do I have to go, mask man?

[The Lone Ranger]

We aren't out of the camp yet. I think we'd better follow orders.

[Sheriff Doyle]

You follow me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Doyle]

But if it's a settler they got, we ought to try and rescue him.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll see who it is first.

[Richie]

Not me. You don't catch me getting the Indians riled. They said we could go and that's all I care about.

[Kate Mason]

Sheriff, look who it is. It's Doc's sides.

[Dan Mason]

What did they capture him for?

[Deputy]

Richie, you're gonna save me. All they want is money.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Who are you talking to, Doc? Richie's dead.

[Richie]

I'm his brother. If you're talking to me, you know

[Deputy]

who I'm talking to.

[Richie]

I'm his brother. But I'll gladly pay your ransom if it isn't too much.

[Deputy]

It's $10,000.

[Richie]

10,000?

[Deputy]

They'll take you back to town while you get the money.

[Richie]

I can't. 10,000.

[Deputy]

You gotta pay it.

[Richie]

I haven't got it.

[Dan Mason]

It, you fool.

[Deputy]

You can raise it. They'll kill me, I tell you.

[Richie]

I said if it wasn't too much. I can't save you.

[Deputy]

Then I'll tell the sheriff a whole scheme. You'd better change your mind. Shut up.

[Richie]

I never saw you before in my life.

[Deputy]

That man is Richie, Sheriff. He made me see that he was dead. We all crowded around when he fell. We didn't give your deputy a chance to get a good look at him.

[The Lone Ranger]

You stay where you are.

[Deputy]

Dan, get me out of here. You stand in good with the boys in town. You can raise the money. Get me free and I'll kill you of that murder charge.

[Dan Mason]

Now. It'll break your look.

[Kate Mason]

Rich was buried.

[Deputy]

Me and the boys tended to that. We just buried an empty box. Somebody's gotta help me.

[The Lone Ranger]

How about it, Sheriff? What do you think of the case now, Raymond.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Dan for murder when there wasn't any murder at all.

[Richie]

I'm Richie's brother.

[Sheriff Doyle]

And then he cleared out of town and came back with his beard shaved off to get Dan's ranch.

[Deputy]

Dan, I saved you from the rope. You better hurry.

[Dan Mason]

All right, huddle, honey. When they go.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Dan. These engines are friends of Tonto. And they captured the doc so we could force the truth from him.

[Deputy]

I'm free.

[Richie]

It was all a trick, you fool.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Yeah, just a little better than the one you played.

[Richie]

You can't do nothing to me. I haven't broken any law.

[Sheriff Doyle]

You admit that you framed Dan for murder.

[Richie]

It was a doc who said I was dead. If you're gonna put anybody in jail, it's gotta be him.

[Deputy]

You paid me. That makes you guilty, too.

[Sheriff Doyle]

You'll both land in the calaboose. Get into your saddles and hurry up about it. We're heading back for town.

[Richie]

There's no law to convict me.

[Sheriff Doyle]

There's civil law as well as criminal law. Whatever we make the charge, justice is gonna be done.

[The Lone Ranger]

One thing more before you go, Dan. If you didn't have a reputation for fighting, Richie could never have planned this.

[Dan Mason]

I promised you, masked man, that if you proved the truth like you said you would, I'd never start another fight.

[Sheriff Doyle]

Tonko, bring silver.

[The Lone Ranger]

Kimasabe. I think you keep your word, Dan. Adios.

[Dan Mason]

Adios. Get off. Scout. Silver. Sam.

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[Dan Mason]

Sam.

[Narrator]

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

[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 Tom 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.

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