The Vulture’s Nest | The Lone Ranger (02-23-42)

Summary

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Episode Summary: The Vulture’s Nest | The Lone Ranger (02-23-42)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Air Date: January 30, 2026 (original: Feb 23, 1942)
Show: The Lone Ranger
Episode: The Vulture’s Nest

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Overview

In this digitally restored classic, the Lone Ranger and his trusted ally Tonto race to uncover and thwart a malicious plot aimed at sabotaging a critical railroad project in the Old West. The episode pits the masked hero against John Kimberly, a cunning villain bent on seizing control through deceit, murder, and manipulation. A tale rich with suspense and morality, “The Vulture’s Nest” showcases the timeless themes of loyalty, justice, and heroism that define the Western genre.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Trouble at the Mission (01:28–05:37)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto arrive at a mission, responding to an urgent summons from the Padre.
  • The Padre warns them about Dr. Manson, a corrupt doctor summoned by John Kimberly to Warren City.
  • Padre: “Tomorrow would be too late.” (03:06)
• The Lone Ranger pieces together Kimberly’s plan, involving a mysterious group of men and criminal intent.
• Subtle character moment: Padre’s daughter reveals her admiration for the Lone Ranger yet chooses to keep her identity hidden for his sake.
  • Padre’s Daughter: “He must never be anything but what he is.” (05:37)

2. The Railroad’s Peril & Conspiracy Unveiled (05:51–13:02)

• Jim Warren and Harry Miles, railroad managers, discuss the intense pressure to complete the railroad before a strict deadline, revealing fears of sabotage from Kimberly.
  • Jim Warren: “I sent a letter to Washington. I said if anything happened to us, someone should look for a murder.” (07:23)
• Meanwhile, John Kimberly meets Dr. Manson, leveraging blackmail to force him into assisting with a murder plot using poison.
  • Kimberly: “You still have that white powder you used in Washington?” (09:09)
  • Manson is deeply anxious, signaling his moral conflict.

3. The Lone Ranger Intervenes (13:02–14:59)

• The Lone Ranger, incognito, encounters Kimberly and Manson at a café, warning them cryptically about the dangers ahead.
  • Lone Ranger: “Be careful what you drink when you go west from here...Vulture Country—some of it’s poison.” (13:39)
• He cleverly examines Manson’s medical bag, confirming the presence of deadly poison.

4. Nightfall & Mounting Suspense (16:04–19:17)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto resolve to covertly watch Kimberly and Manson at the hotel, discovering the full extent of the deadly plot.
• Dr. Manson, guilt-ridden and paranoid, believes he is being watched.
• In classic OTR suspense, a nighttime scare at the hotel ratchets up tension:
  • Dr. Manson: “I know I saw him. I saw his head and shoulders there at the window.” (18:44)

5. The Ambush in Vulture Country (19:17–21:24)

• Riding across the treacherous “Vulture Country,” Jim and Harry are ambushed and overpowered by Kimberly’s hired outlaws.
• They’re taken, unconscious, to an abandoned hideout known as the Vulture’s Nest.

6. The Villain’s Deceit (22:16–24:11)

• Kimberly stages a rescue, pretending to be a friend who stumbled upon the scene. He offers “safe” water to the weakened men—a ruse to deliver them poison.
  • Kimberly: “Well, I’m certainly glad to hear you say that.” (23:41) after they drink the water.
• Kimberly reveals his treachery once the gang arrives.
  • Jim Warren: “You gave us poison water and you said it was good.” (24:03)

7. The Lone Ranger’s Justice (24:23–27:04)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto burst in, holding the villains at gunpoint.
• Dramatic reversal: The Lone Ranger claims to have poisoned the water with the same poison Manson once used, but also holds the antidote.
  • Lone Ranger: “There was medicine in the doctor’s bag…that will counteract the effects of the poison. I have it here.” (25:13)
• He leverages this to force Kimberly to sign a confession exposing all his crimes.
  • Kimberly: “I won’t sign any such thing. I’ll be jailed for life.” (26:11)
• The confession is signed, witnessed by the outlaws themselves.
• The Lone Ranger reveals the final twist: Tonto had replaced the poison with harmless salt earlier, so no one was truly in danger.
  • Lone Ranger: “That was Tonto. He took the poison from your bag and replaced it with harmless salt.” (27:19)

8. Resolution and Moral (27:20–End)

• Justice prevails: Jim and Harry prepare to hand the criminals over to the law.
• The Lone Ranger, as always, rides away, leaving only a legend behind.
  • Jim Warren: “Now, you crooks line up and we’ll keep you till the sheriff comes.” (27:32)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Padre, on the importance of the Lone Ranger’s role:
  “He must never be anything but what he is.” (05:37)
• Jim Warren, about the danger:
  “I sent a letter to Washington. I said if anything happened to us, someone should look for a murder.” (07:23)
• Lone Ranger, with his signature, cryptic wisdom:
  “Be careful what you drink when you go west from here...Vulture Country—some of it’s poison.” (13:39)
• Kimberly, revealing his darkness:
  “We can call it heart failure again. Young men who aren't strong enough for the rigors of the West shouldn’t overtask themselves.” (09:59)
• Lone Ranger, enacting poetic justice:
  “There was medicine in the doctor's bag...that will counteract the effects of the poison. I have it here.” (25:13)
• Final reveal:
  “Tonto...took the poison from your bag and replaced it with a harmless salt.” (27:19)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:28 – Legendary Lone Ranger intro & setup at the mission
• 07:21–09:59 – Kimberly blackmails Dr. Manson; outlines murder plot
• 13:02–14:59 – The Lone Ranger’s warning and investigation at the café
• 16:04–19:17 – Nighttime suspense at the hotel
• 19:17–21:24 – Jim and Harry ambushed in Vulture Country
• 22:16–24:11 – Kimberly fakes a rescue, poisons the water
• 24:23–27:04 – Final standoff, confession, and twist reveal

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Summary & Takeaways

The Vulture’s Nest is a classic Lone Ranger tale packed with intrigue, suspense, and the timeless message that cunning and evil will always be outwitted by courage and justice. The digital restoration by Old Time Radio Westerns allows these thrilling moments and iconic soundscapes to be enjoyed anew, with all the dramatic tension and heroism that made this story a radio legend.

Transcript

[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. 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 hio. Silver. The Lone Ranger. When the first railroads were built into the western United States, the engineers and men were faced with a constant danger of attack by outlaws and Indians. And their task might never have been accomplished had it not been for the masked rider of the plains. It was his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness that blazed the trail for progress and finally made possible the winning of the West. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From all to the past come the thundering hoof beats of a great horse.

[Jim Warren]

Silver.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger riding.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. We're heading for the mission. There's going to be trouble.

[Narrator]

For some hours, the Lone Ranger and Tonto had been riding hard across the open country. Ahead, the masked man saw a little mission where he knew he would find his good friend, the padre.

[The Lone Ranger]

There it is, Tono.

[Harry Miles]

Matt Gorton.

[The Lone Ranger]

We made it before sundown. I wonder why the pottery was so anxious to see us.

[Harry Miles]

Maybe plenty trouble had.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll soon know. Easy there.

[Padre]

My good friend. You have come.

[The Lone Ranger]

Wasn't until noon that we were told you wanted us, Padre.

[Padre]

I sent the word out yesterday. I hoped you would be here before this day was ended. Tomorrow would be too late.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm glad we got here tonight. What is it, Padre? Steady, boy. How to take the horses over to the watering column? Ah, time to fix them. You come long, Silver.

[Padre]

What have you accomplished in your pursuit of John Kimberly?

[The Lone Ranger]

Very little. We have no more proof that he's a criminal now than we had two weeks ago.

[Padre]

What I have to tell you may be of help or it may not. Tomorrow Evening. When the railroad from the east stops at Warren City, it will bring a doctor. Dr. Manson will bring a doctor. See? But he is not a good man. He is known to have betrayed his science many times. John Kimberly sent for him. Why, Padre, I do not know Warren City.

[The Lone Ranger]

Warren and Miles have their headquarters there.

[Padre]

I know. Kimberly is to meet the doctor at the train.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see. I was wondering. The other day, Kimberly met several men. He gave the money, I don't know how much, and they headed west. I was going to follow them when I heard that you wanted to see me.

[Padre]

What I have said may be of little or no help.

[The Lone Ranger]

It may be a lot of help. I'm going to Warren City. Hello. We're riding on again.

[Padre]

You will not wait for a freshman rest?

[The Lone Ranger]

There won't be time. It's a long trip to Warren City. Silver.

[Narrator]

Ready now.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thank you, Padre. Goodbye. Until another time.

[Harry Miles]

Adios, amigo.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver.

[Harry Miles]

Hit him up, Scout.

[Dr. Manson]

Good luck.

[Padre]

Lone Ranger.

[Padre's Daughter]

I heard him.

[Padre]

Oh, you would not come from the patio while he was here?

[Padre's Daughter]

No, Padre, I couldn't.

[Padre]

My child, I do not understand you.

[Padre's Daughter]

You don't?

[Padre]

You hide from the man you so greatly admire. He has never seen your face.

[Padre's Daughter]

No, Padre. You see, he knew my brother. They were friends. He might remember me. Or he might guess that I'm the sister of his friend. I look like my brother who was killed.

[Narrator]

But what of that?

[Padre's Daughter]

The Lone Ranger has closed that part of his life, Padre. He buried his identity in the graves of his companions. His life is dedicated to something fine and great. If he saw me, he might recall other days, happier days when he didn't know loneliness.

[Padre]

You think it would make him unhappy to recall those days before he became the Lone Ranger?

[Padre's Daughter]

Why risk making him unhappy?

[Padre]

Or risk having him desire the love that can never be part of his life? You would say that, but for your modesty.

[Padre's Daughter]

I wouldn't want the Lone Ranger to change. He must never be anything but what he is.

[Narrator]

The following evening, Jim Warren and Harry Miles were in the little shack that served as their office in Warren City. Harry stood gazing idly out of the window at the gleaming tracks of the railroad waiting for Jim to finish at the desk.

[Jim Warren]

I guess the arrangements are all finished. Harry. Here's a copy of the letter I sent west.

[Narrator]

You sent it in plenty of time, didn't you?

[Harry Miles]

Oh, sure.

[Jim Warren]

There'll be horses waiting for us when we reach the end of the tracks.

[Narrator]

We can take the train for about 100 miles.

[Jim Warren]

Right. Then we'll ride horses the rest of the way. I'm anxious to get to where the grading crew's at work.

[Narrator]

You haven't heard of any trouble there?

[Jim Warren]

Let's hope we won't find trouble when we get there. I'd like to stay overnight with a grading crew and then shove onto the pass and see how the surveyors are getting along beyond the pass.

[Harry Miles]

All out for junction city by October 1st or bust.

[Jim Warren]

We aren't going to bust in spite of John Kimberly. Yeah, there were only proof. I'd sure like to see the coyote in jail.

[Narrator]

Who wouldn't?

[Jim Warren]

Hope he hasn't made trouble out there. If the tracks catch up to the grading crew or the graders overtake the surveyors, the whole job will be slowed up. Jim.

[John Kimberly]

Yeah?

[Jim Warren]

Are you sure that we'll forfeit the railroad contract if we're not finished by October 1st? Oh, no question about that, Harry. I've studied the contract and I know it by heart.

[Narrator]

Then Kimberly had got control.

[Jim Warren]

I'm sure he would. That's why he's breaking his neck to delay us. I don't think he'd stop at anything.

[Narrator]

Just how far do you really think he'd go?

[The Lone Ranger]

Murder.

[Narrator]

You believe that, aren't you?

[Jim Warren]

I'm sure of it. As a matter of fact, I sent a letter to Washington. I said that if anything happened to us, someone should look for a murder. What else did you say? Well, enough to cause an investigation and make it hot for Kimberly. If he's involved. I'm glad I wrote that letter, too. It's wild country out beyond the end of the tracks. Hey, look there.

[Narrator]

Out the window.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why?

[Jim Warren]

What's happening? The train's pulled into the station and.

[Narrator]

People are getting off.

[Jim Warren]

Oh, I've seen that before.

[John Kimberly]

Now I want to finish up at the desk.

[Jim Warren]

But take a look, John. Kimberly just went by the window. Kimberly? Are you sure, Harry?

[Harry Miles]

See for yourself.

[Jim Warren]

He's talking to someone who just got off the train.

[Dr. Manson]

It's been a long time since I saw you, Kimberly.

[John Kimberly]

Yes, it has. You certainly have changed a lot, doctor. You don't look like the Dr. Manson I used to know in Washington.

[Dr. Manson]

I suppose I don't. I've had a hard time these past few years.

[John Kimberly]

You can't blame anyone but yourself for that. You wanted to get rich too fast.

[Dr. Manson]

Don't throw that up to me.

[John Kimberly]

I don't intend to. Come on, let's walk over this way.

[Dr. Manson]

Why did you tell me to come here?

[Jim Warren]

You came, didn't you?

[Dr. Manson]

I know what you can do to me if I refuse.

[John Kimberly]

Refuse?

[Dr. Manson]

To take orders from you.

[Narrator]

Good.

[John Kimberly]

I'm glad you understand that?

[Dr. Manson]

I suppose you still have that evidence that would jail me.

[John Kimberly]

I have.

[Dr. Manson]

I thought so.

[John Kimberly]

You needn't be afraid of it though, doc. I won't use it unless you force me to.

[Dr. Manson]

Why did you send for me?

[John Kimberly]

I've got some work for you.

[Dr. Manson]

What kind?

[John Kimberly]

It's right in your line. I see you brought your little bag along.

[Dr. Manson]

Of course.

[John Kimberly]

Still have the bottles of medicines and things in it?

[Dr. Manson]

Yes. Why did you send for me?

[John Kimberly]

You still have that white powder you used in Washington. Don't speak of that distasteful now. You didn't mind talking about the white.

[Jim Warren]

Powder when you were plotting the murder of a sick.

[Dr. Manson]

Don't.

[John Kimberly]

Come come now, doc. You mustn't let your nerves get the better of you. No one knows that his nibs died of poison. Everybody called it a natural death.

[Jim Warren]

Heart failure, wasn't it?

[Dr. Manson]

Kimberly, you've ruined my life. Aren't you satisfied?

[John Kimberly]

So far I've been well satisfied, Doc. But now there's something I want done.

[Dr. Manson]

I can guess.

[John Kimberly]

Couple of young fellows know that I'm fighting them. Men always know it when they're in a fight.

[Dr. Manson]

With John Kimberly, you don't fight fair.

[John Kimberly]

We won't discuss that. The point is simply this. I want a couple of cases of.

[Jim Warren]

Well, we can call it heart failure again.

[John Kimberly]

Young men who aren't strong enough for the rigors of the west shouldn't overtask themselves. You'll know what to say.

[Dr. Manson]

Where are these men? What is your plan?

[John Kimberly]

They're here in town now. They'll be leaving for the western end of the railroad when the train pulls out in a few days. We're leaving tonight by horse.

[Dr. Manson]

Kimberly, I. I suppose there's no use pleading with you.

[John Kimberly]

No use at all. Come on, doc. I'll take you where you can rest and get ready for a long ride. Several days in the saddle and nights in kiln.

[Narrator]

Kimberly and Dr. Manson were far from Warren city when the westbound train pulled out. With Harry and Jim on board. The doctor had been increasingly nervous, much to the annoyance of John Kimberly. We find the two men at a hitch rack outside a cafe.

[John Kimberly]

We stop at the hotel here in town tonight, Doc. Maybe that's what you need.

[Dr. Manson]

A good night's sleep, isn't that?

[John Kimberly]

And a few drinks before going to bed. Come on in the cafe and I'll stand treat.

[Dr. Manson]

It isn't sleeping out in the open that is bothering me.

[Padre]

Sure it is.

[John Kimberly]

You're not used to it, that's all. I thought it'd be better if we didn't show much of ourselves near Warren City. That's why I didn't want to stop in the towns before now, Morningside.

[The Lone Ranger]

Wait.

[John Kimberly]

What's the matter now?

[Dr. Manson]

The feeling I've had, it just came over me again, stronger than ever.

[John Kimberly]

Oh, stop your nonsense.

[Dr. Manson]

I can't help it, Kimberly. I told you before that I felt as if every move we made was watched.

[John Kimberly]

Out here. Rot. No one pays any attention to anyone else out in this part of the country.

[Dr. Manson]

You said that before.

[John Kimberly]

And the further west we go, the wilder it gets. Tomorrow we'll reach the end of the railroad tracks and from there on it'll be really wilderness.

[Dr. Manson]

Can't we abandon this plan of yours?

[John Kimberly]

No, we can't.

[Dr. Manson]

Must we go through with the. Through with everything you've outlined?

[John Kimberly]

We must. I've told you there'll be an investigation. When those two are found dead, I've got to be sure. There's no way I can be blamed. What'll you have to drink?

[Dr. Manson]

I don't care. It doesn't matter.

[John Kimberly]

Say there, bartender.

[Narrator]

Yeah?

[John Kimberly]

Set out a couple of glasses in that bottle you've got your hand on.

[Narrator]

We'll pour our own.

[John Kimberly]

Yes, I'll pour yours, Doug. There you are.

[The Lone Ranger]

Careful of that.

[John Kimberly]

Say, what's the idea of scaring a man like you did, my friend.

[The Lone Ranger]

I didn't mean to startle you. Sorry.

[Dr. Manson]

It's all right.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're nervous. What are you afraid of?

[Dr. Manson]

Nothing at all.

[The Lone Ranger]

You should be.

[Dr. Manson]

But what? What do you mean?

[The Lone Ranger]

I've heard that this is dangerous country for an Easterner. Oh, you.

[Harry Miles]

What do you mean?

[John Kimberly]

Look here, stranger. I don't know who you are, and I don't care, my friend. And I don't feel sociable. Savvy?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm not always sociable myself. But you look like Easterners. And I thought I'd warn you to be careful what you drink when you go west from here. What do you mean? A few miles beyond the end of the tracks is a place called Vulture Country. Water around there isn't dependable, and some of its poison.

[John Kimberly]

Yes, yes, we've heard about that. Oh, thanks for the warning.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now you're through, there's one thing more. Maybe your friend here has something to cure a burn. The doctor. Do you have anything to put on a burn? Well, I.

[Dr. Manson]

How did you know I was a doctor?

[The Lone Ranger]

You look like one in this little bag you had on the saddle.

[John Kimberly]

Where did you get that?

[The Lone Ranger]

I brought it in with me. Took it from the doctor's saddle to save him going out after it. Like to have something For a burn.

[Dr. Manson]

I'll get it.

[John Kimberly]

Of all the nerve I have.

[Dr. Manson]

It's all right, John. Just a minute, mister.

[The Lone Ranger]

Here, let me open that. Do your hands tremble like that all the time?

[Dr. Manson]

I. I've got a tin here that.

[The Lone Ranger]

What's this stuff?

[Dr. Manson]

It's just medicine, that's all. Medicine? You wouldn't understand Latin name. Now here, take this. Rub it on the burn. Take it all. You're welcome to it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thank you, doctor. Now, if you two go into the vulture country, look out for the water you drink. Adios.

[John Kimberly]

John.

[Narrator]

John.

[Dr. Manson]

That man. His eyes. Did you notice?

[Harry Miles]

The nerve of him.

[Narrator]

The meddler.

[John Kimberly]

Why doesn't he mind his own business?

[Dr. Manson]

The way he looked at me. The way he spoke.

[Harry Miles]

Kimberly, let's get away from here tonight.

[John Kimberly]

Now we're going to sleep here.

[Harry Miles]

No, no, no, I can't.

[John Kimberly]

We can't go on tonight. The horses need rest and so do I. Come on in back and we'll get.

[Dr. Manson]

Rooms that that feeling. Something is going to happen before morning, I tell you. I know it.

[John Kimberly]

Oh, shut up.

[Dr. Manson]

Before morning something is going to happen.

[Narrator]

The 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.

[Harry Miles]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. When the stranger left the cafe with a small tin of burn remedy in his hand, he joined an Indian in the shadow of the hotel where even the faint light of a new moon didn't reach Otto.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now I'll take my mask and the other hat.

[John Kimberly]

Ah, I'm ready for you.

[The Lone Ranger]

You talked to doctor? Yes. And I saw the inside of his bag. And what There. A box of powder. Poison. Enough to kill a small army.

[Padre]

Not what you say maybe happened.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm still convinced that we can protect Jim and Harry best by keeping an eye on those two. But I can't forget.

[Harry Miles]

What?

[The Lone Ranger]

That Kimberly hired half a dozen men for something. It was only a week ago.

[Jim Warren]

That's right.

[The Lone Ranger]

We haven't found out why he hired them.

[Jim Warren]

I wish we knew.

[The Lone Ranger]

That there mask is snug enough Now. Now, Tondo, there's a job for you to do.

[Narrator]

What me do?

[The Lone Ranger]

The rooms are in the rear of the hotel. Come with me.

[Narrator]

With the silence of a cat, Tonto and the Lone Ranger move through the darkness. They heard the distant sound of a passing train and paused. Hello.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's the westbound. We'll reach the end of the tracks in half an hour. Jim and Harry will get off in the morning. They'll be in the saddle.

[Padre's Daughter]

And then I won't.

[Narrator]

A little later. Dr. Manson tossed fitfully in his bed while across the room, John Kimberly was deep in sleep. Suddenly, the doctor wakened. He didn't know why. Once more, he felt that creeping, tingling apprehension that was driving him to desperation. He turned and stared at the dimly outlined square of the window. And then.

[The Lone Ranger]

There.

[Harry Miles]

He's there.

[John Kimberly]

What's the matter, Doc?

[Harry Miles]

Doc, I saw him, I tell you. I saw him at the window. I shot him.

[John Kimberly]

You confounded crazy fool. Keep your hands off that gun till I get a light going.

[Harry Miles]

It couldn't have been a dream. It couldn't have been. What's the matter there? What's all this shooting? It's all right.

[John Kimberly]

Just a nightmare, that's all.

[Harry Miles]

Well, cut out the shooting, John.

[Dr. Manson]

I know I saw him. I saw his head and shoulders there at the window.

[Harry Miles]

It was as plain as day.

[John Kimberly]

There's no sign of anyone being in this room.

[Harry Miles]

But I tell you, this is about.

[John Kimberly]

Enough of your harum scum imaginings. Everything here is just the same where we left it. Now, I'm gonna turn out the lamp and you go to sleep. Another yip out of you and I'll make you take some of your own. Medic.

[Narrator]

Daybreak. Found Jim and Harry in the saddle heading west. The country ahead was grim and lifeless. This was called the Vulture country where many of the springs and water holes were poisonous and marked with warning signs.

[Jim Warren]

Even if we don't find warning signs, we won't drink the water, Harry. We use taking chances on it. Our canteens will last us till we.

[Narrator]

Reach the next construction camp.

[Jim Warren]

Hey, what's that?

[Narrator]

Those men look as if they're trying.

[Jim Warren]

To catch up to us. Who are they? Do you know? How would I know?

[Narrator]

Don't look like any of our men rain up there.

[Harry Miles]

We want a few words with you.

[Jim Warren]

Hey, he's yelling at us. Might as well do as he says. Who the hell.

[Harry Miles]

We want a word with you. What do you want? Are they the ones, Bart? What's your name, stranger?

[Jim Warren]

Why?

[Harry Miles]

Well, if you're Jim Warren and Harry Miles, we got word for you.

[John Kimberly]

My name is Jim Warren.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good.

[Harry Miles]

Take them, boy. Hey, what's the idea on a fire? Okay.

[Narrator]

As the outlaws closed in, Jim and Harry swung their horses away from the trail and headed for a great cluster of rocks. Neither men had any thought of gunplay. They reined in their mounts to a sliding stop and leaped from the saddle. Then, with their backs against the rocks, they prepared to fight to the finish with their bare fists. They survived the first charge, but before the second, some of the gang had climbed to the top of the rocks behind them. First, a well aimed blow from the butt of a gun knocked Harry to the ground. Jim turned to meet the new attack. The gang leader closed in another blow.

[Harry Miles]

Don't make any marks on him. Handle them careful now. Take him to the Vulture's Nest and hurry it up. The boss may show up right away. Might not show up for several days. These gents will have to wait until he gets there. He'll do the talking.

[Narrator]

The unconscious figures of the two men were supported in their saddles by members of the attacking gang. The ride was several miles to the south, where dense forest surrounded an old ramshackle house that had long since been unoccupied. When Jim and Harry regained consciousness, they found themselves bound hand and foot, stretched on a floor of rotting and decaying boards, with thick draperies of cobwebs overhead. One day went by, and then part of the second. No one had entered the room where Jim and Harry lay in torment from the ropes that bound them. Hunger and thirst made them weak. And their minds were filled with questions that could not be answered. And the door of the room creaked slowly last.

[Jim Warren]

Someone's coming. Kimberly. John. Kimberly.

[Harry Miles]

You.

[John Kimberly]

Well, boys, you seem to have gotten yourselves in trouble. What happened?

[Jim Warren]

Get these ropes off us. Where did you come from?

[John Kimberly]

I found the trail. Signs of a scuffle. I'm trying to overtake you so we could talk. Maybe we can make a deal of some sort.

[Narrator]

A deal?

[John Kimberly]

Well, I guess you boys know how much I want to take control of this railroad.

[Jim Warren]

We sure do. You've got to prove to us that you didn't have a hand in the way we were waylaid.

[John Kimberly]

I'll prove that easily enough.

[Padre's Daughter]

There.

[John Kimberly]

Your hands are free. Miles, rub your wrists and get the circulation restored. I'll untie a warrant here.

[Narrator]

What do you mean by talk and deal with us?

[John Kimberly]

Well, as long as you hold control of the railroad job, maybe you'll let me invest some cash. But we'll get to that later. First thing is to get you two away from here before these crooks get back.

[Jim Warren]

Where are they?

[John Kimberly]

They rode away. Over here. Drink of water?

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, thanks.

[Jim Warren]

Pass that canteen, Jim. My throat is parched. Well, can you hold it? My hands are numb.

[Narrator]

I'll manage as well as you did.

[Jim Warren]

Don't drink too much now. Take it easy. That sure tastes good.

[John Kimberly]

Well, I'm certainly glad to hear you say that.

[Jim Warren]

What?

[Narrator]

Kimberly.

[John Kimberly]

Come on in, boys.

[Jim Warren]

You're in cahoots with these crooks.

[John Kimberly]

Out. Where did you last, huh? You thought you were smart, but you're not smart enough for John, Kimberly. I get what I want one way or another.

[Harry Miles]

You gave us poison water and you.

[John Kimberly]

Said it was good. You enjoyed it.

[Jim Warren]

Posed as a friend, talked about a deal.

[Harry Miles]

Why, you dirty coyote.

[John Kimberly]

And that letter you sent to Washington won't do a bit of good. Let them investigate your death. They'll find that you were careless, that you drank bad water.

[Jim Warren]

With us out of the way, you'll get the railroad.

[Narrator]

Why, you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come in.

[Harry Miles]

Say what, man? Who's that?

[The Lone Ranger]

What do you want in there? Dr. Manson? You're in on this too, Kimberly.

[Harry Miles]

He and an Indian came from the woods.

[The Lone Ranger]

Eddie. Bart. Don't reach for that gun. Kill me and you'll regret it. See this bottle? White powder, isn't it?

[Harry Miles]

Kimberly. Kimberly. We've all drank poison water. What's that? What do you mean, Manson?

[The Lone Ranger]

What do you mean?

[Harry Miles]

That man, he outwitted us. He has the poison from my bag. I saw him. He poured it in the water you and your men have been drinking. Why didn't you tell us? He wouldn't give me a chance. He had me watched. That Indian, Tanto, we call him Tanda, was ready to shoot if I said a word. I've taken the water as well as the rest of you. Yes, you have, you cowardly fool.

[Jim Warren]

You idiot.

[John Kimberly]

Why didn't you say something?

[Padre's Daughter]

I couldn't.

[Harry Miles]

Look at the guns. There's the Indian.

[Jim Warren]

Wait.

[The Lone Ranger]

There's no need to die.

[Harry Miles]

Well, if I'm to die, I'll see a couple of you go first. You, Doc. Manson, you.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, you don't. The next time, I'll use a bullet to knock a gun down. Now, listen to me. There was medicine in the doctor's bag. Medicine that will counteract the effects of the poison. I have it here. See it?

[Jim Warren]

Give it to me.

[John Kimberly]

Give it to me. I'll pay any price. I'll buy it. Let me have it.

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't want to sell it, Kimberly. I'll give this medicine to all of you. The doctor will tell you what it will do.

[Harry Miles]

It's an antidote. It'll make the poison harmless. But it has to be taken quickly.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, how about it? You, Bart? Do you want the medicine? How about the rest of you men?

[Harry Miles]

You bet we don't. We don't deserve to die. It was all Kimberly's scheme. He's the one that's to be.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll give this bottle to you or Kimberly's signed confession.

[Narrator]

But I. I don't.

[The Lone Ranger]

You know what I want, Kimberly? Confession of your part in the plot. To overthrow the government. Your part in the Black Arrow, your scheme to control the railroads, your attempt to murder Jim and Harry here. Everything you've done is written as a confession ready for you to sign.

[John Kimberly]

I won't sign any such thing. I'll be jailed for life.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, Bart, you and the rest hurt him.

[Harry Miles]

Kimberly, you're gonna sign.

[John Kimberly]

Wait, wait, boys, wait.

[Harry Miles]

Maybe he's bluffing. He isn't bluffing. I know. I saw him use the white powder. We're taking no chances. Sign that paper. Sign it to you? Wait, wait. Don't sign or I'll clamp down with this grip.

[Narrator]

Me, too.

[Harry Miles]

Boys, boys, wait. We don't.

[The Lone Ranger]

Also, here's a pencil. The rest of you will sign as witnesses.

[Jim Warren]

Harry, you know what this means.

[Narrator]

Kimberly, in jail.

[Harry Miles]

Out of our way.

[Jim Warren]

Out of every honest man's way.

[John Kimberly]

I've signed.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now the rest of you sign. And be quick.

[Narrator]

While the men signed the confession, the Lone Ranger sent Totto outside to bring up Skelton Silver. And he saw that Jim and Harry were able to hold guns and keep the outlaws covered.

[Jim Warren]

We'll keep them covered, all right. You needn't worry about that.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll have the lawman back here inside his three hours.

[Harry Miles]

Oh, we're all signed. Now, let's have that bottle.

[The Lone Ranger]

Here it is. But, men, you needn't take the powder. What needn't take it? The doctor will remember the night in town when he thought someone came into the hotel room. I do.

[Harry Miles]

Kimberly, you said I was dreaming.

[The Lone Ranger]

He was wrong. That was Toto. He took the poison from your bag and replaced it with a harmless salt. Was that that you saw put in the drinking water?

[John Kimberly]

We were tricked.

[Harry Miles]

Double cross frame. And were you sure as thunder had it coming.

[Jim Warren]

Now, you crooks line up and we'll keep you till the sheriff comes.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sana will stay with you, Jim. I won't be long. Any boy.

[Harry Miles]

It's sam.

[Narrator]

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

[Harry Miles]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to OTRWesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel. By going to OTRWesterns.COM.

[Harry Miles]

Become one of.

[Andrew Rines]

Our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Harry Miles]

Sam.