The Woman from Omaha | The Lone Ranger (02-27-52)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: The Woman from Omaha | The Lone Ranger (02-27-52)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: September 24, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this digitally restored broadcast of "The Lone Ranger," listeners are transported to the dust and drama of the American frontier. "The Woman from Omaha" revolves around Nell Martin, an independent woman who inherits a struggling stagecoach line in Texas after her brother's death. Nell faces sabotage, rivalry, and betrayal as she attempts to hold on to her business, with the help of the Lone Ranger and his loyal companion Tonto. The episode blends suspense, clever plotting, and classic western themes of justice, resilience, and transformation.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

Nell’s Arrival and the Lone Star Stage Line

• [03:46] Nell Martin arrives from Omaha, inheriting the Lone Star stage line and meeting Whip, the stage driver.
  • Nell is immediately unimpressed by the rundown state of her new business:
    “Sick saliva. You mean to say people actually pay to ride on this?” — Nell Martin [04:23]
  • She learns her brother’s trusted man, Bixby, is managing the company until she settles in.

Competition and Sabotage

• Nell discovers that Sam Blake, owner of a rival line, wants to buy her out—and if that fails, he’s willing to ruin her:
  • “Failing in that, it's why I tried to bust the Lone Star Line...” — Whip [05:54]
• Their stagecoach is sabotaged: the axle breaks due to foul play, suspected to be Blake’s doing.
  • “If you look underneath, see why that axle broke, we're sawed half through.” — Whip [06:45]

First Encounters and Tensions Rise

• [07:59] Tonto, the Lone Ranger’s friend, appears, offering help; Nell politely but firmly declines, awaiting her driver.
• Sam Blake arrives under pretense of assistance, but Nell confronts him about his betrayal to his face:
  • "You’re the one who's trying to bust my business... you mealy mouthed old goat!" — Nell Martin to Sam Blake [09:58]

Meeting Bixby and Compiling Evidence

• [11:20] In town, Nell confronts Bixby, who details the ongoing sabotage (poisoned horses, cut harnesses, robbery), all pointing at Blake, though evidence is slim:
  • “I'd recognize his round figure even if there hadn't been a full moon. But I couldn't prove it. You see, ma'am, it'll be his word against mine.” — Bixby [12:08]

Catastrophe: The Stable Fire

• Suddenly, the Lone Star stables are set ablaze ([12:32]), with Tonto saving the horses.
  • Suspicion again falls on Blake as evidence mounts, but nothing is conclusive.

The Lone Ranger’s Investigation

• [13:46+] That night, Tonto reports seeing a man fleeing the scene of the fire; he suspects arson.
• The Lone Ranger, in disguise, tracks the perpetrator to a cabin and tries to extract a confession by pretending to be a blackmailer. Instead, he is caught in a trap.

The Villain Revealed: Bixby’s Betrayal

• A major twist: Bixby, trusted manager of Nell’s company, is revealed as the true conspirator:
  • "Our things in town, Bixby... You simply got to make an airtight case against Sam Blake.” — Spike, arsonist and Bixby’s accomplice [20:34]
  • Bixby is orchestrating everything to ruin both lines, frame Blake, and take over.

The Trap and the Lone Ranger’s Gambit

• Bixby and his men plan to murder the disguised Lone Ranger ("the Indian") and Sam Blake in a staged fire to silence them and cement the frame-up.
• The Lone Ranger feigns helplessness, but Tonto rescues him at the last minute. They set a counter-trap with the sheriff.

Justice Served

• [25:22] In the episode's climax, just as Bixby and his goons move to execute their plan, the sheriff and allies burst in, arresting them all.
  • "That's a start. Hand in. Come on, boys. Hands up. It's me, the sheriff.” — Sheriff [25:37]
  • Nell vindicates Blake and proudly confronts Bixby.

Resolution and New Beginnings

• With Bixby and his men in custody, Blake and Nell decide to merge their stage lines:
  • “Why in thunder don’t you merge the two lines?... Let's take a word from each of our names and call it the Texas Star. How’s that sound?” — Lone Ranger [27:44]
  • Nell credits the Lone Ranger as the unifying force in their lives and business.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nell’s Feistiness:
  “You mealy mouthed old goat. If I had a gun, I'd deal with you right now.” — Nell Martin [09:58]

• Tonto’s Loyalty:
  “Me happen to see smoke at Doris stable, ride there fast. Then see fellow run out of stable. Mount, horse ride away. Maybe him start fire. You didn't go after him? No. First me want to save horses in stable.” — Tonto [13:46]

• Corruption Exposed:
  “I thought we'd break the Lone Star Line and frame Blake into jail. He couldn't operate his company from jail, so I was going to buy his equipment and horses, get the franchise and mail contract.” — Bixby [20:47]

• Rousing Climax:
  “You, we're full of questions, Bixby. Whip and I were close enough to the back window to hear all what you said. No, no. Bixby was going to murder us in cold blood.” — Sheriff, Blake [25:56]

• Lighter Touch on Resolution:
  “Why in thunder don’t you merge the two lines?... Let's call it the Texas Star.” — Lone Ranger [27:44]

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Important Timestamps

• [03:46] — Nell Martin’s introduction, learning about her inheritance.
• [05:45] — The rivalry and sabotage revealed.
• [06:45] — Axle sabotage discovered.
• [09:58] — Nell confronts Sam Blake.
• [12:32] — The stable fire breaks out.
• [13:46] — Tonto shares his suspicions and evidence.
• [16:29] — The Lone Ranger goes undercover to trap the arsonist.
• [20:34] — The plot against Sam Blake and the Lone Ranger revealed.
• [25:22] — Sheriff and friends arrive, foiling the murder attempt and arresting the villains.
• [27:44] — Resolution and the proposal to merge stage lines.

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Tone & Style

The episode blends sharp, witty dialogue (especially from Nell), old-west flavor, heroic intervention by the masked Lone Ranger, and the tension of deceit and danger. Nell’s character is particularly strong—self-reliant, quick-thinking, and assertive. The narrative delivers justice with classic western satisfaction, leaving the listener both entertained and reminded of the timeless battle between good and evil.

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Closing Thoughts

This remastered episode is a prime example of Western radio drama: a tale of deception, courage, and the redemptive power of teamwork. Listeners will enjoy the dynamic interplay between characters, the steady unraveling of the mystery, and the all-important arrival of the Lone Ranger at just the right moment.

For fans of classic radio and western storytelling, this episode is both a nostalgia trip and a lesson in resilience and moral clarity. Hi-yo, Silver—away!

Transcript

[Lone Ranger]

What do you think makes the perfect snack? Hmm, it's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient. Could you be more specific? When it's cravinient. Okay. Like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter, available right down the street at a.m. p.m. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a second at a.m. p.m. I'm seeing a pattern here. Well, yeah, we're talking about what I crave, which is anything from AM pm. What more could you want?

[Narrator]

Stop by AM PM where the snacks.

[Lone Ranger]

And drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's cravenience. AM PM Too much. Good stuff. Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

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

[Lone Ranger]

It's.

[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver.

[Nell Martin]

Let's go.

[Lone Ranger]

Big fellow. Are you Silver?

[Narrator]

Nell Martin was a small, wiry woman of middle age who had spent her life in Omaha. When her bachelor brother died in the Texas town of San Felice, Nell inherited the Lone Star stage line. She sold her small store in Omaha and started southwest to claim the inheritance. The Butterfield line took her to within 10 miles of San Felice. There she was met by a driver called Whip, who drove one of the stagecoaches. Nell had been left by her brother Ben. Nell rode on the high seat with the driver. For a long time she was silent. The rickety stage bounced and rocked on the rough road.

[Lone Ranger]

Get up there you critters. Get up there.

[Nell Martin]

Sick saliva. You mean to say people actually pay to ride on this?

[Lone Ranger]

Some do, Ms. Martin, but mostly our work is handling mail and freight.

[Nell Martin]

Are all the Lone Star coaches as run down? Is this one?

[Lone Ranger]

The other is just the same, ma'. Am.

[Nell Martin]

The other? You mean there are only two coaches?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, and?

[Nell Martin]

Well, the Lone Star line is smaller than I thought.

[Lone Ranger]

In addition to the coaches and horses your brother on the station building, first class stable behind you.

[Nell Martin]

Well, if Ben made a living. I reckon I'll do as well. What sort of a man is Bixby?

[Lone Ranger]

How'd you know about him?

[Nell Martin]

The lawyer who told me about the inheritance said Bixby was managing the company and would do so until I arrived.

[Lone Ranger]

That's right, ma'. Am. Your brother was ailing for some time before he finally cashed in his chips. He hired Bixby to help him run the company. When Ben died, Bixby kept on handling things. He hopes you'll keep him on.

[Nell Martin]

Well, he'll stay until I get the hang of operating the stage line. And after that, we'll see. And now, tell me about Sam Blake.

[Lone Ranger]

You heard about him, too?

[Nell Martin]

The lawyer said Blake wanted to buy the Lone Star outfit. This offer was just too low to consider. What's Blake's business?

[Lone Ranger]

Well, he. He moves freight. You might say He's a rival, Ms. Martin. He runs the Texas Ranger stage line in San Felipe. Yep.

[Nell Martin]

You mean to say there's two stage lines in the one small town?

[Lone Ranger]

That's right, ma'. Am.

[Nell Martin]

Oh, that's no doggone good. It's just like cutting each other's throats.

[Lone Ranger]

I reckon that's why Blake tried to buy you out. And failing in that, it's why I tried to bust the Lone Star line. Easy there. Easy now. Easy. Road's getting rough here.

[Nell Martin]

Hold down there with. What's that you said about Blake trying to bust the Lone Star Line?

[Lone Ranger]

Bixby knows more about that, ma'. Am. Tell you how Blake is. Hard Hiram and the robber stages. Now he's poisoned the best horse. Now he sneaked into the shed and cut harness leather. There's something busted. Mother. Whoa.

[Nell Martin]

I thought we'd tip over for sure. What happened?

[Lone Ranger]

I'll know as soon as I get down. Have a look. Bust an axle.

[Nell Martin]

Just get down there and she for myself.

[Lone Ranger]

All the cussed tricks. This is the worst.

[Nell Martin]

What are you talking about?

[Lone Ranger]

If you look underneath, see why that axle broke, we're sawed half through.

[Nell Martin]

Sawed?

[Lone Ranger]

That's what I said. And it's more of Sam Blake's work. Yeah. That axle saw, it popped through so to break when we hit the rough roads.

[Nell Martin]

You mean it was sawed before you left Sand Police?

[Lone Ranger]

Must have been.

[Nell Martin]

Then why did it hold up this long?

[Lone Ranger]

I was traveling light on the way to meet you, Ms. Martin. Your luggage with this rough road was more than the axle could take. That ornery polecat Blake is just.

[Nell Martin]

How do you know it was Sam Blake's work?

[Lone Ranger]

Who else could it be?

[Nell Martin]

Well, now, what Are we to do?

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, it's too far to walk to San Felice. I'll take one of the stage horses and ride bareback. I'll bring back a spare axle and tools and a buckboard. Unless you want to walk or ride a horse bareback, you'll have to wait here.

[Nell Martin]

I'll wait inside the stage. Out of the sun.

[Narrator]

The driver rode away and Nell settled herself comfortably inside the coach. She had been there but a few minutes when an Indian approached. It was Toto, the friend of the Lone Ranger, on his way to San Felice. He drew rein and dismounted beside the disabled stagecoach. Nell opened the door and stepped to the road.

[Nell Martin]

Well, what are you stopping for? You got ideas of stealing my luggage?

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, no. Me think maybe you want help. You want ride to town?

[Nell Martin]

That's what I'm waiting for.

[Lone Ranger]

You ride my horse, me walk, lead him.

[Nell Martin]

Well, I must say that's a generous offer, but no thanks. The driver's going to town for a buckboard.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, you Nell Martin.

[Nell Martin]

How'd you know?

[Lone Ranger]

Well, me here, you come to San Felice. Me Tonto.

[Nell Martin]

Tonto, eh? Ah, you seem like a good Injun.

[Lone Ranger]

Found me friend. That your man come this way.

[Nell Martin]

Hmm?

[Lone Ranger]

A buckboard come this way from town?

[Nell Martin]

Oh, well, sure enough. Well, that's not mine. Whip hasn't had time to reach town, to say nothing of getting back.

[Narrator]

Both Nell and Tanta watched the approaching wagon, driven by a short, round faced man with a white mustache. The man stepped to the road, doffed his hat and bowed.

[Lone Ranger]

A damsel in distress. I am at your service, man. May I offer assistance?

[Nell Martin]

Thanks, mister, but unless you're toting a spare axle in that rig, there's nothing you can do.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll regret that to my dying day.

[Nell Martin]

Maybe you passed my driver riding bear back to town.

[Lone Ranger]

I did.

[Nell Martin]

He'll be back in a little while with an axle.

[Lone Ranger]

You must be Nell Martin.

[Nell Martin]

For sakes alive. Does everybody know about me? That Injun called me by my name, too.

[Lone Ranger]

You wrote your lawyer when you'd arrived. Within the hour, the whole town knew it. Since then, we've been waiting to welcome you to our midst. I must say, Miss Nell, our little community will be brightened by your grace and charm.

[Nell Martin]

Oh, well, now, is that so?

[Lone Ranger]

Instead of waiting here in the sun, please permit me to escort you to town. My poor rig is at your service.

[Nell Martin]

Well, mister.

[Lone Ranger]

The name is Blake. Sam Blake.

[Nell Martin]

I'm glad to know you. Did you say Blake?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes. I own the Texas Ranger stage line.

[Nell Martin]

Why, you're the one who's trying to Bust my business? Because I wouldn't say you cut harness poison horse. No, no, I. You're the one who had that axle sword so did break. But now I've heard all about you. You mely mouthed old goat. If I had a gun, I'd deal with you right now.

[Lone Ranger]

Now, wait.

[Nell Martin]

You, engineer, let me have your gun.

[Lone Ranger]

You local wildcat have your gun. Do you not need one? Him go. Get up. Get along there.

[Nell Martin]

Well, it's a good thing for him he cleared out.

[Lone Ranger]

You got proof him make trouble?

[Nell Martin]

Not yet, but Whippy and Bixby should know what they're talking about. I'll have proof. You just wait and see. Now, if your offer still holds, I'd appreciate a ride to town. Only trouble is, I'm not wearing a divided skirt. I'll have to sit side saddle, and I'd likely fall unless you help me.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, me help?

[Nell Martin]

Maybe you could ride behind the saddle and sort of hold me.

[Narrator]

As Toto and Nell neared town, they passed Whip, the driver in a buckboard, returning to the stagecoach with a new axle and a man to help install it. A few minutes later, the woman from Omaha entered the office of the Lone Star Stage Line and met Lem Bixby. After a few generalities, she told about seeing Sam Blake and about riding to town on Totto's horse.

[Lone Ranger]

I saw you dismounting, Ms. Martin, and wondered where you met the Indian.

[Nell Martin]

Well, now you know.

[Lone Ranger]

Does he plan to stay in town?

[Nell Martin]

No. He's going to buy some goods at the store and then head west to meet someone.

[Lone Ranger]

Ah.

[Nell Martin]

And now, Bixby, tell me about Sam Blake.

[Lone Ranger]

Did Whip mention the things he's done to hurt us?

[Nell Martin]

Whip told me he poisoned a horse, cut harness leather and robbed our stages. Can you prove those charges?

[Lone Ranger]

Well, here's how it was, Ms. Martin. Blake bought poison, all right. Said it was to kill bugs in his garden. And two days later, we found a dead horse in the stable. Vet said it was poisoned. He found some of the poison in the oats.

[Nell Martin]

The same poison Blake had bought?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, ma'.

[Nell Martin]

Am.

[Lone Ranger]

And another time, I woke up in the middle of the night, happened to look out the window of my room upstairs. That's where I sleep. And I saw Blake sneaking away from the stable. I hurried out, found a lot of new harness cut to bits.

[Nell Martin]

You sure it was Blake?

[Lone Ranger]

I'd recognize his round figure even if there hadn't been a full moon. But I couldn't prove it. You see, ma', am, it'll be his word against mine.

[Nell Martin]

Well, how about the highway Robberies?

[Lone Ranger]

Well, there was just one. But it cost plenty to make good the loss of a freight shipman. Two men robbed the stage. The driver gave a good description of them, and I recognized them as the men I'd seen the night before in the cafe talking to Sam Blake.

[Nell Martin]

What's that?

[Lone Ranger]

Well, the fire gone. Sakes alive, there's a fire. Bixby, your stable's on fire. Stable? The smoke. Better stay out of the way, Ms. Martin. I'll handle things. Hey, boys, give me a hand. Get water in buckets. Help me get the horses out.

[Narrator]

Tuttle was the first to reach the burning building just after the fire began. He had never seen fire spread more rapidly. He moved three frightened horses from the stable, and by that time, the entire place was a mass of flames.

[Lone Ranger]

Good for you, Injun. Any more horses inside? No, no more. I'll save the stable. Tell water on the other building, try to save them. You. You take care of horses. I'll lead them away from here. Let me go. Easy, scouts. Easy, fella. Get him up.

[Nell Martin]

Come back. You saved my horses. Why that Indian ride away so sudden?

[Lone Ranger]

I don't know, ma'. Am. Seemed like he had something important to do.

[Narrator]

It was after dark when Tonto joined the Lone Ranger in a woodland camp not far from town. He reported events of the day, telling of meeting and aiding Nell Martin, of Sam Blake's plotting against the Lone Star Line and of the fire.

[Lone Ranger]

Me happen to see smoke at Doris stable, ride there fast. Then see fellow run out of stable. Mount, horse ride away. Maybe him start fire. You didn't go after him? No. First me want to save horses in stable. Me go inside and see flame all over floor, smell coal oil. Coal oil? Flames leaped aloft where plenty hay piled high. Then fire go like gunpowder. Could you save the horses? Oh, me save horses. Then right after man, me think start fire. Me out of sight. Me follow tracks till dark, then come here. The moon will rise in half an hour. Perhaps we can pick up the trail by moonlight. Toto and that feller know how fires start. Him inside stable. I wonder if he was hired by Sam Blake. Me not know. Loss of the stable may be disastrous to Nell Martin. She might try to salvage a little cash by selling out to Blake. Oh, I'll settle. Silver, we're moving. Ah. There, Silver. Easy. How long will it take to reach the place where you lost the trail? In darkness, maybe half hour. It'll be moonlight by the time we get there. Isn't that right? It's not hard to follow tracks on soft grass when Moon bright. You show me those tracks, Tonto. I'll follow them alone. And what we do? Ride to San Felice. If Nell Martin decides to sell out. Gotta persuade her to wait. He's instead of Be ready Monsoon.

[Narrator]

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

[Lone Ranger]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. By the light of a full moon, Tonto showed the Lone Ranger the trail of the man who had fled from the burning stable. From there, the masked man went on alone while the Indian rode to San Felice to prevail upon Nell Martin to postpone action if she decided to sell the Lone Star stage line. The Lone Ranger followed the trail across the plain. It led directly to a small lighted shack at the edge of a woods. During the trip, the masked man had decided on a plan that might secure an admission of guilt by the man who had started the stable fire. Leading Silver into the woods, he removed his mask and outer clothing. With stains from the saddlebags, he darkened his complexion and hair. He dressed in buckskin clothing and tied a red cloth around his head like an Indian headband. Then he was ready. Leaving Silver in the woods, he approached the cabin on foot and entered without knocking on the door. Hey, what the.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, you better put that gun down, Injun. This is a stick up. You came to the wrong place. How much you paid for starting fire? What fire you talking about? Fire at Lone Star stable? You think no one see you? I told you once, you better put down that gun. Plenty time. Poor Indians sleep in hay. You were sleeping in the hayloft. You go to stable, spill plenty oil, start fire, then run. Now you pay or me tell Law. So that's it, eh? Expect me to buy your silence? You pay or me take you to Law. Maybe Law find footprints match yours. I couldn't pay if I wanted to. I have no cash. You get cash from feller who hire you. You come, we call on him. That's not necessary, redskin. He's right behind you.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger had not heard the opening door. For a moment he thought the hard faced man with a twisted grin was trying an old trick to make him turn his head. Then he knew that he was wrong.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll get him, Spike.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger tried to leap aside, but too late. The barrel of a pistol crashed against the top of his head. He fell to the floor, unconscious.

[Lone Ranger]

Good thing you came, Bixby. I've learned to take precautions. I left my horse at a slight distance and look through the window before I came in. Yeah. Here's rope. Tie his hands behind his back and then his feet. He was in the hayloft. He saw me start the fire. I gathered as much. Make those ropes good and tight.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger regained consciousness while Spike was tying his feet. His hands were already tightly bound behind his back. He remained limp with his eyes closed, feigning unconsciousness in the hope of learning more of the plot against Nell Martin.

[Lone Ranger]

Our things in town, Bixby. Did the fire destroy the stables? Stables burned to the ground. But my plans aren't working out as well as I figured they would. I left that coal oil you stole from Blake near the stable door. Was it found? Yeah. Well, that should be evidence against Sam Blake. Has the name of his stage line painted on it. Oh, he admits it's his. Came into our office while the sheriff was talking to Nell Martin and me. He saw the oil can, said it was his, but he denied doing anything to hurt the Lone Star Company. Made another offer to buy the outfit from Ms. Martin. What did she say? She still refuses to sell. Was Blake arrested? No. There's not enough evidence. Preferred charges against him. You figured your plan was so simple. Yeah. I thought we'd break the Lone Star Line and frame Blake into jail. He couldn't operate his company from jail, so I was going to buy his equipment and horses, get the franchise and mail contract. They'll still work. Bixby, you simply got to make an airtight case against Sam Blake. But he's a slick talker. He'll talk his way out of anything. He could talk it. Hold on. You got an idea? Yeah. Dead men can't talk. And besides, we have to do something about this redskin. We can't leave him alive to tell what he knows. We'll get rid of him and Blake at the same time. Now, listen, we'll need help. Where's that friend of yours who helped you stick up the stagecoach? Who, Joe? Yeah. As far as I know, he's in that hunter's cabin near the drawer. All right, get him and bring him back. Then the two of you bring this engine to my office. I leave the door unlocked. Just be sure this Indian's gagged as well as Ty. I'll start for Joe's place right away. Reckon he'll be all right to leave the Indian here, huh? Yeah. I'll be waiting for you in my office.

[Narrator]

For a long time after the two men left, the Lone Ranger struggled against the ropes that held his arms and legs and the gag that had been placed in his mouth. It was well after midnight before he realized the futility and hopelessness of trying to get loose. Then he saw the door swing open and Tonto appeared. Recognition was quick, despite the Lone Ranger's disguise. Tonto whipped out his knife as he crossed the floor. He cut away the gag and then the ropes.

[Lone Ranger]

Thanks, Totto. I didn't expect help. I thought you'd be in town when we learned woman not intend to sell out company. Me go back to camp. You not there. Saw me follow trail. Toto, Ms. Martin's manager, has made all the trouble. Him named Bixie? Yes. He came here and caught me off guard. He hired a man named Spike to set fire to the stable. You got proof of that? No, but we may get evidence against those men tonight. They're planning a final move. It calls for a double murder. I'll trap them with your help. What me do? Replace the gagging ropes, but make them loose so I can slip out of them when I have to. Now, Silver's in the woods near this cabin. Take him with you. And take my regular clothing. Leave Scout in his place. Ah, me savvy. Then go back to town.

[Narrator]

You'll have to waken several people. It was half past three in the morning. Bixby sat alone in the office of the Lone Star stagecoach line. The only light was that of the moon, which slanted in the large front windows. The smell of smoke from the burn stable behind the building still hung in the air. Presently, the manager heard the back door open.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, at last. Good work, Spike. I see you brought your pal. Yeah. The engine. Have any trouble with him? No. We found his horse in the woods near the shack. We just threw him across the saddle. He didn't like it. Now what? I'll watch the Indian. You two go across the street. Sam Blake has living quarters in the rear of his place. I know that. Wakem, make him get dressed, then gag and tie them and bring them here. While you're at it, bring another can of coal oil from a storeroom. Coal oil? You plan another fire? Yeah, a final one.

[Narrator]

Sam Blake was roused from a sound sleep. A wad of cloth was stuffed into his mouth and tied in place. When fully dressed, his hands were tied behind his back. A gun poked him and the voice.

[Lone Ranger]

Said, walk across the street and go around to the back door of the Lone Star office. You make any sound and I'll crease your head with this gun barrel. Here's Blake. By Joe has the coal oil right here. Bixby. Should we spill it over the floor? Same as in the stable? Yeah, but wait till you hear the instructions. Now, here's the story that I'm going to tell. I'll say I was in my room upstairs. I heard someone moving down here. I took my gun, I started down the stairs. I smelled coal oil. Someone tossed a match, and the whole floor seemed to burst into flames. I saw two men running out the back door, so I opened fire and got them both in the back. Meaning Sam Blake and the Indian. Right. There'll be two dead men behind the place to back your story and no one to deny it. Now, we'll have to time it careful. We spill the coal oil, get all set to start the fire, and we'll take Blake and the Indian to the rear door and rap them on the head so they can't spoil things. I'll put bullets through them while you boys start the fire. Be sure the bullets are in the right position. You leave that to me. Now, when you've started the fire, clear out, I'll rush out the back door yelling bloody murder. Just one thing, Bigsby. Well, Joe and I expect to be hate passive for this job. You know, you've been well paid for everything you did. You split over $2,000 that you took from that stagecoach. I gave you 100 for the stable fire. Well, this is different. We want to be full partners with you when you take over the stage line business. Now, hold on, Spike. That's a deal. Take it or leave it. You leave it, Bixby, and we'll just untie Blake's hands and let him go. Remember, he's heard all you said. All right, it's a deal. Now, grab Blake and the Indian and bring him to the back door. I'll spread this coal oil. Joe, you take Blake. I'll take care of the Indian. Cut the ropes around his feet. Make a walk to the door. Yeah. Come on, Blake. On your feet. You don't like what you heard, huh? Come on, get moving. All right. You, too, Injun. Got the ropes around your feet? All right, stand up and walk. Come on.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger, still disguised as an Indian, had drawn his ankles slightly apart so Spike, in cutting the rope, would not notice that it was loose. Prodded by a gun, he moved to the door, which Bixby opened. Then suddenly, the rope fell from his wrists and. And he pushed the gag from his mouth as he turned and swung his fist.

[Lone Ranger]

Hey, what the. That's a start. Hand in. Come on, boys. Hands up. It's me, the sheriff.

[Narrator]

The sheriff leaped through the rear door, followed by Whit the stagecoach driver, Joe, stepped from behind Sam Blake to bring his gun to bear. But the Lone Ranger had anticipated such a move.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, good Joe.

[Narrator]

The side of the Lone Ranger's hand sliced like an ax on Joe's wrist.

[Lone Ranger]

He must not be here. Guns. Don't shoot. Don't shoot. My hands are up. Otto, ungag Sam Blake. We picked him. Someone light a lamp. I'll do it, Sheriff. I know where it is. Only take a second. You. We're full of questions, Bixby. Well, Whip and I were close enough to the back window to hear all what you said. No, no. Bixby was going to murder us in cold blood. Sheriff, I know. The man named Spike set fire to the stable and Bixby paid him $100. We heard that these two robbed Nell Martin. Stagecoach. Heard that, too, Blake. Looks like you're packing. No sneak guns, Bixby. No. Now, stick up your hands. I have the handcuffs ready. Sheriff.

[Nell Martin]

Sheriff, may I come in?

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Nell. We've dehorned these crooks. They're harmless as kittens.

[Nell Martin]

I heard all that was said in here. Bixby, you sneaking, thieving, double crossing. Sam, I'm so sorry. To think of how I misjudged you. Will you ever forgive me?

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, I, dear lady, in the way.

[Nell Martin]

I talked to you yesterday and refused to ride in the Buckford.

[Lone Ranger]

Sheriff, I think you have no further need of toddlering me.

[Nell Martin]

Well, that man don't talk like a redskin.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm not an Indian now. Mighty obliged to you, mister. You sure cleared up a situation here in San Felice. Thanks, Sheriff. Silver waiting out back? Good enough. Be glad to get out of this disguise, Miss Nell. Bixby had an idea of running a stage line. He figured that one line operating out of Santa Felice could make a lot of money. It probably could, Ms. Nell, though you've lost some of your property. I'll renew the offer to buy your Lone Star line. In fact, I'll raise the price.

[Nell Martin]

Sam. Blake, would you sell out the Texas Ranger line?

[Lone Ranger]

No, of course not. Why in thunder don't you merge the two lines? Merge? Capital idea. Splendid idea. Merger.

[Nell Martin]

Well, now, that sounds just fun.

[Lone Ranger]

We might even merge the name. Instead of Lone Star and Texas Ranger, let's take a word from each of our names and call it the Texas Star. How's that sound? The Texas Star. Stage lines, eh, Blake? I'd say you should use the other two words. Leave out Texas, leave out Star. And call it after the man who made it possible. The Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's drama was written by Fran Striker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer.

[Andrew Rines]

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