Thieves Fall Out | The Lone Ranger (11-11-42)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode Summary: "Thieves Fall Out | The Lone Ranger (11-11-42)"

Date: July 2, 2026
Host: Andrew Rhynes

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Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns delivers a digitally restored presentation of "Thieves Fall Out" from The Lone Ranger (originally aired 11-11-1942). Listeners are plunged into a tale of betrayal, scheming outlaws, and the pursuit of justice in the untamed West. The Lone Ranger and his trusted companion, Tonto, must unravel a tangled plot involving a confession torn in two, shifting loyalties, and the framing of an innocent man for murder.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The Setup: A Betrayal in Prairie Flat

• Location: A small café outside Prairie Flat.
• Key Characters Introduced: The Lone Ranger, Tonto, Dutch Collins, Sheriff, Lud Dane, Lance McCary, Kansas Myers.
• Inciting Incident: Dutch Collins, wanted for past crimes, offers to betray his former partners (McCary and Myers) in exchange for leniency, presenting a written confession to the sheriff. (06:43–07:23)

Dutch Collins: "Give me a clean bill and I'll spill everything." (06:57)
Sheriff: "A squealer, huh?" (07:01)

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2. Chaos and Deadly Pursuit

• Treachery in the Café: Tensions explode when Lud Dane picks a fight with the Lone Ranger, triggering a gunfight and shutting out the lights for confusion (07:49–08:01).
• The Chase: Dutch flees, but is tracked by Dane who seeks to silence him and get the damning paper.
• Climactic Confrontation: Dane shoots Dutch, searches him for the confession, but is interrupted by the Lone Ranger and Tonto. (09:15–10:57)

Dane (to Dutch): "Maybe I ought to put you out of your misery, huh, Dutch?" (09:32)
Narrator: "Dane made his getaway." (10:57)

• The Fragmented Confession: The Lone Ranger finds only half of Dutch's confession, deducing the other half is with the Sheriff. Each piece is worthless without the other. (11:13–11:57)

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3. Schemes and Frames at the Lazy B Ranch

• Outlaws Scheme: McCary, Myers, and Dane debate their next move, fearing the confession will bring their crimes to light. They hatch a plan to frame Sheriff Kirk's son, Larry, for murder by using his gun. (15:10–15:49)

McCary: "If the kid was accused of another murder, folks wouldn't let him off so easy... he’d likely fall over himself getting the sheriff's half of Dutch's confession for us." (15:32–15:46)

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4. Framing an Innocent

• Larry Kirk Lured to a Trap: Larry receives a mysterious note and finds Dane apparently dead, framed for the murder by Myers and McCary, who use his own gun as evidence. (16:31–17:12)
• Outlaws Coerce Larry: The duo threaten him, demanding he steals his father’s half of the confession from the sheriff’s office to save himself. (20:27–22:41)

Kansas Myers: "It's your life for a piece of paper, Larry." (22:06)
Larry Kirk: "You don't give me any choice." (22:30)

• The Trap Revealed: After Larry leaves, it’s revealed Dane is alive and in on the plan, having faked his death. (23:16–23:24)

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5. The Lone Ranger Intervenes

• Teaming Up: The Lone Ranger and Tonto consult the sheriff, match confession halves, and realize the time-sensitive nature of the situation. (24:20–25:43)
  • Quote:

  Sheriff (upon seeing the confession): "This piece identifies Lance McCary and Kansas Myers with every lowdown crime they could get their fingers into." (25:38)

• A Thief in the Night: Suddenly, the sheriff’s safe is robbed — Larry, under duress, has stolen the confession half. (25:54–26:03)
• Lone Ranger Confronts Larry: The masked man quickly pursues Larry, who confesses under questioning that McCary and Myers forced him into the theft by framing him for Dane's murder. (26:49–27:40)

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6. Justice at Dawn: The Final Showdown

• At Dane’s Cabin: Myers and McCary wait for Larry to bring the confession, keeping Dane hidden to maintain the frame. Larry delivers the paper, but the Lone Ranger, Tonto, and sheriff arrive, subduing the outlaws. (29:29–30:31)
  • Action Highlight: Tonto wrestles the confession from McCary before it is destroyed. (30:07)

Sheriff: "I warned you two thieving polecats to leave town. Now I'm putting you behind bars." (30:27)

• The Frame-Up Unravels: Myers and McCary try to implicate Larry, but the Lone Ranger reveals Dane is alive, exposing the conspiracy. (30:51–31:12)

The Lone Ranger: "Dane isn’t dead. You can stop acting now." (30:51)
Sheriff: "Not where you’re going, Kansas. Put the handcuffs on him, Larry!" (31:13)

• The Lone Ranger Rides Away: With justice served, the mysterious masked man vanishes into the dawn. (31:20)

Lud Dane (admiringly): "Not the mask man, Pa. The Lone Ranger!"

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Justice:

  Narrator: "Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice..." (04:39)

• On Betrayal & Greed:

  Lud Dane: "Them thieving coyotes cheated me out of my share in the ranch. I'm aiming to get even." (07:06)

• On Framing Larry:

  Lance McCary: "It's your life for a piece of paper, Larry." (22:06)

• The Lone Ranger’s Strategy:

  The Lone Ranger: "Deliver this paper to McCarry and Myers just as they planned... If I don’t ask questions, everything will be all right." (27:45)

• On Unmasking the Plot:

  The Lone Ranger: "That stain on his forehead to resemble a bullet wound must have been very effective in the dark, Larry, but they couldn’t fake a bullet hole to get by in daylight." (31:02)

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Key Timestamps

• Confession Deal in Café: 06:41–07:23
• Confession Torn, Dutch Killed: 08:22–11:57
• Outlaws Conspire at Ranch: 12:06–15:49
• Larry Framed, Forced to Steal: 20:27–22:41
• Dane’s “Death” Revealed as Fake: 23:16–23:24
• Lone Ranger & Sheriff Match Confessions: 24:20–25:43
• Larry Steals Confession / Lone Ranger Pursuit: 25:54–27:40
• Climactic Cabin Confrontation: 29:29–31:20
• Outlaws Exposed, Justice Restored: 31:20–31:42

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Conclusion

This classic Lone Ranger episode delivers a fast-paced, tightly plotted Western brimming with deceit, double-crosses, and the triumph of justice. With its atmospheric soundscape and snappy dialogue, the episode exemplifies the storytelling verve of Golden Age radio. The restored audio deepens the vividness, letting new audiences enjoy the tension and resolution as the Lone Ranger once again ensures law and order ride victorious in the Old West.

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For more digitally restored classic Western radio dramas, visit otrwesterns.com.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Lady Luck]

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[Narrator]

fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high silver the Lone Ranger.

[Lance McCary]

It's sam.

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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. The stories of his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness, have come down to us through the generations. And nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse.

[Lud Dane]

Silver.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger rides again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. There's danger on the trail ahead.

[Lud Dane]

Oh. Silver. Hoy.

[Narrator]

Laid purple fingers over the prairie. Deep in the valley, the gathering shadows fell across a small cafe on the outskirts of Prairie Flat. It glowed like a firefly in the darkening night. Outside, looking in were two men. One wore a white sombrero and a black mask. The other was an Indian.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's Dutch Columns. Toto, one of the three men we've been hunting. That means the other two can't be far away.

[Sheriff]

Why him sit at table with sheriff?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know yet.

[Sheriff]

We go in cafe.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm going in toddle. There's a man watching Dutch and the sheriff from the bar. Miss him?

[Sheriff]

Him look like outlaw.

[The Lone Ranger]

He may start trouble. I want you to watch what happens from here. I'll try to overhear what Dutch and the Sheriff.

[Narrator]

Emerging from the night into the lights of the cafe, the Lone Ranger quietly and unobtrusively made his way to the bar, not far from where the man he and Tonto had seen was standing. Meanwhile, the sheriff and Dutch Collins conferred.

[Sheriff]

What you want to see me about, Dutch?

[Lud Dane]

Sheriff, you've been anxious to get the goods on me for a long time.

[Sheriff]

Yeah, and on them two polecat partners of yours, Lance McCary and Kansas Myers.

[Lud Dane]

Ain't no partners of mine.

[Sheriff]

Oh, had a fallen out, eh?

[Lud Dane]

How'd you like to put them polecats behind bars, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

What do you mean?

[Lud Dane]

I help them two on every job they pulled. Give me a clean bill and I'll spill everything.

[Sheriff]

A squealer, huh?

[Lud Dane]

I don't like your choice of words, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

What's behind your scheme, Dutch?

[Lud Dane]

Them thieving coyotes cheated me out of my share in the ranch. I'm aiming to get even.

[Sheriff]

I suspected McCary and Myers were the ringleaders. And they just carried you along to be useful. Give me proof and I'll guarantee you leniency. Might even get a pardon.

[Lud Dane]

I got the proof right here.

[Sheriff]

Written confession, huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Sheriff]

Well, I guess even them two slippery gents won't squirm out of this evidence.

[Kansas Myers]

What's the idea?

[The Lone Ranger]

It's a habit of mine.

[Lud Dane]

Yeah, well, I don't like your habits. It's Lud, Dane. Give me that confession, Sheriff.

[The Lone Ranger]

Talking big as a habit with you. I don't care for yours either, Dane.

[Lud Dane]

Low down. Coyote's got his guns out, Sheriff. The masked man didn't even move to draw his.

[Sheriff]

Put up them guns, Dean.

[Lud Dane]

Keep out of there, Sheriff. I'm going to teach this arm. Ready to use a civil tongue,

[Lady Luck]

Dean.

[Sheriff]

Shut off the lights. Barkeep, light them extra lamps.

[Narrator]

In the darkness that followed the gunshots, all was confusion in the cafe. Although at the time the Lone Ranger didn't know it, Dutch was the first to leave. Hot on his trail was Dane, the man who had picked an argument with a lone Ranger and then shot out the lights. It was but a matter of seconds until the barkeep had lighted the extra lamps and restored order. Leaving the cafe, the masked man hurried to the saddle shed where Tonda was waiting with Silver and Scout.

[Sheriff]

Otto, you said me wonder why you not draw guns.

[The Lone Ranger]

Dane planned that quarrel. I knew he had no reason to shoot me, especially with the sheriff present.

[Lud Dane]

Oh, that's right.

[The Lone Ranger]

He was after Dutch.

[Sheriff]

Him chase Dutch out of cafe. Them ride that way.

[The Lone Ranger]

Dane means to kill Dutch Tallow here.

[Sheriff]

Silver come scout.

[The Lone Ranger]

Very big fella. Dane wants that confession, Kimo Sabi. Come on, Silver.

[Sheriff]

Scout.

[Narrator]

As the powerful stallion and the sturdy paint raced into the night on the trail of the two outlaws, Dane whipped his horse in an effort to catch the fleeing figure of Dutch Collins.

[Lance McCary]

Get up there.

[Lud Dane]

Get up there, you or Cayuse. If you let that squealing polecat get away, I'll have your hide.

[Kansas Myers]

Get up.

[Lud Dane]

Get up there.

[Narrator]

Suddenly he saw his quarry's horse stumble and fall.

[Lud Dane]

He can't get away now. Ho. Ho there.

[Lance McCary]

Ho.

[Lud Dane]

Didn't think I'd catch up with you, huh, Dutch? You yellow livered coyote.

[The Lone Ranger]

My.

[Lance McCary]

My leg. It's broken.

[Lud Dane]

Ain't that too bad? Maybe I ought to put you out of your misery, huh, Dutch?

[Lance McCary]

You wouldn't.

[Lud Dane]

I wouldn't, huh? Lance McCary and Kansas Myers would pay me plenty for that paper you wrote telling all about him. But not if you live to write another.

[Narrator]

I won't talk.

[Lud Dane]

I'll tear it up. And cheat me out of a chance to earn some money? That ain't very thoughtful of you, Dutch. The sheriff, he'll hang you. He'll have to find you first, Dutch. I'm aiming to see that he don't. Give me a chance, Dane. I'll do anything you say. Anything. That's mighty generous are you, Dutch.

[Kansas Myers]

Mighty generous.

[The Lone Ranger]

That Was a gunshot fellow.

[Lud Dane]

Ah, it sound round them.

[The Lone Ranger]

They must have caught up a Dutch. Ah, there they are.

[Sheriff]

Him search Dutch.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. He's after the paper. Come on, Silver.

[Lance McCary]

In a month come.

[Narrator]

The great white stallion and the sturdy paint raced around the bend. Their two riders saw Lud Dane kneeling beside the still figure of Dutch Collins. His hands were busily searching his victim's pockets for the telltale confession. Then, as he heard the thundering hoofs of the powerful stallion and the wiry paint approaching, he quickly mounted his horse and whipped him away.

[The Lone Ranger]

Dane made his getaway.

[Sheriff]

Taro him shoot at us. We not chase him.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll attend to him later. Important thing now is Dutch's confession. We intercepted Dane before he could get it.

[Sheriff]

Dane shoot Dutch?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Toto Add to the heart.

[Kansas Myers]

Here.

[The Lone Ranger]

I better look for that paper. Here it is. You find it, huh? Yes, it's torn. Half the confession's gone. Not a match to it. Yes, it's all torn. Ah. This portion identifies Lance McCary and Kansas Myers as outlaws. A half bearing Dutch's signature is missing.

[Sheriff]

Maybe Dane take it.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, Toto. I found this paper in Dutch's pocket. We didn't give Dane a chance to take it. I. I wonder what you think. When Dane shut out the lights in the cafe, Dutch was holding the paper. Perhaps the sheriff grabbed the other half from his hand when Dutch ran. Each part of the confession is worthless without the other. We've got to match them.

[Sheriff]

And what we do now?

[The Lone Ranger]

First we'll take care of our friend here, Kimo Sabe. And we'll ride to Prairie Flat and check with the sheriff

[Narrator]

at the Lazy Bee ranch not far from town. Lance McCary and Kansas Meyers listened with growing apprehension to a description of the cafe incident and the chase by Lud Dane.

[Lance McCary]

You mean you killed Dutch and didn't even stop to take the confession from him?

[Lud Dane]

Well, I tell you, Kansas, the masked man didn't give me the chance.

[Kansas Myers]

Who is this masked army, Dane?

[Lud Dane]

I don't know, Lance. I never saw him before tonight.

[Kansas Myers]

Was he riding a white horse?

[Lud Dane]

Yeah. Had an engine with him, too.

[The Lone Ranger]

An engine?

[Lance McCary]

What are you getting at, Lance?

[Kansas Myers]

Candace, we better start packing right now.

[Lance McCary]

What do you mean?

[Kansas Myers]

The masked army's a lone ranger.

[Lud Dane]

A lone ranger?

[Kansas Myers]

I heard he was hunting us, but since we turned respectable, I didn't think he'd find our trail.

[Lance McCary]

Here we get ourselves the finest ranch of Prairie Flat by the biggest herd of longhorns in the state. We come on this common, this happens.

[Kansas Myers]

Well, you should have shot Dutch in the first place. Instead of letting them pull the state.

[Lance McCary]

That must be the mas man.

[Lud Dane]

Yeah.

[Kansas Myers]

With a paper Dutch wrote naming us as outlaws.

[Lance McCary]

D get out of S. Sure, Kansas. If he tries to Jim us, let him have it. I'll go, Lance.

[Kansas Myers]

Take it easy, Kansas. Don't go gun wild.

[Sheriff]

Howdy, Kansas.

[The Lone Ranger]

Lance.

[Lance McCary]

Howdy, Sheriff.

[Kansas Myers]

Kind of. Kind of late for calling, ain't it, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

You boys seem a bit nervous. Expecting somebody?

[Narrator]

No.

[Kansas Myers]

Who would we be expecting?

[Sheriff]

Maybe Lud Dane?

[Lance McCary]

La Dan.

[Sheriff]

You seem surprised, Kansas. As if you didn't know Dane went gunning for Dutch Collins tonight.

[Kansas Myers]

Why would he want to do that, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

Because Dutch wrote a confession identifying you two with more crimes than I got fingers. And Dane knew you'd pay handsome to get it.

[Lance McCary]

You got us wrong, Sheriff. We're respectable common.

[Sheriff]

You don't fool me, Kansas. I've had you two arm brace mark from the beginning.

[Kansas Myers]

Dutch Collins lied about us, Sheriff. He was sore because we bought up his share of the ranch.

[Sheriff]

Save it, Lance. I came here to put my cards on the table.

[Lance McCary]

What do you mean?

[Sheriff]

Dane shut out the lights in the cafe tonight to get a chance at Dutch. When Dutch ran, I grabbed at the paper and it tore. You mean I've got half the confession. And I figured Dane caught up with Dutch and killed him for the other half.

[Lance McCary]

What are you getting at, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

I can't prove anything against you without that other half. Savvy?

[Lud Dane]

Yeah.

[Sheriff]

But I'm aiming to find Lud Dane before he finds you. When I do, I'll have all the proof I need.

[Lance McCary]

You don't scare us, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Well, I'd better. I'm inviting you boys to move on before I complete the evidence against you

[Kansas Myers]

and leave this ranch and all them steers behind. You must be loco, Lance.

[Sheriff]

I'm giving you a choice. Save your steers or save your necks.

[Lance McCary]

And you save your breath, Sheriff. We ain't pulling earth.

[Kansas Myers]

You said it, Kansas.

[Sheriff]

Have it your way, boys. But just remember, you can't take them steers to prison with you. Pleasant dreams.

[Lance McCary]

You can come out now, Dane.

[Kansas Myers]

We got some tall scheming to do. Kansas. If the masked man matches his half of the paper with the sheriff's half, we're cooked.

[Lance McCary]

There ain't gonna be another half form to match, Lance.

[Kansas Myers]

What do you mean?

[Lud Dane]

What are you getting at, Kansas?

[Lance McCary]

Couple of days ago, I was riding the trail. And so where Larry Kirk had passed, he dropped his gun.

[Lud Dane]

Sheriff Kirk's son?

[Lance McCary]

Yeah. The kid's initials were on the handle.

[Kansas Myers]

What about it?

[Lance McCary]

Six months back, the sheriff's son was Held for murdering.

[Lud Dane]

Sure, I testified against him, but he was never proved guilty.

[Lance McCary]

He was never proved against anybody else either.

[Kansas Myers]

What's on your mind, Kansas?

[Lance McCary]

If the kid was accused of another murder, folks wouldn't let him off so easy. Yeah, to save his neck, he'd likely fall over himself getting the sheriff's half a Dutch's confession for us.

[Kansas Myers]

But nobody's accused him of murder.

[Lance McCary]

With a kid's gun in our possession, that shouldn't be hard to arrange. Lance.

[Narrator]

An hour later, Larry Kirk rode slowly toward Lud Dane shack near the Lazy B ranch. As he drew close to his destination, he tried to puzzle out the meaning of the note that had been slipped under his door not long before.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hang.

[Lud Dane]

Do I know why Dane's so anxious to see me tonight? What if he did find Ms. Ut and I just as well have waited till tomorrow? This looks like it might be the shack.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, boy.

[Lud Dane]

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. I guess I might as well go in and get this mystery over with.

[Lance McCary]

Don't shoot.

[Lud Dane]

Don't shoot. What the. Dane. Dane. Dane, what's happened? Dane? Who shot you? He's gone.

[Lance McCary]

Put up your hands.

[Kansas Myers]

Kirk.

[Lud Dane]

What?

[Kansas Myers]

We got you covered, Kirk. Make a move and we'll drill you.

[Lud Dane]

How'd you get here?

[Lance McCary]

Heard the shot by the kids.

[Kansas Myers]

Drill let. Dane came.

[Lud Dane]

I didn't shoot him.

[Sheriff]

No.

[Kansas Myers]

Here's your gun on the floor.

[Lud Dane]

My gun?

[Kansas Myers]

Got your initials on it.

[Lance McCary]

Oh, but I can't talk your way out of this, Muddy. Kirky, this time you put a noose around your neck.

[Lud Dane]

The curtain falls on the first act

[Narrator]

of our Lone Ranger story.

[Sheriff]

Before the next exciting scenes.

[Lud Dane]

Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Sheriff]

Warning.

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[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. Dazed by the accusation against him, Larry Kirk tried desperately to defend himself.

[Lud Dane]

I tell you, Dane sent for me to come here.

[Lance McCary]

She to bring your gun with you.

[Lud Dane]

That's why he sent for me. He wanted to give me the gun.

[Kansas Myers]

But you gave Dane the gun instead, huh kid? Bullet first.

[Lud Dane]

Why would I want to kill Lord Dane?

[Lance McCary]

Cause he testified against you that time you was up for mud egg.

[Kansas Myers]

Oh, but you were pretty bitter about it.

[Lud Dane]

Well, yes.

[Kansas Myers]

Oh, you swore to get revenge.

[Lud Dane]

No. Yes.

[Lance McCary]

You killed Dane to get even for what he said about you to the judge.

[Lud Dane]

That's a lie.

[Kansas Myers]

Tell that to the judge.

[Lance McCary]

I guess this time you're due to have your neck stretched by a rope, kid. Nobody's gonna believe you innocent a second Time.

[Lud Dane]

I didn't kill him. You got to believe me.

[Kansas Myers]

I hate to see a kid like you slated for the noose.

[Lance McCary]

Yeah, it'll break your poor pa's heart.

[Kansas Myers]

I guess he'll have to turn in his star. Folks won't cotton to a sheriff with a convicted murderer for his son.

[Lud Dane]

I'm innocent, I tell you.

[Lance McCary]

Maybe we can fix it. Soon as nobody will know.

[Kansas Myers]

Yeah, you being just a kid.

[Narrator]

What do you mean?

[Lance McCary]

Well, Lance and me are the only witnesses to the killing.

[Lud Dane]

You didn't witness it. You got here after Dane was shot.

[Kansas Myers]

There's no sense splitting hairs, Larry.

[Lud Dane]

What are you getting at?

[Lance McCary]

Well, it would save us a lot of trouble and your part a lot of grief, Larry.

[Kansas Myers]

Not to mention your life if you

[Lance McCary]

did us a little favor as a reward for not turning you in.

[Lud Dane]

What kind of favor?

[Kansas Myers]

Your PA has a piece of paper we're anxious to get for ourselves.

[Lance McCary]

Oh, ain't even a whole piece of paper. Just a half of it.

[Lud Dane]

What's on the paper?

[Lance McCary]

Just a few words. Maybe Dutch Colin's signature.

[Lud Dane]

And Dutch Collins.

[Kansas Myers]

You won't have any trouble recognizing it.

[Lud Dane]

You bet I won't. It's the confession Dutch signed against you two that Pa told me about.

[Lance McCary]

Since you know so much, kid, maybe you know where he keeps it.

[Lud Dane]

Well, what if I do?

[Kansas Myers]

It's your life for a piece of paper, Larry.

[Narrator]

You.

[Lud Dane]

You want me to get it for you, is that it?

[Lance McCary]

That's it, Larry.

[Lud Dane]

And if I don't, your PA will

[Lance McCary]

see his son hanged for murder.

[Lud Dane]

I reckon I'm beginning to see the light now. You two murder Dane yourselves and you're framing me for it.

[Kansas Myers]

Who'd believe that, Kid? It's our word against yours. Two to one. And the slugging Dane is from your gun.

[Lud Dane]

You don't give me any choice.

[Lance McCary]

You mean you'll do it?

[Lud Dane]

Yes.

[Kansas Myers]

Tonight.

[Lud Dane]

Can't it wait till tomorrow?

[Lance McCary]

No, tomorrow's too late.

[Kansas Myers]

All right, we'll wait for you here.

[Lance McCary]

Yeah, we'll give you till daybreak. If you ain't back with the paper by then, you hang.

[Lud Dane]

Get up, horse.

[Narrator]

Lance and Kansas stood in the doorway and watched the sheriff's son ride away until he had disappeared over the horizon. If Larry were in the cabin now, he would have seen a strange sight. The apparently lifeless body of Dane suddenly showed signs of animation. In fact, Dane opened his eyes, yawned, stretched his legs and rolled over just as the other two outlaws walked back into the room. It was Lance who broke the silence.

[Kansas Myers]

We put it over Kansas.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Lance McCary]

Kid fell for it like A ton of bricks.

[Lud Dane]

Is he gone? Yeah.

[Kansas Myers]

You can get up now, Jane.

[Lud Dane]

That floor was getting mighty.

[Narrator]

A lone ranger in Tonto had ridden after Dane when he left the cafe in pursuit of Dutch. But they arrived too late, for Dutch was dead and his murderer had made a clean getaway. But upon searching through Dutch's clothes, the masked man and the Indian had discovered the other half of the all important confession note. And they decided to ride at once to the sheriff in Prairie Flat. The land between the spot on the trail where they found Dutch and the sheriff's home was hilly and rocky. And it was nearly dawn before they rode past the cafe and down the main street of the town. Toto was in doubt as to whether or not they should attempt to rouse the sheriff at such an early hour. We talk with Sheriff now?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Toto. The sooner we match the torn halves of Dutch's confession, the sooner we'll capture the outlaws. Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Maybe not half.

[The Lone Ranger]

Other half. Then we'll have to search further. Yeah. Here's the house. Full silver.

[Sheriff]

Easy. He make light upstairs.

[The Lone Ranger]

He's opening the windows.

[Sheriff]

What do you want?

[The Lone Ranger]

Want to talk to you, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

At this time of night?

[The Lone Ranger]

He's coming, Dado. Although he doesn't like to be disturbed at this time of night.

[Sheriff]

That right him, Heap man. What in the so do you mean knocking on a man's door this time of night? By Juniper, I'll the mask man.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll talk inside. Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

And an Injun. I'm aiming to arrest you for disturbing the peace, stranger. After what happened tonight at the cafe.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's what I came to see you about. Have you the other half of this paper?

[Sheriff]

Jump. Rin G. Hosafet. Where'd you get this?

[The Lone Ranger]

From the body of Dutch Collins.

[Sheriff]

The body?

[The Lone Ranger]

Dutch is dead, Sheriff. Dane shot him. I knew it.

[Sheriff]

I just knew. But you said you took it from the body.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tyler and I arrived in time to frighten Dana way before he found the paper. When I saw it was torn, I thought you might have the other half.

[Sheriff]

I do. I grabbed it out of Dutch's hand just as he ran.

[The Lone Ranger]

The paper you have must bear Dutch's signature. Yeah.

[Sheriff]

This piece identifies Lance McCary and Kansas Myers with every lowdown crime they could get their fingers into.

[The Lone Ranger]

We have no time to waste. Sheriff Dane must have warned the outlaws they may try to escape the paper with the signatures.

[Sheriff]

My safe will go into my office and get it. Hey, what's that?

[The Lone Ranger]

Came from your office, Sheriff. Come on.

[Lud Dane]

Come on.

[Kansas Myers]

Get up on.

[The Lone Ranger]

There he goes.

[Sheriff]

The safe's been opened. The paper with the signature's gone.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, bless the critter.

[Sheriff]

And me with nothing but a night shirt. Doggone a stranger. And where are you?

[The Lone Ranger]

Close.

[Narrator]

On the trail of the mysterious marauder thundered the great horse. Silver. His long, muscled legs settled into a swift, powerful stride that magically narrowed the gap between the masked man and his quarry.

[The Lone Ranger]

Silver. Right up for our refuel.

[Kansas Myers]

I can't.

[The Lone Ranger]

Pull up your horse. Your last chance.

[Lud Dane]

Stay back or I'll shoot.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right, Silver. Come on, big fella.

[Lud Dane]

Let me alone. I tell you, you'll get more the same if you'd have nothing.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hurry now. I don't want to pull you from the saddle.

[Kansas Myers]

All right, all right.

[Lud Dane]

Jimmy. What do you want with me anyway?

[The Lone Ranger]

You stole a paper from the sheriff's safe. Now I want. Now you're the sheriff's son.

[Lud Dane]

What if I am?

[The Lone Ranger]

Why did you steal from your father?

[Lud Dane]

Mast? You're an outlaw yourself. You better quit questioning me or the sheriff will catch us both.

[The Lone Ranger]

The sheriff won't be able to get here for a few minutes yet. You haven't answered my question, Larry.

[Lud Dane]

I'm not going to either.

[The Lone Ranger]

What does Dutch Collins confession mean to you?

[Lud Dane]

Nothing.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, Larry, I mean, Harry and Meyers made you steal it.

[Lud Dane]

How'd you know?

[The Lone Ranger]

That is why. Why, Larry?

[Lud Dane]

They framed me for murder.

[The Lone Ranger]

Whose murder?

[Lud Dane]

Lud Danes.

[The Lone Ranger]

And you didn't kill him?

[Lud Dane]

No. I was just riding up when the shot was fired. I found him with a bullet wound on his forehead.

[The Lone Ranger]

Where are you supposed to take the paper?

[Lud Dane]

To Dane's cabin. Oh, my father's coming. He'll find me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Larry, deliver this paper to McCarry and Myers just as they planned. But if I don't ask questions, everything will be all right.

[Lud Dane]

Well, the way you say it, I. I guess maybe it will. Get up, hors. Come on.

[Sheriff]

Get.

[Narrator]

Dawn was beginning to break over the mountains with a pale blue mist. In the growing light and the eerie stillness of the newborn day, three men waited in Dane's cabin. Impatiently, apprehensively, Kansas absently shuffled and reshuffled a deck of cards. Lance nervously paced the floor of the tiny shack. And Dane whistled a slow tune that seemed to mock their predicament.

[Kansas Myers]

All right, that's enough. That whistling Dane.

[The Lone Ranger]

You get nervous, Lance?

[Kansas Myers]

Yeah, who wouldn't be? Stay. Break. The kid ain't showed yet.

[Lance McCary]

What if his old man cut him stealing the paper?

[Kansas Myers]

What if he did?

[Lance McCary]

Well, if the kid says we sent him for it, the sheriff will most likely believe him.

[Kansas Myers]

You say we framed him and we'll show the sheriff Dane here as alive as ever. And the kid will sound downright foolish.

[Lud Dane]

That's right.

[Kansas Myers]

All right, that's enough.

[Lance McCary]

Yeah. Cut it, will ya? Won't save our own necks if we don't get that paper. Listen.

[Kansas Myers]

Who's that?

[Lance McCary]

It's a kid. Can you see?

[The Lone Ranger]

No.

[Lance McCary]

But who else could be riding this road this time of the morning?

[Kansas Myers]

Get back on the floor again, Dane. We don't want the kid to learn the truth.

[Narrator]

Now.

[Lance McCary]

Here he comes.

[The Lone Ranger]

Wall boy.

[Lud Dane]

Whoa, Wall boy.

[Lance McCary]

Whoa.

[Lud Dane]

Whoa.

[Kansas Myers]

Whoa there. Did you get it, kid?

[Lud Dane]

Give me a chance to get my wind.

[Lance McCary]

How'd you begin, buddy?

[Lud Dane]

My PA started for the safe of the mess man while I was getting the paper.

[Kansas Myers]

Lone Ranger.

[Lance McCary]

Never mind that. Did you get the paper?

[Lud Dane]

Before I say, I want to know how you're going to cover up the murder.

[Kansas Myers]

You don't have to worry about that. Dame was working for us. We'll just make the body disappear and say he pulled stake.

[Lance McCary]

Yeah. Heard of a better job.

[Kansas Myers]

Well, give us the paper.

[Lud Dane]

I'll hold your horses.

[The Lone Ranger]

Here. Here it is.

[Lud Dane]

Here.

[Kansas Myers]

It's a paper, all right. Kansas.

[Lud Dane]

Yeah.

[The Lone Ranger]

See?

[Lance McCary]

There's redutch signed his name.

[Kansas Myers]

The sheriff can't pin anything on us now.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll take that paper.

[Lance McCary]

Lance man, the sheriff. Don't let him get a lance turn up. Beat it.

[Kansas Myers]

All right.

[Sheriff]

You don't need paper.

[Lud Dane]

Me take it.

[Narrator]

As Lance attempted to tear the confession and scatter its pieces. So that it could never serve as evidence against him in Kansas for their crimes, Tonto leaped to intercept him. His lean brown hand shot out and gripped the outlaw's wrist. For a tense moment, they struggled for possession of the paper. And slowly, inexorably, the Indian forced it in the outlaw's grasp.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good work, Tuttle.

[Sheriff]

I warned you two thief and pole cats to leave town. Now I'm putting you behind bars.

[Lance McCary]

You got no proof.

[Sheriff]

Think again, Kansas. The masked man's got the missing half of Dutch Column's confession. I imagine that with a paper of the engine just took from a carry and the case is a closed book.

[Kansas Myers]

You can't send us up without sending your son too.

[Sheriff]

What's that?

[Narrator]

Luck.

[Kansas Myers]

Dame was shot last night and Larry did it.

[Lud Dane]

It's a lie, Paul. These men framed you.

[Lance McCary]

Don't turn up that confession. Sheriff Lance and me will testify the judge sentiment.

[The Lone Ranger]

That won't be necessary.

[Sheriff]

What do you mean, stranger?

[The Lone Ranger]

Dane isn't dead.

[Sheriff]

Isn't dead?

[The Lone Ranger]

But you can stop acting now.

[Lud Dane]

Dane, you blasted coyote.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes,

[Sheriff]

What a wallop. Right in the jaw.

[Lud Dane]

But how'd you know he was indeed.

[The Lone Ranger]

That stain on his forehead to resemble a bullet wound must have been very effective in the dark. Larry but they couldn't fake a bullet hole for it to get by in daylight.

[Kansas Myers]

We won't forget this mess, man.

[Lance McCary]

We'll get you someday.

[Sheriff]

Not where you're going. Kansas. Put the handcuffs on him, Larry.

[Lud Dane]

Great pleasure.

[Sheriff]

Hey, mask man's riding away.

[Lud Dane]

Not the mask man. Paul the Lone Ranger.

[Sheriff]

Jumping J Husafet.

[Lance McCary]

Sam. Foreign.

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[Lud Dane]

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 podcast trwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

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