Thorndyke’s Double Deal | The Lone Ranger (05-18-42)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: "Thorndyke’s Double Deal" | The Lone Ranger (05-18-42)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Aired: March 20, 2026 (originally broadcast May 18, 1942)

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns revisits a classic adventure from "The Lone Ranger," where the masked hero and his companion Tonto unravel a bank robbery in the quiet frontier town of Painted Rock. Through digitally restored audio, listeners are transported to the golden age of radio, hearing the creak of saloon doors and the drama of wild frontier justice with newfound clarity. The story pits lawmen, outlaws, and a falsely accused cowboy against one another in a suspenseful tale of justice, loyalty, and clever deception.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. The Robbery at Painted Rock

[03:54 - 09:45]

• The episode opens on a cold, windy night in Painted Rock, setting a tense mood. Outlaws, led by Spade Rankin, plan and execute a daring robbery on the Wells Fargo Express and Banking office.
• During the chaos, Jeff Drummond, a wandering cowhand, is caught at the wrong place and implicated in the crime when found wounded beside a dropped bag of stolen cash.
• The suspicious and hard-nosed Sheriff immediately presumes Jeff's guilt, dismissing his protests and evidence of character from local Betty Carson, who knew Jeff years before.

Notable Quote:
Sheriff (08:06):

"It's just the type of no good, empty-brained alibi to expect from a hold-up man..."

2. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Investigate

[11:14 - 13:07]

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto, observing from a distance, notice Betty Carson distraught after Jeff's arrest and intervene to help.
• Using their superior tracking skills, they commit to trailing the real outlaws, convinced of Jeff's innocence.

Notable Moment:
Tonto (12:35):

"Maybe sheriff him not so good on trail. We find trail, we not lose it."

3. Discovery of the Real Outlaws

[13:07 - 15:43]

• Tonto follows the outlaws' trail to their hideout, confirming Spade Rankin’s gang as the culprits.
• The episode builds suspense as The Lone Ranger and Tonto are spotted but manage to escape.

Notable Quote:
Lone Ranger (13:30):

"Spade Rankin... One of the worst outlaws in the whole West."

4. Jailbreak and Plan for Justice

[14:56 - 17:00]

• Under cover of darkness, The Lone Ranger engineers a jailbreak for Jeff Drummond, relying on Silver’s strength to pull the bars from his cell window.
• Drummond is reluctant to flee, fearing this will seal his reputation as a guilty man, but The Lone Ranger insists it's necessary to prove his innocence.

Notable Moment:
Lone Ranger (15:40):

"Her elbow's tied tightly. Get ready, Drummond."
Jeff Drummond (15:43):
"I reckon I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

5. Strategy and Deception

[19:18 - 25:08]

• After the escape, The Lone Ranger and Tonto hide Jeff while The Lone Ranger returns to the cleverly sets a trap: Betty pretends to have captured The Lone Ranger and brings him, unmasked and disarmed, to the Sheriff. He strikes a deal to lead the lawmen to the outlaws’ hideout in exchange for retention of his mask and future leniency.
• Betty plays along, convincing the Sheriff of their ruse.

Notable Moment:
Lone Ranger (24:15):

"Let me keep my mask on and I'll lead the way to the hideout."

6. The Cliffside Showdown

[25:28 - 30:17]

• Tonto and Jeff Drummond approach Rankin's hideout from above, planning to cause a landslide to flush out the gang.
• The Lone Ranger signals with three gunshots. Tonto and Jeff unleash rocks onto the outlaw camp, forcing Rankin's band into the open.
• Caught between a rockslide and the sheriff’s posse, Rankin’s men are quickly overwhelmed and surrender after a brief firefight.

Notable Quote:
Narrator (29:50):

"The lawman's aim was accurate. The outlaw's case was hopeless. One yelled, 'I give up!' The others took up the cry: 'Don't shoot! I give up! Order! We all surrender.'"

7. Resolution & Justice

[30:17 - 31:00]

• The Sheriff thanks The Lone Ranger, honoring their agreement by not unmasking him.
• Drummond is cleared of all suspicion, and the stolen cash is recovered.

Notable Moment:
Betty Carson (30:43):

"He wouldn't take a sheriff. That man's known as the Lone Ranger."

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sheriff (08:06):

  "It's just the type of no good, empty-brained alibi to expect from a hold-up man..."

• Tonto (12:35):

  "Maybe sheriff him not so good on trail. We find trail, we not lose it."

• Lone Ranger (13:30):

  "Spade Rankin... One of the worst outlaws in the whole West."

• Lone Ranger (15:40):

  "Her elbow's tied tightly. Get ready, Drummond."

• Betty Carson (24:01):

  "Because I know he's not guilty. If he's given a trial, I'm sure the truth will come out. Even if he were guilty, I'd sooner have him come back and pay his debt to society than have him a hunted outlaw."

• Betty Carson (30:43):

  "He wouldn't take a sheriff. That man's known as the Lone Ranger."

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Important Timestamps & Segments

• [03:54]: Introduction of the Lone Ranger and the Wells Fargo robbery
• [08:00]: The Sheriff’s confrontation and Jeff Drummond’s arrest
• [11:14]: Lone Ranger and Tonto offer help to Betty Carson
• [13:07]: Discovery of the outlaws’ camp
• [14:56]: Jailbreak orchestrated by the Lone Ranger
• [19:30]: Lone Ranger explains the plan and heads back to Painted Rock
• [24:15]: Bargain struck with the Sheriff for the Lone Ranger’s help
• [28:20]: The signal is fired—action set in motion for the final showdown
• [29:50]: Outlaws surrender, justice is served
• [30:32]: Drummond is exonerated; the Lone Ranger rides away

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Tone & Style

The episode balances suspenseful frontier action with the earnest morality and resourcefulness characteristic of "The Lone Ranger." The dialogue is brisk, with a historic Western flavor—sheriffs and outlaws trading barbs, innocent citizens pleading for justice, and the masked hero keeping his identity secret for the greater good.

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Conclusion

"Thorndyke’s Double Deal" is a shining example of classic radio western storytelling, skillfully restored and presented by Old Time Radio Westerns. The Lone Ranger, with Tonto by his side, leverages quick thinking, masterful tracking, and daring heroism to clear an innocent man and bring outlaws to justice—a testament to "truth and justice in the Old West." Through enhanced audio and vivid narration, the excitement of vintage radio is reborn for new generations.

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Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Betty Carson]

Sam.

[Sheriff]

Foreign.

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[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tato, the masked rider of the planes 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 Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. The town of Painted Rock was quiet and still under a thin sliver of moon.

[Lone Ranger]

It was cold.

[Narrator]

The wind off the desert whipped through the little main street and rattled a sign over the false front of the biggest building. The sign read Wells Fargo Company Express and Banking.

[Outlaw Rankin]

Wells Fargo Express and Banking. I reckon after we get through tonight, they can cross off the banking, huh?

[Sheriff]

Sure.

[Outlaw Rankin]

There won't be nothing left to bank with. Now, keep your eyes peeled. Some careless hombre might wander along before the boys inside get that safe ripped off. I'm watching. No need to worry, though. It's dark and it's cold. The buffalo's got enough sense to stay bedded up till sunrise.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, I'll be.

[Outlaw Rankin]

You sure will. Don't take much to make it seem like you're lying, does it?

[Tonto]

Who's that?

[Jeff Drummond]

Albin.

[Sheriff]

Where'd he come from?

[Outlaw Rankin]

I don't know. I wish he was back there. I wish he'd shut up. There's one way to shut him up.

[Tonto]

You calm.

[Outlaw Rankin]

Oh, go put up that gun. Want to rouse the whole town.

[Betty Carson]

Yeah.

[Outlaw Rankin]

That singing he's doing is enough to rouse anybody. Nevertheless, you're right. Blaston Potter will knock him out of their bed soon enough. And when it does, we'll have to bail loose and do it fast. Meanwhile, what about this hombre? Maybe he'll just drag on through. Solitary cowhand most likely. Do it. Some ranch come sun up and he's getting an early start. Maybe he won't notice us. We're back in the shed, Isn't he's coming. Feeling that explosion arrive at the same time.

[Jeff Drummond]

Then it's too bad he's a dead cow. Me.

[Sheriff]

Going.

[Outlaw Rankin]

I'll keep your gun on him. The blast goes on, Keo. The bulk will knock him plum out of his head. He's still moving along. Didn't notice a thing so far, maybe.

[Jeff Drummond]

Here he come.

[Outlaw Henchman]

Hold that mouth well, small.

[Jeff Drummond]

Close his mouth.

[Outlaw Henchman]

Hold up.

[Narrator]

Got it.

[Jeff Drummond]

Soupy. What was the shot?

[Outlaw Rankin]

Nosy cowhand.

[Jeff Drummond]

Pile on your horses and make tracks. The town's starting to wake up. Zoopy.

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah?

[Jeff Drummond]

Give me one of them sacks of cash. Don't ask questions. Give me. You're the top end, Rangan.

[Outlaw Henchman]

Here you are.

[Jeff Drummond]

Thanks.

[Sheriff]

Morning Thunder.

[Jeff Drummond]

You threw that sack of coins on the ground. What's that for, Rankin? I shut your mouth.

[Outlaw Henchman]

All right, Chance, use your whips.

[Outlaw Rankin]

Here we go.

[Betty Carson]

Comes the sup. The second. Too soon.

[Outlaw Henchman]

They can't catch us now. Get up there. Get up.

[Narrator]

What?

[Outlaw Henchman]

Inside here. Clear the way Raggedy is.

[Sheriff]

I know what it was. What side? Let me see the sound of wounded.

[Jeff Drummond]

You're wounded. Who are you?

[Sheriff]

Sheriff of Cleaning Rock, that's who I am. Any dog on well, who you are, you poisonous country.

[Jeff Drummond]

Now hold on. You didn't meet it with some outlook plain innocent. Hey, don't sav what you're talking about.

[Sheriff]

What's your name?

[Outlaw Rankin]

Drummond.

[Narrator]

Jeff Drummond.

[Sheriff]

Where you from?

[Jeff Drummond]

Well, I just wandered into town on my way to the Circle Y range.

[Sheriff]

Clean cup with your head?

[Jeff Drummond]

Yeah, what of it?

[Sheriff]

Nothing of it. Except I don't believe it.

[Jeff Drummond]

Oh, now look here. I was just going along, minding my own business.

[Sheriff]

The same as Robin Banks?

[Jeff Drummond]

Same as herding cattle through town. Singing a song? Yeah, singing a song. Just when I get past the Wells Fargo front, I. I hear that blast. I turned around and saw what was going on and started to yell.

[Sheriff]

Story. That's when you get shot in the arm, I suppose.

[Narrator]

Yeah, that's what I was going to say.

[Outlaw Rankin]

How'd you know?

[Sheriff]

Because I've been sheriff long enough to figure out how crook's mind works, that's why. It's just the type of no good empty brained alibi to expect from a hold up man.

[Jeff Drummond]

It's not an alibi.

[Sheriff]

It is. And I know it is. So do you. So does every man standing around. Just because the rest of your partners got away. You're thinking fast. Talk yourself out of jail, Eh? But you're going there, sonny. You're going for sure.

[Narrator]

Reckon you don't give a gent much

[Jeff Drummond]

chance to prove his innocence when he's

[Sheriff]

guilty as a horn toad. Now you listen to me. Here's what really happened. Whole gang robbed the Wells Fargo cache. You jumped your horses and started to make tracks.

[Narrator]

No.

[Sheriff]

Yes. Some of us woke up and started blazing away. I happened to get you, Sheriff.

[Jeff Drummond]

I tell you.

[Sheriff]

Never mind that neither. We got no sympathy for outlaws. All you got is a flesh wound. You'll be right as rain tomorrow. Who do the rest of em?

[Jeff Drummond]

I don't know.

[Sheriff]

You mean you won't tell?

[Jeff Drummond]

No, I.

[Outlaw Rankin]

Look, Sheriff, it's my word against yours.

[Jeff Drummond]

Won't you believe me?

[Sheriff]

Son, you're forgetting one thing. I'm not a gent who makes up his mind without proof. Proof?

[Jeff Drummond]

What proof is it?

[Sheriff]

Easy. Let me fix that arm foundry. Earth laws roll the same. Never learn. You can't beat the law. Doggone your hide. Here's my proof. A sack of cash from the Wells Fargo bank lying right beside you. Right beside you. Sherry Siddon. You're going to jail.

[Jeff Drummond]

Tell him. Tell the sheriff, Buddy.

[Outlaw Henchman]

You know Army.

[Betty Carson]

Listen, I hardly know what to say, ma'.

[Sheriff]

Am. This fellow's giddy. We cut him with the goods.

[Betty Carson]

Yes, I. I heard. That's why I wrote in from the circle. Yeah.

[Jeff Drummond]

You see, Sheriff, the circle Y. That's where I was headed. I had a job lined up as range rider. Isn't that so, Betty?

[Betty Carson]

It is for a fact. You see, Sheriff, we knew Jeff down southaways in Texas, near Abilene.

[Sheriff]

About your first character, do you?

[Betty Carson]

I always thought Jeff was a fine man, Ms. Carson.

[Sheriff]

How long is it since you was in Abilene?

[Betty Carson]

What?

[Sheriff]

How long?

[Betty Carson]

Why, six years.

[Sheriff]

Six years? A lot can happen in six years, Ms. Carson. For instance, this fellow could turn from an honest gent to a horse dealing hombre. Oh, look, I'm not saying it's so, mind ye. Maybe you're right, maybe you ain't. Maybe he whispered all the time. You didn't know it.

[Betty Carson]

Sheriff. Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Ah, now, it ain't your fault, Ms. Carson. Ain't nobody's fault. It's just the evidence is against him. Dead against him. There's no sense staying here and arguing, Ms. Carson. Might as well get back to your pa's ranch. Maybe somebody will believe him. I don't.

[Outlaw Henchman]

Very.

[Lone Ranger]

Silver City what do you make of it, Tado?

[Tonto]

Woman ride horse down below on trail. And woman look plenty sad.

[Lone Ranger]

I can't tell from here whether she's crying or not. She certainly doesn't seem happy.

[Tonto]

She keep head down, hand to face.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes. Come on, Tado. We're going to find out on the slope. Silver.

[Betty Carson]

Get up, Scout.

[Jeff Drummond]

Wait.

[Lone Ranger]

Don't try to run away. We're not outlaws.

[Betty Carson]

You've got a mask.

[Lone Ranger]

Never mind the mask. Tell and I are friends. We want to help you.

[Betty Carson]

Well, you. You must be. Yes. The mask and that white horse. You must be the Lone Ranger.

[Lone Ranger]

Lots of trouble.

[Betty Carson]

You can tell us what's wrong. And that's all there is to tell. The sheriff is just certain Jeff Drummond's an outlaw. He's put Jeff in jail. I don't know what to believe.

[Tonto]

Shimasabe. That clail we seen last night?

[Lone Ranger]

Asked Hutto. Yes, it might be.

[Betty Carson]

Might be What?

[Lone Ranger]

Masked man, Ms. Carson. Last night, shortly before dawn huddle and I heard horses. They were traveling fast. We didn't see them in the dark, but later we checked up on the hoof prints. They came straight as a die from Painted Rock.

[Betty Carson]

Mister, that might be the outlaws.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Betty Carson]

Why, if you and Tahno could. Oh, but you Wouldn't be able to follow that trail. The sheriff tried and lost it.

[Tonto]

Maybe. Sheriff him not so good on trail. We find trail, we not lose it.

[Lone Ranger]

Tyler's right, Ms. Carson. He's the best scout in the whole West. You go back to your ranch and stay there. And don't worry. Tell and I'll trail those hoof prints till we find the horses that made them and the men who rode them. Adios.

[Jeff Drummond]

Get him up.

[Outlaw Henchman]

Scout Silver.

[Narrator]

And the Lone Ranger and Tunnel did find the outlaws. It was shortly after dawn of the following day when they rained up their horses behind a sheltering tree.

[Betty Carson]

Sorry.

[Tonto]

We send a trail.

[Lone Ranger]

Those are the men. Talo.

[Outlaw Rankin]

Ah.

[Tonto]

Look and count gold.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes. Wells Fargo. Gold and tallow. Look at their leader. I recognize that face.

[Tonto]

Counter not savvy. You're right. Nis he good now?

[Outlaw Rankin]

Perhaps.

[Tonto]

Spade Rankin.

[Lone Ranger]

Spade Rankin. One of the worst outlaws in the whole West. This whole gang tip no. 11 men. Hello. We've got a rattle thing. Old scout, old fellas.

[Outlaw Henchman]

A couple spying on us. Grab your right paw. I was happy.

[Sheriff]

They see us. What we do?

[Lone Ranger]

Too many for us. Ride for a tunnel.

[Outlaw Henchman]

Put your fire.

[Jeff Drummond]

Those gents are riding faster than a prairie fire in front of a wind. Yeah, I guess so. Did you notice one of them wore a mask? Rankin. Who are they? I don't know and I don't care. Reckon there were a couple outlaws, same as us. It must be if one of them's masked. Only outlaws wear masks.

[Outlaw Rankin]

I get them. Just so long as they didn't try to cut in on our cash. They won't be back. And I don't care where they go. They're no further concern of ours.

[Narrator]

But Spade Ranton was wrong. Lone Ranger and Talu were very much his concern. All that very night they were swinging from their saddles behind a Painted Rock jail. The same sliver of moon hung in the night sky. The same cold wind blew from the desert. They moved silent as shadows to the one barred window. In his hand, the Lone Ranger held two lariats wound together to make one strong rope. The other end was fastened to Silver saddle horn.

[Lone Ranger]

Who's that?

[Jeff Drummond]

Who's that? I see you.

[Lone Ranger]

Come and keep your voice down, nice man. There's no time for that. Ms. Carson told us about you, Betty.

[Tonto]

I don't say whisper. Maybe Sheriff, you can listen.

[Outlaw Rankin]

You're fastening that rope to the bars.

[Lone Ranger]

Come and listen to me. The other end of this rope is fastened to my stallion. I give the command, he'll rear back and pull these bars right out of the window fight. Local Silver can do it. Besides, these bars aren't setting anything.

[Jeff Drummond]

Well, I'll be. Yeah, I can see that. Starion reckon he can pull them loose?

[Lone Ranger]

There's a gray in the corral with a JD Brand on his shoulder. That's your horse? Yeah. How to let him from the corral? He's settled and ready to ride.

[Betty Carson]

Mister.

[Jeff Drummond]

Do you mean you're breaking me out of jail?

[Outlaw Rankin]

Not right.

[Jeff Drummond]

But everybody will think that I will.

[Tonto]

There's not time to think. You leave jail now, think later.

[Lone Ranger]

Her elbow's tied tightly. Get ready, Drummond.

[Jeff Drummond]

I reckon I'm as ready as I'll ever be.

[Lone Ranger]

Good enough, Silver. All right, boy. Silver.

[Outlaw Rankin]

Pull.

[Tonto]

Bars out.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Drum. Out you come. Quick. To the horses. We've got to get away from here.

[Sheriff]

Run, J.

[Outlaw Henchman]

Break.

[Jeff Drummond]

Mr. The saint right dumb.

[Lone Ranger]

And loosen up on your reins,

[Sheriff]

Sheriff.

[Tonto]

Him got rifle. We go plenty fast.

[Lone Ranger]

Loosen your reins.

[Jeff Drummond]

Let your horse travel.

[Betty Carson]

Get a keynote.

[Jeff Drummond]

I reckon the sheriff won't listen to me now anyway. Come on, Dusty, show him your horse.

[Outlaw Henchman]

Turn off the count. Whoa, Silver.

[Betty Carson]

Marcy.

[Outlaw Henchman]

Marcy, turn up. Turn up. It's your jailbreak.

[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.

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[Howie Mandel]

The Global Gaming League is presented by Atlas Earth, the fun cashback app. Hey, it's Howie Mandel and I am inviting you to witness history as me and my How We Do It Gaming team take on Gilly the King and Wallow267's million dollars gaming in an epic Global Gaming League Victoria video game showdown. Plus a halftime performance by multi platinum artist Travy McCoy. Watch all the action and see who wins and advances to the championship match right [e-mail] that's globalgamingleague.com in partnership with Level Up Expo.

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[Betty Carson]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. A few miles outside Painted Rock, the Lone Ranger, Tando and the young cowboy who had been broken from the jail drew their horses to a thundering stop.

[Jeff Drummond]

You know I want the idea of bus me out of jail now. Everyone would be dead sure I had a hand in that robbery.

[Lone Ranger]

Everyone was dead sure before you left jail.

[Jeff Drummond]

But I didn't.

[Lone Ranger]

Only one way to prove your innocence. That's by finding the crooks. I found them. You want how to trail them to their hideout?

[Jeff Drummond]

Well, then why?

[Lone Ranger]

A big gang. Too many to tackle. They're in a gap where they can stand off an army. Well, then how can I have time to explain? Now, Don's going to keep out of the way while I head back to town.

[Jeff Drummond]

Back to town?

[Tonto]

You come, Drummond.

[Lone Ranger]

We go hide.

[Tonto]

And what if I refuse and you come anyway?

[Jeff Drummond]

Oh, hi. Savvy?

[Lone Ranger]

Take him along, T. Gotta hurry back to Painted Rock and talk to Betty before the sheriff and his men return.

[Jeff Drummond]

You mean you think he can get back there before the loan?

[Lone Ranger]

I've got to.

[Jeff Drummond]

Come on, Sil.

[Outlaw Rankin]

Great, Ginger.

[Jeff Drummond]

Look at that white horse travel implent fast. I thought we were traveling fast coming here, but it was nothing like that. That there horse is like greased lightning. I never saw a faster horse.

[Tonto]

Now you come this way.

[Jeff Drummond]

All right, Tonto, you can put that chute line down. Maybe I was nothing but a doggone unappreciating fool to argue with that masked man. I guess he knows what he's.

[Narrator]

While the Lone Ranger dashed at top speed toward Painted Rock, the Rankin gang felt themselves secure in their hiding place at the end of the gully.

[Outlaw Rankin]

I don't care if someone does come here, boys. We'll stand them off.

[Jeff Drummond]

Rankin, what if that masked man we saw goes to the loman?

[Outlaw Rankin]

Let him. There's only one direction anyone can come from. And we got all kinds of rocks here to fight behind.

[Jeff Drummond]

Nobody could come from the sides.

[Narrator]

The slope is too steep.

[Outlaw Rankin]

Sure it is. And the shale would slide right out from under a man's feet. They couldn't come at us from the sides. And the back of us is again the cliff.

[Jeff Drummond]

I reckon this is a good hideout at, Dan.

[Outlaw Rankin]

You know, I sort of hope the sheriff is told about this here place. You do? Sure. Maybe he'll bring all his deputies and come here to get us. We wipe them out, then we can arrange to get some of our friends into the sheriff's office.

[Sheriff]

Rankin, you're all right.

[Jeff Drummond]

Leave things to the boss and with

[Outlaw Rankin]

the cash we got now, we can handle things our way.

[Sheriff]

Who knows?

[Outlaw Rankin]

Maybe if the lawmen are cleaned out, we can just take over the whole town of Painted Rock. Boys, the more I think about it, the more I hope the sheriff's men find us.

[Narrator]

Lone Ranger was winning his race against time. He flashed by the ranches on the outskirts of the town, then turned to the south and another moment rained up the Circle Y ranch house. Betty ran from the porch.

[Betty Carson]

Tell me, did the lawman catch?

[Lone Ranger]

No, he's the Norman is with Toto.

[Betty Carson]

Not not hurt.

[Lone Ranger]

He's as well as when he left the jail. He'll be told what to do now.

[Betty Carson]

What can I do?

[Lone Ranger]

Betty, you've got to play a game that will call for all of your ability to act.

[Betty Carson]

Here.

[Lone Ranger]

Take my guns. Take them.

[Betty Carson]

Your own guns? But what will you do?

[Lone Ranger]

Become your prisoner.

[Betty Carson]

My prisoner? These are heavy.

[Lone Ranger]

As soon as the sheriff returns to town, we'll go to him. Now, here's what you'll have to do.

[Narrator]

Sheriff and his men were raging with anger when they rained up. And just at the lawman's office.

[Outlaw Henchman]

We start out fresh, boys.

[Sheriff]

Get fresh horses and pack along some food. We're going to stay on the range until we find those three. I don't care how long it takes. Little crook is going to break out of my chair and get away with it. Go on to the office. What you got there?

[Lone Ranger]

Look to you. This is capture the prisoner.

[Sheriff]

Where's that redskin? Where's Drummond?

[Lone Ranger]

Got away from here. Sheriff.

[Betty Carson]

This man is willing to make a deal, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

How'd you capture him?

[Betty Carson]

Well, I guess he thought he'd be safe enough in town while you were out hunting for him.

[Sheriff]

Sure. You circled back, eh?

[Outlaw Rankin]

Yes.

[Sheriff]

How you doing? Picking up some more cash to add to what's already been stolen, eh?

[Lone Ranger]

I told Ms. Carsons about a deal.

[Sheriff]

You're dealing with me. Now take that mask off.

[Betty Carson]

But, Sheriff. Wait.

[Sheriff]

My eye. Take off that mask, Hargreaves. Take it off him. I aim to have a look at the face behind it.

[Lone Ranger]

If you unmask me, you'll regret it. Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Don't you threaten me.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm not making a threat. I'm stating a fact. Don't you want to get back the cash that's been stolen, Harry? Get it back not if you unmask me.

[Betty Carson]

Listen to his proposition, Sheriff. Please do. He'll help you find Drummond as well as the money.

[Sheriff]

Billy, how is it you're so anxious to see your friend brought back to jail?

[Betty Carson]

Because I know he's not guilty. If he's given a trial, I'm sure the truth will come out. Even if he were Gilly, I'd sooner have him come back and pay his debt to society than have him a hunted outlaw.

[Sheriff]

All right, what's your proposition?

[Lone Ranger]

Let me keep my mask on and I'll lead the way to the hideout.

[Betty Carson]

That's fair enough, isn't it? What more can you ask?

[Sheriff]

Yes. What about later on? Later on, after we get the others,

[Lone Ranger]

I'm counting on being released.

[Betty Carson]

That's entirely up to you, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

You figure if you squeal on your friend, you should be let go, eh?

[Lone Ranger]

Drummond is the man you want, isn't he?

[Sheriff]

You busted him out of jail, but

[Lone Ranger]

Drummond and the stolen money means something to you.

[Sheriff]

Maybe so.

[Lone Ranger]

Not asking you to make a promise, Sheriff, I'm simply putting myself in your hands. Let me keep my mask until you have the cash and the man who stole it.

[Betty Carson]

If you don't, you'll never get the money back, mister.

[Sheriff]

Deal.

[Lone Ranger]

All right, then. Follow me.

[Sheriff]

Where's your horse?

[Lone Ranger]

Waiting.

[Sheriff]

Here's the horse.

[Betty Carson]

I don't know what you're doing.

[Outlaw Henchman]

You're not too long.

[Betty Carson]

Yes, I am.

[Sheriff]

Hargraves, take those guns. Girls, hold.

[Betty Carson]

I'm going to keep them, dad.

[Outlaw Henchman]

Reddit.

[Betty Carson]

All right, remember, if I hadn't captured the masked man, you'd have no prisoner.

[Sheriff]

All right, then. The boys right alongside you, Misty.

[Lone Ranger]

Very well.

[Sheriff]

Your first move to escape would bring more lead than you ever saw. Get up.

[Narrator]

While the Lone Ranger traveled with a sheriff's posse, Tonto and Drummond rode where few men had ever been before

[Jeff Drummond]

this mountain. I don't know how you can keep going on foot like this without losing your wind.

[Tonto]

You all right?

[Jeff Drummond]

Yeah, I'm all right. Sure is hard climbing.

[Tonto]

We go wrestle way without horse.

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Jeff Drummond]

You mean we leave him here on the slope. Oh, and then come back for. All right.

[Tonto]

Now, you be plenty careful not make sound.

[Sheriff]

I'll try.

[Tonto]

Scout, you stay here.

[Outlaw Rankin]

Yeah. Steady, Brock.

[Lone Ranger]

There.

[Outlaw Rankin]

Get your ground hitched.

[Tonto]

You make noise, maybe plan all go wrong.

[Jeff Drummond]

I'm not as handy at this sort of thing as you are.

[Tonto]

You step where Tono step. Watch bloody careful.

[Outlaw Henchman]

Now

[Tonto]

here. Top of hill.

[Outlaw Rankin]

At last.

[Lone Ranger]

You.

[Tonto]

You take look. Another sign.

[Lone Ranger]

Hey.

[Jeff Drummond]

Shield is mighty treacherous. There's no man alive can walk down that slope, man.

[Lone Ranger]

Right.

[Betty Carson]

You.

[Jeff Drummond]

You don't expect me to try it.

[Tonto]

You only look down below.

[Lone Ranger]

What about it?

[Tonto]

You see goats?

[Outlaw Rankin]

Sure.

[Jeff Drummond]

Hey, there's smoke down there.

[Tonto]

That campfire.

[Jeff Drummond]

Now I see some horses. And there's some men.

[Tonto]

Them fellows outlaw them men who rob bank those.

[Jeff Drummond]

Why the dirty army. Well, I'm going right down there and

[Tonto]

deal with those cops.

[Outlaw Rankin]

Any fool.

[Jeff Drummond]

You'll spoil everything, but okay. Later.

[Tonto]

Do what taught us. Say later we make trouble for thief. Not now.

[Outlaw Rankin]

Yeah, I guess it was nothing but a small animal of some sort to start of the shale sliding down here. I hope that's all it was.

[Tonto]

I hate to be here, Ankin, if a slide got stuck.

[Outlaw Rankin]

Yeah, there's nothing to start.

[Lone Ranger]

I hear horses.

[Jeff Drummond]

Huh?

[Outlaw Rankin]

Me too. Wait, let me take a look. Get out of the way. What do you see?

[Jeff Drummond]

Boys? Our hopes have come true. Riders. They're coming this way. Riders and what riders? There's a masked man we saw here before. He's riding with the sheriff.

[Tonto]

Squeal on us.

[Jeff Drummond]

Get your guns ready.

[Outlaw Rankin]

He's done us the biggest favor he could do us.

[Jeff Drummond]

He's brought the sheriff and Hargraves and

[Outlaw Rankin]

all the other deputies here where we

[Jeff Drummond]

can wipe everyone up. There's a girl with it. That's just tough luck for her. The Carson's. Get your guns ready.

[Outlaw Rankin]

They can't see us, but behind these rocks. We'll let him get real close and then open fire.

[Lone Ranger]

Sheriff, can't you persuade Betty to stay back for the rest of the way?

[Narrator]

Really?

[Sheriff]

If the shooting starts.

[Lone Ranger]

How would it be if Drummond returned only to find that you were dead because I let you stay with us. Oh, now get back.

[Betty Carson]

I will. But here, take your gun.

[Sheriff]

Don't give those hand doors over to me.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm going to use them first to fire a signal.

[Narrator]

Three shots. The signal. On top of the mountain, Tondo heard the bark of the lone rangers. Guns. He cried to Drummond.

[Outlaw Henchman]

No. Now we start slide.

[Jeff Drummond]

Oh, big rock.

[Outlaw Henchman]

Start slide. This is what I've been waiting for. There goes a nice big rock. It's a coming after you. Turning from steep. You can start it. Narrow the rock. And here's another.

[Narrator]

Rankin's men heard the ominous sound of sliding shale.

[Jeff Drummond]

They looked up.

[Narrator]

Great rocks came bounding with a roar that increased to a thunderous peak.

[Outlaw Henchman]

Look out. Get out from under. We can't stay here. Horses get the gold. There comes another rock. Those men up there, they're starting to slide. We'll be caught here. We'll be buried alive. Yeah, we gotta get out. Horses Never mind. Saddle the lawman out there. Do that. Tell you.

[Narrator]

Men were terrorized. They scrambled their horses backs dodging great stones, small stones in a shower of jail. To begin piling up in the gap. To stay where they were meant certain death.

[Outlaw Henchman]

Our only chance is a break for it. We got arrest the posse and shoot it out with a wiggle that chain. Look, they've all got places back in the rocks. But if we can't stay here, it's getting worse all the time. Come on, follow me.

[Narrator]

Charged in their fort, they fired as they rolled. But their bullets splattered and harmlessly off rocks that shelter the moment. And the sheriff and his deputies returned the fires.

[Outlaw Henchman]

Let him have it. Don't shoot the kill. Just knock them off their s.

[Narrator]

The lawman was accurate. The outlaw's case was hopeless. One yelled, I give up.

[Outlaw Henchman]

I surrender. The others took up the crime. Don't shoot. I give up. Order. We all surrender.

[Lone Ranger]

I don't think you need me around here now, Hugh.

[Sheriff]

I think you said you'd leave it to me as to whether you took off that mask, eh? Well, you keep it where it is. Where's Drummond now?

[Lone Ranger]

By this time, he and Potto are coming down the mountain to meet us in town.

[Betty Carson]

And Sheriff. Now you're satisfied that Drummond isn't guilty?

[Sheriff]

Sure. The ranking gang will pay in full, Betty. But wait.

[Outlaw Henchman]

Hey, you. Merchman. I was willing I would ask who you are. There's reward money.

[Betty Carson]

He wouldn't take a sheriff. That man's known as the Lone Ranger.

[Jan (Toyota Meditation Host)]

Hi, you're listening to Meditating with Jan from Toyota. Soften your focus and visualize yourself off roading in a Tacoma. Now engage your senses. What do you hear? A donkey? Because you're driving the kids to a farm sanctuary in a Grand Highlander. Breathe in, breathe out. And go from dreaming it to driving it today.

[Toyota Dealer Announcer]

Dealer inventory may vary. See your participating Toyota dealer for details. Event ends March 31st. Toyota, let's go places.

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The Bleacher Report app is your destination for sports right now. The NBA is heating up, March Madness is here, and MLB is almost back. Every day there's a new headline, a new highlight, a new moment. You've got to see for yourself. That's why I stay locked in with the Bleacher Report app. For me, it's about staying connected to my sports. I can follow the teams I care about. Get real time. Scores, breaking news and highlights all in one place. Download the Bleacher Report app today so you never miss a moment.

[United Van Lines / Mayflower Announcer]

If you've got a move coming up, you really need to look into United Van Lines, the Do It All Moving Specialists. With United Van Lines, you don't worry about a thing. You have a dedicated move in coordinator, qualified drivers, and full value protection for your possessions. Compare that to a couple of dudes manhandling your family heirlooms or cramming your things in a container on your driveway. Rather than hope for the best, you deserve a hassle free move. Visit United Van Line Big Moves Small Moves All Moves Easy Choice.

[Betty Carson]

It's 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 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 Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[United Van Lines / Mayflower Announcer]

As America's most Trusted movers, Mayflower has seen it all from Big Dreams and New Beginnings.

[Bleacher Report Announcer]

All right, here we are.

[Betty Carson]

Oh, it's perfect.

[United Van Lines / Mayflower Announcer]

To first steps and fixer uppers from starter homes.

[Outlaw Rankin]

So guess what?

[United Van Lines / Mayflower Announcer]

We're having another another.

[Bleacher Report Announcer]

We definitely need more space to more practical home.

[United Van Lines / Mayflower Announcer]

Yes, Mayflower has been there for it all and will always have your back. Every moment, every move, every step of the way. Schedule your move now by going to

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[Jan (Toyota Meditation Host)]

with Jan from Toyota. Soften your focus and visualize yourself off roading in a Tacoma. Now engage yourself senses. What do you hear? A donkey? Because you're driving the kids to a farm sanctuary in a Grand Highlander. Breathe in, breathe out and go from dreaming it to driving it today.

[Toyota Dealer Announcer]

Dealer inventory may vary. See your participating Toyota dealer for details. Event ends March 31st. Toyota let's go Places.