Three Against Thousands | The Lone Ranger (01-26-51)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Three Against Thousands | The Lone Ranger
Host: Andrew Rhines
Release Date: May 27, 2025

---

Introduction

In this gripping episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhines presents the classic radio drama "Three Against Thousands" featuring the legendary Lone Ranger. This digitally restored episode transports listeners to the Wild West with enhanced audio quality, bringing to life the authentic sounds and thrilling narratives that defined the golden age of radio.

---

Plot Overview

Setting the Stage

The story unfolds at Fort Reynolds, where Colonel Mark Belton, a stern and battle-hardened officer nicknamed "Old Iron Pants," plans a westward march with his cavalry. Tensions rise when new recruits, including Colonel Belton’s estranged son, Corporal Mark Belton Jr., join the ranks under suspicious circumstances.

Key Moments:

• Revelation of a Hidden Identity
  At [05:47], Colonel Belton discovers that Corporal Mark Belton Jr. is his son, leading to a heartfelt and intense confrontation:

  Colonel Mark Belton: "That craven poltroon out there was in my command during the closing months of the Civil War... Once a coward, always a coward."

• Conflict and Redemption
  Corporal Belton Jr. seeks to redeem his family's honor after a past cowardice incident during the Civil War, enlisting under an alias to prove his bravery.

Encounter with the Lone Ranger

As the cavalry advances, they encounter the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto, who warn Colonel Belton about violating the Comanche treaty. Despite skepticism, the presence of the Lone Ranger proves pivotal in the ensuing conflict with Chief Quanah’s Comanche warriors.

Key Moments:

• Confrontation at 10 Sleep Pass
  The cavalry is ambushed by Comanche warriors, leading to a strategic defensive battle where the Lone Ranger plays a crucial role in safeguarding the troops.

• Heroic Actions of the Lone Ranger
  At [15:05], the Lone Ranger and Tonto engage in hand-to-hand combat to protect the soldiers:

  Lone Ranger: "I'll make you proud of me yet. I swear it."

Climactic Battle and Resolution

The turning point comes when the Lone Ranger devises a plan to set strategic fires, disrupting the Comanche attack and allowing the cavalry to break free from the trap. This clever tactic not only saves the soldiers but also fosters a moment of reconciliation between Colonel Belton and his son.

Key Moments:

• Strategic Fire Plan
  At [25:00], the Lone Ranger explains his plan:

  Lone Ranger: "We'll fire the grass ahead of the herd... Then use these rocks for cover."

• Emotional Reconciliation
  The climax sees Colonel Belton realizing the valor of his son’s actions:

  Colonel Mark Belton: "I murdered my son. My son." Corporatl Mark Belton Jr.: "Sir, I only tried to live up to the name I bear."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Colonel Belton acknowledging his mistakes and embracing his son's bravery. The Lone Ranger emphasizes the importance of honoring treaties and respecting the Comanche, highlighting themes of redemption, honor, and the quest for justice.

Notable Quote:

Lone Ranger: "A Victory over your cavalry would have led to their destruction by other soldiers. This trouble could have been avoided by respecting Quanah's treaty rights."
(Timestamp: [27:42])

---

Character Insights

• Colonel Mark Belton: A disciplined and unforgiving leader haunted by his son’s past cowardice. His journey reflects the struggle between duty and personal emotions.

• Corporal Mark Belton Jr.: Represents redemption and the desire to restore his family's honor. His courageous actions ultimately reconcile him with his father.

• The Lone Ranger: Embodies justice and strategic brilliance, playing a key role in protecting the cavalry and advocating for peaceful resolutions.

• Tonto: The Lone Ranger’s loyal companion, providing wisdom and support throughout the conflict.

---

Themes and Analysis

Redemption and Honor

The central theme revolves around Corporal Belton Jr.'s quest for redemption and his efforts to honor his family legacy despite past failures. The narrative portrays the possibility of personal growth and forgiveness.

Conflict Between Duty and Morality

Colonel Belton's initial refusal to honor the Comanche treaty highlights the tension between military duty and moral responsibility. The Lone Ranger’s intervention underscores the importance of ethical leadership.

Cultural Respect and Understanding

The episode emphasizes the need for mutual respect between settlers and Native American tribes, advocating for peaceful coexistence and honoring agreements to prevent unnecessary bloodshed.

---

Conclusion

"Three Against Thousands" is a compelling installment that blends intense action with deep emotional narratives. Through its rich storytelling and enhanced audio, the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast delivers an immersive experience, celebrating the timeless appeal of the Lone Ranger and the enduring values of justice, honor, and redemption.

Listeners are left reflecting on the importance of integrity and the impact of personal actions on broader communities, making this episode a standout addition to the Old Time Radio Westerns collection.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Colonel Mark Belton:

  "Once a coward, always a coward."
  (05:25)

• Corporal Mark Belton Jr.:

  "I want to save him and the men in his command."
  (23:50)

• Lone Ranger:

  "A Victory over your cavalry would have led to their destruction by other soldiers. This trouble could have been avoided by respecting Quanah's treaty rights."
  (27:42)

• Colonel Mark Belton:

  "If I had followed your advice."
  (27:56)

---

Closing Remarks

Andrew Rhines invites listeners to engage further by liking, rating, and subscribing to the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast. Exclusive content is available for ranch hands who join the community, ensuring fans can dive deeper into the captivating world of classic Western radio dramas.

For more information and to connect with the podcast, visit otrwesterns.com, follow on Facebook, or subscribe via YouTube.

---

Produced By:
George W. Trendle, Trendle Campbell Enterprises
Directed by Charles D. Livingston
Edited by Fran Stryker

Voice Actor:
Brace Beamer as the Lone Ranger

---

Enjoy the timeless tales of the Wild West, now enhanced for modern listeners on the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast.

Transcript

[Expedia Voice]

Packages by Expedia. You were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights, hotels and hammocks for less. Expedia Made to travel. Trip planner by Expedia. You were made to have strong opinions about sand. We were made to help you and your friends find a place on the beach with a pool and a marina and a waterfall and a soaking tube. Expedia Made to travel.

[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. The 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 hyo. Silver. The Lone Ranger.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

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 hoof beats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Expedia Voice]

Packages by Expedia. You were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights, hotels and hammocks for less. Expedia Made to travel.

[Narrator]

Colonel Mark Belton, who had won the army nickname of Old Iron Pants from his hard riding campaigns against hostile Indians, pointed out a map which hung in his headquarters at Fort Reynolds.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

He was saying, captain Wilkes, we'll proceed west by southwest from the fort following the old Comanche trail through Tensley Bay.

[Captain Wilkes]

That is the most direct line of march, sir. But what it'll take us through the Comanches reservation and under the terms of the existing treaty, no soldiers are to put foot there as long as the Indians remain peaceable.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

The blazes with a treaty. I don't intend to go three or 400 miles out of the way just to observe those idiotic peace terms. Here's come.

[Captain Wilkes]

Major Hatfield's compliments.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Yes, yes, Sergeant Rule, what have you to report?

[Captain Wilkes]

Eight new men just arrived at the fort under the charge of Corporal Mark Smith, sir.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

What do they like?

[Captain Wilkes]

Four immigrants, sir. They can't speak English. Three talk and act as though they'd been recruited from the Dead Rabbit gang in New York. Yes, Corporal Smith is the only soldier among them.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Yes, he probably enlisted under an alias. We had to bring the squad around where I can inspect it from the window and to sign them into company's.

[Captain Wilkes]

K and L. Yes, Colonel. Do you really mean to take those rookies on the march to Fort Greystone?

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Indeed I do. I'll make you break them in a hurry, Bobby.

[Captain Wilkes]

There they are, sir.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Yeah, they look like the slats in an old picket fence.

[Captain Wilkes]

Hey, new corporal knows squad drill and carries himself smartly. He has an intelligent face.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

No. No, it can't be.

[Captain Wilkes]

Colonel Uriel. Let him steady you.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Stand aside, Captain Wilson.

[Captain Wilkes]

Why are you staring at Corporal Smith?

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Smith. Smith. That man is Mark Belton Jr. My only son.

[Captain Wilkes]

Your son, sir. And he's in the ranks.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

The lily livered coward should be in the dishonored grave from which President Lincoln spared him.

[Captain Wilkes]

Colonel, if you'll excuse.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

No, Captain. Stay and hear me. This is something of which I must relieve my mind.

[Captain Wilkes]

Very well, sir.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

That craven poltroon out there was in my command during the closing months of the Civil War. I had hoped to send him to West Point, but he enlisted under me against my wishes.

[Captain Wilkes]

I see.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

At his first sight of the Confederate cavalry, he turned his horse and fled from the field.

[Captain Wilkes]

He must have been very young at the time.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

He was 16. But his youth was no excuse for his cowardice. Lumber boys of 12 and 13 often distinguish themselves by their valor.

[Captain Wilkes]

I was very much afraid the first time I went under fire.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

You didn't turn tail. But he did. Because I always felt that I was a father of every man in the regiment. I treated him as I would any other soldier.

[Captain Wilkes]

That was your duty.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Mark Belton Jr. Was court martialed and justly sentenced to death. But the President pardoned him.

[Captain Wilkes]

What happened then, sir?

[Colonel Mark Belton]

He was given a bobtail discharge.

[Captain Wilkes]

Colonel, your son is five years older now. Perhaps he re enlisted under a false name because he has found his courage and hopes to redeem his honor.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

I'd like to think so, but no. Once a coward, always a coward.

[Captain Wilkes]

What do you propose to do with him now?

[Colonel Mark Belton]

I'll reveal his true identity, even though it means it is vile record in my relationship to him become known to every soldier on the frontier. I'll have him drummed out of the fort.

[Captain Wilkes]

I understand your feeling, Colonel Belton, but I'd like to give the boy a chance.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Yeah, you want to become the foster father of the shameful creature Adijon, is that it?

[Captain Wilkes]

You may say so.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Maybe he is your responsibility.

[Lone Ranger]

Now.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Pass the word that we march at dawn.

[Narrator]

It was late on the following afternoon when Colonel Belton's cavalrymen and field wagons reached ten sleep. Pass the colonel Colonel son rode in the advance guard under the direct command of Captain Wilkes. He kept to himself until the captain called him to one side. They are riding stirrup to stirrup. The commissioned officer and corporal were able to talk without being overheard by the others. Tugging at his horseshoe shaped mustache, the captain said.

[Captain Wilkes]

Young man, your father recognized you yesterday.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

I know it, sir. I saw him looking through the window at headquarters.

[Captain Wilkes]

He told me what happened during the Civil War. Why are you here?

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

I was assigned to his command by accident. But I'm glad now that we're together again.

[Captain Wilkes]

He doesn't share that feeling.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

I'll make him proud of me yet. I swear it. Captain, believe me. I didn't desert in the face of the enemy. I'll admit I was scared. But I didn't leave him.

[Captain Wilkes]

What happened?

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

The horse I rode into the fight was a remount. It had never been under fire before and bolted at the first volley from the enemy. I lost the reins. The horse carried me to the rear before I was able to get it under control again.

[Captain Wilkes]

Was that your defense at your court martial?

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

Yes, sir, but it carried no weight. The advocate sneered and said that it was as much a crime for a cavalryman to let his horse run away as to run away himself. Corporal, look up ahead.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Sir.

[Captain Wilkes]

Masked man.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

There's an Indian with him.

[Captain Wilkes]

Sergeant Drew, ride back and get the Colonel while we capture that pair.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Wilkes]

Detachment, draw revolvers.

[Narrator]

At the gallop.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

One.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

Masked man on the Indian.

[Captain Wilkes]

Up with your hands, you two.

[Lone Ranger]

Our hands are up.

[Narrator]

Troop, ho.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

Easy.

[Captain Wilkes]

Keep your guns on the men, Captain.

[Lone Ranger]

There's no need for that. We're friends.

[Captain Wilkes]

You look like outlaws to me. Why are you wearing a mask?

[Lone Ranger]

Before we go into that, I'd like to make a report to the officer in command.

[Captain Wilkes]

Here he comes now. Colonel Belton.

[Tonto]

Kimosabe? Yes, him, Colonel. Soldiers call Old Iron Pants.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, I've heard of him.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Heavywebs. Who is this messman?

[Captain Wilkes]

I don't know, sir. But he says he has something to report.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

We'll be see.

[Lone Ranger]

Colonel, you violated the Comanche treaty.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

What of it?

[Lone Ranger]

While riding along the edge of the reservation, my friend and I noticed looking glass and smoke signals in the mountains. We investigated.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Yes.

[Lone Ranger]

We found that Comanche Scouse were watching your column and calling the tribe together. Right now, Chief Quanah is moving against you. You'd better turn back. Hey.

[Tonto]

What?

[Colonel Mark Belton]

New advice from a mass civilian?

[Lone Ranger]

There is a silver bullet, sir. It may identify me.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

I recognize Menoni by their uniforms, insignia and honors.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

May I have the Captain's permission to speak to the Colonel, sir?

[Captain Wilkes]

Certainly, Cardinal.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

Colonel Belton, sir. I served under General Miles before. I was transferred to your command.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Oh, did you, Corporal Schmidt?

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

Yes, sir. During the Sioux War, a masked man saved my company from an Indian trap. He too used silver bullets in his cartridges, rode a white stallion and had an Indian friend.

[Captain Wilkes]

I've heard of that incident, Colonel.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

It's only another barrack room legend. The idea that the army has a champion in the person of a masked man must have been born from the wishful thinking of cowards and shirkers.

[Lone Ranger]

Colonel, you may be going to your death with your command.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Then I'll die as a soldier. Now clear out of this pass or I'll have my men arrest you and strip that mask from your face.

[Lone Ranger]

Very well, sir. Let's go, Tallow.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Resume your duties.

[Captain Wilkes]

Detachment at the trot.

[Narrator]

As the column continued its march, the Lone Ranger and Tuttle raced on ahead of the advance guard. Soon they reached a broad valley from which they had entered the pass after discovering that there were soldiers in it. Out of the dead vegetation, which stood shoulder high in some parts of the lowlands, a score of painted warriors suddenly rose and blocked their way. Only two had firearms. They discharged their weapons wildly. The others let loose a flight of arrows. One iron tipped shaft struck the cantle of the Lone Ranger saddle, embedding itself in the leather covered wood. Disregarding it, he brought Silver around in a tight half cir. Headed him away from the Indians and toward the heights overlooking the pass.

[Lone Ranger]

Follow me, fellow.

[Narrator]

Get him up, Stout. At that moment, a horde of mounted Comanches swept down into the valley from the opposite slope. Turning, the Lone Ranger triggered a gun three times. He hoped not only to warn the soldiers, but to entice the Indians into a chase. But Chief Juana's braves refused the bait. They rode on into the pass. As the masked man and his friend reached the top of a cliff and drew rein, Tahoe pointed toward the other end of 10 sweep pass.

[Tonto]

Look him, Atabi. Plenty more Indian there. And ride in on soldier from behind.

[Lone Ranger]

Soldiers in the rear guards see them, they open fire and what they do, we can serve the troops best by staying here. Only one Indian out of ten has a rifle. Their arrows would be deadly if they shot down into the pass from these cliffs.

[Tonto]

Isn't that right?

[Lone Ranger]

But use these rocks for cover. Fight any attempt the Comanches make to flank the column and gain the high ground. Get out your Winchester.

[Narrator]

As the loon rings and tottle yank repeating rifles from saddle scabbards and unrolled the oiled silk in which they had been wrapped for greater protection against dust and dampness, the Wagon train and escorting troops came to a halt. Captain Wilkes was shouting, Colonel, there are.

[Captain Wilkes]

Hundreds of Indians at the mouth of the pass ahead of us.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Yes, in the back. Just many behind us at the other end of the pass, staying out of rifle range.

[Captain Wilkes]

Perhaps we should charge them.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

I think that's what they want us to do. They appeared outnumbered is 10 to 1. We'll stay in the center of the pass where they can't surround us. We've barricaded the pass at both ends of the column. Cavalry dismount horses and horse holders to the center of the column. Wagoners set up a barricade as the.

[Narrator]

Cavalrymen and the advance and rear guards dismounted. The mule skinners built walls of wagons, boxes and barrels across the pass at both ends of the column, providing the troopers with protection against the Indian's arrows. Then the colonel hurried from the front of the wagon train to inspect the defenses at the opposite end of the canyon. Meanwhile, Chief Quanah had hit upon the idea of shooting down into the cavalry column from the bluffs which rose to a great height on both sides of the pass. The chief saw that any Indians who followed the paths which led directly to the tops of the bluffs would be exposed to the fire of the soldiers at close range. So he sent a small party with bows and arrows to hunt a safe way to reach the high ground. From their place of concealment, the Lone Ranger and Toto watched the warriors steal upward toward them by a route which was hidden from the cavalrymen. As they leveled their Winchesters, the masked.

[Lone Ranger]

Man said, toto, we'll try to drive them back without killing any of them.

[Tonto]

Command, Shane. Very close now.

[Lone Ranger]

All right. Open fire.

[Narrator]

Taken by surprise in that exposed position, most of the Indians broke and fled at once. But two young warriors came on, apparently believing that the misdirected shots were being fired by poor marksmen.

[Tonto]

Better we shoot wound them, feller.

[Lone Ranger]

No. On your feet.

[Narrator]

As the Lone Ranger and Toto scrambled to their feet, the brave sprang over the barricade. One drove a knife at Tottle while the other swung a war club, aiming a skull crushing blow at the masked man's head. 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.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. Colonel Belton's cavalry column had been trapped in 10 sleep pass by Chief Quanah, the Comanche and his braves. On a cliff overlooking the battlefield, the Lone Ranger and Tuttle fought hand to hand with two warriors who had tried to get above the Soldiers. As one of them struck with a war club, the masked man raised his rifle with both hands protecting his head. The blow fell on the barrel of the Winchester, knocking it from the Lone Rangers grasp. The Comanche straightened and tried to raise the spike studded club again.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Oh, you don't.

[Narrator]

Catching hold of the Indian's war club with his left hand, the Lone Ranger brought his right fist up from his knee. His knuckles smashed into the warrior's painted face. The Comanche let go of his murderous weapon and staggered back. Before he could recover, the masked man sprang upon him and stripped him of the knife, bow and arrow filled quiver which he carried. In the meantime, Tonto had succeeded in disarming the other brave.

[Lone Ranger]

He pushed his prisoner forward.

[Tonto]

What? What we do with them?

[Lone Ranger]

Say that they are free to go.

[Tonto]

Kama Sakura.

[Narrator]

Still silent, the two beaten warriors strode away without a backward glance.

[Tonto]

Sun going down. What you think Injuns do?

[Lone Ranger]

I don't know, Kimasabe. Chief Quanah has a lot of fighting men. He could overwhelm the cavalry by sheer weight of numbers if he chose him.

[Tonto]

Like to save warriors lives.

[Lone Ranger]

It's happening down in the pass.

[Tonto]

Look. Soldier leave fire in line.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, I see him trying to reach a wounded man who lies between the Indians and the troops.

[Tonto]

Now Comanche slip out from other side.

[Lone Ranger]

The Indian is also trying to reach the wounded soldier.

[Tonto]

Him carry cool stick. If him finish off wounded soldier and touch him with stick, it count as victory for him.

[Lone Ranger]

He and the soldier who left the line now see each other better.

[Tonto]

We shoot Comanche.

[Lone Ranger]

No. Both sides have quit firing. Each wants its man to have a fair chance.

[Tonto]

Sometimes Indian chiefs fight like that in wars tween tribes.

[Lone Ranger]

Otto, that soldier is wearing two yellow chevrons. He's a corporal. Who knew about me?

[Tonto]

Him crawled through rocks. Now him close to Indian.

[Lone Ranger]

The Comanche has the advantage because the corporal is trying to protect his wounded comrade. Neither the Indian nor the corporal's in a position to fire effectively.

[Tonto]

Now. There are only one big stone between them.

[Lone Ranger]

Comanche's going to fire through a crevice in the rock.

[Tonto]

Corporal hit and fall flat drop rifle.

[Lone Ranger]

The Indian is rushing in with a knife.

[Tonto]

Now, Corporal, go on one knee. Him draw a revolver.

[Lone Ranger]

They're fighting hand to hand.

[Tonto]

Corporal, hold Indian's knife hand. Indian grab gun.

[Lone Ranger]

The Indian is down.

[Tonto]

Maybe other Comanches shoot corporal now.

[Lone Ranger]

No, I doubt it. Chief Quanah has a high sense of honor and respects courage.

[Tonto]

Look, Corporal, pick up other wounded man and stagger back to army line with them.

[Lone Ranger]

The Indians at this end of the pass aren't raising a hand to stop him.

[Tonto]

Him safe now. Other soldiers help other fellows through line.

[Narrator]

A lull followed the single handed combat between the lines. But the Comanches continue to block both ends of the pass in great force, pinning the cavalrymen to their defensive position. As night began to close in on the beleaguered soldiers, Colonel Belton, who had been directing operations at the rear of the column, turned his horse back toward Captain Wilkes company. Near a dressing station which the regimental surgeon had set up among the wagons, he came upon his son.

[Tonto]

He drew rein.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

What are you doing here, Corporal Smith?

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

I'm going to the dressing station, sir.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Don't tell me that you have been honestly wounded.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

No, it isn't much, sir. Just my shoulder.

[Lone Ranger]

Here, let me see it.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

Yes, sir.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

There are potter burns on your blouse. Muzzle of the gun that fired a bullet into your sh. Wasn't far from you.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

No, sir.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

You weren't shot by an Indian. None of us been close to our lines.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

I can explain.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

No doubt. No doubt you blamed a horse once for your desertion on the field of action. I suppose a horse shot you.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

Colonel, I.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

That's a self inflicted wound. You wounded yourself to escape the danger on the firing line. Well, it's my duty to shoot you where you stand.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

Please listen, father.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Don't call me father. You're no son of mine.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

Corporal Smith, I know it's useless to try to talk to you, but Captain Wilkes knows the truth. Ask him how I received that wound.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Wilkes is soft now. Say your prayers.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

God forgive you. Go on and shoot.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

No. No, I can't do it. I can't. But there's another way. I rejected five of the six cartridges in this revolver. Now take it.

[Lone Ranger]

Go.

[Narrator]

As young Mark Belton accepted the gun, he looked steadily into his father's grim face.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

I understand, sir. You expect me to die by my own hand or at the hands of the Comanches.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

The choice is yours.

[Lone Ranger]

Go.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

Standing stiffly erect, the corporal saluted the colonel, then made an about face and marched off toward the shadowy cliffs. For many minutes Colonel Belton stood motionless beside his horse, straining his ears for a single gunshot or a triumphant howl from the Indians. Then hoofs drummed toward him from the front line.

[Captain Wilkes]

Colonel Belton, is that you?

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Yes, Captain Wilson.

[Lone Ranger]

Ho, ho, ho.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

What have you to report?

[Captain Wilkes]

All's quiet now at the upper end of the pass. Have you seen your son?

[Colonel Mark Belton]

I have no son.

[Captain Wilkes]

And you don't know?

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Know what?

[Captain Wilkes]

While you were at the rear of the column, your boy rescued Sergeant Drew.

[Lone Ranger]

What?

[Captain Wilkes]

The sergeant had been wounded and left behind when the advance guard was forced back.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

I don't believe it.

[Captain Wilkes]

It's the truth, sir. I saw what he did. In order to reach the sergeant, he had to meet one of Quanah's braves in single combat.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

If it works.

[Captain Wilkes]

What's the matter, Colonel?

[Colonel Mark Belton]

I murdered my son. My son.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger and Toto had continued their watch on top of the cliff. The masked man was saying, listen, someone.

[Lone Ranger]

Is climbing up the cliff.

[Tonto]

Got boots on? Must be soldier.

[Lone Ranger]

That's the corporal who knew about me. Come over here, Corporal. We're friends. Yes. My friend and I have been guarding the high ground.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

I hoped I'd find you.

[Lone Ranger]

What are you doing here?

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

I was ordered out of the lines. This is what happened.

[Narrator]

After hearing the corporal story, the Lone Ranger bandaged his wound and supplied him with a handful of cartridges.

[Lone Ranger]

You may need them before the night is over.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

I'm ready to use them now. No matter what my father did to me, I want to save him and the men in his command.

[Lone Ranger]

I understand. TTO you better scout around the mouth of the pass.

[Tonto]

Indian. Plenty quiet there.

[Lone Ranger]

That's just it. When Comanches are quiet, they're more than ever dangerous.

[Tonto]

Me find out.

[Narrator]

A half hour later, Tato was back with news that all of the Indians had withdrawn from the end of the pass to the slopes of the valley beyond and appeared to be ready to ride at a moment's notice. The corporal was excited.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

Now the troops can get out of the trap and fight in the open. I'll go back.

[Lone Ranger]

No, wait. Corporal. Tato, do you hear that noise?

[Tonto]

Me here. Plenty of cattle come this way.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

Cattle don't move at night unless they're driven. Who'd be driving them?

[Lone Ranger]

The Indians. They rounded up several thousand head of cattle which the government recently sent to the reservation for food.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

What good'll the cattle do them in a fight?

[Lone Ranger]

One of Quanah's favorite tricks is to make an attack behind a screen of cattle. You'll have the herd stampeded into the pass. If that happens, then your father's command will be wiped out to the last man. Another saddle, Toto. Corporal. Now behind me.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Steady. Silver.

[Tonto]

What we do?

[Lone Ranger]

Go to the mouth of the pass. I have a plan. Come on, Silver.

[Tonto]

The mountain.

[Narrator]

As Silver and Scout bore their riders down from the cliff, the Comanches cattle drive near the entrance to 10 Sleep Pass. The Indians, who had been waiting on the slopes of the valley converged on the flanks and rear of the herd, shooting, yelling and waving blankets. Fanna's warriors spread terror through the herd. In bellowing panic, the longhorns fled before them, heads tossing, hoofs trampling down the tall grass and brush. The stampeding cattle and their savage drivers were a half mile away when the masked man and his friends reached the low ground. He was shouting, we'll fire the grass.

[Lone Ranger]

Ahead of the herd.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

And let me down.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll put a match to it in time to stop. Other Use your canteen to wet the loop end of your lariat. Then wad up the oil silk you had around your rifle and attach the rope to it.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

He's heavy.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll do the same.

[Narrator]

Without slackening the speed of their horses, the Lone Ranger and his Indian companion made the preparation which he had ordered. Then they touched matches to the balls of cloth and trailed them along behind through the tinder dry vegetation. Soon two trails of fire marked their course. The corporal looked back.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

The grass is blazing halfway across the valley.

[Narrator]

Fire. Running cattle.

[Lone Ranger]

The herd is gaining on us. Faster, Silver, faster.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Get him up, scout.

[Narrator]

Then a sudden gust of wind whipped out of the pass into the bottleneck of the valley, panning the blazing grass. The twin lines of fire mounted, overlapped and became a high wall of flame which raced back toward the onrushing cattle.

[Lone Ranger]

Look.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

The herd is splitting.

[Narrator]

Some cattle turn back, some head for high ground.

[Lone Ranger]

The engines are riding for their lives.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Pull up, Holder. Ho.

[Lone Ranger]

Cheesy. Steady, big fella. It'll be a long time before Quanah can reorganize his warriors.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

You one, mister. The troops can move out of the pass now.

[Tonto]

Some come out now.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

That's the advance guard. There's Captain Wilkes and my father.

[Lone Ranger]

Colonel there.

[Captain Wilkes]

The masked man of Indian friend.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

There's a soldier of his horse.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

I'll get down now, mister.

[Lone Ranger]

Mark.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Mark, my boy. I thought.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

May I have the captain's permission to speak to the Colonel, sir?

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Permission? Son, from now on, nothing must stand between us. I'm as proud of what you did today as I am sorry for what I did.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

Sir, I. I only tried to live up to the name I bear.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Now it's for me to try to live up to your name. Give me your hand, son.

[Narrator]

As the mark Belton, senior and junior colonel and corporal shook hands and tears melted from the battle hardened eyes of old iron Pants. Captain Wilkes turned to the Lone Ranger.

[Captain Wilkes]

Mister, we were watching from the mouth of the pass when you set the fire that saved us. You were three against thousands, Captain.

[Lone Ranger]

We wanted to save both the troops and Comanches even though the Indians were in the right. A Victory over your cavalry would have led to their destruction by other soldiers. This trouble could have been avoided by respecting Quanah's treaty rights.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Yes, that's true, Mr. I admit that I was wrong. Wrong about my. My son. Wrong about the Indians, and wrong about you. If I had followed your advice.

[Lone Ranger]

It's not too late to turn back out of the reservation. Are there any Comanches behind your column now?

[Colonel Mark Belton]

No, none, sir. I just received a report that all the Indians at the rear disappeared after the fire started. We'll move off the Indian lands at once.

[Lone Ranger]

The fire will burn out as soon as it sweeps the valley. Little has been lost in the action at 10 sleep pass. I hope that much has been gained. Adios, gentlemen.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

Father.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Yes, sir.

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

Here's your revolver. You'll find silver bullets in the chambers.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

You unloaded silver bullets, Mark? What do they mean?

[Corporal Mark Belton Jr.]

They mean that all of us owe our lives to the Lone Ranger.

[Lone Ranger]

That's.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Enterprises, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of a Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer. Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com Become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand, 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 Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Colonel Mark Belton]

Sam.