Three Months to Live | The Lone Ranger (11-13-50)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Three Months to Live | The Lone Ranger (11-13-50)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: April 22, 2025

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast, host Andrew Rines transports listeners back to the golden age of radio with a digitally restored version of "The Lone Ranger" titled "Three Months to Live." This episode showcases the enduring legacy of classic Western radio dramas, enhanced with pristine audio quality that brings every subtle sound to life.

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Plot Overview

The Threat of Fatal Smith The episode opens with the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto, addressing the looming threat of Fatal Smith, a notorious outlaw recently escaped from the San Bernardo jail. Tonto informs the Lone Ranger about Smith's gang breaking into the jail to free him, highlighting the danger Smith poses to the western frontier.

Tonto: "Fatal Smith is a killer of the worst type. As long as he and his gang are at large, no one in the west is safe."
(04:09)

Journey to Hardscrabble Determined to restore law and order, the Lone Ranger and Tonto set their sights on Hardscrabble, a lawless mining camp nestled in the mountains known for its dangerous reputation. Their mission is to capture Smith and dismantle his gang, ensuring the safety of the region.

Encounter with Tom Rossford Upon arriving in Hardscrabble, the Lone Ranger meets Tom Rossford, a former New York policeman seeking redemption in the Wild West. In the bustling Gold Eagle dance hall, Tom expresses his frustration with the rampant lawlessness and his desire to uphold justice.

Tom Rossford: "The camp needs a good marshal."
(05:22)

Encouraged by the Lone Ranger's determination, Tom decides to lend his expertise, purchasing a gun despite his reservations about taking the law into his own hands.

Confrontation at the Dance Hall The tension escalates when Fatal Smith and his gang enter the dance hall, leading to a dramatic showdown. The Lone Ranger and Tonto swiftly engage the outlaws, protecting Lil, a stranded actress, from Smith's menacing advances.

Fatal Smith: "All right, I'm Fatal Smith. If you people don't want something fatal to happen to you, you won't try to be heroes."
(08:14)

A fierce battle ensues, showcasing the Lone Ranger's combat skills and Tom's unwavering courage. Despite being shot, Tom's resilience shines through as he returns fire, forcing Fatal Smith to drop his weapon.

Lone Ranger: "Oh, you killer. Where do you want it, Green horn. Sit down. Here it comes through the heart."
(09:27)

Capturing the Outlaws With the immediate threat subdued, the Lone Ranger and Tonto declare victory over the captured gang members. However, Fatal Smith manages a narrow escape, setting the stage for a relentless pursuit.

Tonto: "There's Fatal Smith, the killer. I've seen him before."
(08:10)

A Mysterious Rescue and Final Showdown Lil discloses a twist where Fatal Smith had briefly kidnapped her to deliver a message, revealing internal betrayal within the gang. Through strategic tracking and keen observation, the Lone Ranger and Tonto identify Smith's hideout.

Lil: "Ms. Louis wants to betray Fatal Smith to you. He said he was afraid of being lynched and believed you'd save him if he turned on Smith."
(18:48)

The climax unfolds in a deserted prospector shack where the Lone Ranger confronts Fatal Smith once more. Utilizing his resourcefulness, the Lone Ranger outsmarts Smith by exploiting a cleverly set trap, leading to Smith's poetic demise.

Lone Ranger: "Better wait."
(19:53)

In the ensuing confrontation, Tonto's swift action neutralizes Miguel, one of Smith's henchmen, while the Lone Ranger ensures that justice is served by making Smith's capture inevitable.

Tonto: "The west will be a safer place in which to live."
(22:58)

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Character Insights

The Lone Ranger Portrayed as the epitome of justice and morality, the Lone Ranger's unwavering commitment to law enforcement is evident throughout the episode. His strategic thinking and bravery are pivotal in overcoming the threats posed by Fatal Smith and his gang.

Lone Ranger: "I know how to use one, Will. When I was on the force in New York."
(06:19)

Tonto Serving as the Lone Ranger's loyal companion, Tonto's resourcefulness and combat prowess are crucial in their quest to restore peace. His ability to anticipate traps and his quick reflexes save the day multiple times.

Tonto: "Cover them, boys."
(08:22)

Tom Rossford A former NY policeman, Tom's desire for redemption adds depth to the narrative. His partnership with the Lone Ranger symbolizes the collective fight against lawlessness in the West.

Tom Rossford: "The camp needs a good marshal."
(05:22)

Lil Lil's character introduces an emotional layer to the story, highlighting the personal stakes involved. Her interactions with Tom and the Lone Ranger emphasize themes of trust and resilience.

Lil: "You're inviting trouble. It's better to stay out of a bad man's way than cross him."
(06:28)

Fatal Smith As the primary antagonist, Fatal Smith embodies the chaos and menace that the Lone Ranger aims to eliminate. His cunning and brutality make him a formidable foe, ultimately leading to his downfall through the Lone Ranger's ingenuity.

Fatal Smith: "All right, I'm Fatal Smith. If you people don't want something fatal to happen to you, you won't try to be heroes."
(08:14)

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Key Themes and Insights

1. Justice vs. Lawlessness: The episode underscores the eternal struggle between maintaining law and order and the chaos sown by outlaws like Fatal Smith. The Lone Ranger embodies the quest for justice, striving to protect the innocent and uphold the law.

2. Redemption and Second Chances: Characters like Tom Rossford illustrate the theme of seeking redemption. Moving from urban law enforcement in New York to the untamed West signifies a journey towards personal salvation and making a positive impact.

3. Loyalty and Partnership: The dynamic between the Lone Ranger and Tonto highlights the importance of loyalty and teamwork. Their combined strengths and mutual trust are pivotal in overcoming adversity.

4. Resourcefulness and Ingenuity: The Lone Ranger's use of his New York Police Department manual as a makeshift shield against Fatal Smith's bullet is a testament to his quick thinking and adaptability in dire situations.

Lone Ranger: "The bullet went completely through it, but its force was spent. I reckon you were lucky."
(16:41)

5. Poetic Justice: The eventual capture and poetic demise of Fatal Smith emphasize the moral that wrongdoing eventually leads to downfall, reinforcing the show's moral compass.

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Conclusion

"Three Months to Live" encapsulates the essence of classic Western storytelling, blending action, drama, and moral lessons. Through its vivid characters and engaging plot, the episode reaffirms the enduring appeal of The Lone Ranger. Host Andrew Rines successfully revives this timeless tale, offering both nostalgia for long-time fans and an immersive experience for new listeners.

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Notable Quotes

• Tonto on Lawlessness:

  "Fatal Smith is a killer of the worst type. As long as he and his gang are at large, no one in the west is safe."
  (04:09)

• Lone Ranger on Redemption:

  "I'm tired of being at the mercy of bullies and outlaws."
  (06:19)

• Tonto on Loyalty:

  "We can't go back."
  (10:53)

• Lone Ranger on Resourcefulness:

  "The way Smith's gun sounded, there was plenty of good powder behind that bullet, Tom. You must be bulletproof."
  (17:12)

• Final Words on Justice:

  "Lil. That's the end of Fatal Smith. But for you and me, this is just the beginning."
  (23:06)

---

This detailed summary captures the pivotal moments, character developments, and thematic elements of the "Three Months to Live" episode of The Lone Ranger, providing a comprehensive overview for both seasoned listeners and newcomers alike.

Transcript

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[Tonto]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

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

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high O.

[Lone Ranger]

Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

Before this exciting adventure, a word from our sponsor, General Mills, makers of Cheerios, the ready to eat oat cereal that gives you go power and Wheaties, the breakfast of champions. Present by special recording, the Lone Ranger.

[Lone Ranger]

All over the country in every direction. How ya, how you doing? Is the question. And here's what the hap hap happy people have to say. Wheaties are Wheaties and do do do. I'm okay, okay. Take champions down south. They sure enough know about Wheaties. The Southland's favorite Wheaties fan is Muzio, known as Stan the Man. Cause when he swings his mighty bat, he nearly knocks that baseball flat. Another Southland pride and joy is Bobby Lane a Wheaties boy. Cause when he starts to turn on steam, he he's sure a one man football team. Just ask Stan Musial or Bobby Lane. They know the secret of Wheaties energy. There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. Wheaties breakfast of champions. Keep on eating your Wheaties and you'll be do, do, do an okay O.

[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the daring and resourceful mask 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.

[Tonto]

Come on, Silver. Let go, big fella. I am Sil.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Announcer]

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[Tonto]

Oh, fella. Oh, hello. You made that trip in a hurry.

[Lone Ranger]

Ah, me come to tell you Fatal Smith is loose.

[Tonto]

Loose? He was a hang on Friday when last night.

[Lone Ranger]

Gang break into San Bernardo jail.

[Tonto]

Kill sheriff, get Smith out. Stage driver bring news to town and we have work to do. Fatal Smith is a killer of the worst type. As long as he and his gang are at large, no one in the west is safe. Get long way to San Bernardo. Hail cold when we get there, the outlaws may be headed this way. Oh, why do you think that if I were a fugitive, I'd try to reach Hardscrabble here in the mountains? The most lawless mining camp in the west. Oh, that's right. You hear four marshals get killed there in last year. No one take job of lawmen. So that's where we'll look for Smith and his gang. Here's over.

[Narrator]

Several days later, Tom Rossford, a former New York policeman, sat at a table in the Gold Eagle dance hall, the biggest and toughest place of entertainment in Hardscrabble. A bearded minor approached with a question.

[Tonto]

Want to buy him a gun, pilgrim?

[Lone Ranger]

I'll sell it for $30. I don't believe in pilgrim private citizens carrying a gun. Maybe not, but I do.

[Tonto]

I wouldn't sell mine if I wasn't.

[Lone Ranger]

Broke and ready to leave this infernal camp. Didn't you strike pay her? Yes, but Claim jumper grab the place of state house. What this camp needs is a good marshal.

[Narrator]

Tom's remark brought laughter from a party of camp toughs at a nearby table.

[Lone Ranger]

Hear that, boys? Skinny Green horn thinks we need another marshal. Not shooting irons. Citizens have no right to take the law into their own hands. We've planted four marshals in this camp. They were all quick on the trigger. Maybe you'd like to try your luck as marshall number five. Maybe I would. I'll see you later, Marshall.

[Tonto]

Well, young fellow, what do you think now?

[Lone Ranger]

I'll buy that gun, mister. Here's your money.

[Tonto]

Well, here's a gun.

[Lone Ranger]

Ain't much to look at, but it works.

[Narrator]

A short time later, as Tom examined the Battered old Colt. A girl entertainer slipped into a chair at his side. Knowing her casually, Tom pulled, forced to smile.

[Tonto]

Hello.

[Lone Ranger]

L. Tom.

[Lil]

I saw you buy that gun. Why did you do it?

[Lone Ranger]

I'm tired of being at the mercy of bullies and outlaws.

[Lil]

You're inviting trouble. It's better to stay out of a bad man's way than cross him. Even though you have a gun?

[Lone Ranger]

I know how to use one, Will. When I was on the force in New York.

[Lil]

You ought to quit thinking about the past. Your health has improved a lot since I first met you. But you'll always have to see in the West. Why not make the best of it?

[Lone Ranger]

Believe me, Lil, I'm grateful to this country of yours. It's done wonders for me physically.

[Lil]

Sometime the right man will come along and tame hardscrabble and open the way for religion and education. You know, they say there isn't a single book in this camp.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, I have one right here in my breast pocket. It's the manual of the New York Police Department.

[Lil]

Tom Thomas. You always think of that, Lil.

[Lone Ranger]

Police work was life to me.

[Lil]

I must go now, Tom, but be around tonight. I'd like to talk to you some more.

[Lone Ranger]

And I'd like to listen. I'll be right here, Lil.

[Narrator]

That night the Gold Eagle Cafe was packed. A so called professor hammered a battered piano. Several volunteer musicians whose red shirts and ragged beards marked them as miners, sorted fiddles. Lil, the stranded actress sang. Camp girls then joined Tom Rossford at a table while a square dancer called.

[Lone Ranger]

Fill up the floor for a quadruple. Four more couples over here. Four more.

[Narrator]

Soon heavy boots thumped the floor with a violence that shook the walls of the dance hall. Lil, who had turned her attention to the long bar, was saying, Tom, I.

[Lil]

Don'T like the looks of a lot of men in this town. But the two standing over there look specially rough.

[Lone Ranger]

They certainly are heavily armed.

[Lil]

They came in separately, but now another man has joined them.

[Tonto]

There's Fatal Smith, the killer. I've seen him before.

[Narrator]

At the old man's words, the music died and the dancers froze.

[Lone Ranger]

All right, I'm Fatal Smith. If you people don't want something fatal to happen to you, you won't try to be heroes.

[Tonto]

Cover them, boys.

[Lone Ranger]

We got our guns on them, up in their hands. All of you, all you dancers, get back against the wall. Professor, you and the pinner stay where you are.

[Narrator]

As the dancers rushed to obey his command, Fatal Smith advanced on the stranded actress and tubercular Easterner.

[Lone Ranger]

I aim to dance with you, Miss.

[Lil]

I'M not dancing.

[Tonto]

That's what you think. The law figured to make me dance.

[Lone Ranger]

On air today, but instead I'm gonna.

[Tonto]

Do a poker with you. Come on.

[Lone Ranger]

Don't touch the lady, fellow.

[Tonto]

Look, Pip, squeak, you're an Eastern egg.

[Lone Ranger]

But maybe you don't know who I am.

[Tonto]

I do as I please.

[Lone Ranger]

You won't if I can help it.

[Tonto]

Fella, you're so near dead, it wouldn't be any fun to kill you. How?

[Lil]

You'll get yourself killed to keep out of this. I'll dance with him.

[Lone Ranger]

And let's do our steps, huh, Professor? Strike up a tune and make it good or it'll be your last one.

[Narrator]

So great was the outlaw's contempt for the Easterner that he discounted the possibility of his being armed and in a mood to welcome death. He reached out to seize the girl, but before he could reach her, Tom was in front of him. Loosening the newly acquired gun which he had thrust into a pocket the former New Yorker called.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, you killer. Where do you want it, Green horn. Sit down. Here it comes through the heart.

[Narrator]

The impact of the outlaw's bullet hurled Tom against the table. But even as he collapsed against it, his own revolver blazed. Faith Smith dropped his guns and clutched an arm with a groaning.

[Lone Ranger]

Tomo.

[Lil]

Tomo.

[Lone Ranger]

Steady, Popes. Teddy, are you what the Easterner got each time we. Vamose, Fatal.

[Tonto]

Wait.

[Lone Ranger]

Let's pick up my gun. Only Nick. But now I'm gonna plug that skinny varmint again.

[Tonto]

No.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll see your gun, Fatal. No one lives after you pull a trigger on him. Let's get out the back door to our horses. All right, but I'm taking the girl along for a shield. Get away from that tent foot's carcass and come on.

[Lil]

Let go of me, you murderous beast.

[Lone Ranger]

Drag her along, Fatal. Miguel, open that back door, please.

[Tonto]

There I am.

[Lone Ranger]

Open.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger and Tato had arrived at the edge of the mining camp in time to hear the shots and trace their origin to the dance hall. Turning their horses into an alley, they reached the rear of the place just as the outlaws backed out with a struggling girl. In the light which poured through the open door, they recognized Fatal Smith and brought their guns to bear, as they called.

[Tonto]

Let go of that girl, Smith. You can't get away.

[Lone Ranger]

Drop gun to meet you last man, Vigilantes. The alley's full of them. By this time, the overies inside have thrown their guns. We can't go back.

[Narrator]

We can't go on.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm dropping my gun. I May have thrown away.

[Tonto]

There goes mine. I'll take the girl. Turn around and go back into the hall with your hands up, my friend. And I'll be right behind you. Please stand aside, miss. Guns away.

[Narrator]

At that moment, it dawned on the miners in the hall that the plight of the outlaws had been halted in some manner. Clothes through the door poured a hail of bullets. Captors and captives alike were driven to take refuge along a dark wall. The masked man was calling, this way, miss.

[Tonto]

You men inside, hold your fire. The gang has been captured.

[Narrator]

In the roar of gunfire, his words went unheeded. Quick to take advantage of the darkness of the wall and confusion created by the unexpected shooting from inside the hall, the outlaw known as Miguel slipped out a hidden knife and lunged at Totto.

[Tonto]

This.

[Narrator]

The Indian whirled to meet Miguel's attack. The outlaw called Bill grabbed his gun hand and tried to wrest the six shooter from it. Twisting and bending, Toto evaded Miguel's knife but could not shake off the other outlaw.

[Tonto]

Get him, Miguel. Keep hold of him.

[Narrator]

Seeing his friend's danger, but unable to shoot into the tangle of writhing bodies without further endangering him, the Lone Ranger holstered his guns and sprang into the fight. Just as Miguel aimed another knife thrust at Totto, the masked man caught the descending arm.

[Tonto]

No, you don't.

[Narrator]

The balloon ring to run. Tottle. Locked in Mortal Kombat with two of the gang fatal, Smith again seized the girl who had stood by dazed. He was yelling, gotcha.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Louie. What about Miguel and Bill? I won't need our help. Give me a hand with this girl.

[Tonto]

We'll run for our horse. Right.

[Lone Ranger]

Help. Help all you like. You're on ticket out of here.

[Narrator]

Although he realized Patel, Smith and Louie were about to escape with a girl, the Lone Ranger was unable to break away from the knife wielding Miguel. Tahoe's adversary was screaming.

[Tonto]

Wait for us, Fatal.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment.

[Ryan Seacrest]

It is Ryan Seacrest here. There was a recent social media trend which consisted of flying on a plane with no music, no movies, no entertainment. But a better trend would be going to chumbacasino.com it's like having a mini social casino in your pocket. Chumba casino has over 100 online casino style games, all absolutely free. It's the most fun you can have online and on a plane. So grab your free welcome bonus [e-mail] sponsored by Chumba Casino.

[Announcer]

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[Lil]

Diving Doris is 13 and she is a diving queen. She can do a flip because she knows she's got Go Power from Cheerios. Yes, she's got Go Power.

[Lone Ranger]

There she goes.

[Lil]

She's feeling her Cheerios. Cheerios. Cheerios.

[Narrator]

That's a mighty good idea for you. Just make sure you eat a big bowl of Cheerios and milk every breakfast. And you'll get Go power too. Because a Cheerios breakfast is loaded with proteins, vitamins and minerals. The very things that help build healthy bodies, strong bones, good red blood and muscles. Why, they'd be the sort of breakfast you'd go for even if they didn't taste so good. And they do taste delicious. Cheerios are a real oat cereal already cooked with that delicious toasted oat flavor. So that's for you swell tasting Cheerios and milk for Go Power. Eat them every morning and you'll hear.

[Lil]

She'S feeling her Cheerios.

[Narrator]

Now To continue as Fatal Smith and Louis rode off with their captive. The savage hand to hand battle in which the Lone Ranger and Tonto had engaged two other outlaws continued in the alley. The wiry Miguel had his keen edge knife at the Lone Ranger's throat several times before the superior strength of the masked man told Drop that knife for you'll never.

[Tonto]

And take that the knife. She's gone from my hand.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm finished.

[Tonto]

And stand there against the wall and don't move.

[Narrator]

Turning to see how Toto had fared, the Lone Ranger found that the Indian had concluded his own silent battle by stretching the other outlaw unconscious. At the same time, the miners in the hall began to peer cautiously from the doorway.

[Tonto]

Here are two members of the gang. Fatal Smith and another outlaw escaped holding a girl as hostage.

[Lone Ranger]

That's Lil Lily Bell, our singer. Hey, you're wearing a mask. What does that mean?

[Tonto]

Maybe he's another owl.

[Lone Ranger]

Hoot.

[Tonto]

My mask doesn't mean I'm an outlaw. If I were, my Indian friend and I wouldn't have captured these prisoners.

[Lone Ranger]

I reckon that's so.

[Tonto]

Hey, Thunder.

[Lone Ranger]

He and the engine have got to.

[Tonto]

A Fatal Smith's gang. What did the gang do here besides capture the girl?

[Lone Ranger]

Smith killed a skinny little Easterner who stood up for Lil. The other owl hoots kept us from interfering.

[Tonto]

Hey, let's round up all the miners in camp and go after Smith and the other fellow who got away. Well, there's nothing you can do tonight except trample out trail signs that may be visible in the morning. It's too dark now to follow a trail and the outlaws already have a big Lead now.

[Lone Ranger]

Now, hold on, fellas. Mask Man's right. Better wait.

[Tonto]

Where can these prisoners be held?

[Lone Ranger]

Well, there's no jail here and we have no marsh. Bring those two varmints into the dance hall. Maybe we can arrange to hold them there. Get up, Father.

[Tonto]

Get up. Oh, my.

[Lone Ranger]

Come through now.

[Tonto]

I'll bring the other one. Thunder Ration.

[Announcer]

Look.

[Narrator]

There.

[Tonto]

There.

[Lone Ranger]

The easterner's come to life. He's sitting up on the table.

[Narrator]

It can't be.

[Lone Ranger]

I saw Fatal Smith aim for his.

[Tonto]

Heart when he shot.

[Lone Ranger]

And Fatal Smith don't miss just what his name says. Look, fella, this isn't Resurrection Day.

[Tonto]

Just lie down again and be dead like you ought to be dead.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm not dead. I just fainted.

[Tonto]

Be a little bit reasonable, isn't that? We don't want you coming back to life. Guard the prisoners while I examine him. There, I have your vest open. Look at what fell out of his vest.

[Lone Ranger]

It's the.45 bullet fatal Smith shot him with. I'd rather you just call me Tom.

[Tonto]

Very well, Tom. All you suffered from that bullet was a bruise over your heart.

[Lone Ranger]

The way Smith's gun sounded, there was plenty of good powder behind that bullet, Tom. You must be bulletproof. Well, then let's make him marshal of a hard scrap. Man, I'd like to be marshal of this mining camp, but I don't want the job. Because you think I have a charmed life. I haven't. The only reason I'm alive is that I once belonged to the police force.

[Tonto]

How's that, Tom?

[Lone Ranger]

The thing that stopped Fatal Smith's bullet was a manual of the New York Police Department, which I had in my breast pocket. Here it is. What? The narration.

[Tonto]

A book.

[Lone Ranger]

The bullet went completely through it, but its force was spent. I reckon you were lucky. But lucky or not, we still want you to be our lawman. It'll take a little time to get you appointed, but you can start being marshal right now and we'll back you. How about it, fellas?

[Narrator]

It was late the next day when the Lone Ranger Tottle and Tom Rossford struck the trail of the outlaws and their captive. A posse of miners had long since deserted them to return to their diggings. As they rode slowly into the ever heightening altitudes, following the tracks of three horses, Toto held up a hand.

[Tonto]

Better we stop me here. Someone come. Yes, I hear the hoof beats now.

[Lone Ranger]

That's a woman. Ryder. Hi, it's Lil. Oh, there.

[Lil]

Tom. Tom, it's really you.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes. L. I'm still kicking.

[Lil]

Oh, thank Heaven, you're alive.

[Narrator]

Tom quickly explained what had happened and.

[Lone Ranger]

Asked, did the outlaws release you?

[Lil]

A quick call, Louie let me go with the understanding that I deliver a message to the masked man. He said such a man would be tracking them and that I'd meet him on the trail.

[Lone Ranger]

He must have met my friend here.

[Tonto]

He probably did. Though I can't understand why he was so sure I'd follow the trail. What was the message?

[Lil]

Ms. Louis wants to betray Fatal Smith to you. He said he was afraid of being lynched and believed you'd save him if he turned on Smith.

[Tonto]

When did he tell you that?

[Lil]

Less than an hour ago, when Smith went away for a few minutes. Then he set me free and gave me a horse.

[Tonto]

Where are the crooks staying?

[Lil]

In a deserted prospector shack two or three miles from here. The last mile of the trail to the cabin is overgrown by tall brush and it's lined with saplings. Lodge poles, I think they're called. Only one horse can pass through at a time.

[Tonto]

That sound like crap.

[Lil]

I thought of that, but the crooks had no weapons.

[Lone Ranger]

Let's ride in on them.

[Tonto]

No, Tom. We're right as far as the beginning of the brush trail. I want you to wait there while Toto and I scout the place on foot.

[Lone Ranger]

And let's go.

[Tonto]

All right. Come on.

[Narrator]

The swift twilight of the Sierras had begun to fall when the Lone Ranger and Tuttle left Tom and the girl with the horses and began to work their way toward the shack, keeping to scant growths of stutter trees which grew on high ground several hundred yards from the brush trail. Midway to the shack, the masked man pointed.

[Tonto]

Look at the top of the sapling. Along the trail the outlawed one of us that follow us. It bends west. This country trees often grow into bent shapes because of the wind. But the prevailing wind is from the west. They always bend eastward.

[Lone Ranger]

Now, me savvy.

[Tonto]

What kind of trap crook set for you? A snare, of course. They pulled down the top and held it in that position with a pole which serves as a trigger. Wait there to look. We'd find a wire noose attached to the top of the sapling. Me see animals cock like that. When animal run into noose, trigger fall tree flies up him get hung. Yes, it's an old method of trapping deer. All right, let's move on. There's two men riding down trail plenty fast. Adel Smith. And they've seen us. Now them dodge snare. Maybe we better shoot. Shots fired from this distance wouldn't stop them. Let's get back to the horses.

[Narrator]

At that moment, Fatal Smith was telling.

[Lone Ranger]

Louis you saw the masked man an engine just in time. You might have known that the masked man wouldn't fall for a trick like a snare. He still hold the high card.

[Narrator]

Well, I don't know how.

[Lone Ranger]

He must have left their horses near the end of the brush trail. That's so. It'll soon be dark. If we can rustle them, we'll get a big start. We're coming to the end of the brush trail. Well, here's the clearing. And there are the horses. Someone's with them. Likely it's only the girls. Go shoot. Look, Fatal. It's the eastern. Why, it can't be. You saw me plug him. He has to be dead. All right, get off your horses. This is the end of the trail for you. Fatal Smith.

[Narrator]

As Tom, who had been standing beside the horses with Lil, approached the killer like a vengeful apparition. Smith, world is mount with a howl of terror. No.

[Lone Ranger]

Get up or I'll shoot.

[Tonto]

You never get me.

[Lone Ranger]

I missed him.

[Lil]

He's getting away.

[Lone Ranger]

There he goes into the brush trail. I'll follow him.

[Lil]

No, no.

[Lone Ranger]

Tom.

[Lil]

Guard this other crook. The masked man and Indian can take care of Fatal Smith.

[Lone Ranger]

Shots maybe.

[Tonto]

Mean Tom have trouble. Wait, Tuttle. One of the unknowns is riding back up the brush trail. I just caught a glimpse of him. Plenty dark. All me seeds and treetops must be near the snare now.

[Narrator]

At that moment, the evening stillness was broken by the sound like the twang of a mighty bow. Stringing their eyes into the gloom, the masked man and Indian saw the bent tree straighten suddenly and shake its budding branches against the sky. Then all was silent and motionless. The Lone Ranger and Tottle dashed toward the snare. Well knowing what they. Late that evening, a strange procession halted at the edge of Hardscrabble. One rider was a masked man, another an Indian. With them were a former New York policeman and a former actress who had found their destiny in the West. Two other horses bore a sardonic prisoner and a dead man. The Lone Ranger was saying, tom, how did.

[Tonto]

I must leave you here.

[Lil]

But you haven't explained how Fatal Smith happened to ride into his own snare.

[Tonto]

The scenes of fates were in an ironical mood. Perhaps the killer was overcome by superstitious terror after seeing Tom. Perhaps it was so dark he failed to see the trap in time to dodge the noose.

[Lil]

Well, it was poetic justice.

[Tonto]

Yes, he received the punishment he deserved. Now the west will be a safer place in which to live.

[Lone Ranger]

Lil. That's the end of Fatal Smith. But for you and me, this is just the beginning.

[Lil]

Yes, Tom. I'll begin.

[Tonto]

Perhaps we meet again. Adios.

[Lone Ranger]

Adios. Thanks, mister. You have little to laugh about, Louise. I have plenty.

[Narrator]

I'm wondering what Fatal Smith thinks now about setting a snare for the Lone Ranger.

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[Tonto]

The.

[Narrator]

Lone Ranger a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated is produced by Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer, your announcer, Fred Foy. Listen to the Lone Ranger brought to you by special recording Mondays through Fridays at this same time.

[Lone Ranger]

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 copyright 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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