Thunder from the Plain | The Lone Ranger (07-14-41)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns: Thunder from the Plain – The Lone Ranger (07-14-41)

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, hosted by Andrew Rhynes, features "Thunder from the Plain," a classic 1941 Lone Ranger radio drama. The story transports listeners to the days when homesteaders clashed with ranchers over newly opened government land. Through suspense, action, and themes of justice and cooperation, the episode explores the tension that defined the settling of the American West—and how the Lone Ranger intervenes to prevent violence and forge understanding between opposing communities.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: Conflict on the Open Range

• Host Introduction: Andrew Rhynes welcomes listeners and sets context for the detailed digitized restoration of classic western dramas (01:23).
• Narration: The episode opens on the conflict between homesteaders and ranchers, specifically focusing on Jonathan Merrill and his daughter, Rose, aiming to settle on the flats, against threats from the established rancher Tom Winters and his men (04:25-05:55).
• Quote: "He believed there was a place for both homesteaders and ranchers in the great new territory... it was his vision of the future that finally led to a better understanding..." – Narrator (04:25).

2. Raw Tension in Sagebrush

• Main Street Tussle: Jonathan and Rose Merrill, arriving for supplies, face open hostility. Hank, one of Tom Winters’ men, provokes a confrontation by shoving Jonathan into the mud (05:34-06:22).
• Quote: "Watch out, you're pushing me off!" – Jonathan Merrill (06:04).
• Quote: "That mud will be over your boots." – Rose Merrill’s concern vs. her father’s determination (05:58).
• The conflict escalates with Tom Winters warning the Merrills, barring them from purchasing supplies, and telling his hand Larry Dexter (an old friend of the Merrills) to stay out of it—or else (07:03-09:10).

3. Larry Dexter’s Dilemma

• Personal Ties and Loyalty: Larry Dexter is caught between his job with Tom Winters and his history with the Merrills (08:11-09:06).
• Quote: "You promised to write." – Rose to Larry, revealing unresolved feelings and their shared past (08:22).
• Larry initially pressures the Merrills to move on but is torn by their determination and eventual danger (09:06-15:25).

4. Tension Escalates: Lone Ranger’s Intervention

• Lone Ranger and Tonto’s Involvement: Secretly, the Lone Ranger and Native American companion Tonto aid the Merrills, bringing them supplies and sending a message to the marshal to notify authorities about Winters’ threats (10:10-12:18).
• Winters’ Plot: Despite a warning letter from the Marshal, Tom Winters hatches a plan: “Dead men don’t talk. You kill him, he’s clearing off my land.” – Tom Winters (13:06).
• Larry tries one last time to persuade the Merrills to abandon their claim, but when rebuffed, he joins their side (“I’m not going back to the ranch. I’m staying here with you, Jonathan. I’m fighting on your side.” – Larry, 15:02).

5. Showdown on the Flats

• Threat of Violence: Winters’ crew plans to stampede cattle across the flats during a storm to destroy the Merrill homestead and kill the newcomers—framing it as an accident (22:06-24:37).
• Dramatic Rescue: The Lone Ranger organizes an escape, using his horse Silver and Tonto’s Scout to carry everyone to safety just as the stampede descends (25:55-26:44).
• Quote: "We’ve got to reach the canyon ahead of the herd. Faster, Silver!" – Lone Ranger, in the climax (26:57).

6. Resolution and Transformation

• Winters Confronted: The Lone Ranger captures Tom Winters, taking him to a newly-discovered valley—a better range for cattle, free from homesteading conflicts (27:19-29:11).

• Winters’ Realization: Confronted with his actions and the unintended consequences, Winters admits his guilt; the Lone Ranger offers him a peaceful alternative to violence (29:11-30:30).

• Mutual Respect and Community: Winters promises to not only leave the homesteaders in peace but also rebuild the Merrill’s destroyed cabin (30:45-31:17).

• Quote: “From now on, you’ll find me a good neighbor.” – Winters to Rose Merrill (31:17).

• The lasting lesson: “The west needs all of you cattlemen and farmers. Just remember that the future of the country depends on your working together.” – Lone Ranger (31:32).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Stubbornness & Change:
  “I figured other folks was stubborn and ornery. But I’m the one that gets the medal. I don’t deserve it, but you’ve done me an awful big favor.” – Tom Winters, realizing the error of his ways (30:57)

• On Law and Justice:
  “You’re defying the government when you try to stop them from moving in… The flats have been open to homesteaders.” – Lone Ranger to Winters (30:30)

• On Friendship & Loyalty:
  “I’m your friend, Rose. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” – Larry Dexter (14:56)

• Theme of Reconciliation:
  “Pa, we’ll live and learn.” – Rose Merrill, as peace is restored (31:30)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Host’s Intro & Context: 01:23–01:54
• Story Prologue & Setting Conflict: 04:25–05:34
• Mud Fight & First Town Showdown: 05:34–07:03
• Larry Dexter’s Loyalty Dilemma: 08:11–09:06
• Marshal’s Letter & Winters’ Deadly Plan: 12:12–13:06
• Larry Joins the Homesteaders: 14:56–15:35
• Winters Plots Stampede: 22:06–24:37
• Stampede & Dramatic Escape: 25:55–26:44
• Winters Confronted by Lone Ranger: 27:19–29:11
• Winters’ Promise to Rebuild & Reconcile: 30:45–31:32

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Tone and Atmosphere

The episode features the tense, stern, and justice-drive tone characteristic of classic western storytelling. Dialogues are brisk and no-nonsense, marked by stoic determination, stubborn pride, and eventual humility. The sounds of thunder, stampeding cattle, and the solitary hero’s gallop create an immersive, suspenseful ambiance.

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Takeaway

"Thunder from the Plain" stands as a hallmark episode embodying the idealism of the Lone Ranger: that law and order, empathy, and compromise—not violence—are the real instruments of progress on the American frontier. The episode delivers a powerful message about community, integrity, and the “winning of the West” through cooperation instead of conflict.

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For more gripping tales from the wild west, visit otrwesterns.com.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

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

[Tom Winters]

Hil.

[Jonathan Merrill]

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

[Tom Winters]

All beautiful for all of us.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Hands in the dirt, hearts in the dust let's be the people yeah we

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[Jonathan Merrill]

trust we the ones still show up holding hands when times are tough.

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[Jonathan Merrill]

Yeah, even you.

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[Jonathan Merrill]

When the open range was thrown open to homestead homesteaders, the ranchers did their best to keep them from settling in the cattle country. They defied the orders from Washington, and violence might have been followed by open warfare if it had not been for the Masked Rider of the Plains. He believed there was a place for both homesteaders and ranchers in the great new territory, and it was his vision of the future that finally led to a better understanding between the two factions it was he, more than any other man who made possible the winning of the West. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof feats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Tom Winters]

Come on, Silver. We're heading for safe brush huddles. Waiting for us huddled Silver.

[Jonathan Merrill]

The rain had turned the main street of sagebrush into a quagmire. But Jonathan Merrill had a good team and the forward progress of the heavy wagon was slow but sure. At last, he reined up in front of the general store and turned to his daughter Rose. Heroes, you take the reins. This is the last place we can buy supplies before we hit the flats.

[Rose Merrill]

You should have driven in closer to the sidewalk. That mud will be over your boots.

[Jonathan Merrill]

I can jump from here at the sidewalk.

[Rose Merrill]

Be careful.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Yep. You see, I'm not too old for a little jump like that. Don't block the sidewalk, mister. Watch out. You're pushing me off.

[Tom Winters]

Hey,

[Rose Merrill]

Paul,

[Jonathan Merrill]

who did that deliberately? Now look at me. Mud from head to foot that you

[Tom Winters]

form his like day.

[Rose Merrill]

Not when it wears pants and calls itself a man.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Watch your talk, sister.

[Tom Winters]

Don't block this sidewalk.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Hey, that's good. You pull the same trick on him, stranger. I want to thank you for it.

[Rose Merrill]

Serves the bully right.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Go for your gun, mister.

[Tom Winters]

Anytime you're ready, Hank.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Oh, yeah. You've got an engine to back you up.

[Tom Winters]

We'll settle this between ourselves.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Think so, Lion?

[Tom Winters]

W so you think you'll need help?

[Jonathan Merrill]

Sage Breast is a cattle town, see? You'll find out it don't pay to stick up for homesteaders. We're much obliged, mister, but we run into this sort of thing before. There'll be a gang of roughnecks here in a minute and you won't stand a chance against a lot of them. You better get on your way while the getting's good.

[Tom Winters]

And what about you and your daughter?

[Jonathan Merrill]

Well, we'll just have to face them. The government land out on the flats, just about 10 miles from here, is open. And that's where we aimed Olmstead, on the flats. That's what I said. By Stoney Creek. You got another think coming. The flats are flying, W. Grays. Homesteaders ain't welcome there. It's government land. You'll learn different. Here's a man to tell you. Boss.

[Tom Winters]

What's up?

[Jonathan Merrill]

I called for the boys because this hombre here was sticking up for the

[Tom Winters]

farmer and his girl. Where'd you collect all the mud?

[Jonathan Merrill]

He pushed me into it just like

[Tom Winters]

you pushed the farmer.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Well, yeah.

[Tom Winters]

It looks like an even break to me.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Hey, look at Hank. Who dressed you up like a mud pie?

[Tom Winters]

You want to make some, mother? That's up to you. We'll stand by and see you get a fair deal.

[Jonathan Merrill]

I guess I had it coming. Look, she won't be laughing when I tell you the rest of it. This here farmer aims to homestead on the Flats.

[Tom Winters]

What's that?

[Jonathan Merrill]

By Stony Creek? Tom.

[Tom Winters]

What's your name?

[Jonathan Merrill]

Jonathan Merrill.

[Tom Winters]

I'm Tom Winters of the Flying W. The Flats belong to me.

[Jonathan Merrill]

They belong to the government. I've come a long way to homestead there and nobody's going to stop me.

[Tom Winters]

You ought to know that. It's been tried before.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Boss, can I say something? I'll handle this.

[Tom Winters]

Larry.

[Rose Merrill]

Larry. Larry Dexter?

[Jonathan Merrill]

That's me, Rose. I came from the same part of Missouri the Merrills did, Tom. Maybe they'll listen to me. It's been 10 years since you run away, Larry. Yeah, a long time.

[Rose Merrill]

You've changed a lot. I guess you've forgotten your old friends.

[Jonathan Merrill]

No, I haven't.

[Rose Merrill]

You promised to write.

[Jonathan Merrill]

I always meant to, but. Well, I'm just a cowboy. All I got is my horse and my saddle and 30amonth.

[Rose Merrill]

And now you're going to try and make us move on.

[Jonathan Merrill]

I work for Tom, Rose. It's part of my job to keep that range free of homesteaders. We can't let one of you come in. Not one.

[Rose Merrill]

So you'll stop at nothing to keep us out, Is that what you're trying to say?

[Tom Winters]

Yes, we'll stop at nothing.

[Jonathan Merrill]

We aimed a homestead on the flats. It's government land.

[Tom Winters]

Well, you've had your warning. I'm going inside here and make sure Eben don't sell you any supplies.

[Rose Merrill]

You can't do that.

[Tom Winters]

The next town is 60 miles west. You can try your luck there. As for you, cowboy. Meaning me?

[Jonathan Merrill]

Yeah.

[Tom Winters]

Stick to your saddle and you'll keep out of trouble.

[Jonathan Merrill]

We'll get along without supplies and you'll

[Tom Winters]

soon find out the flats are unhealthy. Come on, Hank. Inside. You too, Larry.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Race.

[Tom Winters]

You get back to the ranch. You hear me? Larry? I'm coming. Sweetness girl.

[Rose Merrill]

I never want to see him again.

[Tom Winters]

Just don't get any ideas about double crossing me.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Rose, don't you understand? We need that range. We gotta have it.

[Rose Merrill]

I know. And when you won't stop at anything, that means you'd even shoot a woman. The west is a fine country.

[Tom Winters]

Come on.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Right.

[Tom Winters]

How do Bring silver.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Scout. I want to thank you Once more, stranger. Before you say goodbye, use ears again. Merrill, the rancher warned you. What takes spit?

[Tom Winters]

You're in the right. You can depend on our help.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Clean him up, Scout. Come on, Silver.

[Tom Winters]

These trees give us plenty of COVID Tato, we're less than a mile from the spot where Merrill's starting to build his cabin.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Ah.

[Tom Winters]

We'll camp here until they're out of danger.

[Jonathan Merrill]

That'd be long time. Maybe tonight.

[Tom Winters]

I want you to ride to Old Grove again.

[Jonathan Merrill]

You want me get more supplies for Merrill?

[Tom Winters]

No. Those we left with him last night will be enough for a week.

[Jonathan Merrill]

I'd go myself, but now that I've

[Tom Winters]

gotten rid of my disguise and I'm wearing a mask again, it's not good you go to town. It's better for me to stay here. Ah.

[Jonathan Merrill]

And what you want, Hunter?

[Tom Winters]

Do take this message to the telegraph operator. See that it's sent to the marshal at Circle City.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Ah, yes.

[Tom Winters]

Count and get back as quickly as you can. Winters and his men haven't done anything yet, but I'm sure they'll try to stop Merrill from finishing his cabin. It won't be long before things start to happen.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Don't do hurrying.

[Rose Merrill]

Get him up.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Boss.

[Tom Winters]

Well, what'd you find?

[Jonathan Merrill]

Us got the cabin half done.

[Tom Winters]

I can see that from here. On a clear day.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Yeah, but I think I found out who's bringing them supplies, too.

[Tom Winters]

If it's Eon, I'll ring his neck.

[Jonathan Merrill]

No, it ain't. So. They made friends with some outlaws. What? Sam, I'm telling you, the moon's full. So I could see real good. A masked man and an engine rode up with some stuff. They dumped it by the wagon where the old man and his daughter are sleeping. And then they rode off without stopping at all.

[Tom Winters]

A masked man and an engine?

[Jonathan Merrill]

Yeah.

[Tom Winters]

Merrill's buying stolen goods.

[Jonathan Merrill]

I tell you, they didn't stop at all. They just rode off.

[Tom Winters]

Merrill paid him first.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Well, he's getting supplies anyway. And that means you can't starve him hard. You gotta do something else.

[Tom Winters]

I will round up the boys. Larry, I thought you rode into sagebrush.

[Jonathan Merrill]

I did, but I didn't stay long. I picked up the mail, left this letter. I figured it might be important, so I brought it straight out. See what's up in the corner.

[Tom Winters]

United States Government.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Office of the Marshal in Circle City. What's he got to say to you?

[Tom Winters]

I don't know.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Circle City. Hey, that's close to 200 miles, easy.

[Tom Winters]

Well, I'll be dogged.

[Jonathan Merrill]

What is it?

[Tom Winters]

So this is why? He's got nerve enough to go ahead with that cabin. Listen, it's come to my attention that you threatened Jonathan Merrill with bodily injury. In doing so, you've left yourself open to criminal charges. And if anything happens to said Jonathan Merrill, you'll be held accountable.

[Jonathan Merrill]

No, you can't be.

[Tom Winters]

No interference with homesteaders. Rights in the flats will be tolerated. There's other range land in your district which has not been open to homesteaders. And I would advise. He'd advise, huh?

[Jonathan Merrill]

Why?

[Tom Winters]

Is there any range with plenty of water like the flats? I'd like them to tell me that.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Mean to say we just gotta stand by and let Merrill go ahead with his cabin?

[Tom Winters]

If you think I'm gonna do that, you're loco.

[Jonathan Merrill]

You don't wanna go to jail, do you?

[Tom Winters]

I won't. Lots of things can happen to Merrill. They will. There's one thing sure, Hank. Dead men don't talk. You kill him, he's clearing off my land.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Tom, the Merrills are friends of mine once. I don't want nothing to happen to him just because the old man's stubborn. Will you let me go and talk to him?

[Tom Winters]

It won't do no good.

[Jonathan Merrill]

I think it will. Let me try tonight can't hurt anything.

[Tom Winters]

Anyway, I may need all of you boys before the night's over.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Let me have an hour, Tom. All right.

[Tom Winters]

One hour. That's all. If you stay any longer at the Merls, you'll get a surprise.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Good. Let's have some action. That's what I say. I'll be back. Hold your fire till I get here. You'd better hurry up, mister. Tom said one hour. There's someone coming, Pa. Maybe the masked man or Tonto coming back.

[Rose Merrill]

What'd they do that for? They think we're asleep.

[Jonathan Merrill]

I sure wish I'd woke up before they got away.

[Rose Merrill]

It's only one horse.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Why don't you get back in the wagon?

[Rose Merrill]

I've got a gun here, Pa. If this rider means trouble, I can shoot just as good as you can.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Shucks, it's too late for trouble.

[Rose Merrill]

Here he comes.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Who are you? A friend.

[Rose Merrill]

It's Larry, Pa. You won't need your gun. What do you want, Mr. Dexter?

[Jonathan Merrill]

Rose. Tom just got a letter from the marshal at Circle City. Yeah, we sort of figured he might. It hasn't done you any good to notify the marshal. We didn't. Well, you must have. A friend of ours took care of it. Well, that letter just made Tom Hoppin mad. He gave me one hour to come over here and Talk to you after that? Well, I can't answer for what'll happen. We're not afraid of your boss. You better be. Jonathan, why don't you pull up stakes and travel another hundred miles to the west?

[Rose Merrill]

Is that all you have to say, Mr. Wech? Dexter.

[Jonathan Merrill]

I'm your friend, Rose. I don't want anything to happen to you.

[Rose Merrill]

We're standing on our right.

[Jonathan Merrill]

They won't do you much good when you're dead.

[Rose Merrill]

You talk just like your boss. But he can't scare us, and neither can you.

[Jonathan Merrill]

But don't you see? You're just being stubborn. You haven't got a chance against the Flying W crew. Tom's got 15 men, including you. No, Rose, your mind's made up, and I can't do anything to change it. I'm not going back to the ranch. What's that? I'm staying here with you, Jonathan. I'm fighting on your side. You mean it?

[Rose Merrill]

Oh, Larry, now you're proving you're our friend. But we don't ask you to stay. This is our fight, not yours. And I don't want to see you lose your job.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Yeah, that's right. You're a cowboy, not a farmer. My PA was a farmer. What was good enough for him was good enough for me.

[Rose Merrill]

Larry.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Yeah?

[Rose Merrill]

I'm glad we've met again.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Same here. Well, if you mean what you say, we could join forces, Son. You homestead next to us and we'll split up the work first thing. Jonathan, I've got to ask you to leave the flats once more. My mind's made up and I'm. All right. All right. That's settled. Took me longer than I thought to get here. I ought to be back at the ranch now and, well, they'll be starting out. Jonathan, they're coming after us tonight. Yeah, that's what Tom said. We gotta find someplace where Rose will be safe.

[Rose Merrill]

I'm not stirring from this thought, but

[Jonathan Merrill]

it's not a woman's place to fight off.

[Rose Merrill]

That kind of talk makes sense back home, Larry, but it doesn't out here.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Listen. Horses. They're coming already. Too bad it's clouded over. We could see them for half a mile. Get in the wagon anyway, Rose. That's a good place for all of us, I'd say. Go ahead. I'll cover you. Larry, get into the wagon.

[Rose Merrill]

Larry, go. I can't hear their horses anymore. Maybe he's killing. Maybe he's killed a lone Ranger.

[Jonathan Merrill]

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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[Jonathan Merrill]

Now to continue our story. When Rose Merrill heard the Lone Ranger call to Silver, she tried to stop young Larry Dexter from shooting at him. But the cowboy emptied his gun. And when the shots had died away, there was no sound of approaching hoop beats. The night was quiet.

[Rose Merrill]

Pa, you've got to go and see. You've got to find out if he's hurt.

[Jonathan Merrill]

The Lone Ranger?

[Rose Merrill]

Yes. He's been helping us ever since we got here. He was the one who got in touch with the marshal. He's brought us supplies and I'm going.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Better come with me, son. I will.

[Tom Winters]

You're worried about me. Jonathan.

[Jonathan Merrill]

I'm all right. Masked man.

[Rose Merrill]

You're safe.

[Tom Winters]

We're all right, Ms. Merrill. We reined up when the shooting started.

[Jonathan Merrill]

That was me. I thought you were Tom and the boys in the ranch.

[Tom Winters]

I don't think you'll have to worry about them tonight.

[Jonathan Merrill]

But when he read that letter from the marshal, he said he was.

[Tom Winters]

Tom has brains, Larry. He may have lost his temper for a minute and said a lot of things he's thought better of since.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Well, you may as well know it. I've thrown in my lot with Rose and Jonathan. I'm sure that Tom means to drive him out.

[Tom Winters]

I'm sure that he'll try and he'll start tonight. Tuttle and I have just come from the ranch, Larry.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Not right.

[Tom Winters]

We saw the whole crew up at the ranch house. Tom was talking to them, but he sent them back to the bunkhouse and later the lights went out. Nothing's going to happen tonight, he said. He would misunderstand me. He isn't giving up.

[Jonathan Merrill]

It'd be the first time if he did.

[Tom Winters]

He's only looking for some way to clear the flats and still keep out of jail. That's what I meant when I said he had brains.

[Jonathan Merrill]

I'll match yours against his any day, mister. You tell us what to do and we'll follow orders.

[Tom Winters]

Somehow, someway, Tom is going to set a trap for you. Ton and I will never be far away. But you must be on your guard every minute.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Oh, sure, Sting.

[Tom Winters]

Every minute, Jonathan. Night and day. Nobody ever Accused a man of murder when the death was accidental. Hank.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Yeah?

[Tom Winters]

Just thinking that.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Larry, we've been sitting around doing nothing for three days. Why don't you quit thinking and tell us to do something?

[Tom Winters]

I will, when the time comes.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Let me go after that renegade, Larry.

[Tom Winters]

Anyway, you have your chance. Looks like a storm tonight, isn't it?

[Jonathan Merrill]

Yeah.

[Tom Winters]

They stay close to the cabin at night.

[Jonathan Merrill]

It's all finished now.

[Tom Winters]

Have you seen anything more of the mask man than the engine?

[Jonathan Merrill]

Nope.

[Tom Winters]

Good.

[Jonathan Merrill]

What are you driving at?

[Tom Winters]

Don't send many of the boys out today. We'll need the full crew a little later.

[Jonathan Merrill]

When?

[Tom Winters]

When the storm breaks, Hank. When the storm breaks. Did you find out why he sent out so many Knight Riders? Them ride north, round up big herd around up at night with the storm coming on. Drive cows out in open, away from any shoulder.

[Jonathan Merrill]

That's right. Maybe.

[Tom Winters]

Good.

[Jonathan Merrill]

You come take a look.

[Tom Winters]

I will, Tonto. Here, Silver. Wind come from north. When storm break, cattle run south to the south. Take a look, Kimosabi. When we see where they bunch the cattle, we'll know what they plan to do. Get him up. Come on, Silver. There.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Did you see that lightning? Yeah. Lit up the whole sky. We're in for a real one. You better sleep inside the cabin tonight. No, thanks. I'll make my bed under the wagon. That'll keep me dry. I got my doubts. Well, it won't be the first time. I've got a little wet. Don't forget what the mask man said. On guard every minute, night and day. He said Tom had brains. That sure enough means he's got sense enough to keep out of the rain. I'm staying outside, Jonathan. When the masked man gives an order, I aim to follow it. It's pretty dark.

[Tom Winters]

Yes. We can't really see the crew at all. The cattle are getting more and more restless every minute. The crew aren't helping matters any. They should be on this side of the herd.

[Jonathan Merrill]

All right.

[Tom Winters]

Unless. What you think Merrow Cabin is on this side of the creek, due south. That's a tunnel. We're going to stampede the cattle. I heard this has to level the cabin to the ground. Jonathan and Larry and Rose would be killed. No one would ever know. It wasn't an accident to move now. And here's the storm. We've got to hurry.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Oh, God. Taking Jonathan's advice, it's a cloud burst. What are you complaining about, Captain? You aren't getting any wetter out there than I am under here. Matter of fact, I think I'll change places with You. That's funny. It's more than the storm that's making him nervous. That ain't thunder I heard. Sounds more like cattle. A herd on the prod. Masked man. Can't see a thing. Nothing to be nervy about if it's just a masked man.

[Tom Winters]

Captain.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Hiya, mister. What's up?

[Tom Winters]

Hurry, Tuttle. The cabin. Got Jonathan and Rose. Saddle your horse, Larry. There's a stampede coming this way. We've got to make a run for it.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Saddle's inside the wagon. Here. We haven't got enough horses.

[Tom Winters]

Yes, we have.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Rose can ride with the captain, but Jonathan and I'll have to stay here, take our chances on the wagon team.

[Tom Winters]

You ride your own horse. Silver and Scout can carry double. We'll head for the rim rock to the south.

[Jonathan Merrill]

That's plenty far.

[Tom Winters]

We won't be safe until we get there. This way, Jonathan. Let's help your daughter up here.

[Rose Merrill]

We're going to leave the cabin.

[Tom Winters]

That's all you can do.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Step out.

[Tom Winters]

You ride with tunnel, Jonathan. All set, Larry?

[Rose Merrill]

Almost. I can hear them coming right to the.

[Tom Winters]

How many of a thousand head?

[Rose Merrill]

Can we get away from them?

[Tom Winters]

It's going to be close. Hurry, Larry. I'm ready. Then come on. And.

[Jonathan Merrill]

With the storm driving them on the little band raised salt for the rimrock. But always behind them, closer and closer, came the stampeding herd. The thunder in the sky was echoed by thunder from the plains. And the Lone Ranger urged the great horse, Silver, onward.

[Tom Winters]

Come on, Silver. We've got to reach the canyon ahead of the herd. Faster, Silver.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Faster. Hours later, the storm had spent its fury and Tom Winters waited in his ranch halls for his men to return.

[Tom Winters]

There's somebody. Almost dawn. About time some of them got back. Reach for the ceiling, Winners. Water. And don't try to make any trouble. You're coming with me. What are you talking about? Get out to the corral and saddle a horse. No outlaw's going to give me orders. I wouldn't argue if I were you. Your men aren't around, and they won't be.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Won't be?

[Tom Winters]

Hurry up. Oh, I see you're getting even for what the cattle did to your friend's cabin. How do you know about that? I just took a ride over that way. Answer me one question, Winners. Did you plan to have those people killed? Were they? What if I told you they were? I'd say it served them right. They must have heard those cows coming for miles. There were lots of ways they could have saved themselves. Plenty of time to ride for the Rim Rock. It was covered by the creek below the big bluff. They hadn't had enough sense to get out of that cabin. They deserved to die. But you didn't want them to die. I know. I'm not a killer like you. You're making a mistake about me. But I didn't think I'd made a mistake about you. What does that mean? You'll find out by sunup. Get Mo. Hey, we aren't climbing anymore. Floor of this canyon sloping down. That's right. Where are you taking me? It won't be long before you can see for yourself. Just as soon as we round the next turn. You don't sound like an outlaw. You don't act like one. If you'd wanted to kill me, you could have done it back at the ranch. Yes, Winners, I don't savvy. This canyon is only about 10 miles from your ranch. Yet you've never followed it. Why should I? It's time someone opened your eyes. Let's look down below you. A valley 30 miles long and five miles wide. Well, there's cattle down there. Where'd it come from? It's your cattle. The herd that stampeded last night. How'd you get there? Your old men drove it down. This is your new range, Winners. Work.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Say it.

[Tom Winters]

You're leaving the plants for good. Mother. What? On your life. Isn't this a better range than the flats? Well, I'd have to look at it closer. It ain't quite as level. But aren't going in for farming. Stop here, Winners. In front of this cave. Now what? You're a good cattleman. And you're one of the real pioneers in this district. Sure I am. That's why I got a right to the flats. You're giving them up or the marshal's going to learn what your men did last night. So that's your play, turning me over to the law. The charge would be attempted murder. I saw your men start the stampede. You can't ring any of them in on it. They just did what I told them to. You're admitting your guilt. And I guess so. I've been thinking about it ever since it happened. I'm the one to blame if they're dead. And I guess I ought to pay for it. What's that shooting from inside the cave?

[Jonathan Merrill]

Boss.

[Tom Winters]

That's Hank calling, Boss. They got us all prisoners.

[Jonathan Merrill]

They'll send us to jail. You got away, masked man. I was doing just like you said. Hold him in there until you get everything settled.

[Tom Winters]

You wanted to.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Oh, not much Tom, the girl, Merrill.

[Rose Merrill]

I can't complain about my health, Mr. Winters. And Pa's helping Tano guard your crew.

[Jonathan Merrill]

We're all prisoners, boss. They surprised us right at the foot of this canyon when we started around up the herd after the stampede.

[Tom Winters]

Five of us guess 15 of you.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Yeah, but you had the Lone Ranger.

[Tom Winters]

It hadn't been for the Lone Ranger.

[Jonathan Merrill]

That's him, boss. The masked man. And do what he says. We don't want to go to jail.

[Tom Winters]

What are you asking of me, masked man? That you obey the law. The flats have been open to homesteaders. You're defying the government when you try to stop them from moving in. This valley here, it's yours for the taking. It's good range, but it isn't good farming land. You'll never be bothered by homesteaders again.

[Jonathan Merrill]

You couldn't ask for any better range, boss.

[Tom Winters]

And we've been living 10 miles away from it for years without even knowing it was here.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Yeah, that's because the canyon looks like it's blind. When the masked man told us to drive the herd up it, I thought he was loco, mister.

[Tom Winters]

I figured other folks was stubborn and ornery. But I'm the one that gets the middle. I don't deserve it, but you've done me an awful big favor. We'll leave the flats to the homesteaders. You can let them all go now, Tado. We'll start rounding up the rest of the cattle today. Not today, Winters. The first thing you and your men have to do is rebuild the Merrill cabin. Sure thing. It'll be a pleasure.

[Rose Merrill]

A pleasure.

[Tom Winters]

I apologize the way I've treated you and your pa, Ms. Merrill, but I'm gonna make up for it. From now on, you'll find me a good neighbor. I hate him. Or savvy. I ready? Tunnel.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Masked man. Did he say he'd be a good neighbor?

[Rose Merrill]

It's true.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Pa will live and learn.

[Tom Winters]

The west needs all of you cattlemen and farmers. Just remember that the future of the country depends on your working together. Mister, you can depend on us.

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[Jonathan Merrill]

The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.

[Tom Winters]

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 our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Tom who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email 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.

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[Jonathan Merrill]

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[Tom Winters]

What you think of my new saddle, lizard?

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Oh, yes.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Swell, mate. Proper comfy.

[Tom Winters]

Just one of the upgrades I've added to this puppet.

[Jonathan Merrill]

What else have you got on here?

[Tom Winters]

New air intake filter, quick shifter and a beefy muffler.

[Jonathan Merrill]

Well, that's why you ride with Geico Geico Motorcycle Insurance. So you can cover your custom parts and equipment. Now, let's hear that muffler purr.

[Tom Winters]

All right, hang on tight to my love handles.

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[Tom Winters]

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