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A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hottest hio Silver Balbon Ranger. Sam,
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With his faithful Indian companion, Tato, 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 hoofbeats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. Horse Silver let's go big fella. Silver. Tato, the faithful Indian friend of the Lone Ranger, waited in the open doorway of the blacksmith shop at the edge of Rock City while one of his horse's shoes was being tightened he watched carpenters at work across the street. They were building a gallows on the open field beside the jail. Now your horse is ready to travel. That good? Here. Money. Thanks. Engine. Well, looks like the boys will finish the gallows before dark. That'll save them from working. But torchlight and then have to finish work tonight. Course they do. Killers due to hang at daybreak. We sure have fast justice here in Rock City. Just a week ago tonight that the condemned man murdered the express agent. You have plenty fast trials.
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Yeah.
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He didn't have a chance. Course he said he wasn't guilty. But his word didn't carry any weight against the word of two eyewitnesses. One of them being Tom Potter. Who? Tom Potter. One of the most important men around here. He's a friend of the Governor and has a big home in the state capitol. That's just about 15 miles from rock City. Ah, me know. Potter and his friend were here on the night of the murder. At 9 o' clock there was a pass in the express office and they heard a shot. They rushed in, saw the agent on the floor and the killer with a smoking gun. The killer run out the back door where his horse was waiting and got away with his dying breath. The agent told Potter he'd been shot for refusing to open the safe and he named the killer. When them catch killer, the sheriff's men went to the hotel where he had a room. Found that he was out. So they waited till he come in, then arrested him. So him hang at daybreak. Yeah. This is the last night on earth for Sam Jackson, huh? You say Sam Jackson? Yeah.
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Do you know him?
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Red haired man my size. That's right. You man killed nine o'clock last Monday. Yeah. Well, what about it? You act like you know Jackson. Me? No. Him not guilty. Easy stuff. Easy fella. Get him off. Darkness was beginning to gather when Toto joined the Lone Ranger in a small camp about halfway between Rock City and the state capital. He told what he had learned and the masked man was shocked by the news that Sam Jackson was to die at dawn. Toto, Sam Jackson was here with us last Monday night. He couldn't have killed the express agent. Me no saddle silver while I write a note with you. Fire hurt bright enough? Yes. I can see aside from the fact that Sam is innocent, there are other reasons why he must be saved. We go to sheriff with alibi. No. The sheriff can do nothing. There's only one man who believe what I say about Sam and who has authority to act who he is. I mean The Governor, he knows me. And when he hears my story, he'll grant a stay of execution and silver. Ready, Kimasabi. So is this note. Take it to the Executive mansion. When the Governor sees it, he'll admit me to his office secretly. So the servants will have no cause to wonder why a masked man is calling me. Savvy? We'll put out the campfire before we leave me empty. Can you think man like Tom Potter lie about Sam Jackson? Potto, I don't know what to think. I'm sure of just one thing. Sam Jackson must be saved. Fire. Out. Now. All right, let's go. Easy. Ready, Kimosabi. Monsoon. The State capitol was about two hours travel from Rock City. The Executive mansion was a big stone building surrounded by extensive grounds on the edge of the city. In a comfortably furnished room on the first floor, the Governor sat at a desk reading documents when a servant rapped on the door. Yes, come in. Excellency, Mr. Potter is calling. Send him in, Charlie. Send him in. He doesn't have to send me in. How are you? Perfect. Fine, fine. Please close the door, Charlie. Yes. Excellent. Well, I see you hired Charlie Red Wolf as a houseman. Yes. Thanks for suggesting him to me. He's a well educated Indian. He certainly is. Sit down, buddy. I just drop in to say hello if you're busy? No, no, not at all. Then I'll stay for a few minutes. I haven't seen you for some time. I hear you were a witness at a murder trial in New York City. Yes. Fenton and I were passing the express office when we heard a shot. We rushed in and saw the killer before he escaped. We were the only ones who heard the express agent's dying statement. So of course we had to testify. Yes, of course. Most unpleasant experience for Fenton and the. Who is Fenton? My confidential secretary. He lives in my home and handles some of my business interests. What about the killer? Sam Jackson? Yes. Who is he? No one knows much about him. He arrived in Rock City a few weeks ago and took a room in the hotel. Nothing is known about his past. Yes? Come in. Excellency, I have a written message for you. You're Miss Heaven? It was handed to me at the front door by an Indian. Thank you. He did not await reply. What's it say, Potter? This message represents urgent business. I must ask you to excuse me. All right, now run along. I'm sorry to cut short of. Is it? Oh, think nothing of it. I'll see you soon. Good night. Good night, Potter. I'll walk to the front door with You, Potter. I have something to tell you. It's about time. I haven't had a report from you, Charlie, since you were planted here to keep tabs on the governor. There's been nothing to report. Then the governor hasn't heard about our deals in firearms? Not yet, but he may within the next few minutes. The note I handed to him was from the Lone Ranger. The Lone Ranger? How do you know? I read the note. He's waiting in the darkness outside the private door. He wants to talk to the governor about the man who is to hang at dawn. I don't like that. He may have been working with Jackson. Possibly. I'll let myself out. Charlie. You listen at the door and learn why the Lone Ranger came here. I'll be waiting in my home for your report. The educated Indian nodded, then tiptoed through the corridor and placed his ear against the closed door of the governor's office. He heard the voice of the Lone Ranger. So when I learned that Jackson was to die at dawn, I came directly to you. I'm always glad to see you. Why didn't Turner come in with you? He returned to our camp as soon as he delivered my note. I see. Why are you interested in Sam Jackson? Because he's a secret agent for the government. He is. Furthermore, he didn't kill that express agent. On the night of the murder, he was in camp with Tato and me. Then he had an alibi? Yes. Probably. He didn't mention it because he didn't know where Tony and I had gone. In the sheriff's report, he said that Jackson tried to tell him that he was with two friends, but no one believed him. Well, we knew nothing of the murder until we returned today. So he's a secret agent. I had no idea. Was he working on a case in this vicinity? Yes, sir. It really began six months ago when a train of army supply wagons was attacked and a lot of rifles and ammunition stolen. Yes, I remember that. White outlaws attacked the wagon train. But many of the stolen rifles have been found in the hands of Indians. Then I assume that Sam Jackson was trying to find the men who were selling arms to the savages. That's right, sir. Hunt and I met him at the request of the chief in Washington. He told us about the case in the hope that we might be of help for anything I could do. The immediate need is a stay of execution. If you'll prepare it, I'll deliver it to the sheriff in Rock City. Very well. That will give Todd and me time to look for the real murderer. I'll get right to work on it, Charlie. Red Wolf had heard. He rushed out of the building, took a horse from the governor's stable, and rode bareback to the home of Tom Potter. Get up.
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Get up.
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Come on. He reported to Potter and Pete Fenton, the man who had been the second witness at Jackson's trial. When the Indian finished talking, Potter said, I don't like this new development. And neither do I. We learned that Jackson was a secret agent and framed her for a murder. I thought we'd be in the clear. Well, we're not. The Lone Ranger has many friends among Indians. He's in a better position than Jackson was to learn where some of the renegades bought army rifles. If those rifles are traced to us, if the Lone Ranger learns the truth, we will both hang for the murder of the Express. We must do something. We must stop him. I have a suggestion. Yes? Yes, Charlie, what is it? Kill him on the way to Rock City. Well, then hurry. Start at once. We've already lost valuable time. Bring the stay of execution to me. I want to see it when you've killed a lone ranger. 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.
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Please visit mentallyhealthynation.org to learn more. Now to continue. Charlie Red Wolf led the way through a narrow pass that made a shortcut between the state capitol and the winding trail to Rock City. The Indian and Fenton drew rein at a point where trees grew close to both sides of the trail. There they stretched a rope across a trail and tied it tightly to trees. Nearer to Rock City. Toto waited in camp. He was too far away to hear the hooves of horses on the soft ground of the woods when Fenton and Charlie approached the road. And too distant to hear the voices of the outlaws. But he distinctly heard the distant thunder of Silver's hooves pounding the hard packed trail. He stepped to the side of his horse and spoke. Lone Ranger come at last, Scout Titan. Cinch. Be ready to go when him get here. Fenton and Charlie were much closer to the oncoming masked man. Holding their guns ready, they waited close to the trail. The strong rope was barely perceptible in the moonlight. Let's hope that's the Lone Ranger. Yes. We'll know when he comes around the turn. He's traveling fast. At that speed, he'll never see the rope. You sure it's the right height, Charlie? Yeah. It should catch him across the chest. The throat will be better. There he is, the white horse. Be ready. The Lone Ranger rode hard, thinking only of the important document in his pocket and the man whose life it would save. He didn't see the rope until too late. There, we got him. Fenton and Charlie rushed to the side of the masked man who lay on the ground, stunned from the blow of the rope and the fall from his horse. Is he dead? See? No. No. And I'll put a bullet through his head. Now, wait, Charlie. Let me find that paper. Let's see. Must be in one of his pockets. Here's something. Is that what we're after? Yes. Yes, this is it. The stay of execution. Someone's coming. I'm not going to be caught here. I'm cleared out. Fenton was panicked by the fear of discovery and leaped into the woods where his horse was waiting. Charlie saw the oncoming Tonto and realized that the time taken to shoot the Lone Ranger might well cost him his life. So he did what seemed to be the logical thing. He turned his gun on Totto and cried out, kula. Set. Go. Totto fired first. Charlie spun from the impact of a bullet in the shoulder. His shot went wild and his gun dropped from his hand, he leaped to the protection of the trees as Fenton spurred his horse. Toto ignored the fleeing men. He was concerned only with the condition of his masked friend who lay on the moonlit road. He drew rein close to the rope that had caught the bone. Ranger rope cross trail. Me see it. Cut it before someone else gets hurt. First Me see how bad you hurt. I'll be all right. When knocked out. Their bump on head must have struck my head when I fell. Cut that rope. He fixes so no one else get hurt there. You. You want water, Kimasabi? No, thanks, Tado. I'm all right. We see you coming. Right to meet you. Then see Silver stopped and trail and see you on ground. Two men near you. Two men? Yes, I remember. But half conscious. Tano, the paper's gone. Paper? The stay of execution. That's what those men were after. Kimasabe, you rest for a little while. No, I want to stand up. I'm all right. Tano, we must find those men. Then go that way into woods. We hear them right way. It's too dark to follow their trail through the woods. Why them want steal paper? Someone wants to make sure Jackson dies at dawn. Him die if you not find paper. No, Toto. There's time to return to the Governor and get another. Who know you get paper? Only the governor. I'm sure he wouldn't have told anyone. Did you see what either of the men look like? Me not see faces. Only see both men wear clothes like Easterners. I remember one of the men shouting something in Indian. Neither man dressed like Indian yet I'm sure I heard. Kimasabe. Yes. When me take note to governor, me see Indian. Him answer door. Him dressed like white man. An Indian working in the governor's home? That's right. Then he might have learned about the document. That's right. Why were he and his partner willing to kill me to get it? Me not know what we do. We're going back to the Governor. Easy, sir. Easy, scout. Easy, feller. Monsieur. Tom Potter was pleased when Fenton and Charlie Red Wolf returned to his home with the Governor's stay of execution. But he was not happy to learn that his partners had fled before killing the Lone Ranger. He frowned and looked thoughtful while Fenton finished bandaging the Indian's shoulder. You're lucky, Charlie. It's only a scratch. Yeah. If that masked man is able to ride, he'll have time to get a duplicate of the stay. Yeah. Charlie, you go back to the mansion. Let me know if he returns. Vetton, how many of our Men are here in the city. All six of them. Can you find them quickly? Yes, I know their hangouts. Bring them here. If we get another chance at the Lone Ranger, we'll make sure we get. Charlie. Red Wolf returned his horse to the stable on the grounds of the Governor's home, then quietly entered the big building. He closed the door softly. Turn around. What mask? Who are you? He's a friend of mine, Excellency. Where have you been, Johnny? For? Well, sir, I. I just went to the stable. I. I took my horse for a little ride. Is that a bullet hole in the shoulder of your coat and. No, sir, it wasn't there when I saw you earlier. Your coat is stained. Is that blood? Lynch me. I had an accident. You were shot in the shoulder by Todo, who was with you when you stole a document from me. I don't know what you're talking about. I think you do, Charlie. Go into that room. But I don't. Go ahead. Open the door. I'll open it, sir. Go in there. Those men? Yes, Charlie. They're special officers of the Governor's staff. They're going to question you until you tell why you took a stay of execution and who helped you. For a long time, Charlie Red Wolf was questioned and cross questioned by men who knew their business. He was caught in many lies and evasions. And finally, in desperation, he broke down and told the truth. Tom Potter sat in his study with Fenton and six other men. It was long after midnight when Potter broke a lengthy silence. Benton, I'm beginning to think the masked man didn't return to the Governor's mansion. Well, if he had, we'd have heard from Charlie. Yes, he may have been critically injured when he ran into that rope. Let us hope so. Must be Charlie. Anyone else would go to the front door. Let him in, Finn. Right. And you boys may see action after all. I'm ready for it. The masked man. Hello, Fenton. Get him. Try it. I'll show you. Oh, my arm. That'll do. I'm not here alone, Governor. All of you, put your hands up. Do as he says. I'm in here to back him up. Come in, boys. Six uniformed men entered a room with guns drawn. Quickly and efficiently, they disarmed and tied Tom Potter's gunman while Potter watched with a stunned expression. Governor, this intrusion. Potter. You needn't bluff, Charlie. Red Wolf told us everything. What? I don't know what you mean. The Governor means that we know you're the leader of an organization that deals in stolen rifles. We know the Rifles are hidden in this house, and they mainly have a warrant to search the house until they find them. Furthermore, we know that the express agent was murdered in cold blood. He was shot so you and Fenton could tell lies. If it put a noose around Sam Jackson's neck, You. Fenton. You shot him. I did not. It was Tom Potter who did the shooting. You're. You're. Thanks, Fenton. Governor. Governor, give me a chance to talk. I. I didn't realize what I was getting into. I didn't know. I didn't mean. David, wait. I'm not a bad man. I didn't want to hurt anyone. Please. Please give me a chance. You'll have your day in court. Oh, they'll hang me. That's what they'll do. They'll hang me. Where do you keep the stolen rifle? I don't want to hang. I'm not a bad man. I didn't know what I was doing. Yellow coward. Governor cracked up. Took all the. I'll show your men where the rifles are. I know when we're through. Ah, shut up. Governor Toddled waiting outside. We'd like to go to Rock City. You have my letter to the sheriff? Yes, sir. It will halt the execution. Tell Sam Jackson he'll be a free man before noon. That'll be good news. Jackson is supposed to be smart, but that masked man accomplished more in a few hours than Jackson accomplished in four weeks. Now I know why crooks are afraid of the Lone Ranger. Sam,
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Sam. This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendall Campbell Muir Incorporated and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's drama was written by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer.
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This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening. You know what? It sucks to be bored. But when I get on my phone and play real casino games on spinquest.com the time flies by. That two hour wait at the DMV seems like 10 minutes. Play your favorite spots live blackjack, live craps with a live dealer. New players $30 coin packs are on sale for 10 bucks. Play spinquest.com and you'll never be bored again. Spinquest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details. With the American Express Platinum card I can unlock experiences like no other. Since I'm always booking my next trip. I love that I can earn points on travel plus I get a resi benefit. So you know I'M hitting the restaurants everyone's talking about, and you can find out your welcome offer after you apply, which could be as high as 175,000 points. For experiences like no other, there's nothing like platinum. Learn more at americanexpress.com Explore Platinum Terms apply.
Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: March 13, 2026
Original Air Date: April 10, 1953
In this digitally restored episode, the Lone Ranger and his loyal companion Tonto race against time to save Sam Jackson, an innocent man, from being hanged for a murder he did not commit. The plot quickly thickens as the Ranger uncovers a conspiracy involving prominent townsfolk, government corruption, and a cache of stolen rifles—all while dodging life-threatening obstacles. The episode is a thrilling reminder of the classic Western radio drama’s blend of suspense, action, and sharp moral compass.
The episode maintains the classic Western radio drama tone: suspenseful, clipped dialogue with a strong moral throughline and evocative sound design. The interplay between stoic lawmen and morally ambiguous villains is sharp, while the Lone Ranger’s measured, fair voice contrasts sharply with Potter's anxiety and Fenton’s panic.
“To Die at Dawn” showcases The Lone Ranger’s commitment to justice and his skill at unraveling complex conspiracies. With time running out for Sam Jackson, the Ranger’s quick thinking and resourcefulness not only clear an innocent man’s name but also dismantle a dangerous criminal operation. The blend of action, melodrama, and methodical investigation is a testament to why these radio Westerns remain classics.
Final Moment:
"Now I know why crooks are afraid of the Lone Ranger." —Sheriff (27:09)