To Pay a Debt | The Lone Ranger (01-15-51)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Episode: To Pay a Debt | The Lone Ranger (01-15-51) Host: Andrew Rines Release Date: May 20, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast, host Andrew Rines presents a captivating adaptation of The Lone Ranger, titled "To Pay a Debt." This story delves into themes of justice, redemption, and the enduring fight against corruption in the Wild West.

Plot Overview

To Pay a Debt centers around John Trent, a man wrongfully accused of murdering Steve Halliday, the owner of a prominent ranch in Big Bear Valley. As Trent grapples with his tarnished reputation and the emotional weight of his father's death, the legendary Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto, step in to uncover the truth and restore balance to the valley.

Key Events and Discussions

1. The Accusation and Courtroom Drama (05:20 – 08:35)

   John Trent finds himself in a dire situation after being accused of killing Bill Halliday, the son of Steve Halliday. Despite his service in the army and claims of self-defense, Trent is tormented by guilt and the stigma of being cleared by the jury.

   John Trent (05:20): "I'm afraid I don't know you."

   Tonto (05:24): "Don't lie, Trent. You murdered my father."

2. The Sheriff’s Revelation (06:18 – 08:16)

   The sheriff reveals the circumstances leading to the shooting, highlighting that Steve Halliday was a respected rancher who refused Dexter's offer to sell the ranch, leading to tensions in the valley over water rights and land control.

   Sheriff (07:05): "Steve was a fighter. So was his son."

3. Tonto and the Lone Ranger’s Investigation (09:17 – 13:04)

   Upon learning of Trent’s predicament, Tonto and the Lone Ranger embark on a mission to Big Bear Valley. They discover that another man named John Trent has surfaced, exacerbating the confusion and danger surrounding the original Trent.

   Tonto (09:34): "What's he doing in Big Bear Valley?"

4. Infiltrating Dexter’s Ranch (13:04 – 16:42)

   To uncover Dexter's plans, John Trent is advised to assume another man's identity, allowing him to infiltrate Dexter's operations. This strategic move is intended to gather crucial information about Dexter's intentions to seize the Halliday ranch.

   Tonto (11:03): "You've done well enough. But I can tell you how to help Carol Halliday a better way than by going to work for her."

5. Confrontation and Deception (16:25 – 19:13)

   John Trent successfully integrates into Dexter's ranch, only to face betrayal and confrontation as Dexter recognizes his duplicity. Tonto and the Lone Ranger remain vigilant, monitoring the escalating tensions.

   John Trent (16:25): "Well, I'm not much of a hand with cattle. If you have any other choice, we got plenty of them."

6. The Climactic Battle (19:23 – 24:38)

   Dexter mobilizes his men to attack the Halliday ranch, intending to burn it down and eliminate all witnesses. A fierce battle ensues, with the Lone Ranger and Carol Halliday orchestrating the defense. Amidst the chaos, lightning and rain add dramatic intensity to the confrontation.

   Tonto (22:00): "He may have found out you're gone."

7. Resolution and Redemption (24:42 – 29:36)

   The storm aids in thwarting Dexter's attack, allowing the ranchers to regroup and ultimately overcome Dexter's forces. John Trent is exonerated as the real perpetrator is brought to justice. In a heartfelt conclusion, Carol Halliday forgives Trent, symbolizing the restoration of peace and trust in the valley.

   Carol Halliday (28:15): "Miss, will you help me with these flowers?"

   Carol Halliday (28:58): "But I am. Please, John."

Notable Quotes

• John Trent on His Dilemma (06:30):

  "You were so young, Sheriff. If I hadn't drawn, if I hadn't. I almost wish I were. What am I, a drifting cowhand? That boy had him."

• Sheriff on the Situation (07:08):

  "No, I'm not sure that they would have. He started the fight and he's a professional gambler and gunman, but he hightailed it out of town before I could arrest him."

• Tonto Advising Trent (12:35):

  "Tahlo's suggesting that you assume the other John Trent's identity."

• Carol Halliday's Forgiveness (28:44):

  "But I am. Please, John."

Themes and Insights

• Justice and Redemption: The episode underscores the importance of seeking true justice and the possibility of personal redemption, even for those who have erred.

• Community and Solidarity: The united efforts of the ranchers against Dexter's oppressive tactics highlight the strength found in community solidarity.

• Courage and Integrity: The Lone Ranger and Tonto exemplify courage and unwavering integrity as they navigate the complexities of law and morality in the Wild West.

Conclusion

To Pay a Debt is a thrilling installment that not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons on morality, forgiveness, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Through its richly developed characters and dynamic plot, the episode remains a testament to the enduring legacy of The Lone Ranger in American folklore.

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Transcript

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[Tonto]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Oldtime 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 of Silver, the Lone Ranger.

[Advertiser]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job post seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com kidsandfamily just go to Indeed.com kidsandfamily right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.

[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.

[Tonto]

Come on, Silver. Let's go. Big bow.

[Narrator]

I am Silver. John stared moodily into his glass at the end of the long bar. The voice that called his name startled him. No one knew him in Cheyenne. He had only registered at the hotel a few minutes before, he turned and saw a young cowboy standing near the door.

[John Trent]

You called me.

[Tonto]

Yes, I called you.

[John Trent]

I'm afraid I don't know you.

[Tonto]

The name is Helliday. Bill Haliday. Steve Halliday's son.

[John Trent]

I don't know any Halides.

[Tonto]

Don't lie, Trent. You murdered my father.

[John Trent]

You're making a mistake.

[Tonto]

There's no mistake.

[Narrator]

I'm gonna kill you.

[Tonto]

Go for your gun.

[Narrator]

John stared unbelieving, as the boy crumpled and fell to the floor. He holstered his gun and fingered the hole in the sleeve of his shirt. He was unhurt. But the boy, this boy he had never seen before was dead. Two days later, after a jury had decided the shooting was in self defense, John Trent sat beside the sheriff's desk, his elbows on his knees, his head buried in his hands.

[Sheriff]

What's the matter, John? Jury's cleared you. You're free to go.

[John Trent]

It's awful.

[Sheriff]

You were in the army. You must have shot men during the war. This was no different case of kill or be killed.

[John Trent]

You were so young, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

You can't blame yourself.

[John Trent]

If I hadn't drawn, if I hadn't.

[Sheriff]

Fired, you'd be dead.

[John Trent]

I almost wish I were. What am I, a drifting cowhand? That boy had him.

[Sheriff]

The whole story didn't come out at your hearing. I better tell it to you.

[John Trent]

I wish you would.

[Sheriff]

And the boy's father? Steve Halliday, owned a ranch in the Big Bear Valley. Came down here about two weeks ago to hire some men. Got into a poker game. There was a fight. This other man, this other John Trent killed him.

[John Trent]

And the jury cleared him just as they cleared me.

[Sheriff]

No, I'm not sure that they would have. He started the fight and he's a professional gambler and gunman, but he hightailed it out of town before I could arrest him. I sent word of what had happened to the Halliday ranch and Young Bill showed up about a week ago. He's been hanging around ever since.

[John Trent]

Looking for Trent?

[Sheriff]

Yeah. Though I told him there wasn't much chance of his coming back here.

[John Trent]

Why did he think I was the man?

[Sheriff]

Trent had been described to him Tall, husky, black hair, brown eyes, usually dressed like a cowhand. Young Bill saw you come into the hotel. He took a look at the register after you left. He followed you. He didn't give you a chance to do anything but shoot.

[John Trent]

Is there any family? Mother? No.

[Sheriff]

Steve's wife died quite a few years ago. He had a daughter, though. Her name's Carol. I've written her.

[John Trent]

And she'll be coming here? I don't know.

[Sheriff]

As an old friend of the family, I told her I'd taken care of everything, but. Well, there's trouble in the Big Bear Valley. She might not be able to get away.

[John Trent]

What sort of trouble?

[Sheriff]

Between the Dexter outfit and the smaller ranchers. If Dexter could buy the Halliday ranch, he'd control the water rights to the whole alley. He could name his own price for the other spreads.

[John Trent]

But Halliday refused to sell.

[Sheriff]

Yeah, Steve was a fighter.

[John Trent]

So was his son.

[Sheriff]

A hairbrained kid.

[John Trent]

Nothing yellow about him, and I grant you that. Where's the valley?

[Sheriff]

Why do you ask?

[John Trent]

There might be something I could do there to make up for what I've already done.

[Narrator]

Toto, the faithful companion of the Lone Ranger, was in Cheyenne on the day young Bill Halliday was shot. And it was he who carried the sheriff's message back to Big Bear Valley. A few days after he delivered it, he left the Lone Rangers camp in the hills and rode into Centerville, the county seat and the only town in the valley. He returned shortly after dark with supplies and news.

[Tonto]

What you think John Trent come to Centerville? The man who shot old Steve Halliday? Well, it's up to us to get him back to Cheyenne for trial. Oh, not that John Trent. Kimasabe other feller, same name. The one Young Bill thought was his father's murderer.

[John Trent]

Ah.

[Tonto]

What's he doing in Big Bear Valley? Oh, he'll ask way to Halliday Ranch, but him not go there. Me follow him out of town. He make camp in woods near Crick. I'd like to have a talk with him. Tado that easy? Me show you where camp is.

[Narrator]

Lone Ranger and Tonto dismounted at the edge of the woods. They could see a small campfire through the trees and made their way toward it. Soon they could see a cowboy sitting beside the fire. A horse whinnied, but the cowboy didn't raise his head. The Lone Ranger and Toto stepped into the clearing.

[John Trent]

Nice man. An Indian.

[Tonto]

I wouldn't go for that gun.

[John Trent]

You picked the wrong man. If you're after money, this isn't a hold up.

[Tonto]

You're John Trent, aren't you?

[John Trent]

How did you know that?

[Tonto]

Me see you in Cheyenne.

[John Trent]

What about it?

[Tonto]

We'd like to know why you're here.

[John Trent]

I happen to be looking for work.

[Tonto]

Why here?

[John Trent]

They say they need hands in the Halliday ranch.

[Tonto]

Do you think they'd hire a man named Trent?

[John Trent]

I didn't plan to use My own name.

[Tonto]

But why look for work at the Halliday ranch?

[John Trent]

Don't suppose an owl hoot like you could understand. What happened in Cheyenne did something to me. There's a girl, they say left all alone. Or anything I could do to help her, why might help me. I can't explain to someone like you.

[Tonto]

You've done well enough. But I can tell you how to help Carol Halliday a better way than by going to work for her.

[John Trent]

How's that?

[Tonto]

Go to work for Dexter.

[John Trent]

Dexter? He's her enemy.

[Tonto]

At least you know that. What else do you know about the situation in the valley?

[John Trent]

Yes. That Dexter's trying to get hold of the Halliday ranch and its water rights so we can freeze out all the small ranchers.

[Tonto]

That sums it up fairly well. But the situation is a little better than it was. Sam Garrett has taken over the leadership of the small ranchers since Steve Halliday's death. And he's managed to persuade them they must all fight together.

[John Trent]

It's a strange thing to me. They should have taken you into their confidence.

[Tonto]

Sam happens to be an old friend from Dodge City days.

[John Trent]

He's hired your gun.

[Tonto]

Oh, you might put it that way.

[John Trent]

Why are you suggesting that I hire mine to Dexter?

[Tonto]

I'm not. Consider this, though. The ranches are miles apart. If Dexter were to attack the holiday ranch, help might arrive too late. Unless Carol's friends were warned in advance. Unless they knew what Dexter was planning.

[John Trent]

You want me to take a job with him to get that information and.

[Tonto]

Pass it on the same.

[John Trent]

Garrett.

[Tonto]

Be dangerous for you to go to the Garrett ranch. We'll show you where our camp is tonight in the hills above the Dexter Range. Come to us. We'll see the small ranches are worn.

[John Trent]

There's only one thing. Will Dexter give me a job?

[Tonto]

The name of Trent should be a recommendation with him.

[John Trent]

Yeah.

[Tonto]

Kimasabe. What fellow? This feller looked like other John Trent. Dexter give him job plenty quick to man wanted by law. That's a good idea.

[John Trent]

I don't get it.

[Tonto]

Tahlo's suggesting that you assume the other John Trent's identity.

[John Trent]

Maybe Dexter knows it.

[Tonto]

No, me not think so. Him come from south. Tart will remember him in El Paso.

[John Trent]

Yeah. Wanted by the law. That should qualify me as a hired gunman who won't stop at anything.

[Narrator]

The following morning, Dexter's foreman walked into the rancher's office with John at his heels.

[John Trent]

Boss, I want you to meet a new hand. Who gave you the authority to hire anyone? He isn't hired yet, but he will be.

[Sheriff]

Name is John Trent.

[Tonto]

What's that?

[John Trent]

Which John Trent? I don't know what you mean. I thought you might have heard of me. He's the first one, boss. He doesn't know what happened after he left Cheyenne.

[Tonto]

I see.

[John Trent]

Well, Trent, what do you want? I figure I did you a favor. I'd like you to return it. Yeah?

[Narrator]

How?

[John Trent]

By giving me a place to sleep and a job until they forget about John Trent down in Laramie County. You'd have to earn your keep. Well, I'm not much of a hand with cattle. If you have any other choice, we got plenty of them. You hired, boss? He's hired. Get him something to eat and explain the.

[Narrator]

From the ridge to the north of the Dexter ranch, the Lone Ranger and Tunto watched John Trent working with Dexter's hands. During the next two days, they returned to their camp each night. And on the second night, as they were preparing to roll into their blankets, Silver, Winnie, the masked man and the Indian slipped out of the circle of light surrounding their campfire, their guns ready. But there was no need for them. It was John who had come report.

[Tonto]

Hello, John. Howdy. What's happened?

[John Trent]

Nothing yet. But they're making their plans. It's to be the Halliday Ranch. They're going to burn it to the ground and run off the cattle. They hope to wipe out everybody so there won't be any witnesses.

[Tonto]

When? When's it going to be?

[John Trent]

You haven't decided? I'll let you know as soon as I find out.

[Tonto]

Did anyone see you leaving the ranch tonight?

[John Trent]

I don't think so. I waited until everybody in the bunk house was asleep. I'd better be getting back.

[Tonto]

Yes. Good work.

[John Trent]

So far, so good.

[Sheriff]

Easy.

[John Trent]

I'll be seeing you.

[Tonto]

Audios.

[John Trent]

Yeah, yeah.

[Narrator]

John turned his horse into the corral and crept silently into the dark bunk house. A few minutes later, the door opened and a man carrying a lantern came in. It was the foreman. John pretended to be asleep, but the foreman walked straight to his bunk.

[Tonto]

Come on, Trent.

[Narrator]

Put on your boots.

[Tonto]

Matter.

[John Trent]

What's up? The boss wants to see him. It isn't morning yet, is it? Not quite. Hurry up.

[Narrator]

The foreman marched John into Dexter's office. The rancher was shuffling a deck of cards and smiled as he saw them.

[John Trent]

Where have you been, friend? Bunkhouse. Been sleeping. I'll give you another chance. Where have you been? Oh, you mean earlier? I went for a little ride. It wasn't much earlier, and it was more than a little ride. His horse was Sweating, I went up the hill, trail away. Cayuse was fighting for his head on the way back, so I let him run.

[Narrator]

Fred, I don't like anybody leaving the.

[John Trent]

Place without telling me. Shy that all? No. You're quite a gambler, aren't you? I've been known to gamble, yeah. Let's see you riffle these cards. Shuffle them. Yeah. I've been trying to do it the way you experts do. I'd like you to give me a lesson. All right. My hand slipped. I noticed. Get the other ombre in here. Yeah.

[Sheriff]

Come on in.

[John Trent]

At last. Riffle these cards, mister.

[Tonto]

A pleasure.

[Narrator]

Well, that settles it.

[John Trent]

Now we have you two straightened out. John Trent, meet John Trent.

[Narrator]

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.

[Tonto]

Ram.

[Narrator]

Now to continue for a moment. After Dexter had performed his introduction, John stared at the man who had killed old Steve Halliday. The gambler smiled, but Dexter's eyes were angry as he pounded the table.

[Tonto]

All right, cowboy, I want some straight answers. Why did you lie to me?

[John Trent]

I didn't lie to you. My name is Trent.

[Tonto]

The law isn't looking for you in Laramie County.

[John Trent]

Didn't exactly say they were.

[Tonto]

Exactly? Who cares about exactly?

[John Trent]

Find out where he went tonight, boss. That's the important thing. I told you the truth. I went for a ride.

[Tonto]

Where?

[John Trent]

Up the hill trail, straight to Garrett's. That's where he went.

[Tonto]

You shut up. May I say something?

[John Trent]

Sure, Trent.

[Tonto]

Go ahead. Lucky thing for us you showed up tonight. Well, if you realize that, maybe I don't have to say anything. The cowboy tried to pull a fast deal. That proves he's up to no good.

[John Trent]

I'll say.

[Tonto]

Get rid of him right away.

[John Trent]

Well, we'll make him talk first. Not me, mister.

[Tonto]

No.

[John Trent]

Get his gun, Joe.

[Tonto]

Got it. All right.

[John Trent]

Now tie him up. Take him out of the storeroom. We'll make him talk.

[Narrator]

The following day, the Lone Ranger watched the Dexter range and ranch through his field glasses. Once more, there was the usual activity down below, but no sign of John.

[Tonto]

I don't know what to make of a tunnel. Maybe him going to town. Kimasabi. His horse is in the corral. Oh, wait a minute. What matter? Someone coming out of the ranch house with Nectar. Looks like him. Looks like him. But what matter? It isn't Otto. Here, you take a look. Well, that gambler who shoots Steve Halliday, the other John Trent shown up here. That right makes it bad for our friend. I'm afraid they must find him there. No chance now. They'll go after him as soon as it's d.

[Narrator]

At sundown, the sky clouded over and the wind rose. The rain held off, but there was an occasional lightning flash and its answering thunder. Balloon Ranger and Tottle rode down the hill trail and across the rangeland to a grove not far from the ranch building. There they left Silver and Scout and continued on foot. It was pitch dark except for the occasional lightning. Each time it flashed, the two men crouched low. One of the flashes caught them as they rounded the corner of the storehouse.

[Tonto]

There. I mean men. Around bunkhouse and corral. This could be the night. They're getting ready to ride. You want me go to Garrett Ranch? Wait. Did you hear that? Let me hear. Inside this building. A man in pain. Door around corner. You try. Get in. Lightning flash, men. Seal from corral. We must take the chance.

[Narrator]

When he reached the corner of the building, the Lone Ranger followed the wall with his hand until it touched the door latch. He lifted it. The door swung open. A bolt of lightning streaked the sky.

[Tonto]

Quick to go inside. I didn't see us. No. This way. No. They all had a match. John.

[John Trent]

Mask man.

[Tonto]

You had a rough time.

[John Trent]

I'm all right.

[Tonto]

Me cutting ropes.

[John Trent]

Just bad luck. The gambler showed up with the same story I used. He'd done one job for Dexter. He'd like to do some more in return for his protection. Thanks, Tanner.

[Tonto]

Understand?

[John Trent]

Yeah, yeah.

[Tonto]

We'll take it easy.

[John Trent]

It's much time. He decided. I must have warned somebody last night. They're riding tonight.

[Tonto]

Holiday Ranch.

[John Trent]

Yeah.

[Tonto]

All right. Let's go.

[Sheriff]

Oh.

[Tonto]

Better wait for thunder for the open door. Lightning flash not come close together yet. They're 12 minute tween there. Come on.

[Narrator]

As they reached the grove, they heard Dexter's angry voice shouting at his men.

[Tonto]

He may have found out you're gone.

[John Trent]

I think he was going to finish me off before they started.

[Tonto]

Otto, you and John can ride double as far as Sam Garrett's. And where you go? Warren. Carol. Holiday. Easy. Steady. Oh.

[Narrator]

Oh.

[Tonto]

Don't let my mask frighten you.

[Carol Halliday]

It's all right. I know who you are. Sam told me all about you. What's wrong?

[Tonto]

X and his crew will be here before long. They mean to burn you out. You won't be able to protect both this building and the bunkhouse. Which shall it be?

[Carol Halliday]

This one. We need a new bunkhouse.

[Tonto]

And get your men over here.

[Carol Halliday]

Does Sam know by now?

[Tonto]

He does. He'd be getting word of the other ranchers.

[Carol Halliday]

I'll use the dinner bell to call them in.

[Narrator]

As the dinner bell clang, the call hands poured out of the bunk house. Carol told them they were in for a fight, and the Lone Ranger organized the defense. In five minutes, the ranch house windows bristled with rifle barrels. Half an hour passed, and then a flash of lightning, and the men on the east side of the house sang out. Here they come.

[John Trent]

The army pilots.

[Tonto]

They're in range, men. Fire at will.

[Narrator]

The concentrated fire of the halliday cowhands kept Dexter's men away from the house. But a few minutes later, the bunkhouse burst into flames. The sheds followed it.

[Tonto]

The ranch house comes next. Keep them back. Now.

[Narrator]

A single rider, keeping low in the saddle and carrying a burning brand raced toward the house. Stop. Less than 100ft away, Dexter changed his tactics. There were half a dozen men in the next charge. Four of them were dropped from the saddle. But two of them arched their torches into the air, and the defenders of the ranch house heard them fall on the roof. Then Dexter's men withdrew out of the glare cast by the burning buildings. There were no more targets for the defenders, and the night was quiet except for the occasional roll of thunder. In the silence, the men in the house could hear a faint and ominous crackling. The roof was taking fire.

[Carol Halliday]

There's no way to stop it in here.

[Tonto]

No.

[Carol Halliday]

It's a new roof. Green lumber. It won't burn easily, but the walls are seasoned timber. When they catch it. Won't take long.

[Tonto]

Sam and the others should be on their way by now.

[Carol Halliday]

If the fire drives us out into the open, that's all, isn't it?

[Tonto]

They're waiting out there, and there's nothing to do.

[Carol Halliday]

Nothing.

[Tonto]

Except to hope and pray.

[Carol Halliday]

Yes, one can pray. Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debt as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.

[Tonto]

Amen. Carol, it's raining rain. Ms. Carol, it's raining rain.

[Narrator]

It's coming up faster.

[Tonto]

Rain from heaven.

[John Trent]

Going to be a cloud burst. Rain, Miss Carol. Rain.

[Tonto]

Glory hallelujah.

[Narrator]

The skies above the ranch house seemed to open for 15 minutes. It was a deluge. The fire on the roof was blanketed, and even the flames rising from the bunk house and the sheds were quenched. Then, just as sudden as it had begun, the rain stopped. And the clouds rolled by. A full moon silvered the countryside. But the end of the storm met a new beginning for the battle. Dexter and his men circled the house, shooting as they rode. This was evidently still to be a fight to the finish. But the finish was not of Dexter's choosing. A bullet from the Lone Ranger's gun dropped him from his saddle. Badly wounded and at almost the same moment, Garrett's band of ranchers swept over the rise to the east of the ranch house. The half of the crew cheered their relief, and with Dexter's men thoroughly disorganized, they ran from the house to complete the final roundup. As the Lone Ranger and Carol watched it from the porch of the ranch house, Tonle rode up.

[Tonto]

And get away. Toto no Kiwisabi Garrett say not one manscape. I don't see John Trent. A gambler feller. Him caught them. Take him to Cheyenne, turn him over to sheriff. He has to be tried for murder. I was thinking about the other John Trent. The cowboy.

[Carol Halliday]

I don't understand. The men who killed my father and my brother are here.

[Tonto]

Gambler caught here, he should hang. He probably will.

[Carol Halliday]

The other one too.

[Tonto]

The law set him free, but it shouldn't have. Thou shalt not kill or give us our debts as we forgive our debtors. In such a case, I think you forgive the cowboy. When you've heard his story, you'll forgive him and you'll ask to shake his hand.

[Narrator]

Carol had no opportunity to shake the cowboy's hand. He rode out of Big Bear Valley that same night, and a week later he was in Cheyenne. There he stayed until the other John Trent had been brought in, tried and convicted. Then he prepared to hit the trail once more. But before he left town, he went up to the cemetery on the hill and found the two Halliday headstones. He took off his hat and bowed his head. When he turned to go, he saw a girl standing only a few feet away.

[Carol Halliday]

Did you know my brother?

[John Trent]

I met him once.

[Carol Halliday]

Miss, will you help me with these flowers?

[John Trent]

Yes, miss.

[Carol Halliday]

Just hold them. Thank you. My brother and my father would be glad to know how peaceful everything is in our valley now.

[John Trent]

I heard you had some trouble.

[Carol Halliday]

It's all over and we'd like to have you back with us. John.

[Tonto]

What?

[Carol Halliday]

You are John Trent, aren't you?

[John Trent]

Miss Caroline, I'm sorry.

[Carol Halliday]

I know. The masked man told me all about you. And he said that when I heard your story, I'd forgive you and ask to shake your hand.

[John Trent]

You couldn't.

[Carol Halliday]

But I am. Please, John.

[John Trent]

Ms. Carol there.

[Carol Halliday]

And please come back to the valley. It's where you belong. The Lone Ranger said so.

[John Trent]

The Lone Ranger?

[Carol Halliday]

Didn't you know? The masked man. Your friend and mine. With such a friend, we must be friends too.

[John Trent]

I. I'd like to come back, Ms. Carol.

[Carol Halliday]

It's settled.

[Tonto]

Sam. Sa Sam.

[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.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand, Steve who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com 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.

[John Trent]

Sam.