Tom McGraw’s Campaign | The Lone Ranger (12-01-39)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Tom McGraw’s Campaign | The Lone Ranger (12-01-39)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: March 30, 2025

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Introduction to the Conflict

The episode begins with Tom McGraw, a candidate running for office in Bell City, facing significant opposition from Jasper Leach, the editor of the Bell City Bugle. Leach is aggressively spreading defamatory information aimed at undermining McGraw's campaign. The tension escalates as McGraw confronts Leach:

Tom McGraw: "He ain't paying me nothing. That's the same as slander. I'm for Dakin. Cause he's the fella should be elected. And if you weren't such idiots, you'd have the sense to vote for him."
[05:59]

Introduction of The Lone Ranger and Tonto's Involvement

Enter The Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto, who recognize the injustices Tom McGraw is facing. They are determined to support McGraw against the corrupt influences led by Dakin, who backs Leach's malicious campaign against him.

Narrator: "With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked rider of the Plains fought crime and criminal throughout the western United States. His strength and courage were only matched by his sense of fair play."
[04:34]

Uncovering the Sabotage

As election day approaches, Leach intensifies his efforts to discredit McGraw by spreading false rumors about McGraw's past. The Lone Ranger and Tonto investigate these attacks, uncovering that the defamatory bulletins are part of a broader scheme orchestrated by Dakin to ensure McGraw's defeat.

Lone Ranger: "They pulled the rotless pick ever seen around here. Just take a look at this printing here, will you?"
[30:16]

Revealing Tom McGraw’s Past

In a pivotal moment, Tonto confronts McGraw privately to address the rumors being circulated. He reveals that while McGraw did steal money once as a young man, he served his time and repaid every cent, emphasizing McGraw's integrity and redemption.

Tonto: "You made one mistake in your past and you paid for it. You stole money once when you were a young man. But you not only served your term in jail for it, you returned that stolen money out of what you were able to save afterwards. Ever since then, you've been a credit to the West. That's why I wanted to help you."
[29:21]

Election Day Showdown

On election day, the orchestrated smear campaign reaches its peak. Leach and Dakin attempt to flood the town with false allegations, ensuring that McGraw remains discredited in the eyes of the voters. However, The Lone Ranger and Tonto's efforts culminate in the truth about McGraw's character being revealed just in time.

Lone Ranger: "They scattered them bills all over the county last night, Tom. Hired a mass man and a redskin to do it. They sure must have been loco to figure we could. Couldn't see through a stunt like that, right?"
[30:19]

Resolution and Vindication

Despite the underhanded tactics used against him, Tom McGraw's integrity shines through. The deceptive actions by Dakin and Leach backfire as the community rallies behind McGraw, recognizing his honesty and dedication. The Lone Ranger and Tonto ensure that justice prevails, leading to McGraw's unopposed election and the downfall of his corrupt adversaries.

Tom McGraw: "Yeah, Lem, thanks to the masked man."
[31:22]

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Key Themes and Insights

• Redemption and Integrity: Tom McGraw's past mistake and his efforts to atone highlight the theme of redemption, showcasing that past errors do not define one's entire character.
• Justice vs. Corruption: The episode underscores the battle between righteous justice, represented by The Lone Ranger and Tonto, and corrupt manipulation by figures like Dakin and Leach.
• Community and Trust: The rallying of the community around McGraw emphasizes the importance of trust and the collective will to support honesty and integrity in leadership.

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Notable Quotes

1. Tom McGraw on Defending His Integrity:

   "You make one move to get the sheriff to arrest any of those fellows out there and, well, you got your last dollar from me. But that would finish me."
   [06:35]

2. Tonto Encouraging McGraw:

   "I have to leave you. But remember what I said. Admit nothing at all."
   [29:50]

3. The Lone Ranger on Exposing Lies:

   "They pulled the whole dirty trick's as plain as the nose on my face."
   [30:41]

---

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns masterfully weaves themes of integrity, redemption, and justice, presenting a compelling narrative where truth ultimately triumphs over deceit. Through the timeless characters of The Lone Ranger and Tonto, listeners are reminded of the enduring values that define true leadership and heroism in the Wild West.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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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 absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Lone Ranger]

Hail Silver Hawaii.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O Silver the Lone Ranger SA.

Wealth makes you an irresistible target to online criminals. According to Saltis Wealth, 41% of high net worth individuals report having been victims of financial crime. Unfortunately, off the shelf digital security solutions aren't robust enough to protect high profile individuals like you. So what can you do? Rely on Concierge Digital Security from Reputation Defender Concierge Digital Security is not just another app to install. It's a team of experts working in the background to protect you and your family behind the scenes. Reputation Defender bundles a suite of best in class security security solutions covering virtually every aspect of your digital life from digital identity to online privacy, identity fraud, insurance and home device protection. Your concierge helps manage all of these for you. Visit reputationdefender.comsuccess to learn more or schedule your private consultation. That's reputationdefender.com success.

With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked rider of the Plains fought crime and criminal throughout the western United States. His strength and courage were only matched by his sense of fair play. And the man who deserved a second chance could always depend on his help. No greater champion of justice can be found in the pages of history. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the west was young. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Lone Ranger]

Silver we're heading for Bell City.

[Narrator]

O Silver, Hawaii. Old Jasper Leach, the editor of the Bell City Bugle, stood in the doorway of his shop, frantically shaking his fist at the crowd that had gathered outside.

[Lone Ranger]

You're just a pack of fools, that's what you are. Now clear out. Clear out. If all I blow on you, let's see you try it. She'll ride you out of town on a rail if you do. Maybe we ought to anyway.

[Narrator]

Go on.

[Lone Ranger]

Confound you. Clear out. Not until you say you're gonna quit printing them lies about Tom McGraw. I'll print what I don't please.

[Narrator]

How much is Dickin paying you for Jesper?

[Lone Ranger]

He ain't paying me nothing. That's the same as slander. I'm for Dakin. Cause he's the fella should be elected. And if you weren't such idiots, you'd have the sense to vote for him. Fellas, you hear him call us idiots? Fired him. The polecat needs a lesson. Let's give it to him. Just take one step closer. I dare ya. Try to lay a hand on me and I'll pepper you with a sure shotgun show. You daring us. Hey, come on, fellas. Let's grab him and give him a ride on a rail. What's this all about? Stand back and look me through here. It's Dagon himself. He's worse than Leech.

[Tonto]

Heavens.

[Lone Ranger]

There's two of a kind. Ought to get the same now. Dakin too. Get inside now. Go on, Leech. Inside with you. And lock the door. They may try to follow us. I told you to go easy with those editorials of yours, Leech. You're doing me more harm than good. But you said when you hired me that I wanted you to campaign for me against Tom McGraw. I thought you had sense enough to know how to go about it, Leech. I'll bet you've lost me half the votes in the district today myself. They're throwing rocks and they're trying to break the door down. They'll tear the place apart. I'll have the law on them. That's what I'll do. I'll show em they can't do this to me. You make one move to get the sheriff to arrest any of those fellows out there and, well, you got your last dollar from me. But that would finish me. A stunt like that and I'd be snowed under. I'm just to let them fellas do as they please? Exactly. But blast it all. Wait. They've stopped. Let's see what happened. That's McGraw out there. He stopped Them trying to keep quiet, will ya? The crowd's breaking up. Unlock the door. Ain't going outside again, are you? The danger's over. I want to talk to McGraw. Will you do as I say? If I didn't need the cash, I'd tell you to go to Blazer. And if there'd been another paper in the district, I wouldn't have hired yours. McGraw.

[Tom McGraw]

Oh, howdy, Deacon. I see some of my friends were kind of taking things into their own hands. Reckon I come along just in time.

[Lone Ranger]

I won't thank you.

[Tom McGraw]

Shucks, I didn't expect it.

[Lone Ranger]

I just wanted to remind you of something.

[Tom McGraw]

Yeah?

[Lone Ranger]

This isn't election day, and you're not in the legislature yet.

[Tom McGraw]

You know, Dakin, that puts me in mind of something.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Tom McGraw]

You ain't neither.

[Narrator]

Dakin, leaving Jasper Leech made his way to a room at the rear of the Ace High Cafe. He entered and slammed the door angrily behind him.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, blasted Heath. You might as well go back to the Capitol and tell your friends to run someone else. I haven't got a chance.

[Narrator]

That ruckus of the newspaper got under your skin, eh?

[Lone Ranger]

You heard about it?

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, well, thanks.

[Narrator]

Forget it. Forget it. Doesn't mean a thing. Dakin, for a man who wants to get into politics, you're certainly touchy.

[Lone Ranger]

You don't mean to sit there and tell me McGraw won't get two votes to my one, do you?

[Narrator]

Look, Deakin. Well, the men who sent me down here want you to run. Get it? They can trust you. You'll do as you're told. When you get to the Capitol, you'll vote their way. And your vote's important. We just about know what the lineup's going to be in the legislature. Wouldn't surprise anybody if the vote from this district made all the difference. It can mean that my friends will be able to put through certain measures they have in mind. Or that all the money they've spent is wasted.

[Lone Ranger]

Isn't that what I'm trying to tell you? I've got to be elected or I'm no good to them, and I can't be.

[Narrator]

Why not? Let us worry about that.

[Lone Ranger]

You can for all of me, but if you know what you're doing. It's more than I know.

[Narrator]

We don't make many mistakes.

[Lone Ranger]

Good. I'm glad to hear it.

[Narrator]

And we've money behind us.

[Lone Ranger]

You can't buy votes around here, Heath.

[Narrator]

No, but money has its uses.

[Lone Ranger]

I suppose so.

[Narrator]

You brought old Leech around to our side.

[Lone Ranger]

The fool's lost me twice to votes that paper he publishes won.

[Narrator]

Well, I suppose we can chalk that up. Is one of our mistakes. But we've had our money working for us other ways, too.

[Lone Ranger]

What ways?

[Narrator]

Well, I didn't mean to tell you this, but it got better. If you don't soon convince yourself you have a chance, you will lose. Well, I've looked into the situation since I've been here. You know, Dakin, I think Tom McGraw's the only man in the district who could beat you.

[Lone Ranger]

That's very comforting. Especially when it happens that McGraw's the only fellow who is running against me.

[Narrator]

But what if he weren't?

[Lone Ranger]

That's something else again.

[Narrator]

So I thought.

[Lone Ranger]

Which doesn't concern us. Perhaps you enjoy imagining things, but I don't.

[Narrator]

You will admit just the same that if McGraw dropped out, you'd stand a good show, huh?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, I suppose so. Look here, Heath, have you got some information I don't know about? If you have, I'm.

[Narrator]

Excuse me. Who is it? It's me, Boss Prince.

[Tom McGraw]

I got that breed here.

[Narrator]

Bring him in.

[Lone Ranger]

This is him, boss.

[Narrator]

Buenos dias. Well, so you're Pedro, huh?

[Tom McGraw]

Si, senor. I am him.

[Narrator]

You're ready to talk?

[Tom McGraw]

You pay me money, senor?

[Narrator]

Sure, plenty of it. We'll fill your pockets. Buenos de nator.

[Lone Ranger]

Who is this fella?

[Narrator]

An example of one of the uses of money. Dakin?

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

The fellow's got information concerning the subject we were just discussing. I've had men hunting him out for the past three weeks.

[Lone Ranger]

What in blazes are you talking about?

[Narrator]

I could tell you, but why waste the time? I'll let Pedro tell it himself. Two men, one masked, the other an Indian, had taken cover with their horses in a small grove of trees on the crest of a hill overlooking Bell City. They could see the Ace High Cafe plainly. And suddenly the masked man touched the arm of his companion.

[Tonto]

They've come out again. Tada me see him. There's the breed. I think that's Deacon he's talking to. I'd give a lot to know just why that breed's important to them. Kimasabe Heath must have had a dozen men looking for him all right. And Heath is the man who's dangerous. He has intelligence and uses it. Dakin's just a figurehead. Which means that if he believes he can use that breed, he's got a good reason for his belief.

[Narrator]

What reason?

[Tonto]

I can't even guess. But it's certain. It must have something to do with the election. That's Heath's only business now. Making sure. Dakin wins out. In other words, if the breed's valuable to Heath, then he's dangerous to Tom McGraw.

[Narrator]

You think him win, Tom?

[Tonto]

He will in an honest election. He must win. There's too much at stake in this. His election or defeat can make all the difference in the balance of power in the legislature. This is a new state. Its entire future depends upon decisions made now. The crowd Heath and Dakin represent gets the upper hand. They'll exploit the state and its resources for themselves. They don't care what happens to the people in the country. Here in the future. They're interested in just one thing. Lining their pockets.

[Narrator]

Mmm. He bad feller.

[Tonto]

The worst. But Tom will fight them if he gets a chance.

[Narrator]

Him get chance?

[Tonto]

He will if we have anything to do with it. But Heath will stop at nothing to elect the man his employers want. That's why I insisted on riding here and keeping an eye on things.

[Narrator]

That good idea.

[Tonto]

Wait. What matter? Breed's mounted. I think he's going to ride away. Yes, he and that fellow they call Fritz.

[Narrator]

Them ride plenty fast. I wonder if they're leaving town and take north trail.

[Tonto]

They are leaving, and we're following Kimosabe. If he has a scheme that breeds a key to it. Head west, Hutto. We'll circle the town and pick up the trail on the other side.

[Lone Ranger]

Get him up, Scout.

[Narrator]

Come on, Silver. Come on, old fellow. But while the Lone Ranger and his faithful Indian companion Tonto were following the trail left by Pedro and Fritz, Heath was making a call upon Tom McGraw at the latter's home. The two men spoke together for almost an hour. Then. Well, I'll be getting back to the cafe. I think I've made myself clear, McGraw. Of course I wouldn't try to tell you what to do. That's. That's for you to decide, Keith.

[Tom McGraw]

You're as low and sneaky as any sidewinder.

[Narrator]

I know how you're feeling. Call me anything you please if you think it'll help any.

[Tom McGraw]

I wonder if they'd call it murder if I was to shoot you down.

[Narrator]

I promise you they would.

[Tom McGraw]

It'd be almost worth it.

[Narrator]

Oh, I don't doubt it. Seems so at the moment. It wouldn't later, however, when you found yourself on a scaffold with a noose around your neck.

[Tom McGraw]

You'd better go. You'd better go before I forget about that scaffold and that noose and shoot you down anyway.

[Narrator]

I will. Oh, yes. By the way, I'll be seeing a number of your friends uptown. Would you like me to say you'd like to see them?

[Tom McGraw]

What fur?

[Narrator]

Oh, it just occurred to me that you might have a statement to make. Naturally, you'd want your friends to be.

[Tom McGraw]

The first to know.

[Narrator]

Aye. Or wouldn't you?

[Tom McGraw]

Lem Crow will be in the cafe. Yes, and a couple others. You'll know which ones. You can send them down if you want to.

[Narrator]

Gladly.

[Tom McGraw]

Just a second.

[Narrator]

I'm really in a hurry, you know.

[Tom McGraw]

All I want to say is this. From now on, don't cross my path. It won't be healthy.

[Narrator]

McGraw. I'm a man who can take a hint. I won't. Good day.

[Mrs. McGraw]

Is that man gone? Tom. Tom, what is it? What's the matter?

[Tom McGraw]

Nothing.

[Mrs. McGraw]

You wouldn't be looking that way if there wasn't, Tom. I know you too well for that. What is it? Did he say something to make you angry?

[Tom McGraw]

Honey, I'd rather not talk about it.

[Mrs. McGraw]

You're worried.

[Tom McGraw]

No, I'm.

[Narrator]

Don't you?

[Mrs. McGraw]

Are it? It's not something about the election, is it, Tom? It can't be.

[Tom McGraw]

Yeah, it is.

[Mrs. McGraw]

But there's nothing to worry about. You're going to win.

[Tom McGraw]

Why?

[Mrs. McGraw]

Everyone says so.

[Tom McGraw]

I'm afeared not, honey.

[Mrs. McGraw]

But you are. Why? I was talking to Lem just yesterday, Tom, and he said Dakin didn't have a chance against you. And you know Lem's too good a friend of yours to make you think you could win if you couldn't, don't you?

[Tom McGraw]

This is something Lem don't know about, then.

[Mrs. McGraw]

Oh, there's the door. Stay there, Tam. I'll see you. Tig. Lem. Come in. We were just talking about you.

[Narrator]

Good afternoon, girls. Honey. Tom. What you want to see me about?

[Tom McGraw]

See about?

[Narrator]

Wasn't there nothing? He just said there was. Met him just now. And he said it saved him looking for me. Cause you told him I might be in a cafe. And you wanted to talk to me.

[Tom McGraw]

Yeah, Lem, I. I do. Well, here I am, Lem. I reckon I'm gonna do something that's gonna plum disappoint you.

[Narrator]

Shucks. You've been doing things like that for years. How about when you got hitched to Gracie? Now there was a disappointment aimed to marry myself.

[Tom McGraw]

This ain't a joking matter, Lem.

[Narrator]

Oh, I'm sorry, Tom. Didn't mean to make a joke of it. Just didn't savvy it was something serious. I reckon you better tell me about him.

[Tom McGraw]

I'm not going to the Capitol.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, sure.

[Tom McGraw]

No, Lem, it ain't that. I Couldn't win. It's that I ain't gonna run.

[Narrator]

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. Mom.

Your wealth makes you an irresistible target to online criminals. According to Saltis Wealth, 41% of high net worth individuals report having been victims of financial crime. Unfortunately, off the shelf digital security solutions aren't robust enough to protect high profile individuals like you. So what can you do? Rely on Concierge Digital Security from Reputation Defender. Concierge Digital Security is not just another app to install. It's a team of experts working in the background to protect you and your family. Behind the scenes. Reputation Defender bundles a suite of best in class security solutions covering virtually every aspect of your digital life from digital identity to online privacy, identity fraud, insurance and home device protection. Your concierge helps manage all of these for you. Visit reputationdefender.com success to learn more or schedule your private consultation. That's reputationdefender.com success.

It's now to continue our story. The startling News of Tom McGraw's decision traveled from one end of the district to the other with a speed that proved its importance. No explanation had followed the decision, and Dakin's followers were as jubilant as Tom's friends were downcast. In the meantime, Mrs. McGraw tried to persuade her husband to tell her the reason for his action.

[Mrs. McGraw]

Tom, don't you think you owe your friends some explanation? Haven't they done enough for you to deserve that?

[Tom McGraw]

Grace, I've said all I'm gonna say.

[Mrs. McGraw]

No.

[Tom McGraw]

That's my last word.

[Lone Ranger]

No.

[Mrs. McGraw]

It can't be. Tom, do you know what people are saying? They're saying if you had a reason you weren't ashamed of, you'd tell it.

[Tom McGraw]

Well, maybe they're right.

[Mrs. McGraw]

Nonsense. Of course they're not. But that won't stop them from talking.

[Tom McGraw]

And I can't neither.

[Mrs. McGraw]

Tom, listen to me. Well, it isn't just that folks will criticize you. If you're doing what's right and know it, then you're justified no matter what they say. But. But there's something beyond that. You've said so yourself. You are running against Dakin because he's backed by the most selfish and powerful men in the state. It isn't everyone who realizes that.

[Lone Ranger]

But.

[Mrs. McGraw]

But your friends were willing to take your word for it and vote against Dakin because you asked them to. And. And they trusted you.

[Tom McGraw]

Someone will take my place. They can still vote agin him.

[Mrs. McGraw]

But that's Just it, Tom. When even you won't run against him, what are they to think? Won't they believe that maybe Dakin's right after all? Won't they begin to doubt all you've been telling them and finally decide to change their stand?

[Tom McGraw]

Oh, I don't reckon they'll do that.

[Mrs. McGraw]

But they will. It'll just be natural. And then Dakin'll win. And if he wins, the men who are backing him win also. And everything you fought for'll be lost.

[Tom McGraw]

Grace. Tain't no use talkin'I've. Said my say, and that's that.

[Mrs. McGraw]

You. You won't tell even me?

[Tom McGraw]

Don't ask it of me, honey.

[Mrs. McGraw]

I declare. Tama, I don't know what to say.

[Tom McGraw]

You'd better just forget about it, I suppose.

[Mrs. McGraw]

Are you hungry, Tom?

[Tom McGraw]

No, not very.

[Mrs. McGraw]

Yeah, I'd better fix something anyhow, And. And Tom?

[Tom McGraw]

Yeah?

[Mrs. McGraw]

If you change your mind, I'll be waiting.

[Tonto]

Don't call out.

[Narrator]

Who?

[Tom McGraw]

A mask man.

[Tonto]

Keep your hand from that gun. I'm not here to harm you.

[Tom McGraw]

How'd you get in here?

[Tonto]

Your front door's open. I waited until you were alone.

[Tom McGraw]

What do you want?

[Tonto]

I talked with you, but how did. I heard part of what your wife said? She was telling you the truth.

[Tom McGraw]

Why are you meddling my affairs?

[Tonto]

They weren't just your affairs. I wouldn't. But what you do affects too many things. Far more important than either one of.

[Tom McGraw]

Us who are here.

[Tonto]

Never mind that. Just say that I'm someone who wants to see Dakin and Heath and the gang they represent beaten as they should be.

[Tom McGraw]

What's all that got to do with an outlaw?

[Tonto]

I'm not an outlaw. That mask I wear for reasons of my own.

[Tom McGraw]

Well, if you're here to find out why I won't run, you're wasting your time. I'll talk to nobody about it.

[Tonto]

You don't have to.

[Tom McGraw]

Huh?

[Tonto]

There's a little cabin about 10 miles out of town. McGraw. That cabin's occupied by a man. Heath is hidden there. He's keeping him safe in case your friends learned why you stepped out of the race and wanted revenge.

[Narrator]

You.

[Tom McGraw]

You know I do.

[Tonto]

I made it a point to find out, but.

[Tom McGraw]

But you won't tell, will you? I'll make it worth your while to keep still. I'll promise that I'll be.

[Tonto]

McGraw. There are certain things you haven't realized in the first place. Even though you've publicly withdrawn from the campaign, a number of your friends are determined to write your name in on the ballot.

[Tom McGraw]

Anyhow, not enough to elect me.

[Tonto]

Not at present.

[Tom McGraw]

Then what do you think?

[Tonto]

I'm going to see they learn the truth. I'm going to see that every man in this district knows just why you quit.

[Tom McGraw]

No, you can't.

[Narrator]

Please.

[Tonto]

No. I'll get the truth to them in my own way. McGraw.

[Narrator]

Wait.

[Tonto]

And the same facts that would have ruined you will elect you.

[Lone Ranger]

No.

[Tom McGraw]

Come back.

[Narrator]

Wait.

[Tom McGraw]

Listen to me.

[Narrator]

Come on, old fellow. Come on. The masked man drew Reign at the secret camp he shared with Tano Silver.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, boy.

[Tonto]

Oh, there.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, Tano.

[Narrator]

What matter?

[Lone Ranger]

Get Scout.

[Narrator]

Here's Scout.

[Tonto]

We are riding where we go to Bell City, Kimasabi to pay a call on Jeff for Leech. Ready?

[Narrator]

Huh? Sky Silver away. The editor of the Bell City Bugle was in his office with Deakin.

[Lone Ranger]

So now there ain't nobody running again you at all, huh, Deacon? Nope. New one. Feelin right good about it, ain't ya? Why shouldn't I? Feelin real good, are ya?

[Narrator]

Say, what are you getting at?

[Lone Ranger]

If you've got something on your mind, get it on. Well, I was just wondering if you was feeling so good that paying the rest of what's coming to me. Wouldn't fret you now. You shouldn't get a penny. Thought as how you'd be trying to cheat me out of what's rightly mine. I didn't say that. Well, you'd better not. How much do you figure you have coming? Another hundred? I mean to have it too. By gosh, you haven't earned it. Ain't my fault if folks don't like you. Well, where's the cash?

[Narrator]

You'll get it.

[Tom McGraw]

You'll get it.

[Lone Ranger]

I have it here.

[Tonto]

Keep an eye on Dick and Tuttle.

[Lone Ranger]

You watch him. What is this, a hold up?

[Tonto]

Not exactly. We brought you a printing job, Leech, to be finished tonight.

[Lone Ranger]

But my printer ain't here.

[Tonto]

I'm alone and you can operate the presses yourself.

[Lone Ranger]

Now look here.

[Tonto]

Keep still.

[Narrator]

Leech.

[Tonto]

Yeah? Get pencil and paper.

[Narrator]

What?

[Tonto]

You have them there on your desk. Get ready to take down what I tell you. Did you hear me?

[Lone Ranger]

I'm ready. I'm all ready.

[Tonto]

Very well. At the top. I want this in large type. The truth about Tom McGraw.

[Narrator]

Just before dawn, the masked man and Tato placed several bundles of printed bulletins in their saddlebags. Then, forcing the editor and Dakin to accompany them, they returned to their camp. Three days passed, during which Heath conducted a frantic search for his candidate. On the eve of the election he was in the cafe when one of his men Approached him and Grits?

[Tonto]

Yeah, Boss.

[Narrator]

Well, haven't you anything to report? Haven't you found out anything at all?

[Lone Ranger]

Honest, boss, not a thing. There ain't that we weren't trying.

[Narrator]

We've looked everywhere. Where's the sheriff? What's he got to say? He ain't had no more luck than we've had. Election tomorrow and they can disappear.

[Lone Ranger]

We'll find them somewhere.

[Narrator]

Sure we will.

[Lone Ranger]

Won't keep him from being elected.

[Narrator]

He'll vote for him anyhow. What good will it do us to elect somebody we can't locate? Well, if we find him, there's Tom McGraw.

[Tom McGraw]

McGraw evening. He.

[Narrator]

By heavens, McGraw, if I thought you had anything to do with Dakin disappearing.

[Tom McGraw]

Ain't you found him yet?

[Narrator]

You'd have known about it if we had. McGraw, I want the truth out of you. Do you know anything about this or don't you?

[Tom McGraw]

Then I'll give you the truth. I don't. But if you find Dakin somewhere with his neck broke, I ain't gonna feel bad about it at all.

[Narrator]

If you have had something to do with this, sooner or later I'll find it out.

[Tom McGraw]

Think anything you please.

[Narrator]

You know what I could do to you.

[Tom McGraw]

I don't.

[Lone Ranger]

It's Dakin and me.

[Narrator]

Well, I'll be. Dakin. What in thunder happened to you? Where have you been?

[Lone Ranger]

I'll tell you about it, but we'd better go in back. I'd rather tell you alone.

[Narrator]

Right. Stand aside. Let us through.

[Lone Ranger]

Wait a second. What happened to you, Dakin?

[Narrator]

You get held up or what?

[Lone Ranger]

Didn't lose your way in the hills, did you? Where was you? Get me out of here, man.

[Narrator]

Man, he'll answer all your questions later. Just give him a few minutes to pull himself together in. Let us through, please. Come on, Dakin.

[Lone Ranger]

We'll be waiting to hear it. Dakin.

[Narrator]

Well, I hope you're feeling better.

[Lone Ranger]

Hurry on up, will ya?

[Narrator]

Now, what with the.

[Lone Ranger]

He's a masked man. And the redskin held us prisoners.

[Narrator]

What?

[Lone Ranger]

And there's going to be plenty of trouble.

[Narrator]

Early in the morning. On the following day, Election day, the Lone Ranger in Tonto reined up at the rear of Tom McGraw's Homer.

[Tonto]

Tom to stay with the horses. I've got to prepare Tom before the crowd gets here. I don't think you'll be seen back here. But if you are, if anyone tries to question you, get away. Don't worry about me. Just see that you aren't here.

[Narrator]

Don't, Tanto. Do it.

[Tonto]

Good. If everything goes right, I'll soon be with you. Don't be alarmed. Quick. Where's your husband?

[Mrs. McGraw]

Crook?

[Tonto]

No, I'm not a crook.

[Tom McGraw]

Did I hear you?

[Lone Ranger]

You again.

[Tonto]

Right.

[Lone Ranger]

What do you want?

[Tonto]

I've got to talk to you in a hurry and alone.

[Mrs. McGraw]

Tom, what is it? Who is this man?

[Tom McGraw]

I don't know.

[Tonto]

He can listen to me. Mrs. McGraw, this is important. I mean your husband no harm, but I must talk to him alone. And what I have to say must be said within the next five minutes.

[Mrs. McGraw]

Is it all right, Tom?

[Tom McGraw]

I'll talk to him. Honey, this way. You'll talk in the parlor. Now what do you want?

[Tonto]

I had to warn you that a crowd's coming here.

[Narrator]

Here.

[Tom McGraw]

What fur?

[Tonto]

You'll find that out when it arrives. You needn't fear it when it gets here. Keep just one thing in mind. Admit nothing.

[Tom McGraw]

What do you mean?

[Tonto]

Remember what I told you the first time you saw me? That I knew why you withdrew from the election and meant to see that the truth got out.

[Narrator]

You. You.

[Tom McGraw]

You told them?

[Tonto]

In my own way.

[Tom McGraw]

Your way. What did you do?

[Tonto]

In a way that helped you instead of harming you? You made one mistake in your past and you paid for it. You stole money once when you were a young man. But you not only served your term in jail for it, you returned that stolen money out of what you were able to save afterwards. Ever since then, you've been a credit to the West. That's why I wanted to help you.

[Tom McGraw]

You call it helping me? When you tell that story around.

[Tonto]

That breed who once worked for you knew your story and told it to Heap. It would have gotten out eventually anyhow. As it is, you'll find that most of those who've heard it now won't believe it. And the rest won't care.

[Tom McGraw]

I don't savor you say they're coming.

[Tonto]

I have to leave you. But remember what I said. Admit nothing at all.

[Tom McGraw]

Well, I better face them.

[Lone Ranger]

Men. What is this?

[Tom McGraw]

What are you doing to De Heath here?

[Lone Ranger]

They'll be tardon feathered for the lies they've spread about you, Tom. That's right. They pull the rotless pick ever seen around here. Just take a look at this printing here, will you?

[Tom McGraw]

Printing here, Let me see that.

[Narrator]

Well, I'll be dog. They scattered them bills all over the county last night, Tom. Hired a mass man and a redskin to do it. They sure must have been loco to figure we could. Couldn't see through a stunt like that, right?

[Lone Ranger]

Just imagine waiting till the last minute. Then spreading a story about how you served time for stealing.

[Narrator]

We'll fix the skunks.

[Lone Ranger]

But it wasn't us. It was a masked man let you pull cats high. No, no, no, no.

[Narrator]

I tell you it was just a trick. We never did it. Who else would stand the game by it but you two fellers?

[Lone Ranger]

No need to try to lie out of it. The whole dirty trick's as plain as the nose on my face.

[Narrator]

And Tom, everybody coming to town today is writing in your name on the ballot. Even if you did say you wasn't.

[Lone Ranger]

Running, just to show what they think of these fellas.

[Tom McGraw]

You mean I'll be elected?

[Narrator]

There ain't a doubt of it. What's more, the first gent to go repeatin that story printed here. We'll get run out of town just like we're running these sidewinders at all. Right, take them away, boys. Well, you see Tom, thanks to the stunt they had that masked man pool, you're gonna be elected in spite of yourself.

[Tom McGraw]

Yeah, Lem, thanks to the mask man.

[Narrator]

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