Tomorrow’s Trail | The Lone Ranger (05-25-42)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns: The Lone Ranger – "Tomorrow’s Trail" (05-25-42)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Tomorrow’s Trail | The Lone Ranger (originally aired May 25, 1942)
Release Date: March 25, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a digitally restored presentation of "Tomorrow’s Trail," a classic episode from The Lone Ranger. The story weaves together themes of pioneering spirit, justice, and the monumental task of uniting east and west via the transcontinental railroad. The Lone Ranger is recruited by the President himself to solve a series of dangerous setbacks affecting the railroad’s construction—delays, sabotage, even murder—and must track the hidden enemies who threaten America's progress. With his trusted companion Tonto and new ally Joan Barclay, the masked rider sets out to unravel the mystery, rescue missing surveyors, and uphold the ideals of law, order, and unity on the frontier.

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Key Discussion and Story Points

The Presidential Mission

• Setting the Stakes: The episode opens with tension in Washington, as the President discusses the critical need to complete the transcontinental railroad, stalled by self-interest and sabotage. The urgency of the task is made personal and national—"one battle which must be won" ([04:01]).
• The Enemy Within: Opposition to the railroad is orchestrated by a coalition known as "The Triangle," made up of cattlemen, shipping companies, and stagecoaches threatened by progress. Even after political defeat, sabotage and violence persist ([08:18]).
• Trusted Allies: To address the crisis, the President calls for the Lone Ranger, famous for his integrity and effectiveness, and introduces Joan Barclay, the sister of a fallen Texas Ranger and previous secret ally to the masked hero.

Reuniting with Joan Barclay

• Shared History and Trust: Joan’s previous unseen aid is revealed—she was the first to find the wounded Lone Ranger after a fateful battle, inspiring both with her courage ([11:12]).
• Collaboration: Joan is positioned as a vital inside source, set to assist construction engineers and report covertly to the Lone Ranger. Their partnership is rooted in both personal respect and patriotic commitment ([12:15], [12:25]).

The Disappearance of Surveyors

• The Mystery: A railroad survey team vanishes near Fort Kearney with no trace, despite efforts by soldiers to find them ([13:03]-[13:19]).
• New Orders: The Lone Ranger takes up the mission to find the missing men and expose the saboteurs targeting the railroad ([13:29]-[13:35]).

Westward Investigation

• On the Trail: The Lone Ranger and Tonto follow clues across treacherous country, deciphering a makeshift danger signal composed of stones—an early lead that guides them to a suspicious cabin ([18:45]-[19:48]).
• Chris Walden’s Betrayal: Initially helpful frontiersman Chris Walden is unmasked as a collaborator with the criminal gang. The Lone Ranger’s shrewdness turns the trap, allowing him to protect himself and Tonto ([23:26]-[24:12]).

Dramatic Rescue and Confrontation

• Surveyors Found: The outlaws' hideout is discovered; the missing surveyors are rescued thanks to a coordinated effort between the Lone Ranger, Tonto, and the freed men ([25:45]-[26:27]).
• Ambush and Final Showdown: The outlaws are trapped in a clever crossfire. Relentless gunfire from both sides quickly overwhelms the enemies, who throw down their weapons and surrender ([27:36]-[27:55]).

Uncovering the Mastermind

• Revelation: Conversation with rescued surveyor Phil Bradley reveals the criminals were waiting for a "Wilson"—presumed to be the notorious Henry Wilson, a suspected ringleader of opposition ([28:22]-[29:47]).
• Continuing the Fight: The Lone Ranger and Tonto set out for Omaha, armed with new leads, as the scope of the conspiracy becomes clearer ([29:47]).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

The Weight of History and Hope

• President: “There’s one vital need in the country today, one battle which must be won. The Lone Ranger can help us with it.” ([04:04])
• The Lone Ranger: “Most of our Indian troubles are caused by white men.” ([09:27])
• President: “If we fail, the country fails. It's another war, another struggle to prove that a nation conceived in liberty can grow and prosper and endure united. I wonder, will there ever come a time when nothing can assail our unity?” ([13:49])
• The Lone Ranger: “We can hope, sir.” ([14:05])

Unveiling Joan Barclay’s Role

• Joan Barclay: “You can't imagine what it meant to me. It gave me new courage.” ([12:11])
• The Lone Ranger: “You never lacked courage.” ([12:15])

The Lone Ranger’s Dedication

• President: “You carry our hope for the future, will you, my friend?” ([14:28])
• The Lone Ranger: “Thank you. Goodbye, Mr. President.” ([14:32])

The Perils of the Frontier

• Chris Walden (betrayed): “When you're old and all by yourself, it's a heap safer to mind your own business and keep your mouth shut.” ([21:35])
• The Lone Ranger (calling out deception): “There was only one thing you told us last night that was true. You're working for the gang, all right.” ([23:51])

Facing the Outlaws

• Surveyor (Phil Bradley): “I never thought I'd get out of that alive.” ([28:22])
• The Lone Ranger: “Men like Duke won't stop at anything. I guess we were lucky to get out of it alive.” ([29:16])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:53–02:54| Introduction and classic Lone Ranger opening narration | | 03:37–07:45| White House strategy session; mission assigned to Lone Ranger | | 07:45–14:35| Meeting in St. Louis; discussion of railroad, Triangle, and Joan | | 18:17–24:12| Lone Ranger & Tonto’s investigation, encounter and betrayal by Chris| | 25:45–27:55| Rescue operation and the ambush of the outlaws | | 28:22–29:47| Revealed link to ‘Wilson’ and next steps |

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Tone and Style

The episode maintains the earnest, larger-than-life tone of classic old-time radio—with dignified dialogue, stirring narration, and moments of suspense and warmth. The Lone Ranger’s measured confidence, Tonto’s loyalty, and the President’s gravitas all underscore a sense of historic destiny and moral clarity, while the unfolding mystery and action keep the story lively and engaging.

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Summary

"Tomorrow’s Trail" is not only a thrilling rescue and mystery tale; it’s also an ode to American determination and unity in the face of adversity. The Lone Ranger symbolizes the unwavering spirit required to overcome division and adversity on the way to a better future. As the railroad pushes west, so too do justice and progress, carried on the thundering hooves of Silver and the courage of friends, old and new.

Classic sign-off:
Narrator: “The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.” ([32:45])

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For more restored episodes of the golden age of radio, 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.

[Narrator]

With the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Bleacher Report Announcer]

The Bleacher Report app is your destination for sports right now. The NBA is heating up, March Madness is here, and MLB is almost back. Every day there's a new headline, a new highlight, a new moment you've got to see for yourself. That's why I stay locked in with the Bleacher Report app. For me, it's about staying connected to my sports. I can follow the teams I care about, get real time scores, breaking news and highlights all in one place. Download the Bleacher Report app today so you never miss a moment.

[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early Western United States. The stories of his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness have come down to us through the generations. And 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.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. The Padre has a message.

[Narrator]

When the dispatches from the west arrived in Washington, they were taken directly to the President. For an hour, the doors of his study were closed. Then the bell above the secretary's desk rang and he hurried to answer the summons.

[The President]

James.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, sir.

[The President]

Where's Ms. Buckley?

[The Lone Ranger]

I sent a messenger for her when the dispatches arrived. She's waiting out here.

[The President]

I'll see who it was.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ms. Barclay, the president will see you.

[Joan Barclay]

Oh, thank you.

[The Lone Ranger]

She'll go right in. Will you be wanting me, sir? Please.

[The President]

Both of them. I know what you're going to say. It seems impossible, but we must work day and night to clear up our schedule. There's one vital need in the country today, one battle which must be won. The Lone Ranger can help us with it. As soon as we receive word from him, James, we leave for St. Louis.

[Narrator]

Word flashed across the country from the capital to General Fairchild, to Wild Bill Hickok, to Bill Cody, to the Padre and Mustang Mag. Every close friend of the masked rider of the planes received the same message. Find the Lone Ranger. Tell him to communicate with Washington at once.

[The Lone Ranger]

Message to the general from the White House. Wild Hill he's doing tonight. I'll tell him for sure. This is one message nobody gets to read.

[Chris Walden]

I'm taking it to Mag myself.

[The Lone Ranger]

I've read hard from the village. The singing wires have bring you a great command.

[Narrator]

It was the Padre who enlisted the help of friendly Indians. And the message first sent winging across the continent by science, was picked up and carried on by their primitive smoke signals west of the Pecos. Tonto read and translated the message. Then the Lone Ranger and his Indian companion swung into the saddle and raced across the level rangeland of the nearest telegraph station. His reply was addressed to a number, not a name. Hours of waiting followed, but at last the answer came brief, with no explanation, but containing a name that called for action. Once more, the Lone Ranger and Tonto hit the trail.

[Chris Walden]

Faster. S The same for St. Louis. Canops cow.

[The Lone Ranger]

He should reach St. Louis tomorrow night, Mr. President. We arrive there in the afternoon.

[The President]

This car will be taken to the same setting.

[The Lone Ranger]

All the cars there.

[The President]

There's no need for anyone but you and me and Ms. Bugby to see you.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's been arranged. Your guard has its own.

[The President]

It isn't that I don't trust my staff, but some of them are small men, wrapped up in the present, unable to look ahead. There are none so blind.

[Joan Barclay]

James.

[The Lone Ranger]

I understand, sir.

[Narrator]

At nightfall, the President's train was on the siding on the outskirts of St. Louis, almost in the heart of the forest. Guards were posted, and the secretary waited with the ones farthest from the train. At midnight, the Lone Ranger and Tonto neared a clearing. Not a sound disturbed the silence of the forest. And only the lights of a distant train shining faintly through the trees, relieved the darkness.

[The Lone Ranger]

This is far enough, Kimosabe. I'll leave you here. I don't know how long it will be, but sometime before morning, I'll be back. Tanta, wait. You know what? I'm hoping that's going through. It'll be the greatest thing that's ever happened for the West. That's right. Adios. This is a car, but we can't enter from the rear platform. Up these steps. Mr. President. The lone Ranger.

[The President]

I'm glad to see you again. Come in.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thank you, sir. Shall I.

[The President]

Yes, James, bring it at once.

[The Lone Ranger]

At once, please.

[The President]

Take a chair.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thank you.

[The President]

Now you made the east and the West. We've got to build a railroad. And it's because of that railroad that I sent for you.

[The Lone Ranger]

And that's good news.

[The President]

Yes. You're the man for the job. In three years, in three whole years, only 40 miles of that railroad has been built.

[The Lone Ranger]

Is there any reason for so much delay?

[The President]

The reason lies in human nature. Self interest. That's a driving force that's hard to defeat. There's been a triple alliance against the railroad. Cattlemen who feel it would mean the end of the open range. The shipping companies and stage lines who feel it will mean an end of their business. The newspapers call the alliance the Triangle. They organize, they pool their resources. And with Henry Wilson in Congress, they fought it to a standstill. Well, that went on for three years. But in spite of everything they could do, the end of the story is this. The Triangle is beaten. Henry Wilson has left Washington, and the railroad is going through.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm glad to hear it, sir.

[The President]

It's easier said than done. It's going to be the most terrific undertaking that has ever been attempted in this country. I don't have to tell you what the natural difficulties are.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, sir.

[The President]

You know the west better than anyone else. You'll be invaluable to the surveyors and the engineers.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll do anything I can.

[The President]

I only wish that nature were our only opponent.

[The Lone Ranger]

You mean the Indians? Here, Pasche.

[The President]

We can't forget them, can we?

[The Lone Ranger]

Most of our Indian troubles are caused by white men.

[The President]

Exactly. And that's what I'm leading up to. I said the Triangle was beaten. I could have staked my life that Henry Wilson was not able man. He exhausted every legal means of opposition. And when he left Washington, I thought he admitted defeat. Perhaps I was wrong. Or it may not be Wilson. It may not even be the Triangle. But someone is still fighting the railroad.

[The Lone Ranger]

What makes you think that?

[The President]

Delays. Accidents. That couldn't be accidents, even. Even murder.

[The Lone Ranger]

Murder?

[The President]

Whoever's doing the fighting now isn't staying within law.

[The Lone Ranger]

Is there a chance it's a Triangle?

[The President]

It may be. They're still organized. They still have money and power. There's no proof, though. That's what I'm asking you to do. Find out who the enemy is, then bring us the proof to break them. Will you accept the mission?

[The Lone Ranger]

Of course.

[The President]

I knew I could count on you. You work alone. Except for one of our government operators who will. But that can wait. I have one suggestion to make. A starting place, nothing more. By the way, do you remember the girl who helped you while you were fighting? The Black Arrow?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, sir. It was her information that made it possible to round them up. But I.

[The President]

What were you going to say?

[The Lone Ranger]

She never let me see her face. Why was that?

[The President]

It was her own idea. You may understand the reasons when you meet her.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now?

[The President]

Now she's waiting outside. At any rate, the time has come when you must know each other.

[The Lone Ranger]

You aren't asking me to take off my mask?

[The President]

No, that won't be necessary. She knows your story.

[The Lone Ranger]

But you're the only one who. You told her.

[The President]

She knew it even before I did.

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't understand.

[The President]

You will when you see her. Come in, Miss. Barclay.

[The Lone Ranger]

Barclay.

[The President]

I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.

[Joan Barclay]

That's quite all right, Mr. President.

[The President]

Joe. Mrs. The Lone Ranger.

[Joan Barclay]

We've met before.

[The Lone Ranger]

You. You had a brother.

[Joan Barclay]

I. I had a brother. Yes.

[The Lone Ranger]

I understand now. I'd seen your face, I'd have known.

[Joan Barclay]

That was my reason.

[The Lone Ranger]

But we never met when Jim was alive. How could you guess that I was?

[The President]

Perhaps I can explain that. On the day your fellow Rangers met their death and you were so badly wounded. Tonto wasn't the first one to ride into Valley.

[The Lone Ranger]

June was you.

[The President]

She found you there. She did what she could for you. Then she rode for help. When she returned, Tanu had already taken you away. And there were six graves. I had to tell her you were still alive.

[Joan Barclay]

You can't imagine what it meant to me. It gave me new courage.

[The Lone Ranger]

You never lacked courage.

[Joan Barclay]

Where the west was concerned, I did. I thought I'd never go back there again. Now. Now it's my whole life.

[The Lone Ranger]

And mine.

[The President]

That's why you two have Been chosen for this task.

[The Lone Ranger]

What will Ms. Barclay do?

[The President]

Colonel Parkman has been made chief engineer in charge of construction. She will be his secretary. From that position, she'll be able to give you all the information about the road you need. At first, her office will be in Omaha. It will move west with a railhead.

[Joan Barclay]

I leave for Omaha tomorrow morning.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see you had a Suggestion for me, Mr. President.

[The President]

Tell me, Ms. Buckley.

[Joan Barclay]

Mr. Vaers.

[The President]

Yes.

[Joan Barclay]

They were working along the River Platte. There were.

[The President]

What's the matter, Joan?

[Joan Barclay]

Nothing. There were six of them. On the morning of May 1, they left Fort Kearney without any military escort. They intended to return to the fort that night. It was more of a scouting party than anything else, with an engineer named Philip Bradley in charge. No one has seen them since they disappeared without any trace. Were you near Fort Kearney on May 1?

[The Lone Ranger]

No, I was much farther south.

[Joan Barclay]

There were no Indians in the district. No outlaws had been seen. Two companies of crack troops were detailed to find the party, but they couldn't even discover a clue.

[The President]

My job is to do what seems impossible. Find those men. At least find out what happened to them.

[The Lone Ranger]

Have you any other orders? Not now.

[The President]

In the future, you'll get your orders through Ms. Barclay.

[The Lone Ranger]

I understand. And if there's nothing else?

[Joan Barclay]

There is. You must be careful.

[The President]

By all means.

[Joan Barclay]

You're used to danger.

[The President]

Don't want to lose you.

[Joan Barclay]

If we did, we might fail.

[The President]

And if we fail, the country fails. It's another war, another struggle to prove that a nation conceived in liberty can grow and prosper and endure united. I wonder, will there ever come a time when nothing can assail our unity?

[The Lone Ranger]

We can hope, sir.

[The President]

Not for many years, anyway. Human nature won't change. There'll be other great national trials. But the free spirit of free men will always rise to defend its liberty. Never. This I feel sure of. Never will a tyrant gain the final victory. Never in this country will. Might make right for long. You. You carry our hope for the future, will you, my friend?

[The Lone Ranger]

Thank you. Goodbye, Mr. President.

[The President]

Goodbye, Envy. May God be with you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Quickly, Tondo got scout saddled. Ah. What did Great Vice Father tell you? There's work to be done. Where we go? West of Fort Kearney. Our first job is to find a ray of light. What that mean? The men are men who are fighting against the railroad, the enemy that strikes in the dark. And Toto, you remember the girl? I met her. I saw her face. Her name is Joan Barkley. She's Jim Barkley's sister. Jim Barkley? Him? You are friend One of the finest Texas Rangers who ever lived and died for justice. We can't fail Kimo Sabe. Are you ready? You ready? And we ride. Toto. The railroad must go through. Steady, big fella. Come on, Silver Cannon.

[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 moments.

[Bleacher Report Announcer]

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[Howie Mandel]

The Global Gaming League is presented by Atlas Earth, the fun cashback app. Hey, it's Howie Mandel and I am inviting you to witness history as me and my How We do it gaming team take on Gilly the King and wallow two six seven's million dollars gaming in an epic global gaming league video game showdown. Plus a halftime performance by multi platinum artist Travie McCoy. Watch all the action and see who wins and advances to the championship match right [e-mail] that's globalgamingleague.com in partnership with Level Up Expo.

[Bleacher Report Announcer]

The Bleacher Report app is your destination for sports right now. The NBA is heating up, March Madness is here and MLB is almost back. Every day there's a new headline, a new highlight, a new moment you've got to see for yourself. That's why I stay locked in with the Bleacher Report app. For me, it's about staying connected to my sports. I can follow the teams I care about, get real time scores, breaking news and highlights all in one place. Download the Bleacher Report app today so you never miss a moment.

[Joan Barclay]

It's.

[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. The Lone Rangers stopped at Fort Kearney and obtained a complete description of the lost surveying party. Then he and Tonto scouted the banks of the river for miles to the west. It had been a full month since Phil Bradley and his men had disappeared. And not even the keen eyes of the Indian could find any clue to what happened to them. But on the evening of their third day out of Kearney, the masked man and his companion made camp near the entrance of a wooded ravine. As Tanto was gathering firewood. He noticed a small pile of stones.

[The Lone Ranger]

Kimasabe, you look here. What is it, Tanto? There's a sign of campfire here. Yes, I see it. Not very recent. Do those stones mean anything? Not like that. Not to move one stone. So it's Indian sign for danger. Call for help. Do you think one of the surveyors could pile up those stones? Maybe so. He'll try to make danger sign, not get it right. I wonder what's at the end of this ravine. Plenty rough country to south. Let's go on. Kimasabe. This is the first lead we've had here, Silver. Here, Scout.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later, the Lone Ranger and Toddo were in the saddle once more. The moon was bright, but the trail was shadowed. The ravine grew wider, the walls higher, until suddenly the masked man and the Indian rolled out of the trees. The trail dropped steeply. Below them was a great valley, silvered by the moon.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ever seen this valley before, Tato? Long time ago. Tato, come here. You look on other side of valley there. Mountain start bad country. Plenty canyon place for outlaw to hide. That looks like a house on the other side of the valley. Ah, light and windy. We'll see who lives there. Come on, Silver, get him up. Scout. Ready? Easy, boy. Easy. Only two horses in the corral. That right? You have gun ready? May not like this place. It's certainly run down.

[Chris Walden]

What?

[The Lone Ranger]

Just don't be alarmed.

[Chris Walden]

A masked man and an engine.

[The Lone Ranger]

We aren't outlaws.

[Chris Walden]

What's the idea of the guns?

[The Lone Ranger]

We didn't know what kind of a reception you'd give us. Are you all alone here?

[Chris Walden]

Yeah, but I haven't got any money. You're just wasting your time.

[The Lone Ranger]

All we want is information.

[Chris Walden]

Information about what?

[The Lone Ranger]

The party of men come to the valley about a month ago.

[Chris Walden]

Not that I know. No, I haven't seen anybody for close on two months.

[The Lone Ranger]

They might have come through at night.

[Chris Walden]

Tonto, what you call the Injun?

[The Lone Ranger]

Toddo.

[Chris Walden]

What do you call that white horse out there?

[The Lone Ranger]

Him. Silver.

[Chris Walden]

Tonto and Silver. A masked man that don't talk like an outlaw. I know who you are, mister. You're the Lone Ranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right.

[Chris Walden]

Come on inside. My handle's Chris Walden. I'm sure glad to meet up with you. Now, sit down. Make yourself comfortable.

[The Lone Ranger]

We can't stay long. Those men we asked about are crooks. We believe they've either captured or killed a party of surveyors.

[Chris Walden]

So that's who they were.

[The Lone Ranger]

What's that?

[Chris Walden]

I know the gang you're talking about. And I wondered about those young fellows riding with them. They just didn't seem to belong.

[The Lone Ranger]

You said before that you hadn't.

[Chris Walden]

Well, that was before I found out who you were. When you're old and all by yourself, it's a heap safer to mind your own business and keep your mouth shut.

[The Lone Ranger]

You saw the gang then?

[Chris Walden]

Sure did. Just about a month ago. That wasn't the first time either. They'd been hiding out in the hills all winter.

[The Lone Ranger]

Can you tell us exactly where?

[Chris Walden]

Well, I've got an idea I could show you.

[The Lone Ranger]

We don't want to put you in any danger.

[Chris Walden]

Oh, they'll never see us. I'll lead you to their camp. Then you can go back to the fort and bring the soldiers.

[The Lone Ranger]

Can't you just tell us where it is, Maybe draw a map?

[Chris Walden]

Oh, no, no. There's too many signs you got to watch out for. And man alive, give me some credit. I've been trapping around here for 20 years. I ought to know how to keep undercover by now.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, we'll appreciate your help.

[Chris Walden]

Then it's settled. We'll start the first thing in the. Well. You finished with your grub?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. We're ready to go.

[Chris Walden]

Oh, you cleaned up the table, Tono. You didn't have to do that.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right. I've been watching you saddle your horse, Chris. Weren't there two horses in the corral last night?

[Chris Walden]

There sure was. The other one was a mustang I've been trying to break. He must have jumped the corral fence and headed for the hills last night.

[The Lone Ranger]

It doesn't seem to bother you.

[Chris Walden]

Good riddance. Let's go.

[The Lone Ranger]

How about it, Tado? You think you can follow the trail from here? Ground plenty soft. They're plenty signed.

[Chris Walden]

Yeah, but we can't follow this trail much longer. They'd be sure to see us.

[The Lone Ranger]

How much farther is the ambush, Chris? What's that trap you're leading us into? Steady, Silver.

[Chris Walden]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[The Lone Ranger]

We won't argue about it. Let's reach for the sky. You're covered. I get down from that horse, I'm a punnett. Time to do it. And you do what? Mask went say.

[Chris Walden]

Sure, but he must have gone plum loco. Here I am trying to help you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. There was only one thing you told us last night that was true.

[Chris Walden]

I swear.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're working for the gang, all right. Friend of yours came up here last night. Took your other horse to warn the gang and get the ambush ready for us. Your part was to lead us into it.

[Chris Walden]

I always heard you was a smart hombre. You got everything figured out, haven't you?

[The Lone Ranger]

From here, we should be able to find the camp without your help. Chris. Pin tied plenty tight.

[Chris Walden]

Now what are you going to do, just leave me here?

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll find a safer place away from the trail.

[Chris Walden]

There's no place safe for you. And if you want to live, you better hightail it out of here as fast as you can.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll keep you company until dark, and then we'll go on alone. Well, could you take care of him?

[The President]

No.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why not? He didn't show up. Duke. We waited until it started to get dark and we figured we'd better tell you. Maybe the masked man got wise. I knew you wouldn't fool the Lone Ranger with a trick like that. Rustle that grub and hold your tongue. Maybe something's happened to Chris. Don't you think we ought to ride down to the valley and find out? Yeah, as soon as we eat. Look, Joe, how long do you have to keep us tied to these trees? 3 or 4 hours. Can't you loosen the ropes a little? They're cutting into my wrists. Well, that's good if you don't shut up. A gag, every one of you. Yeah. What was that? Sounded like a bird. I know that's what it sounded like, but was it? You're awful nervous, Joe. Listen. That's somebody riding this way. Sure. Duke must have forgot something. It ain't Duke. They're coming down from the ridge. I see him. A white horse and a paint. A masked man. It's a lone Ranger. Not on your life. No. Get his gun tunneled.

[Joan Barclay]

My hand.

[The Lone Ranger]

You haven't been hurt.

[Chris Walden]

Nice man.

[The Lone Ranger]

The dark Duke and the rest of the boys just rode out of here. They must have heard that shot. They'll come back. You're free. Take the knife and cut the ropes on the others. I'll tie this crook up. Get it up. Where's the engine going? After your horses.

[Chris Walden]

Hey, Duke, come back.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's a lone range. That'll be enough of that. We'll never get out of here in time. Tail's narrow and I can hold the gang back for a while. There any extra guns around? In Duke's tent. Get them. Where are your saddles? Under that tart. Have them ready. Here comes. How with the horses now? I'll take care of the saddles.

[Chris Walden]

Get some guns, boys.

[The Lone Ranger]

Follow Tunnel's orders.

[Chris Walden]

Ready.

[The Lone Ranger]

One silver.

[Narrator]

Lone Ranger rode 100 yards down the trail and took cover beside a great boulder. Around the campfire, the surveying crew saddled Their horses in frantic haste and jammed their pockets full of cartridges. The sound of firing reached them at last.

[The Lone Ranger]

They were in the saddle up the top of ridge. Not going to leave the Lone Ranger behind, are we? No, him. Hold off, gang. We circle down mountain, hit trail below. Outlaws. Then we catch him between. Too far. You going to try and capture the whole gang? You're not trained. Oh, not with a Lone Ranger on our side.

[Chris Walden]

How about it, boys?

[The Lone Ranger]

Sure. Come on.

[Chris Walden]

I've been aching to get a shot at those tiles.

[The Lone Ranger]

They're not too many. Lead the way. Get on.

[Narrator]

For nearly 10 minutes the lone Ranger held off the gang. Single handed, they took cover. It was cover that offered no protection from the lower trail. When Tonto and the surveying crew reached there.

[The Lone Ranger]

Here they are, boys.

[Chris Walden]

Poke them out.

[Narrator]

The outlaws were trapped. There was no way to climb the sheer rock walls on either side of the trail. And the advantage of their numbers was canceled by their vulnerable position. But Duke urged them on.

[The Lone Ranger]

We can find our way out.

[Chris Walden]

Give it to them.

[Narrator]

Withering fire from two directions was more than men could face for long. One, two, three of the crooks were out of the fight. Each passing moment, conviction grew in the others. There was no hope, no possible way out. Then, in spite of de ple y coyotes.

[Chris Walden]

You can't give up.

[The Lone Ranger]

You can.

[Narrator]

One after another, they threw down their guns and shouted their surrender. The fight was over. Half an hour later, Duke, Chris, Joe and all the rest of the gang rode down the trail with their hands tied behind their backs. At the head of the column with the Lone Ranger, Tonto and Phil Bradley.

[The Lone Ranger]

Mister, I never thought I'd get out of that alive. How were you captured, Phil? That's what I can understand. Wasn't any sign of a struggle around your campfire? They got us too fast. There was no sign of any horses but your own. They came in a boat. A boat? A long boat. Just put in ashore and before we knew it was happening. They're taking us prisoner. And then we were loaded in the boat and they pulled it up the stream for about 10 miles. That's where their horses were waiting. We didn't find any boat. Somewhere in the river they sunk it. I see. Maybe you can tell me something. I'll try. Why did they do it? You heard me talking to Duke. Sure. You think somebody hired him to do the job. But why? I'm just a surveyor. Why would they want to kidnap me? You work for the railroad. From now on, every surveying crew is going to have as large a military escort as the army can manage. You mean to say every outlaw in the west is against the railroad? They're interested in money. The men who are fighting the road have plenty. You have a dangerous job ahead of you, Phil. Men like Duke won't stop at anything. I guess we were lucky to get out of it. A lie. You certainly were. Oh, if Wilson had gotten there before you. What was that? What was that name you said? Wilson. They were holding us at the camp until he showed up and had a talk with us. But Wilson. Are you talking about Henry Wilson? I never heard him mention a first name. It must be the same one. Phil, you and the boys can handle these prisoners, can't you? Oh, sure. Turn them over to the sheriff at North Platte. You're leaving us? We must. You've given me important information. We can't waste any time acting on it. You ready? Tado. We're heading for Omaha.

[Chris Walden]

Get him up.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get him up.

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[Narrator]

The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the lone ranger incorporated.

[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 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.

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