Tonto and the Sheriff’s Son | The Lone Ranger (02-25-52)

Summary

Podcast Summary:

Old Time Radio Westerns – “Tonto and the Sheriff’s Son” | The Lone Ranger (02-25-52)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: February 25, 1952
Podcast Release Date: September 23, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this digitally restored episode of The Lone Ranger, the drama follows the quest to clear Matt Lake, the sheriff’s son, of a years-old crime he didn’t commit. As the Lone Ranger and Tonto race against time to deliver a pardon exonerating Matt, they become entangled in the web of the town’s secrets, a new stagecoach robbery, and a desperate man determined to bury the truth. The episode is a classic Western tale of justice, redemption, and suspense, capturing the spirit of Golden Age radio adventure.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Matt Lake’s Pardon and Return

• Backstory: Matt Lake, wrongfully convicted of robbery, was recently paroled but is unaware of a deathbed confession that exonerates him.
• Urgency: The Lone Ranger is tasked by the governor to deliver Matt’s pardon and the confession that clears him.
  • “Me do it. Too bad Matt not know about pardon before him leave prison on parole.” – Tonto [06:12]
• They arrive in town just after Matt does, and Tonto is sent to deliver the documents to the sheriff.

2. Tension in Big Rock

• Family Reunion: Matt reunites with his father, Sheriff Lake, who expresses pride mixed with anxiety over Matt’s return.
  • “Even though you're my son, if you get into trouble, even a fistfight…I’d have to send you back to prison.” – Sheriff Lake [08:46]
• Community Change: Matt notices how the town and people have changed. He asks about Janie, his former sweetheart, learning her brother Perry’s gambling has left her struggling.

3. Stagecoach Robbery & New Dangers

• News erupts that the stage has been robbed by known criminals, Brownie Owens and Sky Menard.
• Sheriff Lake forms a posse to hunt the outlaws, leaving Matt to reconnect with Janie at the Goldenrod Café.

4. Confrontation at the Goldenrod Café

• Family Conflict: Perry West, Janie’s brother and secret conspirator, confronts Matt. Emotions erupt, almost leading to violence.
• Dramatic Rescue: Tonto shoots Perry’s gun out of his hand as Perry tries to draw on Matt, preventing bloodshed.
  • “This teller, Perry West?” – Tonto [14:05]
• Horton, the cafe owner, blames Matt for the commotion, threatening legal action:
  • “You've been in town less than two hours and you've started trouble already. I know the law. I know what trouble means to fellows like you.” – Mr. Horton [14:16]
• Perry accuses Matt of stealing his horse as Matt flees to avoid being sent back to prison.

5. Tonto & the Masked Man Seek Justice

• Tonto is run out of town by suspicious townsfolk but manages to rendezvous with the Lone Ranger.
• They decide to help track down Owens and Menard, aiming to resolve the stage robbery and Matt’s predicament together.

6. The Truth Comes Out

• Proof in Hand: The Lone Ranger intercepts the sheriff and Horton, convinces the sheriff of Matt’s innocence by handing over the confession and pardon.
  • “Why, it's a confession and a pardon.” – Sheriff Lake [20:39]
  • “Now that you've read the document, Sheriff, you understand why Tonto's business was private?” – Lone Ranger [21:39]
• Horton, previously hostile, is chagrined to have misjudged Matt and Tonto.

7. Showdown at the Outlaws’ Cabin

• Perry West, revealed as the man who framed Matt, meets with Owens and Menard to conspire further. They turn on Perry, and he is fatally shot.
  • “We framed him once. Maybe we could do it again.” – Perry West [26:01]
• Matt, having followed, is discovered by the outlaws, who plan to kill him too.
• The Lone Ranger, Tonto, the sheriff, and deputies arrive in time, subduing the criminals and saving Matt.
  • “You're covered, Brownie.” – The Masked Man (Lone Ranger) [27:36]
  • “With Tonto cuttin’ sign, we were able to follow them here.” – Sheriff Lake [27:49]

8. Resolution & Matt’s Exoneration

• Sheriff Lake reveals the privilege of Matt’s official pardon and the justice delivered.
  • “You're free. And if you ask me, the law owes you plenty, Matt…” – Sheriff Lake [28:38]
• Horton apologizes for his earlier treatment.
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto depart:
  • “Then you'll not need Tonto and me. Good luck to you, Matt. And adios.” – The Masked Man (Lone Ranger) [29:14]
• Matt inquires about the identity of the masked man, only to discover his mysterious benefactor's true nature.
  • “Where Matt, that mask man is a lone ra…” – Mr. Horton [29:30]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Redemption and Justice:
  • "You're free. And if you ask me, the law owes you plenty, Matt…” – Sheriff Lake [28:38]
• On the Lone Ranger’s Principles:
  • “Now that you've read the document, Sheriff, you understand why Tonto's business was private?” – Lone Ranger [21:39]
• Western Wit:
  • “Any man has a right to defend himself when a no good polecat like Perry west tries to draw on him.” – Sheriff Lake [21:18]
• Revealing Perry’s Role:
  • “This confession says he's the one who's in cahoots with Owens and Menard.…He's the man who helped those two rob the bank five years ago.” – Sheriff Lake [21:59]

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Timestamps of Important Segments

• [02:41] – Episode opening narration (hi-yo Silver intro)
• [05:09] – Matt’s backstory and the quest for his pardon
• [07:34-10:09] – Matt reunites with Sheriff Lake; learns about Janie and town changes
• [11:16-14:31] – Matt meets Janie; Perry’s confrontation & Tonto’s intervention
• [15:51] – Tonto driven out of town by the mob
• [18:04] – Tonto’s report to the Lone Ranger
• [20:33] – Sheriff Lake receives the confession and pardon
• [24:54] – Perry conspires with outlaws; Matt discovers the plot
• [27:36] – The Lone Ranger and law arrive for the final showdown
• [28:38] – Matt’s name cleared; epilogue and farewells

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Episode Tone and Atmosphere

The episode maintains the classic Western tone of high-stakes danger, moral clarity, and quick-witted dialogue. The characters’ voices—brave, terse, sometimes vulnerable—are brought to life with restored clarity, making the story immersive and the emotional stakes vivid. Redemption, justice, and the enduring mystery of the Lone Ranger pervade the atmosphere.

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For fans of Old Time Radio, this episode is a sterling example of Western radio's power to blend suspense, action, and heart—a gripping ride from start to finish.

Transcript

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[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines (Host)]

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.

[Narrator]

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

[Tonto]

It Sam.

[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tottle, 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 hoofbeats of the great Horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Tonto]

Come on, Silver. Let's go. Big fellow. Are you Silver?

[Matt Lake]

Hooray.

[Narrator]

Matt Lake, the son of the sheriff of Big Rock, was arrested as one of four men who had committed a robbery. Though innocent, he was convicted and sent to prison. It was five years later when the truth came out. A deathbed confession of one of the real criminals cleared Matt Lake of guilt. The Lone Ranger had been given a copy of that confession by his friend the Governor together with the Governor's pardon and had been asked to deliver them. Meantime, Matt Lake had left prison on parole. So the masked man and Toto hurried toward Big Rock. They drew rein on the crest of a tree covered hill near town.

[Tonto]

Why we stop here, Kiyosabi?

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

This is as far as I'm going. Toto.

[Matt Lake]

No.

[Tonto]

Do not give. You not deliver pardon confession to sheriff?

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

No. For this mass, the sheriff will ask a lot of questions. He doesn't know me. I think you better deliver these documents to the sheriff.

[Tonto]

Me do it. Too bad Matt not know about pardon before him leave prison on parole.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

Yes. If we'd reached the prison a day earlier, we could have given it to him. But we've traveled fast, Toto. Matt can't be far ahead of us.

[Tonto]

That's right.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

While you're in town, see what you can learn about the three criminals named in the confession. That was Barry West, Brownie Owens and Sky Menard.

[Tonto]

Owens Menard already wanted Balaaw, but feller named Perry west, him not known as crook.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

All the more reason why he's probably still living in Big Rock. He doesn't know that the confession named him as a man who helped frame Matt Lake into prison.

[Tonto]

Methinks Sheriff Lake be plenty glad to learn names of men who frame sons.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

Yes, you're right, Totto. Be sure to give the papers to the sheriff personally. Perry west will try to escape if he learns of the confession before the sheriff has a chance to arrest him.

[Mr. Horton]

Easy to go.

[Narrator]

Easy, fellow.

[Tonto]

Do not worry. Kimasabe need not give papers to anyone. But Sheriff.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

I'll meet you here at sundown.

[Tonto]

Adios.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

Adios.

[Tonto]

Get him up, Scout.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, Matt Lake had arrived in the town of Big Roc. He went directly to his father's office. Crossing the porch with long strides, he shouted as he rushed through the open door.

[Matt Lake]

Dad. Dad.

[Narrator]

At the sound of his son's voice, the sheriff turned quickly from his desk.

[Tonto]

Matt, my son. You're home.

[Matt Lake]

That's right, dad. Oh, gosh, it's great to see you, Matt.

[Tonto]

Let me look at you. Why, I didn't know the stage was in. Must be running ahead of schedule.

[Matt Lake]

As far as I know, it's right on time. Dad, I didn't wait for the stage.

[Tonto]

You traveled alone?

[Matt Lake]

Yeah. I figured I could get here a couple hours earlier that way.

[Tonto]

I got a letter a month ago saying you were to be paroled.

[Matt Lake]

The parole came through two weeks ago. I have my papers here.

[Tonto]

Yeah. You're pale, Matt. You've lost weight.

[Matt Lake]

Territorial prison is no health resort, Dan.

[Tonto]

It's not meant to be.

[Matt Lake]

Dad, I know it's been mighty tough for you having a son with a criminal record.

[Tonto]

I will not talk about it. Matt.

[Matt Lake]

I didn't commit that robbery. Somebody put enough of the stolen cash in my saddlebags to frame me.

[Tonto]

Matt, I did my best to prove that you'd been framed, but the evidence stood up in court.

[Matt Lake]

Yeah, I know. It convicted me.

[Tonto]

Well, now that you're free, Matt, there's only one thing you'll have to remember.

[Matt Lake]

What's that, Dan?

[Tonto]

You've been paroled to me. Even though you're my son, if you get into trouble, even a fistfight, I.

[Matt Lake]

Know it'll be a violation of my parole.

[Tonto]

Right. I'd have to send you back to prison.

[Matt Lake]

But don't worry, Dan. I'll stay in the clear. Yeah. Town looks different. Even the people have changed. I saw a lot of new faces on my way here.

[Tonto]

Big rocks growing. One of these days, it'll be an important place.

[Matt Lake]

Where's. Is Janie west still around?

[Tonto]

Yes. She hasn't married. Her dad died a couple of years ago.

[Matt Lake]

Oh, that's too bad. Who's running the ranch?

[Tonto]

The west place belongs to Henry first now.

[Matt Lake]

How come Janie sold out?

[Tonto]

Well, Janie didn't have much to say about it, son. Her dad left the place to Perry, Janie's older brother. Perry gambled the ranch away.

[Matt Lake]

He never was any good.

[Tonto]

I reckon Janie used most of the cash she inherited from her dad, pay a lot of Perry's debts.

[Matt Lake]

Where's she living, dad?

[Tonto]

In her room. And how.

[Matt Lake]

Gosh, I'd like to see her.

[Tonto]

Then you'd better go over to Goldenrod Cafe, huh? Janie's working there. She sings and waits on table.

[Matt Lake]

She what?

[Tonto]

That's right, son. Her job means the difference between eating and starving. Perry's not making enough to take care of.

[Matt Lake]

Of all the things I ever. If that's the stage, it's ahead of schedule.

[Tonto]

Loaded with trouble from the sound of things. Go, Go there. Go, Go there. Go. Go there. What's wrong, Hank?

[Mr. Horton]

Sheriff, the stage Was rocked.

[Tonto]

Get down from that driver's seat, Hank, and tell me what happened.

[Mr. Horton]

Two fellows stopped me about five miles outside of town. They stole cash and jewelry from the passengers and took everything else they could carry away.

[Tonto]

What did the critters look like?

[Mr. Horton]

Well, their faces were covered, Sheriff, but one of my passengers recognized them. Said they were Brownie Owens and Sky Menard.

[Tonto]

I'll talk to your passenger and get a description. Then we'll backtrack the stage and pick up the trail.

[Matt Lake]

Want my help, dad?

[Tonto]

No. I'll round up a posse to ride with me. Son, you. You might as well stay here and renew older queens.

[Matt Lake]

Well, if you're sure you'll not need me.

[Tonto]

Now, go on, Matt. Janie's about due to finished work at the Goldenrod. Come along, Hank. I want to question your passengers. We'll see how much was stolen. All right, Sheriff.

[Narrator]

Janie west was alone in the Goldenrod Cafe when Matt came through the batwing doors.

[Janie West]

Matt.

[Mr. Horton]

Matt Lake.

[Janie West]

I didn't know you were in town.

[Matt Lake]

I haven't been here long. How are you, Janie?

[Janie West]

Fine. Oh, it's so good to see you.

[Matt Lake]

Sit down, Janie.

[Janie West]

Let's talk. Oh, wait, Matt. Let me clear the tables. Mr. Horton doesn't like dirty dishes.

[Mr. Horton]

Pile.

[Matt Lake]

Oh, it's Horton around?

[Janie West]

He's in his office. Now, you sit right there. I'll be through in just a few minutes.

[Narrator]

Matt sat down to wait for Janey. A few minutes later, Tonto arrived in town and learned that the sheriff had left with a posse to search for stage robbers. While waiting for the lawman's return, the Indian made a number of inquiries about Brownie Owens and Sky Menard. People looked at the Indian with a curious expression, but gave no information. Finally, he entered the Goldenrod Cafe directly across the street from the sheriff's office where he had left Scout at the hitch rail. There were just two people in the cafe. A man and a woman who sat at a corner table. Toto didn't know that the man was Matt Lake. He hesitated to interrupt their conversation, so he stood beside the door. Janey and Matt weren't aware of his presence.

[Matt Lake]

Janie, I. I was afraid I'd never see you again when you didn't write, I.

[Janie West]

Well, I. I hated to write and tell you about losing the ranchman.

[Matt Lake]

Dad told me about it. What's your brother doing, Perry?

[Janie West]

Nothing. I've been so worried about him, Matt. I know he's headed for trouble and I've tried to tell him so. He gets very angry whenever I talk about it.

[Matt Lake]

Katie, who's that?

[Janie West]

Sounds like Perry. He must have come in the back way.

[Matt Lake]

Yeah. When I heard this polecat was back in town heading for the Goldenrod, I. He tried to see you. Come on, Janie. We're going home. Why shouldn't I see Janie? Ever since dad died, your father's been following me around with sermons about gambling. I put up with him, but I don't have to put up with his convict son. You stay away from Janie, Perry.

[Janie West]

You have no right to.

[Matt Lake]

Shut up. All right, tinhorn, I'm a convict. I'll see Janie until she tells me otherwise. I'm warning. Save your warnings. Janie's old enough to pick her friends.

[Janie West]

He's right, Perry.

[Matt Lake]

Siding against me, huh, Janie?

[Janie West]

Well, look out.

[Narrator]

Tottle, standing near the door, saw Perry west make a sudden grab at his holster. He could also see that Matt was unarmed. Before Perry could raise his gun, Tottle fired. The Indian's bullet struck Perry's gun and the shot brought Mr. Horton, the owner of the Goldenrod, running from his office. As the young gambler reached for a knife he carried in his belt, Matt's fist connected with Perry's chin. Perry staggered and fell to the floor.

[Mr. Horton]

What's going on here?

[Janie West]

Oh, Mr. Horton, who fired that shot?

[Matt Lake]

Well, I reckon the Indian fired to keep Perry from drawing Perry.

[Tonto]

This teller, Perry West?

[Matt Lake]

That's right, Injun. Oh, my job. Come on, on your feet.

[Mr. Horton]

So you knocked Perry down?

[Matt Lake]

Well, he had no call to draw on me.

[Mr. Horton]

I'm not armed. Armed or not, you've been in town less than two hours and you've started trouble already. I know the law. I know what trouble means to fellows like you. I'll see that you go back where you come from.

[Matt Lake]

Mr. Horton, you'd send me back to prison for what I just did?

[Janie West]

Yes, but Matt didn't start the fun.

[Matt Lake]

He's a troublemaker, and I'll file charges against him. I'll charge him with assault and battery.

[Mr. Horton]

I'll back you up, Perry.

[Matt Lake]

All right, Perry. Here's more assault to charge against me. Now I'm clearing out of this town for Keith.

[Janie West]

Matt, come back.

[Mr. Horton]

Top. Rough hat.

[Tonto]

You knocked it. Now, you hold my arm. You take that guy.

[Narrator]

While Perry west struggled to his feet, Tuttle wrestled with for the gun. Matt, outside, leaped to Perry's horse.

[Matt Lake]

Stop him. He's stealing my horse.

[Mr. Horton]

Harry stopped him but for this engine.

[Janie West]

You'd have shot him, Mr. Horton, if that Indian hadn't taken your gun.

[Mr. Horton]

Well, it's too late to do anything about Matt.

[Tonto]

He's gotten away. Here me give my gun.

[Narrator]

At that moment, a number of men who had heard the recent gunshot came through the front door to investigate.

[Mr. Horton]

We're our way down the street. What's going on? We heard a shot.

[Matt Lake]

What happened to you, Perry Matl knocked me down and stole my horse.

[Mr. Horton]

And this redskin took the my gun to help Matt escape. Who are you? Ranchkin.

[Tonto]

What are you doing in town? I mean look for sheriff.

[Matt Lake]

Looking for the sheriff. A likely story.

[Mr. Horton]

What's your business with a sheriff?

[Matt Lake]

Well, it.

[Tonto]

It private. He wait in town till him come back.

[Mr. Horton]

After what you did, this town's too small for you.

[Matt Lake]

We ought to ride him out of town in a rain.

[Mr. Horton]

No, no, no. I'm not doing anything like that. But we're making sure he clears out. Give me a hand, boys. Where's your horse?

[Tonto]

Injin on me leave horse at hitch rack in front of sheriff's office.

[Mr. Horton]

Take his gun, Luke.

[Matt Lake]

Right.

[Mr. Horton]

We'll go to the hitchway.

[Tonto]

Wait, wait. You go to sheriff's office and wait there for sheriff.

[Mr. Horton]

He not even turn him across the street.

[Tonto]

He want to see sheriff. Me want to see Matt.

[Mr. Horton]

We'll take care of Matt after you're out of town. Now move, Hinchin, or we'll drag you.

[Narrator]

With armed townsmen on both sides. Totto had no choice. He walked from the cafe to the hitch rail. There he was ordered to mount Horton. Took the cartridges from Toto's gun and.

[Mr. Horton]

Said, put these cartridges into your pocket engine.

[Matt Lake]

Right.

[Mr. Horton]

Here's your gun. Hold straight and don't reload till you're out of time. Start right. Ninja get out of town and stay out. Ninja better not try to come back. You shabby.

[Tonto]

Me savvy. Get him up.

[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]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. Tahoe rode hard to the place where he was to meet his mask friend. He dismounted and quickly explained what had happened in town.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

Then you didn't deliver the confession and Matt's pardon to the sheriff?

[Tonto]

No. Me not see Sheriff.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

Did you tell Matt about the pardon?

[Tonto]

There no chance to tell Matt. Caller named Perry west in cafe. Me not want to let him know about pardon confession.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

Then Matt ran away because he was afraid of being sent back to prisoner. At least we know where Perry west is to be found.

[Tonto]

Him live in town. What we do now, Kimasabe?

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

I'll have to give the documents to the sheriff.

[Tonto]

A sheriff out with posse. Him look For Brownie Owen and Sky Menard. Drivers say them hold up stage.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

Well, that changes our plans, Tono.

[Matt Lake]

Easy.

[Tonto]

Said it again. Easy Scout. Easy, fella.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

We'll circle town to reach the stage trail.

[Tonto]

We go after Brownie Owen, Sky Menard.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

Yes. When they're captured, we'll return to town for Perry West.

[Narrator]

Sheriff Blake and the men with him had found the tracks of the two outlaws. Easy to follow at first, but when they reached rocky, hard packed ground, the trail disappeared. The posse scattered to spread out the search. The sheriff was still looking for tracks when he was joined by Horton, the owner of the Goldenrod Cafe. After telling the lawman what had happened in town, Horton demanded that the sheriff go after Matt.

[Mr. Horton]

We tried to find him, but he was smart enough to cover his tracks. Matt violated his parole, Sheriff. It's your duty to send him back to prison.

[Tonto]

Now hold on, Horton. Matt wasn't even armed.

[Mr. Horton]

He didn't need a gun with an armed redskin siding with him. We ran the engine out of town.

[Tonto]

But Matt's a convict.

[Mr. Horton]

What's more, he stole Perry's horse to make his getaway.

[Tonto]

Norton, if I have to go after Matt, I'll have to give up the search for the crooks who held up the stage. Some ass man didn't say that. Injured.

[Mr. Horton]

He's the one who sided with Matt in the fight at my place. His bullets smashed Perry's gun.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

Jeff, I'd hate to smash your gun. Don't touch it.

[Tonto]

All right, mister, you have us covered.

[Mr. Horton]

I knew that redskin was a troublemaker, but I didn't know he had outlaw pals.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

Otto and I are not outlaws. The fact is, Sheriff, we're also looking for Owens and Menard.

[Tonto]

Why do you want them?

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

They wanted for the robbery. Your son paid for.

[Tonto]

What?

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

These two documents are for you. Please read them, Sheriff.

[Tonto]

Why, it's a confession and a pardon.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

A deathbed confession signed by Duke Macon, one of four men who took part in the bank robbery five years ago.

[Tonto]

Duke Macon names Owens and Menard.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

He also names a fourth man who tipped off Owens and Menard and planted the evidence that convicted him.

[Tonto]

Matt. You're right, mister. The critter lives in Big Rock. This proves Matt's innocence.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

It shows it's a full pardon, Sheriff. Now, do I have to insist that we came here as friends of the law?

[Tonto]

I'm convinced, Mr. Holt. Are your guns.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

Thanks, Sheriff.

[Mr. Horton]

Isn't Matt's free? He. He's not on parole.

[Tonto]

Yeah, Horton. And you wanted me to send him back to prison.

[Mr. Horton]

Well, I. I thought He.

[Tonto]

Any man has a right to defend himself when a no good polecat like Perry west tries to draw on him. Perry wouldn't have had the nerve to go for a gun if Matt had been healed.

[Mr. Horton]

But I thought Matt in this engine. You thought?

[Tonto]

Did you think far enough to ask the Indian why he was looking for me? No, but that do no good. He give papers only to Sheriff.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

Now that you've read the document, Sheriff, you understand why Donald's business was private?

[Tonto]

Yeah. Now I understand.

[Mr. Horton]

Maybe I was too hasty. I'm sorry.

[Tonto]

You should be sorry. Now, unless you want to help us trail the stage robbers clear out of here. Soon as I get those two crooks, I'm going back to town and get Perry West.

[Mr. Horton]

Perry West?

[Tonto]

That's right. What for? This confession says he's the one who's in cahoots with Owens and Menard. What? He's the man who helped those two rob the bank five years ago.

[Mr. Horton]

That's news I never suspected.

[Tonto]

Neither does anyone else in town yet. Are you going back to Big Rock?

[Mr. Horton]

Oh, sure. I'll stay with you, Sheriff.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

And Sheriff, you may count on Totto and me.

[Tonto]

Thanks, mister. I can use help. The tracks of those two crooks have disappeared here. Tracks? Here, you see? Place where horseshoe makes scratch and rock. Where?

[Matt Lake]

Oh.

[Tonto]

Oh, you're right. Crooks go that way. Doggone Tonto. With you to cut sign, we'll catch those crooks in no time. Steady, boy. Lead the way. We'll follow you. Come scout. Come on.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, Perry west had rented a horse at the livery stable and ridden out of town.

[Tonto]

Yeah.

[Matt Lake]

Come on.

[Narrator]

You've been surprised and glad to learn that Brownie and Sky were in the vicinity. He rode to join them. Unlike the lawmen who were making slow progress following the obscure trail, Perry knew just where to go. He traveled steadily north through most of the afternoon. He didn't suspect that Matt was traveling the same route. Matt rode slowly. His heart was filled with bitterness. The incident in the cafe meant that he must remain a fugitive or return to prison. He was far north of town, riding through the arrowhead hills. There were trees and brushwood on both sides of the trail. Presently, through the trees, he saw a cabin and drew rein quickly to avoid being seen by anyone who might be in the cabin. Matt dismounted and led his horse off the trail and into the brushwood. He planned to go wide around the building, but suddenly he halted and tensed.

[Tonto]

Hoo.

[Mr. Horton]

Hoo.

[Narrator]

He heard the hoof beats of another horse coming over the trail he had just covered. From where he stood, Matt could watch the trail without being seen. Then he saw Perry West.

[Matt Lake]

I wonder if he's been following me.

[Narrator]

Perry passed the hiding place and Matt breathed a sigh of relief. He moved to keep an eye on Janey's brother and was surprised to see him draw rein at the cabin. Curious, Matt decided to investigate. Harry knocked on the door of the cabin.

[Matt Lake]

Hello, Brownie.

[Tonto]

What do you want?

[Matt Lake]

Don't you remember me? I'm Perry West.

[Tonto]

Oh, you're the kid who worked with us on the bank job at Big Rock.

[Matt Lake]

Who is it, Ronnie?

[Tonto]

Perry West. Sky. Come on in, Perry.

[Matt Lake]

Hello, Sky. What are you doing here? I want to talk to you two.

[Tonto]

How'd you know where to find us?

[Matt Lake]

I came here twice when we were planning the robbery five years ago. Told me then you used it as a hideout. When I heard that you'd robbed the stage, I figured you'd head for this place.

[Tonto]

You didn't follow our tracks?

[Matt Lake]

I didn't even look for tracks. You know you were recognized when you robbed the stage.

[Tonto]

We were.

[Matt Lake]

Sheriff and a posse are looking for you.

[Tonto]

We were careful to hide our tracks. Yeah, that hold up was a waste of time. All we got out of it was some jewelry and petty cash.

[Matt Lake]

Too bad.

[Tonto]

You know where we could make a cleanup? As big as the bank robbery you pulled five years ago?

[Matt Lake]

No. I thought maybe that was why you came here. I came here because Matt Lake just got back to Big Rock today. He's out in parole.

[Tonto]

Mad Lake?

[Matt Lake]

He's the one I framed for the bank robbery. His father's a sheriff in Big Rock.

[Tonto]

Oh, now I remember him. What about him?

[Matt Lake]

We framed him once. Maybe we could do it again.

[Tonto]

How much cash is in it for sky and me?

[Matt Lake]

I don't know. I don't know what kind of a robbery you could pull. But there must be some way to get rid of him. What are you worried about, Perry? Well, he's hanging around my sister. I've had enough trouble with the sheriff without having his son to worry about. I want him out of the way.

[Tonto]

Then you get him out of the way. You'll help me?

[Matt Lake]

I'll tell the law what happened. I'll say you made me frame him.

[Tonto]

Ah, devil cross, huh? So you turn squealer.

[Matt Lake]

No, no, I didn't mean that.

[Janie West]

What?

[Matt Lake]

You got in the way, Brownie. Think we trust you'd leave here alive? You can trust me. I've kept quiet all this time.

[Tonto]

Crack him on the head with your gun barrel, Sky. Right.

[Matt Lake]

Don't. Don't come near me.

[Tonto]

Stay back.

[Matt Lake]

God Brownie's going for his gun.

[Tonto]

There, you got him. Someone may have heard that shot. We better clear out of here.

[Matt Lake]

Hey, watch the gunplay, wouldn't it, Perry?

[Tonto]

Free stranger your covers. I'll close the door, Brownie. Why, you.

[Matt Lake]

You shot Perry.

[Tonto]

That's right. Was he a friend of yours? Oh, but who are you?

[Matt Lake]

What do you care who I am, Mike? He. You. Your Brownie Owens.

[Tonto]

How do you know?

[Matt Lake]

I saw pictures of you in the warden's office while I was in prison.

[Tonto]

So you're a convict. Well, maybe I can use you.

[Matt Lake]

Not so fast, Brownie. I've seen this gent before.

[Tonto]

Yeah? Who is he?

[Matt Lake]

His dad's a sheriff in Big Rock.

[Tonto]

But he said he'd been in prison.

[Matt Lake]

That's right. He's Matt Lake.

[Tonto]

Matt? Which side of the law are you on, Matt?

[Matt Lake]

I'm not on your side of it, Brownie.

[Tonto]

I'm giving you a chance to throw in with sky and me.

[Matt Lake]

No, thanks.

[Tonto]

That case, Matt, we'll have to shoot you.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

You're covered, Brownie.

[Tonto]

Brownie, the window mask, man.

[Matt Lake]

Drop your guns. The sheriff and deputies were trapped.

[Tonto]

Drop your guns, Brownie.

[Matt Lake]

We're outnumbered.

[Tonto]

Oh, you're fighting those odds. You drop gun. That better, dad?

[Matt Lake]

How'd you find me?

[Tonto]

We were trailing these crooks, son. With Tonto Cut and Sign, we were able to follow them here. We were sneaking up on the place when we heard the gun blow.

[Mr. Horton]

Bash, we ain't got the drop on him. At the window while the rest of us rushed the door.

[Matt Lake]

Got here just in time.

[Tonto]

And looks like we got here too late for Perry. Who shot him?

[Matt Lake]

Brownie admitted to me that he shot Perry. But I don't know what Perry was doing here.

[Tonto]

I reckon I can figure out why he was here. Perry's known these crooks for five years. He worked with them to frame you on that bank robbery, son.

[Matt Lake]

What?

[Tonto]

How'd you know that, sheriff? Your pal, Duke Macon confessed to the robbery before he died. He named you two as well as Perry. So the devil Crosses squealed. I'm glad he's dead.

[Matt Lake]

Dead? If these two crooks committed the bank robbery and Perry helped, then I.

[Tonto]

You're in the clear, son. The masked man brought your pardon from the governor.

[Matt Lake]

Oh, golly. Damn it. That means the law doesn't have a thing on me.

[Tonto]

You're free. And if you ask me, the law owes you plenty, Mattie, I know that.

[Mr. Horton]

When the folks in Big Rock hear the truth, they'll break their necks trying to make up for the time you spend in prison.

[Matt Lake]

Gosh Mr. Horton.

[Mr. Horton]

Well, corner. I'm sorry for the way I act at the cafe.

[Matt Lake]

Oh, forget it. Wait till I tell Janie. I get poor Janie. Dad will let to tell her about Perry?

[Tonto]

Yeah, she'll feel badly, Matt, but I don't think she'll be surprised. She knew Perry was heading for trouble.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

Sheriff, you'll have help taking your prisoners back to Big Rock.

[Tonto]

That's right, mister. My deputies and Horton and Matt will help me?

[Mr. Horton]

You bet.

[The Masked Man (Lone Ranger)]

Then you'll not need Totto and me. Good luck to you, Matt. And adios.

[Tonto]

Thanks, mister.

[Matt Lake]

Adios. Dad, who is that masked man?

[Tonto]

He's a friend of yours, Matt.

[Matt Lake]

I know the engine. He's the one who sided with me in the fight at the cafe. But that mask man.

[Mr. Horton]

Where Matt, that mask man is a lone ra.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Striker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer.

[Andrew Rines (Host)]

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 and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.