Torrero and Tarantula | The Lone Ranger (09-07-42)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns – "Torrero and Tarantula | The Lone Ranger" (09-07-42)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: May 25, 2026
Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns

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Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners to the lawless frontier of Border City, straddling the Rio Grande. The Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto, become entangled in a dangerous web of intrigue spun by the notorious Tarantula Gang. With murder, deceit, and a bullfight as backdrop, the masked hero must uncover the truth behind a string of killings marked by a sinister calling card—the tarantula-handled knife and the ace of spades. With the fate of Dan Martin’s son and the whole region at stake, the Lone Ranger rides to confront evil on both sides of the border.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Highlights

The Setting: Border City’s Treacherous Duality (03:39)

• Border City is described as a lively yet perilous place, blending cultures and danger, with music and dancing from the legendary Lolita setting the scene.

The Tarantula Gang’s Deadly Signature (04:09–06:47)

• Lolita is summoned by Buzz Hanford (alias Baldy), who questions her about Tex and signals the undercurrent of fear running through the town after several deaths.
• A sinister pattern emerges: victims found with knives emblazoned with a tarantula—"There's been three men die here. Each of them in the same situation." – Buzz Hanford (04:34)
• The Lone Ranger’s Arrival: He's marked as an outsider, both feared and needed. He draws a tarantula in the bar's puddle, triggering Lolita’s alarm.
• Lolita, under duress but wanting justice, directs the Lone Ranger to Dan Martin, the former sheriff, who holds crucial information about the gang (05:49).

Murder in the Night: Dan Martin’s Fate (06:17–08:31)

• The Lone Ranger discovers Dan Martin murdered. The killer's method aligns with the gang's calling card—tarantula knives and the ace of spades.
• Confusion erupts as Lolita and townsfolk rush in:
  • "Paul D. Is it certain that Dan Martin is dead?" – Lolita (07:57)
• Evidence is quickly pieced together: the broken knife, a bullet, the missing tarantula mark, and the ambiguous presence of other people in the room.

The Lone Ranger’s Investigation and Interrogation (10:38–13:47)

• After subduing Buzz Hanford and taking him to a safe spot, the Lone Ranger interrogates him about the murders and the gang.
  • "Buzz, you know why I brought you here. Talk." – The Lone Ranger (10:51)
• Buzz reluctantly reveals that Dan Martin’s son, now known as Don Ricardo ("the Torrero"), may be involved and is in grave danger. Dan Martin had begun a letter for his son, interrupted by his own murder.

Don Ricardo: Bullfighter and Pawn (17:17–19:16)

• In Mexico, Don Ricardo (Dan Martin’s son, now a famous matador) is blackmailed by the Tarantula Gang, who threaten his father to coerce him into helping rob the governor.
  • "If you don't, we kill your old man. Remember, we got plenty of members of our gang in Texas." – Scanlan (17:48)
• Lolita arrives, bringing hope and signaling the possible unraveling of the gang’s plot.

The Plot to Kill Ricardo During the Bullfight (19:17–23:39)

• Lolita uncovers the gang’s plan to murder Ricardo during a bullfight, as they bet against his survival. Poisoning attempts are thwarted by Lolita, who selflessly tests Ricardo’s water and falls ill—but survives.
  • "Lolita… drank all of it. Ricardo, he… he will be all right." – Lolita (21:08)
• The tension climaxes in the bullring, where the gang, disguised and armed with a unique weapon (a crossbow that fires tarantula knives), prepares to strike as Ricardo prepares to confess before the governor.

The Masked Man’s Heroic Intervention (23:44–25:12)

• As Scanlan and Red prepare to assassinate Ricardo, the Lone Ranger bursts into the arena atop Silver, wielding his signature lasso:
  • "The masked man rode up, dismounted… Dropped over Red and Scanlan. The rope jerked tight." (24:35)
• The crowd is stunned as the Lone Ranger exposes the murderers and their novel weapon, saving Ricardo and ending the gang’s reign of terror.
  • "They shot those knives from it. That’s how they could kill with a knife at a great distance." – The Lone Ranger (24:56)
• Ricardo’s innocence and bravery are confirmed; he will now confess all, free from blackmail.

The Aftermath and Farewell (25:12–25:31)

• The Lone Ranger ensures Lolita’s recovery and prepares to leave with Tonto, determined to pursue justice further north.
  • "You come, brave girl. Lolita may meet again. You ready, Kiwisabi? All right. Hello," – The Lone Ranger (25:31)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Tarantula Gang:

  • "Dan is the fourth to die inside of a week. Dan knew a lot about the gang. He was waiting to tell you what he knew." – Buzz Hanford (11:17)

• Lolita’s Courage:

  • "I tasted it first. I wanted him not to drink it. I drank all of it. Ricardo, he… he will be all right." – Lolita (21:08)

• The Lone Ranger’s Dramatic Entrance:

  • "From the gate came a clatter of hoops, a flash of white, a ringing cry. The Lone Ranger face mask, lariat swinging over his head, raced toward the seat." (24:23)

• The Crossbow’s Revelation:

  • "They shot those knives from it. That’s how they could kill with a knife at a great distance." – The Lone Ranger (24:56)

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Important Segments and Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Highlights | |-----------|---------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:54 | Series introduction, iconic "Hi-yo Silver" | The classic opening immerses listeners in the legendary story | | 03:39 | Introduction of Border City | Establishes setting, key characters (Lolita, Buzz Hanford), gang threat | | 05:39 | Lone Ranger & Lolita’s bar conversation | Key info: Tarantula symbol reveals the threat is near | | 06:17 | Lone Ranger sent to Dan Martin’s room | Discovery of murder, heated confrontation, mystery deepens | | 10:38 | Lone Ranger interrogates Buzz Hanford | Exposes motivations, method, Tarantula Gang’s network | | 13:47 | Don Ricardo’s identity revealed | Ties together personal stakes and gang’s reach | | 17:17 | Tarantula Gang’s coercion of Ricardo | Ricardo caught in their plot, emotional pressure | | 21:08 | Lolita's sacrifice | Thwarting poisoning attempt, major turning point | | 23:44 | Bullfight climax | Lone Ranger heroically foils the assassination, exposes the gang | | 24:56 | The crossbow’s secret unveiled | Unique, deadly weapon explained to all | | 25:31 | Lone Ranger’s farewell | Brief, stoic goodbye, hinting at more adventures |

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Tone and Style

• The episode is marked by suspense and intrigue, with dramatic flourishes typical of vintage radio Westerns.
• Lolita brings emotional weight and courage, while the Lone Ranger remains resolute and methodical.
• Dialogue is brisk, loaded with 1940s-style bravado and nobility.

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Summary

“Torrero and Tarantula” is a classic Lone Ranger tale featuring all the hallmarks of the genre: mysterious murders, a hero on the trail of justice, a nefarious gang, and noble sacrifices. The episode stands out for its inventive villainy—a crossbow firing tarantula-handled knives—and its vibrant Mexican setting. Loyal allies like Lolita and Tonto provide aid, while action sequences—especially the climax in the bullring—exemplify why the Lone Ranger remains an icon of radio drama.

For fans of old-time adventure with moral clarity, perilous action, and rich atmosphere, this restored episode delivers an engaging slice of the golden age of radio Westerns.

Transcript

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[The 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. 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]

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

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

Save on family essentials at Safeway and Albertsons. This week at Safeway and Albertsons enjoy eight piece double breaded famous chicken fried or baked dark meat featuring four legs and four thighs for just $5.99 each. Member price available in the deli and sweet red cherries are $2.97 per pound limit 6 pounds. Member price with digital coupon plus 24 ounces. Selected varieties of fresh cut fruit bowls are $5 each. Visit safeway or albertsons.com for more deals and ways.

[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. There's trouble at Porter City,

[Narrator]

Border city, located a few miles from the Rio Grande, was a rendezvous for men from two nations. The cafe was gay each night with music and dancing and the singing of Lolita.

[Lolita]

Hello, Juan. Hello, Pedro. Come dance with me, Lolita. Oh, no, no, not now. Bye bye. Come and dance with you.

[Narrator]

Hey, Lolita, ain't you turn to say hello to me?

[Lolita]

Bye bye, Jim.

[Narrator]

I come, Lolita. The toast of Texas Jack's Cafe threaded her way among the tables until she reached the end of the bar. The voice fell almost to a whisper.

[Lolita]

You sent for me, B?

[Buzz Hanford]

Yeah, I signaled for you to get over here. Did Tex speak to you about anything in particular tonight?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Lolita]

He say he does not like the way certain things are going.

[Buzz Hanford]

He didn't say what things he meant, did he?

[Lolita]

He did not need to say. I knew what he meant. Boldy.

[Buzz Hanford]

I'll get it. Brush it to the floor and stomp on it.

[Lolita]

Oh, every time I see a spider of any sort.

[Buzz Hanford]

That one was just an ornery spider. It wasn't no tarantula. As I was saying, there's been three men die here. Each of them in the same situation.

[Lolita]

I know about that situation, Baldy. It is not to tell me about that. You sent for me?

[Buzz Hanford]

No, you're right. There's a man here. He's that tall gent standing at the other end of the bar drinking water. You go there and talk to him. I reckon maybe he'll give you a sign of some sort.

[Lolita]

Yes. Yes, I will go to him.

[Buzz Hanford]

What's the matter, baldy? Don't you like spiders?

[Lolita]

You sure stand on that, senor. My name is Lolita.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, good evening, Lolita.

[Lolita]

You look as if you had traveled far and fast without much sleep.

[The Lone Ranger]

Perhaps I have. The last time I slept was two days ago in the padre's mission.

[Lolita]

The padre? North of here?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Today's ride.

[Lolita]

What are you doing? You make marks in the wet place on the bar.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, now, from here we draw four crooked legs and four crooked legs from the other side of the body.

[Lolita]

Tarantula.

[The Lone Ranger]

Have you seen a picture like this?

[Lolita]

Senor, Senor, it is not safe to speak. There may be a dozen of the gang in this room.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I know.

[Lolita]

The good padre sent you here.

[The Lone Ranger]

Where can I learn more about tarantulas?

[Lolita]

Upstairs in the room in the back. A man is there awaiting you. It is he who was once sheriff. Dan Martin.

[The Lone Ranger]

Dan Martin? Has he returned to border city?

[Lolita]

Yes, in the hope of killing spiders. Tarantulas. Oh, Migo, I am so glad you come. Dan Martin has waited for days on end he dared not leave his room for fear he would be murdered before he could tell the one man he could trust about tarantulas. You wear Monet.

[The Lone Ranger]

I came this gaze. Lolita. I'll go upstairs. Martin. Dan martin, I want to speak to you. Dan. Dead. So they got your den. Well, they'll pay for it. They'll pay and.

[Buzz Hanford]

Oh, my hand.

[The Lone Ranger]

I want you.

[Buzz Hanford]

No, no, let me go. Let go of me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't try to knife a man in the back when he's looking into a mirror.

[Buzz Hanford]

Wait, let me talk.

[The Lone Ranger]

You talk outside first. I'll lock the door. Now, this way.

[Buzz Hanford]

No, no.

[The Lone Ranger]

Right out this window. Hello. I'm dropping something for you. Hang on to it. No, no, please don't.

[Buzz Hanford]

Put me down. Put me down.

[The Lone Ranger]

Here he comes. I'll be.

[Narrator]

Come on, open that door.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hey. All right.

[Lolita]

Now wait.

[Buzz Hanford]

We'll smash the door.

[Lolita]

Now wait up.

[The Lone Ranger]

A second man.

[Lolita]

All together. We'll smash her.

[Buzz Hanford]

What was that shooting? Look. And Martin's dead.

[Lolita]

Oh, no, no, no. It cannot be.

[Buzz Hanford]

Oh, the killer must have got out that window. Come on, after him.

[Lolita]

Come on now.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hurry.

[Buzz Hanford]

Go.

[The Lone Ranger]

That white horse. We got to get that killer.

[Buzz Hanford]

Hold on, Lydia.

[Lolita]

Oh, Bonnie, it cannot be.

[Buzz Hanford]

Take it easy. I want to speak to you. Who was that man you was talking to?

[Lolita]

He said he came from the padre. He identified himself. There could be no mistake. I told him Dan Martin was here.

[Buzz Hanford]

Well, looks like you told the wrong man.

[Lolita]

Paul D. Is it certain that Dan Martin is dead?

[Buzz Hanford]

I guess there's no doubt about that.

[Lolita]

Well, take a look. Make sure. Baldy. Make sure he is really beyond all health.

[Buzz Hanford]

He is. Here's a knife that did it. Right here on the floor.

[Lolita]

It has been broken. A bullet.

[Buzz Hanford]

That accounts for the shot. I reckon that umbrel. No, dratted. That don't make sense. Why would he take a shot at the knife after he used it? I thought maybe he wanted to shoot away the tarantula picture on the handle. But he needn't have tried shooting it away. All he ever had to do was take the knife along with him.

[Lolita]

Baldi. There was someone else in the room. I am sure of it.

[Buzz Hanford]

How do you know, Lolita?

[Lolita]

Because, Baldy, I am sure I heard someone cry out as we stood outside the door. You remember?

[Buzz Hanford]

I couldn't hear much of anything above the noise everyone was making.

[Lolita]

I'm sure I did. And then when we saw the white horse, did it not look as if there were two men riding it?

[Buzz Hanford]

Maybe so, but being dark, I couldn't tell.

[Lolita]

Baldy that tall man did call his horse Silver. I am sure there was someone else here.

[The Lone Ranger]

Wait.

[Buzz Hanford]

I hear someone coming upstairs.

[Lolita]

Yes. He walks like Texas Jack.

[Buzz Hanford]

That's who it is.

[The Lone Ranger]

They tell me Dan Martin got it. That's right, boss. Poor Dan.

[Buzz Hanford]

Too bad.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who did it?

[Lolita]

We do not know Texas Jack, but it was not the one who came

[The Lone Ranger]

from the padre knife. Huh? Let me see that knife.

[Buzz Hanford]

Here it is, boss. Just like the others. It's got a picture of a tarantula on the handle.

[The Lone Ranger]

What happened to this blade?

[Buzz Hanford]

A bullet hit it.

[Lolita]

A bullet? Fired by the Lone Ranger.

[Buzz Hanford]

He got out through that window, boss, and took someone with him. I figure he made off with a critter that got poor Dan Martin.

[The Lone Ranger]

Only it's getting worse all the time. This here tarantula gang is out for big money, and it's working on both sides of the border.

[Buzz Hanford]

Well, now the Lone Ranger's on hand, boss. I figure he'll find some way to get information out of that coyote captured by Juniper. He can't smash the tarantulas and nobody can.

[The Lone Ranger]

You talk to him. Marlo. Leader?

[Lolita]

Yes, Texas Jack.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, I know he don't care about money, but I'd be willing to spend any amount to do what he wants done. If he can smash this gang, you get the chance, you tell him so.

[Lolita]

But money to him.

[The Lone Ranger]

I know. I know he don't care about it, but there's a lot of people that could be helped by money. Maybe he'd let me help people like that as a. Well, as sort of a reward to him, boss.

[Buzz Hanford]

Well, I don't savvy why you're so anxious to see the gang busted up.

[The Lone Ranger]

Main reason is they aren't busted. I will be. Look at this. It's the ace of spades with a picture of a tarantula drawn on it with my name. That's a warning. And I know what it means.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger having taken the knife killer to a small camp in the woods, dropped him to the ground and then dismounted.

[The Lone Ranger]

I wouldn't follow this this far, Tyler. That right? No one know we here.

[Buzz Hanford]

Now, listen here.

[The Lone Ranger]

What's your name?

[Buzz Hanford]

They call me Buzz Hanford.

[The Lone Ranger]

Bard Hanford. You know why I brought you here. Talk. I will.

[Buzz Hanford]

I'll be glad to talk. Let me show you what I found in Dan's room. I know who you are. I knew. Knew it as soon as you shot the knife out of my hand. No one else would shoot that way.

[The Lone Ranger]

What did you find in Dan's room?

[Buzz Hanford]

This playing card. Case of spades. Maybe it's too dark. But I'll tell you what's on it. There's a picture of a spider. A tarantula. That means that Dan was marked for killing by that gang.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tell me about the gang.

[Buzz Hanford]

Well, I can't tell much except that it's mighty strong and Dan is the fourth to die inside of a week. Dan knew a lot about the gang. He was waiting to tell you what he knew. But you won't believe what I say.

[The Lone Ranger]

Go on.

[Buzz Hanford]

The knife, the one I had, was still in Dan when I went to his room. Heard you coming, I took the knife and hid. I know I'd be suspicion of the murder if I was found with Dan. You rapped on the door and then you came into the room.

[The Lone Ranger]

Where were you when I rapped?

[Buzz Hanford]

As soon as I heard you coming up the hall, I got back at the curtain near the bed.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why didn't you answer the door and tell the truth of the situation?

[Buzz Hanford]

I didn't know who was coming. I thought it might be the killer coming back again to make sure it was work or to get his knife.

[The Lone Ranger]

Are you going to kill me?

[Buzz Hanford]

Oh, what's the use of my talking? The truth don't sound straight. You'd never believe me if I said I wasn't going to kill you.

[The Lone Ranger]

What were you going to do?

[Buzz Hanford]

Point the knife against your back? Make you walk out of the room, then lock the door and go out the window the way I got in? I climb up the tree outside the window.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, for the time being, I'll accept your story.

[Buzz Hanford]

You will? And listen. Dan wanted to speak to you. He was hoping he'd be spared long enough. But he knew he was a mock man. He wanted to tell you about the gang.

[The Lone Ranger]

Do you know who was behind that gang?

[Buzz Hanford]

I think he did. He knew one of the members.

[The Lone Ranger]

You?

[Buzz Hanford]

Yes. But you think I'm sending you on a wild goose chase. It sounds too doggone far fetched.

[The Lone Ranger]

Name him.

[Buzz Hanford]

Listen, have you ever heard of Don Ricardo of the torero south of the border?

[The Lone Ranger]

The torero?

[Buzz Hanford]

Yes. He's made a name for himself in bullfights down south. He's a matador, and a good one.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I've heard of him, but he hasn't been in it long.

[Buzz Hanford]

No, he only got to be a matador a few weeks ago.

[The Lone Ranger]

Is he a member of this gang? He is. I've heard that he's an American. He's supposed to be from Texas.

[Narrator]

Him plenty big man. Mexico.

[The Lone Ranger]

Where can I find him? You know that.

[Buzz Hanford]

I'll tell you on One condition.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, where is he? Will go to him. Yes, of course.

[Buzz Hanford]

Wait. I said go to him, not after him. You savvy what I mean? I mean, I think he needs ye. I don't know why, but I think he does. Now, look at this paper. Can you read it? Is there moonlight enough?

[The Lone Ranger]

Just tell me what it says. Seems to be part of a letter.

[Buzz Hanford]

It's the start of a letter. It was being written by Dan Martin when he was knifed in the back. He says, dear son Dick, I'm hoping to send the Lone Ranger. That's all it says. Here's the envelope he had ready for it. Ricardo. Don Ricardo is Dan Martin's boy. I see. Here, take this envelope. Dick's address is on it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good.

[Buzz Hanford]

He's in San.

[The Lone Ranger]

What happened?

[Buzz Hanford]

My back. Him hurt bad.

[The Lone Ranger]

Put him on the ground. What happened to him? From Wasabi.

[Buzz Hanford]

Let me take a look.

[The Lone Ranger]

A knife. Just like the one that killed Dan Martin. The man who threw this knife can't be far. Here. Silver. Very big fella.

[Lolita]

Oh, sil.

[Narrator]

For over an hour, the masked man searched the woods for a sign of the man who had thrown the murder knife. Buzz, beyond help, was then carried into Border City in daylight. The Lone Ranger and Tonto examined the ground on all sides of their small camp, looking for footprints of the killer. All right.

[The Lone Ranger]

Plenty big mystery. No one could throw a knife as hard as that one was thrown without coming close to our camp Totto. Yet neither scout nor Silver gave warning of any sort.

[Narrator]

And no footprint near camp.

[The Lone Ranger]

This makes two murders since we came

[Narrator]

came and plenty other before we come.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oto, I wonder if that blade was meant for Buzz.

[Narrator]

You think maybe blade meant for you?

[The Lone Ranger]

Remember the death card? The ace of spades? Buzz said the victims of this tarantula received that card. That right? Buzz handed me an envelope with the address of D. Ricardo or Dick Martin. Inside the envelope, there was just such a card. Here it is.

[Narrator]

That card one Buzz took from Martin.

[The Lone Ranger]

I wonder what we do.

[Narrator]

Kimo Sabe go back, look around Border City for killer.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, Kimo Sabe. We're going to cross the border and meet Dan Martin's son. Come on. You ready? Hit him up.

[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.

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[Buzz Hanford]

Book a loved by guest property with

[Narrator]

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[VRBO/Minky Couture Announcer]

Ugh, I love my VRBO for the location.

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Good reason. Oh, and for the pool cause pools are cool.

[The Lone Ranger]

I feel the love book of verbo

[Narrator]

that's loved by guests.

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[Lolita]

Ricardo. The tarantula gang is after him. There are here two members of the gang.

[The Lone Ranger]

Are the two men talking to Ricardo? Members of the gang I am sure of.

[Scanlan]

Don't get hard to handle Ricardo because we still have your part where we can do a lot of damage to him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Scanlan, you made a fortune down here in Mexico.

[Buzz Hanford]

I. I can't help you rob the governor himself. You can't, eh? Why not? Because I can't. I won't do it.

[Scanlan]

Getting hard to handle. Listen, you young upstart in the madador you are, you can go into any home in the state. Be right working. You're going to get an invite to the governor's home and then tell us how we can rob the place heavy. If you don't, we kill your old man. Remember, we got plenty of members of our gang in Texas. Folks are getting downright scared of the

[Buzz Hanford]

tarantula scan of Lolita from Texas jags.

[Lolita]

Oh, this is the celebrated Don Ricardo, senor. All who are your friends of the host. So introductions are not necessary, eh? Oh, my name is Lolita. You will dance with me.

[Scanlan]

Avicado don't dance.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'd be pleased to dance, senorita. The honor is mine.

[Lolita]

Oh, good. We go, eh? Right.

[Scanlan]

We've got to do something. That girl telling the old man's been killed.

[Buzz Hanford]

Yeah, she knows who he is.

[Lolita]

I bet.

[Buzz Hanford]

Texas Jack Sent her here to tell the Kid. And I think Texas Jack suspected us of being in the Tarantula Gang for some time.

[The Lone Ranger]

Look.

[Scanlan]

You look at him. Lose no time killing him.

[Buzz Hanford]

Get ready for him. He's coming back here.

[Scanlan]

Yeah, me too. Why, you dirty rats.

[The Lone Ranger]

I found out. And that what that girl told me. Dan Martin had been murdered.

[Buzz Hanford]

And by the Tarantula. That means I don't have to work

[The Lone Ranger]

for you any longer.

[Narrator]

What are you aiming to do?

[Scanlan]

You talk and you'll be in as deep as we are. Remember, you helped on everything we did.

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't mind about myself.

[Buzz Hanford]

I'm going to tell all I know.

[Narrator]

Later that night.

[Lolita]

Amigo, I came as soon as I could.

[The Lone Ranger]

Have you learned anything, Lolita?

[Lolita]

So little it is hardly worth telling.

[The Lone Ranger]

You find out how those men kill.

[Lolita]

With the knife. A tarantula knife.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. But how do they use it?

[Lolita]

That I do not know, senor. But I am afraid for Don Ricardo.

[The Lone Ranger]

He decided that he wouldn't tell about those men until after the bullfight.

[Lolita]

I know. And he will not be alive after the fight.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tano is guarding him. He went to bed early.

[Lolita]

There will be no harm to him before you fight. I am sure of that.

[Buzz Hanford]

Why?

[Lolita]

Those two, Scanlon and the other, are betting that Dom Ricardo does not kill the bull.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see. That means that he will get into the fight, Sis.

[Lolita]

He will start the fight.

[The Lone Ranger]

What can they do to him during the fight?

[Lolita]

I do not know. Oh, senor, you must protect him. I. I do not want him hurt. He is not bad. He was forced to help those men. He thought his father would be killed if he refused to help them.

[The Lone Ranger]

He tells all he knows. The governor may be lenient with him.

[Lolita]

He is going to tell or he knows. He will do so as soon as the fight is ended.

[The Lone Ranger]

We must make sure he does.

[Narrator]

Scanlan and Red made no attempt to injure the young matador. Through the night, Tonto watched. And the next morning, the Lone Ranger. Tonto and Ricardo's other friends stayed close. The hour for the bullfight drew near the crowd assembled in the ring. There were two fights before Ricardo made his first appearance. Ricardo's first bull was an easy one that he handled quickly. Then two more fights before the big fight of the day. The fight that thousands had come to see in a shady spot behind the stands close to Don Ricardo's dressing room.

[The Lone Ranger]

Scandal and Red are in the stands. Tto they can't possibly get at Ricardo now.

[Narrator]

Maybe them shoot him?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know. We'll have to be on watch. He certainly Won't let him tell what he knows about them.

[Narrator]

I probably.

[The Lone Ranger]

Wait. Lolita.

[Lolita]

Senor. I saw him in the dressing room. He's all right.

[The Lone Ranger]

Are you sure?

[Lolita]

There. There was water.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sent him water.

[Lolita]

I tasted it first. I wanted him not to drink it. I. I drank all of it. Ricardo, he. He will be all right.

[The Lone Ranger]

But you.

[Lolita]

Don't let them shoot him. Watch. Ricardo. My friend.

[The Lone Ranger]

The doctor. The leader has taken poison. It was meant for Don Ricardo.

[Narrator]

The first few parts of the fight were well worth seeing by those who admired the work of the Correros. The bull was all that had been expected. A savage fighting, raging fury of a beast weighing over half a ton. Their seats in the first row, Scanlon and Red were dressed in native costumes with blankets over one shoulder. Blankets that concealed a means of sudden death.

[Buzz Hanford]

Second part's almost over with no scandal.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yep. The third part is where the m.

[Scanlan]

Or have to finish the thing. That's where the Carter gets hit.

[Buzz Hanford]

I don't know much about these bull fights.

[Scanlan]

Well, I know this much. He has to wave up your letter to get the bull's attention. And he sort of holds the head of the critter close to the ground by waving the flag. Reaches over the horns with the sword.

[Buzz Hanford]

Oh, I said he.

[Scanlan]

He's got to put the sword in that hump on the back. That's where he has to be. Wide awake and fast on his feet. Ricardo won't be.

[Narrator]

Between the second and the last parts of the fight, Don Ricardo advanced and stood before the governor to whom he dedicated the bull. Then there were cheers. The final scene was about to begin.

[Buzz Hanford]

He didn't look drugged to me.

[Scanlan]

I think hold any second.

[Buzz Hanford]

What if it. Don't you think we could kill him and get out of here alive?

[Scanlan]

That chance. He talks, we'll hang. Yeah, there'll be plenty of excitement. The books milling around as soon as he shot. And we'll make our getaway.

[Buzz Hanford]

There they go.

[Narrator]

Never had Mexico seen a fight like this. Donna Carter was lightning fast. He went through the routine of passes with a flag with such precision that the sharp horns were of the angry beast. Came within an inch of his chest. He handled his muleta in a way that brought the enthusiastic crowd screaming to its feet.

[The Lone Ranger]

Something went wrong.

[Buzz Hanford]

That drug didn't affect my dog. Gone bit.

[Scanlan]

But it should have. Look, get ready for the kill. Let the critter watching of you later.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, the phony.

[Buzz Hanford]

The bull would jerk its head.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now

[Buzz Hanford]

he's got it.

[Scanlan]

We lost our bitch scammer.

[The Lone Ranger]

We got to shoot him.

[Buzz Hanford]

Look, he's walking to the governor's seat now.

[The Lone Ranger]

He's gonna tell all about us.

[Lolita]

Senor. Senor.

[The Lone Ranger]

Governor.

[Narrator]

Senor. There's something I must say.

[Buzz Hanford]

A confession I must make. I'm not what I'm prepared to be.

[Narrator]

But sometimes the people mistake. Scanlan. Partly concealed with a blanket, Red Held brought a weapon from beneath his own blanket. It was a crossbow. A strong bow was taught. And in the groove along the rifle like stock was one of the same kind of knives. The Lone Ranger had found a deadly weapon that could be aimed accurately. What are you saying? You are the greatest matador made for not what to appear.

[Lolita]

What do you mean?

[Narrator]

And then from the gate came a clatter of hoops, a flash of white, a ringing cry. The Lone Ranger face mask, the lariat swinging over his head, raced toward the seat to spread fired the mighty Silver.

[Buzz Hanford]

Now let go.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm con.

[Narrator]

Dropped over Red and Scanlan. The rope jerked tight. Silver charged on, dragging the two over the edge of the ring and into the arena itself. They sprawled their rope together. People stared. Norcardo cried, those are the men.

[The Lone Ranger]

Those are the two.

[Narrator]

Call themselves tarantulas.

[The Lone Ranger]

They were about to kill Don Ricardo, so he couldn't reveal them. There's their weapon, the crossbow.

[Lolita]

Crossbow.

[The Lone Ranger]

They shot those knives from it. That's how they could kill with a knife at a great distance. And you, amigo, you capture them. Don't. Ricardo defied them. He will tell you all about them now. Come on, Silver.

[Narrator]

In the cool shade behind the stands, Lolita slept. A blanket. The masked man rode up, dismounted.

[The Lone Ranger]

Very silver. The doctor say Tyler, you'll be all right.

[Narrator]

When drunk, where are good.

[The Lone Ranger]

We have to get away before the crowd comes out. Call Scout. We'll get after the tarantulas in Texas.

[Narrator]

Yes, Count.

[The Lone Ranger]

Count. You come, brave girl. Lolita may meet again. You ready, Kiwisabi? All right. Hello,

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[Lolita]

Sam the story you have just heard

[Narrator]

is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.

[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 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.

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Dish has been connecting communities like yours for the last 45 years, providing the TV you love at a price you can trust. Watch live sports news and the latest movies, plus your favorite streaming apps all in one place. Switch to DISH today and lock in the lowest price in satellite TV starting at $89.99 a month with our two year price guarantee. Call 888-@dish or visit dish.com today.

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