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Andrew Rines (Podcast 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 (Lone Ranger Story)
A fiery horse with a spot, speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty Heyo. Silver the Lone Range.
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Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked Rider of the Plains led the fight for law and order in the early days of the western United States. He rode from the hills of Wyoming to the mountains of Mexico in the cause of justice. His strength and courage were always on the side of right against might, and it was his daring and resourcefulness that broke the power of the outlaw bands on the frontier. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the west was young. From out of the pass come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. Hello, Silver.
Jimmy Stevens
We're heading to Land's End.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
It's going to be trouble. Hail Silver.
Jimmy Stevens
Hoy.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
The Lone Ranger and Tonto had made camp for the night in a cave near the banks of a river. The Rocky cavern was so large that Silver and Scout had been led inside. But after the men had rolled into their blankets, the horses became restless. I can't get to sleep. Well, Silver's so uneasy. Tedder. Something's troubling the big fellow. Silver, like good watchdog him always give sign when trouble come close. Trouble for us or for someone near us? I'm going to get up. Well, now, old fellow.
Jimmy Stevens
Heady.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Silver, what's the matter with you? In here. Sounded like a gunshot. Isn't that right?
Jimmy Stevens
It come from north of cave.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
I don't suppose there's any use trying to investigate that shot tonight. We might have a look north of here in the morning, though. Maybe cowboy shoot wolves. I never heard of wolves in this section. Maybe rattler. It would take sharp eyes to see a rattler in darkness like this. I don't know of any ranchers around here either. The nearest town is land's end. That's 10 miles away. I'm going to have a look out of the mouth of this cave. There might be a second shaft. Can't hear anything. Or even hoofs of a horse. You hear that? A splash?
Jimmy Stevens
That's right.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Something fell into the river. That sound north of here, too. There. You hear that? That's a horse. It go away from here. I wonder what all those things we just heard mean. Kim. The next afternoon, Jimmy Stevens, a young manager of the express office in Land's End, was working at his desk when his wife entered the office and man
Molly Stevens
to see you, Jimmy.
Jimmy Stevens
Who is he, Molly? What's he want?
Molly Stevens
I don't know. He just said that he had to see you and that it was very important.
Jimmy Stevens
If only I had this job steady, I might know who was and who wasn't. Important as it is filling in, sort of temporary. I don't know who's who.
Molly Stevens
You'd better see this man anyway.
Jimmy Stevens
Well, if you say so, Molly. I don't know how I could get along here without your advice.
Molly Stevens
My advice? You say that just as if you took it.
Jimmy Stevens
I do. I take it so often that I'll bet a lot of folks would find it hard to believe that we've been married two years.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Come here, Molly.
Molly Stevens
Now, Jimmy, that man's waiting out in the other room.
Jimmy Stevens
Well, another minute won't hurt him.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
There.
Molly Stevens
Oh, it's silly.
Jimmy Stevens
Silly, Silly for a man to love his wife.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Not a bit of it, no Wager
Jimmy Stevens
My hair's all beautiful as usual. Oh, you know, Molly, this job is
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
a big chance for us.
Jimmy Stevens
If we can show the world's Fargo people that we can handle this office. They might let us keep the job permanent and not send a man to replace old leave.
Molly Stevens
It's a mighty big responsibility, Jimmy. And you might be keeping one of the important Wells Fargo men waiting now. Should I send him in?
Jimmy Stevens
Doggone, I never thought of that.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
I'll go talk to him.
Molly Stevens
I'll bring him in this room.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Oh, no, no.
Jimmy Stevens
Not with so much cash in the safe. Better for me to talk out in the other room. You stay here. If you do leave, be sure and lock that safe.
Molly Stevens
I said leave.
Jimmy Stevens
Good afternoon, sir.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Good afternoon. You in charge here?
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Well, I am.
Jimmy Stevens
Right now. What can I do for you?
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
My name is Barton, Sam Barton. You should have a letter about me.
Jimmy Stevens
Golly, Mr. Barton, there might have been a letter.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Might have been? Don't you know?
Jimmy Stevens
Well, you. You see, the man that had charge of this office died a couple of weeks ago and I've been in charge since then. I don't know much about the letters Abe had before he died. I was his assistant, but he never told me much about things temporary here.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
He said it.
Jimmy Stevens
Well, I hope it'll be permanent.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Up to you. Up to you to do the job right.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
That's about it.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Well, save you looking up the letter. Here's my credentials. You can see that I'm a special detective sent out here by Wells Fargo to check on things. There's a lot of cash goes through this office.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Yes, sir.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
The whole payroll for that railroad gang goes through here, doesn't it?
Jimmy Stevens
Yes, Mr. Barton.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Take your time. Look those papers over and satisfy yourself that I'm who I claim to be.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
I am.
Jimmy Stevens
I hope you don't take offense.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
I think you were careless if you did otherwise. What's your name?
Jimmy Stevens
Stevens. Jim Stevens.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Glad to know you.
Jimmy Stevens
Glad to know you, Mr. Barton. Now, won't you sit down? Here's your credentials back. I reckon they're all right.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Thank you. I'm a man. A few words, Stevens. I'll get right to the point.
Jimmy Stevens
Yes.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
I suppose you wonder why I come here.
Jimmy Stevens
Well, I figured you'd tell me sooner or later.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
The fact is we've had information about a robbery that's going to be attempted.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
A robbery?
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Yes, robbery of the railroad payroll from this office. You've got a safe here, haven't you?
Jimmy Stevens
Yes, sir.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Well, this critter that plans to burglarize your safe is from the East. His name is Durkin.
Jimmy Stevens
Durkin? I never heard of him.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
He hasn't worked in this part of the country very much, but he's done a plenty of safe cracking in the East. Finally caught up with a pal of his and this pal squealed and told what Durkin's plans were.
Jimmy Stevens
Oh, I see.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
How long do you have the payroll in this office?
Jimmy Stevens
Well, generally not more than one night. Comes in on the stage one day and is picked up by the railroad company the next.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
When is the next payroll due?
Jimmy Stevens
Well, as a matter of fact, the.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Or have you got the cash in your safe now?
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Well, I.
Jimmy Stevens
Well, that is.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
And if that's the case, this crook is likely to make his play for the money tonight. How often does the pay roll come out here?
Jimmy Stevens
Every two weeks.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Night's the night then. I'll bet my shirt on it. A good thing I got here.
Jimmy Stevens
Hey.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Yep.
Jimmy Stevens
Who's there, Molly?
Molly Stevens
Jimmy. Jimmy, look up there. There you go.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Yeah, I see him.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Who is it?
Paul (Molly's Father)
Who is it, Mac?
Molly Stevens
Man, he's riding over that way. Oh, Jimmy.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Jimmy.
Molly Stevens
What does it mean?
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
I don't know.
Jimmy Stevens
What you see him, Molly? What was he doing?
Molly Stevens
I was sitting here watching the safe and then I looked up. I felt sort of someone was in the room with me. Turned around and then I saw this man's face. He was at the window.
Jimmy Stevens
The window? Which window?
Molly Stevens
That one right there. He was standing beside his horse.
Jimmy Stevens
He could see the safe then?
Molly Stevens
Yes, he must have been watching from the.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Oh, you needn't worry about me, ma'. Am.
Jimmy Stevens
This is Mr. Barton. He's a detective for Wells Fargo.
Molly Stevens
Oh, detective, yes.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Did you get a good look at the man's face?
Molly Stevens
Yes. That is, I saw his mouth and chin. The upper part of his face was masked.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Are you sure of that, ma'?
Paul (Molly's Father)
Am?
Molly Stevens
Yes, sir. Yes, I'm sure that Mr. Barton. He had a black mask across his eyes.
Jimmy Stevens
That's him then. Mr. Barton, it's Durkin, the safe robber.
Molly Stevens
Safe robber?
Jimmy Stevens
Mr. Barton was telling about a crook named Durkin that plans to rob our safe. Jimmy, that money, I don't aim to lose it. Forewarned is foreign.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
That's the idea, Steve. As forewarned. Just let that critter make his play. We'll be ready for him.
Jimmy Stevens
Oh, Mr. Button, this is my wife, Molly. She's helping me here.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Glad to know you, Mrs. Stevens.
Molly Stevens
I'm afraid I'm trending like a leaf beside of that mess. Man, I was so frightened.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
I can understand that, man, but don't you worry. Don't you worry a thing. I've come a long way to get Dan. And if he tries to rob the safe, we'll catch him in The Act.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
B was a veteran of many Indian fights in the West. And later that afternoon, the girl told him about the masked man she had seen and Barton's plan to capture him.
Molly Stevens
I don't want to take the chance, pa. Jimmy and Mr. Barton plan to set a trap to catch this man when he comes tonight. Trap, my eye.
Paul (Molly's Father)
What's the west coming to?
Molly Stevens
I feel this way about it, Pa. That madman knows he was seen. He'll probably figure that there will be a trap. And it's just as Jimmy says. Forewarned is forearmed. If he suspects a trap, he'll do something to escape.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Sure he will. What's more, that ain't the way to catch a crook.
Molly Stevens
I thought you could help.
Paul (Molly's Father)
I'll help. When I was in my better days and we seen a crook, we trailed a critter down. We didn't lay in wait for him to come and stick his neck in a noose. We went out with a noose swinging over our head, dropped it over his shoulders and use the same doggone used to string him up with. That's the way to handle crooks. That's the way of the West.
Molly Stevens
I didn't tell Jimmy I was going to speak to you about this.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Just as well, daughter. You see this masked hombre was looking in the window at the office?
Molly Stevens
Yes.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Which window, south or north one? South one, if I recollect. There's soft dirt there. He likely left tracks, ain't that so?
Molly Stevens
Yes. He must have left tracks.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Then them tracks shall hang him. Wiggle. I get old, Chris. There's a dog that can follow our scent from here to kingdom come. Here, Chris. Come in there, boy. Quiet down now. Quiet down, Chris. Me and you got a job on our hands. We're gonna trail safe.
Molly Stevens
Rob,
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
The Lone Ranger and Tonto had made their camp in the woods outside of the town. The Indian was preparing their evening meal when they heard the barking of a dog. Instantly, the two men became alert. That sounds like a hound. Tabitha. Huh? Him coming this way. Probably trailing someone. It's odd, though, that the law here would have learned about a crook as quickly as this. Tell her on horse, Thomadog, and come this way. So he is. I don't like that. I might have to answer a lot of questions about this, master.
Paul (Molly's Father)
I see it. I see it. Don't move him.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Come here. That do? Yeah, boy. Steady there. Steady down there now. That's a good dog. Quiet, boy.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Steady, Chris.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Stop it.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Stop it. Them remain ain't to be friends to you. Them's enemies.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Good Dog you have there, stranger.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Never mind the dog. Hiest your hands, Durkin. You're my prisoner. You too injured, dam rabbit. Chris, get away from him.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Is your dog always as friendly as this with strangers?
Paul (Molly's Father)
No, he ain't. Something's wrong with him. He ain't no use at all for strangers.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Usually we're friends, aren't we, Chris, old boy?
Paul (Molly's Father)
Chris. I'm ashamed of you. Mask man. Get your hands up. Like what I said, I ain't fooling.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Perhaps you're not, but I think you're mistaken.
Paul (Molly's Father)
I know who you are. Your name is Durkin. You're a robin thief that's come here to bust into the express office. Well, you ain't going to get that chance. Now get your hands up.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
My name is not Durkin. I'm not here to in. Just a minute. Who are you?
Paul (Molly's Father)
None of your doggone business.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
You might be Durkin for all I know. What about that? Me?
Paul (Molly's Father)
Why, hang it and blast it all out.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Where did you hear about this crook named Durkin?
Paul (Molly's Father)
My daughter told me her husband's in charge of the Express office. Mr. Barton of the Wells Fargo came and warned us that you was around here. Then my girl seen you.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
I was afraid I frightened her. I'm sorry.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Being sorry won't help you none. I got Chris on your trail and he found you. Now you're heading for jail.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
I'm sorry, but I can't go to jail right now.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Oh, you can't, eh?
Jimmy Stevens
I.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Well, you're gone. And what's more, you're taking off that mask, I'll have a look at your face.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
He said a man from Wells Fargo was here.
Paul (Molly's Father)
He is. He's watching for you.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
I'm sorry he didn't come here instead of you.
Paul (Molly's Father)
There ain't nothing he'd do that I won't. Now I got no more time to waste him talking.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
You're the father of the man who runs the express office, huh?
Paul (Molly's Father)
Father? His wife.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Let me show you something. I think this will identify me.
Paul (Molly's Father)
What is it?
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Here, take a look. Catch.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Hey, he got him.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Lego. Steady there. And don't fire your gun just for the sake of firing it. He might hit the dog. Go ahead, boy. Me got man.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Get him, Chris.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Get him.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Come back here and get him.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Yeah, boy. Easy, Chris. I have the dog. Tatter, take that man's gun away. We got him. I'll just tie you over here. Chris. We don't want either you or your master to get hurt.
Paul (Molly's Father)
I'll get you for this. You won't get away with it. Blast it all to tarnation. I should have known.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
That trick.
Paul (Molly's Father)
You tossed me something, then jumped me when my eyes was off in it.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
I wanted to show you who I was, that's all. I'll still show you what I tossed at you. Here it is. A bullet.
Paul (Molly's Father)
A silver bullet don't mean a thing to me. You're a cook. Your name is Durkin. You're aiming to rob the express office.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Quiet down here. Just letting yourself get all excited about the wrong man. Let me tell you what I know about Durkin.
Paul (Molly's Father)
I won't listen.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Very well. Good dog. Yeah, boy.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Well, go on.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Go on. What do you mean?
Paul (Molly's Father)
What about Durkin?
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
That's better. You can let go of him, that hunter. And just keep his gun so he can't grab it. Suddenly we let him sit down and hear what we have to say. Ah. You sit there.
Paul (Molly's Father)
I'll set. But I'm giving you fair warning. I'll take you to the jail as a prisoner. It's the last thing I do. I'll take in on general principles till you get that mask off and show your face. Now go on. What about Durkin?
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
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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Paul (Molly's Father)
I'm here on a job site with Tim, who owns his own electrical contracting business.
Safeway/Albertsons Announcer
Three employees and two work trucks.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Tim traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance. We're positively here where he needs us most.
Jimmy Stevens
They sure are.
Paul (Molly's Father)
With step by step help on all his insurance needs. All for shockingly low rates.
Jimmy Stevens
Shockingly low, huh?
Paul (Molly's Father)
Just a little bit of electrician humour.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Do you get it? I got it.
Paul (Molly's Father)
You know, it feels like we have a real connection.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
All right, I'll stop, get a commercial auto insurance quote today@geico.com and see how much you could save. It feels good. To Geico,
Paul (Molly's Father)
Sam.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Now to continue our story. As Barton and Jimmy Stevens waited for night and the expected visit from Durkin, the detective answered Jimmy's questions concerning his work for the company.
Jimmy Stevens
What you say is downright interesting, Mr. Barton. Sure must be an exciting life. Traveling all over the country, protecting the world's Fargo offices.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Interested? Maybe. It's sometimes real dangerous. Now, take this man. Durkin.
Jimmy Stevens
Yeah.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
I've never seen the man. Don't have any idea what he looks like.
Jimmy Stevens
Molly gave us a pretty fair description of him. She saw him at the window. You know, I still think that he'll be afraid to come back tonight. You must know by this time that you're on the job here.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
We'll see. That's the best way. Wait and see.
Jimmy Stevens
You. I don't suppose he'll show up before dark, will he?
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
It ain't like that, Jimmy.
Molly Stevens
I'm scared.
Jimmy Stevens
Scared again, Molly.
Paul (Molly's Father)
It's about Paul.
Molly Stevens
He hadn't been back yet.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
You fubby?
Molly Stevens
Yes. Oh, I wish I'd talked to you first, Mr. Barton. I shouldn't have let Pa go.
Jimmy Stevens
Go where to, Molly?
Molly Stevens
I told him about the face at the window. I was afraid Durkin would kill you if he came here to rob the office. Jim. I told Pa about it.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
You shouldn't have done that, Ms. Stevens.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Oh.
Jimmy Stevens
Where is Paul?
Molly Stevens
He took Chris.
Jimmy Stevens
Chris is his old hound, Mr. Barton.
Molly Stevens
He went out to try and take down this masked man and he hasn't come back.
Jimmy Stevens
You don't know where he went?
Molly Stevens
No. Chris picked up the set outside the office window. Then he started off with Paul riding behind to follow him.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Don't like that.
Jimmy Stevens
Maybe we should report to the sheriff's office, Mr. Barton.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Not yet.
Molly Stevens
But Paul might be in danger. Maybe he's captured. Maybe he's been shot.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Wait. Let's wait a while. Wait till after we've watched for this thief. If we can capture Durkin, we'll make him tell what he's done with your father.
Molly Stevens
Might be too late then.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
If it isn't too late now, it won't be too late by morning. I want to get Dirkin with the goods.
Jimmy Stevens
When I look here, Button, I'm less interested in getting Jerkin than I am in getting Pop back safe and sound.
Molly Stevens
That's Chris Christmas.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Hi there, Molly.
Molly Stevens
Oh. Oh, you're safe. Thank goodness.
Jimmy Stevens
Hey, Pop, you all right?
Paul (Molly's Father)
I hope to be all right, Donut.
Molly Stevens
Where were you? We thought that is, I was worried.
Paul (Molly's Father)
I told Jimmy and Mr. Mark told him.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Did you? What did you learn by your trekking and trailing?
Paul (Molly's Father)
Nothing much, I reckon. Chris ain't the hound he was five years ago.
Jimmy Stevens
Well, didn't you find Durker?
Molly Stevens
Nope.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Never seen hide nor hair of him.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Well, now that your father is back, we can go ahead with our plans to stand guard here tonight.
Jimmy Stevens
Yes, I reckon we can.
Molly Stevens
What are your plans?
Jimmy Stevens
We're staying in the office, Molly. Mr. Barton and I, we'll leave all the lights out and stay on guard here in case that thief comes.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Got to get him with the goods, you see, ma'.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Am.
Paul (Molly's Father)
You want a bar, Chris?
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
No. We don't want the thief to be scared away until he gets into the safe and gets the cash in his pockets. Then we'll have a good air tight case again him.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Aye. Shall we?
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
You and your daughter better go home now. Stevens and I will stay here. It'll soon be dark. Then we look for our visitor to show up almost any minute.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Ain't the way we used to go after a crook.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Now you remember this.
Molly Stevens
Me.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
You keep that dog chained. And don't try to get Dirk in your surf. If you do, there won't be any evidence against him and we'll have to let him go.
Molly Stevens
I'll see that Pa doesn't interfere.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Come on, Pa. All right, but I still don't like this way. Attention, cooks. Come on, Chris. There ain't no use for anything that we can do.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Now then, Stevens, we'll make our plans.
Jimmy Stevens
Whatever you say, Mr. Barton.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Let me look that other room over. That's where the safe is.
Jimmy Stevens
Right. I'll lock this door before we go in there.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Good idea.
Jimmy Stevens
There. Now, come on in here.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Barton,
Jimmy Stevens
you close that door, will you?
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Yep.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
There's a safe, loved?
Jimmy Stevens
Yeah.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Windows there? One there. That's likely the way you tried to
Jimmy Stevens
get in a window.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Yep. What you better do.
Jimmy Stevens
What's that?
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Unlock safe.
Jimmy Stevens
Unlock it.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
If he has to make enough light to work the lock on the safe, he's likely to see us in hiding here.
Jimmy Stevens
Gosh, that's so. I wouldn't have thought of that.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
You have to think of everything when you're dealing with a smart crook like Durkin. If he tries the safe in the dark and finds that it ain't locked, he may not make any lights. Then it'll be all right for us to wait till he has the cash in his pockets before we grab him.
Jimmy Stevens
You're right. I'll have the safe open in a minute.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
We'll get all fixed before it's real dark. Then we can just wait.
Jimmy Stevens
Seems to me it'd be smart to let the sheriff in on me.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Stevens, when you've been trailing and running down trucks as long as I have, you learned that a good many times too many people can spoil the trap. The safest thing is to let nobody know what our plan is. Then there's no chance for a leak. You see?
Jimmy Stevens
It would mean my job if we lost it.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Sure it would. It's a lot good enough. Now you crouch under that window and I'll wait under this one. You see?
Jimmy Stevens
Yeah.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
When he comes, let him get in. Don't take no measure to stop him. Just keep still. Don't even breathe loud. Wait till he starts making his escape,
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
then me grab him.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
That's it. I want the crook alive, not dead. He stole a lot of stuff. And while he lives, there's always a chance we can get some of it back.
Jimmy Stevens
Whatever you say, Mr. Barton.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
If shooting is needed, let me do it. Now get to your place and settle yourself in a comfortable position and keep quiet.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Wait.
Jimmy Stevens
We've been here an hour, don't you think, Barton?
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Just about an hour? We may have to wait till half the night is through, so don't get impatient.
Jimmy Stevens
Really, it's my tiresome, ain't it?
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Quiet.
Jimmy Stevens
How long is it now, Barn?
Safeway/Albertsons Announcer
Quiet.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Do talk.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
I can't tell when the cook will be sneaking up.
Jimmy Stevens
I figured to be two hours now.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
It's me. You getting tired? Come here, sneak, if you will.
Jimmy Stevens
I ain't sleeping on this job.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
The minutes passed slowly for Jimmy Stevens. His muscles were cramped several times during the third and fourth hour of silent waiting. In the dark, he caught himself dozing.
Jimmy Stevens
Wasn't sleep on this job.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Gotta get the crook.
Jimmy Stevens
Got to get him.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
He hardly dared move, afraid that the slightest sound might betray the trap. The fifth hour was tortured. At last, Barton's tense whisper broke the stillness.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Stevens.
Jimmy Stevens
Yeah?
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Someone moving around outside.
Jimmy Stevens
There he is.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
I spotted him sneaking up toward the window on this side.
Jimmy Stevens
About time. We're ready for him.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Remember what I said. Let him get the cage.
Jimmy Stevens
Right. I'll follow your lead, button.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Quite.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Now he's moving up close.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Jimmy saw the black outline of a man's head and shoulders rise against the square of moonlight at the window. Then he heard the window being open. A moment later, the shadowy figure faded into the darkness of the room. The floor creaked. Then the door of the safe could be heard opening. A muttered exclamation. Look good, Jimmy. Stevens tensed, every muscle ready for action. The figure appeared once more at the window. Then Martin cried out.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
All right, I've got you.
Jimmy Stevens
I'm with you, Bart.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Oh.
Molly Stevens
Hey.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
He slipped away.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Get him.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
He's got out. I'll drill him.
Jimmy Stevens
I'm half blinded. He smashed me in the face with something.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Missed him.
Jimmy Stevens
Now, stand aside, Martin. You're blocking me so I can't shoot.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
I'll get him this time.
Jimmy Stevens
Don't let him get away.
Molly Stevens
Stevens.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Stevens.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
This is bad. Break.
Jimmy Stevens
He's gone.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Yeah. Yeah, he's gone. He got away. Can't find my shooting. Why couldn't I have dropped him? Why didn't I shoot the killer instead of trying for his legs?
Jimmy Stevens
We've got to get after him.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Get a light, Jimmy. Get a light going and we'll see for sure if you did rob the safe.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Just a second.
Jimmy Stevens
I'll have the lamp going. Oh, if you'd only let me jump him while he was at the safe. Now what'll we do?
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Keep your head, boy. That's a mean thing.
Jimmy Stevens
There's the life. And look, he's cleaned out the safe.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
That's bad. But don't give up all hope. I'm a good man to trade on a cook. I'll catch up with him.
Jimmy Stevens
Oh, my job's as good as gone now.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Janita.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Shout.
Molly Stevens
Are you all right, Molly?
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Molly.
Jimmy Stevens
The cash is gone. He got away with it.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
What?
Paul (Molly's Father)
You had got away with it, did he?
Jimmy Stevens
Yes.
Paul (Molly's Father)
How'd that happen, Barton?
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Jimmy closed in on him and got smashed in the face.
Molly Stevens
Oh, Jimmy.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
I find that missed him. I'll get started after him right away.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
I wouldn't be in too much of a hurry. There he is. That's him.
Jimmy Stevens
Put your hands up.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Take it easy. Get the guns from both those men, Tanto. We don't want any shooting here.
Jimmy Stevens
Hunter, get guns. You got plenty of nerve coming back here like this.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
How did the plead get in and out of here?
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
You ought to know. Right through that window.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
That case. There should be footprints beneath the window, shouldn't there?
Molly Stevens
There wouldn't be on that side. It's hard ground. It ain't like the other side of the building.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
But it is. It's all soft now. There was some water spilled there, so the tracks of anyone who went out that window could be seen.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
What?
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
I explained to your father, Stevens, just who I was.
Paul (Molly's Father)
That's right, boy. He told me who he was and who this Mr. Barton was.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
My name is Barton. I proved that.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
He got gun now. Very well, T. You see?
Paul (Molly's Father)
Jimmy and Molly, their own rings.
Molly Stevens
Their own rings.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Oh, that's right. The Lone Ranger heard a shot last night. Then he heard something splash in the river east of here. He found the trail that Barton's horses made up to the river, then seen where there had been a rumpus. Then he found the body of a man that had been shot, washed ashore downstream. Well, the tracks of the horse went from the river to here.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
You can't talk yourself out of this. What did you do with the cage? You keep quiet.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Quiet. We realized after studying the trail of the horse, the rider was changed at the river. One man rode the horse to the river. There was a shot and a man was killed. The other man rode the horse from the river.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Here, let it cook. Quiet.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
That means that the man who came here killed the man we found. I didn't know who it was until Barton told you that a crook named Durkin was on his way here. Go on. Mr. Durkin was on his way here and knew that Barton was after him. Durkin's horse gave out. Then Durkin waited, killed Barton and stole Barton's horse and credentials.
Jimmy Stevens
You mean that the man called Barton is really Durkin?
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
I think so. He figured out a scheme to rob the safe and do it right under your nose.
Jimmy Stevens
But I saw.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
You saw a man rise up against the window. Are you sure the man wasn't in the room all the time?
Jimmy Stevens
Gee, I never thought of that.
Paul (Molly's Father)
Me and them two know that no one come through that window.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Martin Durkin, whatever your real name is. You took the cash and tucked it into your pockets, then made believe you shot at the thief in the darkness. You struck Jim in the face so he couldn't see what you were shooting at.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
Very true.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
That's not the truth. There'll be footprints outside the window. If my story is true, the cash will be in your pockets right now. Take a look, Stevens.
Jimmy Stevens
Barton, you turny, double cross and polecat. If that's the truth, get away from
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
you can't do that.
Jimmy Stevens
There's a hat stuffed inside his vest.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
The one you saw when he gave his act and the cash.
Sam Barton (Wells Fargo Detective)
All right, you got me. Now what are you gonna do?
Jimmy Stevens
That's a starter for you, Durkin. If I had a gun, I'd drill you.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
That's why we took your gun. Jim Durkin is wanted alive.
Paul (Molly's Father)
I'll take charge of that snake. He's got a hangar waiting for him.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
And by the way, Jim, I think after you prove that he's the crook, you'll find there are some rewards out for his capture.
Molly Stevens
Those rewards are yours.
Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
You tell them old timer, come on, huddle.
Paul (Molly's Father)
You see the Lone Ranger? He won't take no rewards, Jim. He figures you and me should take them and split them.
Molly Stevens
So that was a lone Ranger I. Sam,
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Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)
Sam. The story you have just heard is a copyright feature the Lone Ranger Incorporated.
Andrew Rines (Podcast 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. Foreign.
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Show: The Lone Ranger
Air Date: March 31, 1941 (Original Episode), March 7, 2026 (Podcast)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Restoration: Digitally restored for enhanced audio and immersive atmosphere
This episode thrusts listeners into a suspenseful tale of crime, cunning, and frontier justice. The Lone Ranger and Tonto, camping near Land’s End, become entangled in a plot involving a threatened express office, a legendary safe-cracker named Durkin, and layers of mistaken identity. Amidst the tense setup, the characters attempt to outsmart a criminal—only to discover the villain much closer than expected. Themes of trust, sharp wit, and classic Western law play out in this gripping radio drama.
[03:38 – 04:52]
[05:21 – 08:00]
[09:04 – 11:01]
[11:26 – 14:44]
[17:40 – 22:31]
[23:12 – 26:04]
[26:09 – 28:45]
[28:25 – 28:45]
“Trap for a Safe Robber” delivers classic Western drama with an ingenious plot twist. Listeners witness a masterclass in suspense as The Lone Ranger out-thinks not only the villain but also the townsfolk’s assumptions. The use of evidence, red herrings (the real identity of Barton), and the Lone Ranger’s unflappable sense of justice underscore the timeless appeal of the series. The episode stands as a memorable case of how appearances can be deceiving on the frontier, and why heroes like the Lone Ranger endure in American folklore.
Recommended For:
Fans of detective stories, classic Westerns, and anyone who appreciates sharp storytelling and suspenseful radio drama.
For more episodes and classic Western content, visit otrwesterns.com.