Trapped By the Hawk | The Lone Ranger (10-23-39)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – "Trapped By the Hawk" | The Lone Ranger (10-23-39)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: February 15, 2025

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Introduction

In the February 15, 2025 release of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes presents the classic radio drama "Trapped By the Hawk," featuring the legendary Lone Ranger. This episode, digitally restored to enhance audio quality, immerses listeners in the gripping tales of the Wild West, echoing the grandeur of iconic shows like Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger. Through vivid soundscapes and dynamic performances, Rhynes brings to life the timeless struggle between lawmen and outlaws on the untamed frontier.

Setting the Scene

The story unfolds in the rugged Badlands of the western United States, a region plagued by ruthless outlaws whose sudden raids instill fear in both ranchers and townsfolk. The narrative sets the stage for the arrival of the Lone Ranger, a masked rider determined to restore justice and order to the frontier.

Notable Quote:
Narrator [01:17]: "A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi. Yo, Silver. The Lone Ranger."

Main Characters

• The Lone Ranger: A masked vigilante dedicated to combating crime and protecting the innocent.
• Silver: The Lone Ranger's trusty horse, characterized by his speed and loyalty.
• Sam Whitby: A cattle seller who becomes entangled with the outlaws.
• Mr. Salters: An associate of the outlaws, involved in the illegal activities.
• Hawk: The leader of the outlaw gang, known for his cunning and brutality.
• Tonto: The Lone Ranger's Native American companion, instrumental in strategizing their missions.

Plot Summary

The Conflict

The episode begins with Sam Whitby celebrating his profitable cattle sale at the Millfield cafe. His triumph, however, is short-lived as Hawk and his gang enter, demanding Whitby's cash. Tensions escalate when Whitby, fearing for his safety, tries to stall the outlaws, believing in the Lone Ranger's ability to protect him.

Key Interaction:
Sam Whitby [04:53]: "Maybe when some of these smart gents see how much it comes to, they won't figure there's a doggone smart after all."

The Lone Ranger's Intervention

As the outlaws attempt to intimidate Whitby, the Lone Ranger emerges, swiftly disarming the gang and asserting his dominance. Despite the immediate threat being neutralized, the true challenge arises when Hawk and his men seek revenge, leading to a strategic confrontation near the Red River.

Notable Quote:
Lone Ranger [07:03]: "Come on, fellas, we get out. We got what we come for."

The Showdown

The narrative intensifies as the Lone Ranger and Tonto track the outlaws to a secluded ranch house. Through cunning tactics and keen observation, they anticipate the outlaws' moves. The tension peaks with a fiery confrontation involving strategic use of the environment, culminating in an elaborate trap that tests the Lone Ranger's ingenuity and combat prowess.

Strategic Move:
Tonto [12:25]: "He's getting careless. He's had too much success. It's about time he was brought to justice."

Climactic Moment:
Lone Ranger [25:27]: "Get matches. Start the fire the whole way along here."

The Lone Ranger's plan to set a controlled fire forces the outlaws into a vulnerable position, preventing their escape and ensuring justice is served. The episode concludes with reflections on the Lone Ranger's unwavering commitment to law and order, even as challenges persist in the wild frontier.

Key Quotes

• Sam Whitby on His Situation:
  Sam Whitby [05:04]: "This high sold at the bottom and told me that if I held on, I'd lose my shirt. Go ahead, Mr. Salters, count it."

• Lone Ranger's Command:
  Lone Ranger [25:27]: "Get matches. Start the fire the whole way along here. Wind's just right. The brush is dry and she'll blaze like kindling."

• Tonto's Insight:
  Tonto [29:30]: "We were entirely concealed."

• Sam Whitby's Realization:
  Sam Whitby [23:35]: "Why, sitting atop that horse and knowing he was yours would make even a dried up old fossil like me think he was something special."

Conclusion

"Trapped By the Hawk" exemplifies the enduring allure of Western radio dramas, combining action, suspense, and moral clarity through the Lone Ranger's heroic narrative. Andrew Rhynes' dedication to digital restoration ensures that listeners experience the story with enhanced audio quality, making the sounds of the Old West more vivid than ever. This episode not only entertains but also pays homage to the rich legacy of radio storytelling, inviting both longtime fans and new audiences to immerse themselves in the timeless adventures of the Lone Ranger.

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Notable Mention:
Listeners are encouraged to support the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast by engaging with their content through likes, ratings, and following on social media platforms as mentioned in the closing segment of the episode.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode 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 high. Yo, Silver. The Lone Ranger.

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[Narrator]

In the early days of the western United States, outlaws made their headquarters in the Badlands. Ranchers and townspeople alike lived in fear of their sudden raids. And it was not until the masked rider of the plains started his great fight for justice that law and order were brought to the frontier. Courageous and resourceful, the Lone Ranger proved himself more than a match for any criminal and in time, drove them from the new territory. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the west was young. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. We're heading for Millfield. Devil's waiting on the trail ahead. Hi.

[Sam Whitby]

Oh.

[Lone Ranger]

Silver. Away.

[Narrator]

Sam Whitby had made a handsome profit from the sale of his cattle. And while completing the transaction in the cafe at Millfield, he could not refrain from talking about the soundness of his judgment.

[Sam Whitby]

Count it out loud while you're paying me, Mr. Salters. Maybe when some of these smart gents see how much it comes to, they won't figure there's a doggone smart after all.

[Lone Ranger]

Golly, I sure wish you'd had the nerve to hold my cattle.

[Mr. Salters]

But whoever figured the market would go.

[Sam Whitby]

This high sold at the bottom and told me that if I held on, I'd lose my shirt. Go ahead, Mr. Salters, count it.

[Hawk]

Well, if any of these gentlemen doubt that you did, well, I'll be glad to inform them I'm paying you exactly $7,400.

[Mr. Salters]

7,000.

[Hawk]

There it is, Sam. All of it. And paper money, just as you asked for it.

[Mr. Salters]

That satisfy you?

[Sam Whitby]

Satisfy me. Mystery plum tickles me to pieces. 5,000 of that just stands for the difference between what I got by selling now and what I would have got if I'd sold before. And they called me loco. Well, who's loco now?

[Mr. Salters]

Ain't you gonna stand treat? Sam.

[Lone Ranger]

Sam, you got money to burn. And my throat's dusty as a desert trail. How's for some red eye?

[Sam Whitby]

I can't stay around, fellas. It wouldn't be safe. I got to take this cash to the banker so he can deposit it for me in the morning. Now, now, don't get excited cause I ain't staying. It don't mean I ain't buying, does it? Barkeep. Hi, barkeep.

[Narrator]

What's your pleasure?

[Sam Whitby]

Sam, you see this?

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Mr. Salters]

It's a hundred dollar bill.

[Sam Whitby]

Well, there she is.

[Tonto]

Put her away.

[Hawk]

Huh?

[Sam Whitby]

Put her away and keep giving the boys drinks till it's all used up. I'm treating and I'm doing it right.

[Lone Ranger]

A hundred dollars.

[Mr. Salters]

Leaping catfish.

[Sam Whitby]

Sam, you're all right. Ain't nobody's gonna say Sam Whitby's cheap. Ring up, fellas and have your fun. I'll see you all tomorrow. Good night.

[Lone Ranger]

Not so fast. You ain't going nowhere. The Hawk. Get her out. Keep them covered, fellas. This won't take long.

[Hawk]

We blast the first one of them to move.

[Mr. Salters]

You fellows can't come in my cafe. Hey, we can't. How'd you like that? That mirror cost me $300.

[Hawk]

And maybe that'll teach you to keep your mouth shut.

[Sam Whitby]

What are you fellas after?

[Lone Ranger]

What do you suppose? Hand it over, mister.

[Sam Whitby]

Hand what over?

[Lone Ranger]

Don't play for time or you'll get led right through your galluses. Hand it over, I ask. I'll help myself.

[Mr. Salters]

Leave gold now.

[Lone Ranger]

If you give it to me in the first place, it saved us both trouble. Come on, fellas, we get out.

[Sam Whitby]

You can't have it. That's near everything I got.

[Lone Ranger]

You can't.

[Mr. Salters]

Sam's knocked out. You dirty crooks. Maybe you killed him.

[Lone Ranger]

You pay for this. He got just what he was looking for. Any of you gents want the same? I just stick your nose outside the door. Therefore we've got away. Get going, fellas. We got what we come for.

[Hawk]

Don't slap leather, gents.

[Mr. Salters]

Cause we got itching trigger fingers. And you might get through.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on.

[Sam Whitby]

The skunk.

[Lone Ranger]

Sam, Are you hurt? Sam.

[Mr. Salters]

He's coming around.

[Hawk]

Somebody should get the sheriff.

[Narrator]

Come on.

[Mr. Salters]

The sheriff's out of town. And them pole cats rightly knew it. By thunder, Hawk and that gang of his are getting so bold. They walk right into town to do their robbing. They gotta be stopped.

[Lone Ranger]

Maybe we should take after.

[Mr. Salters]

Not me. I aims to keep my health. They as soon drill as look at you. That's so. And every one of them a dead shot. Fellers, I'm scared. Poor Sam's cash is gone for good.

[Narrator]

The following day, two horsemen, one masked and the other an Indian. Directed their mounts toward a small ranch house.

[Tonto]

We'll buy supplies here, Tanto, if they have any to spare. It'll save us a trip into town. That is, we'll try to buy supplies if anyone's home. The place looks deserted. There, feller. Where?

[Hawk]

Him on step.

[Tonto]

Yes, I see him. Come on, Scott. Hello there.

[Lone Ranger]

Too late.

[Tonto]

Too late.

[Sam Whitby]

Might just as well ride on. Some other crook's got it afore you.

[Tonto]

What are you talking about?

[Sam Whitby]

Come to rob me, didn't you? Well, I'm just saving you the bother of climbing out of your saddle and holding me up. The Hawks got my cash.

[Tonto]

What's that?

[Sam Whitby]

Sorry to disappoint you, stranger. But I reckon even crooks have to go without once in a while. They better drop back. Maybe in a year from now. I might have a stake again by then.

[Narrator]

You talk heap foolish.

[Sam Whitby]

Foolish, huh? Well, look at me. Not a dime to my name. And look at the bunk house. Clean empty. Had to let my crew go. Cause I can't pay them wages. How do you expect me to talk? Or do you think I ought to be sitting here singing a song?

[Tonto]

We're not crooks.

[Sam Whitby]

Just sport. That mask to fool your friends, huh?

[Tonto]

How much money did you have stolen?

[Sam Whitby]

Curious to know how much you missed? Well, it was over $7,000. I bet that hurts you.

[Tonto]

You say the Hawk got it?

[Sam Whitby]

Yeah. Maybe you can persuade him to divvy up with you.

[Tonto]

When did this happen?

[Sam Whitby]

Last night.

[Narrator]

Where?

[Sam Whitby]

Hold on now. You ain't no lawyer and I no witness. Just why should I be answering every question you feel like thinking up?

[Tonto]

Perhaps we can help you.

[Sam Whitby]

That's a good one.

[Tonto]

The Hawk shouldn't be hard to find.

[Sam Whitby]

Sure not. But who wants to find him? That's the point. Him and that gang of his are contagious. That's what they are. Everybody that goes near him gets lead poisoning.

[Narrator]

So I've heard.

[Sam Whitby]

Even got the law buffaloed, they have. I bet you dollars to donuts you couldn't get the sheriff within 10 miles of the Hawks hideout.

[Tonto]

I'm not the sheriff.

[Sam Whitby]

You ain't? Well I wasn't just sure.

[Tonto]

I've got a pretty good idea just where the Hawk's hideout is.

[Sam Whitby]

Back in the Red river country. From all I've heard.

[Tonto]

Right.

[Sam Whitby]

You sound like maybe you was a part of his.

[Tonto]

Not exactly.

[Sam Whitby]

Well, we've passed the time of day, stranger, and we've exchanged what exciting gossip there is. Now if you don't mind, I just assume you rode along. Maybe you'd be different. But me? Well, losing 7,000 in cash don't make me feel much like company.

[Tonto]

I understand how you feel, Sam, and I don't blame you. We'll ride along.

[Sam Whitby]

Adios.

[Tonto]

And don't be surprised if we meet again. Come on, Tuttle.

[Lone Ranger]

Get him up, Scout. Miles Silver away.

[Sam Whitby]

What was that he called his horse and the engine? Oh, I'm the biggest idiot there ever was. That was the Lone Ranger and I drove him away.

[Narrator]

Ignoring the question of supplies for the time being, the masked men in Tonto circled town and headed for the Red river district.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Come on. Get him up.

[Mr. Salters]

Scout.

[Lone Ranger]

Get over toward the river tunnel. We have the most cover there. That right.

[Narrator]

Reaching the bank of the river, their course led them into rough country. Gullies became chasms. The ground was covered with treacherous boulders. Finally, the masked man drew Silver to a stop.

[Tonto]

Why?

[Narrator]

Why we stop?

[Tonto]

What's that between those rocks over there? Just above them?

[Narrator]

It's smoke.

[Tonto]

Coming from just about the place we heard the Hulk used for a hideout.

[Lone Ranger]

Huh.

[Tonto]

He's getting careless. He's had too much success. It's about time he was brought to justice.

[Sam Whitby]

Not right.

[Tonto]

What I'm interested in right now is getting back Sam's money. Ah, I'd rather make sure of that first than try to make a capture. The Hawk has at least a dozen men following him. Something went wrong and the money might both get away.

[Narrator]

What we do?

[Tonto]

We can take the horses a little closer without danger of being heard, I believe. Come on.

[Lone Ranger]

Get him up, Scout.

[Tonto]

Come on, Silver. I have an idea, Kimasabe. But I want to look over the ground first. We'll ride as far as that clump of trees ahead of us and leave the horses there. Those trees will give them good cover.

[Narrator]

Then go on foot.

[Tonto]

Right. Come on, old fellow.

[Narrator]

Never had Hawk and his men been More overconfident. They were seated about the campfire chuckling over their holdup of the night before.

[Hawk]

Did you see the big fella at the end of the bar? He was so scared he was green. Every time I waved my irons his way, I could see him getting sick.

[Narrator]

And then.

[Mr. Salters]

Some fellows are scared to go agin the law. From all I've seen up to now, the heap rather be agin the law than fur it. It's a heap safer. Yeah, Hawk, what's that?

[Lone Ranger]

We're safe as long as you fellas follow my orders. They'll never give nobody a chance. Show them right off they stand to get drilled if they put up a fight. Kill a few fellows that ain't convinced easy and the rest of them begin to get the idea.

[Mr. Salters]

Like the time you blasted the stage driver, huh?

[Sam Whitby]

Honk.

[Lone Ranger]

That the only time you can think of?

[Hawk]

Hey, Honk.

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah, Slash?

[Hawk]

When do we divide up Whitby's cash? Why not give everybody his share now?

[Lone Ranger]

Cause I know you fellas money in your pocket and you'd be heading across the border and staying there till it's all spent. Nothing doing now. It stays in my saddlebags. Time enough to divvy it up after we've held up that bank we planned on. Sharks. Don't get restless. It won't be long. Just recollect, when you do go, you'll have over twice the cash to throw around.

[Mr. Salters]

I can wait.

[Hawk]

Hey, what caused that?

[Lone Ranger]

Warton Blank.

[Mr. Salters]

Them stones didn't slide without somebody was there to start them.

[Hawk]

No, they didn't.

[Lone Ranger]

Shut up. Maybe it's just some animal.

[Narrator]

Stay here.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll have a look.

[Mr. Salters]

Yell out if you see anything.

[Lone Ranger]

There is somebody come running. Where'd the sound come from?

[Hawk]

Didn't get hit, did you, Hawk?

[Mr. Salters]

Heard what? That came so close I could hear it whistle.

[Lone Ranger]

I seen the flash. Came from over there. Come out after the polecat, Hawk.

[Mr. Salters]

Hold on. Hold on.

[Lone Ranger]

We've been fixed.

[Hawk]

That masked fellow back there at camp, he's into your saddlebag.

[Mr. Salters]

Them shots was just to draw us away.

[Lone Ranger]

Get away from there. He's got the cash. Shoot the polkat down.

[Hawk]

He's ducking into the brush.

[Lone Ranger]

With the cash and all, we can get him. He's afoot. Aim into the brush, fellas.

[Mr. Salters]

Hey, man, he's over that way.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm going to stay back. To blazes with him. Keep after him. Oh, my hand. He get you?

[Mr. Salters]

He shot the gun right out of my hand.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll fix him. I'll kill him myself.

[Mr. Salters]

Oh, my gosh. You've done the same to Hawk.

[Hawk]

That's what I call real shooting.

[Mr. Salters]

We'll have to rush them all at once. Hold on.

[Lone Ranger]

What if he gets. Don't you see the way he went? He's trapped. Behind him's a canyon. He can't get down it there.

[Mr. Salters]

But the river.

[Lone Ranger]

If he tries to swim it, we can pick him off just as easy as hitting the side of a barn.

[Hawk]

And the only other way out is right past us.

[Lone Ranger]

Take it easy, fellas. Why get hurt if we can't do nothing else? We'll starve the poor cat.

[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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[Lone Ranger]

Now.

[Narrator]

To continue our story. The masked man threading his way through the brush saw Tonto coming toward him.

[Tonto]

Tado. They cut us off from the horses. We're trapped. Oh, that bad? Well, we have the cash. No way to get out with it from what I can see. Let's have a look. Perhaps there's something we haven't noticed that'll give us a chance. There's a clearing, the river just beyond.

[Lone Ranger]

Maybe Fuller follows.

[Tonto]

I doubt it. I gave them something to think about when I shot the gun from their hands. They won't risk their necks unless it's necessary. Oh, that's right. And let's have a look here. See?

[Narrator]

Not bad.

[Tonto]

As soon as we got 10ft out from the bank, we'd be in full view. If we reached the other side of Live, it'd be a miracle. As for the canyon, that's out of the question. I've never been above it before, but I've ridden through it. I remember it well enough. A straight drop lined by loose shale.

[Narrator]

Then them get us.

[Tonto]

Not without a fight. Well, let's get back to the brush again, Tata. I think the time that rise over there, we'll be in plain sight here. Might be best to head back for them without letting ourselves be seen or heard. Hope for the chance to break through them.

[Narrator]

Maybe we.

[Tonto]

What happened? Tada? Twist your ankle.

[Narrator]

Ankle all right. Me step on log.

[Tonto]

Log cave in. It's rotted. It isn't as safe as it looks. Come on, Whip.

[Narrator]

What matter?

[Tonto]

Log that log. I don't. I'm not so sure we're trapped after all.

[Narrator]

Hawk had stationed his men in positions commanding every possible avenue of escape. They held these positions patiently enough for the first hour. But when they were well into the second, they began to get impatient.

[Lone Ranger]

Slash pleases you think you're doing?

[Hawk]

Oh, just shooting at a bird sitting atop that there log floating over there in the river. What's the matter? Ain't we supposed to make no noise?

[Lone Ranger]

Didn't you see how that masked man could shoot?

[Hawk]

Oh, shuck.

[Lone Ranger]

You'll get your full head blown off one of these days. What do you think I put you there? Done it so she couldn't be seen. Mask fella sneaked back, he'd know right where you're sitting.

[Hawk]

I didn't mean nothing by it.

[Lone Ranger]

Neither did the fella. Looked into the barrel of his gun and pulled the trigger. Just looking to see if it was loaded or not.

[Mr. Salters]

But how long we gonna stay here, Hawk? We ever gonna do nothing?

[Lone Ranger]

You'll get action fast enough if they make a breakfast.

[Mr. Salters]

I'd rather Gwyn after him.

[Lone Ranger]

All right, Link. Just go right ahead. We find you afterwards, we'll bury you just the same.

[Mr. Salters]

If we was to all of us.

[Lone Ranger]

Go, we'd still be running a risk that ain't needed. You fellas follow my orders if you got notions. I ain't bossy no more.

[Mr. Salters]

We ain't questioning that.

[Lone Ranger]

You better not be.

[Hawk]

Well, I can sit with the best of them if I have to, but I'm here to say I sure don't like it.

[Lone Ranger]

Who cares what you like? Keep your eyes peeled, your mouth shut or pack your war bags and get.

[Mr. Salters]

Oh, no.

[Lone Ranger]

That's all I gotta say. I want that mask fell in the cashy stole and no fools like you are gonna stop me from getting both.

[Narrator]

Ever since once Sam Whitby had realized it was none other than the Lone Ranger he had ordered from his place, he had blamed himself for the mistake in the cafe at Mill Field, he told his friends the whole story.

[Sam Whitby]

And there I was, talking smart to him and taking him for a crook. But Maybe if I'd played my cards right, he would have helped me out. Fellas, I ought to be took outside and kicked from one end of Main street to the other.

[Hawk]

Gosh, the Lone Ranger.

[Mr. Salters]

You sure it was him, Sam?

[Sam Whitby]

I'd stake my oath on it. Sat his saddle just as straight as any Texas Ranger ever seen. In fact, I've heard stories. Hint, he was one once.

[Lone Ranger]

That ain't proof that.

[Sam Whitby]

He called the engine with him Tonto, didn't he? If you don't know Tonto's the handle of that engine part of his, then you don't know nothing.

[Lone Ranger]

We could have called a redskin that just to fool you.

[Sam Whitby]

Yeah, and I suppose you'll find horses like that. And he was riding free for the asking. You never seen nothing like that. Horse so big and powerful looking you couldn't hardly believe it at first. And with a look in his eye like he savvied every least thing was going on. A human look, that's what he had.

[Mr. Salters]

If he didn't look smarter than some of the humans in here right now, I wouldn't claim much for him.

[Sam Whitby]

Ain't nothing to laugh at. A man could kill to own a horse like that. Yes, sir, that ain't no joke. Why, sitting atop that horse and knowing he was yours would.

[Hawk]

Would.

[Sam Whitby]

Well, it'd make even a dried up old fossil like me think he was something special. And by thunder, that horse would make me something special.

[Mr. Salters]

Then it was the Lone Ranger you met up with, Sam. And no mistake. I've heard just the same thing. You think of standing there, assassin. Him, Sam. I'll bet you feel like about 2.

[Sam Whitby]

Cents with holes plugged through him.

[Mr. Salters]

Gosh, if he only had been willing to help you out.

[Sam Whitby]

Not a chance. After all I said.

[Lone Ranger]

Didn't you say he mentioned something about seeing you again, Sam?

[Sam Whitby]

Sure, and that's just what I'm scared of. Why would he be wanting to look me up a second time? Lessen it was to get even for the sass I'd give him. No, sir Regents. I had him a chance and threw it over. If I see him again, it'll be just my bad luck.

[Narrator]

Hawk had been able to control his men throughout the daylight hours. But as darkness began to fall, they threatened a mutiny. Slush, contrary to orders, left his post and confronted his leader.

[Hawk]

I'll come through. I've had all the wait and I can stand and all I'm going to stand. You don't like it, it can't be helped. That's the way it is.

[Lone Ranger]

You Look, Coegiant.

[Hawk]

Yeah, we'll ask the other fellas if they don't feel the same. Maybe you're the boss, but we got some rights.

[Lone Ranger]

You want to go in there after him? Well, after I pointed out how he might drill half of us before we got him.

[Hawk]

Shucks, I don't hanker or get drilled any more than the next fella. But neither do I. Feel like sitting like a bump on a log for about 24 hours.

[Mr. Salters]

He's right, Hawkins.

[Lone Ranger]

So you're talking up, too.

[Mr. Salters]

As long as everybody's declaring itself, I might as well join in. Slash said just what I've been thinking.

[Lone Ranger]

If I didn't have no more brains than you fellows, I'd have been hung 10 years ago.

[Mr. Salters]

This ain't a case of hanging. A case of doing nothing with nothing to show for it.

[Hawk]

And besides, Hawk, after it's clear dark. How do we know we'll be able to see him if he makes a break for it? What if he swims to the river, huh? Ain't easy to see a man again in water at night.

[Lone Ranger]

And he all say we should rush him, huh?

[Mr. Salters]

Ain't there no better way?

[Hawk]

There ought to be something we could do.

[Narrator]

You won't wait.

[Lone Ranger]

You're scared to go after him. What do you want to do, run away? Hand them that cash to keep?

[Hawk]

No, that'd never ain't what?

[Mr. Salters]

Wait, fellas, I got an idea. It'll work. I'll bet you anything it'll work.

[Hawk]

What's got into you?

[Lone Ranger]

Is there anything worth hearing? Let's have it. The brush.

[Mr. Salters]

The underbrush runs almost to the river. Get matches and set it afire. How's the masked fellow going to get away from that? He'll have to make a break for it and show himself where we can see him. Or stay in that little clearing by the bank of the river. And when the brushes all burn away, he'll be in plain sight anyhow.

[Hawk]

Doggone. Why couldn't somebody have thought of that before?

[Mr. Salters]

What do you think, Hogg? Sounds all right to me.

[Lone Ranger]

Right. Get matches. Start the fire the whole way along here.

[Sam Whitby]

All right.

[Lone Ranger]

Wind's just right. The brush is dry and she'll blaze like kindling. Then when it's started, keep your hands on your guns and don't miss a trick. We're shooting them down on sight. Come on, boys.

[Narrator]

The outlaws lost no time putting their scheme into effect. Matches were hastily lit and applied to the surrounding brush. The flames spread slowly at first, then more rapidly, burning all the waste more fiercely. Until finally they Made a roaring inferno, casting their glow far across the night shadowed wilderness. When their work was done and the flames were racing toward the river, the outlaws waited tensely for the Lone Ranger to make his appearance. They stood with guns ready.

[Lone Ranger]

And don't give him no chance to surrender. Don't give him a chance to put up a fight. Link.

[Mr. Salters]

Hi, Link. I'm right here.

[Lone Ranger]

What do you want? You keep your eye on a river. Might still try to swim it.

[Mr. Salters]

If he does, he's a corner slash.

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah, the flames ain't so high on your side. That's likely where he'll make his break. Don't let him get by.

[Hawk]

Not if I have to empty both guns into him.

[Sam Whitby]

Needn't worry about us over here none at all.

[Hawk]

Good gosh, look at that fire burning.

[Mr. Salters]

I wouldn't be on the other side of him for twice the cash he stole from us.

[Lone Ranger]

Keep watch, fellas. He's gonna make a break. He'll have to be sued or he won't have no more hide left on him than a barbecued steer.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger did not appear. The fire marched steadily toward the river and then, reaching its goal, slowly burned itself out. When the ground had cooled enough to be crossed, the puzzled outlaws began to search for the masked man.

[Mr. Salters]

Oh, gone. If that ain't a funny thing, I.

[Hawk]

Sure can't figure it.

[Mr. Salters]

Maybe he was burnt.

[Hawk]

Who's gonna stand still and let a fire get at him when he's got a chance to get away from it?

[Mr. Salters]

Well, they smoke mighty smother.

[Lone Ranger]

Didn't he think if he got away. There's no one here to be blamed but you, huh?

[Mr. Salters]

Me? How do you figure that?

[Lone Ranger]

He couldn't have got away except by the river. It was your job to watch the river. You wasn't watching like I told you.

[Mr. Salters]

Oh, that's so anybody. Well, doggone. I never took my eyes off the river even for one second. You can't blame this on me. Ain't no more my fault than anybody else's. Well, so anyhow, whether he was burned or got away, we're out the cash.

[Hawk]

Yeah, we've gone right after him at the.

[Lone Ranger]

I didn't notice. You so blame anxious to go after him at the first or any other time.

[Hawk]

Well, just the same, it was what we should have done.

[Mr. Salters]

I say he couldn't have got away. It just ain't possible. Hey, maybe.

[Lone Ranger]

Maybe what?

[Mr. Salters]

The cliff where the canyon is. Why couldn't he have fixed a rope somehow and hung over the side? It could be there now.

[Lone Ranger]

First place he was Afoot. Never had no rope.

[Mr. Salters]

Yeah, yeah, that sure.

[Lone Ranger]

In the second place, I looked there already. He's gone. That's all there is to it.

[Mr. Salters]

You hear that?

[Narrator]

Huh?

[Hawk]

Listen.

[Mr. Salters]

What? The horseman. Sounds like a posse.

[Lone Ranger]

They must be close to our camp already. Come on. Run forward. They get us cut off just like we had the mask man.

[Mr. Salters]

We'll never.

[Hawk]

There they are. You can see them.

[Lone Ranger]

What you got coming?

[Mr. Salters]

What do we do? Hide it out.

[Hawk]

But they're too many.

[Lone Ranger]

F. Look.

[Mr. Salters]

Look.

[Lone Ranger]

There.

[Mr. Salters]

The one in the lead. The umbre and the white horse. It's the masked man.

[Lone Ranger]

Up with your hands.

[Mr. Salters]

Don't shoot.

[Lone Ranger]

We're doing the sheriff's work for him and taking you rattlers to jail.

[Mr. Salters]

Round him up.

[Narrator]

Wait.

[Lone Ranger]

Wait. Hold on. You there. Well, we had you trapped. You couldn't have got away, but you did. I'd like to know how. How it was done. You must have had wings.

[Sam Whitby]

He had something better than wings. He had the sense to see a way out when he stumbled on it.

[Lone Ranger]

Huh?

[Tonto]

What Sam means is that Toddo stumbled on it.

[Mr. Salters]

Stumbled?

[Tonto]

Exactly. He stumbled on a log.

[Hawk]

A log? What are you getting at?

[Tonto]

Toddo and I escaped by the river.

[Lone Ranger]

There, just as I told you, Link. It was your fault. You didn't keep watching till I finished.

[Tonto]

He escaped by the river in broad daylight.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, you're cooking here, buddy. With the log over which Todo had.

[Tonto]

Stumbled, it had rotted and we hollowed out the inside. We moved it into the river and got beneath it. There was an airspace in which we could breathe. We were entirely concealed.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, I'll be hogtied.

[Tonto]

Once we thought we weren't going to make it, one of your men fired at the log. We thought you discovered our trick.

[Hawk]

Why, the log, you mean? Must have been the one floating by when I fired at the bird perched on it.

[Tonto]

We couldn't tell why you'd fired. Anyway, we got beyond you, picked up our horses and rode to town, bringing these men back with us.

[Hawk]

I wish I'd know you was under there.

[Sam Whitby]

But you didn't, so there ain't much now that you can do about it.

[Mr. Salters]

Happen to come along peaceful and take your medicine?

[Sam Whitby]

The more I think of how the masked fellow fooled these fellas, the more I got to laugh.

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah, well, Sam, it looks to me like he fooled you too. You was the doggone sure the masked fellow was mad at you and then he brought back your cash.

[Sam Whitby]

Shucks, ain't a word of truth in it. Me think the masked fellow was put out by anything I said. Sure. Anybody fool enough to think that just don't know the Lone Ranger.

[GEICO Advertiser]

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[Narrator]

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

[Mr. Salters]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com Become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand Steve who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[GEICO Advertiser]

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