Treachery Trail | The Lone Ranger (11-28-52)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: "Treachery Trail | The Lone Ranger" (11-28-52)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: December 29, 2025

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Overview

This episode transports listeners into the heart of a classic Lone Ranger escapade, "Treachery Trail," first broadcast in 1952. Through pristine audio restoration, the episode immerses the audience in the drama of a westward wagon train–and a web of deception surrounding young Dave Wingate, a masked hero, and a looming Sioux ambush. The Lone Ranger and Tonto race to unravel a frame job and prevent a massacre, highlighting themes of justice, loyalty, and the fight against frontier treachery.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

1. Ambush and Introduction to Dave Wingate

[04:37–06:14]

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto, riding along the Bozeman Trail, are held up by a desperate young man, Dave Wingate.
• Dave’s outdated rifle is exposed as harmless (lacking a priming cap), and he confesses hunger rather than villainy.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Tonto: "Are you hungry?"
    • Dave (surprised): "You're dog gone right! I'm hungry." (06:37)
• Dave is invited to share a meal, earning his trust.

2. Dave’s Backstory: Framed and Banished

[06:52–11:59]

• Dave reveals he joined a wagon train to follow Sarah, the woman he loves, after her family set out west.
• After being accused of dereliction on night watch (framed by Captain Slate and Dakota Dick), Dave is banished—practically a death sentence.
• Sarah secretly leaves food for him; it's all that stands between him and starvation.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Dave: “I didn’t do anything wrong. Captain Slate framed me.” (07:26)
• Slate’s suspicious late-night meeting with an Indian and coded words ("Mose onyu, inya walkon") lead Tonto to realize Slate is orchestrating a Sioux ambush at Medicine Rock.

3. Slate and Dick’s Treachery Revealed

[12:45–15:16]

• Captain Slate and his accomplice Dakota Dick are seen plotting the ambush with Sioux renegades, seeking to rob the wagons and eliminate witnesses.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Dick: “We’ll drop them before they know what hit ‘em.” (20:12)
• Plans are made to kill Dave if he tries to return.

4. Preemptive Strike and The Trap Tightens

[19:13–23:04]

• Dick fails to ambush Dave, returns to Slate with warnings about Dave’s new allies (a masked man and an Indian—The Lone Ranger and Tonto).
• The Ames brothers, past opponents of Dave, are recruited for an ambush but botch the job by firing too early, allowing Dave and his companions to escape.

5. The Lone Ranger’s Plan with Chief Thunderbird

[24:05–25:48]

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto seek out Chief Thunderbird and the friendly Crow tribe.
• The Crows disguise themselves as Sioux to trick Slate and Dick into revealing their guilt.
  • Notable Moment:
    • Dave, surprised at the disguised Crow Indians: “They look just like the ones we saw!” (25:21)

6. Climax: The Staged Attack & Unmasking the Villains

[26:25–29:19]

• Slate and Dick force the exhausted wagons onward into the evening, toward the trap at Medicine Rock.
• The disguised Crow Indians stage a mock Sioux attack. Amid the confusion, the true villains, believing their plan has succeeded, are exposed.
  • Notable Exchanges:
    • Dave Wingate: “It means that you and Dakota have been exposed for what you are. These are Crow engines.” (28:52)
    • Tonto (to the prisoners): “Dismount, both of you... Crow Indians. Chief Thunderbird and his men dressed like Sioux so you and Dakota would be tricked into showing your true colors.” (28:56–28:59)

7. Resolution: Justice Restored

[29:28–30:53]

• The Crow warriors ride off to confront the real Sioux threat.
• The rest of the wagon train learns the truth. Dave Wingate’s name is cleared, and Slate and Dick are delivered to justice.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Newton: “Who’s that masked man?”
    • Dave: “He’s the man who exposed these crooks, saved my neck, and prevented the massacre of everyone on that wagon train. He’s the Lone Ranger!” (30:44–30:53)

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Memorable Moments and Quotes

• Act of Generosity:

  • Dave’s hunger is met with kindness, not violence, setting the Lone Ranger's moral compass apart early in the episode.

• Linguistic Insight Leads to Breakthrough:

  • Tonto decodes Slate’s conversation with the Indian, revealing the coded Sioux phrase that exposes treachery.
    • Tonto: “He used the Indian words ‘Mose onyu’, which means make attack.” (11:48)

• The Wagon Train’s Dilemma:

  • The debate over law, leadership, and mercy among the pioneers, especially the argument that "Captain Slate is law as far as we're concerned. He’s like the captain of a ship at sea. What he says goes." (21:57)

• Final Unmasking:

  • Dave denounces the villains and credits the Lone Ranger for their salvation in front of the whole party. (30:44–30:53)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [04:37] – Wagon trail holdup/meeting Dave Wingate
• [06:52] – Dave’s account of being banished
• [11:18] – Tonto deciphers the Sioux phrase
• [12:45] – Plans for the wagon train's ambush are revealed
• [20:23] – Ames brothers plan their ambush
• [23:04] – Dave and his allies escape ambush
• [24:05] – Lone Ranger secures help from Chief Thunderbird
• [26:25] – The fake Sioux attack begins
• [28:52] – Unmasking of Slate and Dakota Dick
• [30:44] – Lone Ranger credited for saving the train and Dave’s reputation

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Tone and Style

The episode balances high-stakes action with classic Western virtues: grit, loyalty, and justice. The Lone Ranger remains laconic and noble, Tonto is resourceful and wise, and Dave shifts from desperate teenager to vindicated hero. Dialogue is brisk and period-appropriate, evoking both suspense and warmth.

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Conclusion

This "Old Time Radio Westerns" episode, masterfully restored, provides a vibrant listening experience and a textbook Lone Ranger story: injustice confronted, villains exposed, and the frontier made a little safer through courage and cleverness. The moral clarity and camaraderie shine, with the vivid sounds of horses, gunfire, and wagon trains drawing the audience into a golden era of radio drama.

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Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly. For your enjoyment, you can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hio Silver.

[Dave Wingate]

The Lone Ranger.

[Tonto]

It's sam.

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Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits. Plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits credit Stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required.

[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early Western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver.

[Dave Wingate]

The Lone Ranger rides again. One, two.

[Tonto]

Let's go, big fella.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Toto were in the country of the Crow Indians, riding westward along the Bozeman Trail. They didn't suspect that one of the many boulders alongside the trail concealed a man and his horse. They were wholly unaware of danger until a slim figure leaped into view, leveled a muzzleloading rifle and shouted.

[Dave Wingate]

Take it easy.

[Tonto]

Blow the head off.

[Dave Wingate]

The first one of you reaches for a gun.

[Tonto]

Is this a hold Up.

[Dave Wingate]

Yeah. Don't try any tricks, Kimasabi.

[Tonto]

I'll handle him.

[Dave Wingate]

Taro, you're smart and keep your hands high.

[Tonto]

All right, do as he says. Easy. Easy to go.

[Narrator]

Easy.

[Dave Wingate]

Sudden move and I'll shoot. I don't mind shooting a mass outlaw.

[Tonto]

I'm not an outlaw. And you're not going to shoot.

[Dave Wingate]

Stand where you are.

[Tonto]

I'll take that rifle.

[Dave Wingate]

Stop. Stop or I'll shoot.

[Tonto]

I can see from here that you have no priming cap on that muzzle loader.

[Dave Wingate]

Let me have it. Why you.

[Tonto]

Yes, that's better. Hey, this is a fine rifle. It's a little outdated, but still a good weapon. But it's useless without a priming cap.

[Dave Wingate]

Yeah, I know. I used the last of my caps trying to shoot Wild Turkey. Yeah, I should have known better than to try to run a bluff on a professional gunslinging outlaw.

[Tonto]

I told you, I'm not an outlaw. That mass says that many people are misled by it. Is this your first attempt at a hold of?

[Dave Wingate]

Yeah, it is. I don't suppose you believe me, but.

[Tonto]

Never. I do believe you. You don't look like a highwayman. What's your name?

[Dave Wingate]

Well, I. I suppose as long as you have the whip hand, I gotta answer your questions.

[Tonto]

You don't have to. But you have nothing to lose by.

[Dave Wingate]

My name's Wingate. Dave Wingate. I held you up because I need a weapon. I hope to borrow one of your guns and some cartridges.

[Tonto]

This your horse?

[Dave Wingate]

Yeah, it's mine and I didn't steal it.

[Tonto]

How old are you, Dave?

[Dave Wingate]

I'm 19. My home was in Council Bluffs and I'm heading for the Gold Coast. Is there anything else you want to know?

[Tonto]

Yes, I have one more question, Dave.

[Dave Wingate]

Well, ask it then. Either shoot me or let me go or do whatever you're mind.

[Tonto]

Are you hungry?

[Dave Wingate]

Is that your question?

[Tonto]

Yes.

[Dave Wingate]

You're dog gone, right? I'm hungry.

[Tonto]

Then perhaps you'll share the meal Tanto and I are going to prepare.

[Narrator]

During the meal, the friendly manner of the Lone Ranger and Tottle won the confidence of Dave Wingate. He volunteered further information about himself. He told about his life in Council Bluffs, the death of his parents and his love for a girl named Sarah Newton.

[Dave Wingate]

Sarah's father joined a wagon train to go west. Sarah, of course, had to go with him. So I signed up for the trip.

[Tonto]

We noticed the tracks of the wagon train. Well, yeah.

[Dave Wingate]

I've been following those tracks ever since. Ever since I was banished.

[Andrew Rines]

You?

[Dave Wingate]

Banished from wagon train?

[Tonto]

That's a heavy Penalty? Did you murder someone? Oh, no.

[Dave Wingate]

I didn't do anything wrong. Captain Slate framed me.

[Tonto]

Captain Slate?

[Dave Wingate]

The emigrants hired him as guide and wagon master and made him captain of the outfit with full power to enforce the articles of immigration. He ran things in military style and and posted guards to stand watch every night.

[Tonto]

Guards are necessary. There are bad Indians on these planes.

[Dave Wingate]

As far as I'm concerned, all Indians are bad.

[Tonto]

Oh, no, you're wrong, Dave. The Crow Indians are friendly. In fact, Chief Thunderbird of the Crow is a good friend of ours. He and his braves have been of great help to the army in fighting the Sioux.

[Dave Wingate]

I've heard of the Sioux. They're bad.

[Tonto]

They're deadly enemies of white men. But what about you? You said you'd been framed by Captain Slate. Oh, yeah.

[Dave Wingate]

Well, one night I was on guard duty. The sky was overcast, but the moon showed through the clouds for a split second. Just enough to give me a glimpse of someone moving outside the circle of wagons. I went to investigate and saw two men sneaking toward a gully. I followed him. At the bottom of the gully, they met a third man.

[Tonto]

Could you identify the men?

[Dave Wingate]

Not by seeing them. It was too dark. But I knew by their voices. One was Captain Slate, the other a guide Slate had hired. We knew him as Dakota Dick. The man they met in the gully was an Injun.

[Tonto]

Well, what tribe?

[Dave Wingate]

How to know that, mister? While I listened to the talk, my nose started to tickle. I couldn't help myself. I sneezed.

[Tonto]

Might give you way.

[Dave Wingate]

Yeah. The men in the gully were startled, so I called out and told Captain Sleet who I was. He and Dakota ran up the side of the gully and grabbed me.

[Tonto]

What about the Indian?

[Dave Wingate]

He disappeared in the darkness. Dick was raving mad. He wanted to shoot me on the spot. Slate said it'd be hard to explain the shooting. He had a better way to get rid of me.

[Tonto]

Get rid of you?

[Dave Wingate]

Yeah, that's what he said. I couldn't believe I was hearing right. I was even more surprised by what followed.

[Tonto]

What was that?

[Dave Wingate]

They disarmed me, dragged me into camp, woke up the leaders of the wagon train and accused me of sleeping on guard duty.

[Tonto]

According to the articles of immigration, that's punishable by death.

[Dave Wingate]

I know it is.

[Tonto]

Mr.

[Dave Wingate]

Slate knew it too. That's why he told a string of lies. He said he'd been inspecting the guard post with Dakota and had found me asleep on duty. Dakota backed his lies. I told my story, but I couldn't prove it.

[Tonto]

Your story? Would sound unconvincing. It sure did.

[Dave Wingate]

Besides, Slate was a captain. No one could see any cause for him to lie.

[Tonto]

On the other hand, there was ample motive for you to lie if you had been caught sleeping on duty.

[Dave Wingate]

No one believed me, not even Sarah's father.

[Tonto]

Did he vote to banish you? No.

[Dave Wingate]

He asked the men to give me another chance. But he was overruled. Some of the men, including Slate, wanted to hang me, but the majority voted for banishment. So I was turned away from the wagon train a few days ago. Without food.

[Tonto]

Banishment in country like this is practically a death penalty. You're lucky you didn't start.

[Dave Wingate]

Sarah's been leaving little packets of food along the trail. I've been following the wagons and picking it up. It's all that kept me alive.

[Tonto]

Well, you.

[Dave Wingate]

You don't believe my story, do you?

[Tonto]

Yes, Dave, I do. There's no reason you tell us what not true. I'm trying to understand why Slate was so eager to kill you.

[Dave Wingate]

All I can figure is that he likes Sarah. Maybe he thought you'd show interest in him if he got rid of me.

[Tonto]

You said Slate and Dick were talking to an Indian.

[Dave Wingate]

Yeah.

[Tonto]

Well, maybe them planned something bad. Maybe think you here plan. You think they went there to meet the Indian?

[Dave Wingate]

It didn't seem that way, mister. The Injun jabbered something I couldn't understand. I figured he was a friendly Injun begging for a handout.

[Tonto]

What gave you that impression?

[Dave Wingate]

Well, because Slate said, mosey along, you Injun walk on.

[Tonto]

Slate said that? Yeah. Strange thing to say.

[Dave Wingate]

Yeah, it sounded odd. That's why I remembered it.

[Tonto]

Say it again.

[Dave Wingate]

Mosey along, you Injun walk on. Nino Kimasabi. Slate talk in Sioux language. Now, you listen close to Tato. See if this what you hear, Mose on you and yun walk on. Yeah. Yeah, that's it.

[Tonto]

Dave, are you sure?

[Dave Wingate]

I'm certain. That's just how it sounded.

[Tonto]

Why?

[Dave Wingate]

What does it mean? Pack saddlebags. We have to move plenty fast.

[Tonto]

I'll help you.

[Narrator]

Toto.

[Dave Wingate]

I. I don't understand.

[Tonto]

You thought Slate said mosey on you? Actually, he used the Indian words mose on you, which means make attack.

[Dave Wingate]

Great Scott.

[Tonto]

What you thought was engine walk on was really inya walk on.

[Dave Wingate]

What does that mean?

[Tonto]

That's what the Indians call Medicine Rock. It's a big rock formation, A landmark some distance to the west.

[Dave Wingate]

Slate told that engine to make an attack at Medicine Rock. He must have met the wagon train. He must be leading those people into an ambush. Why, that double crosser Here in Dakota? Maybe they've already made the attack.

[Tonto]

Dave, how far ahead of you is the wagon train? Have you any idea?

[Dave Wingate]

Yeah. I've been staying two or three hours behind it. I've seen it in a distance a few times when I rode over high ground.

[Tonto]

In that case, we may have time to overtake and warn the pioneer before they reach the rock.

[Dave Wingate]

Horses ready, Kima.

[Tonto]

Fabi.

[Dave Wingate]

Well, I. I hadn't better go with you.

[Tonto]

Come on, Dave. We're riding together. Easy.

[Narrator]

The covered wagons had been halted at noon to give the pioneers a chance to eat and the horses a chance to rest. When the line was formed to resume the journey west. Captain Slate took his position at the head of the column. He was about to signal for the leading wagon to get underway when Dakota Dick rode up to his side.

[Dave Wingate]

Hey, Captain Slade. Ho.

[Tonto]

What's the matter, Dick? Anything wrong?

[Dave Wingate]

You better start the wagons and let them go on. Catch up later. I've got something to show you.

[Tonto]

What is it?

[Dave Wingate]

I'd rather show you than tell you.

[Tonto]

Serious?

[Dave Wingate]

Mighty serious.

[Tonto]

All right, take the lead and hold the course. Due west.

[Dave Wingate]

I'll catch up to you.

[Tonto]

Dick. What do you want to show me?

[Dave Wingate]

We gotta ride back a couple of hundred yards.

[Tonto]

Get up.

[Dave Wingate]

Come.

[Tonto]

Get up there.

[Dave Wingate]

Everything set for tonight?

[Tonto]

Is as far as the Sioux renegades are concerned. We'll be waiting at Medicine Rock. Only trouble is we'll have to keep going for several hours after dark to get there.

[Dave Wingate]

Well, you're the captain. You give the orders. You say the wagons keep rolling? They'll do so.

[Tonto]

I'll manage it.

[Dave Wingate]

You sure those redskins won't want the cash as well as everything else?

[Tonto]

Yeah. They no use for cash after the massacre. They'll take the horses, firearms and whatever else they want while we collect the cash. Then they'll burn the wagon if nothing goes wrong. What do you mean?

[Dave Wingate]

You see, Captain.

[Tonto]

There goes the last wagon.

[Dave Wingate]

Jim Newton's out. You haven't been making much headway with Sarah Newton, have you, Captain?

[Tonto]

Never mind Sarah Newton.

[Dave Wingate]

He's still deep in love with Dave Wingate.

[Tonto]

You forget him.

[Dave Wingate]

Think so? Now, when do you see where you taking me? Right here. This clump of mesquite. I was watching when Sarah Newton came here with a package. There's a boot marks. Proven she was here.

[Tonto]

A package?

[Dave Wingate]

I'll get it for you. I already know what's in it.

[Tonto]

Is it?

[Dave Wingate]

I sneaked over here and looked while Sarah went to the water hole to fill canteens.

[Tonto]

Let's untie.

[Dave Wingate]

I didn't bother retying it.

[Tonto]

What?

[Dave Wingate]

Food for Wingate. Also, a note. She's been leaving grub every day and he's been following along and picking it up.

[Tonto]

In this note, she says, father's been talking to several of the men. They're sorry for the way they voted and would like to give you another chance. I read it, but they can't do that.

[Dave Wingate]

Worried on, she tells Wingate to rejoin the outfit. There'll be a new meeting called and a new vote.

[Tonto]

I'm in charge of the outfit.

[Dave Wingate]

Looks like you might lose some authority, Captain. If the men call new meat, we.

[Tonto]

Can'T let Wingate return. Dick, ride the back trail till you see Dave Winget.

[Dave Wingate]

Right now, Captain.

[Tonto]

Right now.

[Dave Wingate]

I'm on my way.

[Tonto]

And when you see him, shoot the kill. Get him.

[Narrator]

Dakota. Dick rode east along the back trail of the wagon train until he came to the crest of a small hill. Seeing three horsemen in the distance, he drew rein sharply. He took binoculars from a saddlebag and focused them on the approaching figures.

[Tonto]

Hey. What?

[Narrator]

One of the men was Dave Wingate. He was accompanied by an Indian and a masked man.

[Dave Wingate]

Three against one. That's not for me.

[Tonto]

Get up.

[Dave Wingate]

Come on, boy.

[Narrator]

Dick turned his horse and set out at full speed to report to Captain Slate. The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger adventure. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Tonto]

Sam. Ram.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. Captain Slate was riding just ahead of the line of heavy prairie wagons when he heard the hoofs of a fast approaching horse. He turned in the saddle and saw Dakota.

[Tonto]

Dick.

[Dave Wingate]

Hey, Captain Slade.

[Tonto]

Hello, Dick. You made good time. Did you see Winky?

[Dave Wingate]

I saw him, but I didn't get close enough to shoot.

[Tonto]

Why not?

[Dave Wingate]

It would have been suicide. He had two men with him. There was no place handy to wait in ambush. And if I'd shot him, one of his pals would have got me.

[Tonto]

Two men with him, you say?

[Dave Wingate]

Yeah, I think one wore a mask. The other was an Indian.

[Tonto]

An Indian?

[Dave Wingate]

That's right. I don't know what tribe, but I'll say this. They were coming this way fast, as if they meant to overtake the wagons.

[Tonto]

Maybe the Indian interpreted what Wingate overheard. Or maybe one of the Sioux renegades double crossed us.

[Dave Wingate]

If Wingate gets here and talks to some of the men, he could wreck our plans.

[Tonto]

He's not gonna talk to anyone.

[Dave Wingate]

How's that?

[Tonto]

Listen, Dick, James brothers have no use for Wingate.

[Dave Wingate]

I know that they voted to hang him.

[Tonto]

They've hated him ever since he caught him cheating the cards.

[Dave Wingate]

What about it?

[Tonto]

Look, ride back to the Ames wagon. Tell Joe and Lefty that Wingate is out for revenge and is coming after.

[Dave Wingate]

Us with a couple of killers.

[Tonto]

Tell him to pull out of line, fall behind the other wagon. Then you stay with them. That'll make three rifles. When you see Wingate and his pals, you know what to do.

[Dave Wingate]

We'll drop them before they know what hit him.

[Tonto]

Get up. Come.

[Narrator]

Joe and Lefty Ames welcomed the chance to deal personally with Dave Wingate. They drew their canvas covered wagon out of line and soon were lacking, lagging far behind the others. Dakota Dick rode alongside the wagon that belonged to the Ames brothers. Lefty Ames drove, holding the reins in one hand and his rifle in the other. And Joe Ames sat in the rear of the wagon watching the back trail. He was tense and his hands trembled nervously on his ready rifle.

[Tonto]

See anything yet, Joe? No, not yet.

[Dave Wingate]

Be sure to let me know when those three in sight. I'll stop the team and we'll all fly at once.

[Tonto]

I'll let you know. I know what I'm supposed to do. You don't need to tell me. All right, all right.

[Dave Wingate]

Don't get sore.

[Tonto]

I. I can't see as far as I'd like to.

[Dave Wingate]

How's that?

[Tonto]

So many big boulders around here. The country was Open like it was this morning, I'd be able to see them critters. And they're a couple of miles away.

[Dave Wingate]

Ah, you can see far enough.

[Tonto]

Lefty, is your rifle ready?

[Dave Wingate]

Of course it is.

[Tonto]

You checked it, didn't you?

[Dave Wingate]

Yeah, I checked it.

[Tonto]

Well, how about Dakota Dick? Is he still with us?

[Dave Wingate]

Of course he's with us.

[Tonto]

I can't see him from back here.

[Dave Wingate]

He's riding alongside.

[Tonto]

Good. Hey, Lefty.

[Dave Wingate]

Now what?

[Tonto]

Did the Carter Dick make sure his rifle's loaded? Certainly he did.

[Dave Wingate]

What's the matter with you, Joe? You liked as nervous as a cat.

[Tonto]

Why never shout a man before? I hope we don't get into trouble. Trouble?

[Dave Wingate]

What do you mean?

[Tonto]

Trouble with the law for shooting three men.

[Dave Wingate]

Why you blame fool. Captain Slater's the law as far as we're concerned. He's like the captain of a ship at sea. What he says goes. Those men are coming to attack us, aren't they?

[Tonto]

Well, that's what Dakota Dick said.

[Dave Wingate]

Of course they are. We're shooting them in self defense.

[Tonto]

Yeah, well, maybe Newton and Selma Winget's other friends won't see it that way.

[Dave Wingate]

Well, they'll never know what happens. The other wagons are too far ahead of us. Lefty.

[Tonto]

I see them. Oh, they're ho. I see them. I see them.

[Dave Wingate]

They're coming fast. You blame fools.

[Tonto]

There they are.

[Dave Wingate]

Why did you shoot when they're so far away? What's the idea of firing before we're ready?

[Tonto]

They're stopping their horses.

[Dave Wingate]

Now we all gotta shoot. Why didn't you let them get close? I'll run fire on them.

[Tonto]

They're dugging for the COVID of rocks.

[Dave Wingate]

Sure they are, you crazy, trigger happy fool. You tipped him off. Now we gotta let him go.

[Tonto]

How about going back to get him?

[Dave Wingate]

No, Joe. You spoiled it by shooting too soon.

[Tonto]

I'm sorry, I. I guess I sort of lost my head.

[Dave Wingate]

Well, anyhow, they know we're gunning for them. They'll probably stay away.

[Narrator]

From the rocks behind which they had taken refuge. The Lone Ranger, Tato and Dave Wingate watched the distant prairie schooner.

[Tonto]

They were shooting at us. There's no doubt of that. Several of the bullets struck the ground nearby. Plenty foolish them fire so soon.

[Dave Wingate]

We're sure of one thing. They're not gonna let me get back to the wagon train.

[Tonto]

So it seems.

[Dave Wingate]

Dave, we can't warn those people of an ambush. They'll all be massacred. What can we do?

[Tonto]

I have an idea. Chief Thunderbird and a tribe of friendly Crow Indians are in a valley Just a few miles to the northwest. They'll help us.

[Dave Wingate]

You said Chief Thunderbird was a friend of yours.

[Tonto]

Tonto, you and Dave ride in a big half circle and get ahead of the wagon train and scout the area of Madison Rock. Find out if the sewer waiting. Then report to me at Thunderbirds camp. You go there now? Yes. I'll outline my plan to Thunderbirds so he'll have his men ready to ride when we give the word. Easy. Steady, big fellow. Hum, Dave. Bon Silver.

[Narrator]

Riding hard, the masked man soon reached the valley where Chief Thunderbird and his braves were camped. The friendly Indian listened to the Lone Ranger's plan. His face wrinkled in a grin of.

[Tonto]

Approval, he said, me tell Brave. I'm not sure your help will be needed, Chief Thunderbird, but if Tato brings in a report that the Sioux are awaiting an ambush, be ready.

[Narrator]

Chief Thunderbird gave orders that at first surprised and then amused his followers. In response, the Indians stripped off buckskin shirts and headdress. They applied war paint to their skin and fixed feathers in their hair. Presently they no longer looked like friendly Crow Indians. They looked like savage renegade Sioux. In due time, Toto and Dave Wingate rode into the Crow village and found the Lone Ranger waiting at the side of the chief. Dave was wide eyed.

[Dave Wingate]

I thought you said these Indians were Crows.

[Tonto]

They are, Dave, but they're made up to resemble the Sioux.

[Dave Wingate]

They look just like the ones we saw.

[Tonto]

Then you did see them.

[Dave Wingate]

Yeah, we see plenty. Bad engine in ambush at Madison Rock.

[Tonto]

Hear that, Chief Thunderbird? Ah, me here. Me glad. Me tell man. Mount horse. Get ready for war path.

[Dave Wingate]

Are these engines going to attack the Seward Medicine Rocks?

[Tonto]

No, Dave. They're going to attack the wagon train.

[Dave Wingate]

Oh, no, no, you can't have to.

[Tonto]

Be a real attack. But it will look like one. The engines will not hurt anyone.

[Dave Wingate]

The people on the train, if they think it's real, they'll fire at the engines.

[Tonto]

The Indians will try to avoid injury.

[Dave Wingate]

What about us?

[Tonto]

We'll ride with the Indians and stay in the background until the right moment. Be ready. Now then, let's go easy.

[Narrator]

The wagons were still rolling westward at dusk. Captain Slate led the line of march and held his horse close to that of Dakota Dick, who had just ridden up from the rear of the column.

[Tonto]

Dick, are there many complaints? Cause we didn't stop at sundown.

[Dave Wingate]

A few captains. But I told him you wanted to reach a place you know of where there was good water.

[Tonto]

That satisfy him?

[Dave Wingate]

I reckon so.

[Tonto]

It doesn't matter. Long as none of the wagons drop out of line. Yeah.

[Dave Wingate]

We're gonna be another two, three hours reaching Medicine Rock.

[Tonto]

Yeah, I know it. But when we get there, things will happen. Captain Hinges coming from the north.

[Dave Wingate]

Now, there was your prince.

[Tonto]

They must be there soon.

[Dave Wingate]

What are they doing this far from Medicine Rock?

[Tonto]

I don't know. Unless the chief figured we wouldn't reach Medicine Rock tonight. Stay close to me, Dick.

[Dave Wingate]

Take the wagons in a circle and fight to the end. Now, hold your fine light.

[Tonto]

Give the word.

[Narrator]

While the pioneer work desperately to form the wagons into a tight circle and prepare for the fight. Slate and Dakota Dick sat on their horses some distance away. They watched the wagons being formed and watched the shouting. Indians.

[Dave Wingate]

Slate, those Indians have stopped advancing. They spread out and started gunfire.

[Narrator]

Yeah, the fools.

[Tonto]

Why don't they attack? I figured on joining them when they got close.

[Dave Wingate]

Here comes Newton. Newton, get back inside the circle of wagons. You do come with me. You can't stay out in the open. You'll be killed.

[Tonto]

Never mind us.

[Dave Wingate]

You've got as much right inside the wagon circle as the rest of us. Come on. What'll we do, Slade? We can't go back to the wagons. We might get hit by a stray bullet.

[Tonto]

We're riding over to join the Sioux.

[Dave Wingate]

To join the Sioux? Yeah. Now you know Newton.

[Tonto]

Doesn't matter. He'll die with the others. Slade. You mean shut him up. Why, you.

[Dave Wingate]

Double crossing.

[Tonto]

Oh, that's it. Now, let's get going.

[Dave Wingate]

Get up there.

[Tonto]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Newton quickly regained his feet and hurry to the wagons to report what he had learned of Slate and Dick. Meanwhile, the schemers reached the ranks of the Indians. And then the gunfire and the shouting ceased.

[Tonto]

Ho.

[Dave Wingate]

Huh?

[Tonto]

Hoo. Hoo.

[Narrator]

Slate and Dick were surprised at the sudden silence. Then they were more surprised the Indians who closed in around them were not renegade Sioux.

[Tonto]

Hey, what's this mean? Who are you?

[Dave Wingate]

Slate. There's Wingate.

[Tonto]

Hello, Slate.

[Dave Wingate]

And a masked man.

[Tonto]

You showed your colors. Slate, Wingate. This mask man. These Indians. What's this mean?

[Dave Wingate]

It means that you and Dakota have been exposed for what you are. These are Crow engines.

[Tonto]

Dismount, both of you.

[Dave Wingate]

Crow Indians.

[Tonto]

Chief Thunderbird and his men dressed like sue. So you and Dakota would be tricked into showing your true colors. I'll cover them, Dave, while you and Toto tie their hands. You through with us now, Kimusube? Yes, Chief Thunderbird. Once more, the white people are indebted to you. Then we go take care of sue at Medicine Rock. Wingate, wait. Listen. Let me explain.

[Dave Wingate]

David, that rose shoe tight. Need meditate. Rope the whole strong.

[Narrator]

The Indians were glad of the chance to ride to battle against their hated enemies, the Sioux renegades. They raced away, leaving the Lone Ranger, Tonto and Dave Wingate with the two prisoners. By the time the last of the Indians had gone, a group of horsemen approached from the circle of wagons with Newton in the lead. When Newton saw Dave Wingate and the prisoners, he shouted, it's Dave Wingate.

[Dave Wingate]

He's already got the stage demons pulled past captains and ties.

[Tonto]

Human.

[Dave Wingate]

Hold your fire. These guys were double crossing you. They're crooks.

[Tonto]

I know they're crooks, Dave.

[Dave Wingate]

They called it on all of us being massacred.

[Tonto]

Now we're through here, Tunnel. Let's go to our horses.

[Dave Wingate]

Newton, Jackson. You others have a lot to tell you. Now I can clear myself. Save it, Dave. Until we get back to the wagons with these polecats, just answer one question before we start. Who's that Nash man? He's the man who exposed these crooks, saved my neck and prevented the massacre. Everyone on that wagon train, he's the Lone Ranger.

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[Tonto]

Foreign.

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[Narrator]

Toyota thon. Toyota Thon. Toyota Thon is on. Oh, what fun it is to drive.

[Dave Wingate]

A new Toyota today.

[Narrator]

Hey Jan from Toyota here reminding you Toyotathon is on. Make your holiday wishes come true with a new Camry RAV4 Tacoma and more. All right, let's sing it together this time. Toyota Thon, Toyota THON, Toyota TH dealer inventory may vary.

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

Toyota THONE ends January 5th.

[Dave Wingate]

See your participating dealer for details.

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

Toyota let's go places.

[Tonto]

Sam.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated created by George W. Trendle. Produced by Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's drama was written by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer.

[Andrew Rines]

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

[Tonto]

Sam.

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

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[T-Mobile Legal Disclaimer]

Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits. Plan features in Texas and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits. Credit stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required.

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