Trigger Takes the Bait | The Lone Ranger (10-28-49)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Trigger Takes the Bait | The Lone Ranger (10-28-49)
Host/Author: Andrew Rines
Release Date: November 28, 2024

---

Introduction

In this episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rines delves into "Trigger Takes the Bait," an exhilarating installment of The Lone Ranger series originally aired on October 28, 1949. This digitally restored classic Western radio drama transports listeners back to the Wild West, showcasing the timeless battle between justice and lawlessness. The meticulous audio restoration by otrwesterns.com ensures that every nuanced sound—from Silver the horse’s gallop to the creaking of a saloon door—is vividly brought to life, enhancing the immersive experience of this legendary tale.

---

Plot Overview

Act I: An Unexpected Encounter

The episode kicks off with the introduction of The Lone Ranger and his faithful Indian companion, Toto, seeking refuge from a torrential storm in a shallow cave near a mountain. As the storm rages, unexpected visitors disrupt their peaceful respite.

• [05:26] Lone Ranger: "They might have been loosened by the rain, Toto. Can't be the beginning of a landslide, though."

Suddenly, Thunder Martin, a rugged mule skinner, crashes into the cave, clearly injured. Despite his rough exterior, Thunder reveals he’s entangled in a perilous mission involving a significant monetary reward and government involvement.

• [07:10] Lone Ranger: "Can't be honest money."
• [07:11] Thunder Martin: "Oh, it's honest, but the job is downright dangerous. That's why the pay is high."

Thunder Martin pleads for assistance to deliver a mysterious package to the town of Ashcroft, hinting at government intrigue and impending danger.

Act II: The Mission Unfolds

As the storm subsides, Thunder’s urgency convinces The Lone Ranger to take on the mission. They prepare to leave but are ambushed by Thunder himself, revealing his true intentions and the deception at play.

• [14:18] Lone Ranger: "It's too late. Before the masked man could turn, a crashing blow landed on his head."

Regaining consciousness, The Lone Ranger discovers the package has been stolen. Determined to uncover the truth, he confronts Mr. Chester, the orchestrator behind the mission, leading to a fierce showdown.

• [21:08] Lone Ranger: "That helps."
• [21:25] Lone Ranger: "I didn't start it."

Through a series of strategic moves and combat, The Lone Ranger captures the culprits, revealing their scheme to double-cross their partners and seize the stolen money from the infamous Wells Fargo job.

• [27:42] Samuel Delong: "What about it?"
• [27:43] Lone Ranger: "There were four men on that Wells Fargo job. Yates and Farnum are two, Chester's three. You make four. Just comes out even, doesn't it?"

In the climax, The Lone Ranger exposes the deceitful plot, ensuring that justice prevails and the stolen money is accounted for, reaffirming his role as the steadfast protector of the frontier.

---

Key Characters

• The Lone Ranger: A masked vigilante dedicated to upholding justice in the Wild West.
• Toto: The Lone Ranger’s loyal Indian companion and trusty steed.
• Thunder Martin: A seemingly rough mule skinner with a hidden agenda.
• Mr. Chester: The mastermind behind the deceitful mission.
• Samuel Delong: An accomplice involved in the plot against Yates and Farnum.

---

Notable Quotes

• Thunder Martin:
  [07:10] "Oh, it's honest, but the job is downright dangerous. That's why the pay is high."
  Reveals the perilous nature of the mission and the substantial reward involved.

• The Lone Ranger:
  [12:15] "Do you have any credentials to identify yourself, Mr. Chester?"
  Highlights his cautious approach to unknown associates.

• Samuel Delong:
  [26:27] "Alright, mister, I admit it."
  Confesses the truth behind the stolen package and the scheme.

• The Lone Ranger:
  [29:05] "You won't try anything? You'd be surprised the chance a man will take."
  Demonstrates his unwavering confidence and readiness to confront threats.

---

Themes and Insights

1. Justice vs. Greed: The episode underscores the timeless conflict between upholding justice and succumbing to greed, embodied by The Lone Ranger versus the deceitful characters like Mr. Chester and Samuel Delong.

2. Trust and Deception: Initial trust in Thunder Martin evolves into revelations of betrayal, illustrating the complexities of trust in lawless territories.

3. Courage and Integrity: The Lone Ranger’s unwavering courage and moral integrity stand as beacons of righteousness, inspiring listeners with his steadfast commitment to justice.

4. Strategic Bravery: The Lone Ranger employs strategic thinking and bravery, effectively outmaneuvering adversaries despite being outnumbered, highlighting the importance of intellect alongside courage.

---

Conclusion

"Trigger Takes the Bait" delivers a compelling narrative rich with action, suspense, and classic Western themes. Through meticulous storytelling and enhanced audio quality, listeners are treated to a vivid portrayal of The Lone Ranger's relentless pursuit of justice. This episode not only entertains but also reinforces the enduring legacy of The Lone Ranger as a symbol of integrity and bravery in the face of adversity.

For those who relish the golden age of radio Westerns, this episode is a testament to the captivating performances and storytelling that defined an era. Tune in to otrwesterns.com for more digitally restored classics that continue to honor and revive the spirit of the Wild West.

---

Notable Production Credits:

• Created and Produced by: George W. Trendle
• Directed by: Charles D. Livingston
• Written by: Fran Stryker
• The Lone Ranger Voiced by: Brace Beamer

---

Listen to More Episodes:

Explore over 80 episodes released monthly, each meticulously restored for an unparalleled listening experience. Follow Old Time Radio Westerns on Facebook and subscribe to the YouTube channel for exclusive content and updates.

---

Transcript

[Grammarly Representative]

Your time and expertise are valuable, making focus one of the most important resources to have at work these days. Professionals spend nearly half the work week on written communication and it can be difficult to stay on task with all the emails and documents you have to get through. With Grammarly as your AI writing partner, you can stay focused and quickly get through your work with relevant real time suggestions wherever you write. It works across 500,000 apps and websites, so it can help with everything from brainstorming presentation ideas to sounding more confident and persuasive in emails and reports. For 15 years, Grammarly has offered best in class communication support and enterprise grade security on a business model that doesn't sell your data. 93% of professionals report that Grammarly helps them get more work done. Download Grammarly for [e-mail] podcast that's G R A M M A R L Y.com podcast.

[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 a speed of light, a claw, lot of dust, and a hearty Hio Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Andrew Rines]

If you know your party's extension, press or say 1 to leave a message in our company mailbox. Press or say two Spoiler alert.

[Thunder Martin]

It will be full representative.

[Andrew Rines]

Would you speak to your mother in that tone?

[Bluehost Representative]

Speak to a real human being.

[Lone Ranger]

You shouldn't need to shout into the.

[Pacific Source Health Plans Representative]

Void to get your health insurance questions answered.

[Lone Ranger]

Pacific Source Health Plans this is a real person. How can I help you? Human service, not automated phone trees.

[Pacific Source Health Plans Representative]

Pacific Source Health Plans.

[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tottle, the daring and resourceful Masked Rider of the Plains, led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Let's go big fellow. I want Silver.

[Narrator]

Jagged lightning split the night. Rain pelted the steep side of the mountain and the level valley at its base. There was a narrow trail along the side of the mountain, and the rain had made it slippery and treacherous. The Lone Ranger and Toto had left this as darkness gathered and considered themselves lucky to have found a shallow cave at the foot of the mountain where they could stay dry with their horses through the night. They had been there for an hour when small rocks began to shower past the opening of the cave.

[Lone Ranger]

Steady there, Silver.

[Mr. Chester]

What make rocks fall?

[Lone Ranger]

They might have been loosened by the rain, Tonno. Can't be the beginning of a landslide, though. Out on this hill. You hear that? Someone come down here. He must be falling. We know that voice. There's only one voice like it. Our old friend the mule skinner.

[Narrator]

Thunder Martin, the masked man and Toto leaped past the shower of small rocks as a huge man came sprawling and rolling down the steep slope. He yelled wildly as he clutched and clawed and tried to break his fall. He lay on the wet ground with his eyes closed for a moment. Then he heard his mule some distance away.

[Thunder Martin]

All right, warn and pray, you long eared, addle headed, clumsy footed cat about. It's your last time. I trust you. By juniper, I'll either walk or ride a goat.

[Lone Ranger]

Thunder, are you hurt? Take it easy.

[Thunder Martin]

Great day in the morning, Jew and Donoy. Where in tarnation you come from?

[Lone Ranger]

We were camped for the night in a cave. We didn't expect to have you drop in. That drop in is right Here, let me help you to your feet. The one of you're not dead after that spill.

[Thunder Martin]

I reckon I can get up all right. I hope.

[Lone Ranger]

Steady there.

[Thunder Martin]

My leg.

[Lone Ranger]

Better let us carry you into the cave. We can build up a fire and look at the lake.

[Thunder Martin]

No, I got no time. I gotta get to the town of Ashcroft.

[Lone Ranger]

Your mule seems to be unhurt.

[Thunder Martin]

All right. Come over here, you stove in hay burner, and I'll make you wish you'd never been bored. My leg. I. I can't stand all.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, then don't try.

[Thunder Martin]

But I gotta get to town. I. I got a chance to earn $1,000 for just an evening's work.

[Lone Ranger]

And $1,000 for an evening's work.

[Thunder Martin]

Yep.

[Lone Ranger]

Can't be honest money.

[Thunder Martin]

Oh, it's honest, but the job is downright dangerous. That's why the pay is high. I just gotta do it. I gotta get to town.

[Lone Ranger]

We'll talk about that. And we've seen how badly you're hurt. Give me a hand, Toto. Move him into the cave and build up a fire.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Toto inspected Thunder Martin's leg by firelight in the cave. They found it not broken, but badly sprained. Then Toto went to find the big man's mule while the lone Ranger administered first aid and listened to Thunder Martin.

[Thunder Martin]

It's just my all fired muddy luck. I go along working for Clar Bell horn blow for 30amonth and foul. Then when I get a chance to pick up 3 years pay in a couple of hours, that fool mule forgets to look where he's going and rolls me down the mountain side. Do you think my leg is bad?

[Lone Ranger]

Well, you're not going to walk on it for a couple of days.

[Thunder Martin]

But I got to meet the government man.

[Lone Ranger]

What government man?

[Thunder Martin]

Well, say, it's a special mission. A secret mission.

[Lone Ranger]

It.

[Thunder Martin]

Doggone it, it's the biggest thing that's ever come my way.

[Lone Ranger]

Who is the government man? Tell me more about this secret mission.

[Thunder Martin]

Well, I can't tell you much because I don't know much. I was in town the other day and I got into a little argument in the cafe.

[Lone Ranger]

Fighting again, huh?

[Thunder Martin]

Oh, it wasn't much. I just tangled with the four Larabee boys. They started getting rough. But they're puny critters. I could have dusted the floor with all four of them with one hand tied behind my back. Well, after the argument was over, this Mr. Chester invited me into the back room where we talked and made arrangements to meet tonight so I could carry out what he called a secret, special mission.

[Lone Ranger]

Did he select you for your brains or your brawn?

[Thunder Martin]

He didn't say. Well, I gotta go.

[Lone Ranger]

Thunder, you might as well give up. You're not going to leave this cave tonight.

[Thunder Martin]

But I gotta meet Mr. Chester in the back room of the cafe. I'm due there in just a half hour.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll meet him for you.

[Thunder Martin]

You say? Now, would you do that?

[Lone Ranger]

If it's a government mission, I'll be glad to.

[Thunder Martin]

By the way, what are you doing in these parts anyway? If you and Tardu were around here, why didn't you stop off the ranch and say hello?

[Lone Ranger]

We came here looking for money. Stolen money? Yeah. Yes. Wells Fargo was held up by four men about three weeks ago and $50,000 worth of paper money was stolen.

[Thunder Martin]

That's a lot of cash. But that don't tell me why you're Captain Ashcroft.

[Lone Ranger]

We heard that some new paper money was being spent in Ashcroft. Not very much, but enough to warrant an investigation.

[Thunder Martin]

Oh, here's Tartar with my mule.

[Mr. Chester]

Mule not hurt.

[Thunder Martin]

Not that critter's tougher than a hickory. Not you can't hurt him.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm going to saddle Silver.

[Mr. Chester]

You ride tonight.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes. Thunder had an appointment in Ashcroft. I'm going to keep it for him.

[Thunder Martin]

Say, that government man may be curious about your mask.

[Lone Ranger]

I think I can satisfy his curiosity. Tell you there, Silver, I. I was.

[Thunder Martin]

To meet Mr. Chester in the back room of the Silver Dollar. Now. Now, be sure you follow instructions just as they was given to me.

[Lone Ranger]

What were the instructions?

[Thunder Martin]

Well, ride to the rear of the cafe and leave your horse beside the door. Rap three times on the door and Mr. Chester will let you into a private room. Then you can tell him what happened to me, huh?

[Lone Ranger]

All right, Thunder. I'll let you know what happens.

[Thunder Martin]

Now remember, Rapped three times on the door.

[Lone Ranger]

All right. Steady. Easy, big fella. Adios. Adios. Come on.

[Narrator]

Dismounting in the rear of the Silver Dollar Cafe, a lone ranger stepped through ankle deep mud to a narrow door beside a curtained window.

[Mr. Chester]

Well, you're right on time. I was no mask.

[Lone Ranger]

You're Mr. Chester. You're the man I'm looking for.

[Mr. Chester]

Well, you're not the man I expected.

[Lone Ranger]

I have a message from him. May I step in?

[Mr. Chester]

Yes, that's good.

[Lone Ranger]

Thanks.

[Mr. Chester]

Who are you? Why are you mask?

[Lone Ranger]

You're expecting a much heavier man. A man called Thunder Martin. He had an accident. He couldn't come. I'm here in his place. Shall I sit down?

[Mr. Chester]

Yes, yes, sit down.

[Lone Ranger]

Thanks.

[Mr. Chester]

Needless to say, I'm very much disappointed. I'd hope.

[Lone Ranger]

Thunder Martin told me you wanted him to undertake a certain government mission.

[Mr. Chester]

That's true.

[Lone Ranger]

The pay was exceptionally high because of the danger involved.

[Mr. Chester]

Quite true.

[Lone Ranger]

Could I serve in Martin's place?

[Mr. Chester]

Perhaps you could. You look like a man who can take care of himself.

[Lone Ranger]

Do you have any credentials to identify yourself, Mr. Chester?

[Mr. Chester]

Identify myself?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, as a government man.

[Mr. Chester]

You're wearing a mask. I haven't asked you for identification.

[Lone Ranger]

Very well. Forget that I mentioned credentials. Suppose you tell me what you want done.

[Mr. Chester]

Are you familiar with this community?

[Lone Ranger]

Is that important?

[Mr. Chester]

Not particularly. As long as you know about an abandoned building a few miles east of town. It was once used as a station for the Pony Express.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Mr. Chester]

I want a package delivered there.

[Lone Ranger]

A package?

[Mr. Chester]

The package is right there in that chair in the corner.

[Lone Ranger]

May I look at it?

[Mr. Chester]

You may look at it, but you'll find it sealed.

[Lone Ranger]

No marking on it.

[Mr. Chester]

No.

[Lone Ranger]

You want this delivered to the abandoned station. Will there be someone there to receive it?

[Mr. Chester]

Man will be waiting for it. His name is Delong. Samuel Delong.

[Lone Ranger]

May I ask what's in this package?

[Mr. Chester]

I can tell you only this much.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh?

[Mr. Chester]

That package contains some very important government documents. Foreign agents would like to get possession of those documents.

[Lone Ranger]

Foreign agents?

[Mr. Chester]

Spies. There are two of them here in Ashcroft. They've been watching me in the hope of stealing that package. I might advise you that your life will be in danger between here and your destination.

[Lone Ranger]

Do you know who the foreign agents are?

[Mr. Chester]

Yes, I do. They call themselves Farnham and Yates. Names are probably assumed. They arrived here a few days ago and took a large room in the hotel. It's room number four.

[Lone Ranger]

I see.

[Mr. Chester]

You may have no difficulty at all. If you leave by the rear door and stay away from the main street you might be able to reach the destination without incident. On the other hand, I must warn you that Farnum and Yates would not hesitate to kill you to get possession of that package.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, if this could be divided into two smaller packages, I could put one in each of my saddlebags. As it is, it makes a fairly conspicuous bundle.

[Mr. Chester]

Unfortunately, the seal cannot be broken. You will have to take it to cities.

[Lone Ranger]

It's still raining. The package will get wet.

[Mr. Chester]

I doubt if the rain will soak through the wrapping.

[Lone Ranger]

Very well.

[Mr. Chester]

Mr. DeLong will pay you $1,000 when you deliver the package.

[Lone Ranger]

I might as well start at once.

[Mr. Chester]

Excellent. I'll let you out this back door. Good luck to you.

[Lone Ranger]

Thanks.

[Mr. Chester]

Thank you. And remember what I told you. If anything happens, Farnum and Yates will be behind it.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll remember.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger had to place the bulky package on the muddy ground beside the great horse Silver. While he tightened his cinch and made ready for the trip to the abandoned station beyond the far side of town. He was not aware of a man crept through the darkness behind his back. Silver pawed the ground and whinnied to sound the warning. But it came too late. Before the masked man could turn, a crashing blow landed on his head. The Lone Ranger's hat absorbed some of the force from the club that crashed down from behind. But the blow was hard enough to knock the masked man out. For several minutes. He recovered consciousness to find himself lying in the mud behind the Silver Dollar Cafe. The steady rain beat down on his face. The Lone Ranger opened his eyes. He heard Silver whinnying softly as the great horse gently nuzzled his side. He remembered the words of Mr. Chester, the man who had given him the mysterious sealed package.

[Mr. Chester]

Board agents would like to get possession of those documents.

[Lone Ranger]

Documents?

[Mr. Chester]

Your life will be in danger.

[Lone Ranger]

Package.

[Mr. Chester]

It.

[Lone Ranger]

It's gone.

[Mr. Chester]

They call themselves Farnum and Yates.

[Lone Ranger]

Farnum, Yates. Room number four. Yes, that's what he said. Silver. Room number four. In a hotel. My head. Wonder what hit me. Must have been a club. How long have I been unconscious, big fellow?

[Narrator]

As the masked man got to his feet, he felt of his mask and found it still in place. His guns were in their holsters, and the contents of his pockets were not disturbed, but the package was gone. It was too dark to see his watch, but he judged by the condition of his clothing, which, though damp, was not yet sodden, that he had been unconscious for only a short time. He opened the rear door of the Silver Dollar and found the room in which he had talked to Mr. Chester empty.

[Lone Ranger]

Just one thing for us to do. Silver to go to the hotel. If Farnum and Yates are there, we'll see what they have to say about the package. Easy City, Big fellow. Come on.

[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.

[Bluehost Representative]

Got great ideas but no idea how to build a website? Get Bluehost. Their AI design tool creates high quality WordPress sites super fast. Whether you're a blogger, influencer, or launching a side hustle, bluehost helps boost your growth with built in marketing and e commerce tools. Upgrade to cloud to get 100% uptime and 24. 7 security to stay online all the time. Why wait? You've got the vision. Make it real. Visit Bluehost.com to get started.

[Pacific Source Health Plans Representative]

Save big on your Thanksgiving feast All in the Fred Meyer app. Buy two get three free on 12 packs of delicious Coca Cola, Pepsi or 7Up with your card. Then get a juicy frozen Grade A Jenny o Turkey for one.27 a pound limit, one with your card and a digital coupon. Shop these deals at your local Oregon Fred Meyer today or click the screen now to download the Fred Meyer app to save Big today. Fred Meyer Fresh for everyone. Prices and product availability subject to change restrictions apply. See site for details.

[Bluehost Representative]

How do you feel when you switch to Geico and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says, happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes, Happy Friyay, random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friyay indeed. Yep, switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with Geico.

[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. The Lone Ranger was angry. He rode directly to the front door of the hotel and reined in sharply. He entered the lobby geared for trouble. There was no one in the lobby, not even a clerk behind the desk.

[Lone Ranger]

1.

[Narrator]

The Masked man walked quickly down a corridor toward the rear. He observed the numbers painted on the doors.

[Lone Ranger]

He passed three.

[Narrator]

Room number four was at the end of the hall.

[Lone Ranger]

Four Farnum. Yates? Who's that? I have a message for Mr. Farnum or Mr. Yates. Just a minute.

[Mr. Chester]

My name is Farnum.

[Thunder Martin]

I'm masked.

[Lone Ranger]

Hey, what's this mean?

[Narrator]

Who are you?

[Mr. Chester]

What are you doing here?

[Lone Ranger]

Hold it, both of you. You're covered. Put down that gun. Not just yet.

[Thunder Martin]

You said you had a message.

[Lone Ranger]

If this is I came to get a package.

[Narrator]

A package, huh?

[Mr. Chester]

What kind of a package?

[Lone Ranger]

I think you know.

[Mr. Chester]

I'll see.

[Lone Ranger]

Here, stranger, if this is someone's idea of a joke, it's a mighty poor one. It's no joke, Yates. I'm not in a mood for jokes.

[Thunder Martin]

Now look, mister, we don't want trouble with you.

[Mr. Chester]

So if you just put away those.

[Thunder Martin]

Guns and get out the way you came.

[Lone Ranger]

Get him. Oh, no. Good work.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger saw Yates leap forward, but he didn't want to shoot the man. Yates closed in, grabbing the masked man's gun hand and turning it aside, while Farnum seized the opportunity to throw his arms around the masked man's shoulders. For a moment it looked as though the Lone Ranger might go down. But with a sudden wrench, he broke free and shot one fist forward in a sledgehammer blow to the pit of Farnum's stomach.

[Lone Ranger]

That helps.

[Thunder Martin]

I'll get you. Hit him again, Yates.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll show him. You missed. Take it. Oh, and here's another.

[Narrator]

Two short, hard blows to the shin drove Yates back. A sweeping blow sent him sprawling to the floor.

[Lone Ranger]

Right. No. Now, Farnum, wait. Wait. On your feet. Don't.

[Thunder Martin]

Don't hit me again. Don't hit me.

[Lone Ranger]

I didn't start it.

[Thunder Martin]

I. I've got no package here.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, I'll see for myself. But first I'm going to tie you. Sit down in a chair.

[Narrator]

Without wasted motion, the Lone Ranger tore a blanket into strips and used them to tie Yates to the chair. He gagged the man, then turned to Farnham, who was just regaining consciousness after a knockout blow. Farnum was quickly tied and gagged. During these operations, the masked man was constantly alert for someone who might come to the door to investigate the commotion. But no one came. People who stayed in the hotel seemed willing to mind their own affairs and not interfere with the affairs of others.

[Lone Ranger]

You two can talk, but you can hear what I say. I'm going to search this room in the clothes press. If I don't find what I want, I'll remove one of the gags and ask questions. I'm looking for a paper wrapped package about 2ft long and 1 foot wide. No use trying to Speak, Yates. That gag's efficient. I'll start with a clothes press. Well, guess I'll not have to look any farther. Here's what I want. I. Strange.

[Narrator]

As the masked man handled the sealed package, he realized that something was not as it should be.

[Lone Ranger]

This package. I'd better have another look in the clothes press before I leave here.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger examined the clothing and boots in the closet. When he had finished, he sat down at a desk and wrote a short note. Folding this, he put it into his pocket, then picked up the package and faced the captives.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll have to leave you both here tied and gagged. I'll lock the door and take the key with me so you'll not be disturbed. If I don't return in a little while, I'll send someone in my place. Adios.

[Narrator]

During the short ride from town to the old express station, a masked man tied the note he had prepared to the pommel of his saddle.

[Lone Ranger]

Easy, Civic. There's a light in that old shack. Silver. Mr. Delong must be waiting for this package. Well, he'll not have to wait much longer. As for you, boy, go to todo Toddo, Silver. Understand? Find Toddo. Now go. Good boy, Silver. Now to deliver the package and see what happens next.

[Mr. Chester]

Who is it?

[Lone Ranger]

Chester sent me. Open the door. Are you delong Mask?

[Samuel Delong]

What's this mean? You're not the man I. I took.

[Lone Ranger]

This job in place of the man you expected. Chester accepted me with a mask.

[Samuel Delong]

Well, step inside.

[Lone Ranger]

Thanks.

[Samuel Delong]

That package is for me, isn't it?

[Lone Ranger]

I don't know.

[Samuel Delong]

You don't know? What do you mean by that?

[Lone Ranger]

Chester gave me a package which I was supposed to bring to you. He warned me that certain men might try to take it away from me. Yes, yes, that's just what happened. Someone knocked me out and took the package.

[Samuel Delong]

You don't say.

[Lone Ranger]

By guns and horse, even my mask were left untouched.

[Samuel Delong]

You seem to have recovered the stolen package.

[Lone Ranger]

There is some doubt about that, Mr. Delong.

[Samuel Delong]

Doubt?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes. You see, Chester told me that if anything happened, two men called Yates and Farnham would be responsible. He told me I might find them at the hotel. I did find them. I left them locked in their room, tied and gagged.

[Samuel Delong]

Splendid, splendid. Did you report the robbery?

[Lone Ranger]

No.

[Samuel Delong]

Ah, but of course not. With that mask, you're hardly in a position to call on lawmen. But no matter. I'll attend to that. Now, if you'll just put the package down on that table, I'll pay you off there.

[Lone Ranger]

There's just one thing. Well, this Is not the package Chester gave me.

[Samuel Delong]

Not the package? What do you mean?

[Lone Ranger]

It looks the same, but it isn't. You see, it was raining when I left Chester. The package got wet and muddy when I placed it on the ground to tighten a cinch. This package, which I found in the hotel room, was clean and dry.

[Samuel Delong]

Well, maybe those two dried it off.

[Lone Ranger]

No, no. And furthermore, if Yates or Farnum had been out, I'd have found damp clothes and muddy boots in their clothes press.

[Samuel Delong]

Now, see here.

[Lone Ranger]

This is not the package Chester gave me, so you have no claim on it.

[Samuel Delong]

That's the package I want.

[Lone Ranger]

It is. And that makes everything clear. You and Chester wanted something stolen from Yates and Farnham. You didn't dare steal it yourselves.

[Samuel Delong]

All right, mister, I admit it.

[Lone Ranger]

You went to a lot of trouble. Why didn't you hire someone to steal it?

[Samuel Delong]

We didn't expect to find a crook we could hire. We thought we'd have to dupe a man into going after Yates and Farnum. That's why we rigged a dummy package.

[Lone Ranger]

Were you the man who knocked me out?

[Samuel Delong]

Yes, but you'll be well paid for that.

[Lone Ranger]

You and Chester aren't government men at all. No.

[Samuel Delong]

Now that we understand each other and.

[Lone Ranger]

This package doesn't hold government papers of international importance, I think I'll see what it does. Hold. Put it here on the table. Hold it. A little slow, aren't you, Delong? Finish drawing that gun very slowly and drop it to the floor.

[Samuel Delong]

See here, you.

[Lone Ranger]

If you expect to be the gun, drop it. That's better. Now kick it toward me. Now sit down. Yep. Thanks. Stay right there while I see what we took from Yates and Farnum. Maybe it's worth more than you planned to pay. Money? Well, new paper money. The kind that was stolen from Wells Fargo three weeks ago.

[Samuel Delong]

What about it?

[Lone Ranger]

There were four men on that Wells Fargo job. Yates and Farnum are two, Chester's three. You make four. Just comes out even, doesn't it? Looks to me as if you and Chester planned to double cross your pals, get the cash and clear out.

[Samuel Delong]

That's what they were going to do to us. Yates gave us a few dollars and said he wouldn't divide the rest until we were well away from here. It was just a stall. He was waiting for a chance to run out on us.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, he gave you only a few dollars. Then how could you pay a thousand for the nice work? Or did you plan to pay off with a bullet? That would have been cheaper, wouldn't it, Delong?

[Samuel Delong]

All right, skip that. What do you want now a cut of the loot?

[Lone Ranger]

I have bad news for you, delong. You thought I was a crook because I wear a mask. You were wrong. You were. You're looking past me, delong. Am I supposed to turn so you can jump me? Don't bother.

[Thunder Martin]

Good work, Chester.

[Mr. Chester]

Drop the gun.

[Lone Ranger]

That is fine.

[Mr. Chester]

Get the hands up and turn slow.

[Lone Ranger]

Too bad I didn't realize that you'd come here, Chester.

[Mr. Chester]

Yes, isn't it?

[Samuel Delong]

I thought you'd never get here.

[Mr. Chester]

Sorry I was late.

[Samuel Delong]

Good thing you came in the back door.

[Mr. Chester]

Get some ropes along. We'll tie and gag him and take him a little farther from town before we shoot him. Can't take chances on a shot being heard.

[Samuel Delong]

All right.

[Mr. Chester]

First you'd better take his other gun.

[Lone Ranger]

You think it's safe to come that close to me?

[Samuel Delong]

You won't try anything?

[Lone Ranger]

You'd be surprised the chance a man will take. One Try this, Chester.

[Narrator]

With lightning speed, the masked man grabbed along and literally threw him at Chester. Then rushed in while both opponents were off balance. Chester had dropped his gun, but he was swinging with his fist.

[Lone Ranger]

So you trick us in Only two of you, huh?

[Narrator]

Both men were big and strong. The Lone Ranger had his hands full to deliver each blow. He had to take two in return. Then Chester broke free and snatched his gun from the floor.

[Lone Ranger]

Now I'll get you. I'm hit, Chester. You. Me got him. Paddle me get the house. Here. Fight. Come in. See fellow with guns.

[Mr. Chester]

Me shooting.

[Lone Ranger]

Him shooting. And he missed my shoulder. We'll patch that up before we turn you over to the law. How about feller on the floor? Just knocked out. Tato, you just got here in time. Silver come to camp. He see note you write and put in saddle. I thought I might need help. Tono, I didn't think you were going to get here in time. Things move faster than I expected. Oh, El. Silver. Outside.

[Mr. Chester]

Now.

[Lone Ranger]

Good enough. Keep an eye on these two when I go for the sheriff. Kimasabe. Yes. Me not know what happened. What?

[Mr. Chester]

That money.

[Lone Ranger]

Who?

[Thunder Martin]

These two.

[Lone Ranger]

Feller, that's the stolen Wells Fargo case. Oh. These are two of the men who stole it. The others are waiting in the hotel. I told them I'd send for them. The sheriff will go for me. All right, Silver. I'm coming.

[Mr. Chester]

Listen, Injun, there's a lot of money on that table. I'll make a deal. No. No deal, mask man. Not like who's that mask man to stand in the way of more easy cash than you ever saw.

[Lone Ranger]

Who is he? Why him called Lone Ranger.

[Bluehost Representative]

How do you feel when you switch to GEICO and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says Happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes, Happy Friday. Random stranger in the elevator Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with GEICO feels just like that. Get more with GEICO how do you feel when you switch to GEICO and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says happy Fri. Yay. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes, Happy Friday. Random stranger in the elevator Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with GEICO feels just like that. Get more with GEICO.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created and produced by George W. Trendle and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's story 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 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 Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Bluehost Representative]

How do you feel when you switch to GEICO and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says Happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes, Happy Friday. Random stranger in the elevator Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with GEICO how do you feel when you switch to GEICO and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says, happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes, Happy Friday, random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep. Switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with Geico.