Trouble in South Valley | The Lone Ranger (01-31-51)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: "Trouble in South Valley | The Lone Ranger" (01-31-51)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: May 29, 2025

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Introduction

In the episode titled "Trouble in South Valley," listeners are transported back to the golden age of Western radio drama, meticulously restored for enhanced audio clarity by Andrew Rines and his team at Old Time Radio Westerns. This installment features the iconic character, The Lone Ranger, navigating the tumultuous dynamics of South Valley amidst familial strife and looming threats to the local farming community.

Main Characters

• The Lone Ranger: The masked vigilante championing justice in the Wild West.
• Toto: The Lone Ranger's loyal Indian companion.
• Bert Deming: A young man grappling with his family's troubled legacy.
• Bantam Hooker: Bert's steadfast friend, known for his resilience.
• Hank Deming: Bert's uncle, a powerful rancher intent on expanding his influence.
• Emma Deming: Hank's wife, caught in the crossfire of familial and business conflicts.
• Alex: Hank's foreman, facing pressure from his employer.
• Jed Deming: Bert's father, deceased, whose legacy fuels the current tensions.

Plot Developments

Family Tensions and Financial Struggles ([04:19] - [06:08])

Bert Deming and his friend Bantam Hooker journey toward Oakford, discussing the recent death of Bert's father, Jed Deming. Bert reveals that he had to sell the family farm to settle his father's debts, leaving them with only two silver dollars. Bantam expresses frustration over their inability to stay on the farm, emphasizing the burden of debts and the strained relationship between Bert's father and Uncle Hank Deming.

Bantam Hooker ([04:40]): "You know, Bert, I always figured you'd stay on the farm after your dad died, make a good living out of it."

Bert Deming ([05:03]): "And out of the money I got, I have two silver dollars left."

Introduction to Hank Deming's Ruthless Plans ([07:00] - [09:20])

At the Bar D ranch, Hank Deming admonishes his foreman, Alex, for failing to evict the "ornery nesters" (small farmers) from South Valley. Emma, Hank's wife, sympathizes with the farmers, highlighting the illegitimacy of Hank's claims to their land.

Hank Deming ([07:09]): "If you want to stay on here as foreman, you better do something about getting those ornery nesters out of the South Valley like I told you to."

Emma Deming ([07:37]): "Hank, I don't blame 'em. Those small farms are their homes. They're all they have."

Hank devises a plan to drive a thousand head of cattle through a narrow trail bordered by the farmers' weak fences, intending to ruin their crops and force them out.

Bert and Bantam's Intervention ([10:27] - [15:05])

Realizing the severity of Hank's plans, Bert and Bantam decide to warn the farmers. They encounter The Lone Ranger and Toto, who are also monitoring the situation in South Valley. Upon a sudden gunshot, Bert and Bantam confront the masked duo, initially mistaking them for allies of Hank.

Bert Deming ([10:48]): "I understand Hank Deming who owns a Bar D is trying to get those farmers out of the valley."

The confrontation evolves as it becomes clear that The Lone Ranger opposes Hank's aggressive tactics. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Bert and Bantam collaborate with The Lone Ranger to protect the farmers.

Climactic Rescue and Reconciliation ([24:22] - [29:38])

As Hank's plan unfolds, a woman (Emma Deming) finds herself in peril when her horse stumbles amidst the stampede. Bert, with assistance from The Lone Ranger and Toto, heroically saves her by diverting the cattle away from danger. This act of bravery serves as a catalyst for change.

Emma Deming ([25:49]): "That was so brave of you who saved my life."

Witnessing the consequences of his actions and the valor of his nephew, Hank Deming experiences a transformation. He recognizes the importance of coexistence and grants the farmers the rights to remain in South Valley, fostering peace and mutual respect.

Hank Deming ([28:08]): "Well, I'll tell you what. Maybe I'm getting soft with years... I feel different right now about those nesters."

Key Quotes

• Bert Deming ([05:03], [19:11]): "And out of the money I got, I have two silver dollars left."

• Hank Deming ([07:09], [22:02]): "If you want to stay on here as foreman, you better do something about getting those ornery nesters out of the South Valley like I told you to."

• Emma Deming ([07:37], [25:53]): "Hank, I don't blame 'em. Those small farms are their homes. They're all they have."
  "That was so brave of you who saved my life."

• The Lone Ranger ([10:33]): "The Lone Ranger rides again."

Insights and Conclusions

"Trouble in South Valley" masterfully weaves themes of family loyalty, justice, and redemption. The episode highlights the destructive nature of unchecked ambition through Hank Deming's initial antagonism towards the farmers. However, it also emphasizes the power of courage and integrity, embodied by Bert Deming and The Lone Ranger, to inspire change and reconciliation.

The dynamic between Bert and Bantam serves as a microcosm of broader societal conflicts, illustrating how personal connections and moral steadfastness can challenge and ultimately transform entrenched power structures. The Lone Ranger's role as a mediator underscores the quintessential hero archetype prevalent in Western narratives, championing the rights of the oppressed and fostering harmony.

In the end, the resolution reinforces the values of cooperation, respect for individual rights, and the possibility of personal growth and forgiveness, aligning with the enduring legacy of classic Western storytelling.

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Notable Quote Highlights:

• Bantam Hooker ([04:40]): "You know, Bert, I always figured you'd stay on the farm after your dad died."

• Bert Deming ([12:24]): "Keep quiet, Bantam. You have no right to butt in."

• Emma Deming ([25:53]): "That was so brave of you who saved my life."

• Bert Deming ([29:20]): "He's kind, brave, and a believer in the right of every American to live and have liberty and happiness like it says in our Constitution."

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This episode exemplifies the enduring appeal of Old Time Radio Westerns, blending rich storytelling with timeless moral lessons. For those who haven't listened, "Trouble in South Valley" offers a compelling narrative of conflict, courage, and reconciliation set against the rugged backdrop of the Wild West.

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 the hearty high O Silver, the Lone Ranger.

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[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. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Bert Deming]

Let's go, big fellow.

[Narrator]

Two men rode the trail toward Oakford. One was a young man about 23 named Bert Deming. The other was a small, thin but wiry man of middle age whose readiness to fight any man of any size, regardless of the possible outcome, had earned him the name of Bantam Hooker. Bantam was talking as usual while they rode along at a leisurely pace.

[Bantam Hooker]

You know, Bert, I always figured you'd stay on the farm after your dad died, make a good living out of it. With me to help, of course.

[Bert Deming]

Talk sense, Bantam. You know as well as I do that we'd never make a go of that farm. Dad left a lot of debts along with it, so I just had to sell to pay off.

[Bantam Hooker]

But you could have tried. By jiminy shucks, the minute your dad was in his grave, you sold the place. Yeah.

[Bert Deming]

And out of the money I got, I have two silver dollars left.

[Bantam Hooker]

I see what you mean, son. But if we land jobs with that uncle of yours near Oakford, we'll make out all right, I reckon.

[Bert Deming]

Banham you with Dad a long time. Did you ever hear him mention Uncle Hank?

[Bantam Hooker]

Well, now, I recollect him saying once that Hank Deming, his brother, was too big for his britches. Wanting to grab all the land he could and trying to put everybody else out of the cattle business and all.

[Bert Deming]

I heard Uncle Hank spread is one of the biggest in the territory.

[Bantam Hooker]

Reckon that's so they don't come any bigger than the Bar D down this way.

[Bert Deming]

I reckon dad and my uncle didn't get along together.

[Bantam Hooker]

Well, you reckon right, son. Seems like your dad started out in partners with his brother Hank, but somehow he got squeezed out of the running.

[Hank Deming]

Hmm.

[Bert Deming]

I wonder how that happened.

[Hank Deming]

Get a.

[Bantam Hooker]

Seems your dad didn't pay any attention to the business side of things. Left all that to Hank. Well, there come a day when your dad found out everything. The whole kitten caboodle was in Hank's name.

[Bert Deming]

You mean Uncle Hank cheated dad out of his share?

[Bantam Hooker]

Well, seems like they had a showdown about things. So Hank gave your dad $1,000 and told him to get out on his own. Told your dad got fur. As I know, they never did write or speak to each other since then. What you stopping for?

[Bert Deming]

I got to thinking, Banner. I'm not gonna ask any favors of Uncle Hank after he treated dad that way.

[Bantam Hooker]

Oh, great, Dave. Bert, you've got a right to get all you can from him. He took it all away from your dad, didn't he? Oh, but that thousand dollars.

[Bert Deming]

When Uncle Hank finds out who I am, he won't give his work in the Bar D anyway.

Never thought of that.

[Bantam Hooker]

But come to think of it, what's to keep us from saying we're just a couple of drifting cowpokes who want a job? He doesn't have to know your name is Deming.

[Bert Deming]

Well, that might work. I'd like to go there just to look the place over and to find out more about Uncle Hank.

[Bantam Hooker]

Then we'll go there. It's all settled then.

[Hank Deming]

Get up there.

[Bert Deming]

Get up there.

[Narrator]

That evening, Hank Deming sat with his wife Emma and his foreman Alex at the supper table. Hank, a gruff, hard type of man, was speaking.

[Hank Deming]

If you want to stay on here as foreman, you better do something about getting those ornery nesters out of the South Valley like I told you to.

[Alex]

Hank, I told you I've tried every way I know to get em out. But even threats won't budge em.

[Emma]

Hank, I don't blame em. Those small farms are their homes. They're all they have. You don't really have legal title to that land.

[Hank Deming]

Now, never mind putting in your two cents, Emmy. You had your way, I'd have turned out to be a soft headed atta brained fool like my brother Jed.

[Emma]

I always liked Jed. I was sorry when you broke up with me.

[Hank Deming]

Yes. Maybe you should have married him instead of me, eh?

[Emma]

No use to talk like that, Hank. But I would like it if you'd be a little easier with folks, that's all.

[Alex]

I never knew you had a brother, Hank.

[Hank Deming]

Yeah, I did once. He thought he ought to own half the bar die. So I gave him a thousand dollars and told him to clear out his own. I don't know what happened to him, Jed.

[Emma]

I've often wondered. It's been so many years.

[Hank Deming]

Well, just forget Jed. Right now I'm interested in getting those nesters out of the valley. Like I said.

[Alex]

Just how do you aim to go about it?

[Hank Deming]

I told you to do it.

[Alex]

Sure, but you'll have to tell me how. I've done all I can.

[Hank Deming]

Jag nabatellich. I don't know why I keep you on. To be a good foreman you need a lot more gumption, that's what.

[Emma]

Now, Hank. Hank, you know Alex has done a fine job ever since he's been here 10 years. Come spring, the men get along with him fast.

[Hank Deming]

Sure, because he's too easy with him.

[Alex]

That's why Ranch is prospering, Hank. You've got the biggest spread and more cattle than anyone hereabout.

[Hank Deming]

I'll take the credit for that. Not you, Alex. I admit you seem to get the work done right, but lately you seem to be slipping.

[Alex]

If you still want me to stay here, you'll have to take me as I am, Hank. I'm not as young as I used to be.

[Hank Deming]

Well, boy, Cindy, you'll have to perk up if you're going to get those nesters out. I say go over there and tell them. Hey, there's a couple hombres riding toward the ranch house. Better go see what they want. Come on, Alex.

[Alex]

I'm right with you, Hank.

[Hank Deming]

Hey, good evening, strangers. What brings you to the Bar d?

[Bert Deming]

Are you Mr. Deming?

[Hank Deming]

Yes, I am.

[Bantam Hooker]

So you're Hank Deming, eh? Reckon I should have known that right off.

[Hank Deming]

What do you want here?

[Bert Deming]

We thought maybe you could use a couple extra hands here at the Bardi. My name's Burt and he's called Bantam.

[Bantam Hooker]

We sure heard a lot about you, Mr. Deming.

[Hank Deming]

Eric, you talk to him. You think he can use him? Put him on. I'm going to finish my serving well.

[Bantam Hooker]

Do we get jobs?

[Alex]

I could use this young feller right well, but.

[Bantam Hooker]

But what? By Jiminy, I can ride herd and rope calves with the best of them. Ain't that so, Bert?

[Bert Deming]

Banham's a good worker, mister, and we'd like to be together if he can use both of us.

[Alex]

Well, I'll try both of you for a spell and see what you do.

[Bert Deming]

We'll both do a good job and thanks a lot.

[Alex]

Go back and leave your horses in the corral, then eat with the boys. I'll meet you at the bunkhouse and show you where you're to bed down. Right now I'm going back and finish my supper, too.

[Bantam Hooker]

We're sure mighty thankful to you. Let's put up the horses, Bert.

[Narrator]

While Burton Bantam were talking to Hank and Alex at the Bar D, two other horsemen rode the trail that followed a ridge along the south valley. They were the Lone Ranger and Totto. The masked man pointed to the small farms in the valley and spoke.

[Bert Deming]

I understand Hank Deming who owns a Bar D is trying to get those farmers out of the valley. Will mean trouble if he decides to use force. Tono it not good farmers needed in.

[Narrator]

West, same as cattle ranchers.

[Bert Deming]

Deming doesn't need that valley. But once he sets his mind on something, he rarely changes.

[Narrator]

Deming have right to land in valley Kimasabe?

[Bert Deming]

Well, once it was part of his holdings. Totto. But he paid no attention when the farmers settled there some time ago. Now they claim squatters rights to the land. We hear Hank Deming plenty hard feller. Yes, he is. Lately he's been making threats against those farmers, but they're determined to stay. Plenty trouble come soon. Maybe we'll camp in the hills nearby in case it does. The sun is setting, so we'll head for that grove over there. Come on, give him up.

[Bantam Hooker]

Scout.

[Narrator]

That night, the rancher, Hank Deming entered the bunk house at the Bar D where the foreman and the men were lounging.

[Hank Deming]

I've done some thinking about those nesters in the valley.

[Alex]

Frankly, there isn't much can be done about them.

[Hank Deming]

Yes, sure is. And I'm going to see that it is done. They ain't going out of that valley.

[Bantam Hooker]

I reckon you're talking about the small farmers who have places in the valley.

[Alex]

That's right, Bandam.

[Bantam Hooker]

Reckon they got a right to make a living like anybody else.

[Hank Deming]

Yeah, you that weasned up new hand Alex was soft enough to take on a while ago, aren't you?

[Bantam Hooker]

All I said was they get a.

[Bert Deming]

Right to live Keep quiet, Bantam. You have no right to butt in.

[Hank Deming]

They sent her for a run. She got a lot of gumption anyway. I'll forget what you said. Had to get back to what I was saying. Helix, Those nestes are going to leave South Valley. We're not putting it off any longer.

[Alex]

Not putting off what, Hank?

[Hank Deming]

Making things so tough for them. They'll be glad to leave Edgewood.

[Alex]

Just how do you figure on doing that?

[Hank Deming]

I'll tell you how it's going to be done. Those nestes have that valley laid out sort of like a town. Their fences border on the trail that runs through the valley like a main street. Now, those fences are mighty weak. I've noticed that. Now, here's what we're going to do. Don, I want you to round up about a thousand head of cattle. Then we'll drive them down that narrow trail between the fences.

[Alex]

Great day, Hank. They'll bust through those fences and spread.

[Bantam Hooker]

Out all over the place.

[Bert Deming]

That's right.

Excuse me, Mr. Deming, but if the cattle do break through those fences. They'll overrun the farmland and ruin the crops before we can round them up again.

[Hank Deming]

That's exactly what I'm counting on. Maybe after that happens, those nesters will decide it ain't no use fighting, Hank.

[Bantam Hooker]

Demi Dag, never. That's a low, dirty trick. If I was one of them farmers, I'd use a rifle and shoot down as many of them steers as I could. Before you did round them up again.

[Hank Deming]

Yeah, they did that. Take it head of law on him. We have the right to drive cattle along that trail.

[Alex]

Nobody ever does.

[Hank Deming]

Then we'll be the first. Ain't our fault if the fences don't hold.

[Bantam Hooker]

By Jiminy, as far as I.

[Hank Deming]

You shut up. Now, if there's anyone here who don't want to follow orders, you'd better grab his gear and quit right now. You all understand that?

[Bert Deming]

Good.

[Hank Deming]

Rouse the mighty dawn. Alex, when you got the cattle ready to move, let me know.

[Bert Deming]

Now.

[Hank Deming]

Go along to help drive him edge. Holy ghosty.

[Narrator]

A few minutes after Hank left the bunkhouse, Bert signaled to Bantam, and the two men sauntered out into the moonlight. They walked to the corral, where Bert leaned against the fence as he spoke.

[Bert Deming]

Banham. I sure can't believe an uncle of mine would do what Uncle Hank is planning to do to those farmers in the morning.

[Bantam Hooker]

After the way he treated your dad, Hank Deming would be expected to do most anything. He's sure a mean one.

[Bert Deming]

So I'm finding out. And I wish There was something we could do to spoil his plan.

[Bantam Hooker]

Now the least we can do is to warn the farmers, Bert. If they know what to expect, they might be able to stop him.

[Bert Deming]

That's true. Let's saddle our horses and ride to South Valley. Won't take long.

[Bantam Hooker]

All right. If we tell one of the farmers, he can tell the others. Come on, let's get going.

[Narrator]

Since the night was bright and warm, the Lone Ranger and Tottle decided that they'd investigate the valley. They rode from their camp and move along the trail that headed into the valley. As they rounded a bend, a shot over their heads caused them to pull rein sharply.

[Hank Deming]

Shot come from behind big boulder.

[Bert Deming]

Yes, I know.

[Bantam Hooker]

Reach, both of you, and keep reaching.

[Bert Deming]

All right, Doozy says T. All right, now show yourselves.

[Bantam Hooker]

We got you covered. By Jiminy Bert. It's a mask armory and an Indian.

[Bert Deming]

So I see, Bannon. They're probably here as part of Uncle Hank's plan to get rid of the farmers.

By Uncle Hank, do you mean Hank Deming?

[Hank Deming]

That's right.

[Bert Deming]

I reckon he'd go so far as hiring a couple of outlaws to help do his dirty work.

We're not outlaws. If Hank Deming is your uncle, you must be Jed Deming's son.

Well, say, how come you know my father's name?

I knew him. And I know the treatment he received in the past from Hank.

[Bantam Hooker]

The only way you'd know all that is because Hank told you. Mister, that means you are working for him. And I'm giving you two minutes to take. Tell why you came here or you'll get a bullet.

[Narrator]

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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[Narrator]

Now to continue while writing, to investigate the valley in which the small farmers lived. The Lone Ranger and Tonto were stopped on the trail by Burt Deming and Bantam Hooker, who faced the masked man and Indian with drawn guns. Bantam was inclined to believe they were hired by Hank Deming to move against the farmers. And he gave the Lone Ranger two minutes to give an explanation. The masked man smiled, then spoke.

[Bert Deming]

I never met you before, Bantam, but Bert's father told me about you. I know you mean well.

He knows your name, Bantam.

[Bantam Hooker]

No matter. Even if he got mad, he couldn't do anything about it.

[Bert Deming]

Him not no Lone Ranger.

[Alex]

Very well.

[Bantam Hooker]

Great day.

[Bert Deming]

Did you.

[Bantam Hooker]

Did you say the Lone Ranger?

[Bert Deming]

That's right.

[Bantam Hooker]

Jiminy Burt. Your dad told us about him. The mask, the white stallion and all.

[Hank Deming]

Yeah.

[Bantam Hooker]

Doggone, mister. You just keep smiling. I'll put up my gun prono. Well, why didn't somebody tell me sooner?

[Bert Deming]

I'll holster my gun, too. Dad told us how fast you are in the draw, mister.

Thanks. Fellow and I are used to getting out of tight situations. Isn't that right?

Gosh, it's sure great to meet you. In fact, I can't think of anyone I'd rather meet right now.

Bert, from a few of your remarks, it seems your uncle is planning to move against the farmers in this valley.

[Bantam Hooker]

Yep, that's just what he's doing. Bert and I figured on warning him.

[Bert Deming]

Are you living with your uncle?

Dad died a few weeks ago. I decided to look up Uncle Hank after I sold our place at Banham. And I arrived this afternoon and got jobs at the Bar D. Nobody there knows I'm Bert Demme.

I see. And you don't approve of your uncle's attitude toward the farmers?

No. I figure they have a right to make a living.

I'm glad you feel that way about it. What is your uncle planning to do?

[Narrator]

Briefly, Burt told the Lone Ranger what Hank Deming planned the following morning. The masked man and Tonto listened intently. When Bert had finished, the Lone Ranger thought a moment. Len spoke.

[Bert Deming]

Something will have to be done to stop Deming from carrying through such a plan, Bert.

Well, that's what we think. We decide to warn the farmers, hoping they could do something.

All right. You and Banham go to each of the farmers. A trail between the fences through the valley is only about 50ft wide.

[Narrator]

Isn't that right?

[Bert Deming]

Maybe he's just talking. Won't do anything. But just in case he does, start the cattle drive, I thought of a plan you may suggest to the farmers. It'll prevent the herd from entering the valley for the time being and give us a chance to discuss the situation with Hank Deming. Now, listen carefully.

[Narrator]

Bert and Bantam talked to the farmers that night, telling each of them about the Lone Ranger's plan. Then they returned to the bunkhouse. At dawn the following morning, the cowhands at the Bar D spread went out to the range and started a herd of about a thousand head of cattle toward the entrance to the Val Burton. Bantam rode with Alex and a few men in the lead, while Hank Deming and some of the others rode behind the cattle. When they approached the entrance to the valley trail, the herd stopped and Alex, accompanied by Burt and Bantam, rode back to talk to Hank.

[Alex]

Hank, we can't go on. The nest has put a string of big farm wagons across the entrance to the valley. Trail wagons blocked away?

[Bert Deming]

That's right. The farmers are there waiting near the wagon.

[Bantam Hooker]

Looks like they found out what was going on somehow.

[Hank Deming]

We'll see about this. Come on, eat him.

[Narrator]

Within a few moments, Hank and the others drew rein near the wagons, which blocked the way.

[Hank Deming]

Hey, you n. Move those wagons out of their prado or we'll move them for you.

[Bantam Hooker]

Don't try it, Ding. You do, there'll be plenty of shooting. You got no reason to drive that herd through the valley. You're doing it just so you'll ruin our crops. You know those weak fences on either side of the trail won't hold.

[Hank Deming]

I don't have to tell you my reason for taking cattle through there. That's an open trail, and by Sunday we've gone through.

[Alex]

We better do something soon, Hank. Cattle are beginning to mill around and get restless.

[Hank Deming]

Get the men. Pull those wagons out of there, Alex.

[Bantam Hooker]

The first cow poke who lays a hand on those wagons gets a bullet.

[Alex]

We better turn the herd back, Hank. If shooting starts, anything might happen.

[Bert Deming]

Alex is right, mister.

[Hank Deming]

Keep out of this, young fella. Eric, if you haven't gumption enough to take the men and pull away those wagons, I'll do it myself. Follow me, men. I warned you.

[Bantam Hooker]

The first one to touch one of those wagons gets land.

[Hank Deming]

You'd better not use your guns. All right, the rest of you grab.

[Bantam Hooker]

A hold and help me stop him.

[Bert Deming]

Pull it?

[Bantam Hooker]

Grease my hand.

[Bert Deming]

He saved Hank's life.

[Hank Deming]

I don't know why an outlaw should shave my life.

[Bert Deming]

He's a friend, Mr. Deming, believe me.

[Hank Deming]

And if he and the Indian are friends, they'll help us get these wagons away.

[Bert Deming]

We're not going to help you bring ruin to the farmers, Deming.

[Hank Deming]

In that case, get out of here and mind your own business.

[Bert Deming]

I make it my business to see that the rights of all men are respected. Deming. That small valley means little to you, yet you're determined to drive a Dozen families from their homes. Thus to prove your power.

[Narrator]

Cattle plenty restless.

[Bert Deming]

Not. Not good. Hellish.

[Hank Deming]

Jake, Bert, Bantam and a few of the others are right behind the herd. Try to keep them milling till we're ready to drive them through.

[Alex]

All right, Hank. Come on.

[Bantam Hooker]

Let's go, fellas.

[Hank Deming]

Now, the rest of you grab your guns. Some of you help me move the wagons while the others cover those ornery nesters and throw lead if necessary. Now we'll move those wagons.

[Alex]

Don't let them move the wagons.

[Bantam Hooker]

We farmers have our rights, so we mean business.

[Bert Deming]

Wait. The cattle are stampeding back toward the range.

[Hank Deming]

Listen to Demi.

[Bert Deming]

Look. Rising up with a slope back there.

[Bantam Hooker]

Right in the way of the herd.

[Narrator]

Hank, with a lone ranger and Tuttle raced alongside the big herd, hoping to out distance the frenzied cattle and try to help Hank's wife. The lone Ranger and Tottle passed Hank and were soon galloping to one side of the leaders of the herd. They saw the woman on horseback who had stopped in alarm. Then it started her horse to one side in hopes of reaching safety.

[Bert Deming]

Come on, Silver. Touch the big fella.

[Hank Deming]

Get up, Scout.

[Narrator]

Suddenly they saw the woman's horse stumble, though it didn't fall. She seemed to grab the saddle, losing the reins, which fell forward over the horse's head and hung loose. The horse, terrified, stepped on the trailing reins, then stomped in a circle as she tried frantically to reach for them.

[Bert Deming]

Woman, clap reins.

Cattle soon reach horse.

They may not be able to look. Tullo. Young Colorburg, go to help woman. They still won't make it unless we swerve the herd away from them. Use your guns, Tuttle. Fire over the cattle's head. They're swerving enough to give Bird and the woman a chance. Mon.

[Narrator]

The masked man and Indian saw Bert reach. Mrs. Denning grab the reins of her horse and start leading him off to the side. The stampeding herd had swerved just enough so that the young man and the woman escaped. With only a few feet to spare, Bert and Mrs. Denning pulled to a stop as the cattle thundered fast.

[Emma]

That was so brave of you who saved my life.

[Bert Deming]

If the cattle hadn't swerved like they did Mammoth, we'd have been done for, I reckon.

Bert, a very brave thing you did.

[Hank Deming]

Isn't that right?

[Emma]

I missed me.

[Bert Deming]

He's a good friend, ma' am. In fact, he and the Indian caused the cattle to turn away far enough to give us a chance.

[Hank Deming]

Hear me? Are you all right? Do you want to show you this, young man?

[Emma]

Bert saved my life.

[Hank Deming]

What?

[Emma]

The masked man and Indian did their part, too.

[Bert Deming]

Theming your trouble with the farmers almost brought about your wife's death.

[Hank Deming]

I know. I know that it happened at it. Well, thank heaven it didn't.

[Alex]

Hank, for showing Mrs. Deming too late to be of any help. I sure thought she was a goner.

[Bantam Hooker]

If it hadn't been for Burt, she might have been, too. I told you, Hank Deming, this would.

[Alex]

Lead to bad trouble.

[Bantam Hooker]

Might have been worse if you went through that valley with a herd.

[Bert Deming]

That's right, Benham. It might have.

[Hank Deming]

Their Louis nesters had no right to stand up and give me like they did.

[Bantam Hooker]

Still stubborn as a mule. Even after the masked man saved your life and Bert saved your wife.

[Hank Deming]

Listen, you sort off, runt. No hand of mine as you.

[Bantam Hooker]

You got that wrong, mister. I quit. And I bet Burt does too. Easy to see his dad must have inherited all the good traits of the Deming family. And you got all the bad ones.

[Bert Deming]

Dan them don't talk so much.

[Hank Deming]

Hey, wait a minute, miss. What did you mean by that remark, Benham? What's Bert got to do with the Deming?

[Bert Deming]

Bert is Jed Deming's son. Eh? What? He's your nephew.

[Emma]

How wonderful. Oh, Hank, to think we never even knew.

[Hank Deming]

Is that right, son? My brother Jed is your dad? Was.

[Bert Deming]

Is a word, Uncle Hank. Dad died a few weeks ago.

[Emma]

Oh, Hank, just think. Our own nephew's a hero. Remember, he saved my life.

[Alex]

Well, I'll be doggone. I'd never have taken Bert to be a demi Alex.

[Hank Deming]

What do you mean by that? Why shouldn't you?

[Emma]

You know as well as I do, Hank, what Alex means.

[Hank Deming]

Sure, that's what everybody thinks of me, Eh, they're mean and stubborn.

[Emma]

You really aren't so bad.

[Hank Deming]

Well, I'll tell you what. Maybe I'm getting soft with years. Maybe the happenings here today have made me see things more clearly. At any rate, I feel different right now about those nestes. Maybe what the masked man said after he saved my life about them having rights helped change me.

[Alex]

You still want to get him out of the valley?

[Hank Deming]

Well, leave it up to my nephew. After all, he'll own part of the ranch someday. What about it, Bert?

[Bert Deming]

Give him deeds to their land. Let em stay, Uncle Hank. That's what I'd like.

[Hank Deming]

All right, that's what we'll do, Bert.

[Bert Deming]

You won't regret your decision, Hank. You'll find it worthwhile to live in peace with your neighbors. Friendliness and cooperation help to build and strengthen the Far West.

[Emma]

Yes, that's right? Oh, Hank, the masked man is so right.

[Bert Deming]

Father and I will be on our way now. Adios and good luck.

[Hank Deming]

Adiosin. You know, there's. There's something about that mask hombre that makes a man feel better for beating him.

[Bert Deming]

He's kind, brave, and a believer in the right of every American to live and have liberty and happiness like it says in our Constitution.

[Hank Deming]

He sure stuck up for them farmers. Say, just who is that masked man? Bert?

[Bert Deming]

You know, well, dad told me about him some time ago. Uncle Hank, that mask Omri is the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Enterprises, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beame. 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.

[Hank Deming]

Sam.