Trouble on the Rio Grande | The Lone Ranger (05-21-41)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns with Andrew Rhynes

Episode: “Trouble on the Rio Grande” | The Lone Ranger (05-21-41)

Release Date: May 23, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns delivers a digitally restored presentation of the classic Lone Ranger radio drama, “Trouble on the Rio Grande,” first broadcast in 1941. Host Andrew Rhynes offers listeners a vibrant journey into the Wild West, where the Lone Ranger and Tonto become entangled in a tense affair involving lawmen, a cunning gang of smugglers, and a courageous young woman with a score to settle.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene & Introduction of Conflict (04:43–06:33)

• Shelter from the Storm: The Lone Ranger and Tonto seek refuge in a cave near the Rio Grande when gunshots pierce the night.
• A Mysterious Fugitive: The masked man encounters Abby, a young woman fleeing through the woods, exhausted and fearful.
  • Abby is clearly shaken and initially mistrustful of the Lone Ranger due to his mask, but he insists on helping her find warmth and safety.

Memorable Dialogue:

“Why would you run so blindly into a woods on a night like this if you weren’t [afraid]?” – Masked Man, (06:39)

2. Abby’s Secret & The Bascom Gang (06:39–08:16)

• Abby hints at being pursued and reluctantly admits to trouble involving the Bascom gang. She refuses to reveal her real name or full intent.
• The Lone Ranger recognizes a familiar resemblance in Abby, linking her to a law officer he’s known before.

Notable Quote:

“There was something about her face that was familiar. I wonder where I’ve seen her – or someone who looked like her.” – Masked Man, (08:04)

3. Inside the Bascom Cabin: Family Tensions and Hidden Motives (08:48–10:46)

• At the Bascom cabin, Jed Bascom, gang leader, inspects his desk for tampering as his wife, Martha, expresses open disdain for his criminal activities.
• Martha makes it clear: she is in it for the money and comfort, not for loyalty or gunfights.

Memorable Banter:

“I told you when I married you I was willing to let you go on with your smuggling […], as long as I had all the pretty clothes and cash I want. I also told you I wasn’t going to get into no gunfights.” – Martha Bascom, (09:29)

4. Revealing Identities & All is Not What it Seems (12:05–14:00)

• Martha interrogates Abby and deduces her true identity by noting the lack of injury on Abby’s supposedly sprained ankle.
  • The mystery unravels: Abby is Abby Watkins, daughter of the late lawman John Watkins, murdered while chasing smugglers.
• Abby’s mission is clear—she seeks the evidence her father died pursuing.

Crucial Revelation:

“Your old man was John Watkins, a lawman.”
“That’s right. And he was murdered. You know who killed him?”
– Martha Bascom and Abby Watkins, (13:54–14:00)

5. Abby Captured; Lone Ranger’s Deception (15:04–17:49)

• The Bascom gang, with the Lone Ranger (the Masked Man) undercover, catches Abby.
• The Lone Ranger pretends allegiance to Bascom, proposing to interrogate Abby alone and suggesting she be locked up in the cellar.

Notable Quote:

“If I wasn’t on your side, do you think I’d come here and warn you about this girl?” – Masked Man, (18:17)

6. The Lone Ranger’s Secret Plan (22:29–23:32)

• In the cellar, the Lone Ranger explains to Abby that revealing her identity was a tactical move, meant to gain Bascom’s trust and facilitate their escape.
• Tonto, the Lone Ranger’s loyal companion, is key to implementing the next stage of their plan.

Notable Exchange:

“I’m here to help you. Won’t you try to understand?” – Masked Man, (22:45)
“Safe? Safe from what?” – Abby Watkins, (23:32)

7. The Fire & The Smugglers’ Downfall (25:16–28:39)

• As Bascom and Squint plot to frame the Lone Ranger for Abby’s impending “accidental” death, a fire breaks out in the house—set by Tonto to force out the evidence hidden inside.
• Amidst smoke and chaos, the Lone Ranger leads everyone to safety, but covertly takes the incriminating records from the criminals.
• The gang is disarmed and set up for capture.

Climactic Moment:

“The only way to make you show the records you kept so carefully was to make you save them from the fire.” – Masked Man, (27:58)

8. Resolution and Justice Served (28:39–28:59)

• With Bascom’s gang in custody, Abby is vindicated and her father’s mission fulfilled.
• The Lone Ranger rides off, as is tradition, leaving Abby and the law with a sense of justice restored in the West.

Closing Words:

“The west must be rid of men like these, Abby… Keep your guns on them while I ride into town for the sheriff.” – Masked Man, (28:30; 28:37)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (With Timestamps)

• On facing fear:
  “Why would you run so blindly into a woods on a night like this if you weren’t [afraid]?” – Masked Man, (06:39)
• Abby’s resolve:
  “I came here to get evidence against Jed Bascom. I’m not leaving without that evidence.” – Abby Watkins, (14:54)
• Lone Ranger’s tactical mind:
  “If I wasn’t on your side, do you think I’d come here and warn you about this girl?” – Masked Man, (18:17)
• On justice and retribution:
  “Every last one of you’ll end up on the rope of a hangman.” – Abby Watkins, (20:02)
• The great trick revealed:
  “The only way to make you show the records you kept so carefully was to make you save them from the fire.” – Masked Man, (27:58)
• Justice fulfilled:
  “And now the law have them. The greatest wish of my father has been fulfilled. Thanks to you, masked man.” – Abby Watkins, (28:24)

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Key Timestamps

• Introduction & Setup: 04:43–06:33
• Abby’s Reveal: 12:05–14:00
• Abby Gets Captured: 15:04–17:49
• Lone Ranger’s Trust Play: 22:29–23:32
• The House Fire / Trap: 25:16–28:39
• Final Justice: 28:39–28:59

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The Spirit and Tone

The original radio drama is fast-paced and dramatized with suspense, moral clarity, and occasional hearty humor. Abby’s courageous determination is juxtaposed with the Lone Ranger’s calm, methodical heroism. The villains embody both bluster and treachery, while Tonto provides silent, decisive support at the critical moment.

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Conclusion

Trouble on the Rio Grande offers all the elements of a timeless Lone Ranger tale: undercover heroics, strong female characters, and justice triumphing over cunning criminality. This episode highlights ingenuity—using the villains’ own instincts against them—while honoring the values of loyalty, bravery, and the enduring quest for justice in the frontier West.

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For more classic Western adventures, visit otrwesterns.com.

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.

[The Lone Ranger]

Away.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O. Silver, the Lone Ranger.

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And Doug.

[Doug]

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[The Lone Ranger]

It's sam.

[Narrator]

From the hills of Wyoming to the mountains of Mexico, the Lone Ranger led the fight for law and order in the western United States. Whenever men gathered around the campfire, stories were told of his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the west was young. From out of the pass come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. We're heading for the Rio Grandley. There's going to be trouble. I'll Silver away.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger in Tonto had found shelter from the storm in a cave less than a quarter of a mile from the Rio Grande. Suddenly, from somewhere between the Cave and the river. Several shots rang out.

[Masked Man]

30 silver tunnel. Did you hear that?

[Squint]

Someone shoot?

[Masked Man]

Yes. While they're shooting, there's generally trouble. Wait here. I'm going out and find out what the shooting means. You say counter gold. I'd rather go myself. As soon as I got my gun belt on. I'll go on foot. Horses hoofs make too much noise.

[Narrator]

Counterfoot our campfire.

[Masked Man]

No. Let the fire burn. If someone comes here, I'll be outside. Let them talk and we might learn more about the shooting. I'll not be far away. Sounded as if the shots came from the south. Hard to tell, though.

[Narrator]

When the masked man reached the edge

[Masked Man]

of the woods, he stopped.

[Narrator]

The sound of running feet reached him and then the hard breathing of someone on the verge of exhaustion.

[Masked Man]

One minute. Wait. Stay here.

[The Lone Ranger]

Let me go. Let me go.

[Masked Man]

Who fired those shots?

[The Lone Ranger]

None of your business. Please let me go.

[Masked Man]

Very well. I'll let you go. Where do you think you're going?

[The Lone Ranger]

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Oh, I can't. Oh, what the use you walk out

[Masked Man]

of that motor hole, young lady. There, now. Take it easy.

[Jed Bascom]

You come.

[Masked Man]

Are you hurt?

[Abby Watkins]

No.

[Masked Man]

There's a shelter within 20 yards of here. You can see the light of the campfire. Let me help you there.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who are you, anyway? You don't talk like one of the Bascom gang.

[Masked Man]

I'm not one of the Bascom gang. You're cold, aren't you? Don't try to talk until you're warm. Meanwhile, please don't be afraid. We're almost at the cave.

[Squint]

Me?

[Masked Man]

Come help. The girl's exhausted. Toto, get some blankets ready and put some food on the fire to get warm. Are you sure you didn't hurt yourself and you fell?

[Abby Watkins]

No. But, girl, I wrote myself on the hot ground than still in that mud hole.

[The Lone Ranger]

Look at me.

[Masked Man]

That's the spirit. When you're concerned about your appearance, it's a sign you're getting over your fear.

[Abby Watkins]

How'd you know I was afraid?

[Masked Man]

Why would you run so blindly into a woods on a night like this if you weren't?

[Abby Watkins]

I suppose that's true.

[Masked Man]

Are those shots? Are they fired at you?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Masked Man]

By whom?

[Abby Watkins]

Look here, stranger. I don't see that it's any of your business.

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know who you are, and

[Abby Watkins]

I had work to do.

[Masked Man]

Work?

[Abby Watkins]

That's just what I said.

[Narrator]

Me got food on fire Ready?

[Masked Man]

Plenty. Quick now.

[Abby Watkins]

Well, thanks for the invitation, but I'm not staying here long enough to eat.

[Masked Man]

Where are you?

[Abby Watkins]

Do you hear anyone?

[Masked Man]

No.

[Abby Watkins]

Yes. It's all right then. Let him come after me. Thanks for giving me the chance to catch my breath, stranger. Now I've got to go.

[Masked Man]

You are a peculiar girl in your mask. I forgot about being masked. Please don't misjudge me for wearing it.

[Abby Watkins]

I have no time to form any opinion of you, so the mask doesn't matter a bit. Hey, here's your blanket. Thanks for the use of the fire.

[Masked Man]

You aren't leaving until the rain. What's up?

[The Lone Ranger]

Why not?

[Abby Watkins]

Can't get any wetter than I am.

[Masked Man]

Hardly. But you can get a lot drier. Now sit down.

[Abby Watkins]

I'm armed, mister.

[Masked Man]

Oh, I see you are.

[Abby Watkins]

I'm armed and I know how to use this gun. Please don't force me to use it. I like your style so far and hate like the dickens to double cross you, but I've got to do it.

[Masked Man]

Double cross me?

[Abby Watkins]

That's what I said. I've got to blame you for something I've done. It's the only way I know of.

[Masked Man]

I've been blamed for a lot of things and I'm quite used to it. It will help you to accuse me of anything you've done. Go right ahead. But won't you tell me what I

[Abby Watkins]

have to tell you? Honestly? I would, but I can't. I can't even tell you my name.

[Masked Man]

You mentioned the Bascom game.

[Abby Watkins]

Shouldn't even have said that much. Thanks, Ben.

[Masked Man]

Comfortable? Get her. Wait, Tana. Let her go. I'm going to follow. As soon as she had a little lead. That girl's in trouble. She's terrified. There was something about her face that was familiar. I wonder where I've seen her. Or someone who looked like her.

[Squint]

Tonto.

[Narrator]

Member.

[Masked Man]

Lawman. Him Looked like her. No. That's right. Now listen to me, kimosabe. I'm going to follow her. You come along about half an hour behind me. If I get into a trap of some sort, I'll count on your help. If there's anything to tell you, I'll leave a message.

[Narrator]

Jed Bascom stood at his desk in the living room of the cabin. Two men who bore the stamps of outlaws watched him as he examined the contents of the desk.

[Jed Bascom]

I guess I scared the crook away before he got anything.

[Squint]

Sure that Bascom can't take no chances on having some of the things in your desk.

[Jed Bascom]

Get out and chicken once more to make sure.

[Squint]

Glad you didn't drill the critter. Any idea who it was that tried to rob you?

[The Lone Ranger]

No kidding. You all right?

[Jed Bascom]

Don't I look it where have you been, Marty?

[Martha Bascom]

Bed, of course. Heard the shooting and ducked.

[Abby Watkins]

Who was it?

[Narrator]

Lawman, I reckon.

[Squint]

So where'd to go?

[Martha Bascom]

Figured the best thing for me to do was stay in hiding until I learned more of what was going on here.

[Jed Bascom]

Went into your mind to come with a gun and see if I needed help? What is it?

[Martha Bascom]

Listen, Bascom, I told you when I married you that I was willing to let you go on with your smuggling and all that sort of thing as long as I had all the pretty clothes and cash I want. I also told you I wasn't going to live here with any misunderstanding. I ain't to get into no gunfights.

[The Lone Ranger]

And if the law catches up with

[Martha Bascom]

you, it's your worry, not mine. I didn't say I'd marry you. And you could count on me to be the loyal woman that'd stick with

[The Lone Ranger]

you through thick and thin.

[Abby Watkins]

Get that straight.

[Jed Bascom]

I got it straight. I ain't said nothing about it.

[Martha Bascom]

All right, then don't throw it up at me if I don't come shooting when I hear gunplay. What happened?

[Jed Bascom]

Well, the prowler came here. I heard him and come into this room. Then I reckon he heard me.

[Masked Man]

He ducked.

[Martha Bascom]

Get away, you.

[Squint]

He didn't get nothing, though, ma'.

[Abby Watkins]

Am.

[Martha Bascom]

Don't matter if he did or not. It's a sign he knows where to look for evidence. Again, you polecat.

[Squint]

Now, look here, Ms. Bascom. Even if you are Jed's wife, you ain't the right.

[Martha Bascom]

I've got the right to say what I like.

[The Lone Ranger]

And if you don't like what I say, get out. That goes for you, too, Jed. Bascom.

[Martha Bascom]

Where's the girl?

[Masked Man]

I don't know.

[Jed Bascom]

I don't see her from one day to the next.

[Martha Bascom]

You mean to say she slept through all that shooting?

[Squint]

Maybe she's hiding, too.

[Martha Bascom]

Maybe. I'll go see.

[Jed Bascom]

Well, you're at it. Find out how much longer she's going to have to stay here with us. I will.

[Martha Bascom]

I'm tired of her being here, same as you are.

[Abby Watkins]

Hey, you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Wake up.

[Martha Bascom]

You, I'm talking at. Wake up.

[Abby Watkins]

What's the matter?

[Martha Bascom]

Set yourself up in that bed. I hankered to have a few words with you.

[Abby Watkins]

Oh, it's you, Ms. Bacon. Alternative?

[Martha Bascom]

Tain't getting up time yet. Where was you during the shootin'?

[Abby Watkins]

Shootin'?

[Martha Bascom]

You mean to say you didn't hear no gunfire?

[Abby Watkins]

A while ago I might have, but. Guess I thought I'd been dreaming. There's something wrong, I don't know, but shootin' Gunplay. What's it all about?

[Martha Bascom]

Nothing that concerns you. How's that ankle of yours?

[Abby Watkins]

Getting better, thank you.

[Martha Bascom]

Seems like it's been healing a long time now. Odd, but a spill from a horse, that hurts you so.

[Abby Watkins]

I'll be able to travel another couple of days. I'm sure of it, Ms. Baskin.

[Martha Bascom]

All right, then. I'll count on that.

[Abby Watkins]

I'm dreadfully sorry that I put you and your husband to so much income.

[Martha Bascom]

Never mind being sorry. Well, you figure on going when you leave here?

[Abby Watkins]

Well, when I fell from my horse, I was on my way to El Paso.

[Martha Bascom]

Relatives there?

[Abby Watkins]

Good friends, not relatives. I see.

[Martha Bascom]

You didn't hear no shooting, huh?

[Abby Watkins]

Well, I just.

[Martha Bascom]

Something about you strikes me odd.

[Abby Watkins]

What do you mean?

[Martha Bascom]

Seems like I've seen you before somewheres.

[Abby Watkins]

What relatives? You got none?

[Martha Bascom]

Let me get that lamp and have another look at your face.

[Abby Watkins]

Oh, but.

[The Lone Ranger]

But what?

[Martha Bascom]

Don't you like to be looked at?

[Abby Watkins]

Well, I. That is.

[Martha Bascom]

Bothered me ever since I first set eyes on you. There, now look at me.

[Abby Watkins]

That light hurts my eyes.

[Martha Bascom]

You'll get used to it in a minute. Draw your hair back from your face.

[Abby Watkins]

Like this? Uh huh. Dead Reddit.

[Martha Bascom]

I wish I could remember where I

[Abby Watkins]

seen a face like yours.

[Martha Bascom]

Said you didn't have no relatives.

[Abby Watkins]

None living. I'm sure I've never seen you before.

[Martha Bascom]

Said your name was Wakefield, didn't you?

[Abby Watkins]

Yes.

[Martha Bascom]

First name Abby. Don't ring familiar.

[Abby Watkins]

No way either, Ms. Bascom. I think I know it. I know where you mean.

[Martha Bascom]

Just wait a minute, Abby. Wakefield. Let me see what this means. Your riding clothes wet and mud soaked. How'd they get that way?

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, first rain since you come here

[Martha Bascom]

has been tonight, ain't it?

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, yes. You've been out of this house. Mud there on the window. That's how you got back in again, ain't it?

[Abby Watkins]

I know you'll think I'm crazy.

[Martha Bascom]

Come on, talk, Miss Abby. Let me hear what your story is. You got such a bad hurt ankle that you can't hardly stand on it. But here's your riding clothes and your boot.

[Abby Watkins]

I know you were anxious for me leave, so I. I dressed and tried to leave. Mm.

[Martha Bascom]

Spill in the mud and come back, huh?

[Abby Watkins]

Yes. Spill in the mud, come back, had the boots on.

[Martha Bascom]

Thought your ankle was swelled so you couldn't get them on. Let me see that ankle, please.

[The Lone Ranger]

You be still.

[Martha Bascom]

Let me have a look.

[Abby Watkins]

Just as I thought.

[Martha Bascom]

Ain't no sign of a hurt ankle.

[Abby Watkins]

Put your hands up. Mother Basket got a gun, huh? And I'll Use it now. I savvy.

[Martha Bascom]

Now I know how. You look familiar.

[Abby Watkins]

It's your father.

[Martha Bascom]

You got the same chin as he had. Your right name's Abby Watkins.

[The Lone Ranger]

And your old man was John Watkins, a lawman.

[Abby Watkins]

That's right. And he was murdered. You know who killed him?

[Martha Bascom]

I got notions about that, but ain't seen what they are.

[Abby Watkins]

He was trying to run down a pack of smugglers. The pack was led by Jed Bascom. Mm. Pa came here and that's the last anyone saw of him alive. Was found dead. Made to look as if he'd fallen over a ravine on his horse. But I know different. I'm here to get the evidence that my PA was after when he died.

[Martha Bascom]

You're a downright ambitious girl, ain't you?

[Abby Watkins]

He's sure wondering about it. I'm the one who searched through Jed's death tonight. And I'm the one he fired at in the dark.

[Martha Bascom]

Now that you got the drop on

[The Lone Ranger]

me, what you figure on doing?

[Martha Bascom]

Shoot me, and Jed and his pals will come here on the run. Don't shoot me now.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tell Jed who you are.

[Abby Watkins]

Yeah.

[Martha Bascom]

I know you haven't got the whip hand that you think you have, have it? You're in a bad spot and you can't win. Now, if you'll take my advice, you'll just take up them clothes, put up that gun and get out of the window. Travel fast and keep on going. You have a couple minutes start, and if you pick the right horse, that'll be enough.

[Abby Watkins]

Came here to get evidence against Jed, Bascom. I'm not leaving without that evidence.

[Martha Bascom]

Tell me some more. Maybe you know how you'll get it and get away with it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Open this door. Open it up.

[Abby Watkins]

Tell him to go away.

[Squint]

Clasp your hands and drop that gun.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good work, Squint. Watch her. Come on in, Jen.

[Squint]

I got her covered, boss.

[Jed Bascom]

What you doing?

[Masked Man]

Movie.

[The Lone Ranger]

Holding a gun and making threats.

[Jed Bascom]

I found out who she is. Here, mister.

[Masked Man]

Take a good look. That's the girl, all right.

[Jed Bascom]

So stand up. Happy Watkins. I know who you are now.

[Masked Man]

Yes, Abby? I remembered where I'd seen that cleft chin before. Your father had one like it. Planned hurting.

[Jed Bascom]

Coming here to get evidence on me, huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

That's what you was doing, Jed.

[Jed Bascom]

Good thing I had Squint go around outside and cover her through the window.

[Abby Watkins]

All right, Bascom, you know the truth. You've got me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thanks to Batman.

[Masked Man]

Yes, Abby, thanks to me.

[Abby Watkins]

For a little while, I liked your style. Well, go on. Who's going to be the one to shoot Me.

[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.

[Doug]

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[Doug]

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[Liberty Mutual Partner]

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[Liberty Mutual Partner]

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[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Liberty Mutual Partner]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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[Liberty Mutual Partner]

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[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. When the smugglers learned Abby Watkins real identity through the Lone Ranger, the girl turned on the masked man.

[Abby Watkins]

And I thought you were a real man. You told me you weren't a crook in spite of your mask.

[Masked Man]

Did I tell you that?

[Abby Watkins]

Yes.

[Jed Bascom]

So she's there. Be watching Z.

[Masked Man]

Now what do you know about more than that, Jed?

[Martha Bascom]

Her ankle ain't hurt at all. And take a look at these riding clothes. She was the one that tried to search through your desk tonight.

[Jed Bascom]

Well, this is almighty Interesting. Mighty interesting.

[Abby Watkins]

All right, Beckham, you've got me. Why don't you shoot me?

[Jed Bascom]

Plenty of time for that, Abbey boy.

[Masked Man]

Sir.

[Squint]

Who is this hombre anyhow?

[Jed Bascom]

Yes, stranger, who are ye?

[Masked Man]

If I wasn't on your side, do you think I'd come here and warn you about this girl?

[Jed Bascom]

Don't seem so.

[Martha Bascom]

That ain't telling who he is though.

[Jed Bascom]

You keep out of this, smartphee. And you have a lot to talk about, stranger.

[Masked Man]

Yes, we have.

[Jed Bascom]

I reckon you're hanker to join up with Me, huh?

[Masked Man]

I guess almost any man would be glad of the chance to join an outfit that's as powerful as yours, Bascom, if he didn't care about staying inside the law.

[Squint]

Good.

[Jed Bascom]

Good enough. I like the way you wear them guns. You look like a man that could handle them real good.

[Masked Man]

I'll manage them if there's need to. Good. Now then, Bascom. I want the chance to talk to this girl for work.

[Abby Watkins]

There's nothing to talk about.

[Masked Man]

That's where you're wrong, Abby. There's a lot to talk about.

[Martha Bascom]

I have nothing to say, Bascom.

[Masked Man]

I came here to get some information from her. That's the reason I've been trailing her. The fact that you've been helped is just incidental. What do you mean? My main purpose is to find out about some friends of mine. And I think she'll be able to give me the information.

[Jed Bascom]

Go on.

[Masked Man]

Talk to her alone.

[Jed Bascom]

Well, we'll leave you be.

[Masked Man]

One other thing. Have you someplace you can hold her captive?

[Jed Bascom]

I don't know. We don't generally keep prisoners here. We?

[Masked Man]

A cyclone cellar or something like that.

[Squint]

We got the cellar, boss. Ain't no way of getting there save from the trapdoor. We could lock her there.

[Masked Man]

That'll do fine. Put her down there and I'll talk to her later.

[Martha Bascom]

You.

[Narrator]

Come on, girl.

[Martha Bascom]

It's down cellar for you.

[Abby Watkins]

That masked man needn't think I'll talk to him. My lips are sealed and I don't care what's done. I know my life's as good as gone.

[The Lone Ranger]

There isn't anything you can say or promise that'll make me give the slightest bit of information. But get this, all of you.

[Squint]

Shut her up.

[Abby Watkins]

You better hear me. Cause these are the last words I'll ever say.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're all headed for downfall.

[Abby Watkins]

Flowers getting harder and harder to beat all the time. You can kill some men. That's my father. Some people like me. But just assure that a blue sky overhead.

[The Lone Ranger]

Every last one of you'll end up

[Abby Watkins]

on the rope of a hangman. Where's that fella? I'm ready.

[Martha Bascom]

This way.

[Jed Bascom]

She sure is a spooky girl, isn't she?

[Squint]

Gosh, boss, ain't it a shame? A girl like that has got to be so doggone foolish and reckless.

[Jed Bascom]

Hey, stranger. How about taking off that mask now that you're with friends?

[Masked Man]

I'm not sure yet that I am with friends.

[Jed Bascom]

What'll make you sure?

[Masked Man]

I'll have to know you better, then decide for myself. What was that?

[Jed Bascom]

Trap door to the Cellar being shut. Squinch, you take care of the outside door.

[Squint]

Right enough, boss. I'll tend to it right away.

[Masked Man]

Well, Bascom, now that we're alone. Yeah?

[Jed Bascom]

Me and you can come to a sort of understanding, can't we?

[Masked Man]

Just how big an outfit do you have? Big enough. How big?

[Jed Bascom]

I ain't sayin nothing about that. But you can be sure I got all the men I need. Unless. Unless I can get a man that's special. Like what? You seem to be. What sort of working arrangement you got in mind?

[Masked Man]

Percentage, maybe.

[Jed Bascom]

It could be work to have.

[Masked Man]

You keep records of some sort, don't you? Maybe. I'll have to look them over. No, not right now. I wouldn't expect you to show me your records until we know each other. I just wanted to find out if I was talking to a good businessman. You won't find none petty. That's all I wanted to know for the time being.

[Jed Bascom]

Now, what about you?

[Masked Man]

What about me?

[Jed Bascom]

How do I know what to count on in you? Where are you from?

[Squint]

What have you done?

[Jed Bascom]

What incarnation do you look like?

[Masked Man]

There's plenty of time for that. I think I'll have a talk with the girl now.

[Jed Bascom]

Well, help yourself.

[Masked Man]

Where's that trap door? This way.

[Jed Bascom]

What did you want to talk to her about?

[Masked Man]

If it was anything I wanted you to know, I'd talk in front of you.

[Jed Bascom]

Don't give out much information, do you?

[Masked Man]

You want someone who tells all he knows to be a member of your gang.

[Squint]

That's right, now.

[Jed Bascom]

But you've got the right answer for everything, ain't you?

[Masked Man]

This is it. Open it.

[Jed Bascom]

You want me to lock it when

[Masked Man]

you get down there? That doesn't matter.

[Jed Bascom]

There's a couple of candles on the table at the foot of the stairs. You got matches?

[Masked Man]

Yes.

[The Lone Ranger]

You needn't think I'll give you any information.

[Masked Man]

All right, Bascom. You can shut the door now.

[Squint]

Right.

[Jed Bascom]

Just tell her when you would have come up.

[Masked Man]

Abby, please listen for a moment.

[Abby Watkins]

You double crossed.

[Masked Man]

Wait. I didn't tell him who you were until his wife had found out about you.

[The Lone Ranger]

I won't listen, Martha.

[Masked Man]

Bascom had you and you know it. You held a gun on her, but she told you that you were in a spot. You couldn't keep her covered forever, and you couldn't shoot her. She knew you were Abby Watkins.

[Abby Watkins]

I won't listen to a thing, Abby.

[Masked Man]

I'm here to help you. Won't you try to understand?

[Abby Watkins]

Fine.

[Martha Bascom]

Help you?

[Abby Watkins]

What'd you say?

[Masked Man]

I want to help you. I'm here because you're certain to be killed by the Bascom gang. They won't let you get away from here alive now that they know who you are. They already knew you before I spoke.

[Abby Watkins]

How did you know?

[Masked Man]

I heard the conversation between you and Martha.

[Abby Watkins]

You did?

[Masked Man]

I came from the woods shortly after you left me. I heard Martha when she found out who you were. I left word for Tando and gave him instructions.

[Abby Watkins]

Instructions?

[Masked Man]

We've got to count on him to carry through a part of my plan.

[Abby Watkins]

You told Bastim who I was?

[Masked Man]

Before I did that, I realized that nothing could be lost by telling him who you were. Much can be gained because now he thinks I'm as crooked as he is.

[Abby Watkins]

What did Bastum do?

[Masked Man]

He sent Squint around the outside of the house to get the drop on you through the window. Then he rapped on the door.

[Abby Watkins]

Oh, but now we.

[Masked Man]

Now we have only to wait until Toddo does his part. I think we'll be safe here. I hope so. That's the chance we must take.

[Abby Watkins]

Safe? Safe from what?

[Masked Man]

Just wait, Abby. Tonto should be here in a few minutes. Now.

[Narrator]

Upstairs in the cabin, Jed discussed the probability of the Lone Ranger joining the gang.

[Jed Bascom]

That old rail be real handy for a squid. I already know of a couple of ways to make first rate use of them.

[Squint]

What's the matter, newcomer, that you don't even know the face of? Comes here and you're all filled up with ideas as to how valuable he'll be.

[Narrator]

Why not?

[Squint]

What's the matter with us men that have been with you right along?

[Jed Bascom]

So that's what's rankling you, squid. Now don't go get yourself jealous of a new man. Why not? You wouldn't want the job I got in mind for him. What's more, I wouldn't want you to have that job. I figure you're too valuable to use up the way I got in mind for the Nashman. Same goes for the rest of the boys.

[Squint]

What do you got in mind?

[Jed Bascom]

That girl has got to have something happen, ain't she? We can't let her go free to tell what she suspicions about us, can we?

[Squint]

Wouldn't be good sense to do so.

[Jed Bascom]

All right, then she's got to meet up with trouble of a real dangerous nature and maybe be found dead in a few days. The law will be right anxious to get the one that killed her. Ain't that so? Sure, Especially with her being the daughter of a lawman. Well, just this law ain't going to rest or better hang a man for the murder. Ah, that's where the masked man comes in. What's the matter?

[Squint]

Do you smell smoke?

[Jed Bascom]

I ain't noticed. Likely food burning. Now what's the matter with my scheme?

[Squint]

The scheme being to fix it so the masked man is the one to hang. Sounds all right to me.

[Jed Bascom]

It is all right. Now do you see what the job I got for him is?

[Squint]

You might have told me about it in the first place.

[Jed Bascom]

You doggone injured. Worried that old Jed was going to let his own men down. Why I say it do smell smooth.

[Squint]

Something's burning for sure.

[Masked Man]

Seems to be over this way.

[The Lone Ranger]

Jed set the house into fire. Look at that smoke.

[Jed Bascom]

Flames.

[Masked Man]

Martha, what's stiff?

[The Lone Ranger]

Get our tanks out of there. This house will go up like tender.

[Narrator]

Get water for it.

[The Lone Ranger]

The house is afire. Water.

[Masked Man]

Get some water.

[The Lone Ranger]

I won't help. Look at the st. Them flames. Not these wings. The white spring's in flames too.

[Narrator]

We got to get out of here.

[Squint]

Damn.

[The Lone Ranger]

In the cell.

[Masked Man]

Never mind them.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come with me. Swift, get my clothes. What about the clothes? Take what you can tell and get out. I got to get my pretty squints.

[Jed Bascom]

Give me a hand.

[The Lone Ranger]

The smoke is getting bad.

[Masked Man]

Smoke?

[Narrator]

Richard, come on.

[Jed Bascom]

Like cash.

[Masked Man]

My rickets. I got to get them out.

[The Lone Ranger]

This place is going fast. The roof will get out in a minute.

[Jed Bascom]

Here, take what rickets r this?

[Masked Man]

Take this box. Quick.

[Jed Bascom]

Take it and then come this way. This more that's got to be saved.

[The Lone Ranger]

You come too, Slim.

[Masked Man]

Earlier. Never mind the smoke. Never mind it. Get over here. My secret hiding place.

[The Lone Ranger]

My eyes. Burn the smoke.

[Abby Watkins]

Now.

[Masked Man]

This is it. Grab a hold. This section of the wall. Grab a hold Here. Squint. Take a hold here. You got it?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah, yeah.

[Squint]

I got.

[Masked Man]

I got. That does it. I'll take these things. You're just going to elect your arms.

[The Lone Ranger]

Jake.

[Masked Man]

Jake.

[The Lone Ranger]

You better get out of here. Get yourself up.

[Masked Man]

We'll be all right. Hurry in a boss. Slim. Take these bundles.

[Narrator]

Gotta save them.

[The Lone Ranger]

I got em now. Save yourself. Get to the outside. What is this? The door is fastened.

[Masked Man]

Who's done this?

[The Lone Ranger]

It's fastened from the outside.

[Masked Man]

Open this door. Get this door open.

[Narrator]

While the smoke billowed in dense clouds through the cabin, the three men fought to get the door open. They were half blinded and the roar of the flames crept closer every minute. Then the Lone Ranger's voice rang out.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come this way. I'll show you how to get out.

[Squint]

I can't see. Who's this?

[Masked Man]

You want to get out of this fire trap?

[The Lone Ranger]

Come with me. Can't see you. Come on this way. Stop hold of me.

[Abby Watkins]

I can.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, then.

[Masked Man]

You're all right.

[Jed Bascom]

Just keep moving.

[Masked Man]

The back door is right ahead. Step through it and you'll be outside where it's safe. This is it, boys.

[Narrator]

We're all right, though.

[Squint]

Watering so I can hardly see. But it's a messman straight ahead, man.

[Masked Man]

Your horses are there now.

[The Lone Ranger]

Juke level, silly. Hey, there's the girl, too. Yes, I'm here. But no thanks to you, man.

[Abby Watkins]

We'd have died in that cellar if

[The Lone Ranger]

Tano hadn't opened the outside door.

[Squint]

Ooh.

[Masked Man]

Me Tanto take those bundles from Monto. That's the evidence the law wants.

[Squint]

The law?

[Narrator]

What is that about the law?

[Abby Watkins]

What do you think?

[The Lone Ranger]

You Polk heads have been hiding the

[Abby Watkins]

evidence against this gang too cleverly for

[The Lone Ranger]

the law to find.

[Abby Watkins]

It took a trick to get you.

[Jed Bascom]

What's this about a trick?

[Masked Man]

Ask him. The only way to make you show the records you kept so carefully was to make you save them from the fire. You mean Otto started this fire to smoke you all out?

[Squint]

Hey, my gun is gone.

[Jed Bascom]

Mine too.

[Masked Man]

I took your guns while you were fighting your way through the smoke. You'll need no weapons in jail.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tricked.

[Jed Bascom]

We've been tricked.

[The Lone Ranger]

I ain't going to go down with you, Jed Bascom. I'm going to save my own day. Goodbye, Brooklyn.

[Squint]

Get up, woman's cap.

[Masked Man]

Let her go. TTO These men are the ones the law wants.

[Abby Watkins]

And now the law have them. The greatest wish of my father has been fulfilled. Thanks to you mess men.

[Masked Man]

The west must be rid of men like these. Abby.

[Jed Bascom]

Hello.

[Masked Man]

Keep your guns on them while I ride into town for the sheriff.

[Abby Watkins]

Goodbye, mess man.

[Masked Man]

Adios.

[The Lone Ranger]

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[Narrator]

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

[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 who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Doug]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

car insurance with Liberty Mutual.

[Doug]

Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Liberty Mutual Partner]

Hey everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Oh no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Liberty Mutual Partner]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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[Liberty Mutual Partner]

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I'm Jake Stauch, co founder and CEO of servl. We built Servil to automate the IT work that slows companies down. Onboarding password resets, access to applications. My laptop stopped working. While employees wait for help, their real work is put on hold. It desperately wants to automate this work and that's why they need Serval. You just tell Serval what you want to automate in plain English and it's built. No drag and drop workflows, no expensive consultants. Employees get unblocked and IT teams go from drowning in tickets to building what actually matters. With Cerbal, it becomes the AI engine powering the entire company. This is a new way to run it. We guarantee you'll automate 50% of all tickets. And we'll prove it to you in a free four week pilot. Go to cerbal.com tickets. That's S-E-R-V-A-L.com tickets.

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[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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[Doug]

Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Liberty Mutual Partner]

Hey, everyone. Check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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[Liberty Mutual Partner]

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