Unlucky Strike | The Lone Ranger (02-07-41)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast – Detailed Episode Summary

Episode: Unlucky Strike | The Lone Ranger (02-07-41)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: December 20, 2025
Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns

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Main Theme and Purpose

This episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns presents a digitally restored version of the 1941 Lone Ranger radio drama, "Unlucky Strike." The episode plunges listeners into the dangers of frontier gold towns, where quick justice, mistaken identity, and the steadfast pursuit of truth converge. The Lone Ranger and Tonto work to clear an innocent man wrongly accused of theft, fighting against mob justice and a bitterly competitive rivalry between two lawmen.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Intro to Gold Country and Lawlessness ([01:57]-[02:45])

• The narrator sets the scene: Western gold rush, influx of both honest pioneers and cunning criminals.
• The Lone Ranger is introduced as the force striving to bring justice and order.

2. Ma Harvey’s Gold Robbery ([03:57]-[05:31])

• Ma Harvey is robbed late at night by a masked intruder. Despite her fear, she calls out for help as the thief flees.
• Quote: “Help. I’ve been robbed!” – Ma Harvey ([05:18])

3. Jim “Buck” Thornton in the General Store ([05:31]-[09:26])

• A cheerful young man, Buck Thornton, shops for gifts after a prosperous gold strike.
• Storekeeper Bart and other townsfolk are impressed by his success and generosity.
• The sheriff arrives, looking for strangers after learning of the robbery. Suspicion quickly falls on Buck due to his matching description.
• Quote: “What wanted notice is that this here’s a description of Whitey Conklin. And this fella here is him.” – Sheriff ([09:27])

4. Mistaken Identity and Hasty Arrest ([09:26]-[15:04])

• Sheriff Pearson arrests Buck, believing he’s the notorious criminal Whitey Conklin.
• Ma Harvey cannot definitively identify Buck as her thief because the robber used a hoarse whisper and covered his face.
• Despite the lack of proof, Buck is taken away amid tense protestations.
• Quote: “You can’t just jail me without giving me a chance to defend myself!” – Buck ([13:08])

5. Lone Ranger & Tonto Investigate ([10:46]-[11:37])

• The Lone Ranger, observing the wrongful arrest, sends Tonto to gather information.
• They question the reliability of the accusation, noting a significant detail: Whitey Conklin has a small chin scar, which Buck does not.
• Quote: “If I’m any judge of character, the sheriff made a mistake.” – Lone Ranger ([10:46])

6. Trial and Brewing Lynch Mob ([17:33]-[21:07])

• Buck is swiftly tried and sentenced to 15 years, with little real evidence.
• Dissatisfied, townsfolk plan a lynching, believing the punishment too lenient.
• Quote: “Only 15 years and him stealing an old lady’s savings… Hanging’s what he needs.” ([20:10])

7. Mob Justice and the Lone Ranger’s Intervention ([22:03]-[23:55])

• A lynch mob overpowers the jailer and drags Buck out for hanging.
• At the last moment, the masked Lone Ranger arrives. He shoots the rope and spirits Buck away.
• Sheriff Pearson, furious at both the mob and the escape, organizes a posse and accepts Tonto’s offer to trail the fugitives.
• Memorable moment: “He shot the rope! Stop him!” ([23:02])

8. The County Line and Two Sheriffs ([24:36]-[27:05])

• The Lone Ranger leads Buck across the Wabash County line, explaining that Sheriff Pearson no longer has authority.
• He reveals that the rivalry between Sheriffs Pearson and Stevens is rooted in mutual respect.
• Buck is sent to fetch Sheriff Stevens while the posse closes in.
• Quote: “You don’t understand either one of those sheriffs. They’re bitter rivals, yes. … But underneath all that, those two men respect each other.” – Lone Ranger ([25:25])

9. Truth Revealed: The Real Whitey Caught ([27:05]-[29:04])

• Both sheriffs and Buck arrive. Sheriff Stevens presents evidence: the real Whitey has been captured, with the stolen gold in the same kind of salt bag Ma Harvey described.
• The Lone Ranger’s plan forced the two sheriffs to work together, dispelling rivalries and misconceptions.
• Quote: “I had an idea you’d caught the wrong man. So I headed for Fremont to check up with Stevens here. Whitey had robbed Mrs. Harvey and he was making tracks for Wabash County.” – Lone Ranger ([27:49])
• The townsfolk realize the mistake, and Buck is exonerated.

10. Classic Lone Ranger Farewell ([29:03]-[29:04])

• True to form, the Lone Ranger rides away before he can be thanked.
• Quote: “Now look at that. Heading away without waiting to be thanked or nothing. Why, that’s just the same as they say their own Ranger does. Hi-yo Silver, away!” ([29:04])

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “[Help. I’ve been robbed!]” – Ma Harvey ([05:18])
• “What wanted notice is that this here’s a description of Whitey Conklin. And this fella here is him.” – Sheriff ([09:27])
• “If I’m any judge of character, the sheriff made a mistake.” – Lone Ranger ([10:46])
• “Only 15 years and him stealing an old lady’s savings… Hanging’s what he needs.” – Townsman ([20:10])
• “He shot the rope! Stop him!” – Lynch Mob ([23:02])
• “You don’t understand either one of those sheriffs. They’re bitter rivals, yes. … But underneath all that, those two men respect each other.” – Lone Ranger ([25:25])
• “I had an idea you’d caught the wrong man. So I headed for Fremont to check up with Stevens here. Whitey had robbed Mrs. Harvey and he was making tracks for Wabash County.” – Lone Ranger ([27:49])
• “Now look at that. Heading away without waiting to be thanked or nothing. Why, that’s just the same as they say their own Ranger does. Hi-yo Silver, away!” – Sheriff Pearson ([29:04])

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:57] – Story introduction begins
• [03:57] – The robbery at Ma Harvey’s house
• [05:31] – Buck Thornton at the general store
• [09:26] – Sheriff questions and accuses Buck
• [10:46] – Lone Ranger tasks Tonto, suspects a mistake
• [13:00] – Ma Harvey’s uncertain identification
• [17:33] – Tonto reports to Lone Ranger; investigation continues
• [20:10] – Mob discusses lynching
• [22:03] – Mob breaks Buck out of jail for lynching
• [23:02] – Lone Ranger intervenes, stops lynching
• [24:36] – The Lone Ranger and Buck at the county line
• [27:05] – Truth revealed, real Whitey caught
• [29:04] – Lone Ranger’s departure

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Summary & Takeaways

This Lone Ranger episode masterfully intertwines suspense, frontier justice, and the enduring Western ideal of the lone hero. The story demonstrates the dangers of snap judgments and mob mentality, and highlights the importance of integrity, respect (even among rivals), and due process. The Lone Ranger, with Tonto’s vital help, upholds the values of justice and compassion, exonerating the innocent Buck Thornton and ensuring the guilty party is punished.

Listeners are treated to classic Western storytelling, a rich soundscape, and timeless themes that remain relevant today. The digital restoration by the podcast enhances the experience, preserving and elevating a golden era of radio drama.

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Transcript

[A]

If you're paying more than $1 a month for any ED or hair medication, listen up at Joy and Blokes. When you start TRT or enclomiphene, you can add any ED or hair loss prescription for just $1 a month. $1 add ons with your hormone plan and right now all labs are 50% off. I'm Josh Whalen, founder of Joy and Blokes. I built this company because men are tired of paying for fragmented care without results. Every Joy and BL lab includes a visit with a licensed clinician who connects your symptoms to your biomarkers. You'll get a real plan that covers hormones, performance and confidence. If you're considering TRT or Enclomiphene, this is the most efficient way to do it. Get [e-mail] and use a promo code podcast. New customers get 50% off their labs. And for a limited time, you can take advantage of our $1ed or hair loss add ons. You start TRT or enclomophine. Not available in all states. Compounded medications are not FDA approved. Learn more at joyandblo.com.

[B]

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.

[C]

IO Silver, Hawaii.

[B]

A fiery horse with a speed of light. A cloud of dust to the hearty IO Silver the Lone Ranger. When gold was discovered in the western United States States, men of every type and from every part of the country joined the rush. Most of them were honest, industrious and law abiding. But inevitably, criminals were attracted with a promise of easy wealth. And it was not until the masked rider of the plains started his great fight for justice that the gold country became safe for honest men and women. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats. The great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[C]

Come on, Silver, we're heading for the hill. Hell is waiting for us.

[A]

If you're paying more than $1 a month for any ED or hair medication, listen up at Joy and Blokes when you start TRT or enclomipine, you can add any ED or hair loss prescription for just $1 a month. $1 add ons with your hormone plan. And right now all labs are 50% off. I'm Josh Whalen, founder of Joy and Blokes. I built this company because men are tired of paying for fragmented care and without results. Every Joy and Blokes lab includes a visit with a licensed clinician who connects your symptoms to your biomarkers. You'll get a real plan that covers hormones, performance and confidence. If you're considering TRT or Enclomiphene, this is the most efficient way to do it. Get [e-mail] and use a promo code podcast. New customers get 50% off their labs and for a limited time, you can take advantage of our $1ed or hair loss add ons when you start TRT or enclomiphene. Not available in all states. Compounded medications are not FDA approved. Learn more at joy and blokes.com.

[B]

It was late at night. The moon had gone down behind the distant peaks and the town of Prospect was shrouded in darkness. A stealthy figure, bandana drawn over his face, fumbled at the door of Ma Harvey small cottage.

[C]

Just a little more now. Get a hold on that latch and I'll have it. So do I think there. Hope you didn't wake the old woman. Don't hear nothing. Now for the door. Dog gone door worse than a door in a barn. Is he very good to get across the floor without bumping into nothing. She's stinking. That should be in that dresser over there. She wakes up. Was the top drawer. She put it in it because everything in here have to make a noise.

[B]

Gold dust.

[C]

Here it is. How to get out of here? Who's that? Who is it? The children. Quiet. Don't move. I'm getting out of here. Don't nearly know. You hurt?

[B]

Help.

[C]

Help. I've been robbed. You've been wrong.

[B]

The following morning, Bart Salem's General Store was visited by a cheerful young stranger. He spent freely. And although the store was crowded, Bart waited on him himself.

[C]

Well, let's see. What else should you ought to have? There's some new Stetson's. Any one of them will do you fine. Taint for myself and buying. Oh, but them. Them stockings there. Them fancy ones with the clocks and everything. How many of them you got stock? Just two dozen pairs. Wrap them up.

[B]

I'll take them.

[C]

Huh? The whole two does?

[B]

Yep.

[C]

They'll do just fine for my sister to home. Maybe Ma'd like to wear a pair if Pa didn't catch her at it. You must have done right well for yourself. Been prospecting up in the hill? You sure have. And I don't mind telling you, my luck was in. Made a right good strike. Now I'll be heading home for the first time in two years.

[B]

Always did tell the folks I wouldn't.

[C]

Be back without cash to rattle in my pockets. Glad to hear it, friend. Glad to hear it. Thank you.

[B]

Gosh, won't they be pleased, though, to.

[C]

See me come busting in the front.

[B]

Door with all these presents.

[C]

Loaded me down, huh? It'll be just like Christmas coming in.

[B]

The middle of summer.

[C]

They should like it fine, eh? Won't they?

[B]

I'd like some supplies.

[C]

Can't you see him busy with the customer? Stranger.

[B]

I'm sorry. I thought he was through.

[C]

I am almost, mister. Ain't much left for me to buy. How about some nice gingham aprons for that sister of yours?

[B]

Mister. Mister.

[C]

Mister. Now, what did you say your name was?

[B]

Well, I didn't say, but it's Thornton. Buck Thornton.

[C]

My home's over in Wabash county, where.

[B]

These Eskimo folks live.

[C]

Wabash County? Where they're just neighboring to us. Now, what was it I heard about your county just recently.

[B]

Did it have anything to do with Whitey Conklin?

[C]

That's it. Whitey Conklin, the thieving crook. He comes from Wabash county, don't he? You can't judge us all by the likes of him. Oh, now, I didn't mean nothing like that.

[B]

The sheriff hasn't any idea where Whitey is, has he?

[C]

Dunno as he has. But he'd sure like to ever hear about our sheriff, Sheriff Pearson, and the sheriff from Wabash County, Sheriff Stevens.

[B]

There's some kind of a feud between them, isn't there?

[C]

Yeah. Feud? Stranger, that's putting it mild. Both of them are two of the finest lawmen in the state, and each one of them's doing his best to get something on crooks from each other's county. They figured it'd make their own county look better. Doggone digits.

[B]

I think both of them would like to get their hands on Whitey.

[C]

Ain't no doubt of that. Well, I can't think of nothing else need to buy. How much to owe you? I've been hatting it up while we was going along. The stockings, fancy chocolates, that canned stuff. Bolt of cloth. Well, then with the other things comes to $63 all told. Can I pay you in dust? Sure thing. Hand me that poke and I'll weigh it out on these scales right here. Sure.

[B]

You carry a lot of dust with you. Mm.

[C]

There's Plenty more where that came from. And I got at least $2,000 worth on this poke.

[B]

I guess it was about that.

[C]

Gosh, Buck, you better be careful carrying so much. Let a fella like Whitey know about it and he'd try to get it off on you as sure as you can. No, I interfered. Here's your poke. We're all square.

[B]

That's fine. What did you say your name was again? I know a number of people in Wabash County.

[C]

Well, it's Jim Thornton for real. But I always answers to the name of Bug.

[B]

I see. Don't know that I heard your handle, did I? Can you wait on me now, storekeeper?

[C]

Bug just asked you your handle.

[B]

I'll eat some flour and bacon.

[C]

You seen any strangers around here? What's the matter with you, Sheriff? What's wrong? It's more Harvey. Some ornery, sneaking critter went to her place last night and stole all the dust that she had saved and cleared out. I'm rounding up every stranger I can find. Leaping leap frogs, my Harvey. Rob.

[B]

Have you any clue, Sheriff?

[C]

See, you're a stranger here, ain't you? Who? Hey, who are you? Me? Yeah, I said you. Come on, speak up. Watch your handle. Where'd you come from? What are you doing here? Well, hold on, hold on now. Watch him, you fellas. I'm gonna have a look at this handbill and I don't want him to get away.

[B]

Shut up.

[C]

I'll do the talking here. Let me see. Weight about 180? Yep, that'd be your weight all right. Light toe colored hair, just like yours. Solid build, blue eyes, clean shaven. By thunder, that fits you to a team. What wanted notice is that this here's a description of Whitey Conklin. And this fella here is him. Me? Well, you're crazy. I ain't Whitey Conklin. My name's Jim Thornton. Don't doubt it. Whitey's got a parcel of names. What's all this stuff? Was you buying it?

[B]

What if I was?

[C]

Got cash to spend, huh? Where was you last night? Riding down from the hill. A likely yarn. Now, I suppose you're going to say he was all alone. And I'll have to take your word for it. I was alone, but that don't mean I'm lying. Sheriff, are you sure this is Whitey? Can't be no doubt. Why the crook coming in here and giving me that yarn about buying stuff for his sister. You fellas got me wrong. I ain't. Where you from? Wabash County. But Wabash County. That clinches it. Another one of them crooks that Sheriff Stevens let run loose from there. Well, you crooks can't come to my county and get away with Stephen. Come on with me. We're going to Ma Harvey's house right now and she can have a look at you.

[B]

The Lone Ranger rode no farther than the edge of town, where he headed, Silver, down a shallow arroyo toward the waiting figure of Tonto Drew right past. What manner? Tyler, I want you to go to town at once. Ah, here's there's been a robbery in town. I got out because the sheriff's suspicious of all strangers. You won't be suspected, though. A woman called Ma Harvey had gold stolen from her last night. While I was in the general store, the sheriff picked up a young fellow and claimed he was Whitey Coughlin. If I'm any judge of character, the sheriff made a mistake. And what me do? They were leaving for Mrs. Harvey's when I rode away. Get there as soon as you can. Learn what happens to the young fellow the sheriff took with him. His name is Buck Thornton. See for yourself whether or not you think I'm a crook. I'm Tanto. Do it. Then meet me at camp. I won't be here because it's too open and I want to get rid of this disguise and put on my mask. Now hurry, Kimasabe, and report to me as soon as you can. It not take Kondo long.

[C]

Get him up.

[B]

Scout, remember, I'll meet you at camp. Come on, Silver. In a living room, a crowd of townspeople followed them and.

[C]

Oh, it feels tolerable, sir. I was doggone near scared to reckon it would have been, too, if it weren't such a tough old budget. Now, I'm going to ask you something, Mo, and I want you to be real careful the way you answer it. Oh, Lame Six. What is it, Sheriff? Take a good squint at this here towheaded feller. Ever seen him before? Can't say as I did. Trap shot. Why'd you ask me? Cause he's the feller I'm putting under arrest for breaking in here last night. To stealing from you, my sheriff. You do get results fast. That's my aim. It warn't me. You can't keep me from denying what ain't so. You can't just jail me without giving me a chance to defend myself. You can do that in court, Mo. I do wish you could identify him. It sure'd help a lot. Well, he's the same size More or less, from what I can see. And he's wearing the same kind of hat. Wide brim with a flat crown. Almost everybody around here wears this kind of hat. Don't prove you're innocent. Shut up, Ma. How much gold was it you said was stolen? Oh, $2,000, was it? And you kept it in a leather poop? Oh, no. Cause I was in an old salt bag I had.

[B]

There.

[C]

You see, if you don't shut up, I'll gag you. Here, Moore, take a look at this poke. That about the amount of dust you had? It sure is, Sheriff. But like I said, mine was in a soap bag. Nothing to keep him from putting the dust in this poke and throwing the bag away, is there? Fact is, he'd be bound to do that. He'd know doggone well that other bag would be identified. Sounds sensible. Wait a second, you sh. Look, Mrs. Harvey, you wouldn't want a fellow that was innocent to be jailed, would you? Why, of course not, young feller. Then he won't be the fellow that was here last night. Didn't he say nothing? Didn't he speak so's you could hear him? Yep. Then you ought to know his voice weren't the same as mine. I wouldn't be able to say about that.

[B]

You. You wouldn't? No.

[C]

You see, he just spoke in a kind of real horse whisper. Well, his natural way of talking at all. You could tell that. So whether your voice is the same as his' n or not, I'd never be able to see.

[B]

Oh, golly.

[C]

And his face was covered with a bandanna, so I wouldn't know about that either. That proves it. This feller's got a bandana. And so have you, Sheriff, and so is nearly any other fellow you can name. It's a frame of you trope. Ain't nobody ever accused me of framing them since I held office. Well, then get in touch with my folks. They'll tell you who I am. Of course they would. And how would that go to prove that you wasn't also Whitey Conklin? You're going to jail. There ain't no use arguing with. You sure ain't here, Mo.

[B]

What?

[C]

All of the poke. It's your dust. No question about it. Now put it somewhere where it won't be found next time some crook from Wabash county hits town. All my savings back already. Mr. Pull Pearson. I always did say you was the best sheriff in the territory. Just think of getting action so quick. And after court sets, this feller is going to get Some real quick action at the end of a rope. Now get moving, Whitey. We're heading for the jailhouse. Don't call me Whitey. Whitey. Jim, Buck, it's all one the same. Get moving. I'm going. One side, folks, one side. Make room for the lawn. A cut. That means you too, Inin. What are you cluttering up the place for?

[B]

Well, time to go now.

[C]

All right, Whitey. That's Wait for jail. Get him up. Scout, get them up.

[B]

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.

[A]

If you're paying more than $1 a month for any ED or hair medication, listen up. At Joy and Blokes, when you start TRT or enclomiphene, you can add any ED or hair loss prescription for just $1 a month. $1 add ons with your hormone plan. And right now, all labs are 50% off. I'm Josh Whalen, founder of Joy and Blokes. I built this company because men are tired of paying for fragmented care without results. Every Joy and Blokes lab includes a visit with a licensed clinician who connects your symptoms to your biomarkers. You'll get a real plan that covers hormones, performance and confidence. If you're considering TRT or Enclomiphene, this is the most efficient way to do it. Get started at joy and blokes.com and use a promo code podcast. New customers get 50% off their labs. And for a limited time, you can take advantage of our $1 ed or hair loss add ons when you start TRT or encomafine. Not available in all states. Compounded medications are not FDA approved. Learn more at joy and blokes.com.

[C]

Sam.

[B]

Now to continue our story with Jim Thornton, on his way to the jail in the custody of Sheriff Pearson, raced out of town and headed his great paint horse toward the camp where the Lone Ranger was waiting. But he reached it.

[C]

Oh.

[B]

Oh.

[C]

Shot. Oh.

[B]

What did you find out?

[C]

Him. Him. Not Whitey?

[B]

I didn't think so. But can you be sure? Ah, Whitey got small scar on the chin. Feller in town that got it. That's strange. Why didn't the sheriff notice that? A sheriff not know about scar hit? Not on reward notice? No. Then you must have seen Whitey at one time or another. I do not see him. Colonel Telcotto, you're positive he told you the truth?

[C]

Ah, Hunter here.

[B]

Whitey near here. I heard that too. We weren't Able to trace him though. Might have been a false report. I'm going to make a trip. Where you going? The county seat of Wabash county is Fremont. That's about a three day round trip with hard riding. And you'll ride heap faster bait in three days. Silver can do it though. And why you go there? I have several reasons, Tadda. For one, we still can't be positive that Buck Thornton isn't Whitey. Even though neither of us believes he is. As far as the scar is concerned, the man who told you of it might have been mistaken. Or it could have been disguised. The Sheriff Stevens could settle that point for another. If Buck isn't Whitey, but Whitey stole the gold, he'd be likely to head for Wabash County. That's where he was raised and where he hangs out. He warned Stevens to watch out for him. Not right. Moreover, I happen to know that Whitey is wanted for murder in Wabash County. While here he is wanted only for theft. A Buck and Whitey are one and the same. Buck should be taken there for punishment. Me not think Buck same as Whitey. Nor do I. I'm certainly going to find out. Just one thing worries me. What time Buck's trial will be held. The day after tomorrow. If he gets a jail sentence, the townsmen may think they should take the law into their own hands to punish Whitey Coughlin. The same thing might happen if he was released. Unless evidence was shown at the trial proving Buck couldn't have committed the crime. Maybe turn to take hands. That's what I was going to suggest. If an effort is made to start a lynching party before I return. Do everything you can to delay it. Time to do it. And in the meantime, I'll return just as soon as I possibly can. Here, Silver. You hurry. I'll have to. Let's hope this trip does something to solve this problem. Come on, Silver. Jim Thornton's trial was held two days later. There was no real evidence against him. But in that time and in that district, evidence was not always needed for a conviction. He was sentenced to 15 years in the state penitentiary. And yet the men who gathered in the cafe afterwards felt the penalty was too light.

[C]

Just think of it, fellas. Only 15 years and him stealing an old lady's savings. Not only stealing her savings, but half scaring her to death. Yeah. Why should a fellow like Whitey Cochran get off with just the jail sentence? Well, we hang horse thieves. Hanging's what he needs. Time for it. Oh, my God. I see. It is what's will prevent him from being home? The sheriff's watching things pretty careful. You know how he feels about lynchings. It'll be a week before the varmint's took from the jailhouse here and sent to the penitentiary, won't it? Yeah, about that. And the sheriff's gonna quit watching us so close if we sort of lay low for a day or so, ain't he? And why don't we lay low and when it ain't expected, bust the jail in, drag the polecat out and give him a rope. Next time I'm for it. That's a doggone good idea. Now, what do the rest of you fellas say? All right, fellas, keep it in mind. Just as soon as the sheriff gets careless, we act savvy. All right, fellas.

[B]

That night and the following day an undercurrent of lynch talk ran through the town. Rapidly gained popular support though the sheriff had no idea of what was being planned. Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger had written to Fremont and back. And as he reined up in the camp outside Prospect might be glad you get back. Why, Taylor, Is there trouble? Hunter's in town. Van lynching. Just as I feared. You stop him, Taylor. We'll do nothing until they break Buck loose from the jail. Then we'll go into action and toddle. I've got news for you. Great news. The masked man allowed Silver to rest while he told Toto the news he'd brought with him from Fremont. Then the two men mounted and rode swiftly into town. It was dark when they arrived there. They took cover close to the jail and were watching when a small band of determined men broke inside, overpowered the jailer and carried Buck Thornton out. Buck was forced to mount a horse and a group joined by others raced out of town.

[C]

Let me go. You're listening the wrong fella. Can't you give me a chance? Let me go. Let me go, I tell you all you want. Are you coyote? It won't do you no good.

[B]

Wait, please.

[C]

We ain't waiting and we ain't aiming to please you. You see them trees up ahead?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Well, there's one of that bus. It's just made for what we got in mind. It's got a good style limb just the right height from the ground and you can swing from it as hard as you want to without breaking it. No, no. I ain't no use of breaking your numbers up, mister. Hanging a whitey conqueror will be the best thing that ever happened to this territory. Careful. Fix it. You teach a lesson for this. Maybe it'll be too late to do you any good. The other three boys. Make him pull up right under it. Here we are. Please, I never done nothing. You should be doing this to me.

[B]

Wait.

[C]

What a critter thing. Too bad he never thought what happened to him when he was stealing that gold. No, please. Hand me that robe. There you are. There's a sliding noose already fixed on him. Come on. Who's this coming? A white horse. The fella's mask. Oh. Pay no attention to him. Out of my way.

[B]

The rope.

[C]

He shot the rope. Stop him. Grab him. Come on, Buck. We're on our way.

[B]

Get up. Get up there.

[C]

Come on. Come on. Shoot him. Shoot him. It's too dark. Ain't good. Look at them horses travel. Let's take after him. The sheriff you added. You mangy fools trying to lynch party in my county. What did I tell you fellas about a stunt like that? I told you what had happened to you, didn't I? I'll see every one of you jailed with the varmint. Had a lynch in common. Sheriff. Then where's he at now? You broke him from jail and let him get loose. I'd like to knock your fool heads together. We never figured this would happen, Sheriff. Cause you ain't got the brains to figure. Now let me tell you something. I don't care what business you got to take care of or what. First thing in the morning, you're making up a posse and help me trail them fellas. If you don't, you'll go to jail. This is all your fault and you're going to fix it up again.

[B]

Well, the trailer's likely to be sort.

[C]

Of cold by morning, ain't it, Sheriff? Can't be help none. The colder the trail is, the longer you gonna be hunting them. Well, Sheriff, don't try to argue with me. I just wish we could trail them fellas tonight. If we could, I'd make you fellas start right out.

[B]

Oh, me. Me trail Em.

[C]

What's that?

[B]

Injun Tonto trail easy. Me follow feller, you follow Tonto. Doggo.

[C]

You mean that redskin? Can you really follow a trail at night, Tonto?

[B]

Do it then.

[C]

We won't wait. Injun, where's your horse?

[B]

It's cold.

[C]

You hear that, man? We're setting out on the trail tonight. And it just serves you right. Lead the way. Get out strong. Get there.

[B]

The angry sheriff gave his posse no rest. And all that night. Hollow, Tonto. They stopped to water their horses in the morning, then pushed on again at night, they made camp, but hit the trail at dawn. The Lone Ranger had guided Silver toward Wabash County. He kept his pace suited to the posse. At once over the county line, he reined up. Steady, Silver. Steady. There.

[C]

What are we stopping here for, friend? We can't be more than a couple hours ahead of that posse.

[B]

Sheriff Pearson can do nothing here unless he's Sheriff Stevens County.

[C]

Oh, Sheriff Pearson won't give a hoot about that. Once he gets his hands on me, he'll take me back to jail. And no question about it.

[B]

I think you misunderstand him.

[C]

I like fun, I do.

[B]

He's a good sheriff buck, even though he's too inclined to jump to conclusions. Maybe so, but I won't act outside the law, even depend on it. Anything he does will be done legally.

[C]

You don't save him, Mr. Mayor's man. He grabbed me just to spy Sheriff Stevens, if for no other reason.

[B]

Do you really believe that?

[C]

Well, wouldn't he?

[B]

You don't understand either one of those sheriffs. They're bitter rivals. Yes. They call each other all kinds of names. They'll even put obstacles in each other's way if it can be done without interfering with justice.

[C]

What are you getting at?

[B]

Simply the fact that underneath all that, those two men respect each other. Their rivalry wouldn't be so intense if that weren't so.

[C]

Just the same, I'd feel a lot safer if we was to keep on going for Fremont.

[B]

You are, huh? I had no intention of keeping you here. I'm staying to wait for the posse.

[C]

Well, then they'll drape you.

[B]

I doubt it. Besides, if you hurry, you should get back here just about the same time they arrive.

[C]

Get back here?

[B]

Yes, with Sheriff Stevens. I think when you see him, you'll learn some things to surprise you.

[C]

What things?

[B]

Don't ask me those questions. Ask him. Now ride, mister.

[C]

I'm on my way.

[B]

Get up.

[C]

Get along there.

[B]

The posse saw the masked man waiting for them in the distance and spurred their mounts forward. Their guns were drawn as they surrounded him.

[C]

Hello, Tanner.

[B]

Me? Bring him.

[C]

Put up your hand, stranger. You're caught. You can't get away. He makes a move, we'll plug him.

[B]

Sheriff, if I'd wanted to get away, I wouldn't have waited here for you.

[C]

Don't try no smooth talk.

[B]

And besides, Sheriff, you're out of your jurisdiction. You left your county and entered Wabash county back at that creek you just forded.

[C]

What's that got to do with it?

[B]

You have no authority to make an arrest in this county.

[C]

He sure got his nerve. Show him, chap. In a way, he's got the right of it, fellers. Sheriff, do you mean to say you're going to let him run a ranny on you when we're a dozen to his one?

[B]

Wait. Look over there.

[C]

What? Two horsemen. Leaping Catfish. One of them's that Maverick, Sheriff Stevens.

[B]

Yes, and the other's Buck Thornton.

[C]

Well, dog gone, if it ain't.

[B]

Hurry, Buck.

[C]

We're coming. I don't savvy this.

[B]

You will.

[C]

Oh, I will. Stevens, you old faker. I want Whitey.

[B]

Compliment.

[C]

He's my prisoner. I came all the way here to get him. Yes, the masked man said he'd bring you. He what, Monsieur?

[B]

Pearson, Stevens here will tell you. This isn't Whitey.

[C]

It is too. And then if it is, you old fossil, I've made an awful bad mistake. It wouldn't be the first one, you big bluff. Because I've already hung Whitey in case he doubts it.

[B]

Stevens, show him what we found on Whitie.

[C]

Oh, sure, you old goat. Take a look at this. A salt sack, just like the one Mahavi said she had. And there's dust in it. Exactly $2,000 worth of dust. This is getting too sick for me, Sheriff Pearson.

[B]

I had an idea you'd caught the wrong man. So I headed for Fremont to check up with Stevens here. Whitey had robbed Mrs. Harvey and he was making tracks for Wabash County. I found the trail of a man evidently in a big hurry. Caught up to him and discovered it was Whitey. I turned Whitey over to Sheriff Stevenson.

[C]

And he got real justice here. Not the make believe kind you have in your county, Pearson. I'll overlook that for a second, Stevens, seeing as how maybe you got a little to go on. But masked man, what I want to know is why, if you knew so much, you didn't just tell me. Instead of running away with Jim or Buck or whatever his name is, would.

[B]

You have taken the word of a masked man?

[C]

Maybe not. But I'd have believed Stevens if you'd have brought him back with you.

[B]

There wasn't time to wait for that. If I'd waited, Buck would have been lynched. Well, Stevens had no horse that could have traveled as fast as Silver.

[C]

So what the masked man did, Pearson, was act on that fool stubbornness of yours and bring you trailing here right after him. Gosh, I ought to be mad somehow. Buck tells me you took his gold and gave it to Mrs. Harvey. Only because I thought it belonged to her. Well then, if this gold is given to Buck, everybody will be square. Suits me. But one thing more masked man.

[B]

Come on Silver.

[C]

Now look at that. Heading away without waiting to be thanked or nothing. Why, that's just the same as they say their own ranger does. I'll Silver away.

[A]

If you're paying more than $1 a month for any ED or hair medication, listen up at Joy and Blokes when you start TRT or enclomiphene, you can add any ED or hair loss prescription for just $1 a month. $1 add ons with your hormone plan and right now all labs are 50% off. I'm Josh Whalen, founder of Joy and Blokes. I built this company because men are tired of paying for fragmented care without results. Every Joy and Blokes lab includes a visit with a licensed clinician who connects your symptoms to your biomarkers. You'll get a real plan that covers hormones, performance and confidence. If you're considering TRT or Enclomiphene, this is the most efficient way to do it. Get started@joy and blokes.com and use a promo code podcast new customers get 50% off their labs and for a limited time you can take advantage of our $1 ed or hair loss add ons when you start TRT or in Clomafine. Not available in all states. Compounded medications are not FDA approved. Learn more at joy and blokes.com.

[B]

It. Sam. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated. This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-98-68739. 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.

[C]

Foreign.

[A]

If you're paying more than $1 a month for any ED or hair medication, listen up at Joy and Blokes when you start TRT or Enclomiphene, you can add any ED or hair loss prescription for just $1 a month. $1 add ons with your hormone plan and right now all labs are 50 off. I'm Josh Whalen, founder of Joy and Blokes. I built this company because men are tired of paying for fragmented care without results. Every Joy and Blokes lab includes a visit with a licensed clinician who connects your symptoms to your biomarkers. You'll get a real plan that covers hormones, performance and confidence. If you're considering TRT or Enclomiphene, this is the most efficient way to do it. Get [e-mail] and use a promo code. Podcast new customers get 50% off their labs and for a limited time, you can take advantage of our $1 ed or hair loss add ons when you start TRT or Enclomiphene. Not available in all states. Compounded medications are not FDA approved. Learn [e-mail].