Via Pony Express | The Lone Ranger (01-16-42)

Summary

---

Old Time Radio Westerns: “Via Pony Express” – The Lone Ranger (01-16-42)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: January 16, 1942
Podcast Release Date: January 8, 2026
Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns

---

Episode Overview

This episode revives a classic Lone Ranger adventure, immersing listeners in the perilous world of the Pony Express. The story follows the Lone Ranger and Tonto as they unravel a sabotage plot against a young rider and race to thwart the villainous Legion of the Black Arrow from intercepting a critical dispatch. The tension-packed tale highlights themes of trust, frontier justice, and courage against treachery on the untamed trails.

---

Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. Dramatic Rescue on the Trail (01:23–08:00)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto encounter Johnny, a young Pony Express rider, after his horse throws him and leaves him injured on the trail.
• Johnny’s Mustang, Imp, has thrown a shoe, causing the accident.
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto provide first aid and ensure Johnny can continue to the next station.

Johnny (about Lone Ranger’s strength):
“Say, I know I don’t weigh an awful lot, but you’re carrying me like I was a tumbleweed.”
(05:03)

2. Suspicion at the Two Sister Ranch (08:00–10:00)

• At the Wilson ranch, concern brews about Johnny’s tardiness and the rivalry between Johnny and Larry, his fellow Express rider.
• Tension emerges over trust, with some suspecting foul play, possibly even by Larry, but these suspicions are dismissed as nerves.

3. Lone Ranger’s Investigation: Sabotage Uncovered (10:00–13:30)

• The masked hero notices the horseshoe was deliberately attached incorrectly, suggesting sabotage intended to injure Johnny and disrupt the mail route.
• It’s revealed the shoe was recently put on by Hank Meredith, a new and suspicious station hand.

Lone Ranger:
“The job was so bad that it must have been deliberate.”
(11:43)

4. Stations Burned—A Gang on the Move (13:30–14:45)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto find Hank’s station burnt down, the horses stolen, and evidence pointing to an outlaw plot rather than Indian attack.
• They resolve to pursue the culprits.

5. The Critical Dispatch—Black Arrow Threat (14:45–16:30)

• As Johnny recovers, Larry takes the mail east. An urgent note warns that “The Black Arrow will try to get it,” linking Hank Meredith to the outlaw gang.

Tonto (discovering the note):
“An important message heading west on the next mail. The Black Arrow will try to get it.”
(14:59)

6. The Race to Majorville and a Trap Set (16:30–19:15)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto ride hard to Majorville, successfully delivering the mail four hours ahead of schedule.
• Suspicion centers on Bill Lacey, assigned as Johnny’s substitute, who may be tied to the villainous plot against the Pony Express.

7. The Conspirators’ Plan (19:31–21:10)

• Bill Lacey meets Hank and his gang at a hidden camp. Tensions erupt between the outlaws about who should steal the important dispatch.
• Their plan: to ambush Larry and capture the critical message, making the robbery look like an Indian attack.

Hank:
“If we could get both him [the Lone Ranger] and the package [...] we’d be sitting pretty.”
(21:07)

8. Ambush and Showdown (21:10–26:00)

• Early Monday, the Lone Ranger intercepts Larry, warning him of the ambush ahead and aiding him to avoid the outlaws.
• As Larry nears the Wilson ranch, Bill Lacey reveals his true colors, threatens the others, and steals the mailbag after wounding Brad and Larry.

Bill Lacey (brandishing his gun):
“You’re all covered. The mail goes where it belongs—across my saddle!”
(24:00)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto pursue Lacey, engaging in a thrilling chase down a steep bank. The masked hero’s expert marksmanship disarms Lacey, and the outlaws are captured.

9. Justice Served and Reflections (26:01–27:06)

• With the mail secured and the outlaws in custody, Johnny marvels at the Lone Ranger’s heroism, declaring him an “honorary Pony Express rider.”
• Claire voices the bittersweet truth of the Lone Ranger’s eternal quest for justice.

Claire:
“He’ll go on and on, fighting for justice, facing danger until he... until he reaches the end of the trail.”
(26:30)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• The Lone Ranger’s Dedication:
  “Perhaps he didn’t [want the shoe to stay on]… I had a look at the imp’s hoof after he lost the shoe. The job was so bad it must have been deliberate.” (11:43)
• Story’s Wisdom:
  “The mail’s going through. We may be a little late getting to Majorville—Johnny, not so much. And if it hadn’t been for you, this mailbag would never have got there.” – The Lone Ranger (25:39)
• Reflection on Lone Ranger’s Life:
  “It’s hard to say… He’s cleaned up the outlaws, so even if Pa and Larry and you are hurt, we feel safe. But him? I’ll never feel that he’s safe.” – Claire (26:28)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------------------|----------------| | Dramatic rescue of Johnny & the sabotaged horseshoe | 01:23–08:00 | | Investigation at the ranch and suspicion | 08:00–10:00 | | Sabotage uncovered; station hand implicated | 10:00–13:30 | | Station burned, pursuit begins | 13:30–14:45 | | Black Arrow gang threat revealed | 14:45–16:30 | | Race and delivery to Majorville | 16:30–19:15 | | Outlaw meeting and plot development | 19:31–21:10 | | Ambush, betrayal, and gunfight | 21:10–26:00 | | Capture, justice served, episode reflections | 26:01–27:06 |

---

Episode Tone and Style

The episode maintains the classic, earnest tone of vintage Western dramas—quick dialogue, straightforward heroics, and a deep moral current. The Lone Ranger delivers justice with determination and humility, while side characters speak in the practical, idiomatic language of the 19th century frontier.

---

Summary

“Via Pony Express” exemplifies the spirit of the Lone Ranger series: a relentless pursuit of justice, the defense of the innocent, and the fight against hidden corruption on the frontier. Listeners are swept along from thrilling rescue to high-speed chase, all underpinned by the romanticized vision of the Old West—where the mail must go through, no matter the danger, and the Lone Ranger’s legend endures.

---

For more Western stories, visit otrwesterns.com.

Transcript

[A]

If you're an H vac technician and a call comes in, Grainger knows that you need a partner that helps you find the right product fast and hassle free. And you know that when the first problem of the day is a clanking blower motor, there's no need to break a sweat. With Grainger's easy to use website and product details, you're confident you'll soon have everything humming right along. Call 1-800-GRAINGER Click grainger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.

[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]

Fiery horse with the speed of light, the cloud of dust and the hearty high O Silver, the Lone Ranger. During the years of unrest that followed the Civil War, a powerful secret organization called the Legion of the Black Arrow sprang up in the western United States. Its members were to be found everywhere, defying the law or using the law for their own purposes, working toward the ultimate goal of revolt and the foundation of a despotic empire. It was the masked Rider of the Flames who led the fight against this band of outlaws and traitors. And for once, his great strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness were taxed to the utmost in the cause of democracy. Return with us now to those thrilling days in the west with young. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of a great horse. Silver, the Lone Ranger rides again. Strong Silver on the tail of my ghetto. The Lone Ranger in Tonto circled Majorville and picked up the Oberlin Trail to the east of the town. Then, as they swept to the top of a rise, a strange sight met their eyes. At the side of the trail, a sorrel mustang reared. On his hind legs the figure of a man lay prostrate on the ground. It seemed that the horse turned outlaw was trying to kill his master. The masked man and the Indian urged Silver and scouts at the greatest speed. Master. Boy. Man's life is at stake. Get him up. Stout. No, Tuttle. Okay. Horse isn't trying to kill him. He's trying to get away. Tunnel key now. That's right. Give me a hand here. We're coming. All under those reins. All right, you can let go now. Get hold of his bridle. Thanks a lot. Steady there. Boy, Steady. Quiet down. You're all right now. They sure named him right when they called him Imp. You ever see such a temper? You have to expect it in these half breed mustangs from California. Well, what do you know? That's the first time anybody spotted where Imp came from. Just wait a minute. Your mask. You're a Pony Express rider, aren't you? I got a gun. Mister, you aren't going to get away with you. Lie still. That Lone Ranger. Lone Ranger? I beg your pardon. Masked man. I should have guessed it from that white stallion. What are you doing there? Slipping a rope over him. Snakes. Ground hit you, huh? No, I'll just make the other end fast to my saddle. Silver will make sure he behaves himself. Your mustang's thrown a shoe, that's what happened. What do you mean? He went down and I went over his head. But I managed to keep a hold of the reins. When I tried to stand up, I just couldn't. How about a ton of them? Ankle Nut broke it. Only sprained. Well, if that's all, will you lift me into the saddle? I can't let a sprained ankle make me late. Oh, that's all right. I just fell on it. It's a little sore. You let Tono see. No, no. There's nothing wrong with the arm. You aren't moving from where you are until Tono has a look at it. All right, it's Busket. But I don't need two arms. How far is it to your next station? Only about five miles. The Two Sister Ranch. Brad Wilson's place? Yeah. Either one of his daughters can fix up my horse. That suits me. As long as I don't keep Larry waiting for the mail. See if you can find the shoe the mustang lost. How to do that? I'll let you in the saddle, Johnny. Say, I know I don't weigh an awful lot, but you're carrying me like I was a tumbleweed. Teddy. Silver, up you go. Hang on to the pommel with your right hand. I got it. Ready, Silver? Yep, ready, Taddle. Here, stuff it in your saddlebag. I want to look at it. When we reach the wrench, you give Todd a rope. Neely. Damn. There you are. Come on, Silver. Get him up. At the Two Sister Ranch, Brad Wilson, his two daughters, June and Claire and Larry Dunn, who rode the next pony to the east, were waiting outside the ranch house. Larry's mustang was already saddled and the boy looked at his watch and smiled. He's late.

[A]

Let me see.

[C]

One minute late now and he isn't even inside.

[A]

I think you' watches stay. Well, you just don't want Johnny to lose his bed. Good one, Mr. Tabs. What's your watch say, Paul?

[C]

He still got five minutes. According to me, we don't see some dust at the top of the rise right now.

[A]

He sure won't make it to Johnny's never been made.

[C]

He will be this time.

[A]

It's going to seem mighty funny to me the first trip after he made the bet with you. And you were the one who suggested it, too. The first one who was late to pay the other $1 50. I wouldn't be surprised if you did lie.

[C]

Now, Claire, honey, we know you like Johnny a lot. Maybe you're disappointed getting the mail through means just as much to Larry as it does to Johnny. He wouldn't do anything to interfere with that.

[A]

I should hope not.

[C]

What do you think I could do?

[A]

You've been waiting around here for the last three days. You took a ride to the west yesterday.

[C]

I was looking for Injun science. Maybe you found some and didn't say nothing about it.

[A]

I don't know what you got on your mind, Claire, but I never thought a sister of mine would talk about a friend of the family like that. Like what? Like Larry might hire some renegades to ambush Johnny.

[C]

Well, I'll be dogged. Is that what you're thinking?

[A]

I didn't say so.

[C]

Johnny's a pair.

[A]

Oh, yes. I'm just worried. I'm sorry.

[C]

Hey. Just on the rise.

[A]

There he is. Thank goodness.

[C]

Sure have to travel if he wants to make it. Narrow the road.

[A]

Don't care if he loses, as long as he stays.

[C]

There's more than one horse, Brad. Here. 3. Johnny's Mustang. A paint.

[A]

The white Johnny isn't sliding. The inn?

[C]

No, the white horses can double. And look at him travel. Couple of minutes to go, you'll be here on time, Larry.

[A]

Paul, you know that white Spaniard I.

[C]

Can'T see who's riding Jenny.

[A]

That's an Injun on the paint. And look just above Johnny's head.

[C]

The mask.

[A]

It's the Lone Ranger.

[C]

Something must have happened to the boy in the tree. And the mask may give him a lift.

[A]

Get ready to ride, Larry. Bring it in for us, Johnny.

[C]

Couldn't keep up with those two horses if you was carrying anybody. Stand back, girls. Make a fast change. The mail bag's on the imp. I got it. Anything in the way? Pocket for me?

[A]

Nope.

[C]

Slap it on your saddle, Larry. Right. Steady, boy. I'll be back in three days. Get up. There, boy. Alan. Johnny, slide down. Gino.

[A]

Johnny, what's wrong with your arm?

[C]

Hello, Claire. Arch broke a little, that's all. Can you walk into the house? Sure. The ankle isn't so bad. Just lean on me.

[A]

What happened?

[C]

You closed his shoe, then he took a tumble. Easy now, Johnny.

[A]

I wish we had a doctor here.

[C]

Hanno can set the arm. Kimo sabe, bring the horseshoe into the house with you. How to do that? What are you so interested in the horseshoe for? You may be wrong, Johnny, but somehow. Here, I'll carry you up the steps. Well, somehow what masked man? Somehow I don't think your fall was an acc. Johnny's arm was set and his ankle bandaged and he was left with the two girls. And the Lone Ranger and Tono went out to the blacksmith shop and back of the ranch where Brad welcomed their help in shoeing the imp. It was necessary to throw the fiery mustang, put a rope around each foot and stake them out. And Tonto had to sit on his head and the masked man on his body before Brad was able to trim the hoop and nail on a new shoe. At last, however, the job was finished and the mustang was turned into the corral. It's a mighty ticklish chore. Just can't be done any other way. Takes at least three men. How long has it been since the imp was shot? Oh, about six weeks. Slim and Shorty from the far X were here. Give me a hand. And the shoe he lost was put on less than a week ago. Oh, you wrong Misty. Huh? Here it is. That she? Well, it must have been. Hank did it. I know I didn't. Hank? Hank who? Hank Meredith. He's got the station about 20 miles west of here. The first change on the way to Meadorville. The imp is on the use between here and Hank's place. That's right. Very funny. What is? Well, Hank don't often have visitors and he couldn't have done the job room. We'll have to believe he found help somewhere. But you haven't finished with that shoe hefted. Either way, it's waiting. It's a bad job. When do the horse stubbornly what's his? I thought you'd notice it sooner or later. Only three. How does he expect the shoe to stay on with only three? Perhaps he didn't. I had a look at the imp's hoof just after they lost the shoe. Jab was so bad that it must have been deliberate. Deliberate? Brad, what happens if Johnny can't ride? I've been thinking about that When Larry gets back from Osage, he'll have to ride on the major. Bill Gunny's got a substitute writer there called Bill Lacey. But there's no way to get word to him before he has to. Do you know this Bill Lacey showed him alive, John. He's never been laid up before. What do you know about Hank Meredith? Oh, nothing much. He's sort of new. I can't understand why they hired him if he can't do a better job of showing than this. Remember what I said, Brad. This might have been deliberate. The pony express really depends on the station man to keep his mouths in good condition. Well, Johnny might have been killed. Exactly. Now, when does Larry get back with the mail from the East? Three days. He won't have to ride all the way to Majorville. There's no other way. Don't expect me to leave here, do you? No, Brad, I don't know. I'll carry the mail, but before Larry gets back. That'd be Wednesday. Before Wednesday, we're going to ride over to Hank Meredith's station and have a talk with him. There are a number of questions I want him to answer. We're too late, Hunter. The buildings have all been burned to the ground and the horse is driven away. Isn't that right? May have been an Indian attack. Whoever did this, they couldn't have hidden their trail. Pick it up and follow them. Get him up. Hey, boy. What is it, Kimosabe? You look at track. Many horse go that way to north. One horse go that way, head west for Majorville. One horse wouldn't have left the cabbie. A band of horses without a rider. Isn't that right? Now which trail we follow? We're following the cabbie. A little more silver. Get him up. Trails leading down into the valley. This only way to get in Valley. I know that fellow. Won't be long before we know who burned those buildings. And draw up the horses from every trouble. Well, we can see the whole valley from here. Oh, it's not big. There are all the horses from the station. I've got to not see man anywhere. That's because they're ready and what you mean? Remember those tracks we saw back on the trail? The man who rode toward Majorville was the one who set fire to the station. Oh, that man was Hank Meredith. Can we go after him? No, Kimasabi. Got to get back to the ranch in time to meet Larry.

[A]

Come on, Pil.

[C]

Get him up. On Wednesday morning, the Lone Ranger, Tonto Johnny and the Wilsons were waiting for Larry. To ride down the trail from the east. Johnny objected to the masked man's plan. I don't like it. It's too late to argue now. Here comes Larry. You'll be all right for the first stage. But what happens when you change horses? Our mustangs aren't big enough for you and Tonto. We'll ride Silver and Scout all the way. I'm well enough to ride myself.

[A]

That isn't true. You won't be ready for another two weeks. Hello, Larry.

[C]

Johnny. Bring her in, boy. Whoa. Hold there, boy. You're right o'. Turn. What do you want me to do? Ride on to Majorville? Well, why haven't you got fresh horse handled for me? Lone Ranger and Toronto. We're taking Johnny's place. Let me get the mailbag. Oh, and sue, baby. Oh, wait. What's the matter? I got a note for you, girl. Slipped it to me the other night. No. Sage here. Kimasabi it. Same writin'. Yes, Taro. An important message heading west on the next mail. The Black Arrow will try to get it. Black Arrow? And Toto. Hank Meredith is a member of the gang. Boom. Silver. Get him up. 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]

Sam.

[C]

Now to continue our story. Through the rest of the day and the night that followed, the Lone Ranger and Tonto rode toward Majorville without a change of mounts. And avoiding those stations where they were not known. They kept on and on. But the great horse, Silver and Scout were more than equal to the task. They reached the town at 4 o' clock in the morning and raced along the deserted main street to the express office. Maybe somebody in office. We'll see. Don't think we're late. We travel plenty fast. Howdy, James. What's on your minds? We're looking for Judd Carter, the Pony Express agent. Why? He's home in bed. But if I get. What the. Don't go for your gun, your mask. This isn't a hold up. We brought the mail through from the Two Sister ranch. What's an outlaw doing carrying the mail? Judd Carter knows me. I'd rather explain to him. Judd knows you? Yes. Where can I find him? You don't have to do that, mister. I'm beginning to get it. A masked man and an engine riding a white horse in the paint. You're the Lone Ranger? That's right. Something's happened to Johnny. You've taken his place. He has a broken arm and a twisted ankle. I'LL why isn't someone here to carry the mail on? Because you're four hours ahead of schedule, that's why. Grant won't be in from platte City till 8 o'. Clock. That's when Johnny's due. They usually switch bags here. Start back the way they came. I see. We were told that Johnny had a substitute writer here called Bill Lacy. Sure, that's me. I'll take over for him. Well, if you don't mind, we'd rather turn the mail over to Judd Carter. I'll go and get him. There's something else we have to report. What's that? One of your stations has been burnt out. One of your men has disappeared. More trouble, huh? Which station? Who are you talking about? The one closest to the Wilson ranch. Hank Meredith. Leaping Cactus. You wait right here. I'll get yours. As soon as we report to Carter, we won't have to worry about the mail anymore. We'll camp outside of town until Silver and Scout are rested and then we'll go after Hank. You think maybe him here? He was heading this way. Wherever he is, we've got to find him. It was on the morning of the following day that Bill Lacey raced up to the Wilson ranch. Larry was waiting. The mailbag was switched. And then when Larry had swung into the saddle and headed down the trail to the east, Johnny introduced Bill to the Wilson.

[A]

Goodbye, Larry.

[C]

Bill, this is Brad and Claire and June. Howdy. Howdy, Bill.

[A]

Sweet to meet you. June, say howdy. Oh, howdy, Bill. I'm sort of worried about Larry.

[C]

How come you never worry about me?

[A]

Claire does enough of that for both of us. But I got a special reason. You remember what the masked man said about an important message from the East?

[C]

Yeah. Well? Well, what about it?

[A]

It'll be in the mailbag on Larry's next trip. You heard him just as well as I did. He said the Black Arrow was after the message.

[C]

What's the Black Arrow?

[A]

I don't know. Some outlaw gang, I suppose. They might try to ambush Larry.

[C]

Ah, he can take care of himself. And even if he doesn't, the masked man knows what's going on.

[A]

But he's in Majorville, isn't he, Bill?

[C]

To tell the truth, I don't know. We didn't see him after he delivered the mail. I guess he'd have to stay there for a while, though, to rest up his horse.

[A]

You see, Johnny, I got a right to worry. And I'll keep right on until Larry goes up there. Monday.

[C]

The following day, Bill Lacey rode away from the ranch, he told the Wilsons he wanted to look at the country. From the way he followed the trails, it was soon apparent that he knew it well. Without any hesitation, he turned north at the creek and only rained up. When he reached the sheltered valley where the Lone Ranger had seen the cavi of horses from Hank's station. The Cavie was gone. The three men had made camp there. They jumped to their feet as Bill rode toward them. Don't get excited, boys. It's only Bill. Ho, ho. Ho there. Howdy. Howdy. I want to talk with you, Hank. Alone. Sure thing. Take a ramble, boys. Bring some water from the spring. Where are your horses? Over here in the trees. What happened to the ones you drove off from the station? How should I know? They're half wild. They might be up in the mountains by now. Should have made sure they headed that way before you left. Why? Because the Lone Rangers saw him here. Here in this valley? That's what he told Judd Carter. And he saw your tracks heading for Majorville. Now there's nobody thinks Injuns wiped out that station. That means nobody's gonna blame him when the mail is robbed. But if you tell them that. I won't. We gotta change our plan some. Why can't you tell him it was Injuns and nobody else has seen any in this part of the country. You're local. We got to get that package. You've got to get it. And you're not going to take it away from me. What do you mean? I get Johnny hurt, you're taking his place, and now you're on the double crosses. You're not going to take it away from me. Just get that straight. Got to make it a real hold up. Very old savvy. Larry, you fool. Picks up an ambush somewhere to the east of the ranch. Oh, yeah. He's due there just at daybreak on Monday. Kenobile. Don't let him get away. If he does, keep after him. There's no chance. But what if he does get to the ranch? And maybe I'll have to tip off my hand. The old ace in the hole, eh? We may need it. A Lone Ranger's in on this? He don't worry me none. Listen, mister, if we could get both him and the package. You don't have to tell me. We'd be sitting pretty. We'd be on top of the heap. If you see him, shoot to kill. Early Monday morning, Larry was urging his mount along the trail to the east of the ranch. It was still dark, but a Faint rim of gray in the sky behind him gave promise of the dawn. Suddenly two horsemen rolled out on the trail. Larry went for his gun. Larry. A masked man. Steady that. You're glad you called out masked man. I was gonna let you have it. You're riding straight into an ambush, Larry. What's that? Hank Meredith and two other men are waiting for you on the trail up ahead. Hank Meredith? Yes. We found that camp and then we followed him. You sure he's an outlaw? I'm positive. Well, thanks for the warning. If I can't outrun him, I'll outshoot him. I can't let you take the chance, Larry. Those papers you're carrying are more important than you can imagine. They're dispatches from the London Admiralty for their Far Eastern fleet. From the London? You mean they're using the Pony Express? Yes. Larry. Washington wants to make sure they get through safely. But all across the country the Injuns and outlaws. It wouldn't make so much difference if the Indians. Black Arrow is a different matter. I can't let you ride on. Well, you're not asking me to turn back? Not at all. Let's cut away from the trailer and make a big circle until you reach the ranch. What about you and Jonathan? We'll see if we can handle Hank and his men. It's good enough for me. Get up. That boy. Here he comes. Yeah.

[A]

You see Junior? Was foolish of you to work. No, it wasn't. He isn't following the regular trail. And he wouldn't have cut away from it if something hadn't happened.

[C]

Maybe there was a washout somewhere. You do better now. You'll sit around, Bill, and stand by.

[A]

Bring her in, boy.

[C]

Did you hear that shootin? Shootin?

[A]

Did he say shootin'?

[C]

What are you talking about, Shannon? Oh, they're all above our homes. The Loranger and Tahoe are trying to round up Hangman and the Hombres has got working with them. They warned me about an ambush so I circled to the north. This Black Arrow gang was after the mail, huh? I guess so. You can tell em about it afterwards. Get that bag under my saddle and I'll be high caning it out of here. Nothing doing, dear. Why not? I got stopped again just the other side of that ride. No June. This time it was a girl. You remember the one who sent the note to the Lone Ranger? Of course. She told me not to let this bag out of my sight till I saw the mask man again. You're going to hold up the mail just because a Girl told you to. That's right, mister. Oh, yeah? Well, I got something to say about that. You're all covered real, sir. Oh, that's it. You're a crook too. I'm taking that mail back. It goes where it belongs, across my saddle. Now toss your guns over here, belts and all. Hurry up, you're in with Hank. Never mind the palaver. I want those belts. Have him. Come on there, Larry. He's ride with me. But before I go, I'm going to make sure nobody follows me. A bullet through your pa's leg and one through Larry's. I guess Johnny's enough of a cripple now.

[A]

I won't let you.

[C]

Stand back, sister.

[A]

You'll get it.

[C]

Get up there, you manky tired. Get up. All right, Hank, off your horse. Name goes for your men Moan Ranger.

[A]

Got him. Claire, your work isn't finished. Bill Lacey's the worst of the bunch.

[C]

He's rode off with a mail and.

[A]

He wounded both Larry and Pa before he left.

[C]

Bill Lacey is the mailbag. That's right. I'm leaving these prisoners with you, Johnny. Just let me have a gun. There you are. Hold them until we get back.

[A]

Come on, hit him up.

[C]

Steady. Silver, how's the ridge? Come on, Fabi. We're on the right trail. We should be able to see him. You look down below, there's tunnel. Him come round turned. If we go straight down this bank, we'll be able to catch him. Trail narrow down there. Bank steep. Hit plenty hard to stop. Silver can manage it. Over we go, boys. We'll catch him on the trail below. Brace yourself, boy. We're coming to the bottom. Look how like he shoots. You hit, you hit his gun. Don't let him get away. Use your ropes. That does it. The game's up, Lacy. That mail's going through. We may be a little late getting the Maceville. Johnny, not so much. And if it hadn't been for you, this mailbag would never have got there. All right, Lacy, you ride in front. The rest of you follow him. Keep a close watch on them. Tanto, do it. Get him up.

[A]

You've got that, Manny. If it hadn't been for him.

[C]

I know, Claire. I guess there's a lot of people in the west who said just that.

[A]

But none of them could mean it more than we do.

[C]

Look at them ride.

[A]

You and your Pony Express riders. So there's nothing can touch you, huh?

[C]

Well, Chucks, honey, he's carrying the mail, isn't he? That sort of makes him an honorary rider, doesn't it?

[A]

Yes, Johnny, only.

[C]

Only what?

[A]

It's hard to say. He's cleaned up the outlaws around here, so even if Pa and Larry and you are hurt, we feel safe. But him? I'll never feel that he's safe. He'll take those crooks to Majorville, but he won't stop there. He'll go on and on, fighting for justice, facing danger until he until he reaches the end of the trail.

[C]

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

[A]

Foreign.

[B]

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 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 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[C]

Sam.