Wagons Westward | The Lone Ranger (01-13-43)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – Wagons Westward | The Lone Ranger (01-13-43)

Date: August 10, 2026
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Classic Western Radio Drama Restored – Featuring “Wagons Westward” from The Lone Ranger Series

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Episode Overview

This episode takes listeners on a riveting journey into classic Western radio drama with a digitally restored presentation of The Lone Ranger: Wagons Westward, originally aired January 13, 1943. Centering on a high-stakes battle for justice and community survival, the Lone Ranger and Tonto face off against a ruthless cattle baron—Steve Lacy—whose schemes threaten the livelihoods of local farmers and the venerable Ma Wiggins’ freight business. The episode combines action, suspense, and moral lessons about loyalty, precision, and fighting corruption in the Old West.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Highlights

1. Wagon Train Trouble (04:35 – 08:15)

• Introduction of Main Conflict:
  The Lone Ranger, Tonto, and Dan Reed stumble upon a heated dispute at a wagon station. Wagon drivers demand their pay for hauling goods to Rocky Ridge but are told by station agent Jeb Hawkins that Steve Lacy—a known “crook”—has stolen both wagons and the men’s wages.
• Tension Escalates:
  A scuffle breaks out; the masked Lone Ranger intervenes, asserting, “You were going to shoot a man that isn’t wearing a gun.” (06:36, Lone Ranger).
• Revelation of Lacy’s Scheme:
  Horgan, a Lacy henchman, tries to recruit the drivers by promising double wages, aiming to ruin Ma Wiggins’ freight line.
• Lone Ranger’s Ethical Stand:
  “I’ve always heard that when bullwhackers made a bargain, they kept it.” (08:22, Lone Ranger). The men are convinced to continue their mission—setting the stage for the larger feud.

2. A Narrow Escape & The Threat of Sabotage (09:10 – 10:37)

• Dangerous Shortcuts:
  On a treacherous mountain trail, the trio narrowly escapes an orchestrated rockslide, discovering it was triggered intentionally by Horgan.
  “That rock slide was no accident. It was man-made.” (10:23, Dan Reed)

3. Ma Wiggins and the Truth About Lacy (11:12 – 12:48)

• Ma Wiggins Explains the Stakes:
  The feisty freight owner reveals Lacy’s real aim is to monopolize the freight business by outbidding her and eventually gouging the farmers.
  “He tried to buy me out and I wouldn’t sell. Now he’s forcing me to the wall...” (11:39, Ma Wiggins)
• Lacy’s Endgame:
  By driving her out and offering unsustainable rates, Lacy intends to later raise prices beyond farmers' reach, cornering both freight and agricultural land.

4. Evil Revealed: Lacy’s Plan Unfolds (12:56 – 15:55)

• Lacy’s Motive and Ruthlessness:
  Behind closed doors, Lacy and Horgan sketch out a sinister plan—not just for profit, but to seize land necessary for his cattle empire.
  “Land that them grangers own, rubbing right up against mine. And I’ve got to get it before their crops spoil it permanently for grazing.” (14:16, Steve Lacy)
• Secret Scheme:
  The contract with farmers waives all liability for the freight, giving Lacy a legal path to disaster.

5. Ambush and Heroics (15:59 – 18:38)

• Lone Ranger Captured:
  When the masked hero confronts Lacy, he’s ambushed and knocked out. The gang debates unmasking and killing him, but Tonto and Dan rescue him in a tense standoff:

  “You won’t take the masked man out of here alive.” (18:14, Steve Lacy)
  “You nut fool. Tonto. You not fire shots in street, or I'll catch you quick.” (18:18, Tonto)

6. Race Against Time: The Ghost Trail Plot (19:09 – 21:31)

• Lacy's Deadly Shortcut:
  Lacy decides to send the farmers’ wagon train along the treacherous Ghost Trail, intending a “natural” rockslide disaster triggered by hidden blasting powder.
  “We’ll plant a row of blasting powder at the top of the ridge... nobody’ll have a chance of escaping.” (20:52, Steve Lacy)

7. Climax: Sabotage Foiled (24:21 – 28:44)

• Lone Ranger’s Counter-Sabotage:
  Tonto, Dan, and the Lone Ranger trail the wagon train and notice a leaky powder keg. They act swiftly to replace powder in the kegs with ordinary sand.
• Failed Ambush:
  Lacy’s men try to trigger the explosion:
  “What’s the matter with that blasting powder? … Look, the fuses—they’re sputtering out!” (27:28, Steve Lacy & Horgan)
• Justice Arrives:
  The sheriff, Ma Wiggins, and a posse arrive, and as Lacy tries to pull a gun, he’s stopped—his plot unraveled.

  “You should have known, Steve. You couldn’t match wits with the Lone Ranger and come out on top.” (29:03, Ma Wiggins)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “[Precision]...in everything. Your father was one of the most precise men I’ve ever known.”
  — The Lone Ranger to Dan, emphasizing values of the West (05:18)
• “Land that them grangers own, rubbing right up against mine… I couldn't get it legal, so I'm taking another way.”
  — Steve Lacy (14:15)
• “Something’s wrong, Steve… The fuses, they’re sputtering out!”
  — Horgan (27:28)
• “Somebody emptied the blasting powder and substituted that sand.”
  — Horgan (27:59)
• “You should have known, Steve. You couldn’t match wits with the Lone Ranger and come out on top.”
  — Ma Wiggins (29:03)

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Important Timestamps

• [04:35] – Wagon camp argument; Lone Ranger and Tonto intervene
• [10:23] – Realization that the rockslide was deliberate
• [11:12] – Ma Wiggins explains Lacy’s sabotage efforts
• [14:15] – Lacy reveals true motive: land seizure
• [18:06] – Rescue of the Lone Ranger from Lacy’s gang
• [20:52] – Lacy and Horgan describe the Ghost Trail/rockslide plot
• [24:21] – Discovery of leaking blasting powder
• [27:10] – Villains’ plan fails as the fuses go out
• [29:03] – Ma Wiggins claims victory for justice

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Overall Tone and Style

Classic, action-driven storytelling with sharp hero-villain contrasts. Dialogue crackles with Western slang and folksy wisdom, emphasizing values like justice, loyalty, and community resilience. The pacing is brisk, the stakes always high, with a triumphant sense of right prevailing over greed and underhanded schemes.

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Takeaway

This classic Lone Ranger tale encapsulates the spirit of Old Time Radio Westerns—restored for today’s audience with cinematic audio clarity and heart. It’s an action-packed saga of justice, bravery, and the enduring power of standing up to corruption—delivered in its original storytelling glory.

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For a full selection of restored episodes and to support the podcast, visit otrwesterns.com.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

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

[Steve Lacy]

Sam,

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[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked rider of the Plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. The stories of his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness have come down to us through the generations. And nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse. Silver the Lone Ranger rides again.

[Tonto]

Come on Silver. We're heading for Ghost Trail. Hail Silver Hoy.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto rode slowly on either side of Dan Reed, the masked man's newly found nephew.

[Dan Reed]

But can't you tell me more about the surprise that's waiting for me when we get back to the southwest.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, Dan, you'll just have to wait until you see it.

[Dan Reed]

How soon will we be there?

[The Lone Ranger]

Very soon. We have at least two more weeks of travel.

[Dan Reed]

We could travel faster, couldn't we?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'd rather take it easy. Your pony isn't as strong a scout in Silver.

[Dan Reed]

Golly, I wish I had a horse like Silver.

[Tonto]

What you do with him? You're not ready for him yet.

[Dan Reed]

What would I do with him? I'd ride him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Are you boasting, Dan?

[Dan Reed]

Well, I. I'd try to ride him.

[The Lone Ranger]

You would?

[Dan Reed]

I'd learn to ride them.

[The Lone Ranger]

Or try to learn.

[Dan Reed]

Golly, you sure make me say just the right thing.

[The Lone Ranger]

Precision is a thing that counts, Dan. Precision in everything. Your father was one of the most precise men I've ever known. He knew exactly what he wanted to say, and he said it was. He knew exactly how he wanted a thing done, and he saw that it was done that way.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, but sometimes a fella has to do things in a hurry.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's where you'll find precision handy. Now wait a minute. I ran up.

[Tonto]

Whoa.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ah.

[Tonto]

Something going on in Valley.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's a wagon train.

[Dan Reed]

Yes, but why are all the men in a group? Is there an argument or something?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know, Dan, but we'll find out. Come along. Come on, Silver, get up.

[Jeb Hawkins]

Now there's no use arguing about it, boys. You paid here at the station and that's all there is to it.

[Harp]

Now look here, Jeb. We want to know why we ain't got our pay. You think we're driving these wagons for the fun of it?

[Jeb Hawkins]

Now hold on, Harp. I'll tell you what I think. Maybe Horgan there already knows.

[Horgan]

What's that, Jeb Horgan?

[Jeb Hawkins]

Steve Lacy sent you here? Well, Steve Lacy's a crook. He waylaid a couple of our wagons. And I got a hunch that he waylaid the pay of these men.

[Horgan]

Are you dirty?

[Tonto]

Oh, come on, Silver.

[Narrator]

He fired it.

[Tonto]

I'm hit.

[Harp]

Man on the white horse. He's mastered.

[Tonto]

Ho, Silver. Hobo.

[Dan Reed]

Ho.

[Tonto]

You hit my hand. You fired on me. Take it easy.

[The Lone Ranger]

You were going to shoot a man that isn't wearing a gun.

[Tonto]

Oh, scala hoop on a hobo.

[Jeb Hawkins]

A masked man in a redskin. Hey, who Is something about my hand?

[Tonto]

I'm hit. I'm hurt.

[The Lone Ranger]

Manage it, Tono.

[Tonto]

Uh huh. Me fix him.

[Dan Reed]

I'll help you, Tono. I got some clean water in my canteen.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ah, why the gunplay? Who's in charge here?

[Jeb Hawkins]

I'm in charge. Name's Jeb Hawkins. These bullwhackers want to quit.

[Horgan]

He don't pay us. And he accuses me of being in cahoots with crooks.

[Harp]

That's the truth. What's it to you? Maybe you know something about the crooks that stole our pay.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now get this straight. I'm not a crook.

[Harp]

What do you mean? That mask.

[The Lone Ranger]

Where are they heading?

[Jeb Hawkins]

They're driving these wagons and oxen from Bainesville to Rocky Ridge. Now the boys want to quit to take on another job without completing this one. Ain't my fault their pay wasn't here at the station. I'm just a station agent.

[Harp]

You see, we was told that half of our pay would be here waiting for us. Now Jeff says it ain't so. Ain't leave his stock here and get jobs that pay cash.

[The Lone Ranger]

And you men agree to take this wagon train and the oxen to Rocky Ridge.

[Jeb Hawkins]

Now they want to leave it he high and dry.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who owns the stock?

[Harp]

Ma Wiggins.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see.

[Harp]

Well, there's a gent named Steve Lacey that'll pay us twice that she promised.

[Jeb Hawkins]

Yeah, that ornery buzzard. He wants to get him away from Mar Wiggins. He wants to ruin her. He's the one that stole the cash. I bet McGizzard earned it.

[Horgan]

Shut up, Jeb. We've had enough of that gab.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who are you?

[Horgan]

Name's Horrigan. Steve Lacy. Ain't no part of crook.

[Jeb Hawkins]

He's the one that came here with the offer from Lacy.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get out of here, Horgan, and don't come back.

[Horgan]

I'm not taking orders from you.

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't like to repeat myself.

[Horgan]

You'll hear from me again, mister. Only next time you'll be on the receiving end.

[Jeb Hawkins]

Ornery skunk. If I see that pasty face of his around this depot again, I'll drill him full of sunlight.

[The Lone Ranger]

You mentioned.

[Harp]

We're listening, stranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

I've always heard that when bullwhackers made a bargain, they kept it. Well, you've heard right then. Get back on those wagons and take them to Rocky Ridge.

[Harp]

What about our pay?

[Jeb Hawkins]

You'll get full pay when you deliver the goods.

[Harp]

What do you say, boys? All right, it's a deal. But I'm giving you fair warning. From now on, we'll be driving for Steve Lacy. All right, boys, get back to your wagons.

[Narrator]

Sometime later, the Lone Ranger, Tonto and Dan guided their horses carefully through a narrow crevasse banked on both sides by mountain slopes. A dangerous and almost secret but shorter route to Bainesville than The wagon trail they'd been following.

[The Lone Ranger]

This trail is treacherous. Even Silver doesn't like it.

[Tonto]

Me not like it either. Too many rocks untrail from landslides.

[The Lone Ranger]

Careful, dad.

[Dan Reed]

Collie. Doesn't take much to start em rolling, does it? I bet one rock falling from the top of that slope would bring down an avalanche.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll soon be out of it. They must be halfway to Bainesville by now.

[Tonto]

What we do there?

[The Lone Ranger]

First we'll have a talk with Ma Wiggins. She may be able to tell us the reason for the trouble she's been having.

[Tonto]

Oh, that's right, Dan.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ma's an old friend. I want to do all I can to help her.

[Dan Reed]

What's that ahead? Looks like a cave.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Dan, probably something. Listen.

[Dan Reed]

Look up the slope. The whole side of the mountain's rushing down at us.

[Tonto]

That rock's flying.

Quick, head to that cave. Come on, Silver. Get him up.

[Dan Reed]

Come on boys.

[Tonto]

Stretch those legs. Hurry Tuttle. Land this way. Down you come, Hammer.

[Dan Reed]

I'm with you.

[Tonto]

Get out, boy.

[The Lone Ranger]

We just made it.

[Tonto]

Rock slide almost crushes.

[Dan Reed]

This cave had been a couple of yards further than it wasn't.

[Tonto]

Look down here.

[The Lone Ranger]

What is it, Dan?

[Dan Reed]

That rock slide was no accident. It was man made.

[Tonto]

Look.

[Dan Reed]

Up there on the slope.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're right. That is a man.

[Tonto]

Ah, him start to Appalachian.

[Dan Reed]

Sure. All he had to do was start a rock roll and would get those big bowlers and new shale underway.

[Tonto]

Gosh.

[Dan Reed]

Who do you suppose he is?

[The Lone Ranger]

Unless I'm mistaken, Dan, he's a man who threatened us at the station. It's Horgan.

[Narrator]

It was dusk when the three riders reined in their mounts at the hitching rail in front of Ma Wiggins express office in Bainesville. Through the window they could see the energetic old lady working at her desk by the light of a lamp. They walked up the steps to the porch and knocked on the door.

[Ma Wiggins]

Glory be, it's a lone ranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

May we come in?

[Ma Wiggins]

Well, I'll be plumb disappointed if you don't. I thought you were some of Steve Lacey's hired gunman.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ma, I've heard a little about the trouble you've been having.

[Ma Wiggins]

Well, sit yourselves down. Or are you? Trouble you said, huh? I reckon I'm having my share of it and a lot more. With Steve Lacy out to break me.

[The Lone Ranger]

How?

[Ma Wiggins]

By starting a freight line in competition to mine.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, I thought Lacy was a cattleman.

[Ma Wiggins]

He is one of the richest in the valley.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why does he want a freight line?

[Ma Wiggins]

I don't know, Lone ranger. All I know is he has plenty of cash to spend for what he wants. And right now he wants to drive me out of business.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see.

[Ma Wiggins]

He tried to buy me out and I wouldn't sell. Now he's forcing me to the wall by offering double my wages to the cattlemen and charging half of my price for freight.

[The Lone Ranger]

How can he show a profit?

[Ma Wiggins]

Well, he can't. But once he owns the only freighting outfit in these parts, he can raise the price sky high. And the farmers around here'll have to meet it.

[The Lone Ranger]

The farmers, huh?

[Tonto]

I wonder what you think.

[The Lone Ranger]

I know. You and Dan scout around town. Learn what you can about Lacy and the farmers.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, sure we will. We'll keep our eyes and ears tuned all the time. But where'll you go?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm going to call on Steve Lacy.

[Ma Wiggins]

You be careful. He's a mighty dangerous man.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't worry. Above all, don't give up. I think there's a way of saving your freightline.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, in his office in another part of town, Steve Lacy listened to a report from his hired gunman, Horgan.

[The Lone Ranger]

Lone Ranger, huh? Yeah.

[Horgan]

Tall hombre, wearing a white hat and a black mask. I knew who he was the minute I laid eyes on him.

[Steve Lacy]

He better not stick his nose in my game.

[Horgan]

I tell you he will. Steve. Ian, Ma Wiggins are old friends.

[Steve Lacy]

And why didn't you take care of them while you had the chance?

[Horgan]

I tried to. I thought I had him for sure. Then the whole three of them escaped into a cave.

[The Lone Ranger]

What do you mean?

[Horgan]

Well, I watched him leave the depot. Then when I saw him cut into Ghost Trail, I hightailed it along the ridge of a slope.

[Steve Lacy]

Ghost Trail? Never heard of it.

[Horgan]

There ain't more than a few who have. It's an old Injun trail through the mountains. But even the redskins, well, they quit riding it on account of rock slides.

[Steve Lacy]

Rock slide?

[The Lone Ranger]

So that was your idea.

[Horgan]

Sure. Sure fire to bury them all. If it hadn't been for that blasted cave.

[Steve Lacy]

Where do you suppose they are now?

[Horgan]

Well, it's my guess they're chinning with Ma Wiggins.

[Steve Lacy]

That stubborn old fool. She told me her business when I asked her. I'd have the farmers in my pocket by now.

[Horgan]

Seems to me you're putting out a lot of cash to get them Grangers out of your way.

[Steve Lacy]

Sure I am, Horgan. I'm taking a lot of risk, too. When the returns roll in, I'll be sitting on top, just where I've always wanted to be. Steve Lacy, king of this cattle country.

[Horgan]

Well, I don't savvy you don't stand to win any steers from them farmers.

[Steve Lacy]

Steers ain't what I'm after. I've got a bigger herd than I can handle in my own place.

[Horgan]

Well, then what are you?

[Jeb Hawkins]

It's land.

[Steve Lacy]

Land that them grangers own, rubbing right up against mine. And I've got to get it before their crops spoil it permanently for grazing.

[Jeb Hawkins]

Yeah.

[Horgan]

With them extra acres you'd own the biggest ranch in the county.

[Steve Lacy]

I mean to have it too, Hargan. I couldn't get it legal, so I'm taking another way.

[Horgan]

Them farmers didn't scare easy either.

[Steve Lacy]

They'll scare this time right into my lap.

[Horgan]

How does this new freight line of yours fit in?

[Steve Lacy]

Like a glove, Ma Wiggins line? Out of business.

[Horgan]

Which it will be plenty soon. The way them grangers are biting at your offer. A half the price Ma charges for freight.

[Steve Lacy]

I'll be in sole control of freighting their crops to market. Then I can push the rates as high as I please.

[Horgan]

Maybe so. You can't make them like it.

[Steve Lacy]

I don't want them to. I just.

[Horgan]

Listen. It's Lone Ranger. Silver's the name of his horse.

[Steve Lacy]

He's coming here?

[Horgan]

Yeah. What'll we do?

[Steve Lacy]

Let him come. Boys are playing cards in the back room. Join them and tell them to have their guns ready. I give you the word. Jump the masked coyote. Now get going before he sees you.

[Horgan]

Hi. Savvy?

[The Lone Ranger]

There's Steve Lacy.

[Steve Lacy]

Who gave you a ticket to walk in here unannounced?

[The Lone Ranger]

You haven't answered my question.

[Steve Lacy]

What if I am Steve Lacy?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't like the way you're running Moore Wiggins out of the freight business.

[Jeb Hawkins]

No.

[Steve Lacy]

What are you going to do about it?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know yet. I can tell you this, Lacy. You won't get away with it.

[Steve Lacy]

That's fancy talk, mister. Almost as fancy as that mask you're wearing. But I'm back in my hand with facts.

[The Lone Ranger]

What do you mean?

[Steve Lacy]

I'm sending a wagon train to Rocky Ridge early in the morning and its cargo will be the farmer's crops. Ma Wiggins was counting on freighting.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see.

[Steve Lacy]

There ain't nothing you can do to stop it.

[The Lone Ranger]

You seem very sure.

[Steve Lacy]

I've got plenty of reasons to be. Look behind you, Russian boys.

[Tonto]

Oh, you.

Don't rush em, boys. Jumpin'. Use your gun butts. Knock em out. Ropin'. There's one for you, Steve.

[Narrator]

Fists flailing, the Lone Ranger stood alone against the savage onslaught of Steve Lacy's gunman. His smashing blows took a heavy toll but the odds were too great even for his muscular strength. A gun butt crashed against his skull and darkness enveloped him in a seemingly bottomless whirlpool as he sank unconscious to the floor. 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.

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[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. As the Lone Ranger lay unconscious, the gang quickly tied and gagged him while Steve, Lacy and Horgan looked on. Then Lacy motioned his gunman out of the room.

[Steve Lacy]

I reckon he won't bother us again.

[Horgan]

Well, I'm suggesting we make sure of that, Steve. You mean I know about this hombre? He's always turning up in the wrong places. And I'm in favor of putting a period to his career right now.

[Steve Lacy]

Maybe a run.

[Harp]

Sure.

[Horgan]

The slug behind his ear will do it. We'll have a lot less to worry about now.

[Steve Lacy]

Wait.

[Dan Reed]

What for?

[Steve Lacy]

I want to see what's behind this mask.

[Horgan]

Yeah, I always hanker to know myself. Let's have a look.

[Tonto]

You're not touched, man.

[Dan Reed]

Make a move, either of you.

[Horgan]

Where'd you two come from?

[Tonto]

We follow Lone Ranger here.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, he's beginning to come too.

[Tonto]

Tano, you take Knife Dan, cut ropes and gang.

[Dan Reed]

You bet. I'll have him free in a jiffy.

[Steve Lacy]

You won't take the masked man out of here alive.

[Tonto]

Redskin boys will riddle you before you

[Horgan]

get him in the saddle.

[Tonto]

You nut fool. Tonto. You not fire shots in street, or I'll catch you quick.

[Steve Lacy]

Oh, doggone.

[Tonto]

You shot him out. That's it, Hawkin. Pull again on him. He show you.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, I've cut the Lone Ranger free, Tano.

[Tonto]

Huh? That's pretty good. Now you give him boost to Tonto's shoulder. Me carry him to horses?

[Dan Reed]

Yeah. Here, let me help.

[Tonto]

Yeah.

Now him rest on shoulder.

Now's your chance, Horgan. Rush him. I'll get him. Not this time.

[Dan Reed]

Go ahead, Tano. I'll cover you. You come quick.

[Tonto]

Too you young squirt, you tripped me.

[Dan Reed]

You're lucky it wasn't worse, Horgan. I wouldn't advise either of you to follow us. This gun shoots straight and fast.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on.

[Horgan]

There they are, supporting the masked man on his white horse. I got him square in my gun sight.

[Steve Lacy]

Don't shoot your fool. Bring the whole town down on our heads.

[Tonto]

Get him up, Scowl. Come on, boy, get up there.

[Horgan]

They've gone. Now what'll we do?

[Steve Lacy]

Act fast. The Lone Ranger suspects my scheme to swindle the farmers. He'll be on our trail in a minute.

[Horgan]

Well, if you still mean to freeze the crops by pushing freight rates so high the farmers couldn't pay, well, you might as well throw in now, Steve. The time it would take. The masked man would find out for sure.

[Steve Lacy]

I said we'd have to act fast, didn't I? That plans out, I've got a better one. And we'll put it through so quick even the Lone Ranger won't be able to stop it.

[Tonto]

I'm listening.

[Steve Lacy]

Early in the morning, we're sending a wagon train to Rocky Ridge. It'll be freighting the farmers crops.

[Tonto]

What of it?

[Steve Lacy]

The contract reads both the farmers and their crops travel at their own risk. Yeah, that means I ain't responsible for anything that happens to them on the trail.

[Horgan]

Something could happen, huh, Steve?

[Steve Lacy]

Yeah, something that would prevent both the farmers and their crops from arriving at Rocky Ridge.

[Horgan]

And if they didn't get to market, they couldn't sell their crops.

[Steve Lacy]

That's the idea. Just about ruin their families, wouldn't it?

[Horgan]

I reckon it would. They'd need that money bad just to stay alive.

[Jeb Hawkins]

Right.

[Steve Lacy]

With winter facing them before a new crop was due, their families would be pretty desperate. So desperate they'd be forced to sell me their lands for any price I wanted to pay.

[Horgan]

Yeah, you could squeeze them dry and they'd have to take it.

[Steve Lacy]

Squeeze them dry is what I aim to do. I'll be able to buy them lands dirt cheap.

[Horgan]

Well, what are you figuring on happening, Steve?

[Steve Lacy]

There ain't nothing in the contract about sticking to the regular wagon trail, is there? I aim to take a shortcut.

[Horgan]

Shortcut?

[Steve Lacy]

Yeah, the one you were telling me about. Ghost trail.

[Horgan]

What do you mean?

[Steve Lacy]

From what you told me, that must be a pretty treacherous trail.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sure.

[Horgan]

Anything can happen on ghost trail, especially if it's planned. Rock slides, for instance.

[Steve Lacy]

Everybody knows a rock slide is an accident, huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

Sure.

[Horgan]

You won't even be blamed for sending the wagons on that trail. Nobody around here knows about it.

[Steve Lacy]

Yeah, they'll thank me for finding a shortcut that'll get their crops to market quicker.

[Horgan]

It'll take a lot of rocks to bury a wagon train.

[Steve Lacy]

Even in that narrow pass there'll be plenty. We'll plant a row of blasting powder at the top of the ridge.

[Horgan]

The farmers and bullwhackers will hit.

[Steve Lacy]

Well, let em. The blast will send them boulders crashing down the slope so fast nobody'll have a chance of escaping.

[Horgan]

I reckon you're right.

[Steve Lacy]

We'll pack the blasting powder in a hind wagon and put some of our own boys on to guard it. Then we'll order a rest stop for the train just before they enter the pass. While the boys sneak the blasting putter up on the ridge and plant it.

[Horgan]

Yeah, that's plenty slick, Steven.

[Steve Lacy]

When it's over, I'll control the whole valley. Every steer you see will be bearing my brand.

[Horgan]

We'll break Ma Wiggins freight line in the bargain.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hey, old fool.

[Steve Lacy]

She should have known that anybody who stood in my way was bound to get burned.

[Narrator]

Holding the now conscious but weak figure of the Lone Ranger astride Silver between them, Tonto and Dan headed their horses for a rocky patch near town and quickly made camp. From a nearby stream the Indian bathed the masked man's painful, though not serious head wound until finally he was strong enough to sit up and talk.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thanks, Kimo sabe. I'll be all right.

[Tonto]

You get plenty hard blowing head.

[Dan Reed]

You gave a good account of yourself before you went under, though. I saw some of the gang's faces.

[The Lone Ranger]

Did you learn anything about Lacy and the farmers?

[Tonto]

Ah, we learned plenty. Lacy want farmers land bad, but then not sell.

[Dan Reed]

Then he tried to scare them off, but they wouldn't go.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yet the farmers have signed to ship their crops in Lacy's wagon.

[Tonto]

Ah, them get plenty cheap price. Why?

[The Lone Ranger]

Why is Lacy so suddenly generous to the farmers?

[Tonto]

You need not know.

[Dan Reed]

Gosh, you suppose it's a trick of some kind?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know. Dan Lacy's wagon train leaves for Rocky Ridge with the farmers and their goods early tomorrow morning.

[Tonto]

We follow him. Maybe we find clue.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ask him, Asabi. A long chance. Our only hope of saving Ma Wiggins freight line.

[Narrator]

In the cold gray dawn, the wooden platform in front of Steve Lacy's freight office bustled with activity. Wagon after wagon drawn by thick shouldered, heavy yoked oxen and driven by whip cracking bullwhackers in broad brimmed hats, flannel shirts and high leg boots pulled up to the platform and took on the farmer's precious freight. Farm products of every Description were loaded carefully into the ox drawn caravans under the farmer's eagle eyes with tarpaulin carefully battened down to protect the crops from the wagons ported streams far up the line could be heard the stentorian voice of Hop, the wagon boss marshaling his charges for the trip. Then the last wagon rolled into position. Horgan climbed into the driver's seat with feet lazy behind him.

[Steve Lacy]

Got the blasting potter aboard this wagon?

[Horgan]

Yeah, stored in the back. Boys stowed it away last night.

[Steve Lacy]

Where'd the boys get to?

[Horgan]

They're up ahead stringing alongside the wagons. They'll be ready when we need them.

[Steve Lacy]

Good. We'll give them farmers the whole side of a mountain for a going away present. We'll smother a minute.

[Narrator]

It can't miss.

[Steve Lacy]

Here we go. The first and last trip for the

[The Lone Ranger]

Steve Lacy freight line.

[Tonto]

Get along there.

[Harp]

Come on, get up.

[Narrator]

As the chain of wagons rumbled onto the dusty, deep rutted wagon trail, they were watched from the concealment of a clump of trees by a masked man, an Indian and a boy. Then, reining their horses to a walk, the Lone Ranger, Tonto and Dan slowly followed the wagon train, keeping just out of sight. It was some time later when Tonto suddenly signaled a halt.

[The Lone Ranger]

What is it, Tonto?

[Tonto]

You look there.

[The Lone Ranger]

Looks like powder.

[Tonto]

Ah, that blasting powder.

[Dan Reed]

There's a faint trickle of it all the way along the trail.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, a keg in one of the wagons must be leaking that. Plenty dangerous feel right on, Toto. There may be something we can do. Come on, Silver.

[Tonto]

Get him up, Scout.

Come on, boy. Get up.

[Narrator]

The three horsemen raced for some distance without overtaking the wagon train. Then, at an obscure fork in the trail, they reined up again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Look at those tracks. Lacey's wagons have left the road and branched off for Ghost Trail.

[Tonto]

Isn't that right, Golly?

[Dan Reed]

You mean they're going to drive those wagons through the canyon?

[The Lone Ranger]

Looks that way, Dame.

[Tonto]

Why them do that?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know, Kimosabe. That trail is too dangerous for anyone to travel unless they know it. Well, the slightest disturbance may start a rock slide. I didn't know anyone in Lacy's train knew of Ghost Trail. Wait.

[Narrator]

What?

[The Lone Ranger]

You think Ghost Trail is known to one of Lacy's gang? The same one who tried to murder us? Horgan. Golly, you don't suppose how treacherous the trail is. He'd never let Lacy take it. Unless they had a special purpose.

[Dan Reed]

The blasting powder that Brian. Oh, but they couldn't mean that. They couldn't plan to bury the whole

[The Lone Ranger]

wagon train I'm afraid they do, Dan. The farmers are with that train. Lacy would stop at nothing to get them out of the way.

[Dan Reed]

And what we do, we got to stop them.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. Right at once. To M. Wiggins. Dan. Her word will carry weight with the sheriff. Get him to round up a posse and ride a ghost trail at once.

[Dan Reed]

You bet. I'll see you later.

[Tonto]

Get that boy. So long. Adios, Dan.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, P. We've got to catch that wagon train.

[Tonto]

Come on, Silver.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto rapidly approached the rear of the wagon train. The din of the oxen's lowing, the cracking bullwhips and creaking wagon wheels served to conceal their arrival. And noting that the blasting powder was trickling from a keg in the last wagon, the masked man stealthily crept into the creaking vehicle, his movements concealed with a great canvas hood. Then, working speedily with Tonto, the Lone Ranger bent every effort to spike Steve Lacy's diabolical scheme. Later that day, the masked man and the Indian watched while Lacy ordered the wagon train halted for a rest stop on the verge of the narrow crevasse that was Ghost Trail and saw from their well concealed camp the gang stealthily take the kegs marked blasting powder from the last wagon and ride up to the ridge of the mountain slope. Keeping carefully out of sight, the Lone Ranger and Tonto followed and saw the gang dig six holes in a row along the ridge in which to plant the kegs.

[Steve Lacy]

Everything ready, Horgan?

[Horgan]

Yeah. Potter's all set to blast. Anytime you say.

[Steve Lacy]

Stay out of sight, boys. Wagons will be coming through the pass any minute. I don't want anybody looking up here and suspicioning things.

[Horgan]

Don't forget to allow time for the fuses to burn when you aim the rock slide for the wagons.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't worry.

[Steve Lacy]

I've got it figured out to a fraction.

[Horgan]

We'll trot them figures out then. Steve. Here they come.

[Steve Lacy]

All right, light them fuses.

[Horgan]

Get going, boys. Blast that powder to kingdom come.

[Steve Lacy]

That's it. They're all lighted now.

[Tonto]

Run for it.

[Steve Lacy]

This is far enough. Now let's watch the fireworks.

[Horgan]

When them rocks start crashing down the slope, the farmers won't know what hit them.

[Jeb Hawkins]

Then.

[Steve Lacy]

Every day you can cook up a mass murder that buries its own dead, huh, Horgan? Hey, what's the matter with that blasting powder?

[Horgan]

I don't know. Look, the fuses. They're sputtering out.

[Tonto]

Every single one of them.

[Dan Reed]

Something's wrong, Steve.

[Tonto]

By thunder, something is wrong and I need to find out what. He ain't gonna examine them kegs. Why not? The fuses are all burnout. Come on,

You know.

[Steve Lacy]

Well, look. Give me a hand, hog.

[Tonto]

Sure.

[Harp]

What the.

[Steve Lacy]

Look at this sand.

[Dan Reed]

Ordinary road sand.

[Horgan]

No wonder they didn't explode.

[Tonto]

Somebody emptied the blasting powder and substituted that sand.

[The Lone Ranger]

Right, Steve?

[Tonto]

What the Lone Ranger take their guns, Tutto. From the engine.

[Horgan]

Nobody takes my gun, redskin.

[Tonto]

Let's just pull it first. I want you, Steve.

[Harp]

Oh, you don't.

[Tonto]

I'll drill you for up that gun. I'll show you. Oh, you asked for it. You'll soon sing another tune. That's my boys riding to drill you down.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're wrong, Steve. The sheriff and a posse riding your gang down.

[Tonto]

The sheriff. Right, Steve. I've got enough evidence and them blasts

[Dan Reed]

and kegs to take care of you

[Tonto]

for a long time to come. And Hogan and the rest of your

[Ma Wiggins]

pals with you, you ordinary polecat. I might have known you're after bigger game than just trying to ruin my freight company. Even murder wasn't too low for you.

[Dan Reed]

Everything go off all right?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Dan. There's nothing more to do here.

[Ma Wiggins]

You should have known, Steve. You couldn't match wits with the Lone Ranger and come out on top.

[Tonto]

Cha cha cha cha.

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[Tonto]

Sa.

[Ma Wiggins]

It.

[Narrator]

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

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of OTR Western 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 Tom who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcast trwesterns.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.

[Tonto]

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