War Horse | The Lone Ranger (04-18-52)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns — “War Horse” | The Lone Ranger (04-18-52)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: October 13, 2025
Episode Theme:
This episode features the classic radio drama “War Horse” from The Lone Ranger series, originally broadcast on April 18, 1952. The story centers on themes of resilience, community, and redemption, as a retired army horse and a young boy team up for a pivotal race that could secure a hopeful future for the boy’s struggling family. The episode is digitally restored to capture the evocative soundscape of the old West, immersing listeners in the golden age of radio.

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Main Characters

• The Lone Ranger: The masked champion of justice
• Tonto: The Lone Ranger’s loyal Native American companion
• Jeb Grundy: Down-on-his-luck former army bugler and owner of the horse, Solitaire
• Billy Winters: An earnest, hopeful eleven-year-old who buys Solitaire
• Billy’s Mother: A widowed mother dreaming of opening a restaurant
• Solitaire: The war horse, symbolizing courage and loyalty

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Key Discussion Points and Story Highlights

1. Arrival at the Grundy Ranch (03:14–08:03)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto, weary from travel, stop at a dilapidated ranch and encounter Jeb Grundy, who is suspicious and armed.
• Jeb has just lost nearly all he owns—including his treasured army horse, Solitaire—due to an auction forced by debt.
• Quote: “The minute I saw you wearing that mask, I figured you were the answer to my problem.” – Jeb Grundy (04:52)
• The Lone Ranger assures Jeb he’s not an outlaw and listens to Jeb’s story of hardship and loss after a failed wheat crop.

2. Billy’s Hope and the Big Race (09:06–12:51)

• Billy Winters, a young boy, buys Solitaire inexpensively at the auction, hoping to race him in the upcoming Frontier Day race to win prize money for his mother.
• Quote: “If we win the Frontier Day race, we'll give the prize to Mom. Then she'll have the restaurant she wanted.” – Billy (11:32)
• Billy’s mother, while worried, is proud of her son’s determination and love.

3. The Lone Ranger’s Plan to Help (12:51–14:44)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto discuss Solitaire’s prospects in the race and resolve to help both boy and horse reach their potential.
• Tonto investigates town gossip, learning most consider Solitaire outclassed.

4. Training for Frontier Day (14:44–19:19)

• Jeb is recruited by Tonto to assist in training, overjoyed to help his old companion.
• The Lone Ranger reveals his identity to Billy, inspiring him with faith and guidance.
• “If Solitaire puts his heart into that race, he'll not finish last.” – Lone Ranger (14:23)
• A rigorous regimen of training begins, focusing on strategy, stamina, and confidence-building.

5. Race Day and the Community (19:19–22:43)

• Town excitement builds for Frontier Day, as people gossip about favorites for the big race.
• Jeb displays humor and humility about his own prospects: "I'd rather throw balls at the stuffed cats. Maybe I'll win a Sophie Pillar." (20:38)
• Billy lines up anxiously, reminded by friends and his mother to be careful and remember his training.

6. The Race: Adversity and Triumph (22:43–25:54)

• Billy faces rough jostling at the start but sticks to the Lone Ranger’s advice to pace Solitaire.

• As Solitaire trails at the halfway mark, the Lone Ranger and Jeb provide morale support. Jeb’s bugle call—familiar from army days—spurs Solitaire to a burst of speed.

• Memorable Moment: The sound of the bugle marks the emotional turning point, empowering horse and boy to overtake competitors.

• In a thrilling finish, Billy and Solitaire win the race, securing the prize for his mother’s restaurant.

  • Quote: “You did it, Mom. You'll have your restaurant!” – Billy (25:43)
  • Quote: “The greatest race I ever saw. And the greatest horse. Old Solitaire.” – Jeb Grundy (25:49)

7. Resolution and a New Beginning (26:09–27:38)

• That evening, Billy’s mother offers Jeb part of the prize money, which he declines.
• Jeb proposes working for her at the new restaurant, suggesting the name “Bugle Call Cafe."
• Quote: “I'd even loan you my bugle to hang outside so you could name it the Bugle Call Cafe.” – Jeb Grundy (27:01)
• The Lone Ranger’s final wisdom soothes Billy’s hope for the future: “When fine people like you and your mother and Jeb Grundy work together, Billy, everything is sure to be all right.” (27:31)

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Jeb’s Cynicism, Turned to Hope:
  “They left my rifle, my army bugle, and some clothes. Well, your engine pal has a rifle. Go inside and take the rest. Make it a clean sweep.” (06:25)

• Billy’s Pure Motivation:
  “If we win the Frontier Day race, we'll give the prize to Mom. Then she'll have the restaurant she wanted.” (11:32)

• The Lone Ranger’s Encouragement:
  “If Solitaire puts his heart into that race, he'll not finish last.” (14:23)

• Triumph Powered by Friendship:
  The bugle call (24:34) acts as a rallying cry, symbolizing loyalty, memory, and love, pushing Solitaire and Billy to victory.

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TIMESTAMPS for Key Segments

• 03:14 – Masked man’s arrival; introduction to Jeb’s hardship
• 09:06 – Billy buys Solitaire; family aspirations revealed
• 12:51 – Lone Ranger and Tonto decide to help
• 14:44 – Training montage, Jeb rejoins his old horse
• 20:34 – Town prepares for race; lighthearted banter
• 22:43 – Frontier Day race begins
• 24:34 – Bugle call triggers comeback; race climax
• 25:43 – Race results; reunion and celebration
• 26:24 – Jeb’s new role; “Bugle Call Cafe”
• 27:31 – Lon Ranger’s final reflection on hope and community

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Tone and Experience

The episode captures a spirit of sincerity, hope, and camaraderie reflective of classic Western storytelling. The dialogue is earnest; the characters’ struggles and dreams ring true. The excitement of the race and the catharsis of triumph are heightened by immersive sound design—restored for today’s listeners—making this not just a nostalgic listen, but an emotionally affecting journey through the frontier values of perseverance and friendship.

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Episode Impact

Whether you’re a fan of classic Westerns or new to Old Time Radio, this restored episode—complete with memorable characters, a stirring underdog triumph, and a heartwarming resolution—reminds us that strength, kindness, and community spirit endure long after the dust of the plains has settled.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now, let's get into this episode.

[Announcer]

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

[Narrator]

It's.

[Announcer]

With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fellow.

[Narrator]

Hey.

[The Lone Ranger]

O Silver.

[Narrator]

Away.

[Announcer]

The Lone Ranger and his faithful Indian companion, Toto had been in the saddle for many hours on their way to the town of Bowstring. They were about five miles from their destination when they saw a small ranch house. The house and outbuildings were in need of repair, but the windows of the house were clean and there were drawn shades inside the windows. The masked man and the Indian drew rein and dismounted at a water trough. It stood at one side of the house.

[The Lone Ranger]

This is a chance to give our horses a drink.

[Tonto]

Ah, them plenty thirsty.

[The Lone Ranger]

I wonder if anyone lives here.

[Tonto]

They're no sign of life.

[The Lone Ranger]

While the horses drink, I'll look around.

[Announcer]

A man inside the house gripped a repeating rifle and watched beneath a drawn window shade. He saw the masked man examine a hen house and pig pen, then move to a small garden patch and study the ground. The man hurried out the front door of the house and continued watching the newcomers around a corner of the building.

[The Lone Ranger]

Toto, there have been many people here within the past couple of hours.

[Tonto]

You find footprints in garden?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, a lot of them. And they must have been made recently because the trampledown crops are still green and fresh. Everything about the place shows signs of recent use. I found no hens in the chicken house. No pigs in the pig pen, no horses in the corral.

[Tonto]

Me wonder if anyone in house.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll rap on the door. We owe thanks for the warning. Steady.

[Jeb Grundy]

Stand still. You're covered.

[Tonto]

Man in front, near corner.

[Jeb Grundy]

Hands up, both of you.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right, do as he says, Tom.

[Jeb Grundy]

That shot was just a warning to let you know I mean business. Make a pass for your guns and I'll bang rifle slugs through your hides.

[The Lone Ranger]

What do you want of us, mister?

[Jeb Grundy]

The minute I saw you Wearing that mask, I figured you were the answer to my problem.

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know what your problem is, but I'll be glad to discuss it. When my hands are low, you don't keep mup.

[Jeb Grundy]

Turn around. Face the other way while I take your guns. You too, Injun.

[The Lone Ranger]

A rifle's an awkward weapon to cover two men at close range.

[Jeb Grundy]

I said turn around.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now listen to me. You have lots to learn. I'm trying to teach you. Well, of all, you can't possibly shoot both of us. You might shoot me, but Toddler would draw and shoot you before you could lever another cartridge into position.

[Jeb Grundy]

I told you to turn around.

[The Lone Ranger]

I haven't obeyed. Well, are you going to shoot?

[Announcer]

For an instant, the man was speechless. He held his rifle pointed at the Lone Ranger's chest while his eyes met those behind the mask. It was the chance that Tonto wanted. The Indian moved fast. He brought one hand down on top of the rifle barrel. The bullet kicked up dirt at the Lone Ranger's toe. Meat.

[Jeb Grundy]

Kick.

[Tonto]

Rifle.

[Billy's Mother]

You.

[Jeb Grundy]

You there.

[Announcer]

Tonto leaped back in possession of the rifle. The rancher started forward, but found himself gripped by the masked man.

[The Lone Ranger]

Take it easy. We'll continue our talk without further threat. Threats of sudden death.

[Jeb Grundy]

You. That engine.

[The Lone Ranger]

Is it your name on the gate post?

[Jeb Grundy]

What if it is?

[The Lone Ranger]

Then you're Jeb Grundy.

[Jeb Grundy]

Yes, I'm Jeb Grundy. And if you came to rob me, you're in for a disappointment. I'm cleaned out. They've taken everything I own, including the furniture from the house.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who cleaned you out?

[Jeb Grundy]

Half the people of Bowstring. All done legal. It was an auction sale ordered by the sheriff.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, so that's it.

[Jeb Grundy]

They left my rifle, my army bugle and some clothes. Well, your engine pal has a rifle. Go inside and take the rest. Make it a clean sweep.

[The Lone Ranger]

Jeb, we're not here to rob you. What did you mean when you said you thought I was the answer to your problem?

[Jeb Grundy]

That mask. I figure there's a reward posted for you.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's why you tried to capture me.

[Jeb Grundy]

Naturally.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, Jeb, you wouldn't have collected a dime. I'm not wanted by the law.

[Jeb Grundy]

Needn't lie to me, mister. I don't care.

[The Lone Ranger]

Have you ever heard of a man called the Lone Ranger?

[Jeb Grundy]

The Lone Ranger? You.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then you have heard of me.

[Jeb Grundy]

Colonel Miles talked about you. So did Colonel Gates. I was bugler for em. Both.

[The Lone Ranger]

I know them well.

[Jeb Grundy]

You must be Tonto.

[Tonto]

That's right.

[Jeb Grundy]

Oh, gosh, I'm sorry. I mistook you. For an outlaw.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's all right, Jeb. It's a common mistake.

[Jeb Grundy]

I thought I might collect a reward, enough to buy back a few more things.

[The Lone Ranger]

Return his rifle, Tony.

[Jeb Grundy]

Yeah, thanks.

[The Lone Ranger]

Were your things sold to satisfy a debt?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Jeb Grundy]

See, when I came out of the army, I wanted to farm a piece of land. The bank owned this property. They'd taken it on a mortgage. They rented it to me and I. I brought furniture from the east my folks had left me. But you don't want to hear my story.

[The Lone Ranger]

Please go on.

[Jeb Grundy]

Well, I needed cash to buy workhorses and a few hogs and chickens, some seed and tools to plant a wheat crop. I borrowed the cash from the bank and signed a note. I figured it'd pay back the money when I harvested and sold my wheat.

[The Lone Ranger]

It was a bad year for wheat.

[Jeb Grundy]

Oh, the worst year anyone around here ever saw. There was no rain. The crop wasn't worth cutting. Well, that's the story. The bank wanted the money, so we held an auction.

[The Lone Ranger]

Did you raise enough to pay the debt?

[Jeb Grundy]

Yes, but I had to sell everything to do it. Even the furniture I brought here and. And even Solitaire.

[The Lone Ranger]

Solitaire?

[Jeb Grundy]

My army horse. We were together all through my years in the army. Why, he knew my bugle calls as well as any soldier.

[The Lone Ranger]

You brought him out of the army with you?

[Jeb Grundy]

Yes. His leg went bad and he was going to be shot. I persuaded the colonel to spare his life until I was mustered out. I brought him here, then took care of his leg, treated it with packs and rubbed it and worked it careful till it was just as good as new. And then today he was sold. I sure hope he doesn't know that he was bought for only $10.

[The Lone Ranger]

Is that all?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Jeb Grundy]

A youngster bid for him. And I reckon everyone wanted to see the youngster get him so no one bid up the price.

[The Lone Ranger]

Do you know who bought him?

[Jeb Grundy]

A kid from Bowstring. Name's Billy winters.

[Tonto]

Billy?

[The Lone Ranger]

An 11 year old boy with a turned up nose and freckles.

[Jeb Grundy]

What? Yeah. You know him?

[The Lone Ranger]

No, Jeb, but I knew his father. He died a year ago. A preacher told me about the boy and his mother. He said they were living in Bowstring. Tot and I were on our way there to see how they were doing.

[Jeb Grundy]

Well, I'll say this. Billy did all right at the auction. He bought solitaire for only $10, and that included the saddle.

[Announcer]

Billy Winters was the proudest boy west of the Mississippi. When he drew rein in the yard behind a small house in Bowstring Wall.

[Narrator]

There fella Stay there, boy.

[Announcer]

He dismounted, then patted the powerful neck of the big black horse.

[Narrator]

Golly, Solitaire, you're the finest horse in the world.

[Announcer]

Billy.

[Narrator]

Mom. Mom, come here, please. Hurry.

[Billy's Mother]

Where did that horse come from?

[Narrator]

Mommy's mine. I bought him. Oh, no. It's true, Mom.

[Billy's Mother]

You. You bought this horse?

[Narrator]

Well, yes. I went to the auction in Mr. Barker's wagon. You said it'd be all right to go.

[Billy's Mother]

Yes, dear, but you said it'd be.

[Narrator]

All right to spend my money.

[Billy's Mother]

It was your money, Billy. You saved every penny of it. But you only had $15.

[Narrator]

I bought the horse for $10, Mom. And I have $5 left to pay his entry fee.

[Billy's Mother]

Entry fee?

[Narrator]

Sure. I'm going to enter Solitaire in the brig. Frontier Day race. I'll do it this afternoon.

[Billy's Mother]

Oh, Billy.

[Narrator]

Oh, he's strong, Mom. He's one of the strongest horses in the whole army. Mr. Bundy said so. He's the man who sold him. He was a bugler in the army, and Solitaire was his horse. Oh, golly, isn't he a beaut? And brave, too. This scar is where he's wounded by a bullet.

[Billy's Mother]

Son, where are you going to keep your horse? And how can you afford to feed him?

[Narrator]

Mr. Barker said I might keep him in the livery stable and I'll work there to pay for his food. Oh, golly, mom, wouldn't it be fine if Solitaire won the race?

[Billy's Mother]

Billy, the strongest and fastest horses in the state will be running in that race.

[Narrator]

Oh, sure they will. That's why the prize is so big. Wouldn't it be great if Solitaire won that $500?

[Billy's Mother]

Yes, Billy. Now, you'd better come in to supper.

[Narrator]

Mom, would $500 be enough to open your restaurant?

[Billy's Mother]

Oh, sonny, would it? Yeah.

[Narrator]

You hear that, Solitaire? If we win the Frontier Day race, we'll give the prize to Mom. Then she'll have the restaurant she wanted.

[Billy's Mother]

Come on, Billy. Now, if you eat a big supper, I'll give you some sugar for your horse.

[Announcer]

The Lone Ranger and Toto made camp in the woods near the town of Bowstring. The Indian spent the evening in town asking a few questions and listening to snatches of conversation. When he returned to the camp at midnight, he found the masked man waiting for a report on the scouting expedition.

[Tonto]

Me hear plenty talk about wife, son. Jim Winters.

[The Lone Ranger]

You did?

[Tonto]

Ah, boy enter war horse in race.

[The Lone Ranger]

The Frontier Day race.

[Tonto]

That's right.

[The Lone Ranger]

He'll be matched against the best horses within a hundred miles of town.

[Tonto]

That's why men laugh. Them say Solitaire good name for horse. Him run all alone, far behind all others.

[The Lone Ranger]

That would break Billy's heart.

[Tonto]

Ah, but him tell everyone. Solitaire win prize and him give prize to mother to open restaurants.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, then she couldn't have been left very much when her husband died.

[Tonto]

Will her make bread cakes sell to people in town.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see. Toto, did you see the horse?

[Tonto]

No, no. Me not see him.

[The Lone Ranger]

From what Jeff Grundy said, the horse has strength and courage.

[Tonto]

Will you not think horse have chance to win race?

[The Lone Ranger]

Little chance of it, I suppose, but I would like to see the horse.

[Tonto]

Well, horse and livery stable. Maybe we go there in morning.

[The Lone Ranger]

I wonder if Solitaire is as good as Jeb claimed.

[Announcer]

The Lone Ranger had no need to ride into town to see the retired war horse because Billy was in the saddle. At daybreak, he rode out of town and across a level stretch of plain near the edge of a woods. The masked man and Totto heard the passing hoof beats in their camp and a boy's voice shouting.

[The Lone Ranger]

The tunnel. Did you hear that?

[Tonto]

Ah, boy. Called Solitaire.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on.

[Announcer]

The two men hurried through the trees to the edge of the woods. They saw the boy guiding the big horse back and forth. The big horse responded to the boy's commands, but not too willingly. It walked and ran, first in one direction, then another. The masked man watched in silence for some time, then turned to Toto.

[Tonto]

Toto, that horse is strong, but him not very fast.

[The Lone Ranger]

He's holding back. But notice the leg action in the muscle play. And see the way he holds his head? That's a proud horse, Taro maybe.

[Tonto]

Him good war horse, but not race horse.

[The Lone Ranger]

The Frontier Day race is a long one. Courage, stamina and strength will count for more than great speed.

[Tonto]

You think Solitaire got chance to win race?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know about that. But I'm sure of one thing. If Solitaire puts his heart into that race, he'll not finish last.

[Tonto]

Boy plenty small.

[The Lone Ranger]

He'll undoubtedly be the lightest rider that will be in his favor. And between now and Frontier Day, he might be taught how to ride in a race.

[Tonto]

Kimasabe, you maybe teach him plenty if.

[The Lone Ranger]

At the same time Jeb could help with the horse, I. Toto, we'll do it. We'll try to help Solitaire and Billy win that race. And we'll ask Jeb Grunty to do the same. Ride to his ranch. He's still there. Ask him to come back with you.

[Tonto]

Me go.

[The Lone Ranger]

While you're gone, I'll talk to Billy.

[Announcer]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger adventure before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments now to continue. When Toto drew rein at the house where Jeff Grundy lived, he saw the former soldier coming down the porch steps with a blanket roll slung over his shoulder.

[Jeb Grundy]

Well, Toddo, what are you doing back here?

[Tonto]

A Lone Ranger send me him say mebbe you help horse win Frontier Day race.

[Jeb Grundy]

You mean to say Silver's been entered in that race?

[Tonto]

No, not Silver.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh.

[Tonto]

Billy Winters enters Solitaire in race.

[Jeb Grundy]

Solitaire. I wonder if he could do it. He's plenty strong. He's got lots of heart. But tell me how to reach your camp. I'll be there as soon as a double timed march can bring me.

[Tonto]

You ride double on Scout Kino.

[Jeb Grundy]

Let's start traveling. If Solitaire's gonna run a race, he has a lot to learn.

[Announcer]

In the meantime, the Lone Ring had mounted Silver and joined Billy Winters on the level plain. The boy was at first a little frightened, but the masked man soon won his confidence. His admiration of Solitaire won Billy's heart.

[The Lone Ranger]

He's a fine horse, Billy. I've been watching you ride him.

[Narrator]

You know my name?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. You see, I knew your father.

[Narrator]

You did?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. In fact, I once gave him a silver bullet as a souvenir.

[Narrator]

That silver bullet? Oh, golly, he always carried it. And he told me a lot about the man who gave it to him. About you. Jiminy. You're the Lone Ranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right.

[Narrator]

Then this must be Silver.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. I hear that Solitaire is going to run on Frontier Day.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. And I'm gonna ride him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Have you ever ridden in a race?

[Narrator]

No, but I'll stay in the saddle. And I know that Solitaire will do his best to win.

[The Lone Ranger]

There are ways that you can help him.

[Narrator]

There are?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, indeed. You see, if he starts too fast, he'll be tired before the finish of the race. You must know just when to let him go.

[Narrator]

I don't know anything about that.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'd like to teach you.

[Narrator]

Would you? Would you really?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm camped in the woods nearby. Now, if you were to bring Solitaire here every morning, we might work together.

[Narrator]

You really think my horse has a.

[The Lone Ranger]

Chance to win, Billy? Let's think of nothing else.

[Announcer]

Before Billy left the Open, he promised to keep secret from everyone but his mother the fact that the masked man was to help him learn to ride in a race. The following morning, there was another surprise for Billy and for Solitaire as well. Jeb Grundy was on hand when the Boy and the horse appeared on the plane at sunrise.

[Narrator]

Whoa there, fella. Stay there, boy.

[Jeb Grundy]

Hi there, Billy. Mr. Grundy and old Solitaire. Hello, you old war horse. Looks like you're glad to see me again, eh? Ah, now, take it. Take it easy, old fire eater. We've been apart only a couple of days.

[Narrator]

Is he gonna take Solitaire away from me?

[The Lone Ranger]

Why, no, Billy. Solitaire is your horse. Sergeant Grundy is here only to help us prepare for the race. Sure.

[Jeb Grundy]

Climb aboard that saddle, Billy. Let's see how you and Solitaire work together.

[Announcer]

Solitaire seemed eager to show his former owner that he was as good as ever. He showed more speed and fire than on the previous day. He behaved like a colt, cutting and turning sharply and dashing at breakneck speed for short distances. Come on down here, Jeb.

[The Lone Ranger]

Do you think he'll be bothered by the leg that was injured?

[Jeb Grundy]

That shouldn't bother him, but you never can tell.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll plan exercises to build up strength.

[Announcer]

A systematic training began for the boy as well as the horse. Early every morning, Billy rode from town to the where his friends were waiting. There were carefully planned exercises to harden muscles and build stamina. There were hard runs paced by Scouter Silver over a distance that was increased from time to time as the boy and horse grew stronger. After every workout, there was a careful cooling off and a rub down with special attention for the leg that had been injured. People began crowding bowstrings several days before Frontier Day. They came from far and near to join in the fun and take part in the games and contests. Hotels were jammed. Many people slept on the ground at the edge of town. The cafes did a land office business.

[Tonto]

Me, I'm in the bronc busting contest.

[The Lone Ranger]

I aim to try bulldogging.

[Jeb Grundy]

I don't hanger to throw a bull. I'd rather throw balls at the stuffed cats. Maybe I'll win a Sophie Pillar.

[Announcer]

There was talk of nothing but Frontier Day. And most of the talk dealt with the biggest event of all. The Frontier Day race.

[Jeb Grundy]

I hear the Bar K has a horse that'll run the legs off anything. I saw the Bar Kay critter.

[The Lone Ranger]

Doggone lotta horse.

[Jeb Grundy]

Jackson figures to repeat last year's win with his big Ray.

[The Lone Ranger]

Jackson hasn't a chance.

[Jeb Grundy]

I'm looking for that horse to make a good run.

[Announcer]

The big day arrived. It was a day full of activity, punctuated by salutes from the cannon that stood before the courthouse as a war relic. The contest ran off with no more than the usual confusion and argument until it was time for the final event, the big race. Billy and all the other contestants and their horses were gathered in front of the courthouse. Billy's mother and Toto were with the boy.

[Billy's Mother]

Now, Billy, be careful.

[Narrator]

Don't fall.

[Tonto]

Oh, Billy, stay in. Saddle him. All right, Chance.

[Jeb Grundy]

The course is marked by flags. You all know what it is. Straight ahead, out of town, across the plains to the turning point where there'll be your judges. Station, then back and finish here. Now line up and start at the cannon.

[Tonto]

Billy. Remember Lone Engine Tapp. Watch from woods.

[Billy's Mother]

Good luck, son.

[Jeb Grundy]

Line up there.

[Tonto]

Get in line, Billy. Remember, all Lone Rangers say yes, Tano.

[Narrator]

Old Solitaire, he wasn't there.

[Jeb Grundy]

Shut up and let the boy get his $10 worth of fun.

[Narrator]

Never mind him, Solitaire. We'll show him.

[Jeb Grundy]

Steady those horses.

[Announcer]

Hold them still. The horses steadied. The crowd was silent. Riders and horses were tense. And then Billy and Solitaire were jostled hard on both sides. The boy fought to hold his seat. He remembered what the masked man had said.

[The Lone Ranger]

You'll have a rough time at the start. During the scramble for position. Hang on. Solitaire will handle the situation.

[Announcer]

Solitaire was used to milling horses in battle. Horses that bumped him were bumped right back.

[The Lone Ranger]

After the start, the race was settled to a steady gait.

[Announcer]

Billy's instructions had been drummed into his brain during the hard weeks of training. He heard that voice as if the masked man stood right at his shoulder.

[The Lone Ranger]

Let the other horses set the pace. Try to stay in third or fourth position for the first half.

[Announcer]

The horses were out of town and thundering along the grassy plain close to the woods where the Lone Ranger had camped.

[Narrator]

This is where we trained, Solitaire. You know this ground. Come on, boy.

[The Lone Ranger]

Third or fourth position.

[Announcer]

Billy the boy was riding ninth.

[Narrator]

Come on, Solitaire.

[Announcer]

Two men watched from the woods. The Lone Ranger and Jeb Grundy.

[Jeb Grundy]

Ninth position.

[The Lone Ranger]

He's doing his best, Jeb.

[Jeb Grundy]

Pace is faster than I figured. Mighty fine horses in that race. I wish we could help.

[The Lone Ranger]

Maybe we can.

[Announcer]

Wind whipped Billy's hair and dust bit into his face. He leaned forward, his mouth close to Solitaire's ear, and spoke words of encouragement.

[Narrator]

We'll do it, old boy. Those others aren't as strong as you.

[Announcer]

At the turning point, Billy was in the same position with nine fine horses ahead.

[The Lone Ranger]

Try to stay in third or fourth position until you reach the three quarter mark.

[Announcer]

The three quarter mark was just ahead, and Billy still ran ninth at the three quarter mark.

[The Lone Ranger]

Call on the horse for all he has. That's where you're to take the lead.

[Narrator]

You're already doing your best, Solitaire, but you must do better. Come on, boy. Come on. Come on.

[Announcer]

The great hearted horse was willing. He tried to give more, but he had little reserve the in. He passed two horses. There were seven still ahead.

[Narrator]

Please, Please, Solitaire. We're gonna pass the trees where our friends are waiting. Come on, boy.

[Announcer]

The horses were thundering past the woods, and then a big white stallion burst into view with two men riding. It was Silver. The Lone Ranger was in the saddle. And behind the saddle rode a soldier. It was Jeb in his old uniform, and he had his bugle. Solitaire heard the bugle sounding charge. It was the old familiar call to action. It was his beloved master back in battle. If Solitaire could have spoken, he would have said, hang on, Billy, we're going. There was a surge of speed from muscles that had found new strength. Solitaire passed two horses, then a third.

[Narrator]

Come on, Solitaire. Come on, boy.

[Announcer]

The war horse dashed past another. It was the Bar Kay favorite. He was closing on the leaders, and the town was just ahead. A red, a gray and battle scarred. Solitaire were neck and neck battling for the lead. At the edge of town, buildings flashed past. Billy could see the finish line. His friends, his mother. Then Solitaire heard the Bugle once more. A final spurt carried him to the front.

[Narrator]

Billy. Billy. You did it, Mom. You'll have your restrooms.

[The Lone Ranger]

Great work, son.

[Jeb Grundy]

Fun, Rodin, Billy. The greatest race I ever saw. And the greatest horse. Old Solitaire.

[Narrator]

He sure was there.

[Announcer]

That evening, Billy lay in bed. He was tired, but his cup of happiness was full. Beyond the open door of his bedroom, his mother and Jeb Grundy had been talking for some time. The boy had been listening to the conversation. Finally, he heard his mother say, but.

[Billy's Mother]

Mr. Grundy, Billy really feels that you're entitled to half of the prize for that reason.

[Jeb Grundy]

Oh, no, ma'.

[The Lone Ranger]

Am.

[Jeb Grundy]

I wouldn't touch a cent of that money. Billy wants you to use it to open a restaurant, and so do I.

[Billy's Mother]

Why do you want me to open a restaurant?

[Andrew Rines]

Well.

[Jeb Grundy]

Well, you'll need a handyman around a place like that. And when it comes to waiting on table or building shelves or cooking, I'm downright handy. What's more, I'd work for just enough to eat and a place to sleep. I'd even loan you my bugle to hang outside so you could name it the Bugle Call.

[Billy's Mother]

Cafe Jeb Grundy. Are you asking for a job?

[Jeb Grundy]

Yes. Mmm. A job that'll keep me close to Solitaire and and young Billy. He's a great boy.

[Billy's Mother]

Bugle Call Cafe. Why, that's a splendid name. And there'll be a lot of carpenter work. Let me show you my plan. You may have some suggestions.

[Announcer]

Billy smiled. In the darkness, he knew the future was secure once more. He seemed to hear the voice of a masked man close to his ear.

[The Lone Ranger]

When fine people like you and your mother and Jeff Grundy work together, Billy, everything is sure to be all right.

[Narrator]

Thanks. Lone Ranger.

[Announcer]

Sarpent Created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendall Campbell Muir Incorporated and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's drama was written by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beem.

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com Become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank 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.

[Narrator]

Sam.