Water From Jones Creek | The Lone Ranger (11-27-39)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary: "Water From Jones Creek | The Lone Ranger (11-27-39)"

Released on March 23, 2025 by Andrew Rhynes

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Introduction

In this captivating episode titled "Water From Jones Creek," the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast, hosted by Andrew Rhynes, breathes new life into the classic Lone Ranger saga. Through meticulous digital restoration, listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio Westerns, experiencing enhanced audio clarity that immerses them fully in the Wild West.

Plot Overview

The episode unfolds in the rugged landscapes of the western United States, where cattle ranching reigns supreme. As the era of the open range dwindles, an influx of farmers moves into new territories, igniting fierce disputes over land and resources. Central to this conflict is the control of Jones Creek, a vital water source essential for irrigation and farming.

Conflict Emerges

Andrew Rines sets the scene with a vivid description:

"A fiery horse with the speed of light. A cloud of dust in the hearty Hio Silver the Lone Ranger."
[01:20]

The tension escalates as Frank Salem, representing a nefarious land broker named Mason, confronts Abby Salem, a wise and resilient landowner. Mason’s objective is to acquire land at the head of Jones Creek to expand his cattle operations. However, Abby resists, leading to a heated exchange:

Frank Salem: "You've come to the wrong place. I can't do nothing about it."
[05:03]

Frank attempts to manipulate Abby by threatening to revoke the settlers' water rights, thereby regaining control over the land. Abby, undeterred, stands her ground, highlighting the rightful ownership and the settlers' impending full payment for the land.

Lone Ranger's Intervention

As tensions reach a boiling point, the masked hero, the Lone Ranger, arrives to mediate. Accompanied by his trusted horse, Silver, and a companion named Tunho, the Lone Ranger seeks to uncover the truth behind the allegations of cattle theft and the manipulation of water rights.

Key interactions include:

Andrew Rines (Narration): "Cattle raising was the first great industry in the western United States, but when the days of the open range passed..."
[03:56]

The Lone Ranger discovers discrepancies in Frank Salem's claims, particularly regarding unauthorized water use and staged cattle thefts. His investigation reveals that Mason is orchestrating the conflict to deceitfully acquire land at a fraction of its true value.

Confrontation and Resolution

The climax builds as a confrontation ensues between the settlers, Abby Salem's men, and Frank Salem's cohorts. The Lone Ranger employs his strategic prowess to expose Mason's deceit, ensuring that the settlers retain their rightful land and water rights.

Notable exchanges include:

Frank Salem: "You need to believe me."
[15:04]

Lone Ranger: "You've been in the wrong, Abby. It's time to set things right."
[28:56]

In the final scenes, Mason is confronted with evidence of his fraudulent activities. Caleb Chandler, Mason's employer, arrives to oversee the aftermath, ensuring that justice prevails and the settlers can prosper without further interference.

Character Insights

• Frank Salem: Initially portrayed as a cunning antagonist, Frank's motivations are gradually unveiled, revealing his loyalty to Mason and his desperation to secure land for cattle raising.

• Abby Salem: A pillar of strength and integrity, Abby embodies the resilience of the settlers. Her unwavering stance against Frank Salem underscores the themes of justice and rightful ownership.

• The Lone Ranger: As the quintessential hero, the Lone Ranger's intervention highlights the virtues of fairness and protection of the innocent. His ability to discern truth from deceit is pivotal in resolving the conflict.

• Caleb Chandler: Introduced towards the episode's conclusion, Caleb represents the higher authority aiming to rectify Mason's transgressions and restore peace to the region.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Andrew Rines (Narration):

   "A fiery horse with the speed of light. A cloud of dust in the hearty Hio Silver the Lone Ranger."
   [01:20]

2. Frank Salem:

   "You need to believe me."
   [15:04]

3. Lone Ranger:

   "You've been in the wrong, Abby. It's time to set things right."
   [28:56]

Themes and Insights

"Water From Jones Creek" delves into timeless themes such as:

• Conflict Over Resources: The struggle for control over natural resources like water mirrors real historical tensions in the American West, emphasizing the essential role of water in agriculture and settlement.

• Deceit and Greed: Mason's manipulative tactics serve as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition and unethical business practices.

• Justice and Mediation: The Lone Ranger's role underscores the importance of impartiality and the pursuit of justice, reinforcing the idea that peaceful resolution is attainable through integrity and wisdom.

• Community and Resilience: The settlers' determination to uphold their rights despite adversity highlights the strength of community bonds and resilience in the face of challenges.

Conclusion

In "Water From Jones Creek," the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast masterfully revives a classic Lone Ranger tale, enriched by advanced digital restoration that enhances every nuance of the original recording. Through engaging storytelling, dynamic characters, and profound themes, Andrew Rhynes offers both nostalgia and fresh appreciation for the enduring legacy of Western radio dramas. This episode not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons on justice, community, and the enduring spirit of the Wild West.

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Note: Advertisements and non-content sections from the transcript have been intentionally excluded to maintain the narrative's integrity and focus.

Transcript

[Andrew Rines]

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[Narrator]

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[Andrew Rines]

I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm.

[Narrator]

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[Andrew Rines]

A fiery horse with the speed of light. A cloud of dust in the hearty Hio Silver the Lone Ranger.

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[Andrew Rines]

Cattle raising was the first great industry in the western United States, but when the days of the open range passed, many farmers emigrated to the new territory. There were endless disputes between the ranchers and these newcomers, and the disputes might have led to open warfare if it had not been for the masked rider of the plains. It was he who convinced the old timers there was room for everyone and that only through the honest cooperation of all honest men and women that the winning of the west could be accomplished. 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. Come on, Silver. We're heading for Jones Creek. Hail Silver away. As old Abby Salem listened to the rat faced man who stood in her parlor, her lips narrowed grimly and her eyes began to spark with anger.

[Frank Salem]

Who sent you here, ma'am?

[Andrew Rines]

Didn't I tell you that Afore I work for Caleb Chandler. Maybe you've heard of him. His place is just beyond the pay code.

[Frank Salem]

What she want with that land at the head of the valley?

[Andrew Rines]

Well, you see, he's got a move where he is. He's been leasing, and now I can't get the least renewed. He's already bought the day he was placed just east of here. Names to get settled on it afore fall. He's got to have more summer range now. There's good grass at the head of the valley there, and if he can buy, it'll suit him fine.

[Frank Salem]

Well, you've come to the wrong place. I can't do nothing about it.

[Andrew Rines]

Reckon you ain't understood me, ma'am.

[Frank Salem]

No.

[Andrew Rines]

When I first come here, I heard you'd sold that property to a bunch of settlers. I've already talked to them. Well, they won't sell. They won't even talk about selling.

[Frank Salem]

Then that ought to finish it.

[Andrew Rines]

Not less than you say it does, ma'am.

[Frank Salem]

What have I got to do with it?

[Andrew Rines]

Well, in talking to them, I learned they ain't rightly got title to that land yet. They paid you half down when they moved in and promised to pay the other half at the end of a year. That'll be about a month from now.

[Frank Salem]

Go on.

[Andrew Rines]

What occurred to me, ma'am, was that you could fix it so they'd clear out without paying that last half. Then the land would revert to you and you'd be free to sell it to me.

[Frank Salem]

Oh, I could. And just how would I go about doing all this?

[Andrew Rines]

They're using Jones Creek for irrigating, ain't they?

[Frank Salem]

They are.

[Andrew Rines]

And the creek's on your land, ain't it?

[Frank Salem]

It is.

[Andrew Rines]

I understand you give them permission for it, but I found out that permission weren't never given in writing, so.

[Frank Salem]

So I'm to tell them they can't take no more water, is that it?

[Andrew Rines]

Just so.

[Frank Salem]

That'd be real slick, wouldn't it? I could keep the cash that already paid me, besides banking what I'd get for selling the land all over again.

[Andrew Rines]

Ma'am, I knew the minute I laid eyes on you that you was a smartin'you're. The kind I like to do business with. I reckon we.

[Frank Salem]

Just a second.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah?

[Frank Salem]

You said your name was Mason?

[Andrew Rines]

That's it, ma'am.

[Frank Salem]

Well, Mr. Mason, I'm a lady. Leastways, I wear skirts, so ain't privileged to put in words the things I'm thinking. And at my age, I wouldn't try to give you the Larapin you deserve. Though 40 years ago I'd have handled two like you without even making work of it.

[Andrew Rines]

Say now.

[Frank Salem]

But I still got a voice to holler with and I can use it. Either you may track straight out of here, or I yell for the boys and tell them to give you what fur. Now, by thunder you get.

[Andrew Rines]

But listen, I, I.

[Frank Salem]

All right, you ask for it.

[Andrew Rines]

No, no, no, no, no. Don't holler. I'm a going.

[Frank Salem]

You just better.

[Andrew Rines]

I'm a leaving.

[Frank Salem]

Don't you never come back.

[Andrew Rines]

But before I go, I'll tell you something, ma'am. What's wrong with you is you're too doggone old to have good sense. I never heard anybody. Hey there. Huh? What do you want? I heard you inside there, mister. I was in the kitchen when I seen you leaving. I hurried around to catch you before you left. You did, huh? What for? Don't know who I am, do you? Now look here, young fellow. I wouldn't care if you was the governor of this here state. I'm in a hurry. My name's Frank Salem. I don't. Old Abby's my grandma. You're taking objection to what I said to a husband? Well, mister, don't get in such a hurry. You got me all wrong. Would it be worth anything to you if maybe I was to fix it so you could buy that land? You mean. I asked you a question. Would it be worth anything to you or wouldn't it? Young feller, it'd be worth plenty. I thought so. What do you have, Mason? You and me can talk business, but this ain't the place for it. Get aboard your horse and ride. Slow down the trail. I'll saddle and catch up with you in just a few minutes. Two days later, a masked man and an Indian, mounted upon powerful stallions held their horses motionless at the rear of a small cabin. A broad shouldered man of late middle age looked at them with curiosity. You know, I can't figure you fellas out. You, for instance. You're masked. Instead of taking what grub you need at the point of a gun, you offer to pay for it like anybody else. Ain't that a kind of funny way for a crook to act? But we're not crooks then. Yeah. And that's the second time you've called me by name. We ain't never met before, have we? No. How come you know it? We'd heard about you. I understand it was your idea that this spot here at the head of the valley would make good farming land. Well, I guess you could say it was my idea as much as anyone's. Anyhow, it was me that talked old Abby into selling us this land on time. I'm not sure you made a good choice. No, and dry farming wouldn't pay. Here. You're getting water from Jones Creek, but there are plenty of seasons when there's no water in it. What'll you do then? You mean to say sometimes the creek dries up? I know it does, Toddo and I've been through this part of the country often for the past two years. It's run full. I know. But next year, as likely as not, it won't. Maybe for several years in a row. Oh, say, now, I don't know as I believe that it's true. Nevertheless, you wouldn't be working for a fellow named Mason, would you? Mason? Who's he? Never mind. You wouldn't admit it if you was. Oh, here comes Cynthia with your grub. Well, I said you could have it and you've paid, so I won't go back in my word. But so be it. If you are working for a Mason, I'd advise you to steer clear of here in the future. But, Dan, listen. Thanks, honey. Well, it's all done up for you, stranger. Fine time to put it in your saddlebag. And, Dan, whoever this Mason is, you can take my word for it, we are not in his hire. Who's that, Pa? It's Frank Salem. Well, so it is. Looks like him that other fellow rounded up a couple of strays. Stranger, if you want to stay out of sight, you and the engine can round the camera. We're not running from anyone. I think they've seen my mask already. Well, suit yourself. Hi there, Frank. Where'd you find them critters? Don't let them get away from you, Slim. They won't. Well, which one of you was it, Reynolds? You? Or did you get this Mass fella here to do it for you, huh? What are you talking about, Frank? You know as well as I do. So I'll give you a warning the next time you hack after beef pay for it. We ain't raising cows for farmers to steal off us. Well, doggone, Frank. You surely ain't saying I tried to steal them cows, are you? Look at them ropes around their necks. You figure we put them there? Why? What? Reynolds, we found the place where you cut our fence and let those critters out. We picked up your trail and followed it. You know where it took us? That grove of yours back there. We found these stairs Tied up out of sight. Tied by the ropes you're looking at. But you forgot one thing. You forgot that cowmen can read signs. I guess being a farmer, you didn't think of that, huh? It's not true. How dare you say we'd steal. I ain't gonna argue about this. Just serving warning like I said. I'd advise you not to forget it. Look here, Frank, I'll swear I never had a. Don't waste your breath. Ain't it? Well, I suppose if you was willing to give your name, you wouldn't be wearing that mask. But I reckon you ought to be warned too. Yes, Crooks don't last long around this neck of the woods. Just keep that in mind. Perhaps you'd like to do something about it now. Nope. A warning ought to do if you got sense. Come on, Slim. We gotta get these critters back. Get up, boy. Get up. Well, if that don't beat all.

[Frank Salem]

How could those cows gotten in our grove?

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, gone if I know. But I sure hate to have old Abby think we're stealing from her after her being so good to us. Then. Yeah. Maybe Tado and I can find out for you. Oh, those fellows aren't the only ones able to read sign. I think we'll have a look at it for ourselves. Say, would you, stranger? And let us know if you found out anything? Of course. Ready, Kimasabi? Come on, get him up. Scout. An hour later. Who. Who's the. Here's where the fence was cut. Ah, this story hasn't been hard to read, Kimosabe. Oh, it easy. Those fellas cut the fence themselves. They herded those steers into the grove, dismounted long enough to put ropes around their necks, making it appear they'd been tied and headed for Reynolds cabin. I forgot that anyone reading the sign correctly would see that the prints made by their horses were made at the same time as those left by the steers. That right. And not a single tree in the grove showed where a rope had been tied around it. Imagine those steers attempting to pull loose and still not cutting into the bark. Them he foolish and up to some game we're looking into. What do now? We promised Dan a report and he's getting it. Come on. Almost a week passed. One evening, Frank Salem finished his supper, pushed his plate aside and.

[Frank Salem]

Yeah, all through. Well, I'll clear off the table.

[Andrew Rines]

Wait a minute. Granny.

[Frank Salem]

Yes?

[Andrew Rines]

I want to talk to you. There's things have got to be decided on by you. By both of us.

[Frank Salem]

Well, now, Frank. That's right. Kind of you. I've been thinking lately I weren't really needed around here seeing as how you've been taking so much on yourself. So we're to decide something, huh? Well, guess what?

[Andrew Rines]

You needn't talk that way to me.

[Frank Salem]

If I was younger, I wouldn't. I'd swear spank you instead. Now get on with it. What's fretting you?

[Andrew Rines]

It's Reynolds and them settlers just hold land to. You're gonna do something about them, ain't you? You don't mean to just stand by while they'll rob you blind, do you?

[Frank Salem]

I've been giving that quite a bit of thought. Well, if they are stealing, then of course it'll have to be stopped.

[Andrew Rines]

Well, I should think so, but it.

[Frank Salem]

Ain'T easy to believe. I'd never sold to em if I hadn't figured they was honest. And once I make up my mind about folks, it takes a heap to change it.

[Andrew Rines]

You sure ain't doubtin they've robbed us, are you? How about them steers I found on Reynolds place just a week ago? How about that bunch of yearlings we found behind the Lathrop place just day before yesterday? And yesterday again.

[Frank Salem]

I know, I know. Well, then I think maybe tomorrow you better ask Dan Reynolds to drop over here. Don't tell him why. Just say I'd like to have a talk with him. I suppose I better see what he's got to say.

[Andrew Rines]

I wouldn't. You know what I'd do if I was Ugor. Who's that?

[Frank Salem]

Why don't you tell him to come in and find out?

[Andrew Rines]

Come in. There, there. Oscar.

[Frank Salem]

Dan Reynolds.

[Andrew Rines]

Ma'am, you got to believe me. I. Sir, I know. We've listened to your blasted lies all the way here and we're sick of it.

[Frank Salem]

What's this all about? Just what do you mean by dragging Mr. Reynolds in here like this?

[Andrew Rines]

Ma'am, the dirty sneak was butchering one of your steers. We caught him in the ass. It ain't so, Ms. Salem. The reason they caught me by that steer was I heard a shot and went over to see what had happened. It was a steer that had been shot. And I was standing there wondering who'd done it when these fellas rode up and grabbed me. But it wasn't me that shot it. Honest it was. Didn't I tell you to shut up? Ma'am? Don't you believe anything he says. He's lying to you. Lim and me not only seen him shoot the critter when we rode up, he Already had his knife out ready to skin it. So we picked him up and brought him here. You can do with him what you want. Didn't I tell you? Didn't I tell you all along what the skunk was doing? And the rest of them settlers are doing the same thing.

[Frank Salem]

Quiet, Dan. I'm sorry about this. Me and Frank just been talking about. You told Frank I didn't believe you'd done what he'd been accusing Ms. Salem.

[Andrew Rines]

As sure as I'm a foot high, I've been framed.

[Frank Salem]

If my boys hadn't caught you in the act, maybe I would have believed you.

[Andrew Rines]

But you must.

[Frank Salem]

But as it is, I reckon I've been wrong about you and your friends from the first. It pains me to say it, but I must have been.

[Andrew Rines]

Listen, we.

[Frank Salem]

No. Talking won't do you no good. It's too late for that. But if it's jail you're worrying about, you needn't. Don't aim to advertise what a soft hearted idiot I've been by taking this to court.

[Andrew Rines]

Someday you'll see you're wrong about this, Abby.

[Frank Salem]

You won't go to jail. But the first thing in the morning, my men leave here with orders to see that neither you nor any of your neighbors gets water from Jones Creek. They'll have orders to shoot the first one of you that goes near it on sight.

[Andrew Rines]

We've got to have water. Right now. We need it more than ever.

[Frank Salem]

You heard what I said.

[Andrew Rines]

It'd ruin us.

[Frank Salem]

But you brought it on yourself.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, we must have.

[Frank Salem]

Not another word, Dan. It just be a waste of breath. I've said it and I stand by it. Boys, turn Dan loose. He's free to go home.

[Andrew Rines]

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.

[Narrator]

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[Andrew Rines]

Now to continue our story. The Lone Ranger who had overheard old Abby's decision returned to his secret camp. Tunho was waiting for you, man. Where you go? I've been at the Salem place. Oh? Dan Reynolds was just brought there. Accused of butchering one of their steers. Abby refused to prosecute, but she's also refused to let the settlers continue to get water from Jones Creek for their farms. That bad? Nevertheless, how do I believe Abby's sincere? I doubt that she'd do a thing like this just to get that property back before the settlers can make the final payment on it. She honestly believes that Reynolds and the others have been stealing from her. Them not steal. This is Frank's doing. That right? And if he's engineered this, it can be for only one reason. Undoubtedly, Mason is trying not only to defraud the settlers, but his employer, Caleb Chandler as well. He very likely hopes to get the land for a fraction of what he was authorized to pay. Then pocket the difference after he's paid off. Frank, I think you'd better get ready for a trip. Kimosabe. Where me go to Caleb's place. Shouldn't take but a few days. If you keep going, I think Caleb will remember you. If he doesn't, it won't be difficult for you to identify yourself. And then what do? And bring Caleb back here with you. Tell him what we suspect is going on. And I doubt you'll have trouble. He'll most likely be as anxious to come as we are to have him. Me go now. At once. Here, Scout. I'll give you a hand with the saddle. The sooner you get started, the sooner you'll be. The following day, the yard in front of Dan Reynolds cabin was a gathering place for his angry neighbors. Each of the men present carried a weapon in some shape or form. The women, although unarmed, were as indignant as their husbands and fathers.

[Frank Salem]

They filled in the ditches.

[Andrew Rines]

Ain't a drop of water coming through from the creek. They think we're just gonna stand by while our crops go to blazes? They're local if they do. But look along the bank, you can.

[Frank Salem]

See Abby's men guarding the creek.

[Andrew Rines]

They want you to do something. I think they want to fight, and we'll give it to them. Well, you're gonna stand here talking about it all day, or are we gonna do something? This ain't getting us no place. Let's get to our horses and ride over there. I'm ready. The rest, if the rest of you are let. Come on. Well, I'll be blasted. Look at there. One of them's got the nerve to ride right over here. Well, I'll get him. Watch out. Doggone it, Dan. Why'd you have to go and shove my arm and spile my aim? But that's a mask, Feller. He ain't on. He's done me one good turn already. Fellers, put up your gun. Who in thunder is he? That's sure some horse he's riding. Look at it come. You say you met him before, Dan? I sure did. Hi there. Hello, Dan. Ho, ho, ho somewhere. Hello there, stranger. What are you doing? I see you and your friends are getting ready to fight this out. You bet we are. Mr. Dan. Yeah? I believe you know Grandma Salem better than any of your neighbors do. Do you believe she's done this for her own profit? It's a chance to keep what we paid her and still sell to that Mason feller, ain't it? You haven't answered question. I want to know if you believe Abby honest or dishonest. Well, I. I don't know. Stop and look at this from her point of view. You and your friends are comparative strangers to her. You know that you're not to blame for this trouble, and so do I. But how's she to know it? What reason is she to take your word on this against that of her grandson and the men who work for her? None, I suppose. But just the same. Just the same. You mean to make a fight of it, huh? Well, if you do, you'll know you've been in a fight. Some of you may be killed. Those fellows keeping watch at the creek mean business. That creek is on Abby's property. She has the right to keep trespasses from it if she chooses. Her men kill. They'll simply be defending the right of their employer. If you kill, however, the law will see it as murder. I suppose you got a better idea? I have. If you listen, I don't know what it could be. Put down those arms. As I'VE told you and I'll explain it. We might as well. Folks listening don't mean we can't decide for ourselves afterwards. That's better. Now then, what's on your mind? Then you and every one of you are going to do just exactly as Frank Salem hoped for. You're going to abandon your farms. The first surprise and anger of the settlers at the Lone Ranger's proposal disappeared as the masked man went on to explain his plan in detail. Three days passed. Then late one afternoon, Frank Salem burst into the cafe in town, looked swiftly about and headed for the table where Mason sat alone. Mason. Huh? Oh, you. Huh? Frank, sit down. Name your pies. Ain't got time for a drink, huh? What's up, Mason? We're done. It? You mean they cleared out the settlers? Lock, stock and barrel? Every last one of them. Oh, you fooling? You think so? Then just get on your horse and ride over toward the valley. There ain't no one of them left. They loaded up their wagons and pulled out. Well, I'll be dog gone. They had to do it. They was licked and they knew it. Without water from the creek, they couldn't raise so much as a measly crop of weeds. They just had one choice, and that was to get while the getting was good. Then you think that Grandma will sell to you? Sure she will. Why shouldn't she? Right now she's mad enough to sell to anybody at their own price. Then let's get going. Hey, not so fast, huh? How about the cash app rounds? Me? I've done my part. Now, when do I get paid? All I told you, you'd get half of the difference between what I'll have to pay your grandma and what Caleb figured I'd have to pay. Pay? Didn't I? Yeah, but I. How will I know what you got coming till I find out what your grandma's going to ask? Come on. You don't need to worry. You'll get cash on the barrel head right after this deal goes through. Old Abby Salem made no further protest when Mason offered to buy the land. She accepted the price he suggested and the deal completed. Mason and Frank left the ranch half an hour later.

[Frank Salem]

Slim.

[Andrew Rines]

Yes?

[Frank Salem]

You figure I done right to sell that feller?

[Andrew Rines]

Why, I don't see why you shouldn't have, ma'am. As long as them settlers cleared out and you ain't got no use for the land, somebody might as well have it.

[Frank Salem]

I suppose so. What do you think of Mason?

[Andrew Rines]

Me?

[Frank Salem]

Yes, you.

[Andrew Rines]

Why, I'd say he seemed to be Real fast spoken.

[Frank Salem]

I didn't like him at all. Sneaky looking, that's what he was. Don't know what Frank seen in the fellow. Seemed anxious enough to go someplace with him, though.

[Andrew Rines]

Yes.

[Frank Salem]

Collins, see who it is.

[Andrew Rines]

Yes. Even Ms. Salem Dale Reynolds.

[Frank Salem]

I thought you and your thieving friends cleared out.

[Andrew Rines]

Nope. We changed our mind. Decided we weren't leaving after all, water or no water. So here we are with the cash to make the last payment on what we owe you. Then we'll have full title.

[Frank Salem]

But you cleared out. And I've already sold that property. I thought.

[Andrew Rines]

Didn't you get kind of ahead of yourself? Ma'am, we got it right down in writing that we have till the first of the month to make this payment. Ain't the first yet. So you never had the right to sell to nobody else.

[Frank Salem]

But you'd gone. You'd taken your things. The cabins were empty. We all.

[Andrew Rines]

You deny that? We can keep that land if we're a mind to it?

[Frank Salem]

No.

[Andrew Rines]

Then there's nothing more to discuss. Here's the cash. Some's in gold and some's in folding money. But you'll find it's all there to the penny. What you tell the fellow you sold to is your business.

[Frank Salem]

Slim.

[Andrew Rines]

Yes.

[Frank Salem]

Find that Mason feller. Get Frank. Hurry up and see where they went. They got to be brought right back.

[Andrew Rines]

Yes. Hurrah. Stay where you are, Slim. They'll the fellows you want right here. Todd will bring them along. What's the idea of. Quiet.

[Frank Salem]

Who are you? What are you injured doing here? And who's this fellow with you?

[Andrew Rines]

This is Caleb Chandler. Who I am doesn't matter.

[Frank Salem]

Chandler. Where have I heard your name before?

[Andrew Rines]

Mason was representing me when he bought the land off you. Our land. That'll be settled later, Dan. There's something more important to settle here first. What do you want, Abby? You blamed the settlers for the troubles here. You were convinced they'd been stealing from you. For that reason, you denied them water from the creek for their land.

[Frank Salem]

And even if that land still does belong to them, they'll never get one drop of water off of my place. What I said afore still stands.

[Andrew Rines]

Even if it were proven to you, they were not to blame. Don't listen to them, Grandma. Of course they stole our beef. Weren't it proved a dozen times over? They can't come. You'll keep still. Abbey, I believe Caleb has a question to ask you. Well, Ms. Salem, I just want to know one thing. How much did Mason pay you for that land this evening?

[Frank Salem]

$1,000?

[Andrew Rines]

That doesn't agree with what you told Mr. Chandler outside. Mason, I. What's this all about, Ms. Salem? You tell me. He paid you 1,000 outside. He told me he'd paid 2,000. Now, I'd give a lot to know just where that extra thousand went to. I. One moment, Abby. As I said before, you blame the settlers. But as a matter of fact, every bit of evidence against them was reported to you, either by your grandson or by the two men of your crew who are his special friends. I'll show you why. Look here. You can't bully me. Grandmo, tell him to stop it.

[Frank Salem]

What are you doing?

[Andrew Rines]

He won't be harmed. You'll learn in a moment. Find it out of here. Here. Cash. Good. Take it, Abby. Count it. And suppose you ask Frank where he got that much money?

[Frank Salem]

$500.

[Andrew Rines]

Tell your grandmother what you did to earn it, young fellow. You'll go to blazes, Frank.

[Narrator]

Well, you.

[Frank Salem]

You never had anywhere near that much cash alter once in all your life, Frank. Where'd you get it?

[Andrew Rines]

That's my business. It isn't necessary for you to tell us. Search Mason and you'll find another $500. Add both together and you get 1000. The exact difference between what Mason paid you, Abby. What he told Caleb he paid Frank.

[Frank Salem]

What did you do to earn that much cash? Why would Mr. Mason have given you any such money as that?

[Andrew Rines]

I won't answer. I don't have to answer anything.

[Frank Salem]

No. No, I reckon you don't. This don't need answering, Frank. You've made me more ashamed than I've ever been afore in all my life. Dan, I've got to apologize. I hope you and the others don't think I had any part in this scheme.

[Andrew Rines]

Why, of course we don't. Sharks? No, ma'am. The mask fellow convinced us of that. Caleb. Yeah? I've already told Dan and the others that land at the head of the valley isn't going to be what they want for farming. The land belongs to them. But I have an idea you'll be able to come to terms with them. Is that so? Men, you want to buy us out? When I sent Mason here, I figured on that land costing me 2,000. Well, that figure still stands. 2,000 for the land the minute you say it's mine. And I reckon we'll take you up on it. It still gives us a clear profit so's we can get another start.

[Frank Salem]

And I've been paid in full twice over, Mr. Chandler. I'll give you back a thousand Mason paid me right now.

[Andrew Rines]

Thank you, ma'am. What's to be done with these two Scots? I'll take care of that, Abby. Yes, you wouldn't prosecute us when you figured we was in the wrong, so we won't turn Frank over the law. I reckon you're still handy enough to deal with them in your own way. I will. And as for you, Mason, I got my cash back, so I reckon you can go free too. But you're fired. And I'll see to it you don't never get another job in this here state.

[Frank Salem]

Well, that settles that, folks. It seems to me that one fella deserves a heap of thanks for the way things turned out. And that's the mask man.

[Narrator]

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[Andrew Rines]

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

[Narrator]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand Steve who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening. You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job posts seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, Sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com Arts, just go to Indeed.com Arts right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.