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Series: The Lone Ranger
Show: The Telltale Bullet
Date: Sep 30 1953

THE TELLTALE BULLET

by Fran Striker (Number 3232-2Y53)
Sept 30, 1953 Original Broadcast

CAST:

ANNCR
CASH HANNA (tough outlaw)
DIRK NASBY (tough outlaw)
DR. DOYLE (elderly, straight)
MRS. DOYLE: (his elderly wife, straight)
DAVE DOYLE (about 20, weak)
SCAR: (bit)
BLACKIE (bit)
RANGER
TONTO
Commercial: Mom
Commercial: Kid
Commercial: Announcer 2

ANNCR:

Cheerios...the nourishing breakfast cereal made from oats and ready to eat presents...THE LONE RANGER.

MUSIC:

THEME, FULL THEN BG

RANGER:

Hi Yo Silver!

SOUND:

GUNSHOTS AND HOOVES

ANNCR:

A fiery horse with the speed of light. A cloud of dust and a hearty Hi Yo Silver! The Lone Ranger!

MUSIC:

THEME FULL THEN BG

ANNCR:

With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto-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 hoofbeats of the great horse, Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again!

RANGER:

Come on Silver. Let's go big fellah. Hi Yo Silver, Away!

MUSIC:

BURST

ANNCR:

Through the efforts of the Lone Ranger and Tonto, two outlaws named Cash Hanna and Dirk Nasby went to prison. When they were released, the Masked Man was certain they would resume their careers of crime, so he and Tonto picked up their trail.

SOUND:

HOOVES AT A WALK --BIRDS AND WHINNYS BG

ANNCR:

After following the tracks of the outlaw's horses for several days, the Lone Ranger and Tonto were riding west along the floor of a valley on the trail leading to Bartonville, Kansas. Suddenly, the masked man signaled a halt!

AD LIB:

WHOAS (Ranger, Tonto)

SOUND:

HOOVES STOP

RANGER:

(DISMOUNTING): They stopped here, Tonto. Let's dismount and study the tracks.

TONTO:

(DISMOUNTING): Plenty hoofmark here.

RANGER:

Yes. And they're fresh. We're not far behind those crooks.

TONTO:

Kemo Sabay-three horse come here from opposite direction.

RANGER:

You're right, Tonto. And from here, FIVE horsemen headed south toward that hill.

TONTO:

Cash and Dirk meet three others.

RANGER:

The town of Bartonville is just beyond that hill.

TONTO:

Me wonder why them go there. Maybe---

RANGER:

(INTERRUPTING): Tonto-

TONTO:

What you find on ground, Kemo Sabay?

RANGER:

A small piece of black cloth. And here's another.

TONTO:

Me see OTHER pieces. Two-three.

RANGER:

(SHARPLY): Tonto-I think those pieces were cut from cloth to make eyeholes.

TONTO:

That mean crooks make masks.

RANGER:

And rode toward Bartonville prepared for a hold up. Come on, Tonto.

TONTO:

(MOUNTING): We go after them?

RANGER:

(MOUNTING): Yes. Come on Silver!!!

TONTO:

Gettum up Scout!!

SOUND:

HOOVES TO QUICK GALLOP

MUSIC:

BURST

SOUND:

HOOVES GALLOPING

ANNCR:

After reaching the top of the hill, the Lone Ranger and Tonto rode down the other side through a stand of timber. Coming out of the woods they saw the rear of a row of buildings on the Bartonville main street some distance away. Five horses stood at ground hitch behind the bank.

RANGER:

(OVER HOOVES): Those may be the outlaw's horses, Tonto.

ANNCR:

At that instant, five men came from the bank's back door and ran to the horses. All of the men wore black cloth over their faces, and one carried a bulging sack.

RANGER:

(OVER HOOVES): The outlaws! A bank robbery. Come on Silver!!

SOUND:

DISTANT GUNSHOTS

TONTO:

(OVER HOOVES): Them see us. Them shoot!

RANGER:

(OVER HOOVES): Return the fire!!!

SOUND:

AD LIB CLOSE SHOTS

TONTO:

Look Kemo Sabay, you hit one in arm.

RANGER:

Right, Tonto. We're gaining on them.

TONTO:

(CRY OUT) (BULLET CREASES SCALP)

RANGER:

(SHARPLY): Tonto! (FAST AD LIB WHOAS)

SOUND:

HOOVES STOP

TONTO:

(GASPING): Me---------me hit!

RANGER:

Steady, Tonto.: (EFFORT): I'll hold you in the saddle.

TONTO:

Crooks-------escape.

RANGER:

We'll deal with them later. Let me look at that wound.

TONTO:

Me not lose consciousness-----

RANGER:

I'm sure your wound is only skin deep. Can you ride as far as the woods?

TONTO:

Me ride.

RANGER:

Good. We'll get away from here, then dress your wound.

AD LIB:

GET UPS

SOUND:

HOOVES START

MUSIC:

BURST

SOUND:

RUNNING STREAM

ANNCR:

A short time later, the Lone Ranger found a place beside a stream where Tonto's scalp wound could be given the necessary attention. First, he cleansed the wound, applied a healing salve, then bandaged it.

RANGER:

There, Tonto. Feel better?

TONTO:

Uggg. It all right now. But you use all of bandage.

RANGER:

We'll get more bandages and other medical supplies at the first opportunity. Do you feel able to ride?

TONTO:

Me all right.

RANGER:

Then let's head for town and the nearest Doctor's office.

SOUND:

STREAM OUT

MUSIC:

BURST

ANNCR:

It was night when the masked man and Tonto drew rein in front of a two story house on a corner.

SOUND:

HOOVE STOP....CRICKETS BG

ANNCR:

A lamplit sign beside the door said, "Dr. Doyle" and a white placard in a first floor window bore the words, "Doctor IN".

RANGER:

(DISMOUNTING) Wait here, Tonto.

ANNCR:

Dismounting, the Lone Ranger peered through the window and saw that the doctor's office was occupied by an elderly woman, and a gray haired man seated at a desk. He went inside.

SOUND:

DOOR OPEN AND CLOSE, CRICKETS OUT

RANGER:

Dr. Doyle?

DOC:

Yes, I'm the doctor. And this is my wife, Mary. She acts as my nurse, also.

RANGER:

Nice to meet you, Mrs. Doyle.

MARY:

(NO NONSENSE): Can't say the pleasure's mutual, Mister. If you're here for medical help, we need to know why you're wearing that mask. The doctor and I like to know who we're treatin'.

DOC:

His mask doesn't worry me, Mary. All I'm interested in is people's ailments. So, what ails YOU, mister?

RANGER:

Nothing ails me, doctor. But I'd like to buy some bandages, gauze and antiseptic.

MARY:

We sell a complete medical kit for three dollars. If you have the money, you can have the kit.

DOC:

(RISES): I'll go get the kit for you mister. (FADING) I think we still have one back here, somewhere.

MARY:

Still don't like the idea of that mask, mister, but if the doctor isn't worried, I won't be either. Seems like more and more folks out here have somethin' to hide.

RANGER:

I have nothing to hide, Mrs. Doyle. If I had more time, I'd explain my mask, but right now I need that medical kit to help my friend.

MARY:

Guess it's all right then. Folks helpin' their friends can't be all bad.

ANNCR:

As Mrs Doyle talked, the masked man glanced at the doctor's desk and saw a magnifying glass and a small object which the physician had evidently been examining. It was a silver bullet!

DOC:

(FADING IN): Here you are, mister. You'll find this kit quite complete.

RANGER:

Good, here's the money.

SOUND:

COINS ON DESK (CLINK, CLINK, CLINK)

RANGER:

Doctor, isn't that a silver bullet on your desk?

DOC:

Oh---I THOUGHT it was silver.

MARY:

That's right, mister. Sure looked like silver to us.

RANGER:

Did you take it from a man's right arm?

DOC:

(GUARDED): Why-----why do you ask?

RANGER:

I think it came from the arm of a man who took part in a bank robbery in Bartonville today.

DOC:

What makes you think that?

MARY:

Yes, Mister, what makes you think a thing like that?

RANGER:

I'm sure it's one I fired at the escaping bandits.

DOC:

(SURPRISED): You---you fired the silver bullet?

RANGER:

Yes. People call me the Lone Ranger.

MARY:

The Lone Ranger! Of course. That explains the mask, Joel.

DOC:

Yes, it sure does. Fancy having you here, masked man.

RANGER:

Tonto and I are on the trail of bank robbers, and I think we're getting close. Doctor, will you tell me where to find the man from whom you removed the bullet??

DOC:

I---I-no. No I can't. I mean, I shouldn't. It-it would be unethical.

MARY:

He's right about that, Mister. It would be unethical.

RANGER:

Unethical? Hummmm. Very well, Doctor. I'll leave you and Mrs. Doyle with your consciences. But, I'll return if you want me to.

DOC:

You will?

RANGER:

Yes. I'll look for a signal in your window tomorrow night.

MARY:

A signal? What kind of signal?

DOC:

Wait, I have it. This placard in the window.

RANGER:

"Doctor In."

DOC:

Yes. If it's upside down in the window, it will mean that we're here alone, and we want to talk to you.

RANGER:

All right, doctor. If your sign is upside down, I'll be here. Now goodnight to you both. I don't know exactly what's going on, but I certainly plan to find out!

MUSIC:

BURST

ANNCR:

After the Lone Ranger Left, the doctor and his wife sat down at his desk, and a moment later their adopted son, a pale young man with feverish eyes came down the stairway and into the office. He carried his right arm in a sling, and in his left hand he held a gun.

DOC:

David. We thought you'd gone to bed.

MARY:

Yes. I thought I heard your room door close.

DAVID:

No...I've been listening at the head of the stairs.

MARY:

What-what are you doing with that pistol?

DAVID:

With that outlaw here, I thought it might be needed.

DOC:

If you were listening, then you know he's not an outlaw, he's the Lone Ranger.

DAVID:

That's who he SAYS he is, but I know better.

MARY:

Better? What are you talking about, son?

DAVID:

I recognized him. He's the bank robber who shot me.

DOC:

He is?

DAVID:

Yes. I told you what happened. I was standing outside the Bartonville Bank when those crooks ran out, shooting. One of their bullets hit my arm, and I'm sure it was fired by the masked man who left here.

DOC:

Hummmm. David, we'd like to believe you.

DAVID:

(BITTERLY): You would believe me if I were your own son, instead of an adopted one.

MARY:

Don't say that, David. You know very well that we've been more than fair with you. We've indulged your whims and been patient with your vices.

DAVID:

Vices! You mean, gambling. I promised to quite gambling and I've kept my promise.

DOC:

I wonder.

DAVID:

(PLEADING): Please, Dad, Mom. Please don't tell that masked crook about me. His gang would kill us. Besides...besides, you've got to consider your ethics!

MARY:

Maybe we ought to give him another chance, Joel. I just don't know.

DOC:

(DECISION): Very well, David. We'll keep your secret. We'll let the law worry about the bank robbery. (SIGH) I hope we're doing the right thing. Now you go to bed, and rest your arm.

MUSIC:

BURST

ANNCR:

The curtain falls on the first act of tonight's exciting adventure. The Lone Ranger will be right back after this important message from Cheerios, the nourishing breakfast cereal made from oats and ready to eat.

ANNCR 2:

(LIGHT) Has this scene ever happened at YOUR Saturday morning breakfast table?

MUSIC:

LIGHT KID THEME BACKGROUND

BOY:

(PLEADING): Aw, Mom, that's not fair. You said I could go out and play right after breakfast!

MOM:

I said you could go out and play after you FINISHED your breakfast, Jimmy. And so far you haven't even touched your CEREAL.

BOY:

But I don't LIKE that gritty stuff you bought. It's hard to chew and it hurts my mouth.

MOM:

Well, I just can't go around buying every cereal on the grocery shelf, Jimmy...Money doesn't grow on trees in this family (FADING) I thought you'd have known that by now.

ANNCR2:

If you've ever had a problem like that at YOUR house, Mom, just listen to this! Cheerios, the nourishing cereal made from oats is ready to eat by everyone in your family. Specially by active young boys like Jimmy. You see, Cheerios are toasted whole grain oats, deliciously blended into those fun-to-eat little letter O's. And best of all, they're not only good, but they're so good FOR you. That's because nutrition experts know that whole grain oats supply lots of vitamins. So-you don't have to worry about costly supplements anymore. Cheerios does it ALL---as Jimmy's mom found out.

BOY:

(EXCITED) Wow Mom....Cheerios are really neat. They're fun to eat and they taste so GOOD. Can I have another bowl please?

MOM:

(TEASING):: Aren't you afraid you'll be too late for play, Jimmy?

BOY:

Mom-with a breakfast cereal like Cheerios, just plain EATING's play enough for me. So-how about that extra bowl?

MOM:

(LAUGHS GOOD NATUREDLY)

ANNCR2:

Problem noted. Problem solved. So-join thousands of other moms like Jimmy's and you too can be a breakfast heroine every morning of the week. Remember, Cheerios, the delicious breakfast cereal made from oats and read to eat. Try 'em-you'll LOVE 'em!

MUSIC:

TO TAG

ANNCR:

Now to continue. After his talk with his mother and father, David Doyle didn't go to bed as he pretended. Instead, he waited until the doctor turned out the lights-then he sneaked outside to his saddled horse and rode off. In his haste, he didn't notice the Lone Ranger and Tonto who were watching from the trees!

DAVID:

(QUIET GET UPS)

SOUND:

HOOVES, HORSE NOISE

ANNCR:

About an hour later, he was one of five men seated at a table in a cabin in the nearby hills. With him sat the ex-convicts Cahs Hanna and Dirk Nasby, and the Caines brothers-Blackie and Scar who operated a gambling place in town. Though savage dogs stood guard outside, the faces of the men showed fear as Dave told of the Lone Ranger's visit to the doctor's home. When Dave got through, Cash Hanna said-

CASH:

Boys, we'll have to get rid of the Lone Ranger or he'll get us. Right, Dirk?

DIRK:

Yeah, that's right, Cash. He and the Injun almost caught us in Bartonville. Yeah-the Lone Ranger's got to die. Dave, you should have plugged him when he was in your house.

DAVID:

I couldn't shoot straight with my left hand.

DIRK:

Huh. Excuses.

CASH:

Boys, I've got an idea. I know how we can get the Lone Ranger. Dave, didn't you tell us the Doc would up-end his window sign if he wanted the Lone Ranger to call tomorrow night?

DAVID:

Yes. But Dad promised me he wouldn't do it.

CASH:

Listen. Can you figure a way to send the old Doc and your Mom out of town on some kind of fake emergency call??

DAVID:

I don't know....I guess so. But it'd have to be something serious so Mom would have to go along as his nurse.

CASH:

Good! Late tomorrow afternoon you send 'em on a ranch call that'll keep them away for a few hours. We'll put his card in the window upside down.

DIRK:

Yeah, that's a good idea Cash. The Lone Ranger'll see the card and go into the house, and we'll be there to shoot him.

DAVID:

No---no. We can't do that.

CASH:

(HARD): Why not???

DAVID:

Wha---what about Tonto?

CASH:

If he's there, we'll shoot him too.

DAVID:

B-but if the Lone Ranger's killed in the house, I'll get the blame!

CASH:

Blame for what? Who knows he's the Lone Ranger? Stick to yer story that he's one of the bank robbers. Say he came to kill you so you couldn't identify him.

DIRK:

Yeah. Say you had to shoot him in self defense.

BLACKIE:

Say you shot him with your left hand. You'll be a hero around town.

DAVID:

No. I - I...

CASH:

(ANGRY): Now what's the matter?

DAVID:

I – I don't like that idea---

DIRK:

Yer yellow!

DAVID:

I went through with my part of the hold up, and I didn't get a cent out of it.

BLACKIE:

You got plenty out of it. Scar and I tore up yer IOU's at our gamblin' place.

DAVID:

That's the only reason I went with you on that bank job. But now you want me to get mixed up in murder! I was a fool to gamble in the first place.

CASH:

Yeah---- well it's too late to think of that now.

DIRK:

(HARD): You heard the plans.

DAVID:

Yes! But I won't go along with-----

CASH:

(CUT IN...EFFORT): Why you lilly livered milksop. Take that!

SOUND:

SLAPS

DAVID:

Owww

CASH:

(EFFORT): Here's some more.

SOUND:

AD LIB SLAPS

DAVID:

(FRANTIC GASPS): Stop. Stop slapping my face!!

DIRK:

That's just the beginning. Unless you stick with us.

DAVID:

(Half sobs): You ---you murdering...

CASH:

How about it, Doyle? You with us, or do you need more persuadin'?

DAVID:

No-No, I'll stick. Just don't hit me again.

DIRK:

Now yer bein' smart. But don't forget our plan!

CASH:

Yeah, we'll be watchin' for your folks to leave town tomorrow afternoon.

DIRK:

But if anything goes wrong, you'll get another slug. An' this time it won't be silver. An' it'll be in yer head instead of yer arm.

DAVID:

I-I know.

DIRK:

Now, go on home. We'll see yuh tomorrow.

ANNCR:

Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger and Tonto had followed David to the hideout in the hills. Hearing the dogs when he entered the cabin, they withdrew to a point where they could watch the building from behind some brushwood bordering the moonlight trail! Presently, they saw the cabin door swing open, and a moment later, the man with his arm in a sling was riding toward them.

SOUND:

HOOVES APPROACHING

RANGER:

(SHARPLY): Rein in. You're covered!

DAVID:

AD LIB SURPRISE AND WHOAS

RANGER:

Get your good arm up!

DAVID:

The masked man! Don't shoot me!

RANGER:

Sit still in the saddle and keep your voice down.

DAVID:

I-I'm not armed. Why did you stop me?

RANGER:

We have a lot to talk about. But not here.

DAVID:

Where are you taking me?

RANGER:

Deeper into the hills. Lead his horse, Tonto. I'll ride behind him. Now-let's go!

SOUND:

HOOVES START

MUSIC:

INTERLUDE

SOUND:

CRICKETS BACKGROUND

ANNCR:

After about a mile of riding, the Lone Ranger and Tonto halted with their frightened captive in a moonlight flooded valley.

DAVID:

Wha-what are you going to do with me?

RANGER:

That depends on how truthfully you answer questions. What's your name?

DAVID:

I-I'm David Doyle.

RANGER:

(SURPRISE): The doctor's son?

DAVID:

I'm an adopted son-he adopted me when I was a baby.

RANGER:

Did he take a silver bullet out of your arm?

DAVID:

Yes. Yes, he did.

RANGER:

Do you know who I am?

DAVID:

Yes. You're the Lone Ranger. I heard you talking to Dad.

RANGER:

Then you know I'm the man who shot you, and I know you're one of the men who robbed the Bartonville bank.

TONTO:

Why you rob bank?

DAVID:

I-I wish to heaven I'd never done it. But now I'm in deeper than ever. Those crooks will kill me unless I-

RANGER:

Unless you what?

DAVID:

Unless I help them murder you. What can I do?? Is there any way out? I-I (SOBS)...

RANGER:

Dave, you better pull yourself together and tell us everything you know.

MUSIC:

STING, THEN CRICKETS BG

ANNCR:

Dave was glad to unload his burden of guilt. He told about the robbery and the way he'd lied to his foster father. Then, he revealed the outlaw's plan to murder the Lone Ranger. When he finished, he sighed with relief and said ----

DAVID:

(SIGH): Now you know everything.

RANGER:

Dave, you've been weak. But you might be able to redeem yourself.

DAVID:

(EAGER): I'll do anything you say.

RANGER:

Would you fight on my side?

DAVID:

Yes. YES---I would.

RANGER:

Then we'll make some plans of our own. Tell me this-is there a hayloft in your stable where Tonto and I might hide?

DAVID:

Yes. And there's a shed nearby for your horses.

RANGER:

Good. We'll go there tonight.

DAVID:

What do you want me to do?

RANGER:

Return home and go to bed. Tomorrow do just as you agreed. After that-Tonto and I'll handle the situation.

MUSIC:

STING

SOUND: HOOVES/CREAKING/BUGGY BOARD)
HORSE AND BUGGY STOP

ANNCR: Late the following afternoon when Dr. Doyle returned from several calls in town and halted his horse and buggy, he saw Dave waiting at the door of the stable.

DOC:

Hi there, Dave.

DAVID:

(FADING IN): Hello Dad. I got a message from Jeb Pierce. Sounds like they had a bad accident out at his place. Something fell on two or three of his ranch hands and really smashed them up.

DOC:

Tarnation! Sounds bad all right. Jeb wouldn't ask me to go all the way to his ranch for anything trivial. Spect I might need your mother's help she bein' a nurse and all. Go get her, Dave, while I get this buggy turned around.

DAVID:

You'll probably be gone about three hours.

DOC:

Yes-at least that. Now go get your mother. We've got to move fast!

SOUND:

BUGGY TURNED AROUND (hooves, squeaky wheel, creaking)

ANNCR:

After his parents had left, Dave went to the stable and went inside.

SOUND:

STABLE DOOR CLOSING (creak + door)

ANNCR:

As he closed the door, he called to the Lone Ranger and Tonto who had been in the loft since the previous night.

DAVID:

(CALLS): They're gone. My folks have gone.

RANGER:

(BACK): Good. Then we'll meet you in the office, Dave.

ANNCR:

Without waiting for the masked man and Indian, Dave hurried through a door that opened from the stable directly into the doctor's office.

SOUND:

DOOR OPEN

SOUND:

DRAWER OPENING AND SHUT

RANGER:

(FADING IN): Are we alone in the house, Dave?

DAVID:

Yes.

RANGER:

Then let's prepare for the showdown.

MUSIC:

STAB THEN BACKGROUND FOR

ANNCR:

At that moment, Cash, Dirk and the Caines brothers watching from the concealment of brushwood beyond the edge of town, saw the doctor and his wife driving past. (MUSIC OUT)

SOUND:

HOOVES AND BUGGY PASSING

DIRK:

(CHUCKLES): There goes the doc and his wife on their wild goose chase.

CASH:

Yep. Look like that sissy Doyle kid did his job. Now, just as soon as it's dark we'll go to the house.

SCAR:

And wait for the Lone Ranger.

MUSIC:

STING

ANNCR:

In the doctor's office, the Lone Ranger observed three doors in a side wall. He said –

RANGER:

I know that door leads to the stable. What about the others?

DAVID:

This one opens into a small closet....and the stairs to the second floor are behind this one.

SOUND:

DOOR OPENS

RANGER:

Tonto, you wait in the closet. I'll wait on the stairs. Leave the doors open about an inch.

TONTO:

Me savvy.

RANGER:

Dave, you'd better sit at the desk until the crooks arrive. And don't try to double-cross us!

MUSIC:

STING

ANNCR:

When darkness gathered, Dave lighted a lamp, and a short time later the front door was opened cautiously.

SOUND:

DOOR OPENS

ANNCR:

Cash Hanna peered into the office with a gun in his hand.

CASH:

Is the coast clear, pantywaist?

DAVID:

Doesn't it look that way?

SOUND:

STEPS IN, DOOR CLOSES

ANNCR:

Seeing no one in the room but Dave, the crooks relaxed and lowered their heavy guns.

CASH:

This set up look all right to me.

DIRK:

Yeah. Let's put that sign in the window so the Lone Ranger'll walk into the trap.

RANGER:

(HARD) Don't bother.

AD LIB:

STIR (CASH, DIRK, BLACKIE, SCAR)

RANGER:

(BACK): Drop your guns.

SCAR:

He's here!!

TONTO:

(BACK) Me got you covered.

BLACKIE:

The injun.

CASH:

Dave, yuh dirty double-crosser-I'll kill yuh.

SOUND:

TWO GUNSHOTS....GUN FALLS

CASH:

(HOWL): My arm!

RANGER:

Anyone else want gunplay?

DIRK:

Don't shoot. My hands are up.

BLACKIE:

And mine! Don't shoot us.

SCAR:

Hold yer fire.

CASH:

(PAIN) My arm's busted.

DAVID:

Now you know how a silver bullet hits.

DIRK:

We'll get yuh for this double cross, Dave, if it's the last thing we do.

RANGER:

(FADING IN): Where you're going, you'll not get anyone. Stand against that wall, all of you. Tonto, pick up their guns.

TONTO:

Me gettum.

ANNCR:

Meanwhile, Dr. and Mrs Doyle had returned unexpectedly, and while in the stable heared the shots. As the outlaws sullenly backed against the wall, the Doctor, holding a heavy gun, rushed through the door.

SOUND:

DOOR OPENS

DOC:

(FAST FADE IN):: What's going on here?

ANNCR:

The amazed doctor halted in front of Cash.

RANGER:

(CRY OUT):: Get out of my line of fire.

DAVID:

Get back, Dad.

CASH:

(EFFORT): I've got him!

DOC:

(STRUGGLES)

ANNCR:

Cash sprang forward, wrested the gun from the doctor's grasp, then circled his throat with his left hand.

CASH:

The doc's my shield. One move and I'll break his back with a bullet.

RANGER:

Don't shoot the doctor.

CASH:

Shoot at me an' you'll kill the doc.

DIRK:

Good work, Cash!

CASH:

Now, Lone Ranger, you an' the Injun drop yer guns.

DOC:

Don't do it. I'm not afraid to die. My life is less important than the capture of these crooks.

CASH:

I said, drop those guns.

ANNCR:

While the four crooks watched and waited for the masked man to obey Cash's order, Dave drew a hidden gun from his sling and fired.

SOUND:

SHOT

CASH:

(CRY OUT)

AD LIB:

STIR

ANNCR:

Cash staggered back from the doctor, gasped and fell to the floor.

SOUND:

THUD OF BODY

RANGER:

That does it.

DOC:

David, David-YOU fired that shot!

DAVID:

Y- Yes, Dad. I lied to you. The masked man really is the Lone Ranger.

RANGER:

Stand back, doctor. I'll cover these crooks while Tonto ties them. Dave, it's time to bring in the Sheriff.

DAVID:

Shall I go for him?

RANGER:

Yes. And while you're gone, I have a few things to tell your father and mother.

ANNCR:

When Dave was gone, the Ranger explained to the Doctor and his wife, about their son's role in the bank robbery and the capture of the crooks. Then later, when Dave returned with the Sheriff, he told his mom and dad how sorry he was.

DAVID:

Dad-Mom-when I get out of prison, I'm going to spend the rest of my life trying to make you proud of me.

DOC:

That makes us real happy, son.

MARY:

It sure does, David. Seems like you learned an important lesson from the Lone Ranger and Tonto.

RANGER:

Dave, I've seen how the law works. And I've got a feeling that your help in capturing those crooks will go a long way to making your sentence a light one.

SOUND:

DOOR OPENS

TONTO:

Kemo Sabay. Horses ready.

RANGER:

Tonto's waiting.

ALL:

AD LIB THANKS (MARY, DOC, DAVID)

RANGER:

I'll be expecting big things from you, Dave.

DAVID:

I won't let you down.

SOUND:

DOOR CLOSE

DAVID:

Nor you, Mom and Dad. I'll make good for you---and for the Lone Ranger.

RANGER:

(BACK): Hi Yo Silver----away!

MUSIC:

THEME UP TO TAG.

ANNCR:

This has been a presentation at REPS Radio Showcase 2004. All rights reserved. In our cast you heard: