Classic Audiobook Collection - The Lone Ranger Rides by Fran Striker ~ Full Audiobook [adventure]

Starting point is 00:00:00 the lone ranger rides by franz striker chapter i the basin in a remote basin in the western part of texas the cavendish clan raised cattle from the vast level acreage where longhorns grew fat on lush grass the surrounding hills looked verdant and hospitable but this was pure deceit on nature's part those hills were treacherous and bryant Cavendish loved them for that self-same treachery. Sitting on the porch of his rambling house, the bitter old man spat tobacco-flavored curses at the infirmities that restricted him. His legs, tortured by rheumatism, were propped on a bentwood chair and seemed slim and out of proportion to his barrel-shaped torso. His eyes, like caves beneath an overhanging ledge, were more restless than usual as he

Starting point is 00:01:01 gazed across the basin. He rasped a heavy thumbnail across the bristle of his slab-like jowl. There was something in the air. He couldn't explain. He felt a vague uneasiness, despite the almost pastoral scene before him. He scanned the hills on all sides of the basin, knowing that no stranger could come through the tangle of underbrush and dense forest. Those hills had always been practically impassable. Then his restless eyes fell on the weird riot of color to the north. That was Bryant's gap. Water flowing from the Basin Springs had patiently, through countless ages,

Starting point is 00:01:45 cut the deep cleft in solid rock. The walls towering high on each side reflected unbelievable lures. Bryant's scowl deepened as he observed the gap. he could see but a few yards into it and then it turned and his view ended abruptly on a rainbow wall that wall had often reminded cavendish of a rattler beautiful but dangerous if it is only straight he growled i could see when someone comes this way but the dam canyon is as fickle as a wench's disposition once more his finger scraped across the two-day beard. Cavendish had survived a good many years there in the West. He had risen above the many forms of sudden death to know an old age of comparative security, but like men in that region, where eternal vigilance was the price of safety, his intuition was developed to a high degree.

Starting point is 00:02:50 In a poker game he played his hunches, and in life he listened to that little understood sixth sense. Something, he decided, is going on in that gap as sure as I'm sitting here. As if to echo his words, a distant rumble reached his ears. It came from the gap.

Starting point is 00:03:12 At first he thought it must be another of the frequent storms. He listened. Then his face grew harder than before. His jaw set firmly. That ain't thunder, he muttered. That's gunplay. His first impulse was to call for some of the men to investigate. Instead, he listened for a moment. His niece, Penelope, could be heard humming a gay tune inside

Starting point is 00:03:41 the house. She, at least, had not heard anything unusual. Bryant knew his eyes were failing him of late, and he began to doubt his ears. Perhaps, after all, it might have been thunder wouldn't do to start a lot of commotion over nothing at all mustn't let the boys know how the old man slipping he struggled to his feet and half supporting his weight by gripping the back of a chair moved to the end of the porch and looked toward the south where two of his nephew stood idly smoking near a corral his lips moved with unuttered comments when he saw the man scowling he made his painful way back to the chair must have been mistaken he muttered there was no proof that bryant cavendish did not like his relatives on the other hand he never had shown affection for them that wasn't unusual because he never had cared particularly about anyone his bitter outlook on life made him feel that affection and softness went hand in hand he had lost all respect for his two brothers when they married the fact that bryant had outlived them both proved to his own satisfaction which was all that mattered that marriage and the problems of the benedict made men die young one brother had left four sons the other a daughter bryant the last of his generation had raised the brood his domination cowed the boys

Starting point is 00:05:25 but penelope escaped an inherent sense of humor saved the girl when penny left for an eastern school in accordance with the written will of her foresighted father she was without a trace of the sullen subservient manner that marked her cousins bryant frowned on the idea of sending the girl to school to him it seemed a waste of time and money but he followed the terms of his brother's will with meticulous care superlatives cannot be used in connection with the boys of the second generation of cavendish's so instead of stating that mort was the most courageous it is more accurate to record that jeb vince and wally were even less courageous than Mort. It was Mort, who, as a pimpled adolescent, suggested meekly that he and his brothers leave the basin. It took three days for the flames of rage that exploded from Bryant-Cavendish to die down, and their embers smolded for weeks thereafter. It took several years for Mort to build up the spunk to assert himself again. He married Rebecca and brought her to the basin. the hurricane blasts from uncle bryant made all previous cavendish tirades seem like the babblings of brooks that inspire poets

Starting point is 00:06:55 bryant was an old man and even his iron will could no longer ignore the rheumatism that made his legs almost useless as it became increasingly necessary for the nephews to assume responsibility his resentment toward them grew proportionately cool water piped from a mountain spring gurgling and splashing into a trough a sheltered basin blanketed with grass sturdy comfortable houses contented cattle growing fat the song of a girl the laughter of a child clumping hoofs lazy smoke from cowboy cigarettes you got the makins ain't mort's wife's starting to get big again i hear't a doggon funny story last week it'll bust your sides give me the lend of a cha will you my feet are killing me i gotta get me some boots next pay-day thunder storm do bout to-morrow in the basin but in bryant's gap majestic in height gorgeous in color like the rattlesnake six men sprawled on rock-strewn ground and buzzard circled overhead End of Chapter 1. Chapter 2 of the Lone Ranger Rides.

Starting point is 00:08:34 This Libravox recording is in the public domain. The Lone Ranger Rides by Fran Stryker. Chapter 2 The Gap. The lifeless forms that littered the floor of Bryant's Gap had but recently been men who lived a vital, hard life in the outdoors. Men who could shoot first and straight, whose every sense was tuned to a pitch that made them aware of any danger that lurked the dead men had been texas rangers in a roundabout way these riders had been told that men they sought as outlaws could be found in bryant's basin to reach the basin they had ridden through the gap almost through the gap but death had cut their journey short killers waiting behind protecting rocks had fired without warning

Starting point is 00:09:31 half of the small band had spilled from the saddle either dead or wounded at the first fusillade of bullets the others with the intuitive action of men who live and often die by the gun had leaped to the ground to fight from behind the scant protection of fallen horses. Empty cartridge cases gave mute evidence of their gallant stand. The rangers all had fallen, but in one a tiny spark of life still glowed. The man, wounded in several places, looked dead. Even the buzzards, circling ever lower, experts at recognizing death, were deceived. The gaunt birds seemed to dart away in surprise when the lone survivor moved. A dazed sort of consciousness came slowly to him.

Starting point is 00:10:27 At first he was aware of heat, heat from the sun overhead and the rocks surrounding him. Then the heat became a frightful burning, concentrated in his right leg and left shoulder. Blood, seeping from a gash across his forehead, blinded him. He tried to move, but the effort made him giddy. He fell back to rest while he fought to gather his scattered senses. As the mists lifted from his mind, he remembered sudden shots, his comrades falling, stabbing pain shooting through his left side from the shoulder down, left hand useless, a bullet in his foot, falling to the ground, oblivion,

Starting point is 00:11:15 ambush, treachery, must live, must bring the killers in. Shear courage and the will to ignore the pains that racked his entire body brought the wounded man to a sitting position. At the time, the thought that murderers might still be looking close at hand did not occur to him. His first thought was to see if any of the others needed help, but when he tried to rise, he was a man. amazed at his own weakness. He realized that he was beyond the point of helping others. He could barely move. He wiped the blood from his eyes, but his vision was fogged.

Starting point is 00:11:59 Only large objects could be discerned, and these not clearly. He tried to locate the horses, but all except his own had died or disappeared. The white stallion that he himself had ridden stood a short distance away, as if waiting for the next command of its master. He tried to give the familiar whistle, but no sound issued from his dry, bloodless lips. He called to the horse, and his own voice startled him. It was an unfamiliar voice, one that he had never heard before, almost croaking. But the stallion heard it and came obediently to the side of the sitting man, The big horse lowered its head at a whispered command.

Starting point is 00:12:50 The reins fell close to the hands of the man in the ground. He clutched for them and had to grope before he found them. Then, clinging to the bridle, he finally gained an unsteady footing. With the instinct of the hunted, he sought for his means of defense. His right hand fumbled at his waist for the familiar cartridge belt and the brace of heavy guns. The belt was missing. This discovery should have been caused for alarm,

Starting point is 00:13:23 but in his desperate condition, the loss of the weapons seemed of small consequence to the Texas Ranger. He did, however, wonder vaguely where it had gone. He couldn't remember taking the belt off, but there were many details of the short battle that had escaped his recollection. he felt about his waist once more before he would believe that his weapons were not in their familiar place convinced then he knew that but one hope remained flight

Starting point is 00:13:57 sensing that his master was in difficulty knowing that something unusual had taken place the big horse stood motionless while the ranger dragged his body to the saddle it called for an almost superhuman effort mount the horse. He made no attempt to sit erect. Instead, he leaned far forward, fighting desperately against the constantly increasing nausea that threatened to deprive him of consciousness. He nudged the horse with one heel, and silver trotted forward. Direction was a thing far out of the question, and the rider made no effort to guide his horse. He clung to the saddle fighting every moment of the time to stay alive, while the horse carried him from the scene of sudden death, where buzzard circled lower, ever lower.

Starting point is 00:14:54 When he could gather the strength to speak, he whispered in a husky voice, close to the ear of the horse, Away, silver, away! A trail of red that continually dripped from his right boot warned the Texas Ranger that he must stop soon and try to make some sort of inventory of his condition. But he could inventory nothing. He could remember next to nothing.

Starting point is 00:15:23 He could not see fifty feet ahead or behind. He knew, however, that the wound in his right foot was the one most in need of attention. He managed to examine this without slackening his speed. The sight inside his blood-soaked boot was anything but reassuring. He rode on, sparing neither his horse nor his own condition. Spells of dizziness, recurring with increasing frequency, made him realize that he could not continue much further

Starting point is 00:15:58 without stanching the flow of blood from the boot. He pulled the white horse to a halt and slid to the ground. With relief, he was a halt. he found that his vision had improved, and he could scan the gap behind him. There was no sign of pursuit. He cut open the boot and found that a bullet had severed a small artery. Making a rude tourniquet,

Starting point is 00:16:24 he succeeded in checking, to some extent, the spurting flow that was sapping his strength. He bandaged the wound as best he could with dressings torn from his shirt. He tried to stand, and found that the loss of so much blood had sapped his strength to a surprising degree. He could, however, support his weight by the aid of his horse. His mind was clearer.

Starting point is 00:16:53 He found himself trying to analyze the events that had led up to the massacre while his eyes studied the gap. Why had the Texas Rangers been sent for? If they were not wanted in Bryant's Basin, It would have been a simple matter to have ignored them, as had always been done in the past. Someone had sent for the Texas Rangers. Someone had objected with bullets to their coming. Did outlaws actually live in Bryant's basin?

Starting point is 00:17:26 If so, why were they there? Why had the Rangers been sent for? What could possibly happen in the Cavendish domain, that the stern old man could not handle him? himself. These and countless other questions raced through the ranger's brain while he continued to observe the gap. He noted that the sun was gone, and it was growing dark. This left him in less danger of capture, but increased the difficulty of the ride. The rocky footing was hazardous under the best of conditions. In the dark, this peril was increased tenfold.

Starting point is 00:18:08 he remounted after a struggle with weakness at first he tried to guide the horse away from bryant's basin but this seemed only to confuse the beast so he gave up the attempt and let silver have his head at intervals he was compelled to steady himself like a drunken man a starless night fell into the gap and with its coming the danger of pursuit was ended a chance encounter was all the rider had to fear and there was little likelihood of this for a while his mind went blank he was roused from a sort of stupor by the sound of running water the horse had halted while the texas ranger dozed and was drinking from a creek a sudden uncontrollable thirst assailed the man once more he climbed painfully from the saddle slumping to the ground he crawled toward a stream that gurgled over stones cold water had never tasted sweeter he sipped slowly then raised his head to let the cool draught quench the burning in his throat about to drink again he paused and grew tense the sound he heard might have been a night bird but the trained ear of the ranger detected a peculiar quality in it odd he thought that sounded as if it came from a human throat he waited to catch the next call if it were repeated he didn't see that silver too was tense the bird-like trill sounded again nearer this time

Starting point is 00:19:59 the horse reacted unexpectedly to the call silver jerked back and the reins slipped from the wounded man's hand while he watched in consternation the white horse scampered off in the direction of the sound stunned by this new misfortune the wounded man listened to the hoofbeats until they were swallowed by the night not until then did he try to call his voice was barely a whisper desertion by silver was the worst possible thing that could have happened pursuit of the horse was out of the question the wounded man couldn't even stand alone with such philosophy as he could muster he turned and finished the drink that might cost him his life then he dashed water over his face which had become caked with blood sweat and alkali dust. The wound on his forehead was a minor one, but it smarted frightfully as the water touched it. He determined to make himself as comfortable as possible, while he had the opportunity, and plenty of water. He turned his attention to his other wounds. Removing his shirt, he felt gingerly of his left shoulder. His left arm had been useless to him. Now,

Starting point is 00:21:28 he knew why. The bullet was embedded in the flesh. He realized that this might cause considerable trouble later on, but there was little he could do there in the darkness, other than to wash the wound and bandage it clumsily. The bullet was sunk deep, probably to the bone. He rightly reasoned that some of the force had been lost by the bullets first striking a rock and entering his arm on a ricochet otherwise the bone would have been broken his shoulder fixed to the best of his ability he looked at his wounded foot again it was difficult to determine much about the wound in the darkness but the bleeding seemed to have stopped when he had bathed and redressed the foot he found that he could stand he had to support himself by clinging to a rock and most of his weight was taken on the uninjured leg, but he was definitely stronger. One thought remained uppermost in the Texas ranger's mind. Must live, he breathed. Must fight through somehow so I can tell what

Starting point is 00:22:45 happened to the others. Come back with more men. Learn what's going on at the Cavendish place. If he could stay in the stream, he'd leave no trail. He started slowly, working his way along against the current, clinging to rocks when they were within reach, crawling on his stomach when his wounded leg gave out. Frequently he paused to rest, still remaining in the stream. He was soaked through, but the cold water was pleasant. It chilled the burning of his wounds and made the pain more tolerable.

Starting point is 00:23:25 The stream took him close to one wall of the cave, canyon, the wall in his left. Against the current, his progress was painfully slow, but it was progress. Somewhere in the darkness ahead, he heard the sound of falling water. This animated him. A falls might mean some sort of gorge. A tiny cave, perhaps, in which a man might hide until his wounds were healed. By resting frequently, the wounded man. kept going longer than he thought possible. At length he reached the falls. The water dropped a scant four feet from a ledge. With his one good hand, the wounded ranger pulled himself up on the ledge, and there his strength abandoned him. He slumped half in the stream, half out of it,

Starting point is 00:24:21 and sank, completely spent, into a dense void of unconsciousness. Chapter 2. Chapter 3 of the Lone Ranger Rides This Libravox recording is in the public domain. The Lone Ranger Rides by Fran Stryker. Chapter 3, The Cave When he awakened, the wounded Texas Ranger realized that it was well past daybreak. The sun was high in the cloudless sky and beating down on the ledge. It must have been the sun.

Starting point is 00:25:07 shining directly into the man's eyes that had roused him. When he moved, he felt a new torment of pain in every fiber of his being. His wounds had stiffened. His right foot and leg and left shoulder and arm were utterly useless. Movement of these limbs made stabbing pain shoot the entire length of his body. He lay quietly for some time, experimenting with the slightest, movements until he had managed to turn so that he could look about him. The ledge that had served as a resting place at night was a dangerous refuge in the daytime.

Starting point is 00:25:50 A discovery buoyed his hope. He saw that the water came from an opening a few yards back on the ledge. The opening was large enough for a man to enter standing up with room to spare. Inside, he would be sure of concealment and a plentiful supply of water. Unless someone actually entered the cave, he would be comparatively secure. His only considerations would be hunger, weakness, and complications that might set in from the wounds. Food would be the problem. Even with a good horse, it would take more riding than he could do in his present state to reach the nearest food.

Starting point is 00:26:33 without weapons of any sort he could scarcely hunt even if there were game to be found in the barren sun-baked gap food therefore was out of the question he must content himself with water until he was strong enough to travel far on foot he crawled painfully toward the cave and stopped just beyond the entrance inside it widened out surprisingly torrents of water in some ages past must have churned furiously seeking exit through the portal to carve away the heavy stone in such a manner the stream came from somewhere in the deep dim recesses of the cave gravel and shale lined the water's edge this hard ground would serve the texas ranger as a rough couch perhaps for many days to come the outlook was desperate yet the man felt that there must be some reason why his life had been spared thus far it wasn't that he was afraid to die at any time during the past few hours death would have been a welcome relief to the pain of living some voice deep within him kept telling him that he must live must fight for life so that he might see justice done and so he fought none of the events seemed logical to him yet he sensed that in some manner everything would dovetail into a finished pattern in which he himself would play a prominent part every element of his life during the past day and night had been a new experience even the gap and the cave were new to him

Starting point is 00:28:24 strange random thoughts kept intruding on his efforts to make plans for the future thoughts of his life in the past the silver mine inherited from his father but never worked because he had never wanted riches he was tired despite the recent sleep he lay back right hand beneath his head perhaps he dozed he couldn't tell afterward whether he had slept or not his senses played such pranks that his thoughts might have been dreams or mere hallucinations at any rate those thoughts were vivid and oddly assorted against the roaring background of the water in the cavern he seemed to hear a voice first it was the voice of a boy an indian boy whom the wounded man had known long years ago he too had been a boy at that time the indian was alone a child who was the sole survivor of a furious indian war the son of a chief the lad had remained sorely wounded at the side of his dead parents it was there that the white boy found him and took him as a friend the two traveled together for some time until their trails separated now he heard the voice of this boy again against the blackness of the cavern's depths he seemed to see a reenactment of the past in rapidly changing kaleidoscopic scenes he saw himself as a hunter riding in pursuit of bison to feed starving white folks in a village and indians on the plains he saw himself riding through the hills in preference to gathering wealth as the operator of

Starting point is 00:30:20 a silver mine, and then a reunion with the Indian he'd known as a boy. Together the two rode for a time, and Tonto helped the ranger capture his white horse. The day he joined the Texas Rangers was a vivid recollection. His pride in wearing the Ranger badge was tempered by the loss of Tonto's companionship. in the background of his visions, there was a vague memory of a nightbird's call. He wondered at the scenes in a detached sort of way. Was this what dying was like? He'd heard that one's past went by in review as a man's soul departed.

Starting point is 00:31:08 He no longer felt the wounds. The rumbling stream became a distant murmur that finally resolved itself into the call of a nightbird. odd how the night-bird's call continued to intrude he fumbled with his right hand at the pocket of what was left of his shirt he could feel the small square object there and wished that he had the strength to take it out he would have liked to read the little inscription in the book that had been his mother's gift now even the last of sounds had ceased and once more the tall man slept his breathing was labored and his hand upon his breast rose and fell as fingers that had been so strong and capable clutched the little black book in his pocket the afternoon was well advanced the sun barely peeped over the rim of the gap but the last rays slanted at an acute angle beyond the mouth of the cave and brushed the shoulder of the sleeping man he wakened in surprise he felt himself surrounded by almost unbearable heat his mouth was dry his throat burning with thirst again he was barely able to raise one arm to brush a hand across his forehead he found this dry and hot he felt giddy his mind whirled as he tried to comprehend this new condition

Starting point is 00:32:44 he must have tossed restlessly while he slept his shirt was more ragged than ever one pocket was ripped entirely off and the little black book that had reposed there was beside him where it must have fallen from his hand he felt his shoulder wondering vaguely at the neatness of the bandage he knew from the ugly swelling that the wound had become infected against the weakness there was a weakness there was a wound had become infected against the weakness there was only water and rest and he had already found that rest seemed only to weaken him further his plight was critical water might help it was all that he had he rolled over painfully and stretched his length face down against the stream it was then that he saw the shadow no sound had reached his ears above the water's clamor but some one had found his hide-out and at that moment stood at the cavern's mouth his first impulse was to turn quickly he started to reach for his guns forgetting that they were not in their usual places then he remembered that he was unarmed completely at the mercy of whoever stood behind him for a brief instant he felt an odd prickling sensation move along his spine he inwardly shrank from the impact of the bullet he was sure would come at any instant he felt that all he had to do was turn face the man or men who had already killed his five companions and his life too would be snuffed out. But did it matter? His life, at best, was measured in hours. Starvation, fever,

Starting point is 00:34:39 and infection of an ugly wound were all potential killers. It was simply a case of which of these would deliver the coup de grace. His endurance and strength had carried him far beyond the limits of most men, but his own far limit had almost been reached. he had a revulsion to a bullet in the back but after all it didn't matter greatly this intruder he thought is a friend not an enemy a friend perhaps unwittingly who will put an end to pain the man at the entrance watched in silence and as the dying man turned saw his face suffused with the glow of fever and etched with pain he saw the glazed eyes that had once been so steely and deep saw them rise slowly to meet his own dark deep-set eyes the wounded man looked up and met the gaze of an indian his lips parted slightly his first attempt at speech was a failure then he breathed the name of the friend he'd made long years ago tonto the indian nodded slowly me here he said end of chapter three chapter four of the lone ranger rides

Starting point is 00:36:17 this librivox recording is in the public domain the lone ranger rides by franz striker chapter four gray dawn penelope was thundered from sleep a little before daybreak she stretched lazily yawned deeply then blinked her eyes wide open as jagged lightning flooded her bedroom with white light she leaped from bed as thunder cracked again and hurried to the open window wind whipped her brown hair and dashed cool rain against her tanned face her nightgown of flimsy stuff was blown tightly about her slender form penny watched the storm and loved it she hoped it would continue after daybreak when she planned a ride her first since returning from the east on her favorite horse she was radiant vital filled with a zest for living she was happiest when alone in the saddle wind and rain in her face and hair matching her endurance against the fury of the elements she had often mused that perhaps her reason for loving the thunder was that it was the one thing that her uncle bryant could not argue with or dictate to thunder mountain she hadn't ridden there for years if she could slip away from relatives this morning she was going to seek the trail she had known so long ago the fact that this was forbidden territory merely added to the fun of riding there it made her feel quite daring to defy a mandate of her uncle she lighted a lamp and glanced at a clock on the dresser it was far too early for anyone to be stirring in the house but at least she could dress and be ready for a quick breakfast

Starting point is 00:38:20 she looked longingly at the trim riding habit she had brought back from the east fancy dew-dads uncle bryant had called the clothes no use starting the day with a row she mused and she dressed to conform with her stern old uncle's tastes plain clothes made for good hard wear her hair was brushed back tight and would remain so until she was out of uncle bryant's view when it would be loosed to blow and breathe cool wet air it was still dark outside when she finished dressing and glanced at herself in the mirror she was amused at the unattractive outfit it would have been quite suitable she reflected for mort's wife rebecca to wear if rebecca ever rode a horse she blew out the lamp and sat by the window to watch the storm and wait for the sounds of people moving in other parts of the house the rain fell steadily with a promise to continue for quite some time the sound of water on the roof was pleasant to penny but the steady rhythm was broken by a man's voice the voice was a blending of bass and discord the voice of her cousin vince vince cavendish was the runt of the family about one hundred pounds of concentrated ill-will a small a small package of frustrated manhood who tried to make himself heard and observed by the mere power of his bellow his jet-black wiry hair was usually cropped short

Starting point is 00:40:08 so it bristled on his small head like a stubble in a hay-field when the mowers have passed his face when shaven was blue and cast but it was more often unshaved and bristling vince was puny with narrow shoulders and a narrower mind as usual he was arguing penny guessed from the outline of the men that it was mort to whom vince talked lightning a moment later proved her guess correct the two were right beneath her window sheltered from the rain by overhanging eaves mort was the sort of man who would have liked to bear the weight of the world on shoulders unsuited to support the burden of a household much larger than vince he listened to his brother in the detat sort of way one waits for a kettle to boil more accurately in this case mort was waiting for vince to stop boiling penny was accustomed to arguments between the brothers her cousins i'd give my favorite eye-tooth she thought to see mort knock the runt down but that's too much to hope for she didn't know what the row was all about she didn't especially care vince could pick a fight over the most trivial of subjects she did however wonder why those two were out so early in the morning you gotta keep her in hand i tell you bellowed vince might be a mare or a cow he's talking about mused penny or even a sow they ain't none of us can handle her if you can't and so it's up to you

Starting point is 00:42:03 i said all i'm to say on the subject and i'll act the next time that damn wife o yours breaks bounds mort gosh said penny to herself i was wrong on all counts it's mort's wife he's talking about i wonder why mort doesn't spank the little weasel penny could think of nothing more incongruous than poor mouse-like negative rebecca breaking bounds especially with so many small hands on her apron strings equally incongruous was the idea of mort's being unable to handle becky becky was a living example of a woman who had found failed miserably to live up to the heroic name given her by romantic parents yet vince had made flat statements and there was mort agreeing with them i'll see that she don't pull no more stunts like that last he promised i was pretty sore about that and i'll let her know it i reckon after what i said and done she'll think a good many times before she tries to interfere with my affairs again. And mine, snarled Vince. If it was only your affairs, I wouldn't give a damn.

Starting point is 00:43:27 But when she starts mixing into my affairs, I won't stand for it. She won't know more. She's had a lesson she won't forget. Penny couldn't suppress a shudder at the thought of the punishment probably inflicted upon Mort's wife. A bully who dared not defy another man. man, Mort was almost sadistic in the way he treated Rebecca. Now that that settled, said Mort, how soon as Ramgoon do here?

Starting point is 00:44:00 Any time now, Vince replied. Rangoon was one of several cowhands who had come to the basin during Penny's absence to replace the men she had known. All the newcomers seemed to have a common surliness of man. an unwholesomeness look about them a furtiveness that penny didn't like she could think of no reason why her cousins should be out in the rain before daybreak to meet one of the hired hands she drew a chair to the window and sat down to eavesdrop without the slightest feeling of compunction she rested her arms on the window-sill and her head on her forearms her stockinged feet were of boyishly wide apart. Mort and Vince grumbled in low tones about the weather while they waited for Rangoon.

Starting point is 00:44:58 Presently, the dark-faced cow hand appeared in the gathering dawn. Have any trouble? asked Mort. No, replied Rangoon. We didn't have no trouble, but it took time to get back here in the dark and the rain. You might have come back like that. night," said Vince. Better this way, said Rangoon. Everything's fixed.

Starting point is 00:45:26 Six men come, and we got all six. That's that. We'll have to keep a close check and see that there ain't others coming to learn what's happened when them six don't return. If any others come, Mort stated softly, we'll know about it and take care of them. rangoon gazed steadily at mort you he said after a pause better give that wife of yours a lesson he's goin to promised vince

Starting point is 00:46:01 then the three men moved away and penny saw them disappear beyond the corner of a building for some time she sat at the window with her thoughts ever since her return she had been bothered by an unexplainable apprehension. The basin, which had been her home for many years, had always been a happy place, despite her surly uncle and her cousins. Now the air of the place was changed. Bryant's surliness had troubled. On several occasions he had spoken sharply, even to Penny, a thing he'd never done before. At times the girl felt quite unwelcome in the only home she knew. She pulled on her boots, still wondering what the three men were talking about. Her thoughts were punctuated by a period in the form of a soft rap on her bedroom door. Soft as it was, the rap was so unexpected that it startled, Penny.

Starting point is 00:47:06 Whoever had rapped had tried to do so as silently, as secretly, perhaps, as possible. And Penny opened the door in the same cautiousness. manner. Rebecca Cavendish, the wife of Mort and mother of too many children, made her appearance, stepping into the room nervously, quickly, with bird-like motions, and closing the door behind her. Penny had always felt sorry for Rebecca. She understood the woman better than did any of the men. Becky always reminded Penny of a scarecrow in faded calico. what curves and grace rebecca might have had were mental penny felt sure that her mind in spite of years of hard treatment had retained a womanly softness and a wistful desire for gracious living she was a woman who in the midst of plenty lived like a slave a woman whose mate turned to her only in passion whose children looked to her only in hunger

Starting point is 00:48:15 her eyes were jet but dulled they reminded penny of the sharp eyes of an eagle grown discouraged by long years of beating strong wings against the stronger bars of a cage rebecca's hair was black without a trace of gray to complement the many wrinkles on her thin high cheek-bone face rebecca opened the door again glanced quickly into the hall then stepped back wasn't seen i guess she said is something wrong becky asked penny it was the first time becky had been in her room and one of the few times she'd been in uncle bryant's big house i've got to be special careful whispered the woman in a husky voice bryant never did get over me mary and mort and mordid beat me to with a witty witty than an inch of my life if he was to catch me here at a loss penny said sit down won't you becky rebecca shuffled across the floor sat on one edge of the bed and motioned with a claw-like hand for penny to sit beside her what i got to tell she began when penny was seated won't take me long you must have seen that things round here changed to play plenty since you left for school. Things have changed a lot, said Penny,

Starting point is 00:49:52 but the people have changed a lot more. There used to be a dandy lot of cowhands around here, but they're all gone. I don't like the looks of the new men. Becky nodded quickly. Just so, she said. That's why I'm here. I've come to tell you to clear out.

Starting point is 00:50:15 clear out echoed penny you mean leave the basin that's just what i mean it don't matter how you get out just get and the sooner the better there's things going on around here that ain't healthy things you'll be happier and better things you'll be happier and better for not knowing about now don't ask no questions just get penny at first thought that torment and torture had addled the poor brains of her visitor there was a burning sincerity in becky's eyes now take it easy becky she said softly i'm sure things aren't that bad penny felt she wasn't convincing but her main purpose was to calm and reassure the nervous woman uncle bryant wouldn't tolerate anything that wasn't right you know that as well as i do bryant don't know the goin's on around here these days he don't even know who's workin here no more penny laughed softly despite a feeling of misgiving that's silly she said there isn't a thing that goes on in the basin that uncle bryant doesn't know about she recalled the talk of a few minutes ago when the men were beneath her window and wondered if her statement was accurate tell me some more becky anger rose in becky's eyes don't believe me eh she rose to her feet ye don't believe me because the shack where i live is away to the other side of the corral and you can't hear the sounds when mort takes me in hand you didn't hear it t'other night oh i ain't sayin it's somethin new for him to raise a hand to me he's done it till it's commonplace but never liked other night

Starting point is 00:52:18 unexpectedly rebecca clawed at the shoulder of her flimsy dress and ripped it away from her bare bony arm look she cried livid lines glowed angrily across the arm the shoulder and as much of the woman's back as penny could see the skin in several places had been broken and was beginning to heal mort the damn skunk done that with a lash rebecca said you know why penny speechless at the exhibition shook her head rebecca brushed a vagrant lock of hair off her damp forehead i'll tell you why she went on it's because i didn't stay in the house one even and after dark the night was hot and stuffy and i wanted a breath of fresh air i sat by the cottonwoods south of our house i didn't mean to follow mort there and listen to what him and vince was saying i didn't even know them two was there i couldn't help hearing some of what becky broke off sharply as if she had already said more than she intended to quickly she continued i-i mean i didn't hear nothin much penny knew the woman lied such intensity could never have risen from hearing nothing much mort and vince catched me there the woman said mort sent me to the house while he talked some more with vince then vince rid away and was gone for a couple of days when mort came in he beat me worse'n i'd ever been beat before he told me if i let on that i knowed what was talked about he'd kill me he would too

Starting point is 00:54:19 sit down again becky said penny as quietly as she could ain't goin to replied the woman as she pulled her torn dress back in place with fumbling fingers you always been kind to me and that's why i snuck in here to warn you you can take my warning and clear out while there's the chance or you can say i'm an addle-headed fool and stay here she moved toward the door i'm telling you though if you stay till bryant's dead you'll be willing to swap places with any soul from hell wait becky i can't it's too risky if mort knowed i was here he'd kill me an i ain't using the word kill as a figure of speech but mord is your husband said penelope she hoped to continue the conversation and learn more of what was said in the cottonwoods. I thought you loved Mort. Love him, spat the woman. I hate the dirty cur more nahas hate snakes.

Starting point is 00:55:31 That's why I go on living here. It'd make him happy to see me clear out, but I ain't going to do it. I'll outlive Bryant and I'll outlive Mort, and then my youngans will come into their share of this rant. i'll make him pay for the way he's treated me and his own young'uns tell me said penny softly what were vince and more talking about the other night in the cottonwoods about bryant's eyes and how easy it was to becky broke off sharply she gazed at penny for a moment her voice grew harder more firm i didn't hear she said she said she said her voice grew harder more firm i didn't hear she said a sudden draught blew through the room penny saw the billowing window shades then saw rebecca with mortal terror in her face penny followed her stare mort cavendish stood in the doorway thunder boomed outside the window mort's face was expressionless for fully a minute no one spoke

Starting point is 00:56:45 to break the tableau. Becky assumed a look of defiance and waited for Mort to be the first to speak. When he did so, his voice was toneless and quite soft. "'It's about time for you to be getting breakfast for the kids,' he told Rebecca. To Penny, he said,

Starting point is 00:57:07 "'Uncle Bryant is at the table. Are you coming?' Penny nodded. Mort stood aside so his wife could pass. She moved down the hall without a backward glance. Mort said, I'll see you later, Becky, and Penny caught the threat that the words implied.

Starting point is 00:57:32 End of Chapter 4. Chapter 5 of the Lone Ranger Rides. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. The Lone Ranger Rides by by Fran Stryker. Chapter 5. Tonto. The men were at the breakfast table when Penny entered the big dining room. She returned their abbreviated greetings, and then took her seat to surround herself with the

Starting point is 00:58:09 same wall of silence that seemed to confine everyone at every meal. The cousins, her uncle, and Penny had no common denominator of conversation. Though the food was good and her. well prepared, it all seemed flat and tasteless in the strained atmosphere of the Cavendish house. Nothing was said of Vincent's absence for the past few days. It was taken for granted that Mort would eat well with the others, while his wife ate otherwise with her brood. Penny was relieved when the meal was finished and she could leave the house. She avoided the swelling puddles between the house and the corral. It was easy to find her own Mustang,

Starting point is 00:58:55 Las Vegas. The small, strong beast advanced to meet her. A man came from the saddle shed, carrying her saddle and bridle on his arm. Saw tell, she remembered, another of the new employees. Saw tell was easier to look at than Rangoon, but he wore an expression on his bland face. that made one feel that he was sneering constantly. "'Saw ya in the riding outfit,' he said. "'So I brought your leather.' "'Thanks,' said Penny shortly. Sawtel seemed inclined to talk while he cinched up Las Vegas.

Starting point is 00:59:37 "'Not much of a day for riding. Looks like it'll clear up by noon, though. Might be better for you to wait. I like to ride in the rain. said penny her face lighted as a thought possessed her have you ever ridden up the side of thunder mountain she asked sawtell looked at her quickly after a pause he said why when i was younger they used to tell me that no one could ride through the tangle of weeds and things on that mountain sawtell nodded with a trace of squint in his eyes but continued penny i went there anyway and i found a trail that could be followed right up to the peak i wonder if that trail is still there sawtell shook his head slowly i know about that trail he said but it's all overgrown now and you'd break the leg of a horse you tried to ride up there penny couldn't conceal her disappointment she mounted gracefully

Starting point is 01:00:47 and swung Las Vegas away from the group of buildings. Most of Penny's enthusiasm for her ride was dissolved by the statement that the old trail up Thunder Mountain was gone. She gazed wistfully at the huge tangle of green things that rose to such majestic heights. "'Darn it, Las Vegas,' she complained to the Mustang. "'Everything's changed here.' She looked back toward the house and noticed that, in riding without a definite direction, she had unconsciously followed the route of her explorations of another day. She had placed the saddle shed between her and the house so that Uncle Bryant,

Starting point is 01:01:31 if watching, would not see where she went. She pulled off her hat and drew the pins from her hair. It fell in soft waves, which were rapidly becoming wet to her shoulders. Thunder rumbled somewhere overhead, and rain beat her cheeks. She seemed to feel an uplifting as the wind swept her hair straight out. She thrilled to the stinging rain like an old salt returning to the spray of the sea. She slapped Las Vegas on the rump. Come on, she cried. Las Vegas dropped his ears and went.

Starting point is 01:02:11 The horse stopped at the foot of thunder, where the tall brush and dense trees blocked the way he turned his head as if to question penny right or left which will it be this was the spot where the old trail had once begun penny glanced back toward the distant ranch house and the buildings that surrounded it saw tell had said the trail was now impassable penny was in the mood that uncle brian had once termed cussetail's a little penny was in the mood that uncle bryant had once termed cussed contrarieness well what are we waiting for she called to las vegas are you scared of a few shrubs she healed the mustang at the same time whacking her hat against his flank get up the mustang lunged into the tangle thorns tore at his fetlocks and raked his sides penny was nearly swept from the saddle by a low branch brush slapped and scratched her only a streak of cavendish stubbornness and the fact that it was almost impossible to turn kept her going las vegas seemed determined to make the girl regret her decision as he plunged ahead then surprisingly the trail ahead was clear without warning the path widened where the brush had been carefully cut back the route went around treacherous holes and rocks that were too large to move

Starting point is 01:03:46 lopped off branches tossed to one side showed that the trail was man-made not accidental this puzzled her saw tell had told the truth about the first hundred yards but he had been mistaken about the part of the path that the girl now rode interwoven branches of trees overhead blocked out a great deal of the rain there was just a gentle dripping that would probably continue long after the rain had actually stopped penny took her watch from the small waterproof envelope that was pinned to her shirt she thought she might have time to ride all the way to the top of thunder mountain if the path remained as clean as it was at present now that she no longer had to concentrate on staying in the saddle her thoughts went back to the scene in her room when becky had called if it hadn't been for the peculiar meeting between mort vince and rangoon she might have thought less of Becky's warning. All things considered, however, she felt certain that there was something definitely wrong in Bryant's basin. What was it that Becky had started to say about her uncle's eyes?

Starting point is 01:05:03 What had she overheard in the clump of Cottonwoods? Penny had no intention of following Rebecca's advice. She was quite determined to stay in the basin and see what happened next. bryant's eyes what about them perhaps she could persuade rebecca to say more when she saw her later in the day she'd call on her in the humble shack and have a talk perhaps if she were there when morke came in after his day's work rebecca would be spared some of her husband's violence penny's thoughts were broken when she had to rain up suddenly the trail ahead was blocked by the most magnificent horse that the girl had ever seen pure white with muscles that rippled in a way that made his coat gleam like sparkling silver he stood there and looked at her penny dismounted holding the reins of her horse while she advanced toward the white beast gosh she breathed in admiration what a horse here fellow she held a hand before her but the white horse stood motionless the girl moved one step nearer and the white horse backed slowly

Starting point is 01:06:23 don't be afraid of me the girl said i want to be friends silver not make em friends penny swung startled toward the thick guttural voice then she saw the indian he was tall fully six feet without the advantage of heels. He was clad in buckskin and moccasins. His face was broad and characteristically high-cheek-boned. Hair was drawn straight back from a part in the middle and done in a war knot low on the back of his head. Heavy revolvers of the most modern make, swung from his waist, were a somewhat incongruous touch.

Starting point is 01:07:10 A bow and arrows would have been, more in keeping with the rest of the Indians' equipment. The Indian was a striking-looking man. His face showed interest in the girl. Intellect was indicated in his forehead. In his deep, dark eyes, instead of hostility, there was a warm friendliness. I was admiring your horse, the girl stammered. That not my horse, my horse, my horse yonder.

Starting point is 01:07:42 penny looked beyond the white horse where the indian pointed and for the first time noticed that the trail had widened to a clearing fully thirty yards across the open space was bordered by huge trees and just beyond one of the largest of these she saw a paint horse my horse there the red man said this horse not mine this horse named silver silver repeated the girl it certainly suits him she thought her uncle would delight in owning such a beast is-is silver for sale she asked the indian's face showed a faint trace of a smile as he shook his head slowly there was a somewhat awkward period of silence the indian stood as if waiting for penny to make the next move she had a fleeting thought that she should have been afraid she knew that she was far from anyone who might help her yet she felt quite at ease the indian had been friendly so far respect too, and there was something magnetic about his personality. Me, Tonto, the Indian finally said. Tonto, is that your name?

Starting point is 01:09:10 The man nodded. Do you live here? No, ma'am, replied Tonto. Me, stop him here short time. Maybe leave soon. Then Penny saw the crude lean-to fashioned from spreading branches of pine. Inside there was considerable duffle, packed for quick loading on a horse. Do you mind, said Penny with an impulsiveness that later surprised her when she thought of it,

Starting point is 01:09:43 if I sit in your lean to and get out of the rain for a few minutes? Tonto looked a bit surprised, then glad that he was so trusted by the girl. He seemed to be bending every effort to put her at ease. When she stepped on the soft boughs of Evergreen that carpeted the lean to, the Indian removed his belt and the heavy revolvers and tossed them on the floor close to her. Me not need guns now, he muttered. Penny understood and appreciated the red man's gesture. He was putting his only weapons where she could reach them if she cared to. He remained just outside the roof of the small shelter, ignoring the drizzle as he sat in the trunk of a fallen tree. I'm from the basin, the girl explained.

Starting point is 01:10:38 I used to come up this trail a lot, but it was always pretty hard riding. It's been cleared since the last time I used it. The Indian nodded. That plenty strange, he muttered. Penny looked at him sharply. Strange? Why? Tonto didn't reply. He seemed deeply preoccupied.

Starting point is 01:11:07 Do any of the men from the basin ride this way? asked Penny after a pause. Tonto didn't reply. Who owns the white horse? There was another pause. Then Tonto said, my friend the way he said it was peculiarly impressive penny wondered if the friend were another indian or a white man she said does your friend live in the basin once more the indian gave a negative shake of his head where is he now him plenty sick tonto come here look for feller to ride by

Starting point is 01:11:53 get food for friend penny could be very adroit at questioning when she chose she talked with the big indian at length and learned that his friend was close to death she further learned that men from bryant's basin had been known to travel on the thunder mountain trail this surprised her tonto needed certain kinds of food for his friend food which couldn't be shot or caught with hook and line and he was waiting to take what he needed from the first men who rode through the clearing as penny listened to what tonto said she felt herself becoming keenly interested in his needs she tried to determine which of the basin men had used the thunder mountain trail but tonto couldn't describe them he knew only what he'd read in the hoof marks on the ground it was a day of surprises and most of all penny was surprised at herself before she realized what she had done she had promised to ride back to the basin and secure the things that tonto needed the look of gratitude that showed in the indian's face was a thing to behold it was radiant and said thanks more effectively than any spoken words then penny mounted las vegas and started her return i must be a darn fool she told las vegas i don't know what possessed me to make me promise to take food to that indian if uncle bryant knew about it it'd be frantic he mustn't know she rode in silence for a time she tried to tell herself that she was working in the interests of her uncle in taking food back to the clearing

Starting point is 01:13:49 further talk with tonto might bring out more facts concerning men from the basin who rode on thunder mountain secretly yet in her heart the girl knew this wasn't the real reason for helping the indian named tonto it was something far more subtle something she couldn't name something that moved her when she heard tonto say my friend end of chapter five chapter six of the lone ranger rides this librivox recording is in the public domain the lone ranger rides by fran striker chapter six silver after penny left the clearing tonto stepped to the side of the big white horse he stroked the silken sheen of the stallion's nose and said soon girl come back with plenty food. Then we go to White Friend. A rare bond of friendship existed between the wounded Texas ranger in the cave, the Indian named Tonto, and the mighty stallion, silver. Tonto and silver were of royal blood. Tonto was the son of a chief, silver, a former ruler. But these were honors of the past. Destiny had even greater things ahead for the

Starting point is 01:15:24 white man. Tonto lost his chance to rain when his tribe was wiped out in his boyhood. Silver had abdicated. The stallion's background is a story in itself. Wild Horse Valley, nestled in the heart of green hills, was a sanctuary where men had never been. The grass was green and lush. Great trees spread leafy boughs to cast soft shade. Here, from the the living rock, came waterfalls that were sweet and pure. King Sylvan and his gentle mate, Musa, ruled this land. Their court was made up of untamed horses, horses that had never known restraining bit or binding saddle-strap, happy, carefree horses they were, that had never seen men nor known men's inventions. Sylvan had won the right to rule his followers

Starting point is 01:16:24 by might and courage. He was the fleetest of foot, the quickest of eye, the greatest of strength. Sylvan, the king. Then Musa bore the king a son, a prince, and Sylvan's happiness was complete. His fleet hoofs pounded the turf, racing, turning, flashing a white coat in the bright sun. He hoped his little son would see his strength, his speed, and emmese. them. Less than two hours after his birth, the prince was trying his slim, straight legs. In the months that followed, the white colt developed the strength and fearlessness of Sylvan. Added to these were the gentleness, grace, and beauty of Musa. For many weeks the prince of Wild Horse Valley stayed close to his mother's side,

Starting point is 01:17:19 and his little shadow merged with hers as the two moved through the moon. the valley, guided by sylvan, who knew where water was sweetest and grass most tender. Then came the days when colthood was left behind, and the sun could outrun Musa and keep pace with the mighty sylvan. Like the wind, the white one and sylvan raced side by side. How the sun flashed from their sleek bodies as they raced, cut back, reared, and whirled in sheer joy, Life was good, life was sweet, and Musa watched with pride. Tragedy came into the prince's life when Musa went to the everlasting happiness of other green pastures. By this time the prince was fully grown and the equal in strength of his father.

Starting point is 01:18:16 Day after day, the prince met and defeated new challengers in the field of combat, while sylvan remained king the prince fought to hold his own exalted position the battles were furious no quarter was asked none given the white prince never paused in the fray until his opponent lay conquered at his feet finally when the last challenger was beaten the prince called out in his victory sylvan responded with mighty pride a king and his son both conquerors and champions stronger greater than any other in their herd acknowledged by all as the ones who should lead while others followed then one day at the narrow entrance to the valley strange creatures waited with cruel weapons creatures new to the horses men who came with tragedy and pain these were intruders who were looked upon as enemies to be driven away the king sounded the attack and led the charge fire like lightning flashed before the horses thunder roared deafeningly close at hand the fury of those hammering hoofs could not long be withstood and the men retreated then rode away to save save their lives. The prince raised his strong voice in shrill exultation, but his cry was short.

Starting point is 01:19:58 The king was on the ground beside him. Mighty Sylvan was dead. Burning hatred for men grew in Silver's heart, while he gently nuzzled his father's prostrate form. There was little left for the prince in that valley, nothing to conquer or to love. for some time he stood motionless looking at the soft grass the trees the valley that had been his home then he turned to leave the valley alone the white horse made his way through the mountains hour after hour he held a steady lope that carried him even further from the place where he had known happiness and joy then tragedy and sudden death the white stallion wanted to travel far far from the place where he had seen those hated men who had killed his father the mountains gave way to level plains here was a new world level land as far as he could see he raced across it ignoring the danger of gopher holes and rocks then suddenly quite out of wind he stopped ahead of the prince there was a challenger not another horse and not a man a dirty beast of muddy color with a tangled mane and a huge hump on its back a buffalo

Starting point is 01:21:32 the prince saw tiny blood-red eyes that seemed filled with evil and hatred as if in anger at intrusion of its domain the huge beast stamped and pawed the ground from the monster there came a horrible bellow and then the muddy fury charged with all the agility the white one could command in his exhaustion he stepped aside to dodge the charge there was a new kind of battle as the buffalo raced past him the prince felt a rough fur brush his body and a foul odor assailed his nostrils mad with fury screaming with rage the buffalo turned and charged again again the white horse sidestepped time after time the game was played but it could not last forever soon the two must come to grips and this would be a battle to the death great bellows filled the air mountains of dust rose from beneath the churning hoofs as the battle began in earnest the buffalo drew blood from the horse's side the prince reared high and struck down with all his strength the power of the huge horse's hoofs seemed ineffectual against the hairy beast The massive head was a battering ram, driving relentlessly into the white body of the prince. Trembling and weak, the white one grew unsteady, but his gallant heart knew no defeat.

Starting point is 01:23:18 He fought on, desperately and hopelessly, against the greater strength of his opponent. Utter exhaustion robbed the brave horse of the power to stand. He slumped to the ground, legs y'y. useless. The king of horses raised his head to meet the death that was at hand. Evil hate-filled eyes glowed redder than before, as the buffalo drew back, head lowered for the final rush. The buffalo charged, then seemed to halt in mid-air, and crumpled to the ground. The white one didn't understand at first, and then the echo of a gun, the same sort of something. The same sort of sound he had heard when sylvan had been struck down it was later that the white horse opened his eyes which were bright with pain he knew then that man was not always an enemy

Starting point is 01:24:16 gentle hands caressed him and he felt cool water on his wounds his strength some of it was returning and the proud head came up once more he remembered sylvan here were hated men again two of them the tired body rose from the ground on trembling weakened legs for a moment silver stood there then he turned and fled he ran for a time but slower with each passing moment for some reason the prince felt that he had left a friend behind him he had learned a grim lesson in the wilderness outside of wild horse valley there were creatures there far stronger than any horse had been huge shaggy ugly brutes who could kill him beasts that fell only before the weapons of man the horse slowed then stopped and looked back he seemed to know that in this new world outside the valley he needed friends with another strength than his he recalled the gentle touch and the deep, kindly voice of the man who had bathed his wounds. He took a few steps toward the recent scene of battle where the two men stood, still watching him.

Starting point is 01:25:44 The terrible weapon that had killed the buffalo was quiet now. Some strong force drew silver nearer. He was tense, ready to turn and flee forever from creatures in the form of men, if the thundering machine of death was fired again, but there was only silence. The touch of the man's hand was so like the soft caress of Musa, Silver wanted more of it.

Starting point is 01:26:13 The voice of the man was good to hear. It was rich, friendly. Silver went still closer, still tense, ready to bolt. And then he was at the side of the tall man who had saved his life. he touched his sensitive nostrils to the brown hand and a new emotion was born in the heart of the horse a love of beast for man the texan found it hard to restrain his excitement the finest horse i've ever seen he told the indian beside him look at him tonto these muscles and the eyes the tail and mane are like silk. Look at his coat, how it glistens in the sun. I'm going to ride this horse.

Starting point is 01:27:08 He came back after he'd left us. I'm going to ride him, and his name shall be silver. The horse stood quietly while the tall man with the deep voice and gentle touch mounted his bare back. You, silver, the man said, we're going to be friends, aren't we, old boy? A gentle caress on the white neck. To show his happiness and demonstrate the fact that he was strong again, the white horse rose high on his hind legs, then came down without a jar. He would prove to this white man who had defended him that he was glad to have a friend. Hi, Silver, the man cried out. High up again! trying to understand what the man in his back wanted silver repeated his rearing action he heard the happy laugh of his rider

Starting point is 01:28:11 now big fellow the man called out let's travel away there silver for a moment the white horse couldn't comprehend then he felt a nudge from the heels of the man in his back hi there you silver horse away silver moved ahead carrying his master he was desperately anxious to do what this man wanted eager to show his happiness at the finding of a friend as he moved he heard shouts of encouragement that's it silver hi you silver away the horse moved faster another shout of encouragement that's it silver hi you silver away the horse moved faster another shout this time contracted. Hi, oh, Silver, away! Silver broke into a run. Now he knew what the master wanted. At the next shout,

Starting point is 01:29:10 the big stallion gave all his strength in a burst of speed that made his snowy figure like a flash of light across the open plains. The shout was one that later rang throughout the west, the clarion call, the toxin of a misty. RIDER WERE A MASS.

Starting point is 01:29:30 Ay-Oh, Silver! Away! End of Chapter 6. Chapter 7 of the Lone Ranger Rides This Libravox recording is in the public domain. The Lone Ranger Rides by Fran Stryker. Chapter 7. Yuma It was mid-afternoon before Penelope returned to the clearing in the woods.

Starting point is 01:30:05 she had found some difficulty in slipping unobserved into the storeroom on the ranch to secure the things that now reposed in saddle-bags while in the basin the girl had made sure that mort cavendish would be occupied with the supervision of branding a lot of new cattle he could hardly get back home before dark this would give penny ample time to make her call on becky and be with her when mort came in when penny turned the supplies over to tonto she saw the gratitude in the indian's eyes it was almost as if the food were going to save his life she later thought the truth of the matter was that the food was to save a life that was more important to the indian than his own could possibly be while in the clearing penny tried to learn more about the trail but tonto either would not or could not inform her regarding its origin she tried again to make friends with the horse called silver but her overtures were rejected silver remained aloof las vegas stood by and penny had the impression that he was laughing at her rebuff by silver in whatever way a mustang had of laughing it irked her i'll come back she said to silver and bring some sugar and oats that'll make you beg to be friends she mounted las vegas and rode away little realizing the grim sequence of events that was to be started simply because she decided to take sure she mounted las vegas and rode away little realizing the grim sequence of events that was to be started simply because she decided to take sure sugar to a stallion, or the appalling episode that portended in the basin, Penny reached the basin

Starting point is 01:31:52 and rode directly to the ranch house. As she rounded the corner and came into view of the porch, she saw, first of all, big stockinged feet resting on the railing, then long legs, and then the sleepy-looking face of Cousin Jeb. Jeb was looked upon by everyone as worthless. details of work about the ranch were mysteries he'd never tried to fathom and he helped best by keeping out of people's way while penny had no respect for jeb she disliked him far less than she did her other cousins jeb's three brothers she had thought several times that jeb was not nearly so simple as he was thought to be he had a lot of idle time and he spent it all in thinking sometimes the results of his periods of concentration were surprisingly astute the girl dismounted near the steps and slapped las vegas in the proper place get goin she said her respect for the mustang lessened after seeing the silver stallion. Las Vegas scampered toward the corral while Penny mounted the porch and perched on the railing. What's new, Jeb? She greeted her cousin. Jeb looked at the girl with eyes that were watery and

Starting point is 01:33:19 weak. Nothing much, I guess, he replied, without breaking the rhythm of his long-jawed chewing of a match. He stared off at the distant gap. Got some more thinking to do before. I come to any conclusions. So far, I'd say they ain't nothing much that's new. He let his tilted back chair drop to its normal four-legged position. He slipped his feet into heavy lace-up shoes that had no laces and pushed himself by the arms of the chair to his feet. Standing erect, Jeb Cavendish would have been uncommonly tall. Even in his slouching posture, he was well over six feet two inches his growing all went one way he explained from time to time and it was true the same poundage would have made a normal man of five feet eight jeb was that lean lot of thinking to get done he repeated musingly as he pushed his tapering hands deep into the pockets of faded dungarees that ended halfway between his knees and shoe-tops

Starting point is 01:34:32 penny waited knowing that jeb would have more to say if given sufficient time jeb spat through teeth that were large and horsey then he took off a battered hat that was ventilated with several holes and scratched the naked part of his head that was constantly widening with the ebbing of his thin sandy-colored hair you know penelope he said at length it's rid in scripture that the lord tempers the wind to the shorn lamb so jeb was in one of the scripture quoting moods what about it asked penny i've heard of that and i've always thought that if the lamb hadn't been shorn the wind wouldn't have had to be tempered jeb looked at the girl reprovingly and went on maybe reasoning along them same lines it's the lord's will to blind uncle bryant so he can't see what goes on around here meaning what asked penny quickly meanin it'd save bryant a powerful lot of mental sufferin and bloody sweat if he didn't see too much penny rose and faced her cousin directly jeb she said is it true that uncle bryant's eyes are going back on him? Don't know.

Starting point is 01:35:58 But you think they are? Brian's never complained about his sight. Why do you think he's losing it? Jeb answered with another question. Have you seen him reading of late? Penny hadn't, and she said so. But he never did spend much time reading, so you can't tell anything by that.

Starting point is 01:36:24 you seen the god defiant sort of men that's come to work here penny nodded i don't like their looks at all just so neither would bryant he's left the hiring of new hands to mort and vince if he'd seen rangoon and saw tell and some of the rest he'd shoot him on general principles in the same way a man had step on a pison bad murder spider. Those men have been here. Bryant's had chances to see him and ain't done nothing. Having delivered himself of this, Jeb resumed his chair and slipped his feet out of the shoes again. Takes more thinking, he finished, letting his eyes return to far-off places. Penny gripped her cousin's arm. Look here, Jeb, she said. I want to know more about things of in the basin. Everyone has been so darned quiet and so strained acting that it almost seems as if the place is filled with with ghosts or something. What's it all about? Jeb fixed his pale eyes on the girl. They seem to cover

Starting point is 01:37:41 themselves with a veil. He leaned forward and spoke in a soft, confidential voice. "'Cousin, others around here think I'm touched in the head. of them listens to me, but you. They don't figure me worth listening to, but I ain't sleeping. I see things. I think things out. I don't know what it is. I can't put my finger on it, but these ugly happenings in this here basin, there'll be some killin' here. Jeb's voice took on a quality that chilled Penelope, more than the rain that had but recently stopped falling. There was something almost sepulchral about the way he spoke. He seemed to be

Starting point is 01:38:29 foretelling events with an authority that could not be doubted. Things can't boil underneath without breaking out soon. Murder is coming, and that won't be all. And I'll tell you some more. His voice fell to a hoarse whisper. Uncle Brian is getting ready to die. Penelope broke in. but that's jeb stopped the girl it's true don't ask for no more bryant is makin ready i know it he's makin ready to die penny knew that she had gained nothing by pressing jeb for further information at that time she also knew that it was time for her to go to rebecca she crossed the porch and entered the house to find another cousin sprawling in the living

Starting point is 01:39:22 living room. The mere fact that Wally was there in his overdressed glory was substantial evidence that Bryant was not around. Bryant hated Wally chiefly for his clothes, secondarily for his indolent love of social life and the girls in the nearest town. Wally was experimenting with a guitar, doubtless practicing some new tune to play in his part of Don Juan. His show shirt and the tightly wound neckerchief on his fat neck were of the finest silk and of brilliant hue his trousers were of high-priced fawn skin and his boots as usual gleamed like mirrors he had practised long to strum the strings of his guitar in the manner that would best bring out the sparkle of the imitation diamond of one of the ten fat fingers he wore two guns but wouldn't have had the nerve to use them the guns were hypocrisy the ring an imitation the two were symbolic of the man who wore them an imitation and a hypocrite penny walked past without speaking and entered the kitchen where old gimlet was cooking supper his one good eye said in a round and wrinkled face was like the current in a hot cross bun the one eye that gave the man

Starting point is 01:40:52 his nickname was sharp and penetrating, but now it lighted with pleasure at the sight of the girl. "'Ne wripes!' exclaimed Gimlet. "'I'm glad to see you back, Miss Penny. I sure as hell—pardon the cussing. I sure worry when you ain't around.' Penny smiled. "'I just wanted to tell you that I won't be here for supper.

Starting point is 01:41:18 I'm going over to Becky's place.' gimlet frowned if i'd a know em that i'd a takin't a lot less trouble in fixin good-eaten steaks the girl exchanged a few more words with the cook then left by the rear door at the corral which lay between her home and rebecca's she saw yuma working on las vegas yuma was the only new employee in the basin that penny could look at without an instinctive feeling of revolt euma was working a brush vigorously over the hide of the mustang when penny approached she had heard a few rumors about the big pleasant-faced cow puncher with shoulders so big and broad that they seemed to droop of their own weight it had been said by expert judges of good fighters that a blow from yuma's fist would drop a bull he had once been locked in the back room of a saloon with a he had once been locked in the back room of a saloon with four men in what was to be a fight to the finish yuma's finish supposedly a short time later his fists crashed through the panels of a locked door and a mighty demon of a man walked out his clothing was in shreds inside the room debris and wreckage were everywhere and four men were prostrate on the floor you needn't rub the hide off him said penny as she came near yuma looked up and grew red in the face before the pretty girl the giant was flushed and bashful

Starting point is 01:43:01 sure ma'am i'm right sorry i-i had a little time on my hands and seen your huss bein as you wasn't around i figured to clean the huss up some and if i'd been around replied the girl in a teasing voice i suppose you'd have cleaned me up euma stared mouth open you gosh miss penelope i-i ah ah he paused completely at a loss penny really enjoyed watching the young giant squirm in his embarrassment she rested her elbows on a rail of the corral and hooked the heel of one boot on a lower rail leaning back she watched him for a moment then said what's your name folks just sort of call me yuma that's where i come from yuma but everyone has to have at least two names don't you have any other most of the gents i've seen around this here basin lazy claim to a couple of names, and lies when they does so." Yuma straightened and looked directly at the girl with his clear blue eyes. "'That remark,' she said, calls for a little expanding.

Starting point is 01:44:27 "'What do you mean?' "'Oh, t ain't nothin to take offense at,' the blonde man said slowly. "'A lot of gents in this country left their right names east of the Mississippi, but I'd sooner not use any name than to borrow one that might belong to some other gent. Penny feigned a bit of anger. Do you mean to imply that Cavendish isn't our right name? Ah, shucks, ma'am. Nothing like that. I reckon you and your relatives has a right to the name,

Starting point is 01:45:03 but there ain't many others on this spread that was born with the handle they're using right now. Go on, Yuma, this is interesting. Yuma saw Rangoon crossing toward the bunkhouse from the saddle shed. There, he said, goes a gent that lays claim to the name of Rangoon. Last time I seen him, he called himself Abe Larkin, but he made that name sort of dangerous by using it when he shot up a couple of homesteaders near Snake Flats. You mean he's a murderer? that's what the law'd like to hang em for bein if they'd known where to reach him euma took a step closer to the girl his thumb jerked over his shoulder in the general direction of the open grazing land

Starting point is 01:45:56 out there brandon cattle he said there's a couple ombreys that was in the hoss trading business in mexico last year they sold husses to some soldiers down there only trouble with that was they wasn't particular where the hosses came when they got catched taking some huss flesh from a gent named turner without paying for the same they shot old turner penny knew from his manner that yuma told the truth but she nevertheless found it hard to believe him what are their names she asked no one knows their real names but they draw here under the names of Lombard and Sautel. As for me, you can just call me Yuma. Penny grew serious. Very well, she said. I'll call you Yuma. I suppose it's right nervy of me to make mention of this event, said Yuma.

Starting point is 01:47:01 But I, uh, um... Perhaps, interrupted the girl. If you think at Nervy, you'd be a... better not say it. Well, I'm a gun of just the same. Now see here, Miss Penelope, I would sure like you to feel that if ever you want someone that you can count on to do something, no matter what it is, you'll call on me. But I hardly know you, said Penny, then irrepressibly, this is so sudden. Yuma's eyes dropped. Penny, could have bitten her tongue. She had turned the sincerity of the man from Arizona aside with

Starting point is 01:47:45 banter. She realized instantly that Yuma sensed the danger others had mentioned and wanted her to know where he stood. I'm right sorry, he apologized. I should have known better than to try to suggest that a no-good saddle tramp like me could be of any good to a lady like you. Penny laid a brown hand on the solid arm of Yuma. She felt the hard muscles trembling at her touch. "'Forgive me, Yuma,' she said seriously. "'I'm sorry. I want you to know that I do appreciate your offer

Starting point is 01:48:23 and that you'll be the first one I'll call on if I need a friend.' Yuma looked startled. "'You mean to say, that is, I mean, you... My friends call me Penny. The girl stuck her right hand out, man-style. What say, Yuma? Let's be friends. Yuma hurriedly wiped his right hand on his shirt. He clasped Penny's hand as if it were a delicate thing that might break at a callous touch.

Starting point is 01:48:58 Gosh, he said. Penny left and ran toward Beckys. Yuma watched the girl who ran as gracefully as a fawn. He looked in awe at his hand, the hand that had touched the girl's slim fingers. Once more, he muttered, gosh! He saw Las Vegas eyeing him. Las Vegas, he said to the Mustang, Me and you are downright lucky critters,

Starting point is 01:49:30 and the only difference is that you ain't the brains to know it. End of Chapter 7. Chapter 8 of the Lone Ranger Rides. This Libre-Vox recording is in the public domain. The Lone Ranger Rides by Franz Stryker. Chapter 8. A Matter of Murder Tonto, the Indian, was breaking a trail across Thunder Mountain, where it was said no horse could travel. In a cavern in Bryant's Gap, a Texas Runders, stranger tossed in the torture of fever and infection. In the basin, Penelope Cavendish ran to a horse whose door had been chalked by death.

Starting point is 01:50:23 Penny was slightly out of breath from running when she opened the door of Becky's home. The place was of one room with a cloth partition at the far end, shutting off the beds from view. Some of the children must have been in bed, for there were only two in sight, both, whimpering and sweaty. The room was like an oven with heat from the stove and humidity from the recent rain. Mort was scolding the uncomprehending baby in the crib and the sobbing child who sat on the floor. Mort's presence was a surprise. It must have been later than Penny had thought. He swung toward his cousins. What do you want here? he demanded. Becky invited me for dinner, lied Penny.

Starting point is 01:51:13 I hope to get here in time to help her. Brushing past Mort, she said, What can I do, Becky? The mother of many looked up with tired eyes from the stove. What's the use, she said. For dinner? Mort's voice was loud. My, but ain't we getting to be the class,

Starting point is 01:51:36 inviting company for dinner. dinner. He snatched a big spoon from a table and thrust it into a stew that was on the stove. You call that swill dinner? You'd come here and eat the sort of truck she cooks? Please be quiet a minute, said Penny. Becky broke in. Tain't no use lying about it, Penny. Mord ain't no fool, and he knows he ain't come to eat. You come thinking he'd wail me again tonight because he catched me in your room this morning. He won't, though. You needn't have no fear on that score." Mort looked at Becky with a surprise that equalled pennies. The tired drudge returned his stare. "'I mean it,' she said. The whimpering of the young one ceased as they became

Starting point is 01:52:28 absorbed in the adult conversation. "'I've been licked by you for the last time. You beat me for hearing things the other night, but that beating ain't made me forget what I heard. I know the kind of things that's going on in this basin. You know too much, retorted Mort, advancing on his wife with clenched fists. For an instant it looked as if the man were going to strike, Becky. Go ahead, cried Becky, shrilly. Go on and knock me down, and I'll see to it that there ain't no slip-up the next time I try to put you and your pack of wolves where you belong. Penny darted a quick look at the children.

Starting point is 01:53:11 They seemed fascinated by the argument between their parents. She felt the embarrassment the others lacked the grace to feel. She was frightened for Rebecca, but Rebecca was a changed personality who now seemed formidable. I thought the whole thing over, Mort Cavendish, went on Rebecca, her dark eyes glowing with hatred and defecutive. i ain't nothin to gain by seeing the pack of you jailed it don't matter to me if you and bryant and all the rest of your stay here or rotten jail her bosom rose and fell quickly with the intensity of her outburst or you can dangle at the end of a rope i wouldn't care i've watched the lot of you cavendishes with your stuck-up holier than now ways i'm sick of you but i aim to stay here just the same you keep out in this house and leave me and the children alone and i'll keep my lips buttoned up as to what i know about you lay hand on me again and this time you won't have the chance to kill off them that comes for you mort looked apoplectic as range made his face deep scarlet he trembled visibly with his efforts to control himself

Starting point is 01:54:31 that's my bargain mort as long as i can be rid of you by keeping quiet with what i know i'm satisfied to go on living here and doin the best i can to raise the young uns take it or leave it mort turned abruptly and strode from the house banging the door closed pack o skunks fumed becky to no one in particular it makes me sick seeing the way they all think i ain't good enough for em while every last one of them is a thieven killer taking orders from bryant himself becky said penny you can say all you want to about mort and vince or even wally and jeb say all i want about any one snapped becky with a fire she'd never shown before but when you call uncle bryant a crook you're mistaken continued the girl ignoring the interruption i know uncle bryant astern he's as hard as a hickory knot and he's unforgiving he resents your being here and he's been mighty mean to you but he's not a crook if he ain't a crook why does he let crooks hang out here he ain't blind is he and as for you i don't want none of your sympathy or help neither maybe i ain't no fancy education or highfalutin clothes and my looks and figure ain't what they was ten years ago, but I can hold my head high for anyone and not have to admit that I got cousins and uncles that the law should have hung some time ago.

Starting point is 01:56:12 You don't know what you're talking about, Becky. Now calm down and get that meal ready for the kids. I don't need you to tell me what to do, cried the infuriated woman. I'd done plenty of thinking and since this morning, when you the same as laughed at me for trying to warn you away from here, you wouldn't believe that this basin is a hellhole, reeking with murder plans. All right, don't believe me. I know what I heard in the cottonwoods, and I heard a plenty. I was a fool to send word to Captain Blythe of the Texas Rangers. All it got me was a-beaten, and all the Rangers done was to get themselves killed off.

Starting point is 01:56:56 off. Instead of telling what I know, I'll keep it private and make that polecat husband of mine leave me alone to save his neck. I reckon he'll keep out in my sight now, all right. He knows that I can fetch the law here any time I want. Glass from the window crashed in before the sound of the shot reached Penny's ears. She instinctively knew it was a forty-five slug that tore through the window. Her startled half-cry of alarm and surprise choked in her throat as she saw Rebecca's spin halfway around from the impact of the lead and stagger giddily for several seconds. Then Penny clutched her about the waist and tried to guide her to a chair. Becky's mouth dropped open, her hand clutched her breast, and she stared unbelievably at the red that seeped between her fingers. Easy now,

Starting point is 01:57:53 said Penny. Take it easy, Becky. The slim girl found the woman surprisingly heavy to support. She was compelled to ease her to the floor. She was only vaguely aware of the crisis that came from the other children, who raced from beyond the curtains. It-it don't hurt much, faltered Becky. I shoulda know'd better. Mort, Mort's the one. Maybe now you'll believe... her voice was weak so weak that penny could barely understand what she was saying rebecca's body trembled convulsively her eyelids fluttered then opened wide and her dark eyes looked at penny with a glaze over them now she began slowly now you'll believe this basin is a nest of killers the tired eyes closed penny lowered the woman's head and frie lowered the woman's head and felt for a pulse she knew was gone. The children crowded around, wide-eyed, and unbelieving. The oldest boy said, Now Ma won't have to be hurt my paw no more.

Starting point is 01:59:07 At the brave look in the pinched small face, Penny choked up. She gathered the lad to her. No, Billy, Ma won't have any more pain of any sort. And don't you worry, I'm going to take care of of you little fellows she would have said more but another crash from outside interrupted she raced for the window through which the previous bullet had come and saw a startling sight mort cavendish was clawing at his throat and staggering like a drunken man but only for an instant then his legs caved as he crumpled to the ground penny ran from the house and splashed through the puddles on the ground to where mort lay yuma running from another direction reached the fallen man at about the same time stand back he said i'll tend to things he rolled mort over the wound in the neck just beneath the jaw-bone was still clasped by the hand of the unconscious man red moisture seeped between his fingers yuma drew a bandana from his pocket then paused as he looked again at penny i told you to stand back he said i get to have a look at this wound go on and have a look snapped the girl feel his pulse and see if he's still alive he's livin all right but you varmoose this mayn't be a pleasant sight to see

Starting point is 02:00:46 where do you take me for a sissy pull his hand away and let me see how badly he's hurt euma nodded muttering beneath his breath penny noticed that the big cowboy was now fully composed and at ease he seemed competent and direct in manner his flustered embarrassment of the corral was gone he examined the wound with a skill that showed familiarity with such things though it bled profusely yuma said just grazed him i reckon he'll live without no trouble if he lives he'll hang he's murdered becky said penny flatly and i hope he lives yuma holding the bandana against the wound looked at the girl and spoke with an exasperating drawl maybe you ain't heard straight miss penny but i've tried to tell you a little while ago that they don't hang killers in this basin what they do is to hire em and sleep em and eat em and keep em hid so the law can't get at em penny chose to let the speech pass for the time being there were other things that needed attention yuma looked at the wound and commented maybe i'd better put a tourniquet around his neck to stop the bleeding a turnicot would strangle him advised Penelope. Yuma nodded.

Starting point is 02:02:18 I know it. Vince came running to investigate the shots, with Jeb ambling behind. Who done it? Who shot him? demanded Vince in a loud voice. He elbowed Yuma to one side and bent to examine the wound. Better get him to the house.

Starting point is 02:02:38 There's more room there than here in the shack. Yuma nodded silently. Well, go on. on snapped Vince pick him up and carry him to bryan's house penny watched the blonde yuma lift mord off the ground as if he had been a baby he tossed him over one shoulder as he might have done with a sack of flour and walked toward the house followed by Vince penny turned abruptly and bumped into Jeb who stood close behind her oh she said i'm sorry i've got to get back to Becky's and take care of the children.

Starting point is 02:03:17 Jeb nodded. What a Becky, he asked. Mort killed her. I don't know who shot Mort. Jeb said, Bryant himself done it. He's standing on the porch with a rifle right now, watching what goes on. Penny looked and found this to be true.

Starting point is 02:03:39 His shooting Mort gives me cause for a heap more thinking, went on the leanest of. of the Cavendish men. I figured I had it all thought out, but this comes up and throws me off. Men with eyes that ain't no good can't shoot a rifle. I've got to go to the poor children. Wait, Penelope!

Starting point is 02:04:01 Jeb gripped the girl's arm and lowered his voice. This is the start, he said mysteriously, but it ain't the finish. Bryant is fixing to wear a shroud too. end of chapter eight chapter nine of the lone ranger rides this librivox recording is in the public domain the lone ranger rides by fran striker chapter nine bryant talks the wounded man in the cave sat with his back propped against the rocky wall fully conscious and aware of his surroundings for the first time in nearly forty-eight hours he was able to think clearly beside him there was a health-giving broth and a sort of biscuit made by tonto the food was calculated to make rich blood and new strength in the shortest possible time the texan had slept fitfully during the day sipping the broth and nibbling food each time he wakened

Starting point is 02:05:16 now feeling well rested he tried to piece the events of the past two days together most of the time was vague to him he remembered that it had been night when he'd crawled wounded to the ledge after seeing silver desert him morning light revealed the cave into which he had crept with his torment of pain tonto must have found him then though he could recollect nothing of the indian's bandaging his shoulder most of that day yesterday he'd slept then at sunset tonto had returned with food and herbs to dress his injuries he couldn't remember much of what happened after that but there were faint recollections of the indian's crude but nonetheless effective surgery, followed by applications of various sorts. Tonto had been with him all night, plying the skill of the Indian in combating illness. He remembered trying to ask Tonto what had become of silver, but the Indian had said something about waiting till he was stronger before talking. Then Tonto had left, and the wounded man had slept. Now, at sunset, the Indian was due to return.

Starting point is 02:06:37 The Texan examined the food near him and wondered where it came from. It wasn't wild turkey that might have been shot by Tonto. Neither was it game that might have been found in the woods. Tonto must have friends close by who supplied that food. A little while ago, the ranger had heard sounds that might have been shots, but they were far away. He couldn't yet have even have been.

Starting point is 02:07:04 implicit faith in all his senses. Now he heard what he thought might be hoofbeats, but again he wasn't sure. He waited, and the sound came nearer. In a moment more, there could be no doubt about the rhythmic tattoo on the rocks in the gap. Horses, two at least, came close and stopped. A moment later, Tonto entered the cave.

Starting point is 02:07:31 The Indian looked gratified when he saw that color, had returned to the face of the Texan. He examined the wounded shoulder critically, and announced that the infection had gone down considerably, and that now there was no longer any doubt about the ranger's full recovery. Me leave camp on mountain, the Indian explained. Fetchum silver here. Silver? That right, in plenty safe here for time. The Indian how huge rocks near the wall of the gap made a satisfactory hiding place for both the rangers white stallion and his own paint horse where was your camp tonto tonto told him about the clearing on the side of thunder mountain and the trail that led from the clearing downhill to the basin and uphill to the mountain's top from the top of the mountain it was possible despite all rumors to the contrary, to ride in many directions.

Starting point is 02:08:39 Then the basin can be entered without going through this canyon? Tonto nodded. I've always been told that was impossible. It not impossible. You see, by and by. Get rest first. Get well. Then we ride.

Starting point is 02:08:59 The wounded man was eager to leave the cave and start upon a campaign of vengeance. in behalf of his fallen comrades but when he tried to rise Tonto pressed him back to his seat you wait he said you not ready yet the effort made the ranger quite aware that he was still weaker than he had supposed while Tonto rebuilt a tiny smokeless fire of very dry bits of wood and prepared a new supply of hot food he told how the day before he had ridden down the gap to the spot where the massacre had taken place and then heard shooting far beyond he had risked discovery by going as far as the entrance of the basin from there he could see the activity around the house he saw mort's body carried to the big ranch house and a little later saw the girl penelope take the children to the same rambling structure then the body of rebecca had been taken there he told all this in his jerky stilted manner while he put things on the fire to cook and then redressed the ranger's wounds you need plenty more rest tonto told the convalescent man we'd talk more by'n by but tonto tell me more about what you've seen did you find or see anything of my guns and cartridge

Starting point is 02:10:33 belt. Talk more after you strong. Have you any idea who ambushed us? Me got plenty scheme, the Indian said. Talk by and by. It was you who called silver away from me. I remember your night birds call. Why did you do that? Tonto refused to give the Texan any satisfaction. He explained that he had several things that needed doing outside the cave, and that he was in something of a hurry to get away. He further impressed the wounded man with the importance of rest, then more rest, to give the healing broken flesh a chance to mend beyond the danger of tearing open anew. The freshly made broth was steaming hot and tasted good.

Starting point is 02:11:27 When he finished drinking it, the ranger felt drowsiness creeping over him again, despite all of his recent sleep. The effort of even so short a talk with Tonto seemed to have tired him. He felt strangely secure now that his Indian friend was with him. The sleep he needed now was natural sleep without the nightmares of the pain and fever.

Starting point is 02:11:54 Tonto watched the white man for some time and marked the regularity with which the sleeping man's chest rose and fell. a trace of a smile showed on the thin lips plenty rest the indian murmured him need plenty rest for things to come perhaps tonto knew that he was being prophetic he remained in the cave till after darkness had fallen then he proceeded on a grim mission taking with him a spade tonto knew from a previous study of the ground near the scene of the massacre that no one from the basin had ridden past the dead men lying there now in the darkness he continued through the gap until he reached the point where it opened into bryant's basin he waited there watching the distant buildings for signs of activity he wanted to make sure his work of the night could be followed through without interruption he saw the ranch house brilliantly lighted and near by the long row of lighted windows that marked the bunk-house the dead men weren't far from the entrance of the gap it was less than a quarter of an hour's walk on foot less than that if a man were mounted

Starting point is 02:13:18 tonto knew his plans would occupy most of the night and he must not be found at work he gathered huge armfuls of dry stocks and dead shrubbery and spread them over the earth any one entering the gap would certainly snap a warning that would be heard by tonto then the indian shouldering his spade turned his back on bryant's basin and the lighted house and went to the dead men inside the ranch house penelope sank exhausted into a chair before the fireplace her uncle sullen and morose looked up at the girl get the kids to bed he asked penny nodded we've got to find someone to care for them uncle bryant some older woman who will come here i already arranged for that you have you have wallie spends most of his time in town so i figured he'd know more about things there i told him to hire a woman that'll come here and raise the youngsters wallie penny couldn't conceal the contempt in her voice i know he's not good for much the damn overdressed aloud but he knows every one in town from his tom catten around he said he could find some one to tell one to tell him to tell him to tell him he said he could find someone to take care of the kids. Penny stretched her legs toward the fire and slouched back in the chair. The day had been a most strenuous one, beginning with the surprising visit of Rebecca to her room.

Starting point is 02:15:03 Then there had been the ride-up Thunder Mountain, the meeting with Tonto, and the subsequent return with food for the Indian's friend. These incidents had been made to seem distant, despite the hours by the shooting of rebecca and mort and the endless details that had to be attended to because of them with jeb's bandaging mort's wound while vince barked instructions there had been countless last rites that had to be performed for becky the dead woman reposed in one of the big houses bedrooms where she would be until the burial penny watched the dancing flames for several minutes. There were so many things she wanted to discuss that she hardly knew where to begin. Bryant was a hard man at best to talk to. The wrong thing spoken, and he'd go into one of his tantrums, or retire to a shell of stubborn silence that would tell her nothing. Jeb said you were the one who shot at Mort, the girl began.

Starting point is 02:16:12 Bryant nodded. I sensed things boiling up between him and Rebecca for a long time. I didn't figure he'd go as far as killing his wife, or I'd have done something before now. I heard the shot he fired and hoped it had gone wild. That's why I shot to wound him. Then you didn't intend to kill him? Course not, snapped Bryant quickly.

Starting point is 02:16:40 Shot to wing him, just like I'd done. you savvy that i hit right where i aimed the old man leaned forward in his chair as he spoke making a very definite point of what he said penelope nodded but now that mort is going to recover he'll of course be punished for murder won't he bryant's eyes stared hard at the girl who told you he barked to ask that. Penny was surprised at his intensity. Why, why, she stammered, no one asked me to. You sure of that? Of course. You sure it wasn't that cow hand called Yuma that put you up to finding out what my intentions was regarding Mord? I haven't talked with Yuma since he carried Mort here to the house.

Starting point is 02:17:41 Bryant leaned back, eyes squinting toward the fire, lips pursed in thought. Penny tried to study her uncle's eyes. Was it true that they were failing? If so, how could he have fired with such amazing accuracy? She remembered what Jeb had said just after the shooting. Men with eyes that ain't no good can't shoot a rifle. Bryant Cavendish was grumbling in a number. undertoned. Run this place all my life. Built her up from nothing to one of the best

Starting point is 02:18:18 ranches in Texas. Now I can't turn without being told how to run my own affairs by every saddle-tramp that drifts in here for work. Why did you mention Yuma? asked Penny. I had a row with that upstart this afternoon. Oh, Penny lifted her eyebrows, questioning. you did as if i didn't know what's going on on my own property why that pipsqueak from arizona tried to tell me that i was hiring outlaws i told him to mind his own damn business and when i wanted advice from him i'd ask him for it penny calculated that the argument must have been previous to her talk with yuma because bryant and the blonde cow hand had had had no chance to talk after the shooting which came almost immediately following her discussion at the corral this then could not have been the cause of the strange change in yuma's manner yuma had been almost antagonistic when she had met him beside mort's fallen body but uncle bryant said penny seriously are you sure you haven't any outlaws working here you might not know them you see and yuma having been outside the basin until just recently that'll do snapped the old man i'll run this ranch without help

Starting point is 02:19:52 uncle bryant don't bite my head off i'm just curious what are you going to do about mort i aim to think the situation over speak to him when he can talk and then make up my mind you can tell that youma critter that if you're a mind to i know what he thinks he thinks i'm running a regular outlaw hideout here and thinks i'm going to let mort get away with murder and his wife. He'll be waiting to see what I'd do. Well, he can wait. The subject was on thin ice. Penny knew it would take but little to throw her uncle into a violent rage, but there were things she must have him answer. In her very best manner, she leaned close to the old man. Uncle Bryant, she said softly, are you sure you can trust Vince and Bolton? warrant with the authority you give them? No, was the surprising reply.

Starting point is 02:20:59 I know damn well I can't trust him, but I've got to. I can't get around myself, and I won't hire bosses from outside to boss my own flesh and blood. I've got to let them worthless louts run things. I mean, said Penny, then she stopped. she was at a loss to know just how to put the question that was foremost in her mind she felt instinctively that bryant was honest she'd known her uncle many years and had yet to find him engaged in anything that was otherwise she stared into the fire for some time stern bitter unbending as the old man was he had been fair to penny bryant himself was the first to speak he seemed to be voicing mental ills that had troubled him for some time what choice have i got he said as if thinking aloud

Starting point is 02:22:03 i know them four nephews ain't worth a damn if i could i'd swap the four of em for a jackass he turned to face penelope vince has a nature that'd poison a rattler that was fool enough to bite him wallie ain't worth thinking about does nothin but spend all he gets on clothes that scare the hussy rides goes around with his hair all mutton tallowed down and a face that's pasty as a fish's belly jeb ain't worth the powder to blow em to hell he ain't the energy even to keep his face washed then take bryant spat into the fire mort at the mention of the last name the old man's disgust started at the corners of his mouth and finished by drawing the whole mouth out of shape well he's finished with murderin his wife i hated it when he brought a wife here penny it wasn't that i disliked rebecca i never got to know her it would have been the same with any wife mort brought here i know what a worthless pack them men are and it was seeing the cavendish line propagated that riled me penny had never heard her uncle speak in this way it almost seemed as if he were bearing the secrets of his soul now becky is dead he said with resignation we'll see that she's buried proper and take care of the kids nothing more to do bryant pushed himself from his chair and caught hold of the mantel over the fireplace he leaned partly against it while he fumbled for his pipe and tobacco

Starting point is 02:23:55 while he filled the pipe and tamped the fragrant weed down with a thumb the old man went on speaking i know what folks think about me penny he said because i've fought hard and got rich and minded my own business they're all quick to call me all kinds of a crook bryant lighted the pipe and sank back into his chair his stern manner relaxed and for a moment he looked like a very tired old man whose troubles were almost too heavy to bear i know the sort your cousins are he said at length god knows i ain't got where i am by not knowing how to judge men as well as hosses they're a pack o hungry buzzards just waiting for me to die so's they can cut this property up among them if they thought for a second that i was hard o hearin or of seein or anything else they'd pounce on that as an advantage to them bryant's face lighted for a moment i guess shootin mort like i done will show em that i can still shoot straight when i've a mind to penny couldn't ask then if bryant's eyes were failing he'd deny it no matter what the truth bryant blew smoke toward the ceiling only one thing i'm hoping he said i've got to see you taken care of a rap on the door broke off the conversation lonergan a new man at the ranch was there he was much more suave than any of the other employees and seemed something more than just a cowboy though he lived in the bunkhouse with the others

Starting point is 02:25:48 i've been waiting for you lonergan said bryant i'm ready cavendish rose and muttered a word of good-night to penny lonergan followed the old man upstairs to the second floor and a moment later penelope heard the door of a bedroom close she went outside hoping the cool breeze of night would blow some of the confusion from her mind some one came toward the porch from the direction of the bunkhouse with a rolling gate it was yuma he doffed his hat when he saw penny on the porch and said i was sure hoping you'd be about miss penny i hear that you and uncle bryant had some words yuma the moonlight showed the serious look on yuma's face he nodded that's sort of why i come here i-i wanted to speak with you ma'am i uh will you sit down thanks but i can sort of talk better standing up i don't know just how to get into what i want to say but i well after i shot mort you you eh said yuma in surprise did you say you shot mort demanded penny sure i would have drilled him clean if i hadn't been thrown off by your uncle shooting that's why i come here my my uncle shot then there were two shots we both fired together bryant and me his rifle bullet just missed me it drilled my hat here as you can see euma stuck his finger through a neat hole in his hat

Starting point is 02:27:46 i was fool enough to let bryant know that i knowed the crooks that was working here he tried to kill me so's i couldn't tell no one yuma that isn't true uncle bryant fired at mort he thought he hit mort he told me so euma nodded that's what his story'll be he said only it don't go down with me i come to ask you miss penny if there ain't some place you can go instead of here but i don't want to go anywhere else furthermore i don't believe what you said about my uncle you won't leave eh of course not this is my home it'd be downright unsafe here or something happened to bryant wouldn't it ma'am penny drew herself up stiffly aren't you she demanded having a lot to say for a cow hand maybe so the cowboy muttered i'm right sorry with that he turned and walked away penny sat down on the steps more bewildered than ever She felt weak, helpless against the strange confusion of ideas and intrigue, suspicions and apprehensions in the basin. She stared across the level ground and saw the mouth of Bryant's Gap

Starting point is 02:29:20 brilliantly lighted by the moon. End of Chapter 9. Chapter 10 of the Lone Ranger Rides This Librevox recording is in the public domain. The Lone Ranger Rides by Frank. Stranger. Chapter 10 The Lone Ranger. It was daybreak when the man in the cave wakened, in surprise, to find that he had slept

Starting point is 02:29:54 the night through. A fragrant aroma of coffee and bacon, crisping on a fire, made him realize that he was ready for a solid meal. Tonto looked up from his cooking and grinned. The Texan felt of his wounded shoulder. He was amazed at the way the son. swelling had completely disappeared. He could even move his arm without too much pain. He felt alive this morning. He stood. He was a bit unsteady, but his wounded foot would bear his weight,

Starting point is 02:30:29 thanks to the manner in which Tonto had bandaged it. Sunlight streamed past the opening of the cave and turned the gap bright and cheerful. Cold water dashed into his face made the ranger wide, awake. He felt of his three-day growth of beard and turned to Tonto. I must look like a desert rat, he said ruefully. That easy to fix. How you feel? First rate, Tonto, thanks to you. Tonto beamed and dished up fresh eggs with the bacon. Today, he said, you get plenty well.

Starting point is 02:31:10 Food never tasted finer than that breakfast did. When it was finished, the Indian produced the ranger's duffel, which included not only shaving materials, but fresh clothing. While the Texan pulled off the mud and blood-stained remnants of the clothing he'd been wearing and bathed in the cool stream, the Indian told how he had buried the men in the canyon during the night. He explained that he'd made it. six fresh graves, though only five men were dead. Whoever visited the scene of the battle, and no one from the basin had yet done so, might wonder who had done the burying,

Starting point is 02:31:53 but the impression would be given that all six of the rangers had died. The trail would clearly show that but six men had ridden there and six lay buried. There would be no search for a survivor who might carry back to town the nether. news of the massacre. The far-sighted Indian had destroyed the trail made by the one who lived as he had crept from the scene. The identity of the wounded man was buried in an empty grave. The ranger saw the wisdom in Tonto's scheme. So far he had no idea who the killers were. If they knew he had survived, they would hunt him down while he had no conception of their identity. With a With the killers misguided into fault security, he would be left unmolested as long as he

Starting point is 02:32:46 wasn't recognized as a Texas ranger. When he had finished dressing in the clean clothes and boots that Tonto had brought, the Texan sat beside the stream to think. Tonto busied himself about the cave, showing a tact and understanding that was rare in any man. The Indian seemed to know that the Texan wanted to be left alone. He waited to answer what questions might be asked. The Texan's eyes fell upon a small black book that was on the gravel at his side.

Starting point is 02:33:21 It lay open to the fly leaf, and there was an inscription penned in the fine handwriting that engravers try so hard to copy. The man picked up the Bible and looked at his mother's words. To my son, with all my love and a prayer that he will carry with you. with him always the lessons we studied together. He remembered candle-lit evenings at his mother's side in a pioneer home. He recalled the time when he had memorized the Ten Commandments, reciting them, then listening to his father's interpretation of the original laws of living as applied to life in the New West.

Starting point is 02:34:03 Those laws had seemed so simple, yet so all-embracing. His father had said that, that life was supposed to be simple, and that only man-made laws complicated things. Man-made laws failed so often. As a Texas ranger, he had seen rich murderers freed by juries, while poor men were jailed interminably for stealing food to ward off the death of their starving children. Man-made law couldn't be relied upon to serve the highest form of justice. he thought of his five comrades now buried in an isolated gap what law could punish their murderers how could he find those murderers and having found them what proof would there be against them thou shalt not kill that was the law yet who was there to find and punish those who had already killed five brave men he knew something of the cavendish clan

Starting point is 02:35:10 in the basin there were men who would probably give false testimony there was unlimited money to be spent in bribes if needed there was bryant cavendish a law unto himself against these forces he stood alone and practically helpless in spite of the odds against his success the texan found himself breathing a silent pledge to the souls of his friends i'll find the ones who did it he whispered and i'll see them made to pay in full even as he spoke he knew of another pledge he had made a pledge to his mother that he had mined the precepts he had learned one of these was thou shalt not kill while pledged not to kill he must confront hard men to whom murder was a mere detail in a day's work when and if the showdown came after he had found the murderers he sought it would probably be a case of kill or be killed he didn't mind dying if it would serve his ends but his own death would in no way avenge the lives of his friends neither would it serve the cause of justice by ridding the country of inglorious ravagers he found himself considering the things in his favor the fact that he had survived the fight was known only to himself and tonto he would not be recognized because of his horse the only other men who knew that white stallion were dead he could change his appearance by disguise if necessary he wondered if these last few days hadn't already changed his looks he felt he must have aged considerably his outlook on life was certain

Starting point is 02:37:08 changed. He no longer felt like the carefree ranger. He felt older, more serious, more grim. He rose to his feet and called, Tonto! The Indian advanced. In his hand there were guns, holsters, and a heavy cartridge belt. Maybe now, he said, you look at guns. The Texan recognized the brace of perfectly matched and balanced revolvers. My own! Tonto nodded. After you fall, other ranger take guns. Tonto find near fight.

Starting point is 02:37:53 The weight of the belt on his hips was good. It gave the man a feeling of competence. He drew the guns and spun them by the trigger guard. Reflected lights splashed off the spinning weapons. then the butts dropped in his palms and the guns were steady with those weapons the ranger had ridden a fast horse at top speed and kept a tin can bouncing ahead of him with bullets he could and frequently he had done it restrain his draw until fast gun-slingers had their own weapons free of the holster and still got the drop on them he broke one of the guns and dumped the cartridges into the palm of his hand. You loaded them, eh?

Starting point is 02:38:43 Tonto nodded. There was something about the cartridges. They gleamed brilliantly. He studied them a moment and looked questioningly at the Indian. Those bullet, Tonto said, are silver. It was true. The bullets and the cartridges were hard, solid silver.

Starting point is 02:39:06 The Texan looked puzzled. that makes pretty high-priced shooting he said you not shoot much tonto replied then he explained how the precious metal for the bullets had come from the texan's own silver mine tonto himself had cast the metal the white man marveled at the complete knowledge tonto had of him and of his affairs then tonto brought a mask from beneath his buckskin shirt it was black and fashioned to cover the entire upper part of a man's face effectively concealing all identity wear this tonto said the white man hesitated if i go about wearing a mask the law will be in full chase in no time he said tonto nodded you hunt em outlaw birds of a feather by concealing his identity with the mask his disguise would serve a second purpose it would mark him in such a way that outlaws might welcome his company and thus put him in possession of information otherwise impossible to secure other ranger all dead said tonto as the white man tried the mask and found it a perfect fit you only ranger now you all alone all alone repeated the other softly except for you tonto it seems that it's your plan for us to travel together

Starting point is 02:40:48 tonto nodded slowly soberly he held out his brown hand again in the palm there was a metal badge the texas rangers badge the white man took it looked at it then closed his fist about it tightly the texas rangers he said softly are dead all six of them have gone in their place there's just one man the lone ranger he put the badge deep in his pocket and murmured again the lone ranger end of chapter ten chapter eleven of the lone ranger this librivox recording is in the public domain the lone ranger rides by fran striker chapter eleven the lone ranger rides the lone ranger kept the mask across his eyes and experimented with his guns his shoulder made it hard for him to draw the gun on his left but he found that his smooth speed seemed to have suffered no loss when he drew the other shining weapon as a test he unloaded and holstered the pistol i'll just make sure he muttered to tonto standing with his right hand straight before him palm down he placed a pebble on the back of his hand he dropped the hand with almost invisible speed jerked out his gun levelled it and snapped the hammer back then down all this was done before the pebble touched the ground tonto grinned at the demonstration and said that do the masked man sat down and replaced the cartridges in his gun cylinder

Starting point is 02:42:57 so we're going to travel together he said tonto nodded slowly the lone ranger liked the idea tonto's unequaled knowledge of woodcraft and his animal-like skill and following a trail that was invisible to white men would make him a powerful ally. Tonto told about the cattle trails he had found beyond the top of Thunder Mountain and the trail that led from the mountain's top to the clearing and beyond into the basin. He told of his suspicions that stolen cattle were harbored in the basin. When the masked man asked where Tonto had secured the food he had brought, the Indian evaded answering. His pride had suffered when he had been compelled to ask a girl to help him.

Starting point is 02:43:48 He felt just a little bit like many of the vagrant, begging Indians that were so despised in certain parts of the country. Nothing but the urgent need of his friend would have prompted Tonto to request those favors, and he fully intended some day to wipe out the obligation. The lone ranger didn't press the point, tonto did however answer many questions that had bothered the masked man when he explained how he happened to find the cave he had heard shots in the gap and gone toward the sound scrambling down a rocky side of the canyon in the dark he had seen a white horse dimly outlined in the darkness he hadn't suspected that the horse was silver but instinctively he had sounded the bird-like trill that silver knew when the big stallion came to tonto's side he saw that there was no equipment behind the saddle and assumed that silver was alone

Starting point is 02:44:50 he had led silver into hiding until dawn when he followed the back trail to the scene of murder signs there showed that one man had gone wounded from the scene he followed then the blood-marked trail until he came to the cave as simple as all that the masked man commented when tonto finished his recital if i hadn't been so nearly unconscious i'd have recognized your whistle the two spent most of the forenoon making plans and preparations the masked man's wound still bothered him but he felt equal to a long ride and he was eager to get started on his investigation he wore the mask continually so it would become a familiar part of him and not something strange that hampered his movements after their noon meal the two were ready with their duffle loaded on the backs of scout and silver the white horse seemed eager to be in action once again with his master in the saddle he whinny jubilantly when the cinch was pulled tight and his great strength showed in every ripple muscle beneath his snow-white coat. Tonto mounted scout, then waited. The lone ranger placed one foot in the stirrup and shouted, I owe silver! The big horse lunged ahead. Away! The ringing, clear voice cried as the masked man settled in the saddle. Silver was a white

Starting point is 02:46:28 flame leaping ahead, with silky mane and tail blown straight out by the wind, the plumes of a knight in white armor. Sharp hoofs hammered on the hard rocks in a tattoo that thrilled like rolling drums. Silver had his master in the saddle, Tonto close behind him. The master's voice rang out again to echo both ways in the canyon. Hi, oh, silver! Away! Tonto, watching from his saddle close behind the mighty silver, whispered, Now, Lone Ranger ride.

Starting point is 02:47:09 A stretch of flat table land extended for several miles between the rim of the gap and the foot of Thunder Mountain. After the first thrilling dash, the Lone Ranger slowed Silver to let Tonto take the lead and set the route. The Indian knew exactly where to go to reach the mountain's top without passing through the basin. The masked man was not strong enough for great,

Starting point is 02:47:34 activity but Tonto anticipated none for the time being. The purpose of this trip was merely one of observation. The Indian intended to point out cattle trails he'd seen and study them. In so doing, he and the lone ranger would get further away from the danger of the cave's proximity to the basin killers. Tonto felt sure that the ride wouldn't overtax the masked man. He knew his white friend was perfectly at home in the big saddle and perhaps far more comfortable than he'd be chafing with inactivity in the cave after an hour or so of riding the ground became more rocky and difficult just ahead the mountain rose majestically thunder mountain didn't divulge her secret dangers at first the ground sloped only gently upward with an occasional large tree that gave soft shade. Like a seductress and green, the mountain lured the stranger on with promises of things that were ahead. The trees became more frequent, then larger trees, with tangled vines in close embrace, made travel harder.

Starting point is 02:48:53 As the climb became steeper, leafy discards which had rotted to soft loam gave birth to rank weeds. the inclination increased so gradually that one wasn't aware that it was changing the lone ranger realized quite suddenly that his horse was laboring the weeds had become a crazy tangle merging with the vines that hung from overhead like spectral streamers there was a constant clammy caress of invisible cobwebs on the lone ranger's face and the less subtle sometimes painful brushing of tree trunks against his thighs silver's coat became blood-flecked where briars and brambles raked the skin the riders had frequently to crouch or beswept from the saddle by low far-reaching branches none but tonto could possibly have followed this weird and devious route daylight in the woods was at best twilight human intrusion brought a constant cacophobic of cries and chattered complaints from birds and beasts no breeze could possibly penetrate this fastness and the breath of the decaying things was hot and fetid as it rose from the ground the most distant horizon was within arm's reach underbrush so high that it reached overhead rose from slime that was sometimes ankle-deep the ride seemed endless but the end came without warning breaking through a particularly dense cover of berry canes with briars that hurt the riders found it clear ahead the land was hard and almost arid

Starting point is 02:50:48 a thought made the masked man smile despite his exhaustion old thunder mountain needn't be so proud her head was bald wind and rain had swept the summit clean except for a few gaunt stumps of lightning blasted trees tonto was at the masked man's side offering to help him from the saddle now we rest he said you need rest plenty bad i'm able to go on tonto it's good to be riding again tonto shook his head we stop here you rest tonto talk end of chapter eleven chapter twelve of the lone ranger rides this librivox recording is in the public domain the lone ranger rides by fran striker chapter twelve a legal paper in the clear air one could see for miles from the top of thunder mountain the basin most of it at least was hidden by the foliage but the view in the opposite direction encompassed endless plains that led to ranches beyond the horizon the masked man wondered how many of those ranches had contributed to the criss-crossing of cattle tracks on the bald dome where he stood tonto pointed out the things that he had observed on previous visits and indicated where a trail had been cut to make a descent straight into the basin

Starting point is 02:52:36 meanwhile most of the people in the basin went to becky's funeral it was a simple ceremony without tears conducted by jeb cavendish no one who had known rebecca's life could feel sorry for her for having been released penny held the hands of the oldest children during the burial she frequently felt the eyes of yuma standing haided with the number of other men upon her but each time she looked at the blond cowboy he was staring at the ground vince was there and so were most of the cow hands wally was somewhere away from the basin bryant had a distant view from his seat on the porch of the house Mort was still in bed with a bandage around his neck. Jeb seemed to enjoy his brief period as the center of attraction and postponed conclusion of the services as long as possible. When he ultimately pronounced a benediction, Yuma hurried away as if unimportant business.

Starting point is 02:53:48 Penny led the dry-eyed youngsters toward the house. Gimlet, the cook, advanced to meet her. let me take care of the young uns miss penny the old man said kee rites i ain't had the chance to tell a pack of lies to kids since you growed up penny was grateful the children had been her responsibility since rebecca's death and she welcomed the chance to get away and think for a little while i'll be around she said when you have to start supper don't you do it now miss penny don't you do nothin o the sort you leave the kids with me and let em stick by me it'll do em good to talk to some one sides them glumact and cousins o yours with their souls full of vinegar till it shows in their faces penny smiled it's a deal gimlet they're your responsibility till bedtime the children heretofore ignored were wide-eyed at the thought that anyone could actually want their company gimlet's manner seemed forced penny fancied her old friend had worries about which he said nothing you git he said spanking the oldest boy playfully i'll be right along and meet you by the kitchen door when the children had gone the old man with one eye turned to penelope i got somethin he said to tell you yes gimlet

Starting point is 02:55:29 i only got one eye but my ears is first-rate maybe i ought to keep my big mouth shut but i figure you ought to know that your uncle bryant is up to somethin uncle bryant penny's tone showed her surprise she knew that gimlet was one friend upon whom she could count the old cook had dandled her on his knee when as a child she had come to live in the basin she listened eagerly heard him talking to that no good gambling smooth-talkin ombre named lonergan said gimlet penny remembered that lonergan had called the night before bryant had taken him upstairs behind closed doors curiosity has always been my trouble and when i heard talking between them two i didn't shut my ears none couldn't get much of what is said but the two of em was working over some sort of legal paper what about it asked penny uncle bryant has a right to make a contract or agreement with some one well all's i know is that i heard bryant asked lonergan if he was dead sure the paper'd stand in court after he was dead and gone penny wanted to laugh at gimlet's obvious concern over what was probably a will. His seriousness, however, impressed her.

Starting point is 02:57:04 "'That ain't all,' said the old man. "'I heard more. I heard Bryant saying he wanted to leave what he owed to them that deserved it, and he didn't want none of his damned relatives contest in the will and court a law. But, after all, Gimlet, it's Uncle Bryant's ranch, and he can do what he wants with it.

Starting point is 02:57:27 "'Another thing,' growled Gimlet. "'There's a puncher here calls himself Yuma.' "'What about him?' "'You can trust that big maverick, Miss Penny. "'He thinks a heap about you.' Penny said nothing. Gimlet went on with a lengthy discourse about the fine qualities of Yuma.

Starting point is 02:57:51 He and Yuma had spent hours in close confab in the kitchen, and Yuma had expressed his feelings confidentially to Gimlet. Penny's face grew red as the Frank old man continued. Finally, she cut him off. Those children are waiting for you, Gimlet. All right, I'm a-gone to him. But you just remember that Yuma is ace high with me and you're ace high with him.

Starting point is 02:58:22 Gimlet shuffled toward the kitchen door. penny wanted to get away from the surroundings and be alone with her thoughts she had at least two hours before her uncle would be expecting her for the evening meal hurriedly she changed to riding clothes and left the vicinity on las vegas she discounted the seriousness of all that gimlet had said about her uncle's legal paper obviously just a will the thing that concerned her most was the truth about bryant's eyes during the day she had tried to observe him carefully there were times when she was sure he had trouble seeing things then she thought he had truly fired at mort but failing eyes had made his shot go wild and coincidence had made it drill yuma's hat there were other times when bryant seemed to reach directly without a a trace of groping for whatever he desired and then she wondered there was no doubt in her mind that vince and mort were involved in something or other that they didn't want too generally known what of the men the texas rangers who becky had said came to investigate and died for it lost in her thoughts the girl rode on without thought or direction she let the reins hang slack and paid no attention to the tangle of growing things that brushed past her she was surprised when she came back to reality to find that las vegas had carried her up thunder mountain she was well beyond the lower part of the path where it was rough

Starting point is 03:00:10 might as well keep going now she said there was sugar in her pocket put there for las vegas well this time the mustang do without his customary suite. She'd save it till she reached the clearing and see if she could bribe attention from the silver stallion. The Indian, what did he call himself? Tonto, that was it. Tonto had said that a friend was wounded. She wondered if by any chance this friend could be one of the Texas Rangers. She thought it quite unlikely, in view of the fact that all of them were said to have been killed. Well, she had asked Tonto anyway. The clearing was just ahead. She saw the form of a horse through the trees, and then a man. His back was toward her. She saw him turning as he heard the hoofs approaching. The man was not her Indian friend,

Starting point is 03:01:15 neither was he a stranger to the girl. He was one of the last people in the world she cared to meet in such a place. The killer, who called himself Rangoon. End of Chapter 12. Chapter 13 of the Lone Ranger Rides. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. The Lone Ranger Rides by Fran Stryker. Chapter 13.

Starting point is 03:01:50 Help wears a mask. Penny couldn't turn back without making herself appear ridiculous. Rangoon had already seen her and was grinning a welcome. He took his hat off with a flourish and revealed black hair, parted low on one side and plastered down upon his forehead with a carefully nurtured dip. His hair gleamed from greasy stuff that he used on it. Well, he said with the air of a welcoming host, this is a downright surprise penny halted at the edge of the clearing it was the first time she had seen rangoon at close range and she found him wholly repugnant

Starting point is 03:02:37 his face was pitted from smallpox scarred from a knife brawl and generally greasy with sweat but it was his eyes that made him hideous they were small bloodshot and set too close together he had only one eyebrow which extended clear across the ridge of his receding forehead serving both eyes the expression in his eyes was one of confidence and insolence instinctively penny felt that she should turn at once and ride back home rangoon advanced on foot and held a hand toward her i'll help you down from the saddle he said i'm not dismounting i was just about to turn back i don't reckon you'll want to turn back right now rangoon said there's something over here you'll be right glad to have a look at i doubt it penny tried to jerk the reins around but rangoon was holding them please let go of my reins rangoon i'm going home rangoon shook his head slowly i wouldn't he said if i was you i understand that your uncle'd be right sore if he found you'd rid up here in spite of all he's said about it penny pulled suddenly and hard but vainly it ain't no use trying to pull free just yet rangoon advised her her, because I aim to have you take just one look at what I seen.

Starting point is 03:04:22 Then you're free to go, if you want to. Penny was armed. She wore a small-caliber revolver on a belt around her waist. She felt that she could use this if necessary. She was more angry than frightened. She dismounted, ignoring the offered hand of the pock-marked man. He shrugged his shoulders, as he shrugged. as if to say it didn't matter. She noticed that his own horse was tethered to a nearby tree.

Starting point is 03:04:55 What is it you want to show me? I suppose, Rangoon said slowly, You're downright disappointed that it's me you seen here instead of your other friend. Penny noticed the use of the word other. It implied that, in his mind, Rangoon had no intention of considering himself. in the humble position of a waddle on her uncle's ranch, but rather as one on an equal social footing. Penny made no comment.

Starting point is 03:05:28 You wonder how I knew about him, eh? Rangoon said. Well, there is what I wanted you to see, he pointed to the ground. Penny saw the marks of her small boots clearly showing where she had stood yesterday. Nearby were the prince, that Tonto's moccasins had made. Penny stared and felt herself growing cold with fury at the

Starting point is 03:05:55 realization of what she knew must be in Rangoon's foul mind. Not only were the prince there together, but both pairs led toward the lean-to. "'Tain as if it was one of the boys from the basin,' the tantalizing voice behind her said. "'But a critter wearing moccasins. That might be. mean a red skin." Penny acted instinctively. She whirled quickly and swung with all the force of her arm. Her gloved hand smacked against the scar on Rangoon's cheek. Then she burned with embarrassment. Any explanation would be futile. She walked quickly toward her horse. Not so fast, Rangoon said sharply, grabbing Penny's arm.

Starting point is 03:06:47 you let go of my arm or i'll shoot you the hell you will in that instant penny was ready to kill all reasoning left her the hand on her arm brought her fury to white heat she snatched for her gun but rangoon slapped the weapon from her hand rangoon released his grip on her arm and caught up the reins of her horse just get your senses while i tie up your huss and we'll talk released the girl made a dive for her gun which was on the ground rangoon saw the motion and put his foot on the weapon i'll fix that he growled he picked up the gun and emptied it of cartridges now you can have the shoot and iron back he said handing it to her while he tossed the ammunition deep among the heavy brush. Penny took her weapon mechanically and put it empty in her holster. Fear gripped her for a moment when she realized that she was practically helpless. To turn and race away on foot would be a futile gesture. She thought of fainting, but that wouldn't help matters any.

Starting point is 03:08:11 She looked defiantly at Rangoon. What do you want to talk about? now that's more like it you needn't be scared of me i don't aim to hurt you none there was a definite sneer in both the voice and expression while the man tossed las vegas's reins about a tree and nodded them don't get the notion that you got a fight for your honor and all that sort of tripe like in the reading books i don't aim to get shot up by men in the bedin the bow'n't aim to get shot up by men in the basin for making passes at you. I like my women without no killing fights tied on to them. Penny stubbornly refused to let her face indicate her feelings. She stood, chin up, listening.

Starting point is 03:09:04 First of all, Rangoon said, I hanker to know why you rid up here. It's none of your business. Gonna be stubborn again, eh? Now you'll get home a sight quicker if you answer my questions. Why are you here? countered Penny. That's easy. I tell when you tell, Rangoon grinned. Making a sort of game of it, eh?

Starting point is 03:09:37 Well, yesterday I seen smoke coming out in the treetops. I wondered who was camping here, but couldn't get away from the basin to see. I rid up today and found some downright interest and footprints. Now it's your turn to tell me just what they mean. And then you'll let me leave here? Talk first. I used to ride up this way before I went to school. I came up yesterday and found a friendly Indian camped here. Why? How do I know? you ride up here twice penny hadn't credited rangoon with such skill at reading signs yes i came up twice the redskin had two horses with em what about em penny while hating herself for enduring the man's insolence felt that there was no use trying to evade the truth which after all was harmless she told rangoon about bringing food for the indian's friend when she mentioned the friend rangoon showed keen interest who was that there friend

Starting point is 03:11:01 i don't know where was he at i don't know that either i've told you all i know rangoon the man shook his head slowly tain't enough i got to know the rest penny was defiant i've told you all i know and now i'm starting back for the basin if i'm not there uncle bryant will wonder why and i'll tell him why i was delayed you ought to know him pretty well rangoon he won't take this sort of behavior from you rangoon rangoon threw back his head and laughed hard at this. Your uncle won't hurt me, he said between two roars of laughter. Penny made a sudden dive for the knotted reins. Again, Rangoon was quicker. He caught her in strong hands.

Starting point is 03:12:02 You ain't leaving, he said, till you tell who the Redskins friend is and where he's hiding. I tell you I don't know. penny struggled to free herself i'll ring it out of you rangoon bellowed as he wrapped his long arms completely around the girl and nearly cut off her wind in a bear-like grip let me go gasped penny rangoon's grip was tighter his arms were crushing the slim girl to him bending her back until it hurt frightfully his ugly feet face was close to her. His breath, foul with alcohol and half-rodded teeth, was hot. Penny felt nauseated, violently ill. Contact with the girl made Rangoon reckless. He seemed to forget any fear he might have had. His voice was hoarse, as he shouted to Penny. "'Who is that Indian's friend?'

Starting point is 03:13:10 His repeated question was simply an excuse to hold the girl. His voice was hoarse. Who is that Indian's friend? I am. It was a new voice, a deeply resonant one that spoke from behind Rangoon. Stand back, the same voice snapped. Rangoon swore and whirled as he snatched out his gun with cat-like speed and agility. The releasing of the girl, the turning, the drawing, and the firing, all seemed part of

Starting point is 03:13:48 one smooth flowing movement that came from instinct. Wide-eyed, Penny saw Rangoon's gun jump as at last flame and smoke toward the newcomer. The gun seemed a thing alive. It leaped free of Rangoon's hand and flew in an arc across the clearing. rangoon screamed a livid curse of pain as he gripped his gun hand the stranger standing ten feet away had his own weapon back in its holster penny saw that the man was tall his hat was white and clean and his face was masked rangoon's hand must have hurt terribly to judge from his violent cursing penny had a dazed detached feeling as she watched the two men rangoon still cursing held a hand that stung from the force of the bullet that had knocked his own gun away the stranger with the mask stepped forward and slapped rangoon on the face the blow did not appear to be hard swung but it sent rangoon sprawling on the ground that's enough of that talk the stranger said in his crisp but none the less pleasant voice penny heard another sound and turned as tonto came from behind the trees

Starting point is 03:15:21 The masked man spoke again. You're not hurt badly. My bullet struck your gun, not your hand. You'll pay for this, Rangoon cried. I'll see you shot up a little at a time. I'll have my men get you. You wait. The lone ranger turned to Tonto.

Starting point is 03:15:45 You'd better gag him, Tonto, he said. It's going to be hard to talk about. that noise." Tonto grinned and leaped astride, Rangoon, who made no attempt to rise from the ground. What the killer said was muffled, as Tonto jammed a knotted cloth into his mouth. When he's gagged, rope him! Tonto nodded, and his expression said, Gladly! Penny watched with interest. She knew she should mount and ride, at once for the basin but there was something about the masked man that held her and there were things she wanted to ask who was this stranger whose chin was so well shaped why was he masked she instinctively liked him aside from the help he'd given her she liked his efficient manner of handling rangoon beyond the trees she caught a glimpse of silver

Starting point is 03:16:51 this then was the man to whom she had sent food the man for whom tonto had asked help this was the owner of the magnificent stallion friend she thought that's who he is tonto's friend she remembered the way tonto had spoken of him then understood the tone the indian had used when he said my friend end of chapter thirteen chapter fourteen of the lone ranger rides this librivox recording is in the public domain the lone ranger rides by fran striker chapter fourteen the trail leads down when rangoon was tied the lone ranger dragged him across the clearing and placed him with his back propped against a tree you'll probably be here for some time he said i'll take that gag out of your mouth if you can keep quiet the gag removed the masked man studied rangoon's face for fully a minute what's your name he asked rangoon glared darkly from beneath the connected eyebrows his mouth already distorted somewhat by the scar on his cheek was drawn even further back when he said in a slow voice that fairly dripped with hate you go to hell penny spoke he calls himself rangoon the lone ranger nodded it seems to me that i've seen him when he had another name he turned to penelope you of course are penelope cavendish he said more is a statement than a question the girl nodded while her eyes remained fixed on the face beneath the mask and the mask itself

Starting point is 03:19:03 she hadn't noticed the slight limp when the lone ranger walked the shoulder bandage was covered by his shirt her feeling was one of admiration and gratitude but most of all resentment she felt that tonto had misled her it was inconceivable that the man before her could so recently have been desperately in need of food he didn't look helpless he certainly hadn't acted helpless when he saw rangoon yet tonto had implied that his plight was serious perhaps need of concealment not starvation had kept the masked man hidden while tonto sought food though penny liked his voice and manner and the way he had handled rangoon she could judge him only by facts and circumstances he had come to the clearing rangoon was in the clearing wasn't it obvious that they came there to meet rangoon known as an outlaw the newcomer masked true the masked man had fired at rangoon while rangoon fired at him but wasn't this perhaps a man had fired at rangoon while rangoon fired at him but wasn't this perhaps an act for her benefit neither man was injured these were the facts to tonto penny said i didn't know your friend was an outlaw tonto began to speak but penny continued if i had i certainly wouldn't have brought food for you to take to him the lone ranger spoke quickly are you the one who brought tonto that food that food Of course, didn't he tell you?

Starting point is 03:20:51 No, said the masked man, glancing at Tonto. He did not. Tonto was highly uncomfortable. If I had known where that food came from, the Lorn Ranger said, I might not have... I suppose, interrupted Penny. The fact that you had food from the Cavendish family complicates things for you. the lone ranger looked at the girl somewhat surprised she went on speaking slowly and significantly it must make it a trifle difficult for you to go ahead with your plans could penelope know his plans and suspicions the masked man tried to fathom the enigmatic expression in the girl's face did she know that he felt a strong suspicion that her uncle was hiring crooks to bring stolen cattle to the basin

Starting point is 03:21:47 did she realize that his purpose was to fix the guilt of murder on basin killers he said it might make everything more complicated than you realize miss Cavendish. He took a step toward her. I want you to understand one thing. Oh, please, there was annoyance in the girl's tone. Don't let's talk any further. You've helped me, and if you feel that I helped you, we're square. I'd sooner let it go at that and start for home. It can't go at that, the lone ranger said, decisively. The fact that is you've saved my life puts me in a peculiar position. He drew a cartridge from his belt. Take this, he said, offering the bullet,

Starting point is 03:22:39 and if there is any man in the world whose life means a great deal to you, tell him to carry it at all times. Penny looked at the silver bullet in the palm of the masked man's hand. Silver? she said curiously, in spite of herself. Yes. So you want to repay me by agreeing to spare one life? She drew up proudly. Keep your bullet.

Starting point is 03:23:10 We are quite able to defend ourselves against you. Turning abruptly, she mounted Las Vegas and rode quickly away. As Penelope guided Las Vegas downhill, she felt as if a buoyant hope had been punctured to sink into. to a black sea of despair. Her confidence in Tonto had been great, and despite what she had heard about the murder of the Texas Rangers, some tiny voice far deep inside her kept whispering that she should count on the man whom the Indian called friend. She had to count on someone. Yuma thought that her uncle was a leader of killers. Penny felt otherwise. She had hoped somehow to find a strong, staunch friend who would feel as she did.

Starting point is 03:24:02 Seeing Tonto's friend, she saw a masked man, a man who offered to spare the life of the one she loved most in order to repay her for food. Now she had no one to turn to but Bryant Cavendish. Stubborn, bitter, unreasonable old man that he was, he'd have to listen to her. He must be made to understand the forces that were piling up in his own home. He must be shown that Mort and Vince were scheming with Rangoon, perhaps with others, taking orders from an unknown chief, ambushing Texas Rangers, murdering, and heaven only knew what else. Bryant must be made to understand that his own life was probably in danger

Starting point is 03:24:50 and must send word out for lawmen, many lawmen, to come and help. Becky had gotten word to the Texas Rangers. Bryant must find and use the same means, but this time they must reach the basin without being ambushed. Bryant would be hard to talk to, but the time for diplomacy in handling him was passed. She rode on, not knowing that Old Declan, Gimlet was waiting for her with stunning news.

Starting point is 03:25:24 Meanwhile, instead of replacing the silver bullet in his cartridge belt, the lone ranger put it in his pocket. He drew the Indian aside, out of hearing of Rangoon. Don't you see the spot we're in now, Tonto? If Bryant Cavendish is in charge of the basin, as he's always been, he's the man we want. I'm alive to get him only because of what his niece did for me. She may have given me a life that I've dedicated to the hanging of the man she cares for. I've got to know her feelings. Tonto nodded his agreement, looking quite dejected.

Starting point is 03:26:07 I don't think Bryant himself did the killing, Tonto, but unless things have changed since the last reports came out of Bryant's basin, he rules his little kingdom with a mailed fist and there isn't a thing that goes on there that he doesn't order if killers are there he brought them there the texas rangers must have died because bryant cavendish sent men out there to kill them tonto studied the tall man's eyes and noted that there was a new intensity in the gray depths maybe now he said we make em camp you need rest there isn't time to rest now penelope cavendish believes i'm one of the outlaws if she thinks bryant is on the level and tells him about seeing me he'll make things too hot we've got to strike before he can act it'll soon be dark enough to get to the cavendish house without being seen and i'm going there cavendish is an old man at best he hasn't many years to live his niece if she loves him can keep him but we're going to take the killers that work for him and he's going to give us the evidence that will hang them the lone ranger spoke softly but with a calm determination that told tonto there was little use in trying to persuade him to postpone a meeting in a murderer's retreat

Starting point is 03:27:43 What's more, the Lone Ranger finished. He's going to put that evidence in writing. Tonto, go with you, the Indian said. We leave Rangoonfeller tied here. No, Tonto, I'm going alone. Tonto tried to convince the Lone Ranger that he was risking his life, that he needed help, that he should not ride unaccompanied into the basin,

Starting point is 03:28:10 but the masked man shook his head. my plans are better tonto we're going to leave rangoon here by the trail these men use in going from the basin to the outside the first ones who come through here will find him they'll release him and there will be some talk i want rangoon to think that both of us have ridden to the basin we'll start out down the trail but you'll turn back and hide near by to hear what's said I'll ride into the basin, have a showdown talk with Cavendish, and meet you later in our cave in the gap. The masked man pointed out how Tonto's natural abilities made him the logical one to wait in the forest. No white man could maintain the vigil with the absolute silence that was so imperative. On the other hand, the Indian scant knowledge of white men's laws and courts of law made him, a poor one to dictate the sort of statement that must be secured from Bryant Cavendish.

Starting point is 03:29:19 The two returned to the proximity of Rangoon and made ready to start riding. You can't leave me here, the scar-faced outlaw shouted. The lone ranger looked at him and said deliberately, Why not? What if I starve? What if I'm ed up by animals? That, retorted the masked man, would be easier than the way the Snake Flats homesteaders died when Abe Larkin killed them. Rangoon's eyes went wide at the mention of the name he formerly had used and the people he had killed. What do you know about them? he cried.

Starting point is 03:30:04 The law is still keeping a noose ready for Abe Larkin. Where you go? There was panic in Rangoon's voice as he saw the two mount and point their horses toward the basin. The lone ranger said, Come on, Silver! Rangoon tugged at his ropes, struggled with them until his wrists were almost bleeding. His courage, as darkness fell in the woodland clearing, ebbed until he was reduced to a sniveling, sobbing, wretch, with scant resemblance.

Starting point is 03:30:41 to the swaggering monster that had bullied Penelope. "'Who?' he cried aloud. "'Who was he? "'Who in God's name was that masked man with the silver bullets? "'He called me Abe Larkin. "'Who in God's name was he?' "'Somewhere, unseen in the darkness, "'a crouching Indian grinned.

Starting point is 03:31:06 "'Eend of Chapter 14. "'Chapter 15 of the Lord Lone Ranger Rides. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. The Lone Ranger Rides by Fran Stryker. Chapter 15 Intrigue comes closer. When Penny reached home just after dark,

Starting point is 03:31:38 she noticed a peculiarly deserted air about the ranch. Most of the horses belonging to the cowboys were gone from the corral when she turned Las Vegas in. The shack where Becky had lived was dark, and the big house nearly so. There was one lamp burning in the living room, and the kitchen wing was lighted. That was all.

Starting point is 03:32:03 The usual bunkhouse sounds of laughter or murmuring voices against an occasional accordion or guitar background were not there. Penelope entered by the kitchen door. Gimlet rose to greet her, with anxiety showing in every one of the innumerable lines on his battered old face. "'Kee ripes!' burst out Gimlet. "'Where you been?' Penny was somewhat taken aback by the old man's obvious agitation.

Starting point is 03:32:37 "'What's the matter, Gimlet? Is anything wrong?' "'That's just it. I don't know. It seems like all hell's due to bust loose, and yet the matter, they ain't a thing I can put a finger on. These things biling up, I tell you. I was scared damn near to death something that happened to you. But why? You sure everything's all right with you? You ain't met with no trouble? What kind of trouble? Where is everyone? I don't know what kind, just trouble. Trouble, like being shot at, or like having things. threats made at you. Penny shook her head. I rode quite away, she said, and didn't realize it

Starting point is 03:33:26 was so late. Where is Uncle Bryant? It was when Gimlet replied that Penny felt her first frustration. He's gone, and God knows where, too, or why. Gone, echoed the girl. Didn't he say anything? He come here to the kitchen, told me to pack some vittles in a sack, and stayed while I'd done it. He took the sack, throwed it into the buckboard, which same had two strong husses all hitched, then fetched moored out in the house with his neck still bandaged, and the two drove off. Penny hadn't known Bryant to leave the basin in years, yet she knew Gimlet must be telling the truth. didn't he say when he was coming back she asked not a damn word penny had counted on a heart-to-heart talk with her uncle now that the talk was out of the question at least for the time being she felt a hopelessness that made her aware of how much she had counted on that talk how long ago she said did uncle bryant leave

Starting point is 03:34:42 just a little while after the argument argument what argument him and that cowboy calling himself yuma had another set to yuma in her confusion of emotions penny could do little more than echo what gimlet said i tell you there's been things goin on but nothin can lay a finger on bryant and yuma talked to low for a time, then both got to howling. I could hear some of what was said. Yuma was calling on Bryant to see to it that Mort got what he deserved and got told to go to hell. That's what Uncle Bryant would tell him. Yuma said he'd done some thinking since the last row they had, and he figured that if Mort wasn't given what a killer should get, it was because Bryant didn't give him. what went on in the basin oh if euma could only understand uncle bryant said penny uncle bryant can't be bulldozed into doing anything one way to make certain he doesn't turn moored over to the law is to order him to do it

Starting point is 03:36:02 they had a plenty of hot words said gimlet shaking his head slowly they was a heap of cussin on both sides when a-a-one of a-cussing on both sides when a-a-one I heard what Brian told about the shooting of Becky, I was fit to be tied. I was so gall darn mad. What did he say? asked Penny eagerly. Said that Mort told him he never had no intent to shooting Becky. Penny's lips compressed. Mort claimed that he had seen a snake, a rattler, and a big one, and he was shooting at that same, but his shot went wild and through the window to get his wife. So, said Penny softly, that's the story he's going to tell. He's told it, and Bryant's told it, and I reckon it'll stand.

Starting point is 03:36:58 Ain't no way to prove otherwise. No, responded the girl, her confidence in Uncle Bryant severely threatened. There's no way to prove otherwise. i saved some chow for you gimlet said in an incidental way if you want it i reckon you're hungry penelope shook her head i'm not hungry gimlet i don't know what's goin to happen the old man said sadly i do know one thing though and that's just this becky wasn't killed by no accident and if brian says she was he's as big a damn liar as mort penny looked at gimlet she laid one hand on his skinny forearm below the rolled-back shirt-sleeve softly she said gimlet have you any idea why rebecca was shot gimlet dropped the gaze of his one eye to the floor and shifted his weight uneasily from one foot to the other tell me said penny i want to know gimlet nodded slowly i know he said that's what made me a fared for you he stopped there and penny said go on

Starting point is 03:38:26 gimlet drew a deep breath as if in telling the girl what he knew he were leaping into a bottomless pit filled with icy water i-i'm the one that got her kilt penny waited knowing that when he enlarged on the amazing statement it would be vastly modified i couldn't a help it though i dunno where becky learned that pack of killers from all parts of the state was being brought to jobs here so they could hide when they stole horses and cattle from outside the basin she noted though and sent me with a note into captain blythe and red oak i gave him the note and left like she told me to do i dunno how the crooks here learned about it but they sure as hell was ready when the texas rangers rid through the gap they wiped em out a plenty but there'll be other rangers coming to see what happened to them said penny an alibis and lies o plenty waiting for them same by the time the next rangers get here there won't be a damn thing for him to see the stolen cattle'll have new brands and the crooks that's hiding here will be hiding where they can't be found no one'll know nothin about nothin penny nodded slowly realizing the truth in what old gimlet said if it's knowed by the crooks that you know what's goin on they'll do to you the same as they done to becky as for me i'm expecting to get kilt most any time you said there wasn't anything you could put your finger on gimlet it seems to me you know just about all there is to know

Starting point is 03:40:22 can't prove nothin though sides that i don't know where bryant stands i wish i knew that said penny thoughtfully one thing sure as long as he's here there won't no harm come to you let him get killed though as i know damn well he's expecting and god knows what'll happen another thing i dunno is who's bossin thing i dunno is who's bossin thing Vince? Vince? Gimlet shook his head. Too cussed for any man to take orders from. Mort? Again, the old man's head moved slowly from one side to the other.

Starting point is 03:41:09 I don't think so. We can figure Jeb and Wally out as a matter of course. Maybe they know what's going on. Maybe they don't. Jeb ain't the brains of a jack-a-jack. and Wally ain't hardly ever home. Has he returned from town? Nope. He left a Tomcat around some more,

Starting point is 03:41:33 and maybe find a woman to raise Becky's kids. He ain't come back yet. Where have the other men gone? They mooseed out soon after the burying. I don't know where they went. Vince and some of them are in the front room of the house. who was with vince saw tell and lombard and the man that talked with bryant other night lonergan they've been chewing the rag in there ever since bryant took mord away gimlet turned to the huge stove and shoved a pan back from the heat you're sure you won't eat he asked penny felt that food would choke her she wondered if there were any one in the world to whom

Starting point is 03:42:22 she might turn in confidence and trust, the door swung open suddenly, and Yuma stood in the opening. The big blonde cowboy's face was grim. He glanced at Gimlet, then the girl. Saw your huss in the corral, he explained. I got to ask you just one thing, Miss Penny. Penny nodded without speaking. She noticed that Yuma wore two guns. both tied low his hat was well down in his forehead and he had a leather jacket over his shirt he seemed to be dressed for a considerable ride just one thing he repeated ponderously well what is it i'm fixin to pull stakes the cowboy said you don't know me very well an you got no reason to trust me exceptin that i tell you i'm on the level i know what i'm saying will sound crazy loco and you won't pay no attention to it but i'm wanting to take you into red oak and see you out in this hell basin there's folks there that'd make you right to home you could teach school if you wanted to will you leave right now of course not retorted penny

Starting point is 03:43:49 yuma nodded slowly that's what i figured i'll be there though if you ever need me penny could never know how yuma had steeled himself to make the extravagant suggestion the cowboy knew there wasn't a one-and-a-thousand chance that penny would agree and when he saw the scornful look he had no more to say no argument to put forth he had made his request and it had been turned down his simple and straightforward way of thinking hadn't grasped the thing in the same way that penny did he knew the girl was in a dangerous place and wanted to take her from it make her safe she refused to go that was all there was to it the door closed and penny was about to voice her indignation but gimlet spoke first the old man said more soberly than he'd spoken before miss penny you should a gone why the nerve of that crazy cowboy i don't even know his name he's been here only a short time he's fought twice with uncle bryant and told me what he thought of the only man in the world i ever cared for my uncle and now he expects me to leave home and go off to red oak teaching school leave here to-night with him it's the most ridiculous outlandish nonsense i penny stopped for breath gimlet said again you should ha gone i should huh retorted penny i'd have to be gagged and hog-tied to go with that crazy wrangler and even then i'd fight every inch of the way

Starting point is 03:45:47 she turned abruptly and pushed through the door into the living quarters of the house gimlet blinked when the door slammed almost in his face he fingered his mustache reflectively and hummed through his knobby nose gagged and hog-tide eh he muttered ke rites but maybe that's a good idea he hurried across the kitchen in a busy body sort of stride and followed yuma into the darkness penny hoped to get upstairs into her bedroom without having to talk any further her mental state was in the lowest depth of despondency she had ever known it seemed that the more she learned the more futile it became to look ahead to happiness in bryant's basin her nerves felt drawn to attention that threatened to snap them like cat-gut drawn too tightly on a violin it seemed as if nothing that could happen now made a great deal of difference she turned a corner of the hall and stopped at the foot of the stairs stood vince cavendish at the sight of his cousin vince's shoulders seemed to droop and his eyes assumed a woebegone expression that was something new he advanced to the girl and said god knows what's goin to happen to us cousin penny had never heard vince speak in that sort of tone she looked at him suspiciously wondering what was behind the beaten manner that was like a plea for sympathy she moved her hand behind her as vint sought to take it in his own what's the matter with you she demanded you act like a sick calf

Starting point is 03:47:43 double crossed vint said hollowly double crossed by uncle bryant he's sold the lot of us out penny recalled some of the things gimlet had told her how she asked i already signed said vince the men are upstairs now gettin gitin jeb's name on the paper and they'll get yours when they come down my name to what paper one that bryant had draw it up went on vince in a melancholy voice we gotta sign away any claim we might have on the ranch as his heirs he wants to leave it all to someone else who vince shook his head dunno why didn't uncle bryant tell us to sign the agreement or whatever it is left it to some of the men to handle he's gone into red oak with mort reckon they're waiting there for the boys to get the paper signed and bring it to them there i'll not sign a thing until i talk to him said penny flatly. And in the meantime, I'm going to bed. Vince shook his head slowly. You can't. Who's going to stop me?

Starting point is 03:49:14 Sautel and Lombard and Lonergan will be done with Jeb in a few minutes. They'll see that you sign somehow. Penny turned to go upstairs, but Sautel's stocky figure appeared at the top of the flight. His voice was soft and smooth to match the bland expression of his wide face. Miss Cavendish, he said as he started down the stairs. I'm glad you're back. We've something to talk about. You've nothing to talk about with me, the girl said to the descending man. Any business you have for Uncle Bryant can wait till he gets back here.

Starting point is 03:49:59 Sautel smiled. i guess you don't understand he won't be back here until we take some documents to him with your name and the names of your cousins signed to them he halted at the bottom of the flight and took a folded paper covered with close writing from his pocket shall we go into the other room he said you can do what you want i'm going to bed retorted the girl started once more. Sautel gripped her arm. Let go of me! I don't want to use any harsh methods, Miss Cavendish, Sahtel said with his smile gone and an impatient edge in his voice. But I promise you, you're going to sign the agreement so we can start for town as soon as possible.

Starting point is 03:50:55 Penny jerked her arm free. She felt panicky, helpless, but dared to not show it. Her gun was still on the belt about her waist, but the cartridges it had held were somewhere in the brush on Thunder Mountain. She was determined to get to her room, bar the door, and stay there until her uncle came home. No matter what Bryant did, she knew that he would let nothing serious happen to her. It was incredible that he'd left instructions, such as Vince had told her about, with men like Sautel and Lombard. She wondered about Lombard and Lonergan.

Starting point is 03:51:39 Gimlet had said they were here in the house. Upstairs? It was quite possible. The girl looked toward the front door, then at Sautel. There's no use putting us all to a lot of extra trouble, Sautel told her. You'll only make it harder for you. for yourself." "'He's right,' put in Vince in a resigned voice.

Starting point is 03:52:05 "'They ain't no use putting off the signing of that paper. Might as well do it and get it done with.' Penny's jaw was firm. "'I won't do anything until I talk to Uncle Bryant.' Sautel nodded slowly. "'All right, then. We'll have to bring Jeb down here.' He called Kurt. orders up the stairs, and in a moment, Jeb, struggling between Lonergan and Lombard, was practically

Starting point is 03:52:36 carried down the stairs. His eyes were wide and staring, and his lean face white with terror. "'Do what they want,' he cried to the girl. "'No matter what it is, you sign it like what I done. If you don't, they'll brand me with a poker.' take him to the fireplace ordered sawtel put some ropes around him then come back for vince this girl will do what bryant says or she'll see slow murder with a lot of pain no no cried vince not me as if by magic a gun appeared in sautel's hand you he said as well as jeb you he said as well as jeb penny watched the wide-eyed jeb and the cringing wincing vince being dragged howling to the fireplace where lombard and lonergan tossed ropes about them the two were jerked off their feet and stretched on the floor and more ropes looped around their ankles made them helpless saw tell gun still in hand watched the procedure unmoved and expressionless lonergan's black eyes reflected the leaping flames when he faced sotel his black mustache so carefully brushed and tapered seemed to twitch with his eagerness to make the next move

Starting point is 03:54:11 sawtell nodded and the former gambler grabbed the poker in lean fingers and shoved it deep among the red-hot coals stark terror from their soul showed in the eyes of the captured men Vince drooled supplications for mercy, begging Penny to sign Bryant's agreement and save him from the torture of the heated iron. Jeb wailed conglomerate quotations, misquoted, from the scriptures. Sautil approached Penelope. You have a few minutes to think it over, he said, while the iron gets red-hot.

Starting point is 03:54:54 Have you ever heard a man's scream with the pain of being branded. He paused, lowered his voice, and added, In the eyes. End of Chapter 15. Chapter 16 of the Lone Ranger Rides. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. The Lone Ranger Rides by Franz Stryker.

Starting point is 03:55:26 Chapter 16, One Eye Sees Death. The Lone Ranger stood close to his horse. at the edge of the basin where thick foliage marked the beginning of the rise of thunder mountain he strained his eyes and ears to detect what he could in the basin motionless and tense the masked man waited like a hunter that tried to catch a scent from a wind that held its breath he heard the usual night sounds of cattle katy dids and frogs there was an occasional call from a creature of the forest that rose behind him him nothing more on the downward path the masked man had met no one he had dismounted on several occasions to examine the trail by match-light and near the bottom where it was overgrown with weeds he had lighted a candle to inspect it further he found that many head of cattle had travelled where the path was smooth but the beef had been fanned out in many directions near the bottom of the mountain and driven into the basin several points. He decided that this had been done so that a path would not be seen from the basin itself. The lone ranger guided silver back among the trees where the white coat wouldn't

Starting point is 03:56:48 be so obvious if someone rode near. He whispered softly, then left the horse untethered. He paused to make sure that his mask was snugly in place. It had become so much a part of him that he couldn't be sure of its presence unless he felt it with his hand. When Tonto had at first suggested wearing the mask all the time, he had thought it a bit dramatic, perhaps even silly, but consideration made him realize that he already was hampered by the determination not to shoot to kill, by great odds, and by the weakness of his wounds and recent fever. He might have to fight, to rope and shoot, and the mask must be no handicap. He checked his guns, making sure that they were fully loaded by replacing

Starting point is 03:57:41 the shell that had been used to disarm Rangoon. Then he was ready. An experienced black cat stalking a nervous bird could be no more quiet than was the lone ranger as he moved across the basin. His clothing had no flapping superfluities. He wore no jingling spurs. His gun guns were tied down so that the holsters could not slap his legs. Boots oiled to preclude the slightest possibility of any squeaking leather, he moved swiftly and surely toward the buildings of the ranch. He saw the house, and not far from it, the row of lighted squares that marked the bunkhouse. Halfway to the buildings, the Lone Ranger froze.

Starting point is 03:58:30 He wondered if his eyes were playing tricks, or if he had to be. actually had seen someone, or something, move at one end of the bunk-house. Now he saw a moving figure in the beam of light that slanted from the rear window. In an instant, whatever he saw was obscured by the darkness. He glanced over his shoulder. Silver was well out of sight. His own dark clothing would be barely visible unless someone were quite close to him. then he heard the sound of hoofs a horse and rider appeared as a vague shadow against the lighted bunk-house windows the masked man dropped flat on his stomach hugging the ground as closely as possible the rider was coming straight toward him he drew a pistol holding it in readiness if he should be seen he knew that his hat was light and might attract attention but he dared not move it he felt the ground tremble with the beat of hoofs he heard the crack of a quart cruelly applied and a man's husky voice now the rider was almost upon him without slackening his speed

Starting point is 03:59:46 the racing horse looked tremendous as it passed within twenty feet of the lone ranger it was impossible to tell who was in the saddle all details were shrouded by the darkness but whoever the that horseman was, he was in a hurry. He swept across the basin toward the foot of Thunder Mountain, and the last the masked man saw was the barely perceptible shadow breaking through the underbrush that hid the uphill trail. The lone ranger presently rose to his feet, waited several seconds, and then moved ahead again. This time his destination was the bunkhouse. He could call on Bryant and Penelope later. First, he would investigate to learn, if possible, the reason for the unknown rider's sudden departure. There was no sound from within the bunkhouse. The masked man advanced toward the side of the long and rather narrow one-story building.

Starting point is 04:00:49 The rear, from which the unknown rider had started, was on his right, the front of the building on his left. He could see that a door which opened out was wide, but from his point of view, the lone ranger couldn't see the inside of the place. He could hear something going on inside the ranch house, a couple of hundred feet away, but couldn't distinguish the sounds clearly enough to know what they might mean. Go there, he muttered, later on. With increasing caution, he approached the objective until his back was pressed close to the slab side of the bunkhouse at the corner between the lighted windows and the open door. Still, there was no sound inside.

Starting point is 04:01:38 His gun in readiness, he rounded the corner and looked in the door. He saw a well-lighted room. Double-deck bunks lined each of the side walls, divided by a narrow aisle. In the front part of the room, there was one large table and several chairs. At least twenty men slept here, but now there was no one in sight. The table had held a poker game, which seemed to have been interrupted suddenly. Freshly dealt cards lay face down on the table as they had fallen before the chairs of the players. The room was littered with battered pictures, extra boots, blanket rolls, and other parapherals.

Starting point is 04:02:23 that would naturally be accumulated by those who slept there. The lone ranger stepped inside and drew the door shut behind him. At the poker table he paused and examined a few of the cards. Rifling through them, he came across two aces. He held these cards close to a coal-oil lamp and studied their backs. In one corner he found a barely discernible indentation that might have been made by a fingernail. He nodded slowly. Looks like it might be Slick Lonergan, he mused. Slick hadn't been seen in any of his familiar haunts since the time he had disappeared

Starting point is 04:03:09 before a trial in which he was to be questioned about a murder. The lone ranger knew Lonergan's entire background, a crooked gambler, a crafty lawyer, and a shrewd schemer who should have been jailed long ago, but who had repeatedly found loopholes that served as rat holes for him to slip through and remain free. Leaving the table, the lone ranger began a quick but systematic search of the building. He moved down the aisle, studying the possessions near each bunk. He found a handbill that had Rangoon's picture on it, but the name at the time of its printing was Abe Larkin. Larkin apparently hadn't taken any pains to hide the fact that he was wanted by the law. Once, he thought he heard a faint low moan from somewhere close at hand.

Starting point is 04:04:06 He stood attentive, but the sound was not repeated. He continued in his search, oppressed by a somewhat guilty feeling as a prowler and an unexplainable sensation that there was someone else in the bunk house with him. He studied two more bunks and then heard the moan again. This time it was unmistakable. The lone ranger hurried to the far end of the bunk house, and there, in the lower bunk in his right, he found a man unconscious. The window over the head of the sill form was open. It was outside this window that the unknown rider had been first seen. the unconscious man the lone ranger could see in the dim light that he was old was shadowed by the shelf-like bunk of the second tier the lone ranger unhooked a lamp that swung from the ceiling and placed it so that the light fell across a bald head which lay in a widening pool of red he jerked his bandana from a pocket and soused it in a nearby water pitcher

Starting point is 04:05:16 then he bathed the old fellow's face a tremulous soft sob broke through the white mustache the eyes of the wounded man fluttered slightly then stared up there was an empty socket where the left eye should have been but the other eye was bright with pain take it easy the lone ranger whispered i'm going to have a look at that wound and see what we can do for you don't try to speak just yet wait a little he turned the old man gently to his side and saw the handle of a knife protruding from high up on one shoulder the blade was out of sight he didn't touch the knife there was no use the wound was fatal gimlet at best had only a few minutes he applied more water to the old man's face and forehead tell me if you can who did this, he said. Gimlet's lips moved feebly, but no words came. Do you know who stabbed you? asked the lone ranger. One word, just the name of the man. Can you tell me that?

Starting point is 04:06:34 Gimlet lifted one hand very feebly and pointed toward the open window. The lone ranger nodded. I know he stabbed you through that window. tell me who it was the dying man seemed to be gathering himself for one supreme effort he swallowed hard his eyelids closed then opened tried he said then coughed and started again i-i tried to get yuma his bunk here more coughing choked the words blood drooled from the side of the old man's mouth and stained his white mustache. The lone ranger pressed water from his handkerchief against Gimlet's lips. "'I heard you,' he said softly. "'I heard what you said. You tried to get Yuma. Yuma is a man who works here?' Gimlet nodded.

Starting point is 04:07:37 "'You said this was his bunk?' Again, the slowly moving head went down and up. tell me some more what about yuma felt his bunk lookin to see gimlet had to pause for a fit of coughing so violent that it hardly seemed his fast ebbing strength could stand it when he finished his breath came in short and painful gasps the-the house he managed to say he struggled hard fighting the grim specter every step of its advancing way. There was more he wanted desperately to tell. The old man was upon that borderline between the living and the dead. From his position, he seemed to see things in their true light. He looked beyond the mask and saw a man he knew could be trusted. His gnarled blue-veiled hand clutched that of the lone ranger while he fought hard to make a last statement.

Starting point is 04:08:45 The masked man leaned close to him to catch the dying words if they were uttered. But whatever Gimlet was about to say went with him across the last threshold. His hand clutched convulsively and then relaxed. He coughed once and brought a flood of his life's blood to his mouth and then lay back. The masked man felt and found no. pulse. He closed the man's fingers and laid them across the bony chest. Yuma, he muttered. This was Yuma's bunk. I wonder who Yuma is and where I'll find him. His thoughts came to a lurching halt when a sharp voice snarled a curse with cataclysmic violence.

Starting point is 04:09:36 You damned murder and skunk, I'll kill you for this. It was Yuma who, who shouted from the doorway. End of chapter 16. Chapter 17 of the Lone Ranger Rides. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. The Lone Ranger Rides by Fran Stryker. Chapter 17. Penelope signs her name.

Starting point is 04:10:13 Yuma swept the poker table aside and sent it clattering and crashing against the wall. The lone ranger had no chance to deny the accusation the man from Arizona hurled. Anything he said would have fallen on unhearing ears. Yuma ignored his guns and, lowering his head, charged like an infuriated bull, sweeping down the aisle between the bunts and gathering power and speed as he advanced. The masked man had no chance to dodge, no place to dodge to. He was trapped between the bunks on each side of the narrow space down which the cowboy rushed.

Starting point is 04:10:57 His gun half drawn, he dropped it back in leather. Nothing but a death slug would stop Yuma. He was blind to any threat of shooting. Then Yuma struck with the force of a battering ram. The lone ranger staggered back from the terrific impact of the heavy shoulder flush against his chest, intense pain stabbed his own bandaged shoulder and brilliant lights seemed to dance before his eyes he barely saw the huge bald fist that euma swung to follow up his charge almost without thought the lone ranger turned his head quickly to roll it with the punch and take a glancing blow instead of one that might have smashed his jaw he fell back several paces fighting to stay in his feet until his reeling senses could function coherently.

Starting point is 04:11:53 Yuma's face was livid. He swung again, bringing his left up almost from the floor, but this time the masked man dodged the blow, then set himself for defense. He could barely move his left arm. He thought the wound must have been reopened by the awful onslaught. Yuma was reaching out with both hands, trying to wrap his heavy arms around the lithe lone ranger and crush him to the floor.

Starting point is 04:12:24 The space was far too limited for such maneuvering, so the masked man let his knees collapse and dropped like a plummet while the adversary clutched at empty air. Then the lone ranger shot up from his crouch as if his legs were coiled steel springs. He brought his right fist up with a full whip-corded strength of his good arm, augmented by the muscles of the legs. His aim was perfect, and his timing likewise. He felt his hard fist crash against the point of Yuma's chin and saw the cowboy's head snap back. Pain and fury made Yuma careless and too eager. While still off balance from the blow

Starting point is 04:13:12 that hurt, he tried to swing a roundhouse left. The lone ranger. The lone ranger. stepped inside the arc of that tremendous swing, and jabbed another right to Yuma's nose, then chopped a hard blow to the unprotected jaw. Yuma, it appeared, could take terrific punishment. Those blows of the Lone Ranger were short, but they were hard. Strong men had often dropped before those jabs, but Yuma kept on fighting. His fist swung wildly while he kept on. up a continual string of cursing threats. The Lone Ranger's strength was nearly gone.

Starting point is 04:13:54 He admired the ability of Yuma to stand up beneath his reign of rights. He dared not use his left and tear that shoulder wound still further. How long? he wondered. In the name of mercy, how long can he keep this up? He knew that any one of the wild blows, if it landed true, would knock him out. Then his campaign would end before it got well started. Again and still again, he drove his right fist flush against the big man's face. Blood streamed from Yuma's nose, and a cut was opened over his right eye. He gave ground now, backing toward the door of the bunkhouse

Starting point is 04:14:42 while the lone ranger advanced. How long it might have gone up? is hard to say but yuma backed against the upturned table lost his balance and went over backward his head smacked hard against the floor for an instant yuma tried to rise though totally unconscious his stout fighter's heart fighting on then his eyes rolled up and he went limp breathing hard almost gasping the lone ranger crouched beside his fall an enemy. He found that Yuma, though bumped hard, was probably not seriously injured. He opened the door and sucked deep, satisfying drinks of the cool night air, until his breathing was more nearly normal, and his throbbing head stopped spinning. Then he turned once more to the unconscious man. "'What a fighter,' he thought admiringly. "'What a man!' but he must not linger here too long there was still the all-important business at the ranch house he saw a horse standing just outside the bunk-house

Starting point is 04:15:58 there was a blanket roll strapped behind the saddle and saddle-bags that bulged he glanced toward the ranch house but saw no sign that any one had heard the fight even if this isn't that man's horse he decided it will have to do for the time being he dragged the heavy form of the unconscious man to the side of the horse and then sparing his throbbing left arm as much as possible hoisted yuma across the saddle in a highly uncomfortable position yuma's head shoulders and arms drooped on one side as the cowboy's belly rested on the saddle and his legs balanced him on the other side the masked man used yuma's own rope to tie him securely in place the man was going to prove something of a problem but the lone ranger wanted to keep him to question him at length when he recovered consciousness already the masked man had been widely sidetracked in his plan to call on bryant and penny for a conference but one of the qualities that contributed to his later greatness was his ability to revise his plans continually to suit changing conditions or to reject plans altogether and replace them by new ones he wanted silver near him now but the stallion was far across the level stretch concealed at the foot of the mountain. If anyone had been near enough to hear, he thought, the sound of that fight would certainly have brought them. I'll take a chance. He whistled sharply

Starting point is 04:17:45 and heard a response of Winnie come back to him from the darkness. He stood tense and guarded, waiting for anything his whistle might have brought, but no one came. Pounding hoofs, however, announced the approach of silver as the stallion beat across the grass. Still, no sign of any other presence. The lone ranger didn't know then that the solid timber walls of the big rambling house, where Penny and her cousins were faced by Sautel and his men, were practically soundproof. The quality that made it impossible for the masked man's whistle or the noise, of the fight to be heard inside the house likewise muffled the sounds in the house so that the

Starting point is 04:18:33 masked man didn't hear the pleas and cries of vince and jeb cavendish leading yuma's horse with its unconscious burden the lone ranger moved away from the lighted bunk house and met silver in the darkness he fumbled in a pocket for a pencil then scribbled a hurried message on paper from a saddle-bag and tied it to the pommel of his saddle. He knew that some hard rider had already gone up the Thunder Mountain Trail. If it were in the cards for someone to find, talk with, and perhaps release Rangoon, this would have already transpired, and Tonto's mission would be finished.

Starting point is 04:19:18 Now, he said softly to Silver, Go find Tonto. He slapped the white horse firmly. repeating the name tonto silver tossed his head and rushed away the masked man made another quick examination of his prisoner he found him still unconscious but the pulse was steady and the breathing normal assured that nothing was seriously wrong he led the loaded horse to the ranch house walked to one side of the building and tossed the reins about a post then on a on soundless feet, he stepped upon the porch. He felt in his pocket and found the silver bullet Penelope had refused. It served to remind him that he owed the girl a debt that would be hard to repay.

Starting point is 04:20:12 He must, he decided, catch Bryant by surprise before the old man could shout for help. Must speak quickly. Reassure the man and make him listen to the purpose of the call. he opened the outer door without a sound and then heard penny's voice the girl sat between lonergan and lombard at a round table near the fireplace saw tell was in another chair a little distant keeping one eye on a red-hot poker in the coals the other on two bound men on the floor vince was whimpering like a beaten cur while penny looked at him with disgust evident in her face. "'I won't never forget this, cousin Penny. Honest to God, I won't,' said Vince.

Starting point is 04:21:06 "'As sure as hell, you're saving us from having our eyes burned out with that poker.' "'I haven't signed this agreement yet,' the girl replied. "'But you will. You've got to. You know, blamed well that Uncle Bryant is waiting for Sautel to take it to him in Red Oak. hurry up and sign it lonergan dipped a pen in a bottle of ink and held it toward the girl here you are he said suavely as he pointed to a line at the bottom of a long page of close writing sign right there beneath the others and then we'll sign as witnesses penelope took the penelope and tapped the uninked end meditatively against her small even teeth just let me get everything straight she said in the first place if uncle brian doesn't want to leave his property to us he doesn't need to he can make a will can't he lonergan nodded and glanced at saw tell tell her the bland-faced man suggested lonergan went into a lengthy discord on the legality of wills that left estates to others than the blood-reliven

Starting point is 04:22:26 and told how there had been times in courts of law when those wills had been contested. Bryant's one desire, he went on, is to leave his outfit to someone and have no question about the will being valid. He wants all four nephews and you to sign the effect that you relinquish all claims whatsoever to the basin property for a consideration not described. lonergan didn't make it as simple as he might have done he seemed to gloat in the opportunity to air his knowledge of legal phrases and quote from his experiences as a lawyer in the east doesn't it asked penny make some difference when the signature is secured by threat of torture lonergan smiled of course if i don't sign you'll use that red-hot iron on Vince and Jeb. That would be hard to prove, suggested Lonnergan. Sawtel broke in impatiently.

Starting point is 04:23:37 Hurry up and sign. We can't wait all night. One thing more, said Penny. What about Wally and Mort? Bryant'll get their name signed when we take that paper to town. Penny still hesitated. She knew everything was topsy-turvy. There were lies and liars on every side. No one could be trusted.

Starting point is 04:24:05 She wondered why all the cries hadn't brought old gimlet from the kitchen. She almost wished that she had left when Yuma wanted her to go with him. Look, said Penny suddenly. I've been listening to what you've said. Now suppose you listen to me for just a minute. i'm going to sign this paper simply because it won't make a particle of difference to me if anything happened to uncle bryant i'd want no part of this ranch as long as the place is infested with vermin lonergan showed resentment at this statement and leaned forward to speak but a glance at saw tell changed his mind the smooth-faced killer held up a silencing hand lonergan relaxed penelope looked at vince you she said hotly turn my stomach i know very well that you and mord have been scheming all along

Starting point is 04:25:09 you helped rangoon kill those texas rangers you're as much to blame for becky's murder as mort you told him he had to shut her up vince looked wide-eyed at his cousin as she went on you're nothing but a little squirt without spunk enough to even look like a man let alone act like one you've been whimpering like a whipped cur trying to arouse a lot of sympathy with your crocodile tears well i knew all along that you were faking now don't you feel like a jackass as penelope warmed to the subject all the bitterness of the past weeks found outlet in her lashing words maybe this is uncle bryant's desire if so it's all right with me but i'm going to find out what's possessed him to turn on me if it isn't his idea i'll find that out too she turned toward jeb as for you i'm sorry for you You're a worthless dreamer. You might have been an artist, or a writer, or a poet, if you hadn't been too lazy to get some education.

Starting point is 04:26:29 As it is, you're not worth a plug-dime to anyone, least of all to these crooks. As soon as they're satisfied that you can't help them, they'll kill you. Jeb squirmed uneasily in his ropes. "'Your little men, both of you, and so are your bros.' brothers the girl jabbed the pen into the ink and rapidly signed her name to the paper you can have your paper all signed as you want it she said almost trembling with the white heat of her rage take it to bryant if that's what you're going to do and tell him that as long as those kids are upstairs without anyone to take care of them a six in hand can't drag me from here and as soon as one's Wally brings that woman he promised to,

Starting point is 04:27:22 there isn't any power on earth can keep me here. She thrust the paper signed towards Sautel. Here you are, and have fun while you can, because pretty soon someone is going to ask a lot of questions about six murdered Texas Rangers. I'll take that, a new voice said. All eyes turned toward the door. A tall man with lean hips and broad shoulders stood there, a man whose hat was white, whose face was masked.

Starting point is 04:28:00 "'Who the hell are you?' barked Lonergan. The masked man stepped forward, reaching for the paper. "'I'll be damned before you,' started Lombard as he rose from his chair. A gun appeared as if by magic in the tall masked man. right hand. Lombard fell back before the weapon's threat. Who is he? Where'd he come from? How'd he get here? There was a chorus of amazed exclamations. There were threats. You won't get away with this. You better drop them guns before we get mad. You won't leave this basin alive. But no one made a move of

Starting point is 04:28:48 aggression. The Lone Ranger glanced quickly at the document, folded it, and tucked it in the pocket of his shirt while his gun remained steady, covering the room at large. I gathered from what I heard that Bryant Cavendish has gone to Red Oak, he said. If this paper is for him, none of you need to worry, because I'll take it to him. The expression on Penelope's flushed face was. a mixture of admiration and resentment she stared at the intruder liking him instinctively in spite of herself she couldn't understand his part in the grim drama that seemed to be unfolding on a circular stage while she stood in the center end of chapter seventeen chapter eighteen of the lone ranger rides this librivox recording is in the public domain the lone ranger rides by franz striker chapter eighteen a gambler talks the masked man studied vince and then the others in turn he could feel the electric tension in the room the killers were motionless and silent the killers were motionless and silent

Starting point is 04:30:15 returning his gaze with crafty eyes watching for the slightest relaxation that would give them the split second required to drop a hand and fire from the hip the lone ranger knew this type and didn't underestimate them they were expert gunmen who would kill without compunction when he spoke his voice was low but every word was sharp and distinct it's something of a surprise to learn that three men who are wanted so badly by the law have stayed close by you might have done better to have gotten out of texas none of the men replied penelope watched the masked man as if hypnotized twice now he had arrived at a crisis in spite of herself she found that she was trusting him of course you felt secure here the lone ranger went on you knew that thunder mountain would make a fine hide-out in case any lawmen managed to get through the gap you cleared out a trail and a campsite and then concealed it you felt pretty safe or you wouldn't have stayed here won't you cut us loose pleaded vince where are the rest of the men who work here asked the masked man they went to town said vince right after the burying they made a sort of holiday of it they'll be comin back the masked man turned slightly toward penny still however watching the others he would ask later about the burial how many of those other men are wanted by the law

Starting point is 04:32:05 i don't know i don't know but the whole pack of them are crooked they must be if they weren't they'd get out like yuma did yuma he tried to persuade me to leave here i wish to heaven i could have i thought i could depend on uncle bryant but now penny broke off in doubt the lone ranger realizing that the girl could add a great deal to his understanding of events pressed her from more details there's time to talk later she said talk now tell me more about this man penny explained how she had trusted her uncle in spite of all that had been said how she had tried to account for his unconcern in the face of events by thinking that his eyes must be failing yuma she explained had tried to tell her that she was mistaken in her trust yuma had been fired at by bryant had fought with him and finally had left the basin she explained that it was bryant's belief in mort's thin alibi for murdering rebecca that had finally showed her her mistake and now the clincher was the paper bryant had left for her to sign the lone ranger broke in from time to time with questions that brought out the story of rebecca and the children upstairs penny told him that she felt compelled to remain for the sake of the children until wally returned gimlet she said was too old to take the responsibility so you believe in yuma penny nodded her eyes bright with unshed tears i-i must

Starting point is 04:34:01 the last time we met the master man said i offered you something that you refused i'm going to offer it again and what i said then still goes he reached one hand into a pocket then dropped a silver bullet on the table the men looked at it curiously penny glanced at it then at the steady level eyes behind the mask for a time she said nothing then it means a lot to you to find out who killed those texas rangers doesn't it the lone ranger nodded please he said pick up that bullet you might need it remember what i told you to do with it you mentioned an old man named gimlet yes gimlet is dead the announcement was an obvious surprise to every one and to penny it was much more it was a severe shock he was stabbed the masked man explained I was with him when he died in the bunkhouse. But what was he doing there? He slept in the house here.

Starting point is 04:35:20 I don't know why he went to the bunk house, but that's where I found him. He gave me the name of the man. Who? The lone ranger spoke slowly. He named a fellow you mentioned a few minutes ago. He said, Yuma. I don't believe.

Starting point is 04:35:41 it, declared Penny hotly. Yuma was Gimlet's friend. Yuma was my friend, too. He tried to reason with Uncle Bryant, and when he couldn't, he left here. Oh, no, no, no, Yuma wouldn't murder anyone, least of all, old Gimlet. Penny picked up the silver bullet and clutched it in her tiny fist.

Starting point is 04:36:07 There must be a mistake, she sobbed. if yuma didn't kill him said the lone ranger we'll soon know who did in the meantime i'll take this paper to bryant to see what he has to say about it lonergan the gambler lawyer spoke do you mind he drawled in a cockshire manner if i have a few words to say well it strikes me stranger that you're in a hell of a spot right now, and you don't know just what to do about it. You're like the gent that had a wildcat by the tail and didn't dare let go. Go on, snapped the masked man. Lonnigan's lean fingers, resting on the table, beat a soft rhythm. He spoke with an assurance that was annoying, to say the least. You've ravaged the privacy of this ranch and illegally entered a private home without permission. You've flaunted that gun in our faces and asked a lot of questions.

Starting point is 04:37:18 You've stolen a legal form that isn't yours by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, it's none of your damned business what goes on here. Any more to say, Lonergan? Plenty. You can't stay here from now on. You don't know when the rest of the men will come back and make it hot for you. You can't prove any of the charges you've made or hinted at, or anything that the girl has said. Besides, I don't expect the law would listen to you while you're wearing that mask. You'd like to turn us all over to the law and collect some rewards, but that'd be downright hard to handle, because there's quite a few of us here, and you'd have to take us through the gap and run the risk of meeting our friends.

Starting point is 04:38:09 you can't very well take the girl and the four youngsters away with you for the same reason you leave here alone and we'll simply make out another form like the one you've stuck in your pocket and have the signatures made all over again when you leave there's a damn good chance that one of us will drill you penny thought she saw uneasiness in the masked man she glanced from him to lonergan while she teed too wondered what could be done. She wanted nothing less than to be left there with those killers, especially after what she had heard about Gimlet and Yuma. Now there would be no one to witness whatever might transpire. "'Have you?' asked the masked man. Any propositions?' Penny saw the wink that Lonergan showed Sautel. She wondered if the masked man saw it too. Maybe so, the gambler said. You seem to know a lot about things here.

Starting point is 04:39:15 Now, just forget what you know. Take off that mask, and let us see who you are, and then either join up with us or ride away and keep your mouth shut. The tall stranger seemed to be considering. Penny wanted to scream out a warning that he would never be allowed to leave the place alive. He would be killed. no matter what his decision might be. Lonnergan went on.

Starting point is 04:39:45 You must have brains enough to realize that you wouldn't be able to prove that any of us had a hand in murdering those Texas Rangers. Why, we could even prove we didn't do it by the footprints of an Indian around the place where they've been buried. So, the graves had been found. The masked man added this minute detail

Starting point is 04:40:08 to his statured. short-up knowledge. Anyone can see, went on Lonergan, that they must have been ambushed by Indians. Maybe old Gimlet, who took a message into town for Captain Blythe, had a hand in framing them for murder. Gimlet might have had an old grudge he wanted to settle with Texas Rangers. He's been around here for a good many years, you know.

Starting point is 04:40:35 I admit, the masked man said, it would be pretty hard to prove who killed those men, but cattle stealing is a different matter. Furthermore, the law wants you men for other things. As for us, Lonergan argued, the law'd have to find us first. As for cattle stealing, when we sell cattle, the brands are right.

Starting point is 04:41:02 We haven't sold a head that hasn't had the Cavendish brand. Penny felt the world fall still further apart when the man she had begun to trust said, What if I join up with you? Lombard and Sautel looked admiringly at Lonergan, and more than ever appreciated his glib tongue. In that case, you'd split the proceeds like the rest of us. But what about the stolen cattle? Lonergan shook his head. Never can be traced here, he said.

Starting point is 04:41:39 We bring them down the mountain trail from the top of Thunder Mountain. We shove them in with older cows and run a new brand. We got a dozen brands recorded to work with. We keep the cattle here until the scar has healed to look old. Meanwhile, we take the cattle from the last batch up the trail and sell them. We don't have no trouble at all. penelope could see lonergan's purpose he was a gambler and playing at his game he told everything that would occupy time knowing that at any minute some of the men would be returning from red oak he was betting that the masked man could never use that information she saw the tall stranger apparently considering the offer to join the gang why in the name of heaven couldn't this mask

Starting point is 04:42:36 man realized what Lonergan was doing. Why didn't he come here with some concrete plan, instead of bungling in to find himself so helpless, even though he held a gun at the others? You have a pretty well-greased machine for stealing cattle, the Lone Ranger said in admiration. And, as you say, it would be almost impossible for me to do much in fighting against you. That's right, agreed Lonergan. Now, put up that gun and take off the mask, and we'll talk. But first, tell me who I'm taking orders from. Sautel!

Starting point is 04:43:20 The masked man shook his head. There's someone giving him orders. Who is that? A crafty look came into Lonergan's cadaverous face. You mentioned his name a while ago. He glanced at Penny and said, Yuma! Hoofs clattered close outside the house. Penny felt that now there surely would be a climax of events, and she was right. The masked man's manner changed abruptly. He listened for a moment as the hoofbeat stopped.

Starting point is 04:43:57 A trace of a smile showed on his lips. His uncertainty gave way to grim and vigor and his speech. You've wondered and asked, he snapped, what I was going to do here. Now you'll find out. Something about the transformation in the masked man made Penny want a shout. She felt that her trust in him

Starting point is 04:44:21 had not been misplaced after all. The lone ranger shoved the table back, then kicked a hooked rug away from its place in the plank floor. This house has stood here a good men years he said before Bryant came here it was used as a hiding-place for army supplies when the Indians were bad I've been told by a lot of old-timers that there's a vault beneath this floor penny knew about the vault the trap-door in the floor that led to it had been hidden by the carpet but now it was exposed that vault continued the masked man was also used to hold prisoners when it wasn't convenient to move them well it's going to be used to hold prisoners again watching the men still holding his gun on them he threw back the trap-door with a bang

Starting point is 04:45:21 lonergan's poker face was changed baffled fury showed in his black snapping eyes lombard swore and saw tell squinted grimly while his lips compressed pressed to a thin line. Get down there, commanded the masked man. All of you. Lonergan went first, very slowly, dragging his steps until the masked man prodded him hard with his gun, after disarming him. You too can take those men you've tied up,

Starting point is 04:45:55 the lone ranger told Sautel and Lombard as he drew their guns from the holsters and tossed them aside. despite their pleas, Vince and Jeb were hauled down the steep and rotting ladder to the damp, windowless vault, walled in by stone beneath the floor. At least untie us, cried Vince. Your pals can do that. It's unholy, cried Jeb. You can't put me with them killers. This ain't the will of the Lord for me to suffer such company.

Starting point is 04:46:32 At least, yelled Lombard from the depths, Give us a light down here. The lone ranger dropped the door in place and bolted it. It'll be hard for them to open it from down below, he told Penelope, but just to make sure they stay there for the time being, we'll brace it. He moved the heavy table over the trap door, and on this piled a chair. Five-foot lengths of firewood were stacked near the fireplace, and one of these reached from the chair to the rafter of the room.

Starting point is 04:47:11 If they want to push their way out of that, commented the masked man, they'll have to push the roof off this house. But Yuma, I know he isn't... The lone ranger gripped the trembling hand of the girl firmly. Please don't jump to conclusions. he admonished her. We're not going to take a thing for granted. But everything else they said was true.

Starting point is 04:47:39 That must be what they've been doing to steal the cattle. The stock here haven't increased in numbers a great deal. Lonnigan told the truth about everything else. We'll see. And that horse that came up, someone has returned from red oak. The masked man shook his head. No one has come from red oak yet. That horse you heard was silver.

Starting point is 04:48:09 I sent him after my friend. Me come! Penny turned sharply and saw Tonto standing in the doorway. The Indian looked troubled. You come quick, he told the lone ranger. There's plenty trouble. Tonto tells us. you. The man in the mask nodded quickly.

Starting point is 04:48:34 Remember that bullet, he told Penny. Don't worry and take good care of those kids upstairs. You have plenty of loaded weapons here. If those men below make trouble, shoot a warning through the floor. The lone ranger left the room and went outside with Tonto. End of Chapter 18. Chapter 19. of the lone ranger rides this librivox recording is in the public domain the lone ranger rides by fran striker chapter nineteen announcement extraordinary

Starting point is 04:49:23 tonto was visibly agitated by something that had happened while he lay hidden in the darkness near the clearing the lone ranger glanced over his shoulder at penelope on guard in the house then the closed the door plenty happen said tonto the lone ranger interrupted just a minute he looked toward the bunk-house still brilliantly lighted and then at his prisoner yuma was regaining consciousness and squirming about uneasily in his uncomfortable position could you hear what was said inside tonto the indian nodded and once more started to speak. Before you tell me what happened in the clearing, let me tell you about a murder down here. The Lone Ranger hurriedly sketched the recent grim events, making no effort to soften his voice

Starting point is 04:50:23 so that his prisoner couldn't hear. He didn't mention the document taken from Penny, but he did tell about locking the killers in the cellar. Now, he finished, tell me, did that man who passed, past me find rangoon tonto said that right him come to clearing rangoon call him stop the lone ranger noticed that yuma had stopped squirming he seemed to be listening intently to what the indian said tonto explained how the unknown rider had dismounted and had talked for a few moments in an undertone to rangoon their voice voices were too soft for the indian to get the gist of the conversation and he dared not move closer for fear of detection the unknown rider had then untethered rangoon's horse

Starting point is 04:51:21 a moment later a shot was fired and hoofbeats signified the fast departure of both horses one ridden by the killer the other led it had been too dark for tonto to distinguish anything he didn't even know which man had been shot until he struck matches and identified rangoon when tonto finished his narration yuma broke in impatiently look here stranger how long do you figure on leaving me like this my belly's fit to meet my spine the masked man with tonto's help untied the big prisoner and slid him from his horse you all right he asked my head's aikin fit to split what in hell did you hit me with you tripped and your head rat the floor oh yuma made no resistance as he was retied his hands behind his back he obediently climbed into his saddle when ordered to do so who he asked are you if i wanted you to know i'd take this mask off would i know you then i doubt it i don't remember ever having seen you before to-night now listen to me i'm letting you sit in the saddle so that you'll be more comfortable i'm not going to gag you unless you start yelling there are a few things i want to talk to you about and you'll save yourself a lot of trouble trouble if you'll answer my questions. While he spoke, the lone ranger connected

Starting point is 04:53:12 Yuma's feet with a rope tied to each ankle and drawn beneath the belly of his horse. If you try to run away, I'll lasso you, and you'll find yourself in a bad way, because you can't get out of the saddle. I ain't no damn fool, retorted Yuma in a sulky voice. Get going, said his son. captor. Yuma healed his horse obediently and started ahead. The lone ranger rode about ten feet behind, next to Tonto, whispering softly.

Starting point is 04:53:49 Tonto frowned heavily at everything that was said, and tried several times to persuade the white man to relax for at least an hour and rest. The day and night thus far had been punishing for any man, and especially so for one who had still a great deal of his strength and endurance to regain. I'm going to ride into Red Oak, the lone ranger told Tonto. And that's a good two hours in the saddle. I can doze on the way. Silver knows the trail back there.

Starting point is 04:54:25 Tonto countered with a comment, but the masked man explained that he was quite used to spending days and nights on end in the saddle, sleeping there quite easy. And anyway, he finished, I think we're right on the verge of discovering who the leader of those outlaws is. Lonnigan said it was the same man that Gimlet mentioned, but I don't think so. Tonto ador then. Hear him name Yuma. That's what Lonergan said. I think he lied. Who you think leader? i'm not sure yet tonto i've been doing a little thinking while we've been riding the masked man slowed silver and tonto followed suit

Starting point is 04:55:18 yuma continued on the same gate when the distance had widened so that it was unlikely that conversation would be heard by the captured man the lone ranger outlined what he wanted tonto to do turn back he whispered in a voice that was husky with fatigue i'll take care of the prisoner i'll leave him in the cave and then ride on to red oak he spoke rapidly and tonto's head bobbed comprehension and approval of the plans the man who rode uphill was one of the points the masked man emphasized slimy ground on the mountain different from that of the ground gravel-bottomed gap. As he talked, the Lone Ranger kept an eye on the big cow-puncher he had captured. The level basin ended in steep walls divided by Bryant's gap. It was here that Tonto halted, lifted his right-hand high in a parting gesture, and wheeled scout about. The Lone Ranger watched his friend sweeping across the basin on a back trail toward the rant. house. Then he turned, and in the light of an ascending moon, three-quarters groan, he saw

Starting point is 04:56:40 that Yuma too had halted and was waiting in the gap. It took but a moment for the lone ranger to join the prisoner, and then the two rode side by side. After a period of silence, Yuma spoke, "'Can't get it to save me,' he growled. "'What's that?' yuma looked across the space between the horses what in hell's your partin things around here why first you ride here like one of the killers i figure you've murdered gimlet you knock hell out in me then you lock them skunks in the cellar the lone ranger liked the outspoken manner of the man i reckon from what i heard you ain't the gent that finished gimlet no you're hunting the leader o them outlaws ain't that so the masked man said stop here for a minute yuma reined up take a look over there the lone ranger said yuma saw six mounds of stone and earth at the base of a sheer clear

Starting point is 04:57:58 cliff. A rude cross surmounted each of those piles. He nodded grimly. "'I know about them. Texas Rangers, ain't they?' "'I heard about the shooting, then a couple of the boys said someone had buried them.' "'Someone buried them,' repeated the lone ranger. "'A redskin, or someone wearing moccasins.' "'An Indian,' the masked man. man agreed softly. After a thoughtful pause, Yuma said, That part of yours? That's right. Uh-huh. Uma pondered further while the

Starting point is 04:58:44 Lone Ranger waited. You figure I got something more to say? Have you? Reckon so I have have. As I size it up, you're out to do for the ones that ambushed those men. That, said the other, is the whole thing in a nutshell. Whatever else may happen, the most important thing to me is to avenge the men who fill those graves. You wasn't special interested in shooting up some of the skunks that done it, reflected Yuma with regretting his voice. They can be picked up later. Not if the rest of the pack get back.

Starting point is 04:59:30 They'll let them out, and then all hell is going to break loose till you and that engine are filling a couple more graves. I'm interested in the leader of this outfit. What about that pretty girl? What about her? Holy smoke, exploded Yuma. Can't you see the spot the poor girl's in?

Starting point is 04:59:54 or maybe you don't savvy she's got four cousins and not one of em has the guts to protect her every skunk in the basin would like to make a play for miss penny and it ain't nothin exceptin bryant cavendish that keeps em from it you figure bryant's the leader don't you well maybe so he is but out a damn sight sooner be kept on orderin them crooks around in cattle stealing and sellin' than to see him jailed and Penelope left without him. I was told that the leader was a man called Yuma. I heard that. I heard what you told the Redskin. Gimlet mentioned the same name just before he died. But that's a blasted... Yuma broke off, leaving his speech suspended.

Starting point is 05:00:52 We'll push ahead, Now, the lone ranger said. When they were on their way again, the masked man noticed that his prisoner was deep and thought. There were furrows across his forehead. His eyes were half shut in heavy concentration. You haven't told me who you are yet, the lone ranger said, finally. It ain't none of your business, was the reply. Yuma went on as if so.

Starting point is 05:01:24 simply voicing the thoughts that had been broken by the speech. "'Don't make sense at all,' he muttered. "'Bryan wouldn't let Penny get hurt.' The volume of his speech increased a bit. "'Damn it all to hell and gone. I never seen a man like you. I bet by gosh you would drill Bryant if you thought he bossed the murdering of them rangers.

Starting point is 05:01:51 Don't you think that would be justified? You wouldn't just take him to the law. You'd deal with him personal, eh? That would all depend. Unless I could find witnesses, it would be pretty hard to prove a case against him. I understand that he fired at this fellow called Yuma. The clump of horse's hoofs was the only sound for several moments.

Starting point is 05:02:21 the lone ranger saw the stream of water shimmering in silver light ahead just beyond he knew was the cave suppose muttered yuma bryant wasn't the leader of the pack who else could be certainly cavendish wouldn't let those outsiders run his ranch for him and i don't think any of the nephews could pull such thick wool over his eyes just suppose that what lonegan told you was the truth what was that yuma was the boss and that he had a hold on bryant and bryant had to do what he wanted suppose that was the case what did you do naturally i'd hunt for yuma bryant went to town now he couldn't have got back in time to have killed old gimlet then rid away up that mountain trail you mentioned and drilled rangoon like your engine partner told of now could he if he went to red oak he couldn't have been there and back in time but we don't know that he did go to red oak but this gent called yuma didn't miss penny tell you he was still around after bryant left yes so ain't it logical to think he might a kilt gimlet just like gimlet said then rid up the mountain and killed rangoon the lone ranger could scarcely suppress a smile at the thorough reasoning of his companion he urged the blond man to continue what are you getting at he said

Starting point is 05:04:17 me i ain't nothin but a cow hand and ain't been in here long i ain't had much of anything to do yet i ain't in no way important to you now if i was to tell you where you could locate this yuma you're hunting would you let me go free but it's bryant i want yuma became confidential you're wrong wrong the other nodded that's what i said tain't bryant you want at all it's yuma is the leader of the bunch just like lonergan said the lone ranger took this announcement calmly yuma having thought the thing over from all angles felt that it was vitally important for penny's sake to keep this masked rider whose resolute purpose was to capture bryant from doing so since bryant was the only living man who could protect the girl he pressed arguments on the lone ranger using everything that penny had previously told him in her uncle's behalf the old man don't know what's goin on about the place no more he said he can't walk around no more can't ride much can't even see good you're barking up the wrong tree stranger an i'm a goin to put you right the irony of it if only yuma in the misdirected chivalry of his glib lies could have known that it was he and not the uncle she felt had proved faithless that the girl wanted.

Starting point is 05:06:03 But Yuma didn't know. He went on at great length. I'll tell you just where you can find, Yuma, he concluded, if you'll promise to turn me loose. The lone ranger agreed. Then cut the ropes on my hands. Whoa, silver! Whoa there you, hoss!

Starting point is 05:06:28 The ropes were cut. yuma chafed his hands for several moments while he scrutinized the gap in both directions and weighed his chances his own horse was fresh the masked mans had already covered many miles his rifle was still in its leather scabbard his six guns still in place you he said kneeing his horse aside want to know where yuma is at eh the tall masked man nodded well you're lookin right at em a gun leaped into yuma's hand i'd as soon as not drill you clean he barked in a harsh loud voice but if you leave me get away you'll stay alive he spurred his horse with such a force that the beast fairly leaped off all four feet at once another instant and yuma was clattering through the gap away from bryant's basin should a shot him he thought i should a shot him but instead i'll get away let him trail me let him spend a lifetime hunting me it'll keep him off in bryant's trail heedless of the risk he tore ahead wind whipping at his face and neckerchief he thought of penelope and something choked in his heart he thought of penelope and something choked in his throat at least the girl would be safe while bryant lived it was a heedless a crazy thing he had done but at the time it seemed the only thing

Starting point is 05:08:13 there were half-formed hopes in his mind hopes that he could circle back and reach bryant tell him what he had done and beg the patriarch to provide for penny's future happiness then he'd have a two-gun show-down with those men like sawtell and lombard and the worthless cousins kill them as many as he could before he himself was dropped wild plans plans that only a foolhardy cowboy like yuma could concoct he didn't know why he hadn't shot the masked man perhaps because he knew there would be others to investigate the texas ranger murders and the basin gang. No, murder would not have helped. It would simply have delayed the end of Bryant. In making himself the confessed criminal, the leader of the wolf pack, he had done the only thing that his simple mind could think of. Get up, he bellowed, and the horse lunged on. End of chapter 19. RELARES. This Libravox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 05:09:41 The Lone Ranger Rides by Fran Stryker. Chapter 20 Red Oak Red Oak as a town was badly misnamed. It was utterly devoid of the implied qualities of sturdiness, solidity, or well-proportioned size. A far more appropriate name might have been chosen. Something perhaps like the night.

Starting point is 05:10:06 blooming serious, or the cloyingly sweet nicotine that sleeps all day and spreads its glory of white petals and sweet odors through the night. But that would be slanderous to the blossoms. Red oak slept all day behind the drab, sun-bleached, false front buildings on both sides of the only road. In rainy weather, fattening sows and lame old mongrel curs would wallow side by side in mud holes made reeking by manure and garbage. When it was hot, the dust was equally intolerable. The men of town, men who ran or worked in the resorts all night and slept all day, were tallow-faced and gave the impression of having lived beneath a log or rock or in a woodwork crack. The women by day were sallow, wan, unhappy, and consumptive.

Starting point is 05:11:06 their nocturnal lustre was washed out by sunlight so they remained out of sight until after oil lamps were burning to flatter them and help them sell their wares red oak's only reason for existence was to serve as an oasis for the men from countless miles of surrounding ranch and range land and after dark she served and served and served proprietors understood their patrons and catered cunningly to their demands for reckless dangerous sport they offered varying risks from loss of cash through loss of health and reputation to loss of life itself young cowhands in their teens fraternized with gamblers and killers each calling for the drink he could afford easy women whose garnish imitation jewelry reflect the glitter of lights through the nebulous tobacco smoke, flaunted their soft hips freely before eyes that were accustomed to long-horned cattle and hard fists of men. For those whose recklessness in younger years had dulled their desire for women, there was gambling and drinking to suit any taste or pocket-book.

Starting point is 05:12:25 Betts could be made in thousands, and covered. On the other hand, loose change would buy an evening. there was a jail a one-room flimsy structure designed to hold obnoxious drunks whose cash was spent slim peaslee was the turnkey the office was one that would have been beyond his scope if he had tried to fulfil the duties of a deputy sheriff but slim didn't he shuffled about town his heavy badge weighing down his dirty limp shirt cadging a drink where he could and prying his long nose like a chisel into things that were none of his concern, while he closed his eyes to flagrant violations of civil, moral, and spiritual law. Slim seemed to have no chin at all. His chest was in a hollow made by rounded shoulders. In profile, the most striking things about him were his nose and Adam's apple. He had a close resemblance to a question mark.

Starting point is 05:13:32 his stretched suspenders let his pants drop low, and his shirt and underwear were generally apart at his stomach, so that he could scratch. There seemed always to be some part of Slim's anatomy that needed scratching, and the degree of his absorption in whatever he might be looking at could be measured by the part he scratched. It was Slim Peasley who had locked Mort Cavendish up. Bryant had turned his nephew over to the

Starting point is 05:14:02 deputy at nine o'clock before the evening in red oak got really started. Slim had actually looked frightened when he found he'd have to guard a sober man until the sheriff came from the county seat to take over. When Bryant placed the charge of murder against his nephew, Slim grew pale. Only stern Bryant's blustered threats made Slim accept the responsibility as the lesser danger. Then, Brian's had limped his way along the street, cursing the trollops who accosted him. He had entered the hotel and rented a room in the rear of the first floor so that he wouldn't have to torture himself needlessly with stairs.

Starting point is 05:14:47 He was asleep when the evening reached a peak at midnight. At midnight, or shortly after, the lone ranger reached the outskirts of Red Oak not far from the center of the town. He turned off the trail and guided Silver to the rear of the row of buildings on one side. He felt considerably rested after dozing in the saddle during the ride from the gap and ready for whatever might be ahead. His original intention to talk with Bryant Cavendish had not been changed by the confession of his prisoner who had escaped. In the shadow of the buildings he dismounted and left Silver to be able to,

Starting point is 05:15:30 proceed on foot. Coming to the back of the hotel, he turned and passed through the space between the buildings. At one end of the porch, he halted. A man was coming along the road. The lone ranger held cupped hands close to his face, as if in the act of lighting a pipe. The gesture, together with his forward-tilted hat, served to conceal the fact that he was masked. He had to be extremely. He had to be extremely careful in Red Oak. There were people there in the town who had known him as a Texas ranger. He had hoped that the clerk in the Red Oak Hotel would be a stranger, and that with his mask removed and his face somewhat concealed by dust, he could inquire as to the location of Bryant's room. He was, however, spared this trouble. Between his fingers, he saw the overdressed man who

Starting point is 05:16:28 past him mount the steps and enter the hotel lobby there was something about the man that was vaguely familiar yet the lone ranger was sure he never had seen him before he heard the high-heeled beautifully-shined boots clatter on the floor to the accompaniment of jingling spurs he could see through the door at an oblique angle he heard the stranger ask about bryant cavendish room ten the clerk said curtly and he left strict orders that he wasn't to be pestered that's too bad replied the other because i'm gonna disturb him plenty right now the clerk tried to argue but got nowhere room ten marked the lone ranger he left his post beside the porch and hastened to the rear of the building a darker a darker window from room ten was opened wide. The masked man crouched beneath it as he heard an insistent pounding on the door. Bryant Cavendish groaned first in sleep and then in waking. What the hell? he grumbled. The bed creaked, then the wrapping on the door again. Go away, snapped Bryant. I'm sleeping.

Starting point is 05:17:57 open the door replied a muffled voice who is it and what do you want wallie that accounted for the familiarity in the man's face wally cavendish who had a resemblance in the eyes and forehead to both vince and jeb a matchlight flickered in the room and then the steadier light of a candle the lone ranger risked discovery to peer over the edge of the window He saw Bryant, shirtless, sitting on the edge of the bed, rubbing his eyes sleepily. The man muttered something beneath his breath, then rose and steadied himself by gripping the edge of a table. I'm coming, he called. Wait a minute. The old man had to resume his seat in the bed and rub his knees. Again he stood, and this time managed to get to the door and slip the bolt. the lone ranger felt guilty at his eavesdropping yet he felt that he was justified in gathering what facts he could in any way that he could get them the game he played had life itself at the stake and the odds were against him to begin with walley entered the bedroom with a swaggering manner and closed the door behind him you're staying in red oak all night eh he asked

Starting point is 05:19:26 did you wake me up to ask that snarled bryant what the hell does it look like i'm doin it's too hard a trip for me to go back home i'll go back in the morning that's not what i came for uncle bryant said wally hastily don't jump me so till i finish well i found a woman that'll look after the kids huh i didn't think you could tend to a job as complete as that when'll she come to the basin that's just it replied the fop hesitantly i-i tried to talk her into goin there but she wouldn't she said that she'd look after em if we paid her of course and if we brought the kids here to live with her i knowed it well find someone else "'Find someone that'll come to the basin.' Wally shook his head slowly. "'I don't know as I can. "'It ain't easy to find a woman around here

Starting point is 05:20:37 "'that it'd take good care of the youngsters.' "'While Bryant appeared to ponder this, "'Wally went on quickly. "'I thought maybe Penelope could come along with him for a few days, "'till Mrs. Hasting gets sort of acquainted with them. "'Wouldn't that be a good way?' Maybe so. Good enough then, Uncle Bryant.

Starting point is 05:21:01 I didn't want to do nothing until I talked to you about it. I won't bother you no more now. I'm sorry to disturb you, but I figured on riding back home with the rest of the boys, and I wanted to get your okay on this Mrs. Hastings, so I could tell Penelope. You through talking now? Wally Rose.

Starting point is 05:21:25 reckon so you'll be comin back on the buckboard won't you how else could i get home didn't i fetch the buckboard that's right uncle bryant i'm sorry not to have thought it out now get the hell out of here and let me get some sleep still wally didn't go he shifted his weight uneasily from one foot to the other there's something else i want to say he fumbled i-i don't want you to get sore about it well i thought it was a right smart scheme of yours the way you handled mort mort killed his wife didn't he that's right uncle bryant i wouldn't let that squirt called yuma know i turned mort over to the law he'd figure I'd done it on account of being scared of him. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing Mort was jailed for murder. Wally grinned synthetically. His whole manner before Bryant Cavendish was one of cowering subjugation, of fawning in a way that must have been revolting to the hard old man. You done just right, he said. I'd never a thought of it, Uncle Bryant. You jailed

Starting point is 05:22:52 Mort, and that took care of the legal angles. Of course, you couldn't be expected to let him be swung from a rope. Brian looked up sharply. No one will ever know how he busted out. Fact is, he might have broken out in that jail without no outside help. He's out? exclaimed Bryant. Wally nodded, a look of surprise on his face. Didn't you know it? No, I didn't know it. I've been sleeping here. How in the devil would I know?

Starting point is 05:23:31 Gosh, then he must have gotten out without no help, unless he bribed Slim Peasley. Where is he now? I don't know. I'd just heard a while ago in one of the saloons that he was loose. Peasley acted real upset about it. surprisingly bryant made no further comment wally waited a moment longer then turned and opened the door good night uncle bryant he said bryant said nothing the door closed and the old man sat there for fully five minutes muttering unintelligably then he rose and would have blown out the candle but he was halted by a voice from the window

Starting point is 05:24:20 stay right where you are and don't yell the lone ranger stepped easily over the low window-sill and into the room as bryant cavendish turned end of chapter twenty chapter twenty one of the lone ranger rides this libervox recording is in the public domain the lone ranger rides by fran striker chapter twenty one an admission from bryant cavendish a close-range view of bryant cavendish fulfilled everything the lone ranger might have expected from what he had heard about him his face looked as if it had been chopped out of a block of granite his eyes small deep-set were the coldest hardest eyes that he had ever seen they were the eyes of a man who would die before he would forgive a wrong a man who had lived with hate bryant showed not the slightest trace of fear even in his undershirt he could look haughty and arrogant he met the steady gaze of the masked man his mouth clamped hard shut cavendish began the lone ranger in a low but very decisive voice i've come a long way to talk to you there was no reply first of all what do you know about the murder of some texas rangers in bryant's gap there was no change in the older man's expression his chin lifted his chin lifted just the slightest bit, but he said nothing. Neither did he nod or shake his head.

Starting point is 05:26:13 There are men working for you who are wanted by the law, continued the lone ranger. Six Texas Rangers went through the gap to arrest men you know as Sotel, Rangoon, Lonergan, and Lombard. Those rangers were ambushed. Did you know that? Cavendish spoke. voice was scarcely more than a whisper, but the intensity of it, the suppressed emotion that was dripping from his words, seemed to make the ends of the masked man's nerves vibrate. "'You,' he said, "'get!' "'Not yet, Cavendish. We have a lot of things to talk about.'

Starting point is 05:26:57 The lone ranger moved nearer to the Flint-faced Bryant and sat down, facing the open window, with his back against the door. There's a renegade army of bandits across the border. They've been buying Cavendish-brandt's brand cattle. That, in itself, has been handled in a perfectly legal manner. The cattle have been sold on this side of the border. There's another angle to it, however. Ranches surrounding your basin land have been struck by thieves.

Starting point is 05:27:30 A lot of cattle have been stolen, and several men have been murdered. These assaults have been generally blamed on Ricardo's renegades, but that hasn't been the case. Ricardo has bought your cattle, and the stolen cattle have been herded into your basin. The Lone Ranger paused. It looked as if Cavendish were about to speak.

Starting point is 05:27:54 He trembled a little as he said, For the last time, stranger, get! Not yet, Cavendish. I'll tell you some more. The stolen cattle are taken into the basin by a trail that comes straight down one side of Thunder Mountain. Once in the basin, the cattle are treated to a running iron and the brand changed to one of the many brands that are registered in your name. Circle Bar stock is changed to the eight box. Lazy S becomes the eight on one side. I could go on with many other brands you've registered brands that can be made out of the marks on stolen cattle the newly branded stock is held in the basin until the scars heal over then it is taken out through the mountain trail while the other stock is brought in now you realize that i'm aware of what's going on bryant's agitation could never have been caused by fear therefore it must have been an anger that was almost consuming him. The Lone Ranger's voice became sharper as he went on,

Starting point is 05:29:09 driving home every point emphatically. He himself was angry. The stolid manner of Bryant, the refusal to acknowledge that he even heard the masked man's statements, called for willpower that was almost incomprehensible in the face of the cold facts. In connection with the cattle stealing, you furnished a haven for any outlaws who wanted to hide there. I don't know how you contacted all those fugitives, but it was managed somehow. They learned that Texas Rangers had been sent for, so they ambushed those men. If others go there, they will either meet the same fate or find a perfectly innocent-looking ranch, while the wanted men hide in the mountain retreat. Am I right?

Starting point is 05:30:01 bryant cavendish spoke again if you're right what are you going to do about it you have a niece a girl named penelope mention of the girl's name brought a quick reaction bryant's hard jaw shot forward and he snapped you leave her out of this i'm sorry but i can't leave her out it's for her that i'm speaking she has always trusted you cavendish in spite of everything she saw the type of men you hired the trail on thunder mountain in spite of the murder of the texas rangers that girl has believed in you she would never have believed you capable of leading a gang to steal the cattle that ricardo and his men did not dare to steal and selling them to him at a low enough price so that he could resell at a profit on the other side of the border You asked what I'm going to do? I'm going to ask you to help put thieves in jail and send murderers to pay in full. You're an old man, Cavendish. At best, you have but a few years left, and after that, what is there for Penelope? Who is going to take care of that girl when you're gone? Would you leave her to the mercies of those cousins of hers, or the killers like

Starting point is 05:31:28 Sautel and Lombard? I'll lay my cards right out on the table. I can't, at the present time, do anything. That's why I've come to you. There must be something that's turned you from an honest man to this. What is it? Tell me, and let me help you straighten things out. Tell me who has a hold over you. Who's making you do these things? The Lone Ranger, a folded paper from his pocket and spread it on the table before bryant cavendish his eyes were fixed on cavendish who seemed to be waging an inward battle for composure cavendish glanced at the paper then at the lone ranger this the masked man said is a document that lonergan drew up it has a place for your relations to sign their names and when they do so so they accept a certain consideration from you and agree that when your will is ready they-i know all about that snapped bryant that's what i was uncertain about your signature isn't required on this and it would have been a simple matter for lonergan to have written it and had your relative sign without your knowledge cavendish showed more of an inclination to talk it's legal ain't it he asked as if there were some doubt in his mind it is legal that's all i want to know

Starting point is 05:33:09 you wanted it prepared sure but there must be a will your will with your signature that would have to be left to name the people who inherit all your land there's a will too all signed and witnessed bryant pushed himself to his feet and stood above the seated masked man i never explained nothin he barked i never asked for help or favors and i never will when the time comes that i can't handle my affairs i'll be ready to lie down and die i don't know how you got that paper but you're going to hand it to me right now it's mine and i'll have it you won't explain a thing repeated the lone ranger you heard me the masked man rose and turned to face the other squarely taking his eyes away from the window to do so i hoped he said that we might work together but you won't have it that way if you're sure this paper is just the way you want it the lone ranger broke off when a shot crashed into the room from a gun beyond the window bryant cavendish gasped then staggered back clutching with both hands at his broad chest he stumbled and fell across the bed the lone ranger's gun leaped up while the masked man sprang to the window he saw a man's form running fast it was too dark in the shadows to determine much about the fugitive but it was obvious that it was he who had fired the shot at bryant the lone ranger's gun barked and a silver bullet flew the running man spilled forward rolling from his own momentum

Starting point is 05:35:09 there was a hammering upon the door men's shouts demanded to know what the shooting was about the lone ranger holstered his gun ignoring the yells and shouts outside the room he bent over the wounded man bryant still breathed but his pulse was ragged and his eyes were closed another instant and those outside would smash the door and force their way inside to be found there masked with cavendish shot and one bullet gone from his own gun would mean the certain capture and probable lynching of the lone ranger he had no choice he lifted bryant cavendish and carried him toward the window the dead weight of the unconscious man was too much for the lone ranger in his fatigued and weakened condition to handle quickly. He rested his burden on the window-sill, then whistled sharply once. The whistle brought renewed shouting

Starting point is 05:36:15 from the men beyond the door. Their cries were wild and unorganized. Some cried to the world at large. Bust in, bust down the door. Don't let him out. He's in there. I heard him. These and other, cries were mixed with shouts of warning and advice. Don't you try to get away. We got you trapped. Come out and surrender, or we shoot to kill.

Starting point is 05:36:45 If only the door and the bolt would withstand the assault of the first few blows. Silver was coming fast, racing toward the window where the masked man waited. The big stallion clattered close and whinnied shrilly while the men in the hall yelled noose. suggestions. He's got a hoss outside. Get around to the winder. I hear a hoss. There's a whole gang of them in there. In a moment, Bryant was thrown across the saddle. The masked man leaped behind him as a shattering blow shivered the door and the wall that supported it. Come on, Silver, the lone ranger called. He couldn't leave the vicinity just yet. there was one thing of which he must make certain.

Starting point is 05:37:37 He rode to the man he'd shot. Leaping from the saddle, he found the wounded man quite conscious, but in pain from a bullet in the fleshy part of his thigh. Not serious, he muttered. You'll be all right as soon as... He broke off with a gasp of surprise. This man's bullet wound was slight, but the man was dying. there was another weapon a knife of the sort that can be easily thrown all that showed was the handle sticking straight out from the back of the stranger's neck

Starting point is 05:38:15 it took but an instant for the lone ranger to visualize what had happened this fugitive having fired point-blank at bryant cavendish had raced on foot to reach a clump of trees perhaps his horse was waiting there perhaps a trusted friend. This friend, or someone else within the shelter of the trees, had thrown the knife after the lone ranger shot, had dropped the man, probably to seal his lips with death. Whatever the purpose of the murder, the man in the ground would never talk. It was little short of miraculous that he had lived at all after taking the knife in such a vital place. The lone ranger could do nothing. The man slipped into unconsciousness, with death a few seconds away. Meanwhile, the lone ranger was in danger.

Starting point is 05:39:13 Yelling, shouting men were charging, some on foot and some on horseback from the rear of the hotel. There was no time for thought or planning. The only important thing right now was escape. The lone ranger leaked. leaped and shouted, "'Hi, Silver!' The stallion lunged ahead while bullets buzzed too close.

Starting point is 05:39:39 Leaning low over the strong neck of silver, the masked man clung to Bryant Cavendish. "'Now,' he thought, "'those men will not only think I've shot Cavendish, but shot and killed that other man as well.' He slapped Silver on the neck. "'Old boy, he cried. From now on we've got to travel fast. If they catch us, it'll mean a lynching.

Starting point is 05:40:09 End of Chapter 21. Chapter 22 of the Lone Ranger Rides. This Libra Vox recording is in the public domain. The Lone Ranger Rides by Fran Stryker. Chapter 22. Stailmate The shooting's aftermath in Red Oak some insisted that a posse be formed at once to scour the country for the unknown rider who had taken bryant cavendish with him others were in favor of letting the law represented by slim peaslee take its fumbling course while the majority asked resentfully what the hell the disturbance was all about then turned back to drinks games women or combinations of the same walley cavendish was much in evidence for once in his life looking hot-faced and somewhat dis shelved he insisted that prompt action be taken that something be done about his uncle's abduction

Starting point is 05:41:18 a hell of a lot of you care about him snapped jim bates the hotel owner now he's gone you know damn well you're ready to let out a war-whoop of plane and fancy cheering wallie ignored the comment and and spoke to the group assembled in the lobby. "'It's high time there was some law around this place. First, Mort gets out of jail, without half trying. Then Uncle Bryant's carried away, likely dead, and all we got is that buzzard bait Peasley. That man on the white horse was leaning over someone when he was seen, wasn't he?' Someone in the crowd said,

Starting point is 05:42:00 "'Yeah.' "'Well, what about him?' Is anything being done? He's being brought in here. Some of the boys went to see about him. High time, barked Wally with a fire that was unusual. The boys that had horses handy went after that critter, explained Jim Bates.

Starting point is 05:42:24 Maybe they'll catch him. And if they do, said Wally, they'll jail him the same as they did Mort, and ten minutes after Slim's back, X turned, he'll be Scott free again. I thought you had a hunch, said Jim Bates, that it was your Uncle Bryant that let moored out of the Calaboose. That's what I thought.

Starting point is 05:42:49 Maybe this ombre that rid away won't have no Uncle Bryant to let him loose. The door opened, and men came in, carrying a still form which they placed on the plank floor near the wall. He's dead, one of them said, looking at Wally with a strange expression. Is it anyone we know? asked Bates. One of the newcomers nodded seriously. Yep, it sure is. He stood aside.

Starting point is 05:43:22 One leg showed the red result of a bullet wound, but this was hardly more than a scratch. In the back of his neck, the handle of a knife still showed. The man was Mort Cavendish. My brother! exclaimed Wally. It's Mort! He wheeled to the silent men around him. Who'd done this? he asked. Who'd want to kill poor Mort? He never hurt no one in his life. He... Jim Bates stood up. Listen to me, he said sharply. We don't want none of your crocodile

Starting point is 05:44:02 acting around here. In the first place, whoever stuck that knife in Mort's neck saved him being strung up to hang for killing his wife. You know that damned well. In the second place, you never gave a damn about any of your family, and you still don't. With Mort done for, it's just one less to whack up Bryant's basin. Wally stood a moment, then he said in a calmer voice, all right bates bryant's gone and mort's killed now let's figure out who done it what the hell do you care wally was obviously not well liked by the men in red oak their manner showed that they cared nothing about helping him the man who died had deserved killing and no sympathy was wasted if the murderer had walked in at that moment it was quite likely that he would have been told that his duty was to handle the burial expenses as a moral obligation, then take drinks on the house.

Starting point is 05:45:11 Only thing I don't like, muttered someone, is this knife in business. It ain't good form, no ways. Why the hell, when that critter dropped Mort with a shot in the leg, didn't he finish him with another slug instead of sticking him like this? You can't leave him there, said Jim Bates. What do you want done with the remains? Wally dug into his pocket and dumped what cash he had on the hotel desk. You handle things, he told Bates.

Starting point is 05:45:46 Have the coroner do whatever has to be done, then hire someone with a cart to haul him to the basin. I'll have him buried there. Bates nodded, scooping up the house. cash. I'll tend to things. Whatever Mort had in his pockets was took out by Peasley when he jailed him. I reckon you can get his cash and whatever else he had from Slim. I will. Hold on, said Bates. Old Bryant has a buck-bord and team in the shed. He brought him when he came. Why don't you take Mort back in that, your own self? Wally explained.

Starting point is 05:46:29 that he was leaving shortly and would drive the team and ride in the buckboard with his own horse hitched behind he had to hurry though and didn't care to wait until the coroner's work was finished in fact he planned to start back for the basin right away he wanted to be there by daybreak all right then said bates i'll see that everything's tended to further conversation and conjecture was carried to the nearest saloon the general opinion seemed to be that bryant had helped his nephew out of jail then some one unknown had called upon bryant mort had found him there when trying to sneak into the room the unknown man had fired but mort had run away the gunman had fired again and this time he hit bryant blood on the bed proved that bryant had been hit then pursuit of mort who ran despite the wounded leg led to his final death by stabbing the eyewitness from the hotel room had first seen the stranger with the white horse standing close to mort that was just before he had ridden away this explanation suited every one and further action was dependent on slim peaslee which was just before he had ridden away this explanation suited every one and further action was dependent on slim peaslee which meant that there probably would be no further investigation. Wally went from place to place, locating the men from the basin, telling them what had happened and suggesting that they

Starting point is 05:48:08 start at once for home. He was the last to leave, Red Oak. By the time he had driven the buckboard through the rough, rocky bottom of the gap, the cowhands had been home for some time. When he drove in at daybreak, he found them still awake and excited over the discovery of old gimlet. They hadn't found Sautel, Rangoon, Lombard, or Lonergan in the bunkhouse. "'Denow where the hell them boys went,' they said. "'They don't dare risk going to Red Oak, because you never can tell when the sheriff will be there, or maybe a ranger, or some gent that had recognized him and turn him in for the

Starting point is 05:48:52 reward.' Wally was tired, and a nethered. annoyed at the missing quartet he ordered fresh horses hitched to the buckboard gave instructions for the disposal of old gimlet's body then went to the house throwing open the door he stopped abruptly a strange sight greeted him one lamp was lighted though the wick was turned low there was sufficient illumination to reveal disorder in the room on top of a table a chair On the chair a log braced against the beamed ceiling. Sitting near the fireplace, Wally saw an Indian. Furiously angry, he started forward, then halted again. The Indian was wide awake, holding a heavy revolver in his hand.

Starting point is 05:49:46 What the? started Wally. You, muttered the Indian. Close door. Sit down. wait. Wait for what? Who are you? And what are you doing here? What's all this mean? Girl wake pretty quick, the Indian replied. She tell you. A howl from beneath his feet made Wally jump. Tonto grinned at his surprise. Bad feller, he explained, down there. Girl tell you when she wake.

Starting point is 05:50:24 I'm awake. it was penelope wrapped in a bathrobe coming down the stairs daybreak found the lone ranger once more in the saddle he rode slowly at first but as the light increased and made the trail he followed more distinct he increased his speed with several hours rest the masked man felt much better tonto he was sure could handle things at the ranch house until wally returned the indian's position there would be explained by penny bryant cavendish had been left in the cave now the lone ranger rode in pursuit of yuma walley with the wagon and all the horsemen going to the basin had passed close to the cave in bryant's gap while the masked man and bryant cavendish were there the hoofs of these men's horses had in many cases blotted out the tracks of yuma but an occasional mark where the shale was soft assured the masked man that he was still on the trail of the one he sought there were times when he had to dismount and examine the ground closely to make sure he hadn't gone astray then he found that yuma had left the gap new scratches on the rocks of one side of it showed where his horse had fought its way up against an almost sheer ascent to gain the level land above the lone ranger guided silver up the same path

Starting point is 05:52:02 now the ground covered in most places by a sort of turf was softened by the recent rains and held distinct hoof-prints of the big cow-puncher's horse come on silver the lone ranger called as he saw the trail stretching out toward the horizon. The stallion fairly flew over the ground that fell so soft after the sharp and sliding stones of the gap. The marks of Yuma's horse were spaced to show that it too had traveled at top speed, but Yuma had ridden in the darkness, which was probably the reason that his horse had fallen. The Long Ranger saw the gopher hole into which the horse had stepped, and nearby, the body of the horse itself. He dismounted and examined the ground. Marx clearly showed that Yuma had spilled over the head of the falling horse. The dead horse was a few yards distant. The foreleg, to judge from its position,

Starting point is 05:53:08 unquestionably was broken. A bullet through the head had ended the beast's suffering. Yuma had taken the most essential things from his duffel and left the rest. His footprints led in the same direction he'd been going. The masked man mounted and rode on. It wasn't long before he saw a pile of rocks. They were huge boulders tossed into the middle of an open plane, as if left and forgotten by the builder in some era eons ago when the world was made. The footprints led directly toward these rocks. That, that, mused the lone ranger is where the man i want has taken refuge i wonder if he'll shoot i doubt it he rode ahead considering the type of man he had to face what he had seen of yuma had left a rather favorable impression when the cowboy had claimed leadership of the cattle-stealing organization the lone ranger had doubted the truth of what he said

Starting point is 05:54:18 it had seemed obvious that yuma sought to shield bryant cavendish in order that the old man might remain alive and free to safeguard penny the masked man slowed silver to a walk and drew his gun he advanced slowly without taking his eyes off the rocks presently the cowboy's head popped out then a quick shot struck the ground a little to one side of the lone ranger he rode on slowly a hundred yards away from the natural fortress the masked man dismounted then went forward on foot i'm coming to get you yuma he shouted i won't be taken alive came the reply get aboard that hoss and vamoose i don't want to drill you the lone the lone ranger walked ahead another shot this time one that whistled as it passed. The space had narrowed down to fifty yards when Yuma cried again, "'Stand back, I tell you, stranger, I don't want to kill you. You can't take me alive. Them shots was only warnin's. Now go back!' The masked man made no reply. Nor did he change his pace

Starting point is 05:55:43 or course. Long strides carried him ahead. he held one gun in readiness but didn't return the shots that had been fired toward him thirty yards away and the name of god shouted yuma you're goin to make me kill you this is your last chance now turn back the lone ranger took five more strides forward then yuma fired again this time the bullet tugged at the sleeve of his shirt yuma was either shooting to kill and missing or shooting with rare skill to come as close as he could without inflicting injury while he walked forward the lone ranger called again you know you're not going to kill me yuma because if you do there'll be others here to take my place i'm coming to ram your lies down your throat his heavy gun was still unfired ten paces from the rock he halted i can put a bullet through you yuma the next time you look out from behind that rock to fire at me i don't want to do it i don't even want to shoot your gun away because i may need your help i don't want your gun hand wounded now come out yuma's voice came from behind the rocks next time i fire he shouted I'll shoot to kill heaven help me stranger I don't want to do that but I swear I'll have to it's you or me and it's not gonna be me I'm waiting for you the lone ranger replied if you don't turn back when I count three I'll fire

Starting point is 05:57:39 Yuma started counting slowly one Two, and then a pause. For the love of heaven, turn back. I'm still waiting, Yuma. God knows, you asked for it, Yuma shouted. Three, and then leaped out from behind the rock and fired. End of Chapter 22. Chapter 23 of the Lone Ranger Rides.

Starting point is 05:58:21 This Libervox recording is in the public. domain. The Lone Ranger Rides by Fran Stryker. Chapter 23 Yuma rides behind a masked man. The lone ranger almost fired instinctively at Yuma. His finger tightened on the trigger, but he caught himself in time. Yuma's last quick shot went wide. The cowboy stood entirely clear of the rocks that had protected him, holding his gun point blank on the asked man. For a moment the two stood there, tense, each one covering the other, neither moving,

Starting point is 05:59:02 neither firing. Then Yuma let out a wild cry as he threw his six-gun on the ground. You win, hang it all. I can't shoot you. Come on and take me prisoner. The lone ranger closed the space. He holstered his own gun, then bent and picked up Yuma's well. happen. Put this where it belongs, he said, extending the weapon, but end first. In your holster. You'll probably be needing it again. There were tears of futility in Yuma's eyes. I don't know, he said, accepting the gun. What in hell's the matter with me? Why didn't I shoot you? Why did I let you take me? Because you're not a killer. replied the masked man simply.

Starting point is 05:59:57 "'The hell I ain't. I'm the man that's—' "'Just a minute, Yuma. You tried to tell me that you were the leader of the Basin' Gang. In spite of that, I went in to Red Oak last night. I found Bryant Cavendish there. I showed him a document that his friends were trying to make Penelope's sign, and he admitted that it was just the way he had dictated it. I want you to to look it over. He took the paper from his pocket, unfolded it, and handed it to Yuma. Then he stood patiently silent to give the big blonde man a chance to read it. Yuma seemed to find some difficulty in waiting through the legal terms and phrases. He guided his

Starting point is 06:00:45 eyes from one word to the next with his finger, and when he finished, he said, does this mean that penny ain't to have no part of bryant's property when he kicks in the lone ranger said some of the relatives of the old man have already signed it penny among them yuma looked at the signatures then she's done out in her share according to that penelope will have no claim on the land unless bryant wills it to her when she's done out in her share when she's done out in her share that she lost all her faith in bryant cavendish furthermore i doubt if bryant will be able to give her much protection now why not he was shot last night shot the lone ranger nodded then went on to tell yuma the events in red oak relating what he had heard of mort's imprisonment and ultimate escape the shot that was fired at bryant and the knife of the man who fired that shot. I was not seen, he said, but they must have had a look at my horse,

Starting point is 06:01:58 and they certainly heard me call the horse silver. I've no doubt that I'll be accused of both the shooting of Bryant Cavendish and the knifing of the man who really shot him. Yuma nodded comprehension and agreement. The same sort of kill him that old Gimlet got, he said thoughtfully. I reckon the same skunk done both knif'ns.

Starting point is 06:02:25 Quite likely. Now Bryant won't be able to guard Miss Penny no more, being that he's dead. I didn't say that he was dead. Then he ain't dead? No. How close to it is he? There's a good chance for him to recover.

Starting point is 06:02:47 I have him hidden in a cave in the galley. cap. Yuma reflected on the things that he'd been told. He muttered half aloud, and then quite suddenly went berserk. He snatched off his hat, whirled it about his head several times, then threw it on the ground. He jumped on it with both feet while he shouted at the top of his voice. His face was livid with blind rage and fury. He swore, with the sincerity of a hand, with fresh-hatched chicks and the vocabulary of a mule-skinner. He called himself an addle-headed jackass and a crack-brained fool in Mexican as well as English.

Starting point is 06:03:33 He berated his bungling, fumbling, thoughtless notions and cursed himself for trying to help Penny by the loco means he'd used. He ranted, raved, and raged because he'd taken blame that properly belonged to a double-dive, limp-brained, stone-faced, soulless old son of a three-tongued rattler, meaning Bryant Cavendish. He declared, with rare vehemence, that Bryant deserved boiling in hot coal oil, then skinning alive.

Starting point is 06:04:08 Before he ran out of things to say, his breath gave out and he was forced to stop and gasp. His face was red. His eyes were bloodshot from emotion. he grabbed the front of the lone ranger shirt in one huge hand listen he said breathlessly listen to me i lied when i said i was the leader of them murderin skunks and cattle rustlers it's bryant that's the leader i only thought to-i know yuma the lone ranger interrupted you didn't want bryant to be taken away from penelope because he alone could safeguard her. Yuma still clutched the masked man's shirt. It happened that his hand had closed over the breast pocket, and in that pocket rested the Texas Ranger badge.

Starting point is 06:05:05 I came for you, the lone ranger went on, because it is you that Penelope needs. She needs me, repeated Yuma, eagerly, and then, in a voice filled with woe, ah that ain't so i know the way she acted to me if i go around where she is she'll box my ears down i think she's changed her mind about a lot of things since she saw the document her uncle wanted signed you come along with me yuma you're needed badly wish they was something i could do to put them crooks all where they belong said yuma wist for of course i can just shoot bryant when i get to him and finish what's already started no you're not going to shoot bryant cavendish you're a witness against him huh he tried to kill you you'll go to law and charge him with attempted murder me go to law asked yuma with an amazed look the masked man

Starting point is 06:06:20 nodded. "'You mean?' said the cowboy, still unable to fully comprehend. "'I'm to go and report that he shot at me and ask that he be judged for it?' "'Right.' "'But damn it all, I can't do that. "'Who ever heard of being shot at, "'and then reporting it to the law instead of shooting back "'and settle in the matter on the spot?'

Starting point is 06:06:47 the lone ranger explained that there had to be some charge filed against bryant cavendish to put him in jail once there he could be questioned endlessly until his part in the cattle stealing and the murders was brought out merely killing the man would do nothing to solve the killing of the texas rangers of gimlet or the man who fired at him the night before yuma finally agreed to follow the lone ranger's advice to do whatever he was told but went on record that he was sure gonna feel like a damn fool sissy when he went to the law to beef about being shot at the two boarded the masked man's powerful horse before they left the rocks yuma said one thing more stranger just who the devil are you if i wanted that known yuma i wouldn't be masked yuma spoke slowly when i took a hold of your shirt i felt something in your pocket it was shaped mighty like a ranger's badge i've been wondering if maybe you ain't a texas ranger and if so why the mask perhaps i used to belong to the texas rangers yuma well euma paused look here i can't go on calling you stranger just what should i call you my closest friend the masked man said calls me the lone ranger he healed silver and the stallion lunged forward yuma had to cling to him from spilling

Starting point is 06:08:38 hi yo silver away the lone ranger shouted such speed in a horse was new to yuma he gasped at the power in the long driving legs of white gosh he said against the wind this is sure enough a ridein hoss i sort of like that name lone ranger too end of chapter twenty three chapter twenty four of the lone ranger Lone Ranger Rides. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. The Lone Ranger Rides by Fran Stryker. Chapter 24 Bryant Goes Home. Bryant Cavendish, sitting in the cave, felt curiously at ease.

Starting point is 06:09:37 His wound was almost superficial, and because of the first aid which his masked abductor had applied, caused him no discomfort whatsoever. his only inconvenience was the lashings about his wrists and ankles that made him helpless yet it was this helplessness that gave him the odd feeling of being relaxed for the first time that he could remember there was not a thing that he felt he should be doing or supervising with nothing that could be done he felt no pangs in idleness he had been furiously angry at first when he realized that he'd been carried away bodily it was a bitter blow to his pride the trip from red oak had been humiliating as well as exhausting but now the iron-jawed old man almost gloried in his helplessness he sat trying to recall vague moments in the past half-day he could remember little after the shot in his hotel room he must have been unconscious during most of the trip from red oak to the gap the masked man was in the gap when bryant recovered his senses and explained in a soft voice exactly where the two were going then there had been a session in the cave when the first aid was administered by candlelight darkness again and a resonant kindly voice that said you'll be all right here for the time being i'm going to ride out again but i'll be here when you wake in a daybreak

Starting point is 06:11:16 bryant had slept after that and awakened to find the masked man's promise fulfilled the stranger was with him but not for long he rode off on the horse called silver shortly after daybreak bryant had heard a team and wagon coming close his shouts were answered when the wagon stopped and an indian scaled the ledge and entered the cave bryant had demanded that the indian release him but there had been no sign that the newcomer could understand the white man's tongue bryant resented the manner in which he had been inspected by the red skin the way the ropes and their knots were critically examined then the way his bandage was removed the wound studied carefully and then redressed the indian had made no comment whatsoever he finished his investigation and then left the cave after a lapse of several moments the team and buckboard moved away bryant had noted that the outfit came from the basin and headed in the opposite direction another hour elapsed then yuma came and when the cowboy came he made it known his entrance was accompanied by a shout you he bellowed you damn dirty scheming crook you i had to come here and tell you what i think bryant looked up with his jaw set in its customary stubborn way to think roared yuma that i took cash money from you and worked on that murder ranch o yours thinkin o that makes me turn green inside

Starting point is 06:13:10 if i had any of that cash left i'd ram it down your gullet and hope it'd strangle you why you umah launched into some of the most colorful expressions the lone ranger still outside the cave had ever heard you tried to drill me he went on for that i got every right to put a bullet through your gizzard but i ain't gunn't goin to do that shooting you would be too damned easy for you you're heading for something o plenty worse than being killed why you even tried to double cross miss penny and by damn that's goin too doggone far if you knowed the way that pretty girl stood up in your defense and sassed right back at anyone that had anything to say again you but shucks loyalty of that sort is something your kind wouldn't savvy yuma shouted the lone ranger from outside that will do the masked man entered the cave and yuma turning noticed that he held a folded paper in his hand i told you that you'd stop here just long enough to get a horse then head for town ah i know said yuma apologetically i seen this old crook though and i just couldn't help popin off an letting him know what i thought of him well you've said enough now take the horse and get started yuma nodded and passed his masked ally he dropped over the ledge and checked the cinch on a big bay that stood near silver it was a horse that the horse that the horse that the horse that the the lone ranger had provided. Before he rested in the cave, after his arrival there with Bryant,

Starting point is 06:15:09 he had gone to the basin, found the animal, then saddled it, and brought it here. His intention had been to use it for Bryant when the two left their cavern hideout. Now, however, Yuma needed the horse, so the masked man and Bryant would both ride silver. Yuma mounted and called, I'm on my way. In another moment, the cowpuncher was gone. Then the lone ranger moved close to Bryant. He spoke softly,

Starting point is 06:15:43 Is there anything you'd care to say to me now? Bryant made no reply. He simply stared unblinkingly at the mask. Yuma was pretty hard on you, the lone ranger said. said. I'm sorry that he acted as he did, but there is still a lot that you don't understand. Do you feel strong enough to leave here? Bryant snarled. I'm strong enough to do anything you do.

Starting point is 06:16:15 Good. We're going to your home in the basin. Sort of nervy, ain't you? Why? You won't live ten minutes after I get there amongst my men? We'll see about that. There are some things that I want to tell you. We'll talk about them as we ride. I ain't riding in there, hog-tide. I'm going to untie you. It was but the work of a moment to free the old man.

Starting point is 06:16:49 Then the lone ranger aided him to his feet. Bryant tried to push away the masked man's help, but found himself unable to save. stand without some aid. Grumbling something about being weak from loss of blood, Bryant permitted himself to be helped down the ledge and to the saddle. The lone ranger leaped behind him, and the two were on their way. Wally was sitting idly on the front porch of the house when the two arrived. He leaped to his feet at the side of Bryant riding with the masked man. The lone ranger already had a gun

Starting point is 06:17:28 in readiness and spoke quite casually when he saw Wally reaching for a weapon, I wouldn't if I were you. Wally's hand froze to the gun butt. He didn't draw. Where did you come from? he demanded. Then, to his uncle, he said in a more fawning tone, Uncle Bryant, I've been worried sick about you ever since last night when you was shot at. "'The hell you have,' snarled Bryant.

Starting point is 06:18:01 "'You didn't stick around town very long to see what happened to me.' "'But there wasn't any use hanging around there,' explained the well-dressed one. "'We all seen you carried off on that white huss. "'Right after you left, we found that it was Mort that that stranger killed.' "'Mort!' snapped Bryant. "'Is he dead?' wallie explained the events of the previous night while he helped to ease bryant cavendish from the saddle to the ground the lone ranger stood slightly back letting wallie help his uncle his keen eyes shot quick glances in all directions the lone ranger saw men going casually about their various tasks but he also saw men who seem to have no tasks at least six of these stood idly about

Starting point is 06:18:55 each one he knew watching him intently waiting for a signal from bryant cavendish his life wouldn't be worth much if the command to capture him were given he dared not relax his vigilance for a split second we'll go into the house he told wally i'll follow you to bryant's own bedroom get him into bed he's pretty tired i'll take care of him when he's there wally started to object but bryant cut him off shortly do what he says the three crossed the porch and entered the large living-room the masked man noticed that the cordwood the chair and the table still made a brace between the beam of the ceiling and the trap-door and the floor bryant asked about the room's upset condition wally said i'll tell you about that later uncle bryant first of all we want to get you in bed where you can rest up you tell me now barked bryant i want to know what's been done to this here room the lone ranger stood at the closed door while wally told as briefly as possible about the capture of the outlaws by the masked man and their subsequent guarding by tonto he explained that he had found the indian on guard when he came in and that between the outlaws by the masked man and that between the indians he had found the indian on guard when he came in and that between the Tonto and Penelope he had been told the entire story. I didn't have any idea, he said, that we had killers on the payroll here.

Starting point is 06:20:35 I never had much to do with the running of things, you know. You would have, retired Bryant, if you spent more time here and less time in Red Oak saloons. I guess it must have been Vince and Mort that hired those men, continued Wally, in a a placating manner, but we'll see that they're taken care of, now that we know who they are. Bryant Cavendish humphed, then demanded, Where's Penny? Oh, I told you last night, Uncle Bryant, that she was to go to Red Oak with the kids and stay with that woman I lined up there.

Starting point is 06:21:16 I didn't say it'd be all right for her to go. I told you to find some female that had come here and take care of the kids. kids. But I thought, never mind what you thought. How did Penny get to Red Oak? Well, she seemed to put a lot of trust in that Indian, and he was willing to drive her there with the buckboard, so I let him do it. They left a daybreak, taking the kids with him. Wally looked at Bryant, as if anticipating an outburst, because he had permitted the girl to leave the basin in an Indian's case. but bryant simply nodded i reckon he said softly penelope must have passed right by me wonder why she didn't say something when i yelled the red skin heard me why didn't penelope his question was not answered he leaned heavily on the railing of the staircase while wally walked beside him with the masked man close behind

Starting point is 06:22:22 a window in the hallway on the second floor looked out toward the corral the lone ranger glanced in that direction and saw the cow hands their work ignored converging on the ranch house he noticed also that their hands were on the butts of their holstered six guns he had noticed something else that didn't diminish his apprehension the furniture and firewood that he had placed to block any attempt to leave the cellar vault had been moved since his last visit. True, the table still rested on the trap door, but in a slightly different position. When Bryant finally entered his bedroom, the Lone Ranger closed the door and stood just to one side. He studied every detail of the big room, while Wally helped old Bryant get into the heavy oak bed at the far wall. The room was well equipped with furniture. There were three large, comfortable-looking chairs, a big round table in the center of the room, a desk against one wall, and the usual bedroom equipment of commode,

Starting point is 06:23:35 pitcher, and basin. The desk was something to behold. It seemed to have half a hundred pigeon holes, each one of which bulged to the bursting point with folded papers. There was a curious thing about it. in some of the small compartments the papers were tucked in neatly while in others the assorted documents were jammed in with what appeared to be a careless haste another point was that the sloppy-looking pigeon-holes were all at one end of the desk the masked man made a mental note to have a closer look at the desk at his earliest opportunity wallie pulled a counterpane from the foot of the bed and covered bryant reckon you'll be all right now uncle he said consolingly if there's anything more that i can do there ain't barked bryant wallie look at the tall man with a mask i'll speak to you in the hall the lone ranger said wallie said right you lead the way wally opened the door and went out with the masked man close behind there are a lot of things the lone ranger said when the door had been closed that i must explain to you cavendish you're no doubt wondering about the mask i'm wearing i'll tell you this much about who i am i'm a friend of the indian you've found here i know that much said walley

Starting point is 06:25:13 i came here to find out who directed the murder of those texas rangers who were killed in the gap you probably have heard that some one wearing moccasins attended to their burial the other nodded you've probably guessed by this time that the man who buried them was that same indian well that's the truth those men i locked in the basement of this house of course had a hand in the massacre but there was some one who gave them their instructions might have been mort or vince suggested wally it might have been yes but i doubt it they wouldn't run things in such a high-handed way without being told to do so by the boss of the outfit you mean uncle bryant he's the owner of this ranch and all the different brands that are used here are recorded in his name i understand that he isn't the type of the type of the ranch and all the different brands that are used here are recorded in his name i understand that he isn't the type to let someone else boss anything he owns walley mused for a moment but bryant ain't he didn't finish his remark wasn't it bryant himself who helped your brother escape from jail last night in red oak why should he argued the other he's the one that turned moored over to the law he turned him over to the law because mort was a murderer and eumann knew it that act on bryant's part would remove him from suspicion yet some one helped mort escape wally said all this is pure surprise and news to me stranger i don't know just what to think about it i'm telling you continued the lone ranger so you can be ready to tell anything you know when the lawmen come

Starting point is 06:27:11 Lawmen? Yuma is bringing them. He's also bringing a warrant for the arrest of Bryant Cavendish. Arrest? He can't be arrested on suspicions like yours. No lawman would jail an old man on anything as flimsy as that. I didn't explain, said the masked man slowly. Yuma is charging Bryant with attempted murder.

Starting point is 06:27:41 that will be enough to jail him in the meantime you'll do well to get your own story straight me you but stranger faltered wally i-i don't know anything about the things that go on around here i'm hardly ever here myself i don't like the place i spend as much time in red oak as i can the masked man gripped the other's upper arm he was a bit surprised to find the muscles beneath a fine shirt hard and firm not flabby as wally's disposition and habits indicated just remember this he said the mere fact that men like sotel lonergan rangoon and lombard are working here is going to call for a lot of explanation every one of those four has a substantial reward on his head you'd better be ready to tell all you know it will take a lot from you to convince the lawmen you aren't associated with this gang i've got nothin to hide said walley i'll tell all i know but that ain't much vince may know a few things but me i never hang around the basin very well then but remember what I told you he was about to re-enter Bryant's room but Wally halted him what do you want asked the ranger you said something about cattle stealing around here a lot of cattle has been stolen from ranches around this part of the country

Starting point is 06:29:32 the masked man explained the means that had been used to rebrand the stolen cattle in the basin, give the burns a chance to heal, then sell the stock with brands that suited bills of sale. He told of the trail down Thunder Mountain that had been used for shuttling cattle into and out of the basin. Wally seemed genuinely amazed to learn that things of this sort had gone on beneath his unsuspecting nose. "'You plan to stay here until the lawmen come? Is that it?' asked Wally, when the master's man finished. Yes, I want to have a talk with Bryant.

Starting point is 06:30:13 Perhaps I can persuade him to tell all he knows. It will save him a lot of trouble to talk first. He won't talk, replied Wally. I don't know about that. I never knew a more close-lipped, stubborn man in my life. No amount of threatening could loosen his tongue. He'd put up. up with all the torture and a patch he could concoct, and never say a word.

Starting point is 06:30:44 Nevertheless, he's not a fool. He's a shrewd man, and his whole life has been made up of weighing the odds, then playing his cards. I have a hunch that he'll realize the advantage of telling all he can. Why? If he doesn't, he'll be in no position to compromise with the law, and he'll spend the rest of his life in jail for trying to murder Yuma. If he's willing to talk, he might get off Scott Free and be allowed to guide the future of his niece. Wally nodded slowly. Maybe, he said, you're right.

Starting point is 06:31:27 I'll be downstairs to see that those crooks don't get out of the vault. If there is anything you want, just holler. Thanks. The Lone Ranger returned to Bryant's room. End of Chapter 24. Chapter 25 of the Lone Ranger Rides. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. The Lone Ranger Rides by Fran Stryker.

Starting point is 06:32:02 Chapter 25. Who is Andrew Munson? The masked man paused at the door until he heard Wally reach the first floor of the big house. he waited another moment listening intently but heard nothing he wondered where the men were whom he had seen approach the house with guns drawn and what they were doing at the moment then he closed the door and would have locked it but he found no key bryant cavendish lay on the bed flat on his back his mouth was half open and his eyes were closed he slept noisily breathing with a throaty sound the old man had been through a strenuous ordeal the lone ranger stepped to the bed and placed sensitive fingers on the pulse in bryant's wrist the heart-beats was firm and steady. The sleep, apparently, was normal sleep, brought on by sheer exhaustion,

Starting point is 06:33:05 not abnormal unconsciousness. Just as well, the masked man muttered. If he'll stay asleep for a little while, I'll have a look at that desk. The desk was old and rather battered. It was a huge affair of oak with many drawers beneath the two-inch thick top, rising from the back of the desk, there was a section divided into many squares filled with papers as these pigeonholes were it closely resembled an overworked post-office the sections on the right were neatly ordered the papers folded evenly and tucked in edgewise the masked man glanced about the room meticulous order was apparent everywhere on the dresser a brush comb a large knife and a smaller knife and a razor were neatly arranged a shelf above the washstand held a shaving mug the brush instead of being in the mug in sloppy fashion had been rinsed and stood on end the rest of the room was equally neat the ordered compartments of the desk were then as bryant had fixed them the left-hand pigeon-holes were otherwise papers were jammed in these without regard for order some were folded others just stuffed in some compartments bulged while others were barely half filled some papers were on edge some lay flat

Starting point is 06:34:43 the condition of things told a story of a search that had been started at the extreme left and continued methodically one compartment at a time until the object of the search was found the lone ranger reasoned that the object whatever it was had been in the last disordered pigeon-hole he glanced at bryant and found him still asleep and snoring he pulled papers from the pigeonhole and spread them on the desktop a few receipts of recent date an envelope with a pencilled address on it a bill of sale for twenty head of cattle a clipping from a st jo paper that dealt with a railroad that was contemplated in the west a pamphlet which described in glowing terms the curative qualities of dr blaine's golden tonic a sheet of heavy paper folded twice across and labelled bryant cavendish his last will in testament the lone ranger replaced everything else then drew another legal document from the pocket of his shirt he unfolded this and laid it by the will the writing in the two was identical lonergan's handwriting the masked man had known there would have to be a will of some sort to accompany the masked man had known there would have to be a will of some sort to accomplish the agreement which the natural heirs had signed forswearing their rights to the cavendish property he had been anxious to know the name of the individual chosen as heir penelope and her cousins were mentioned in the will each was to receive ten dollars in cash a lawyer's foresight had doubtless dictated the mention of them so that there would be no complaint that bryant had forgotten relatives in preparing the will

Starting point is 06:36:38 the balance of the estate after all just obligations had been paid was to go to a man named andrew munson the document described andrew munson as a man to whom bryant felt a heavy obligation it told how monson must be identified and omitted no detail bryant cavendish had signed his name at the bottom and in the proper places there were signatures of witnesses until such time as andrew munson could be found the basin ranch was to be managed by bryant's four nephews or if all four were not alive by the survivors who the masked man asked himself is andrew munson he had never heard the name before there might be some reference to munson and the papers in the desk but the search through these would have to wait until a later time. There was something far more urgent that must be done at once. It took several minutes to wake in O Bryant, Cavendish. When he was fully awake, and growling his complaints at being roused, the lone ranger sat beside him on the bed. Get fully awake, Cavendish, he said. Brian squinted in the light that came from the windows.

Starting point is 06:38:04 "'Hurts my eyes,' he complained, in a somewhat sleepy voice. voice. The masked man crossed the room and drew the heavy draperies together, cutting out most of the light and making the room quite dim. Better? I heard your voice before, Bryant said. Who are you? We rode from Red Oak together last night, Cavendish. I was with you in a cave until this morning, don't you remember? I seem to. How long I'm not? How long I'm not. I've been sleeping. Only about half an hour.

Starting point is 06:38:43 I'll get you a drink of water. You've got to get wide awake and listen to me. I've listened to plenty. I'm done with it. Now get the hell out of here, and let me alone. Where is Penelope? The masked man poured water from the pitcher and held it to the old man's lips

Starting point is 06:39:02 while he explained. Penelope is in red oak. She went there this morning with the children. My friend, the Indian, went with her. Bryant drank half the water, then pushed the cup aside. He rubbed his eyes, then studied the masked man, squinting slightly. I reckon, he said, I remember things now. So damn much has happened in the past couple of days,

Starting point is 06:39:32 I can't somehow keep things straight. Are you wide awake now, Bryant? Of course I am, retorted the old man, in a nettled voice. What do you want? I took your will from the desk. I want you to take a look at it. A paper was extended toward Bryant. Is there enough light in here for you to see it?

Starting point is 06:39:59 I don't need to see it. I know what's in it. Examine it, anyway. for what see if it's just the way you want it i've got fed up with all these fool stunts of yours stranger now for the last time will you leave me be the lone ranger found it difficult to control his anger before him sitting upright in bed was the man who was indirectly responsible for the murder of those texas rangers whose graves were in the gap for becky's death the stabbing of gimlet possibly even of rangoon and mort and this man was asking to be left alone the masked man's clenched fists trembled while he felt fought for self-control. He must, above all, keep his voice down. He leaned forward. I want to know, he said softly as he put the will in his pocket, who Andrew Munson is.

Starting point is 06:41:08 Bryant said, Who? The Lone Ranger repeated the name. Cavendish pondered. His eyes held a far-away expression as he gazed at a corner. of the ceiling answer me cavendish who is andrew munson bryant turned slowly and looked at the mask his frown was deep and his voice without emotion i never heard the name before the lone ranger felt something in him snap it seemed as if this stubbornness in bryant was more than he could bear without an outburst the strain of the past few years days, the fight against his wounds, against fatigue and pain, the bitterness of seeing good friends die, all of these things seem to roll together in a choking bitter mass that made him speechless. His hands reached out and gripped Cavendish. You, he whispered in a hoarse tense voice, must be shown.

Starting point is 06:42:17 With strength born of desperation, the low, Lone Ranger lifted Bryant as if he weighed nothing and hauled him from the bed. His unanswered question was ringing in his brain. Who is Andrew Munson? End of Chapter 25. Chapter 26 of the Lone Ranger Rides. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. The Lone Ranger Rides by Franz Stryker.

Starting point is 06:42:55 Chapter 26 Disaster gets organized. As Wally descended the stairs, after his talk with the masked man, his nonchalance crystallized into a grim resolve that transformed his personality. He paused at the bottom of the flight and glanced up. The enigmatic man with the mask apparently had returned to Bryant's bedroom. Then Wally opened the front door and stepped to the veranda. Half a dozen of the ranch hands were there with ill-concealed curiosity.

Starting point is 06:43:34 Wally spoke softly, but without a trace of the careless ease that marked his style at other times. Go back to whatever you were doing, he ordered. If you're needed, we'll send for you. But who was that masked man with Bryant? asked one of the men. None of your damn business, retorted Wally in a surly voice. get to work and you'll be sent for later he turned to another man has gimlet been buried yet the lanky individual addressed shook his head slowly we just tossed a blanket over him he said we weren't sure what your plans was he's still in the bunk house wallie nodded leave him there for the time being he swung through the door and headed for the upset living-room had penelope seen wally in his present mood she would have revised her opinion of him in a hundred ways

Starting point is 06:44:38 he walked with a purposeful air instead of the familiar sauntering gate his eyes generally half closed in boredom were wide and divided by a perpendicular frown creeds on his forehead and those eyes were hard his hands were clenched with such intensity that the well-cared four finger-nails bit into the palms hard fists in place of hands that strummed soft tunes of romance on a guitar the soft full-lipped mouth was gone and in its place there was the same hard line that bryant cavendish showed when angry wally was indeed a different person a fop no longer instead a man of purpose with cruel ruthlessness in every feature he went through the living-room without a pause and halted only when he reached the kitchen he closed the door without a slam jeb sat with a woebegone expression on a heavy chair saw tell as bland as ever stood beside him holding a heavy gun in one hand at the side of wally sautell spoke he started to make some complaints a little while ago and i tapped him on the head i don't think we'll hear any more from him wally glanced at his lean brother there was a cut somewhere beneath a stringy hair on the left side of jeb's skull blood seeping from it had dribbled down his cheek and stained his collar jeb's eyes held an unvoiced but pathetic plea they resembled those of a hog-tied calf suffering the torment of a branding iron. Wally said,

Starting point is 06:46:30 Better gag and tie him. I'll decide later what's to be done. Sautel nodded, dropped his pistol in a holster, and proceeded with the tying, while Jeb, who knew that a voiced complaint would simply mean another crack in the head, made no resistance. Lanergan sat on the edge of the kitchen table, casually working on his fingernails with a carving knife. He glanced up, a question mark in his expression. There had been two others locked in the vault beneath the living room. They too were present in the kitchen. Lombard and Vince, sullen and dripping muttered curses as well as sweat,

Starting point is 06:47:13 stood side by side, leaning against the wall with half-filled whiskey glasses in their hands. Are you sure? Wally. None of you knows who that masked man is? He glanced from one to another, receiving negative headshakes. All I know about him, grumbled a lombard, is that I spent a hell of a night in that damned wet cellar, and I'm going to square it with him. What about me? snapped Vince.

Starting point is 06:47:45 My joints'll ache for a week after last night. You, said Wally, looking at Lombard, stand at the foot of the stairs, and make sure he don't come out of Bryant's room. Vince, you get close to the window and keep watch on the gap. Yuma will be here sometime today with a warrant for Bryant's arrest and lawmen to act on the warrant. Why me? What's the matter with Sautel or Lonnergan? Wally didn't reply, but his cold-eyed gaze was quite a little. enough. Vince grumbled his way to the window, as if he resented being ordered about by his

Starting point is 06:48:28 own brother in the same fashion that ordinary outlaws were commanded. He dragged a chair to the window and sat down. This'll do for the time, Sautel suggested, as he tied the last knot in the ropes about Jeb's arms. Now what'll we do with him? Leave him where he is until I finish speaking, and then we'll decide later what we'll do with him i told you that already he knows too damn much said vince and he's too dumb to be any good to us why worry about him who said wally is worrying what about that masked man what was it you said about yuma comin with the law it was it was lonergan the lawyer gambler speaking wally explained briefly how yuma's hat had been shot at by bryant how both yuma and the man with the mask were convinced that bryant cavendish was the leader of all that went on in the basin that works out fine for us he said we may have to lay low for a little while but we've been needn't a rest anyhow we'll sell off some of the cattle we've got here now but wait till things cool off before we bring in any more He went into detail, explaining how the masked man's plan was to persuade Brian to confess before he went to jail.

Starting point is 06:50:02 And he figures, he continued, on letting the law take you men back. Sautel shifted his weight uneasily, and Lonergan laid down the carving knife. There's a rope just a little too tight for my neck waiting for me if I go back to Red Oak, Sautel said. None of you are going back, snapped Wally. Didn't I tell you when I suggested that you come here and help me out, that I'd see you well protected? Maybe, suggested Lonergan, you've got some new scheme.

Starting point is 06:50:40 I have. It better be good. Your idea was working out swell until Rebecca sent for the law. Then, instead of... entertaining those Texas Rangers and convincing them that everything was all right here, you had to ambush them. As a lawyer, I advised against that massacre. I didn't ask for your advice, Lonergan. Well, there was a mistake to dry-gulch them anyway. That won't stop other rangers from coming here to see what happened to them. I tell you, Wally, there's a great big rope,

Starting point is 06:51:19 speaking in the picturesque way of the storywriters, around all of us, and that rope is being hauled in tight. Like hell it is, barked Wally in a sharp reply. If you'll button your lip for a few minutes, I'll tell you how everything is worked out to put us in the clear. You weren't satisfied with that massacre, the lawyer went on, accusingly. You had to kill Rangoon, then Gimlet. and last night mort my policy replied wally his voice cold with suppressed anger is to leave no loose ends rangoon couldn't be relied on gimlet already knew a few things and thought a lot more

Starting point is 06:52:09 mort would have squealed his yellow head off to avoid being hanged as for yuma it's a damned shame he didn't get a couple of slugs where they'd do the most good for us i don't know why he was hired to work here anyway said lonergan he wasn't like the rest of the men bryant himself hired yuma and god knows why anyway it's the fact that yuma is bringing the law that'll put us in the clear In the clear on what? asked Lonergan. I don't know why in hell I take so much back talk from you, Lonergan, said Wally. I do. It's because you wouldn't have a ghost of a show in handling things after Bryant dies without my legal talents. The lawyer studied his fingernails with exaggerated concern and again picked up the carving knife. Now, what is this big scheme of yours that's to put us in the clear? My own suggestion would be to go to Bryant's room and get the drop on this masked man, then—

Starting point is 06:53:19 I'll do the talking from now on, Wally interrupted. In the first place, there's the murder of Rangoon to be accounted for. Well, that masked man and the Indian friend that went to town with Penny were both in the clearing. All right, we'd blame Rangoon's death on them. As for Gimlet, Yuma had a lot better chance to kill him than I did. It's known that Yuma was on the ranch at the time. But no one knows that I came back from Red Oak by the Thunder Mountain route, knifed Gimlet, and went back to town.

Starting point is 06:53:59 We tell the lawmen it's Yuma who killed Gimlet. I'll accuse him of it when he gets here and let him try to denounce. deny it. Penny herself, if need be, we'll have to say that Yuma was here at the time. Lonergan nodded. So far, he said, you're doing good, go on. As for Mort's death, hell, that's easy to blame on the masked man. Everyone in Red Oak has already accused him of murder and Mort. Everyone in town heard him yell to that white horse of his when he carried Bryant away. Why, public sentiment is with us. There ain't anyone in town that wouldn't blame the masked man for killing, not only Mort, but Bryant as well. It sounds swell to me, admired Sautel.

Starting point is 06:54:55 All but for the fact that this masked man and Bryant are both upstairs and living. That's a detail that's going to be taken care of, Pronto, stated Wally. my story which vince will back up being that none of you others dare show yourselves is that the masked man brought bryant here dead i shot him for it after a hell of a fight walley looked proudly at lonergan now what's the matter with that lonergan pondered and then said those two are still alive that's the only trouble it won't take long to remedy that we go up to bryant's room burst in and start shooting get bryant and get the mast man i took the trouble to bring the key with me so the door won't be locked by looking through the keyhole i'll make sure where the two of them are and then when we go into the room we won't be shooting blind we can't miss the more i hear about it said sawtell the better it sounds it'll be a big relief to have bryant out of our way for keeps he's been a nuisance around here we had to let him live until we had things arranged explained wally but now there's no more need of him it'll not only get rid of bryant added sawtell it'll clear up the murders around here

Starting point is 06:56:33 i suppose you've got some way all worked out to blame the killin of those texas rangers on him the masked man will be blamed for those it's well known that he and the indian are pard's their footprints are both up there on thunder mountain where the buzzards are cleaning off rangoon's bones the indian's footprints are near the graves of the rangers any lawman could put in two together and get the answer that the masked man an indian killed him if the redskin tries to deny it who'll listen to him against the evidence lonergan laid down the knife methodically and slid from the edge of the table to his feet wally looked at him defiantly as if daring the lawyer to find a flaw in the plans there was a mixture of surprise and admiration in the way lonergan looked at wally i didn't think he said you had it in you i'm damned if it won't work walley's deep-rooted respect for the adroit brain of the lawyer made him glow with pleasure at a compliment from that man as i see it said lonergan there's just one little flaw in the plans what's that demanded wally the story you figure on tellin won't account for a lot of bullet holes around that bedroom of your uncle have you got a way around that worked out of course we tell the law that bryant was shot in front of the house and that i shot the masked man for it in the same place both corpses will be on the porch and there won't be any reason to go into the bedroom until

Starting point is 06:58:26 after we have the chance to clean it up." "'That,' said Lonergan, "'we'll do it.' "'I've had a hunch,' contributed Vince from his post at the window, "'that Bryant's been suspecting things for some time. "'I'll be damned glad to see him done away with. "'With him and Penny out of here, "'we won't have to be so damned careful about every move we make.' wallie nodded after the law is satisfied he said we'll go on just as we have been vince will take charge of things while i'm tom catten around red oak and playing the part of a girl crazy romeo while i listen for news about cattle ranches that are just inviting visitors like us

Starting point is 06:59:18 the leader of the group sketched a few details of his plan then said i want all of you to go upstairs with me keep your guns drawn and keep still we'll take lombard as we go by him when the fireworks are over with me and vince will wait for yuma to fetch the lawman and the rest of you can hide now put jeb down in the vault then fix the room up as it should be while you're doing that i'll tell lombard the plans and then we'll all go up to bryant's room jeb was still dazed from the ugly blow sawtell had given him he was limp and unresisting as the men picked him up bodily hands and feet tied tightly and carried him to the living room they dropped him on the floor and replaced things where they belonged saw tell tossed the hunk of firewood to one side then handed down the chair from its place on the table top lonergan kicked the chair toward a wall while sawtell stepped to the floor and hauled away the table it was vince who opened the trap-door then rolled his brother jeb into the opening he laughed as he heard jeb's body strike the hard dirt floor below don't get into no mischief down there he called then he closed the door and pulled the rug in place to conceal it meanwhile wally was with lombard at the foot of the stairs lombard was grinning and nodded as the others joined the couple he drew his gun and spun the cylinder to check it a moment later after a few last whispered instructions from wally the

Starting point is 07:01:12 the five were ready to go upstairs with disaster for the lone ranger end of chapter twenty six chapter twenty seven of the lone ranger rides this librivox recording is in the public domain the lone ranger rides by franz striker chapter twenty seven guns talked back the murder bent quintet went up the stairs like indian stalking single file through the wooded land. Each man carried his gun in his left hand and braced himself with his right against the wall. They stayed as close to that wall as possible to minimize the creaking of the stairs. The only sound was a faint, leathery whisper from the dusty boots. Wally cursed inwardly at his lack of foresight in not having his men go stocking-footed to the double murder. Wally was in the lead, Vince in the rear.

Starting point is 07:02:24 In this order they gained the upstairs hall. Any apprehensions Wally might have had about the squeaking boots were dispelled as he drew close to Bryant's door. A resonant voice, undoubtedly that of the masked man, was speaking. Wally felt no qualms of guilt or conscience at the cold-blooded ruthlessness of his plans. he hadn't the slightest intention of giving the men who were marked for execution a chance to defend themselves the code of western fair play was missing from wally's personality this was to be no duel but simply the extinction of two men whose deaths had become essential to his plans wally halted at the closed but unlocked door and motioned lonergan and lombard passed him

Starting point is 07:03:17 as the leader faced the door those two were on his left while vince and saw tell guns now shifted to their right hands stood upon his right all but wally were balanced on the balls of their feet tense and ready to charge through the door but wally hesitated he could hear the masked man's voice with a vibrant quality carrying through the door he could hear distinctly each word that was said the masked man was scolding old bryant cavendish wally crouched and placed one eye close to the keyhole the room he saw was dimly lighted it was difficult to see details the blankets were mounted on the bed as if they had been pulled over bryant's big body on the far side of the bed walley could make out a white sombrero and judged that to be where the masked man sat while he conducted the one-sided conversation. Wally now knew just where he should direct his men to fire when he threw open the door. He hesitated, listening to what was being said inside. You're the most unreasonably stubborn old fool I've ever known, Cavendish.

Starting point is 07:04:39 It was the masked man speaking. It's high time for you to drop this false price. of yours. Admit you've grown old. Let someone help you. Cavendish, all these murders are yours. I know you aren't the killer, personally, but none of them could possibly have happened if you hadn't been so foolishly stubborn. You'd never admit that you found it hard to walk. You thought you hid that fact, but you didn't. You didn't fool anyone at all. Then, when your eyes began to fail you. You tried to hide that fact, too. Why, right now, you're so nearly blind that you have to feel your way. Wally heard a low-toned response from his uncle. Then the masked man continued.

Starting point is 07:05:31 All of those nephews of yours realized that you not only were incapable of getting about, but that you couldn't even see what went on. They felt secure in doing whatever they pleased. so they organized a regular crime ring here in the basin they replaced all of your former hands with crooks whom they selected they let it be known in the right places that this basin would be a safe hideout from and the law was looking for you couldn't see what your cow hands looked like so you had no cause to distrust them you wouldn't go to a doctor and have your eyes treated and your sight improved because you wanted to conceal your condition walley reasoned that inasmuch as neither of the two beyond the door was to survive much longer he might as well hear what else this incalculable masked man knew penelope tried her best to find reasons for your unconcern over the way things were going here she thought more of you than you deserved she tried to convince herself that you were not aware of things and tried to find out if blindness was the reason she defended you when yuma turned against you and what was her reward for that loyalty you turned against her the same as you did against those graceless cousins she was made to sign away her rights just as they were don't interrupt cavendish i've more to say yuma felt that as long as you were alive that girl would be guarded and protected how wrong he was

Starting point is 07:07:15 But that was what he thought, and when I captured him, he tried to convince me that he was the leader of these basin killers. He was ready to spend the rest of his life as a fugitive in hiding and keep the law off your neck. When I showed him the document that Penelope had been made to sign, he realized that he'd made a mistake. He saw then that the girl he loved could look for little enough happiness or security through you. who in the name of heaven is this andrew monson what do you owe him that you'd deprive penelope of any future comfort in his favor walley strained to hear what bryant's reply would be but there was none in the brief pause he heard the heavy emotional breathing of the masked man it wasn't until this morning that i learned some truths the masked man continued i knew that some one had slipped into this basin and murdered gimlet because the killer rode within ten yards of me but i didn't know who he was tonto was half-way up thunder mountain when this same man went by it was too dark there for the indian to identify him when he killed rangoon then he went on to red oak where he let mort out of jail with instructions to kill you in your hotel room

Starting point is 07:08:44 you know what happened there i told you how i shot him in the leg and how he was later stabbed to death since then i've learned who the killer is i told you about tonto he was here waiting for the riders to come back from red oak the trail from red oak is on hard ground as you know the trail over thunder mountain is marshy in a lot of places the loam there is soft and black and different from anything that could be found on the trail through the gap well tanta watched when each horse came into the corral he found one just one horse cavendish that had black loam caked to the fetlocks he gave me the name of the man who rode and owned that horse in a note which he left at the cave that man is your nephew wally wallie wallie listening frowned heavily and thanked his lucky stars that this man with such a keen and logical mind was to be killed he would prove a dangerous adversary if left alive you don't believe me the masked man said you won't let yourself believe or trust anyone but i'll prove wally is what i've told you if i can prove that will you talk wally had heard enough come on he cried and threw the door wide open lombard and saw tell plunged into the room and dropped to one knee while they opened fire lonergan and vince were close behind him firing over them while wallie remained in back

Starting point is 07:10:38 guns crashed deafeningly in the confines of the room the white hat near the bed became a thing alive leaping across the room in crazy circles the mound of blankets on the bed became a shaking mass as bullet after bullet bore deep a score of shots roared in the blink of an eye then back talk in the voices of six shooters came from a corner of the room sawtell's gun jumped from his hand as if by magic his fingers were suddenly a bloody mass at which the killer stared in stupefaction more flames lanced from the corner and lombards extended gun arms snapped as a forty-five slug tore through flesh and bone between the wrist and elbow saw tell felt no pain in the heat of battle instinctive gunman that he was he fell flat upon his belly jerking out a second revolver with his left hand loud snarls and curses came from pain-maddened lombard while sautel took careful aim he steadied his weapon at a point directly between the eye slits of the mask his finger tensed upon the trigger then suddenly his arm dropped his gun unfired he went limp and slumped in his forehead there was a tiny hole but the back of his head was an awful sight where a soft-nosed bullet had gouged out his skull half-blind bryant cavendish fired at sounds with an instinct that was super sensitive somehow the old man had found one of his guns and cried aloud in savage hate as he rocketed shot after shot toward the door

Starting point is 07:12:36 doorway. "'They're all again me,' he cried out. "'I'll show him. I don't need sight. I can locate skunks by smell.' His gun whammed again, and death spat at the doorway. Wally screamed his orders. "'In the corner! Shoot him! Drill him!' He pushed from behind at the instant that the lawyer Lonergan took a bullet from the masked man's gun on the hand, and one from Bryant's big revolver in the belly. He pitched forward and fell across the writhing form of Lombard.

Starting point is 07:13:14 Shrill yells and cries of pain rose far above Wally's livid curses. The lone ranger snatched the gun from Bryant's hand. No more shooting, he cried. He leaped toward the doorway, head low, and charged. Vince had swung to face the surprise counterattack. his gun blazed but the lone ranger was beneath the slug he crashed into vince with such force that the runty killer was fairly lifted off his feet and tossed across the room while his gun was jarred out of his hand wallie knowing his life depended on the fight scrambled up from the floor the thought of losing made him frantic as he swung his empty gun in a vicious blow at the lone ranger the blow struck the lone ranger on the banded shoulder a sudden stab of pain like a white-hot iron gripped his side as wally followed up his advantage still clutching the heavy revolver he rammed it muzzle first into the masked man's chest the lone ranger couldn't breathe the blow must have broken at least one rib possibly more he felt his legs caving beneath him while his brain fought valiantly against the dizziness that threatened to engulf him he threw both arms about wally and locked his hands beneath his adversary's neck

Starting point is 07:14:49 he was falling and helpless to prevent it he was barely conscious of the fact that wally kept driving more blows to his stomach blows that were too short to have much power behind them close to his ear he heard the other's voice as a meaningless jumble of hissing syllables somehow the lone ranger's weight threw wally off his balance too the masked man had the fighter's heart that dictates action after the mind has ceased functioning a mighty heave a wrench that split the half-heeled wound wide open still falling it seemed that time stood still and split seconds were like hours and then a crash the masked man's fall was patted by the body of the man he fell on his superhuman effort had thrown wally beneath him as the two went down wallie's head smacked hard against the floor now vince had a gun was on his feet and coming close his ugly face looked like a-learing demons as he raised his gun the lone ranger rolled and as he did so drew his extra weapon two guns spoke as one their muzzle so close that the flames were intermingled to the lone ranger close to acrid fumes and scorching flame it seemed that hell had burst into the room and then oblivion End of Chapter 27.

Starting point is 07:16:38 Chapter 28 of the Lone Ranger Rides. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. The Lone Ranger Rides by Fran Stryker. Chapter 28. Wally leads an ace. Another gun full-loaded with six soft-nosed slugs that'll blast your brains clean out in the back of your blasted head if you so much as make a move.

Starting point is 07:17:05 These were the first words the Lone Ranger heard as he recovered consciousness. His body was a massive pain, and each breath brought a stabbing sensation in his chest. He realized, but dimly, that Bryant Cavendish was speaking. He didn't know to whom. You're staying right here till Yuma's had plenty of time to get here with the law, and if he ain't come by sundown, I'm blasting the law. living hell out of ya anyhow. Obviously, Bryant had the situation well in hand. The masked man edged painfully to one side and tried to focus his eyes on the scene about him. The bedroom air was

Starting point is 07:17:51 heavy with the smoke of gunfire and the light was dim. The floor resembled a battlefield. Wally laid where he had fallen, still unconscious. A pool of red surrounded Sautel's lifeless body. Lanergan rolled upon the floor, clutching his stomach and moaning hideously. The lawyer was dying, that was obvious, but dying in the most horrible and painful way a man can die by bullets. Lombard sat in a chair, his right arm hanging limp and dripping red. His face was drawn with pain, but he was silent. Vince alone seemed to have escaped lightly. He had a handkerchief, a dirty blue one, wrapped about one hand, but this didn't prevent his holding both hands above his shoulders. The masked man struggled to his feet,

Starting point is 07:18:48 and almost staggered his way to the washstand. He somehow managed to splash water from a pitcher to the basin, then scooped handfuls of it to his face. "'Y'all right?' Bryant Cavendish demanded. I, I'm all right. I don't know just why. I thought, save your breath till you get enough of it to talk with. I can see good enough to keep these skunks covered. You shot Vince's gun out in his hand. I thought for sure you was a goner. The lone ranger heard a soft moan and turned to see Wally recovering from the blow he sustained when his head struck the floor. still unsteady on his feet the masked man carried water in the cup and threw it on the other's face then he joined bryant cavendish after regaining his guns he sat on the floor and reloaded for the first time he was aware of the freshly open shoulder wound the blood was soaking through his shirt his chest too bothered him but there were other things of far greater importance than that he was soaking through his shirt his chest too bothered him but there were other things of far greater importance than than his personal condition. Wally was sitting up with a dazed look in his face.

Starting point is 07:20:09 You, barked Bryant, get over there and stand close to Vince. Wally obeyed slowly. Meanwhile, Wannergan had ceased his cries. The lone ranger knew by looking at him that the man was dead. Then he heard Bryant scolding. I had two guns, the old man complained. I'd a wait the lot of them out, if you hadn't messed into things so's I couldn't shoot without probably hitting you. That's just it, Bryant. I didn't want them all killed. We want them alive to talk. There are a lot of other men on this ranch, and everyone has been working with these. Where are they at now? Outside the house, figuring that you and I are dead. "'Skunks!' growled Bryant.

Starting point is 07:21:05 Wally appeared to have regained his composure. "'What?' he asked. "'Are your plans now?' "'Shut up and you'll find out,' snapped Bryant. "'This masked man told me about you, you dirty, double-died rat. But I wouldn't believe him. He told me that he'd said just enough to you, so you'd figure the two of us had to be wiped out.

Starting point is 07:21:30 then he dragged me out in my bed and packed me in this year corner of the room and waited till you showed your hand by god i never got talked to in my whole damned life like i been talked to by this critter now he's showed you up for what you are i reckon i'm to do some talking i ain't interested growled wally now look out here broke in vince i'm your own blood relative uncle Bryant. I... Don't Uncle me, you weasel-faced runt. You was in on everything that took place. Only thing I don't savvy is where's Jeb? You'd better be interested in where Penelope is, suggested Wally. You don't give a damn what happens to Jeb, but if you're interested in that girl, you'd better be willing to talk things over reasonable. She's in the care of that Indian, retorted Bryant. and a damn sight safer than she was around here with you crooks.

Starting point is 07:22:36 Wally nodded. Suit yourself. The lone ranger said, You were going to say something, Cavendish. I was, said Bryant, and still am. The lone ranger rose again, feeling slightly stronger, and while Bryant talked, did what he could to dress the broken arm of Lombard. i got a plenty to explain said bryant it's as you said i didn't want to let on that my eyes was bad because i knew i'd be took advantage of by every one so i tried to hide it

Starting point is 07:23:16 i told mort that i wanted a good lawyer to come here and help me make up my will i didn't know anything about this lonergan except that he talked like he knew law he did said the lone ranger i had him make out my will and i signed it when he read it to me it sounded like i wanted it the lion crook didn't say anything about any one called munson you don't know any one by that name no when i told you i never heard the name i told the truth what about the other document i had lonergan write that up too. It's just like you said it was. I plan to have all these no-good nephews sign that paper. Penelope wasn't never supposed to sign it. She wasn't? asked the lone ranger quickly. No, she wasn't supposed to sign that any more than a man named Munson was supposed to inherit my ranch. I left all I owned to Penelope. That's how the will was supposed to read, and that's

Starting point is 07:24:29 how lonergan read it to me when i took moored into red oak last night these skunks seen their chance to make penny sign that damn paper ah savvy what their dirty double-crossing scheme was i ain't no fool them crooks knowed that none of them could be named in my will without arousing a hell of a lot of suspicion so they put in the name of monson if you want my opinion there ain't and never was no andrew monson that said the lone ranger is about the way they planned it they knew the claimant to the basin would never appear and they'd go on running the place in accordance with the terms of the will and using it as they have been for the past weeks in their cattle business wallie yawned in feigned boredom when you get through with all this talk you'd better spend a little time deciding whether you want penelope to live or die the lone ranger said there's one more thing we haven't learned his voice grew flinty who was in the party that ambushed those texas rangers what's the difference answer me and if i don't replied wally in a bantering tone the masked man stepped back apace and drew his gun he held it at a hip the muzzle pointing at the stomach of the other. You saw how Lonergan died, he said softly.

Starting point is 07:26:10 It wasn't easy to watch. Wally glanced at the gun, then at the masked man's face. He saw something in those steady eyes behind the mask that made him almost feel the frightful drilling of a slug in the pit of his stomach. I didn't know anything about it, he said. Mort and Vince planned it by themselves, and— You damned squealer, yelled Vince.

Starting point is 07:26:38 Go on. Rangoon bossed the job. You'd have done it your own self, bellowed Vince, if you hadn't been so damned yeller. All of us all the time had to take orders from you while you strutted around in fancy clothes. That's what I wanted to know, the masked man's. said, holstering his weapon.

Starting point is 07:27:03 "'That's a confession!' shouted Bryant. "'And I heard it. I'll witness that in court.' "'But wait,' fairly shouted Wally. "'You've nothing to gain by hanging us. It'll just mean that Penelope dies too. You don't understand.' One of the windows in the room looked out across the basin to the gap. The masked man had glanced toward this first. frequently throughout the conversation. Now he saw horsemen coming from the canyon.

Starting point is 07:27:37 Yuma will be here in a few minutes, he said. He's crossing the basin now. Then you've got damn little time to decide. I made arrangements in red oak, like I told you last night, Wally addressed himself to Bryant. There is a woman there that's agreed to take care of Penny and those kids. I didn't say how she was going to take care of her. It's Breed Martin's wife. Breed Martin, Bryant roared the name. A skunk that'll do anything, including murder for the price of a drink. Why, you...

Starting point is 07:28:17 The old man was trembling in rage, struggling to get on his feet. His hands were working as if his fingers itched to feel Wally's thick throat. That's just it, said Wally. I admit all you've said here. I admit it to prove that I was willing to go to any lengths to have my way. I planned to be the richest man in this part of the country. Wally's voice was shrill and getting shriller. I wanted every killer in this state taking orders from me.

Starting point is 07:28:52 I was going to control the state, and I wouldn't let the life of one girl stand between, me and what I wanted. I told that redskin where to take Penelope. I described the house. He can't miss it. Two hours after she gets there, Bred and this woman will have everything all set to take her and the kids south of the border, and that'll be the last of them. You know damned well what'll happen to a girl as pretty as Penelope in some of them outlawed greaser dives. I told Breed and his wife to get her out of Red Oak and goad and hide until they heard from me.

Starting point is 07:29:33 They'll do just that. If I don't show up, they'll go on south with her. Where's that hiding place? barked Bryant. Where is it? Answer me, you louse. Answer you, and then go and get hanged? What do you take me for, Bryant? A damn fool? Not on your life. You've got to make your mind up quick. Hoofs clattered outside the house.

Starting point is 07:30:04 Wally glanced through the window and saw a score of horsemen coming close, with Yuma in the lead. Quick, he cried, it's us or Penelope. You can put all the blame on the dead men. If me and Vince and Lombard can ride out of here, we'll promise that Penelope comes home before dark. turn us over to the law and i swear you'll never see that girl again bryant raged and stormed his fury broke all past attainments the louder the old man shouted the more he said the more poised wally became during the furor the lone ranger made no comment the hoofs clattered in halting and men's voices carried to the room

Starting point is 07:30:55 the lone ranger saw with satisfaction that the men with yuma were not weak-willed deputies like slim they were grim man-hunters texas rangers and they lost no time in hurting the men of the basin into a close-packed group with hands upraised a door was opened downstairs and heavy boots clattered on the stairs bryant cavendish sweat dripping from his face, looked beaten. He cast an appealing glance toward the masked man. I, he said, don't have no choice. You gotta stand behind me. That girl's life means more in these crooks' death. That skunk has played an ace. End of Chapter 28. Chapter 29 of the Lone Ranger Rides. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. The Lone Ranger Rides by Fran Stryker. Chapter 29

Starting point is 07:32:10 An Ace is trumped. The lone ranger closed the door. Wally looked at him and smirked. Now you're showing good judgment, he said. I've got a story all fixed up. It'll put us in the clear and... A shout outside the door. Come in alone, Yuma. the masked man replied stepping back against the wall there was a hurried conversation in the hall then yuma came in his face was red and sweaty his eyes went wide with surprise at the scene before him close the door said the masked man softly yuma slapped it closed and then exclaimed what in hell's been goin on he saw bryant then the others with their hands still held slightly lifted

Starting point is 07:33:08 yuma the masked man said jeb is about the house some place you might have a couple of the men look beneath the living-room floor but what's been goin on here repeated the big cowboy has that old buzzard confessed bryant is in the clear get the story briefly wallie led the gang bryant's half blind but i know of a doctor who can help him bryan didn't know what went on here penelope is supposed to inherit everything but i have an idea that she and bryant will be together for a good many years before there's any inheritance to talk about euma nodded still wide-eyed he looked from bryant to wally then at the men on the floor he said there'll be a nice hunk of reward money comin for the capture of these critters i won't be here to collect any reward yuma you helped capture them besides you and bryant can split the rewards yuma looked surprised you mean to say you don't want the reward money the masked the masked man shook his head then yuma saw his drawn face and the blood-soaked shirt. Look here. You're hurt bad. You need some patching up. He stepped to the door. I'll call the Rangers in here to take things in hand and see about you.

Starting point is 07:34:45 No, no, the lone ranger said quickly. Tonto will be here and he'll fix the wound. It doesn't amount to much. The hell it don't. There's something more important. Wally was just trying to buy his freedom. He had Penelope taken to Breed Martin in Red Oak. Breed Martin, howled Yuma, following the name with a string of invectives. Why that? Wally said that Bred was to take the girl to a hiding place, and if he didn't hear from Wally, to go on to Mexico with her. Yuma's face lost color. His eyes flashed angry fire in a look toward the erstwhile bandit leader. And so he wants to be let go free, said Yuma with terrible coldness in his voice.

Starting point is 07:35:40 Where is this hiding place? Wally spoke. Do you think I'm fool enough to tell you? Not me. You let me go and you'll see Penny back here soon. I think, said Yuma slowly, you're going to tell where at that place is. He took one step forward, swinging his right hand in a wide arc.

Starting point is 07:36:07 It landed open-palmed with a resounding slap on Wally's cheek. That, cried Yuma, ain't even the start. He brought his left around to slap the other side of Wally's face, and then began a dazzling sequence of open-handed slaps, each one delivered with a force that bounced Wally's head from one side of the other. A blow with a closed fist would have knocked the killer out, and Yuma didn't want this. He slapped until the other's face became a livid mass of swollen flesh. He would have gone on until exhaustion made him stop, but the lone ranger halted him.

Starting point is 07:36:51 That's enough, Yuma, enough, the masked man called above cries of give him hell, that came from Bryant. yuma breathing hard stepped back that's just the start you ornery rat he gasped now you speak up or i'll wade in with more o the same wallie was reeling clutching at a table for support his eyes were red and blood drooled from a corner of his mouth i didn't intend to let you go that far the masked man said there is no need of trying to make him reveal this hiding place. No need, demanded Yuma. No, Tonto didn't take Penelope to Martins. He went to Red Oak and then followed you and the Texas Rangers back here.

Starting point is 07:37:46 I ain't seen him or that girl, argued Wally. Look out the window. The buckboard with its team still hitched was near the corral. The children were still on top. board. Where at? cried Yuma, is my girl. She and Tonto came into the house.

Starting point is 07:38:10 Wally had slumped to the floor and sat there completely beaten and wearing a dazed, bewildered expression. Now, listen to me carefully, the masked man told Yuma. If the Texas rangers see me here with this mask on, they'll ask no end of questions.

Starting point is 07:38:30 I don't want that. I want to slip out of this house by the rear stairs. You can turn these men over to the law, and Bryant will tell the entire story. There was a hammering upon the bedroom door. The Rangers, said the masked man softly. Tell them to go back downstairs. Yuma shouted through the door. Vamous, I'll be down to meet you in a minute. don't you tell me to vermousse in my own house a girl's voice retorted penny breathed the big cowboy see if she's at the door alone the masked man said while he still held the latch of the door

Starting point is 07:39:18 penny's voice gave the answer open up you big galute tonto is here with me i've got to see that masked man in a hurry the lone ranger told yuma to stay in the room and bind the hands of the three prisoners then he stepped out to the hall tonto said me watch for ranger girl want talk with you the indian took a place at the head of the stairs to give a sign in case the texans came up the stairs penelope clutched the masked man's arm please she said with intensity in her eyes and voice don't let them take uncle bryant away i'm sure there must be some reason for-for everything he's been like a father to me he's been honest and good all his life if he's changed it must be for some reason you promised me penny held a silver bullet toward the lone ranger you gave me your word the lone ranger took the girl's small hand in his and closed her fingers about the bit of precious metal keep that he said your uncle bryant isn't going to jail he's going to a doctor and have his eyes fixed up then then i was right in the first place penelope's face lighted up with the announcement the worst crime of your uncle was his refusal to let friends help him a new note came into the confusion of voices on the first floor tonto explained that jeb had been found and was telling everything he knew about the others

Starting point is 07:41:09 the masked man listened for a moment to the heavy voice that told how wally planned to place the murder guilt on the masked man and bryant then the bedroom door jerked open yuma came out like a charging bull and halted abruptly at the sight of penny bryant leaning against the edge of the door stood right behind him you can't leave here yet yuma told the lone ranger i got them critters roped so they won't make no more trouble now you got to wait and listen to what bryant's got to say yuma looked at penny then his old confusion overcame him he fumbled with the buttons of his shirt and barely raised his eyes above the floor bryant cavendish went to the point at once you he said to the lone ranger have got to stay here and run this ranch the masked man shook his head slowly i won't take no for an answer i've got to go and take a trip to get my eyes fixed up and i can't leave this place with no one to run it and no cowhands to run it with we've got to get all new men and weed out the cattle that's been stolen and see that the folks that lost their cattle are paid back in full for it and no end of other things now you stay here and name your own price can't do it, Bryant. Tonto and I must leave here." Penelope clutched the masked man. Please, she said, please stay. She looked into his eyes in a way that made big Yuma squirm.

Starting point is 07:43:01 Dagon, he said softly and wistfully. If she ever said that to me, a span of wild horses couldn't drag me off this ranch. I'm damned if... turned quickly. You, she said. If you're to stay here, you've got to stop that cussing. Huh? Me? Stay?

Starting point is 07:43:25 I've been fired. Yuma looked at Bryant. Your uncle told me to get the hell. More swearing, snapped Penelope. Bryant broke in. You look here, you big sidewinder. You was trying to tell. me how this outfit should be run. You did a heap of bragging and boasting on how much you knowed,

Starting point is 07:43:50 and now you're going to make good. I'd like to have that masked man stay and do the bossin, but I'd have to have you as well. If he won't stay, then it's you that'll have to do the bossin. I can't stop the masked man from leaving, but by damn, if you run out on me, I'll make you wish you hadn't. You mean I ain't fired, then? Yuma blinked at Bryant, then looked at Penny and his face fell. Ah, hell, Cavendish, I can't stay around here. That doggone pretty girl just ain't no use for me,

Starting point is 07:44:32 and every time I speak to her, I rile her more. I reckon I... Yuma, said Penny sharply. It's bad enough for you to swear like a, like a mule skinner. Are you gonna fib as well? Me, fib? Blaming me because you won't stay here, trying to say that it is my fault and that I have no use for you.

Starting point is 07:45:00 I, I, that is, that's an out-and-out fib. Yuma's jaw dropped, and he stared. comprehension came to him slowly it was incredible unthinkable you-you want me to stay he faltered penelope looked at him and spoke softly please she took one of his big hands in both of hers at least stay for a little while so i can tell you what i mean yuma let out a wild yell that rang throughout the house i'm a stayin he roared she wants me to stay i'm drunk i'm a dreamin and i'll drill the critter that wakes me up blast you bellowed bryant if you're goin loco get those men downstairs first then i don't care what you do clear out my room and after that you're running this place on your own i'm a-doing it cried yuma dashing through the door in an instant he was back with wally under one arm vince beneath the other both kicking their legs and crying at their undignified position at the stairs big yuma met the rangers coming up here you are boys he called heartily there's a couple of your prisoners

Starting point is 07:46:36 and the rest are comin pronto he let go his grip and the captive pair dropped to the stairs and rolled down part way where the texas rangers caught them it was then that penny realized it the lone ranger and tonto were not there some time during the conversation with big yuma the two had slipped away they hadn't gone down the front stairs the texas rangers had been in that part of the house penny hurried down the hall to her own bedroom and looked out the window it faced the same as bryant's window did there were two horses at the corner of the house, Tonto's paint horse and the big white stallion. She saw the masked man in the saddle, Tonto about to mount. The girl watched as the two rode out across the basin toward the distant gap. She felt that something vital left her as that masked man rode away, and yet she wouldn't have called him back.

Starting point is 07:47:45 Goodbye, she breathed. good-bye my friend the gap yawned in the distance a colorful opening under a westering sun penelope's eyes were bright as she finally saw the two horsemen disappear beyond the bend end of chapter twenty nine chapter thirty of the lone ranger rides this librivox recording is in the public domain the lone ranger rides by fran striker chapter thirty the badge of a ranger riding through the gap at tonto's side the lone ranger seemed lost in his thoughts his mood was one of introspection he had no desire for money he never in the least desired to own land and large droves of livestock and make deals with other men his silver mine would still remain unworked why he wondered should men want to make a trade that was to any other person's disadvantage true self-preservation was the first law of life but wild things of the forest interpreted that law of nature without greed or dishonesty they lived by the rule of what was best for the greatest number on the other hand because men prayed on one another should he turn his back upon a so-called civilization the answer came to him then clear and unmistakable

Starting point is 07:49:34 since he had been a boy the strong masked man had gone to nature for his education now as a man unnamed he would try to make mankind benefit by what he had learned tonto studied the masked man with grave concern he had tried to persuade his friend to halt and let his wounds be dressed but the lone ranger had refused we'll go on he said there's one more thing i want to do a period of riding in silence brought them deep inside the gap tonto asked no questions made no comments he simply road in stolid patience, wondering if the lone ranger could know what he so desperately hoped for the future. The pledge the masked man had made had been fulfilled. Now the lone ranger could unmask, reclaim his name, and take his place once more with white men. Would that be his decision? Tonto wondered. The Texan reined up, then dismounted. He still breathed with difficulty. He still breathed with difficulty, and his face was white and drawn. Hard line showed at each side of his

Starting point is 07:50:54 mouth as he stepped close to one wall of the canyon. Tonto recognized the place. Six mounds of earth and stone were there, surmounted by six rough crosses. The lone ranger stood before the first of these and removed his hat and then his mask. The soft, warm light of the sun's onset brought a glow into the Texan's upraised face and wiped away the lines of pain and fatigue. His lips moved slowly, though the Texan's voice was silent. Then he dropped his eyes and whispered, Burt! He moved to the next grave and paused there, whispering, For you too, Jim! At the third small cross, the Texan whispered,

Starting point is 07:51:45 dave and at the next he called to grant then dawn at the sixth grave the tall white man crouched and scooped aside the dirt and shale he reached into the pocket of his shirt and withdrew a star of metal he looked at it for just a moment the badge of the ranger caught the sun's light and sent it sparkling into tonto's eyes then the texan dropped the badge into the hollow he had made and covered it now he rose and faced the indian he nodded ever so slightly as if he understood what tonto hoped for and desired a faint smile broke the corners of his mouth as he replaced the man the mask across his eyes. A little rest, he said, to give my wounds a chance to heal, and then we'll ride again. Tonto said, Me no good camp, we go there? Tonto fix wound.

Starting point is 07:52:53 The masked man put on his hat and jerked it low. He placed one foot in the stirrup. We, he said, we'll go there now. he swung his leg across the saddle and his voice rang out with a crystal clearness that carried through bryant's gap echoing and re-echoing from wall to wall hi o silver away silver leaped ahead his master in the saddle tonto rode behind and grinned in happiness following the tall masked man whom he called friend End of Chapter 30. End of the Lone Ranger Rides. By Fran Stryker.

Classic Audiobook Collection - The Lone Ranger Rides by Fran Striker ~ Full Audiobook [adventure]

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