The Lone Ranger and “The Stagecoach Caper”
Prologue
There are many stories of lawmen and outlaws in the Old West. Some have become legend. The Lone Ranger was such a man. Lawmen in Texas would tell of his adventures with pride as an example of how the law will always prevail over the outlaws. With his two-gun lightning draw and unerring accuracy the Lone Ranger was feared by outlaws throughout Texas.There was one story that no lawman would tell. That was the story of an outlaw band led by Larry Johnson and his encounter with the Lone Ranger. This story was repeated with laughter by the outlaws and quickly spread throughout the Southwest. This is that tale of the Lone Ranger………...
A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty "Hi Yo Silver!" The Lone Ranger. "Hi Yo Silver, away!" With his faithful Indian companion Tonto, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains, led the fight for law and order in the early west. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. The Lone Ranger rides again!
Under a clear morning sky on the sixth of June in 1872, the Lone Ranger and Tonto followed the old stagecoach route from the town of Elm Creek to Abilene. As they followed the trail and crested a hill there loomed a small valley about a mile in width. They spotted the stagecoach a quarter mile ahead. Around the stagecoach with guns drawn were four masked men. Without a spoken word, the Lone Ranger and Tonto drew their guns and galloped towards the outlaws.
The outlaws saw the duo approaching and began to fire. Without hesitation the Lone Ranger and Tonto returned fire. The outlaws raced away, staying to the trail and firing over their shoulders. The masked man and Indian sped past the stagecoach in their pursuit returning fire; the trail led over a rise and around a bend. When the Lone Ranger and Tonto rounded the bend they reined to a halt.
Tonto pointed to tracks leading away from the trail, “It looks like they rode into that canyon, and those large boulders would be a good place for an ambush.”
“Your right Tonto, “let’s ride back to the coach and find out what they have taken.”
As the two riders neared the stage the Lone Ranger asked, “What did they take driver?”
The driver looked confused for a second, and then exclaimed “I thought you were another outlaw for a second. Then I remembered the stories of a masked man and his Indian companion. You’re the Lone Ranger.” The ranger nodded and the driver continued, “It was the weirdest thing. Those outlaws stopped the stage and then just waited. They didn’t say a word, didn’t ask for the strongbox or what we were carrying.”
The Lone Ranger asked, “Does the stage return from Abilene tomorrow morning?”
The driver leaned down from the stage, “This is a daily run. We left Elm Creek a eight this morning. That was about an hour ago. We arrive in Abilene at two this afternoon. We change horses, pickup a new strong box and board passengers for the return trip. The stage leaves Abilene about three and gets back to Elm Creek about nine tonight. It’s the same routine every Monday through Friday.”
“The ranger nodded, “We will be waiting here for the return stage tonight, just in case they try again.” As the stage pulled away, he turned to Tonto, “We’ll come back later at seven, then wait out of sight at the rise in the road.”
That evening the Lone Ranger and Tonto stopped at the crest of the hill and dismounted. They could see the road stretched out below them for a mile then ascend to another rise. An hour later it was dark and they could barely make out the cloud of dust as the stage crested over the distant rise. They watch as the cloud of dust drew nearer and the two mounted their horses and stood by the road as the stage approached.
The stage reached them without incident. The driver waved to the masked man and Indian as he passed by.
“I guess the outlaws are not interested in the night stage. They didn’t take anything from the day stage. Why?” Tonto asked.
The ranger shrugged, “This is strange. Maybe they are waiting for a passenger for Elm Creek to be in the coach. We follow the stage tomorrow morning. I have a hunch those outlaws will be back.”
The next day, the ranger and Tonto followed the stage at a distance of half a mile. They crested the same hill as the day before and once again spotted the stopped stage and the outlaws. In a repeat of the prior day, exchanging gunfire, they chased the outlaws to the canyon. When they returned to the stage the driver once again told them that nothing had been taken.
The ranger dismounted and checked the coach. He saw two passengers. He looked up the driver, “I think they may be waiting for some one to be on the stage.”
The driver shook hid head, “The outlaws never asked the passengers to step out. In fact they never looked in the coach.”
The ranger thanked the driver and told him that he and Tonto they would stay with plan ‘A’, which was to keep following the stage until the outlaws stopped holding up the stage or were caught.
These events were to repeat every day for the next month. After once again chasing the outlaws, Tonto and the Lone Ranger returned to the stage. The Lone Ranger vowed again to catch the stagecoach robbers. The driver frowned and said, “This makes no sense. Why do they keep stopping the stage and never ask for the strong box?”
Tonto spoke, “He is right Kemosabe, why would they risk their lives in a shootout with us every day if there was nothing to gain? It does not make sense.”
The Lone Ranger thought for a moment and then answered, “Tonto, these outlaws have a reason, we just haven’t figured it out. We’ll just keep following the stage every day until they make a mistake and we catch them.”
When the stage pulled away, Tonto expressed his concern, “We can’t keep this up forever. Do you have a plan ‘B’?”
The Lone Ranger nodded, “Yes, Plan ‘B’ calls for getting some help. We ride to Elm Creek and see the sheriff.”
It was four O’clock in the afternoon when the masked man and Indian tied their horses to the hitching post in front of a building with a sign: Benjamin Sykes – Sheriff.
When the entered the building an old bearded man, wearing a badge, was sitting at an old oak desk. He glanced up as he was pouring whiskey from a bottle into an old coffee mug.
The Lone Ranger held up the palm of his hand to reveal a silver bullet, “Its okay sheriff. This mask does not mean I am an outlaw. We mean you no harm. I just want to talk to you.”
The sheriff leaned back in his chair and finished filling his cup. “I know who you are. The stagecoach driver has reported in to me every day for the past month. Care for a drink?”
The ranger frowned and shook his head, “We’re here to ask for help.”
The old man put down his drink and his eyes opened wide, “You need my help? Sure what can I do for you?
The ranger stood tall and spoke slowly, “Everyday this month the stagecoach has been held up by an outlaw named Larry Johnson and his gang. We have been on there trail since they entered Texas two months ago. Each day we interrupt their robbery and chase them to where the trail clears the crest and turns towards the canyon.
The sheriff nodded, “Know the place well. How can I help?”
The ranger smiled, “They have taken this same route for their getaway every day. If you and a posse could be waiting for them on the other side of the rise near the canyon, I am certain we can chase them into your open arms.”
The sheriff frowned, grabbed his cup and took a sip, “Sorry ranger, I can’t help you.”
The ranger was shocked and then said sternly, “Sheriff, you must know that these outlaws are wanted for robbery and murder in three states. “
The sheriff shrugged, “Yep, but none of those states are Texas. We are a small quiet town, I have no deputies. I would have to ask town folk to join a posse and risk their lives. Next month there is an election and I would like to remain the sheriff.”
The ranger cringed at these words and said sternly, “Sheriff, it is your duty to help. That is why you wear a badge.”
The sheriff took another sip from the cup and cleared his throat, “My duty is to protect the town. From what I have heard these outlaws have not taken anything from the stage. There was no robbery. All they did was delay the stage. In fact the driver told me that there have been no complaints from Abilene about the stage being late.”
The sheriff took another sip from his mug and added, “What if we did catch these outlaws and lock them in jail. When the judge gets here he will fine them for a misdemeanor, which is legal talk for a petty crime. They won’t stay long in jail.”
The sheriff chuckled at the amazement on the ranger’s face and then added “Did you ever think that what you are asking me to do is exactly what the outlaws want? What if they have been stopping the stage expecting you to come here and ask for a posse? They could have a man waiting here every morning to see if a posse leaves before the stage. That man can ride back and tell his friends the town is clear. The outlaws ride here and rob the bank with nobody to stop them. Then what would be my chances of remaining sheriff?”
Tonto nudged the ranger, “Could the sheriff be right?”
The ranger nodded his head, “Until we know what is happening, anything is possible. We go back to plan ‘A’.
Two more weeks passed with the same exact routine as before. When the ranger and Tonto rode back to the stage, the ranger pulled a paper from his shirt and then removed a silver bullet from his gun belt and wrapped the paper around the bullet. He handed the paper to the driver “Give this note to Sheriff Joe Barton when you get to Abilene. He will know it is from me.”
As the stage pulled away, Tonto asked, “What is on the note?”
The ranger smiled, “Plan ‘C’ my friend. Sheriff Barton owes me a favor. That note requests that he bring a posse to the stage trail at the canyon early tomorrow morning and wait. He won’t fail me. Tomorrow we chase the outlaws right into the posse and this will finally end. Tomorrow we get some answers as to what has been going on.”
Later that day four riders rode to the place where the stagecoach had stopped. They dismounted and tied their horses to a nearby tree. One of the men spoke to the leader, “Larry, how much longer do we need to do this?” The leader replied, “Well Clem, I think today is the end, we should have enough to buy that saloon and gambling hall in Virginia City.”
The outlaws cheered, and one said, “Boss, that ranger must be really dumb to keep falling for the same trick.”
The leader frowned. “Oh I don’t know about that Festus. The Lone Ranger is dedicated to eliminating all outlaws from the territory. In a few days we will be out of the territory and in fact no longer outlaws. So I guess you may say the Lone Ranger has won again!”
The leader studied the confused looks on his gang’s faces, and then smiled “I’m only kidding. Even if the ranger catches us, the most we will get is a few days in jail for stopping the stagecoach. If the ranger learns we are getting rich from this, there is nothing he can do since we haven’t stolen anything. Like I said before we pulled this job, we may not be able to outride, outdraw or outshoot the Lone Ranger, but we sure as hell can outsmart him.” With this said, the leader broke into a hearty laugh. Then all the outlaws started to laugh.
The only sour comment came from the third member of he gang, “Just a shame that the return stage came back in the dark. An hour earlier and we could have been done in half the time.”
Larry nodded, “Yep, it’s a shame we can’t work in the dark, Pete. Okay, that is enough talk, let’s get to work. Just like before, we line up across the trail, side by side and an arm’s length apart. We walk the trail slowly from here to the canyon. Then we turn around with two of us on each side of the road we walk back here. And don’t forget; only pick up the silver bullets!”
The next morning the Lone Ranger and Tonto stood on the rise in the trail waiting for the stagecoach to pass. The ranger checked his two guns to ensure they were fully loaded. He noticed empty bullet loops in his gun belt. He walked slowly over to his horse, Silver. For a moment he rummaged through his saddle bags and then turned to Tonto, “This plan had better work because I’m running out of bullets. Saddle bags are empty and I’m down to ten on my belt.”
The stagecoach passed quickly over the rise, the ranger and Indian mounted their steeds and watched the stage pass over flat ground without incident. As they watch the stage crest the far rise, Tonto asked, “What happened? Where are the outlaws?
The Lone Ranger shook his head, “Maybe they spotted Sheriff Barton’s posse over the far rise. Maybe they gave up on what they hoping to get from the stage. We better ride to the posse and tell them to go home. Tomorrow, we’ll follow the stage again. If nothing happens, then we’ll pick up the trail of the outlaws and try to catch them.”
Outlaws when told what the lawmen say about the story will suggest you to ride to Virginia City, Nevada and seek out the Assay Office. There you will find two glass display cases. The contents of these cases are locked away at night in a small safe. During the day, they are available for public viewing under the protection of an armed guard. Each case sits on a wooden pedestal.
The first case contains a huge gold nugget. The plaque beneath the case reads “The largest gold nugget ever found – redeemed for cash by Lars Olsen – January, 1871.”
The second case contains over three hundred bullet shaped-silver nuggets, each of them the same size and weight. The plaque beneath the case reads “The finest silver nuggets ever found – redeemed for cash by Larry Johnson – August, 1872.”
Under a clear morning sky on the sixth of June in 1872, the Lone Ranger and Tonto followed the old stagecoach route from the town of Elm Creek to Abilene. As they followed the trail and crested a hill there loomed a small valley about a mile in width. They spotted the stagecoach a quarter mile ahead. Around the stagecoach with guns drawn were four masked men. Without a spoken word, the Lone Ranger and Tonto drew their guns and galloped towards the outlaws.
The outlaws saw the duo approaching and began to fire. Without hesitation the Lone Ranger and Tonto returned fire. The outlaws raced away, staying to the trail and firing over their shoulders. The masked man and Indian sped past the stagecoach in their pursuit returning fire; the trail led over a rise and around a bend. When the Lone Ranger and Tonto rounded the bend they reined to a halt.
Tonto pointed to tracks leading away from the trail, “It looks like they rode into that canyon, and those large boulders would be a good place for an ambush.”
“Your right Tonto, “let’s ride back to the coach and find out what they have taken.”
As the two riders neared the stage the Lone Ranger asked, “What did they take driver?”
The driver looked confused for a second, and then exclaimed “I thought you were another outlaw for a second. Then I remembered the stories of a masked man and his Indian companion. You’re the Lone Ranger.” The ranger nodded and the driver continued, “It was the weirdest thing. Those outlaws stopped the stage and then just waited. They didn’t say a word, didn’t ask for the strongbox or what we were carrying.”
The Lone Ranger asked, “Does the stage return from Abilene tomorrow morning?”
The driver leaned down from the stage, “This is a daily run. We left Elm Creek a eight this morning. That was about an hour ago. We arrive in Abilene at two this afternoon. We change horses, pickup a new strong box and board passengers for the return trip. The stage leaves Abilene about three and gets back to Elm Creek about nine tonight. It’s the same routine every Monday through Friday.”
“The ranger nodded, “We will be waiting here for the return stage tonight, just in case they try again.” As the stage pulled away, he turned to Tonto, “We’ll come back later at seven, then wait out of sight at the rise in the road.”
That evening the Lone Ranger and Tonto stopped at the crest of the hill and dismounted. They could see the road stretched out below them for a mile then ascend to another rise. An hour later it was dark and they could barely make out the cloud of dust as the stage crested over the distant rise. They watch as the cloud of dust drew nearer and the two mounted their horses and stood by the road as the stage approached.
The stage reached them without incident. The driver waved to the masked man and Indian as he passed by.
“I guess the outlaws are not interested in the night stage. They didn’t take anything from the day stage. Why?” Tonto asked.
The ranger shrugged, “This is strange. Maybe they are waiting for a passenger for Elm Creek to be in the coach. We follow the stage tomorrow morning. I have a hunch those outlaws will be back.”
The next day, the ranger and Tonto followed the stage at a distance of half a mile. They crested the same hill as the day before and once again spotted the stopped stage and the outlaws. In a repeat of the prior day, exchanging gunfire, they chased the outlaws to the canyon. When they returned to the stage the driver once again told them that nothing had been taken.
The ranger dismounted and checked the coach. He saw two passengers. He looked up the driver, “I think they may be waiting for some one to be on the stage.”
The driver shook hid head, “The outlaws never asked the passengers to step out. In fact they never looked in the coach.”
The ranger thanked the driver and told him that he and Tonto they would stay with plan ‘A’, which was to keep following the stage until the outlaws stopped holding up the stage or were caught.
These events were to repeat every day for the next month. After once again chasing the outlaws, Tonto and the Lone Ranger returned to the stage. The Lone Ranger vowed again to catch the stagecoach robbers. The driver frowned and said, “This makes no sense. Why do they keep stopping the stage and never ask for the strong box?”
Tonto spoke, “He is right Kemosabe, why would they risk their lives in a shootout with us every day if there was nothing to gain? It does not make sense.”
The Lone Ranger thought for a moment and then answered, “Tonto, these outlaws have a reason, we just haven’t figured it out. We’ll just keep following the stage every day until they make a mistake and we catch them.”
When the stage pulled away, Tonto expressed his concern, “We can’t keep this up forever. Do you have a plan ‘B’?”
The Lone Ranger nodded, “Yes, Plan ‘B’ calls for getting some help. We ride to Elm Creek and see the sheriff.”
It was four O’clock in the afternoon when the masked man and Indian tied their horses to the hitching post in front of a building with a sign: Benjamin Sykes – Sheriff.
When the entered the building an old bearded man, wearing a badge, was sitting at an old oak desk. He glanced up as he was pouring whiskey from a bottle into an old coffee mug.
The Lone Ranger held up the palm of his hand to reveal a silver bullet, “Its okay sheriff. This mask does not mean I am an outlaw. We mean you no harm. I just want to talk to you.”
The sheriff leaned back in his chair and finished filling his cup. “I know who you are. The stagecoach driver has reported in to me every day for the past month. Care for a drink?”
The ranger frowned and shook his head, “We’re here to ask for help.”
The old man put down his drink and his eyes opened wide, “You need my help? Sure what can I do for you?
The ranger stood tall and spoke slowly, “Everyday this month the stagecoach has been held up by an outlaw named Larry Johnson and his gang. We have been on there trail since they entered Texas two months ago. Each day we interrupt their robbery and chase them to where the trail clears the crest and turns towards the canyon.
The sheriff nodded, “Know the place well. How can I help?”
The ranger smiled, “They have taken this same route for their getaway every day. If you and a posse could be waiting for them on the other side of the rise near the canyon, I am certain we can chase them into your open arms.”
The sheriff frowned, grabbed his cup and took a sip, “Sorry ranger, I can’t help you.”
The ranger was shocked and then said sternly, “Sheriff, you must know that these outlaws are wanted for robbery and murder in three states. “
The sheriff shrugged, “Yep, but none of those states are Texas. We are a small quiet town, I have no deputies. I would have to ask town folk to join a posse and risk their lives. Next month there is an election and I would like to remain the sheriff.”
The ranger cringed at these words and said sternly, “Sheriff, it is your duty to help. That is why you wear a badge.”
The sheriff took another sip from the cup and cleared his throat, “My duty is to protect the town. From what I have heard these outlaws have not taken anything from the stage. There was no robbery. All they did was delay the stage. In fact the driver told me that there have been no complaints from Abilene about the stage being late.”
The sheriff took another sip from his mug and added, “What if we did catch these outlaws and lock them in jail. When the judge gets here he will fine them for a misdemeanor, which is legal talk for a petty crime. They won’t stay long in jail.”
The sheriff chuckled at the amazement on the ranger’s face and then added “Did you ever think that what you are asking me to do is exactly what the outlaws want? What if they have been stopping the stage expecting you to come here and ask for a posse? They could have a man waiting here every morning to see if a posse leaves before the stage. That man can ride back and tell his friends the town is clear. The outlaws ride here and rob the bank with nobody to stop them. Then what would be my chances of remaining sheriff?”
Tonto nudged the ranger, “Could the sheriff be right?”
The ranger nodded his head, “Until we know what is happening, anything is possible. We go back to plan ‘A’.
Two more weeks passed with the same exact routine as before. When the ranger and Tonto rode back to the stage, the ranger pulled a paper from his shirt and then removed a silver bullet from his gun belt and wrapped the paper around the bullet. He handed the paper to the driver “Give this note to Sheriff Joe Barton when you get to Abilene. He will know it is from me.”
As the stage pulled away, Tonto asked, “What is on the note?”
The ranger smiled, “Plan ‘C’ my friend. Sheriff Barton owes me a favor. That note requests that he bring a posse to the stage trail at the canyon early tomorrow morning and wait. He won’t fail me. Tomorrow we chase the outlaws right into the posse and this will finally end. Tomorrow we get some answers as to what has been going on.”
Later that day four riders rode to the place where the stagecoach had stopped. They dismounted and tied their horses to a nearby tree. One of the men spoke to the leader, “Larry, how much longer do we need to do this?” The leader replied, “Well Clem, I think today is the end, we should have enough to buy that saloon and gambling hall in Virginia City.”
The outlaws cheered, and one said, “Boss, that ranger must be really dumb to keep falling for the same trick.”
The leader frowned. “Oh I don’t know about that Festus. The Lone Ranger is dedicated to eliminating all outlaws from the territory. In a few days we will be out of the territory and in fact no longer outlaws. So I guess you may say the Lone Ranger has won again!”
The leader studied the confused looks on his gang’s faces, and then smiled “I’m only kidding. Even if the ranger catches us, the most we will get is a few days in jail for stopping the stagecoach. If the ranger learns we are getting rich from this, there is nothing he can do since we haven’t stolen anything. Like I said before we pulled this job, we may not be able to outride, outdraw or outshoot the Lone Ranger, but we sure as hell can outsmart him.” With this said, the leader broke into a hearty laugh. Then all the outlaws started to laugh.
The only sour comment came from the third member of he gang, “Just a shame that the return stage came back in the dark. An hour earlier and we could have been done in half the time.”
Larry nodded, “Yep, it’s a shame we can’t work in the dark, Pete. Okay, that is enough talk, let’s get to work. Just like before, we line up across the trail, side by side and an arm’s length apart. We walk the trail slowly from here to the canyon. Then we turn around with two of us on each side of the road we walk back here. And don’t forget; only pick up the silver bullets!”
The next morning the Lone Ranger and Tonto stood on the rise in the trail waiting for the stagecoach to pass. The ranger checked his two guns to ensure they were fully loaded. He noticed empty bullet loops in his gun belt. He walked slowly over to his horse, Silver. For a moment he rummaged through his saddle bags and then turned to Tonto, “This plan had better work because I’m running out of bullets. Saddle bags are empty and I’m down to ten on my belt.”
The stagecoach passed quickly over the rise, the ranger and Indian mounted their steeds and watched the stage pass over flat ground without incident. As they watch the stage crest the far rise, Tonto asked, “What happened? Where are the outlaws?
The Lone Ranger shook his head, “Maybe they spotted Sheriff Barton’s posse over the far rise. Maybe they gave up on what they hoping to get from the stage. We better ride to the posse and tell them to go home. Tomorrow, we’ll follow the stage again. If nothing happens, then we’ll pick up the trail of the outlaws and try to catch them.”
Epilog
When asked about this tale, lawmen are quick to point out that the Lone Ranger and Tonto claim that these events never happened. They add that Larry Johnson and the other three co-owners of the “Silver Bullet Saloon” in Virginia City were asked about the story. These four men, all respected citizens of the town, deny the story and call it absurd.Outlaws when told what the lawmen say about the story will suggest you to ride to Virginia City, Nevada and seek out the Assay Office. There you will find two glass display cases. The contents of these cases are locked away at night in a small safe. During the day, they are available for public viewing under the protection of an armed guard. Each case sits on a wooden pedestal.
The first case contains a huge gold nugget. The plaque beneath the case reads “The largest gold nugget ever found – redeemed for cash by Lars Olsen – January, 1871.”
The second case contains over three hundred bullet shaped-silver nuggets, each of them the same size and weight. The plaque beneath the case reads “The finest silver nuggets ever found – redeemed for cash by Larry Johnson – August, 1872.”
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