Badge of Honor | The Lone Ranger (05-14-54)

Old Time Radio Westerns

Bert Ackley arrives in Austin seeking vengeance for his father's murder by the outlaw Wendy Burton. After being told by Captain Rogers that

Key takeaways

• Bert Ackley seeks justice for his father Jed Ackley, who was killed by Wendy Burton's gang.
• Captain Rogers forbids Bert from using the Texas Ranger badge as a cover for personal revenge.

Main topics

• Justice vs. Revenge
• Undercover operations

Notable quotes

It's a badge of honor, not a shield to cover a revengeful killing.

Conclusion

A classic western morality tale about choosing the path of lawful just

Transcript preview

Speaker 2 (0:00) For many of us, going further isn't a choice. It's a feeling we can't ignore because ambition has a way of outgrowing where it began. Speaker 2 (0:11) Turning dreams into direction. Speaker 2 (0:17) Every journey brings us closer to the life we imagine. Speaker 2 (0:23) So, where will your journey take you? Etihad. Beyond borders. Speaker 1 (0:45) Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com. Now, let's get into this episode. Speaker 6 (1:04) By special recording, the Lone Ranger. Speaker 6 (1:25) A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty high of silver. The Lone Ranger. Speaker 6 (1:37) Before this exciting adventure, a word from our sponsor. Speaker 6 (1:54) With his faithful Indian companion, Tottle, the daring and resourceful mask rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse, Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fellow. I'll send Speaker 5 (2:25) the... Speaker 2 (2:28) For many of us, going further isn't a choice. It's a feeling we can't ignore because ambition has a way of outgrowing where it began. Speaker 2 (2:40) Turning dreams into direction. Speaker 2 (2:45) Every journey brings us closer to the life we imagine. Speaker 2 (2:51) So, where will your journey take you? Etihad. Beyond Borders. Speaker 6 (3:09) Captain Rogers of the Texas Rangers looked up as a young stranger entered his office at headquarters in Austin. Speaker 5 (3:16) Well, young man, what can I do for you? You're Captain Rogers? That's right. Who are you? My name is Bert Ackley, Captain. Bert Ackley. What? You're Jed Ackley's son? Yes, sir. Well, this is a surprise. I heard you were in California. I was, until I learned of Dad's death, Captain. I arrived in Austin by stage this morning. Sit down, Burke. Needless to say, I'm glad to meet you. Thanks, Captain. Your father was one of our best men. It was a shock to all of us here when he was killed two months ago. Well, what are your plans now that you're here? To find the men who are responsible for Dad's murder. That's a big job. The letter I received said he was ambushed by an hombre named Wendy Burton and Speaker 4 (4:01) his gang. Speaker 5 (4:01) That's what we believe. Wendy Burton is a notorious gunman and has three tough men riding with him. My Texas Rangers and other lawmen, for that matter, have been unsuccessful in tracking them down. Are they still in this territory, sir? Last report on Wendy's gang came from a Pecos way. Captain. I want to join the Texas Rangers. I'd be mighty happy to have the son of one of our finest men on the force, Bert. But, uh... But what's it? Bert, you came here to Texas bent upon revenge. Right now, you're filled with bitterness and with a desire to shoot Speaker 3 (4:38) on sight the man who killed your father. Why not? Speaker 5 (4:41) Wendy Burton is a murderer. He deserves to die. Speaker 3 (4:44) I agree he deserves to die. But only after Speaker 5 (4:47) due process of law, Bert. If you found him and shot him, you too would be a murderer in the eyes of the law. No, Bert, I can't permit the use of a Texas Ranger badge for the purpose of legalizing a killing. It's a badge of honor, not a shield to cover a revengeful killing. Then I'm not eligible to join the force, is that it? Not under the circumstances. But if by chance you found Wendy, got the proof against him, and turned him over to the law for punishment, well, then I know you had the makings of a good Texas Ranger. With us, the law comes first, regardless of personal feelings. I understand, sir. Thank you for talking to me. Speaker 4 (5:32) Goodbye, Speaker 5 (5:33) sir. Goodbye, and good luck. Speaker 6 (5:41) After acquiring a horse, Burke started for the Pecos territory. He was more determined than ever to find Wendy Burton. But as he rode day after day, he did a lot of thinking. Captain Rogers' words had taken root. And finally, Burke decided to suppress his desire for revenge and to find a way to earn the badge of a Texas Ranger. Speaker 6 (6:03) I reckon the best thing to do would be to Speaker 5 (6:05) try to join Burton's gang and get evidence like the captain said. Now I have to figure out just how to go about it. Get up there. Come on. Speaker 6 (6:23) Bert stopped at cafes in several towns as he journeyed toward Pecos, leaving the impression that he might be an outlaw and that he more or less admired Wendy Burton. As he left the last town, ten miles from Pecos, he noticed someone following him on the trail. Oh, who the hell? A moment later, a rider moved up beside him. Speaker 4 (6:46) Buenos dias, senor. Howdy, mister. You're riding the Pegas, no? Maybe I am. What's it to you? I was in the cafe, amigo. I overheard what you were saying there. Speaker 5