Pitfall Trap

Originally Aired: March 21, 1938 The Lone Ranger #803, "Pitfall Trap," finds the masked rider and Tonto investigating a ruthless protection racket in the Southwest. Jim Burton has made himself absolute master of the territory, forcing ranchers and townspeople to pay him tribute or suffer devastating consequences. When rancher Tyler refuses to pay, Burton callously shoots his prized bull as a warning. Those who defy Burton face poisoned cattle, burned homes, and even murder at the hands of his gang of outlaws and hired gunmen. The law remains helpless against Burton's iron grip on the region. After answering what he believes is a distress signal, the Lone Ranger learns the full extent of Burton's reign of terror from Tyler and the widow Simmons. The masked rider discovers that many of Burton's gang members are wanted criminals from other territories, which gives him an idea to break the outlaw's power. Making a bold move, the Lone Ranger storms into a cafe where Burton and his men are gathered, taking wanted murderer Scar Lewis at gunpoint while promising to return for more of the criminals Burton is harboring.