Andy Beechum Prospector

Originally Aired: March 11, 1938In The Lone Ranger #799, "Andy Beechum Prospector," hardworking prospector Andy Beechum has finally struck gold after years of searching, but his triumph may be short-lived. To work his claim, Andy borrowed money from local moneylender Mark Nelson, unaware that his employee, the surly Black Mike, has been secretly reporting to Nelson about the mine's true value. While Mike tells Andy the claim shows no promise, he reveals to Nelson that they're on the verge of hitting the mother lode. A chance encounter brings reformed gambler Rod Ramsey to Andy's home, where he shares his search for the mysterious masked man and his Indian companion who once saved his life.The Lone Ranger and Tonto are already investigating the suspicious situation at the mine. Having overheard Mike's deceptive reports to Andy, they suspect a conspiracy between the crooked worker and the moneylender to steal the claim. As Tonto trails Black Mike to town to gather evidence, the stage is set for the masked rider and his allies to expose the scheme before Andy loses everything he's worked so hard to find.