 firey horse for the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty, high-o silver, the Lone Ranger. Astride his great horse, Silver, the masked rider of the planes fought crime and criminals through the length and breadth of the early western United States. The stories of his strength and daring have come down through the generations. What was he more than any other man who brought law and order to the lawless frontier? Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear when eventually at the end of every trail, the Lone Ranger rides again. Ezra Pike, a wheat farmer near the small western town of Hillsdale, was eating his evening meal with his wife Martha when suddenly she pointed out the window. Ezra, just look outside. Well, I'll be more of them dead-rated cow punters. Cramping down our wheat with their horses, and after you fence that piece off. Cut my fence, that's what they did. Well, I'll show them. Now, don't start a fight, Ezra. Where'd I put my gun? Now, here it is. Oh, please, Ezra. You want I should let them blast it calm and get away with the thing like that? You can't fight for them. You stay inside and let me turn to this. Get out of there. Go on, get your horses out. Careful, farmer. That thing will explode in your face and hurt you. Yellow-dunk coyotes, get out. Who in places are you to give us orders? That's my wheat, them blasted creditors of yours are stopping now. Now, ain't that too bad? Come a little closer, mister. There's something I'd like to tell you. Huh? What do you got to say? Just a little closer. I want to whisper it. That's it. I grabbed the farmer's gun, boy. Give me that back. Let's see if he can dance as good as he can yell. Come on, mister, dance first. Here's another tune. I'll have the law on you. I'll teach you. Ezra, what they do You stay out of this, Masi. Get back in the house like I told you. You ain't too dancing already, are you, Ezra? Shucks, you ain't even limbered up yet. Come on. Who shot that gun out of your hand? I did. Man, what's the point? I'll go. Shoot at this man's feet again, and next time I'll do more than blast your gun away. Ezra, what are these men doing in your wheat? Just trying to make trouble. That's what we're... Get out, all of you. You're trespassing on another man's property. He's just a farmer. Until the cattlemen and farmers learn to respect each other's rights, neither one will prosper. Both sides have been going out of their way to start quarrels. He coming us with a gun. You likely deserved it. Now, get out. Come on, fellas. Maybe we'll meet up again sometime, mass puller. And if we do, look out. Get up there. Gosh, stranger. I suppose you're not low at that mask and all, but you sure showed up at just the right time. Hello, Nair. Not out, Professor. You can take my word for that. Don't act like one, and that's a fact. I was surprised to see cattlemen over this way. I thought most of the ranchers were over toward the hills. Uh-huh. They are. But common ride here by here every so often, going to town. I see. Seems like it ain't enough with wheat prices way down, and old Thaddeus Gruber refused to loan us farmers' care to see us brutal harvest. But on top of that, them blasted cattlemen had got to be raised in Ned. Thaddeus Gruber? Isn't he the banker in Hillsdale? Yes, the garment. I've heard some things about him. Well, I'll bet you never heard nothing good. As a matter of fact, I haven't. What's been the trouble? Ain't no one told you about the way he's trying to steal our land? Steal it? Just the same as. I don't understand. And then I reckon he ain't been in these parts for long. I figured everybody knew about that. We were just riding through. Well, the banker's trying to make us all sell our land cheap. Because he knows that next year the railroad will be building through, and then all this section will be worth 10 times what it is now. But there's nothing to make you sell, is there? What are us farmers going to do if we don't? Right now I got about $10 cash in the house to do me till this year, winter wheat is ready to harvest. Can't you borrow money on the crop? That's just it. Can't borrow from the banker, because the only thing you consider is buying and his price. Can't borrow from any one of the other farmers, because they're just as bad off as I am. But some of the cattlemen must have money? To loan to farmers? You must be local. Besides, they ain't so well off neither. No? We did all right over here, but where the cattlemen grazed their critters, there wasn't enough rainfellows here to fill your head. Grasses all burn off when they're doing their best to borrow cash to see him through. Then your only chance is the banker. Which is the same as no chance at all. He aims to have our land. He savages we got to have cash to eat, so he just sitting tired till we meet his terms. Hello. I've changed my mind. We're not riding on me think you stay. Seems there's work for us to do here. Work for you, fellas should do. What do you mean? We're going to try to help you, Western. First we'll call on the banker. But who are you? What are you? Get him up, scoundrel. Come on, Silver. Tonto, Silver, that mask. Girlie, I must have been blind. Marty! Hey, Marty! What is it, Esri? Landscape. What you so excited about now? Look, do you see that fellow riding away on that white horse? What's he to make a commotion about? What's he? Marty, that's the low ranger. Come in. You wanted me, Mr. Gruber? You didn't hear him sit down, Lim? Sure. I've seen him at the café. He said you asked for me. Sit down. Yeah. Ain't nothing wrong, is it? You didn't do what I sent you to do. Gosh, how'd you know? If you had, you'd come right to my office to tell me about it. Well, honest, Mr. Gruber, I'd done my best. Didn't know what was wrong. You know them cattle, men. I know how to handle them with this horse. You know how to handle them with this horse. You know how to handle them with this horse. I know how to handle them with this what you mean. Which seems to be more than you do. Well, it doesn't look like you told me. I've been a week traveling around a different ranch. Ain't doing no good at all. I tried. It ain't that them common got any use for the farmers. As a matter of fact, they hate the ground they walk on. As soon as I hinted you might pay them to turn their critters loose in a week, they started cussing you out instead. Yeah, the fool. They thought of it themselves might have been different. They ain't got nothing to gain driving the farmers out. It's just that they won't take pay for it. And what? Well, remember, it's them that said it, not me. Let's check it out with it. They said it's how they wouldn't do nothing to help you out if they had to starve for it. They said they ain't... Seems like you ain't any too well thought of, Ron. And by heavens they will starve. I suppose they figure I don't know their range is burned up. I suppose when I ask a favor of them, they turn me down. I'm to loan them cash when I ask for it. Well, I won't. I want them fool farmers out of this country before there's others from outside coming around and offering them more cash than I am. Sure, I savvy. Farmers having no cash, and I'll see if they don't get any. But they're just stubborn enough to hang on long as they can see a crop ahead of them. But they won't be able to stick it out till harvest. Of course they won't. Didn't I just say I wanted their land before I have to meet the price of outsiders coming here to buy? Yeah, but... Look here, then. If the cattlemen won't run the farmers out for pay, then they're going to do it for nothing. For nothing? They're all the time fighting with the farmers, ain't they? Sure, but I... Well, this time there's going to be a fight bust out. A fight that's going to have every farmer around here so blame-anxious clean out of these parts. He won't be able to sell fast enough. Yeah, Mr. Gruber. I bet that could be done. I know it can. All you're going to do is stir up the cattlemen without letting them know you're doing it on purpose. Sure. Talk about how the farmers are breaking up the stock so that grass can't grow no more. And tell them the farmers grabbed off all the best land. Make them think they're burned out this year because the homesteaders shoved them back on worthless range. Keep prodding at them. Get them to thinkin' all their trouble comes from the farmers. In one of these days, it'll be a ruckus bus loose. They'll tear the top off things. The way things are, all them common eat is somebody to get them started. You're going to be that filler. Here's some cash. Take them over to the cafe. Every time he's here comin' buy him a drink, get him talkin'. And if you do your work right before the week's up, things will be homin'. I'll start right now. Give me that cash. This time you're planning things right, Mr. Gruber. You can't hire cattlemen to do your dirty work, but this way you can get the same results for makin' them think they're fightin' for their sales. You earn a gift sturdy. Sure. Now, let you know how things payin' out, Mr. Gruber. Get back inside. What's up? Get back. Hey, miss, the holder. Come on, sir. You can't get away from the holder. Then let me go away. You're not going to leave this by the warning. Which one of you is the banker? I am. And you're the man I want to see. I've heard some stories about you, and I hope they're not the truth. What right have you got to do? Listen to me. Is it true you've refused to loan money to the farmers? Yeah, it would have been him. You won't give them money to live on unless they sell out their holdings? I run my business to please myself. Well, doing that, you're forcing the farmers to lose everything they have. They've offered them a price. A price that's only a tenth of what they'll be able to get when the railroad is built. Well, they need my fault. You're a banker. Most men of your profession do everything they can to build up their community. But instead, you'd rather ruin the people of this district so that you can make an unfair profit. This is my bank, and I'll do what I want with it. And you won't reconsider? I not only ain't changin' my mind, but I'm gonna set the law on you for threatening me like this. Then serve your right. I haven't threatened you yet. You won't get to take this for a threat of you wish. You can't scare me. There's going to be justice done here. Your scheme isn't going through. How are you gonna stop it? I don't know yet, but I'll find a way. Unless you decide to be fair. Get out. We're going. Come, Tana. And if you show your face around here again, you'll be jailed. Don't try to follow us. Who in blazes was he? Gunmen hired by the farmers, that's all. But what was it? A dozen more like him couldn't keep me from running my affairs the way I please. I don't care. You hear that? They've gone. Which is just what you're gonna do, leave. Get to the cafe like you started you before. And I'll stop at the sheriff's office on the way and tell him about the mask man and the red skin. Name's 13 on the cattleman. Mr. Gruber, here's something you can tie to. I'll get him started. And when the finish comes, them farmers had better watch out. Glam's efforts to stir up the cattleman against the farmers met with almost instant success. The cattleman who felt themselves the natural enemies of the homesteaders had been further embittered by the fact that while the country where they ranged their cattle was dry and parched, the wheat fields to the farmers had enjoyed an abundance of rain. But Glam, not satisfied until he'd spurned the cattleman to action, continued his campaign. Then I'm up again, Far Keep. Check the way I look at it. You cattlemen have got a raw deal. You think I don't know that? Then why don't you fellas do something about it? Maybe we will. We'll stay and forget so much, Glam, and then the fur flies. Wheat, where cows ought to be grazed. It's your own fault, Gortz. Yeah? You cattlemen ain't forgot how to handle shooting irons, have you? We ain't. Let's folks fill up finding out right soon. Come, you're the leader of the commons. Sure I am. Then if you want action, it's up to you to start it. Run the farmers up! They got our reins! Don't let them fight farmers under the grass! Run the farmers up! They stole our reins! Climb them up with lead! Cattle starving! Cattle starving! Fellas, it's time we done something. And I don't mean tomorrow, I mean today. I don't mean with talk, I mean with lead. Go get out your guns and oil them up. Wheat cattlemen are taking back what them farmers stole. Did a good job. Before the night's over, the common will be taken over. And after they've taken over, then I'll take over from them. The curtain falls on the first act of our thrilling Lone Ranger drama. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. To continue our story, the cattlemen aroused by Lemnugin prepared to attack the farmers. And the farmers, learning what was threatened, gathered in town to defend themselves as best they could. The streets of Hillsdale were loud with angry voices in the chatter of hoots. But hidden by the shadows between two buildings, the Lone Ranger and Tonto watched the gathering storm. Something's got to be done to stop them, Tonto. Soon there'll be plenty trouble. I suspect this is a bank of work. And that's what me think. I've noticed that man who was in his office when we called on him. Him name Lemn. The past few days, Lemn has talked with every cattleman who's come to town. And wherever Lemn has been, has been talked against the farmers. That's right. A couple does break up. Many of the farmers will sell. Most of them are brave men, Tonto. They're not as familiar with horses and guns as the ranchers are. They never stand a chance on the fight between the two factions. That's Tonto. There's Ezra Pike. He's the man we helped when we first came here. Him, good teller. This seems to be the leader of the farmers. And there, a fellow named Tom Robert. The leader of the ranchers. Get on your horse, Tonto. What? What we do? Kimosabe. The fight is ever going to break out now is the time. Ezra and Tom each represent their own side. They talk things over reasonably. There may be peace. Then look when they mad. That's justice. They lose their heads. But they won't compromise. This whole town will go fighting mad. That's right. And that's what we've got to stop. Tonto, trouble starts. You take Ezra. Tonto, do that. And I'll take Tom. Get Ezra on your horse. Make him go with you. Then head for our camp. Tonto, they're getting into a quarrel. Are you right now? That's it, Kimosabe. Ride. Come on. Watch out. Ready, Tonto. Ready. You bring us here far. You'll learn in a moment. Ezra, I want to talk to you too. I thought you was a friend of mine. I'd like to be a friend of both of you. You've got a fine way of showing us. Hold on. Well, look here. I've got a few things to say. And then you can both talk. But you're going to listen to me first. Tom, you've allowed yourself to be used by the banker. He's trying to get the farmers to sell out. And you and your friends are helping him. That's not so. You probably haven't realized it. You haven't allowed yourself to think it over. But it's true, nevertheless. But what's that got to do with me? Ezra, the homesteaders are at fault too. Perhaps not as much as the cattlemen. They've done their share to keep the quarrels going just the same. We're going to see if the cattlemen and farmers can't work together instead of against each other. Several days went by. And during that time, Thaddeus Gruber waited anxiously for the outbreak between ranchers and farmers that never came. We see him now in his office as Lem entered. Mr. Gruber? Something's going to happen, all right. Can't you find out what? Nobody's doing any talking. It's what makes me more sure than ever that this fight ain't over. It's when they quit shoppin' and everything seems quiet that things most usually bust loose. I've got to be more sure than that. Well, the cattlemen are dodgin' the farmers and the farmers are dodgin' them. They act sorta like fellas that are just waitin' to signal to raise the roof. Well, if they ain't gonna fight, I want to know it. And I can plan some other way to make the farmers sell. They'll fight. They ain't got a notion that cattlemen are just waitin' to figure the best way to start it. Hear anything more about that mask trailing this purge? Nope. Just that they let Tom and Ezra go. They say who the mask man is. Tom said he would just sell him out, Lord. Took him away, thinkin' to have cash. Well, that's Tom now. Comin' here for a loan, allabitch. Well, he won't get it. There's some others with him. All ranchers. Come in. Afternoon, Mr. Grover. Can we see you? I ain't loanin' no cash. That's not what I'm on to talk about. Hmm, come in. Howdy, Lem. Howdy, Tom. Howdy, fellas. Howdy. My time ain't to be wasted. State your business. Well, he was just wondering if that proposition Lem put up to us some time ago was still open. What proposition is that? You reckon like you don't, you Lem. What do you mean? Say, Mr. Grover, about ruinin' the farmer's crock. Ain't that it, fellas? That's it. Kinda late about agreeing to it in chief. Oh, things haven't changed, none. You still want that wheat land, don't you? It's worth cash to you. We run our cows over the farmer's grain, ain't it? It might be. And for cash, we'll do that thing. Sure, I'll save you this. First, when Lem asked you to do that, you got riled. Now you turn right around and ask me. Well, the fact is, Mr. Grover, we just about gotta do it. Uh-huh. We ain't gonna have no winter passage for our cows, so if we're to pull through, we'll need cash. Which same? You won't ruin us. So we've decided to talk things over and get even with the farmers. And at the same time, get paid for doin' it. Then we're agreeable. Don't get the notion when that wheat land's mine, you ranchers are gonna get any good from it. We ain't figurein' all that. Cash is all we want. Then maybe we can make a deal. But there's one thing, Mr. Grover. We ain't gonna do this for just a few dollars. You're gonna pay us good. You're set to make yourself rich if the farmers tell out. And that should be worth plenty to you. And you won't have no trouble about tourism. And if you wouldn't mind puttin' it all down and writin'. And writin'? You think I'm a fool? I'm gonna puttin' nothin' down and writin'. But I'll keep word. Mr. Grover, I don't think your word's good for a thing. Why are you... But we'll take it. Cause you know if you go back on it, your life wouldn't be worth a red penny. I won't tell you. Good enough. Man, it's agreed. If you get your critters into that wheat, you'll get your pay. But if you're back out, you won't get nothin'. Back out? Why, we wouldn't think of it. Wait till the farmers see them cows. Once on their land, the damage is done. Now how much cash do you men want? The deal was made and Lim, as the banker's representative, went with the ranchers to supervise the roundup. But the cattlemen followed their agreement with the banker to the letter. Everywhere, throughout the scorched range, men routed out calves, steers, and doggies and drove them into one great herd. I can't move when you're back to play. Come on! Move along! Get along with ya! By twos and threes and dozens, wearing every brand known to that district, the cattle arrived from all directions. Cowhands raced their alert cow bonies to keep the herd from scouting. Tom Roberts, sitting a stride of bay horse, shouted orders to the crew while Lim sat beside him. Red! Get over there and ride point. Keep watch them stairs. Keep them from breakin' loose. I'm tellin' ya, this is a job. How soon you'll be ready to start the drive, Tom? We'll be on our way by noon. That ain't an hour yet. Just the same, we'll be ready. And Lim. Yeah? You tell the banker, you better have that cash ready. Because just as soon as these critters drive them through the farmer's fences, we're collected. He'll have the cash for ya. I'd hate to think what would happen to him if he didn't. After all the work we've gone through. You're sure you'll be started when you say I'll ride the town. By the time we get Mr. Groober and we ride back again, you should be most there. We will be. Then I'll get goin' and I'll meet ya there. Well, get up! Get on there! Come on, get up! The great hurt was driven down from the hills toward the fields of green winter wheat until at last it reached the fences built by the farmers. Jack! Mort! What is it called? All the fences cut? Cut the fences and keep them critters movin'. When they get inside, let them spread out. Then go ahead and cut any other fences you come to. Right! Come on, Mort! I'll ride with you. Let's go! From the other direction, confident of success, the banker and Lim raced to meet the rancher. There they are. They beat us here. There ain't no farmers around. Most likely they don't know what's happened yet. They'll be along soon enough. This is one time soon enough won't be soon enough. Yeah! There's Tom Roberts. Tom! Hey, Tom! Hold up for a second! Sit and pay, didn't I? You taking the cash for all the ranchers? Uh-huh. You seem in a mighty big hurry to turn it over. I don't want the farmer seeing me pay you. Here, count it out. I'll do that. It's all there. Your word ain't keepin' me from makin' sure. Yep, that's it, all right. Come on, Lim. We've seen the cattle and Timothy promised. Let's clear out. Just hold on. Here come some other folks I'd like you to meet. Oh, it's a farmer. There's Ezra with him. Look, the masked man! Hey, the rich! Oh, that's the same guy. What's this all mean? You might as well go ahead and finish the deal, Tom. I'll do that. Here you are, Ezra. Here's the cash we promised ya. Thank you, Tom. It'll come in mighty handy. Hold on, you cases. Is something wrong? Come, can't give that cash, Ezra. That's my case. What's the idea? You said you'd pay us to drive our cows into these fields. We did exactly that. But I tell ya... There was nothing in the bargain to say that the cattlemen couldn't use that money to pay the farmers. Pay the farmers for what? For pasturing their cattle in these fields. What's that? No one has broken his word. There's nothing you can object to. It was a trick. They tricked us. Our cattle needed fodder, and there's nothing to beat young green wheat for that. In this farm we needed cash so that we could hold on to our land till the railroad comes through. The farmers and us cattlemen having the cash for what we wanted. Why, the mass fella showed us a way to make you pay the cost, Mr. Gruber. Well, have below on him. But it wouldn't have cost you money if you hadn't gone outside the law to cheat these people. Why, Mr. Gruber? That ain't all the mass men done. He showed us that sometimes it pays more for ranches and farmers to work together than it does to be fighting all the time. I'm not a kid of yours. You owe it to lots of the kind. But I'll tell you what I would do if I were you. I'd pack my things and hightail out of here. Because after the things you've tried to do I'm afraid you won't find the climate very healthy for you. If you savvy what I mean. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporate.