 with a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty hyo silver. The lone ranger. With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, 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. Judge Benwood's courtroom in San Antonio was packed with spectators who had attended the trial of a notorious outlaw leader, Juan Montez. The court attendant wrapped for order as the judge entered and took his seat on the bench. Here ye, here ye, this court's non-session. I quiet down, everybody, or the courtroom will be clear. There was a rustle of expectation as Judge Benwood spoke solemnly. The prisoner will rise to hear the sentence of this court. Juan Montez, you've been found guilty on several counts of armed robbery and assault with intent to kill. You have led a gang of ruthless and vicious criminals who are still at large. The evidence against you was conclusive. And the jury, after due deliberation, has recommended that the court give you the maximum penalty. Juan Montez, this court hereby sentences you to 15 years in territorial prison. I warn you, senior judge, remember what I say. I shall not be in prison long. And when I get out, this I swear I will kill you, senior, and the mask man will capture me. Juan Montez will not rest until you, senior, and the lone ranger are dead. Late one afternoon, two months later, excitement broke out suddenly in territorial prison near San Antonio, Texas. What? There's been a jailbreak. Juan Montez jumped a guard and got a gun. The other prisoners, right, didn't want to escape. Send me out to trailing. We mustn't get away. Yes, sir. Juan and a companion who had been waiting outside the prison rode hurriedly along the trail, as the alarm whistle sounded behind them. Juan was saying... So far it has worked, Darcy. Is Luisa waiting with the carriage? Yeah, about two miles up the trail, Juan. You'll have to do some fast changing, but I think he can make it. Bueno. I don't savvy using the carriage to go into San Antonio, Juan. Why not just ride on with me, cover your tracks, and get to the hideout where the gang is waiting? There's something very important to attend to in town first, Dusty. Very important. Is a gang waiting at the old hideout in the foothills? Yeah, got two new men, too. That makes ten of us all together. Fine, fine. You take charge until I get there, Dusty. Now we must hurry to reach the carriage. Right in the lane! Get up! Then a short time, the two men stopped beside a black carriage waiting on the trail. Juan, I am so glad to see you. It's good no one knows Luisa, the dancer, is my sister. He'll have planned well. But time is short, Juan. I shall wait here while you get into the carriage and change into the woman's clothes I have brought with me. The driver. He is to be trusted. Old Pedro is well-paid. He sees nothing, hears nothing. Do not worry, but hurry, Juan. See. Inside the coach, Juan quickly put on the black dress and drape the black shawl about his head and face. Then he leaned from the coach window, saying... I'm ready, Luisa. Better change your voice if you talk to anyone, Juan. Oh, see, senor. I am the senora marina, no? That might get by. But, of course. Dusty, you continue along the trail now and cover your tracks. All right. We shall drive on right past the prison and go into San Antonio. I am sure they will not find Juan Montez now. Well, see you again soon, Juan. So long. Marios, get up there. We are ready to drive on to San Antonio, Pedro. She's sure you need it. On to the... A short distance from the prison, the carriage was stopped by three mottled guards. Stop that carriage, driver! Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Buenas dias, senor. What is the trouble? The dangerous prisoner escaped from the prison. You were seen riding up the trail with another ombre. Easy, boy. Mind if I look inside your carriage? Not at all, senor. I am sure my traveling companion senora marina is not the dangerous prisoner you are hunting. I reckon not, ma'am. Did you see a couple of riders? Back along the trail seems like you should have passed them. See, now I remember. There were two of them. They were riding so hard, we drew to one side and stopped to let them pass. Is it not so, senor? Yes, senorita. Keep this shawl closer about you, senor. You are catching a cold. I hope we have helped you, senor. Oh, yeah. Yeah, thanks. We'll get right after them. One moment, senor. Yes, ma'am? I am Luisa, the dancer. I shall be at the opera house in San Antonio. I do hope you and your friends will find the time to come to see my performance tonight or tomorrow night. Sure, senorita. I've seen posters telling about you. Well, we've got to be going now. Goodbye. Adios, senor. Easy, steady, boy. Let's go, men. Yeah! Yeah! Very good one. You have fooled them. Now we shall drive into town and take rooms at the hotel. Drive on, Pedro. On the net. When they reached town, Luisa engaged a small suite at the hotel. And no one suspected that the rather stout woman dressed in black, who occupied the suite with her, was the escaped convict Juan Montez. The following day, Tonto returned to the Lone Rangers camp in the nearby hills after a trip to town for supplies. Oh, Scott, no, fella. Easy, Scott. Any news in town, Tonto? Ah, big outlaw leader Juan Montez escaped from prison yesterday. He'll not get caught. Oh, that is news. Then say him right away with other fella. Guards follow but them lose trail. Them search all night but not find him. That's right. We'll stay in this territory a few days and he's a dangerous man. Him swear to kill Judge who sent him to prison and him swear to kill Lone Ranger. I'm not worried about that. I'm sure the judge is safe enough. The sheriff will see that he's protected. Long and all watching for Juan Montez. Him not dare go to town. Tonight I'll visit Judge Ben Wood and make certain he is protected. Of course, I'll use a disguise. Ah, if not good, you go there wearing masks. That's right. All we can to help recapture Juan Montez. That evening, the Lone Ranger without his mask and disguised as a rancher rolled to the judge's home. Oh, oh, oh, easy. As he dismounted, a deputy moved from the nearby shadows with ready gun. You're covered, Mr. Reach. All right. Who are you? Why'd you come here? I came to see Judge Ben Wood. I'm his friend. I'll go to the door with you. I'll keep your hands raised. Let's go. Right. Judge Disombre says he's a friend of yours. Good evening, Judge. Tonto and I were worried about you, so I came to make certain you were protected. You and Tonto, I... Oh, yes, yes, of course. Deputy, he is a friend. All right, Judge. Sorry, Mr. But we got to be careful. I'm glad to see that you are. Be right outside, Judge. Yes, yes. Come in, sir. Thanks. That voice was very familiar, and the moment you mentioned Tonto, I knew who you were. I disguised my features and came without my mask because it would have caused suspicion. Of course. I've heard about Juan Montez's escape. The sheriff immediately sent a deputy to stand guard, but I didn't think it was necessary. But Montez is a dangerous man, Judge. It's best to take precautions. He threatened your life, too. I know, but you're more vulnerable than I. You must watch your movements closely for a few days. I was to leave town tomorrow afternoon by stagecoach for new brownfills. That would be risky. Perhaps, but it's necessary that I be there to try a case. Then we'll try to make other arrangements for your trip. Juan Montez may have a spy in town, and we'll have to be careful. That's true. Now, if you'll give me a note to the sheriff, Judge, I'll go to his office and discuss arrangements with him. Very well. I'll be glad to, sir. I'll write a note at once. Then you can let me know what you and the sheriff decide. Later, the lone ranger entered the sheriff's office and presented the note of introduction. After reading it, the sheriff looked up with interest, saying... By thunder, mister, I've heard a lot about you, and I'm mighty pleased to meet you. I realize from this note that you're using a disguise. Good thing he didn't ride to the judge's house wearing your mask. I thought of that. Judge Benwood told me about his trip tomorrow. It would be risky for him to ride to stage unless a large guard escorted it. That's right. Montez is smart. He might have someone watching here in town. I can't spare any men to escort the stage. Montez's gang is operating again and might decide to raid the town or something. They had 10 or 12 men riding in the recent holips. My friend Todd and I would offer to escort it, but we'd be no match for Montez and his entire gang if they attack. It would be difficult to prevent them from gunning the judge. Yeah, that's right. What's going on? Ben outside her yipping and yelling at the carriage going by belongs to a popular showgirl, a dancer named Louisa. Well... She appeared at the opera house last night and will be there again tonight. According to the posters, she's due to appear in new Braunfels tomorrow night. I see. Might he pretty girl and she sure can dance. Does she travel alone in that carriage? No, she came here at the female companion. I saw him getting out at the hotel. The other woman is sure nothing to look at. Big as a house and dressed in black clothes and had a black shawl over her head that partly covered her face. But it was easier to see she was mighty homie. Sure, if I have an idea. Yeah? What? That dancer will be driving in her carriage tomorrow to new Braunfels with her companion. If she's willing, Judge Benwood could ride with them. See, you got something there. I'll see her at the theater tonight and ask her to take him as a special favor. Good. Have him get into the coach before it leaves the livery stable to call for the women at the hotel. He can crouch down out of sights until the carriage is out of town. By thunder, that's a great idea, mister. Juan Montez may be smart, but he'd never think of looking for Judge Benwood in the carriage of a showgirl. We'll get the judge safely to new Braunfels tomorrow, after all. The curtain falls. The curtain falls on the first act of our lone ranger adventure. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Not knowing that the man who threatened Judge Benwood's life would be riding in the same carriage, the lone ranger suggested that the sheriff arrange for the judge to go to new Braunfels with the dancer Louisa. The sheriff missed Louisa at the theater. Later, she and Juan sat in the parlor of the hotel suite. When someone knocked at the door. Wait until I go into the other room and see who it is. I'll be listening at the door. All right, Juan, but hurry. And why do you come to see me, senor? Evening, senorita. I came to ask a favor. But first, I want to tell you how much I enjoyed the show. I'm glad to hear it, senor sheriff. Won't you step inside? And now, senor, what is the favor you seek? Well, you see, Judge Benwood here in town has to go to new Braunfels tomorrow. For certain reasons, he can't ride the stage. Would you be willing to take him in your carriage? Oh, I'm sorry, senor, but that was not seem possible. You see, I... Listen, a certain number is out to gun the judge. I want to get him to new Braunfels secretly, you might say. I do not like to refuse, senor sheriff, but I... Louisa? Who's that? Senora Marina, my companion. She is suffering from such a terrible cold. Pardon me for a moment, senor. Sure. It is the sheriff. I heard him. Tell him you'll take the judge. But Juan, the judge may find out you are not a woman. I'll risk it. I have my reasons. You sit between us and he doesn't have to hear me talk. Now go tell the sheriff you'll be glad to take the judge. Very well, Juan, whatever you say. Is she all right? Yes, senor, but her voice, it has become so husky. Now about the judge. Well, if you can't take him, you can't, that's all. But I figured there were only two of you in the carriage. Very well, senor sheriff. How can I refuse one who is so persuasive? Then you'll take him with you? See, I am sure it will be all right. Well, thanks a lot. He'll get in at the livery stable and stay out of sight until you're out of town. I know the judge will appreciate it a lot. I'll go and tell him. Thanks again. Good night. Good night, senor. The following morning, Judge Benwood sat well back in the carriage when it stopped to pick up Louisa and her companion so that he was unnoticed by others. A short time later, the lone ranger and toddler watched from a cottonwood grove as the carriage left town on the trail to New Braunfels. Go carriage, mount him a copy. Yes, we'll keep out of sight and follow it. Make sure the ride to New Braunfels safely. Let's go. In the carriage, Louisa sat between her brother and the judge. They rode a few miles in silence. Then the judge spoke. Senorita, I appreciate your kindness in allowing me to ride with you and your companion. But we are pleased to have your company, senor judge. See, we are most glad, judge. As he spoke, Juan moved suddenly to the seat facing the judge. The outlaw held a gun menacingly. What is this, you? You're not a woman? You should have been more observant before this, senor judge. See, I removed this shawl. What? Perhaps my face is familiar to you now, eh? Juan Montez. Juan, why have you done this? Because I have sworn to kill this man. Fate has delivered him into my hands. But Juan, you must not. There will be murder. That's right, murder. A new senorita will be arrested as an accomplice to the murder. But I did not know, senor. He is my brother's sea. And I have helped him escape from prison. But this I did not know. Do not worry, little sister. I shall not kill him in your carriage. Tell the driver to turn at the next branch trail to the left. You will leave us at the gang's hideout. Then you go on to New Braunfels. You will never know what has happened to the judge. Following at a distance so as not to attract attention, the lone ranger and toddler were surprised to see the carriage turn onto the branch trail ahead. Look, Kimosabi. Carries take trail to left. That goes to Puthill. That's strange. Then not get to New Braunfels by that trail. I know. Judge Ben Wood knows the way. The trail winds through the hills. By taking shortcuts, we can get ahead of the carriage and find out just what's going on. Monson! Monson! The masked man and Indian rode over the hills and before long rejoined the trail ahead of the carriage. Oh, easy, sir. The trailer runs between boulders here, Toto. I'll stay on this side. You wait on the other side. When the carriage comes along, we'll ride out suddenly on either side of the coach. If by chance there's nothing wrong, the judge will make excuses for us. Let's get set, Toto. Come, Scott. Come, Toto. A short time later, the carriage came into view. The old Mexican driver didn't see the two horsemen until they suddenly rode from behind boulders on either side of the trail and swung in beside the carriage. One sighted the masked man. Come, my masked man. Hold it! Now I have the gun. You stop. Carry it. Hold it. Hold it. Easy, sir. Let him in front of us. Easy, Scott. Easy, Toto. Thank heaven you came along. This is Juan Montez. I have him covered. Oh, I see. This guy is the female companion of the dancer Louisa. He is my brother, but I did not know he would do this. The girl helped him in his escape from prison, but I am sure she didn't realize he meant to kill me. Of course she'll be arrested for what she's done. Where were they taking you, Judge? To the gang's hideout. This trail leads to it. In that case, we'll go back to town. But Juan is sister and the driver behind bars. Then get the sheriff and a posse to ride out to the hideout and capture that gang. Fine. Fine. With Juan recaptured, there's no risk for me to take the stage for new Bronfels. I'll still have time to get to town before it leaves. That's right. Toto, we'll tie Juan and the driver. Then we'll head for San Antonio. Later in town, Juan, Louisa, and the driver were put behind bars. Then a posse was formed, and with the sheriff, Toto and the lone ranger leading the way started for the outlaw gang's hideout. After going some distance along the branch trail, Toto called attention to a thin, barely discernible column of smoke rising from a hollow beyond the next hill. The sheriff called a halt. That faint column of smoke indicates the hideout shack like the Indian things. We better move careful. They're bound to have a guard watching the trail near the hideout. You're right, Sheriff. Sheriff, I suggest Toto go ahead on foot to do some scouting. That's a good idea. Maybe we find guard, knock him out. Be fine if he can, Toto. No. Let me go. And if we clear, let me give signal. Easy scouting. Easy, Father. Adios. Adios, Toto. Let's dismount, Sheriff. Toto moving in a direction parallel to the trail kept to the woods and crept forward through the underbrush. He moved silently and cautiously and soon approached the place where the trail entered the hollow. He saw an outlaw guard sitting on a rock near the trail. The Indian circled so as to move up behind the man. When he was about ten yards away, a crow with a loud calling suddenly flew from a tree limb over his head. Toto dropped out of sight behind the brush as the guard looked around and stood up. Father, look this way. Him know something frightened crow. Toto crouched without moving as he peered through a small opening in the thick undergrowth. The guard stood a moment staring. Then with gun ready, he started slowly forward. Oh, it's not good. I'm suspicious. Come this way. The man was a ready target, but Toto realized a shot would be heard by the outlaw gang in the shack and bring them on the run. He waited a few seconds. Then crept forward until he was directly behind the man. He acted quickly. Let's keep you quiet. Back among the trees, the Sheriff and Posse were becoming impatient. Mister, seems like the Indians should have found out by this time if there's a guard near the hideout. Maybe the outlaw spotted them and took him prisoner. I doubt that, Sheriff. Toto would have fired his gun to let us know he's in trouble. Well, maybe so, but if they grabbed him before... Yes, that's Toto's signal. Let's move from here on foot and try to sneak up on them. Good idea. Let's go. Inside the hideout shack, the outlaw, Dusty, was speaking to his pals. One hoped a gun judged Ben Wooden Town, then come here to join us. I figured he might get the chance the first night, but I reckon he couldn't. He sure looked funny, dressed up like a female. But he'd get by all right as long as he don't do much talking. I reckon he... Hey. I thought he was going to get caught. I reckon he... Hey. I thought I saw someone moving in the brush just outside the window. Right there, guns and reach all of them! Hey, the sheriff! I'll get shot! Oh, man, this man shot through the window! Look back at him! I'm better than to reach like I should. One man tension's already in jail. Hey, they got one. We don't have a chance. Better drop our guns. You come in, pick up those guns, and tie up these crooks. That's it. Hey, Sheriff, we got some empty Wells Fargo money sacks back in the corner. Bring them his evidence. Right. This gang held up the Wells Fargo stage two weeks ago, I reckon. We'll get them to talk plenty once they get back in town. Yes, Sheriff, this sure is something. Because of that masked man and engine, we got not only Juan Montez, but his entire gang. When you introduced him to the posse, you just said they were friends and could be trusted. You didn't see who that masked man is. Where did he go? Where's the Indian? He's left to get their horses, I reckon. That means we won't see him again. Most likely going to hit the trail to hunt for more trouble. He sure is the lawman's friend. That masked man is known far and wide out here in the West as the Lone Ranger. The Lone Ranger? Oh, God. This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's drama was written by Dan Beatty and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger...