 horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hockey-hio silver! The Long Ranger! With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful Masked 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 Long Ranger rides again! I am Silver! I am Silver! Big Bill Carson owned one of the largest ranches in Larraby County. In response to a message, he came into town to attend a meeting in one corner of the cafe. He found that many other ranchers were there ahead of him. Hey, Bill! You're just the man we want. Glad you could get here. Well, what's going on? It looks like we've got to take action. Come on over and listen to what Nate Dixon has to say. Hi there, Carson! Hi there, boys! Bill, shake hands with Nate Dixon. He's from the next county. Dixon, this is Bill Carson. He's about the biggest rancher we've got around here. Glad to know you're Carson. Dixon, eh? You're Kettleman? That's right. Bill, Dixon has been telling us a few things about the railroad. What about the railroad? Well, we've got stop it. Stop it? How come you're local? They just finished building the tracks. The railroad would be a fine thing for all of us. That's the talk those schemers have been spreading, Carson. What's going to happen when thousands of people come out here on the railroad to take up land and start farming? It'll mean the end of cattle raising. How will it? How much cattle could you feed if it wasn't for the open range? Maddie Little. That's it. And what'll happen to the range when all the nesters move in? They haven't heard anything about the nesters moving in. Well, you're hearing about it right now. And it's downright unfair. We came out here by prairie schooner Knox team. We fought wild bees, privation and hunger. Then we built homes and settled this part of the country. Now I'll pack a lazy good-for-nothing sod busters and ride out on the train, take up homesteads on the range, and our cattle will start. How do you know all these people that come addiction? Well, they've got to come. How can the railroad make money if it doesn't carry passengers? The railroad men will see to it that people move out here. They're going there. I looked on the railroad. It's a good thing for all of us. I thought it'd save us a lot of time and money shipping cattle by train. Sure. Sure, that's what we all thought. Has the land around here been opened to homesteaders? No, but it's going to be. Dixon has all the facts. The land's going to be opened up all along the tracks. Well, it's queues. I didn't hear about it before this. The railroad men are trying to keep a secret so there won't be any interference. Look, I'll prove what I say. You see that man sitting all by himself in the other corner? Yes, I see. I happen to know who he is and why he's around this part of the country. Get him over here. Yeah, I'll go get him. The boys, even if Dixon is right in what he says, I don't see as much we can do about it. You can do the same as a cattleman over in my county are doing. The same as a cattleman beyond here will do after I call on him and tell him the facts. Yeah, Joe is bringing the stranger. Good. Looks like Joe had to nudge him with the business end of a six-gun. Sit right over and join the party, mister. I'm not used to being threatened. What's this mean? We just want straight answers and straight questions after all. Your name's Vinton, isn't it? It is. Now, have you know I represent the federal government? No, I don't. Mr. Vinton, why are you here? None of your business. Oh, Lord Vinton. There's no call to get royal. We're just curious, that's all. I'm investigating range land. Does that answer your question? Just why is a man from the federal government investigating the range? It's to be opened up for homesteads. Did you hear that, Carson? I never believed you. No, see here, Vinton. If the range is cut up, what about our cattle? What about it? We need the open range to feed our lives. You'll have to fence the land. What? Cut down your stock to what you can feed. Fence our land? Of course. Now, see here. You can't do this to us. We won't stand for it. We're all gone right, we won't. How about you, Carson? You've got more cattle than all the rest of us put together. Nobody better try to put my life stock off the range. That's the talk. You cattlemen all have the same idea. You think that just because you got here first, you have a right to everything? You haven't. As soon as you realize it, the better. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go to my hotel room. Good evening. Why, you... Let him go, let him go. Well, Bill, I guess we got it straight. I'd never have believed it. Have I proved my point, Carson? Yes. Yeah, Dixon, I guess you have. We've got to do something. A chance I've figured that if the railroad hears from influential cattlemen all along the line of track, it might do some good. The men over in my county are writing a letter. I suggest that you do the same. What kind of a letter? Tell them the railroad we don't want any of their trains coming out this way. Tell them we'll take action if they run trains in spite of our warning. Ah, that wouldn't help. After spending all I did to lay the tracks, they won't pay any attention to a letter like that. They'll pay attention if we derail a train. You mean wreck it? Sure. Wait a minute, Dixon. We had to fight hard to get settled here. Let's fight to hold what we got. Maybe he's right. That sounds reasonable to me. How about you, Carson? Well, boys, I... I don't like to think of derailing a train. Well, neither do I, but we've got to save the range. It ain't like anyone will get hurt just derailing a train, it'll be a good warning. We've got to win the range. I reckon we have a right to fight to hold it. Good for you, Bill. And we're all agreed we'll write the letter. Here, here, just a moment, then. I have a letter all written. Right here with you. You can sign it and we'll send it east on the next day. We'll show them. If they run a train in spite of our warning, we'll smash it. And let them know we mean business. The ranchers signed the letter and left it with Dixon to mail. Shortly after the meeting broke up, Dixon went to the hotel and wrapped on the door of the man who had posed as a representative of the federal government, the man named Vinton. Come in, Dixon. Is the meeting broken up? Yeah, I waited for the cattleman to leave for the ranchers before I came here to see him. How'd everything go? First raid, first rocket. Ah, you're a better actor now, thought Vinton. You blame near had me believing you were a government man. What about the letter? Did Carson sign it? Carson, Hawkins, all the others. Good. Now the cattleman will be blamed for what happens. Are you sure there'll be gold on that train? Gold coin straight from the Mint, Vinton. As soon as the train is wrecked, we'll grab the cash. Then the government and the railroad can fight it out with the cattleman. Has the letter been mailed? Goes out the stage first thing in the morning. I hope the railroad doesn't take the letter too seriously. How do you mean? It'd be a shame if the railroad people didn't send out the train. And you needn't lose any sleep over that. By the time that letter reaches the east, the train will be smashed to kindle and we'll be headed for other parts with enough gold to make us rich. Good. Now that I've reported to him, I'm gonna turn in. Gotta get out early in the morning and help the cattleman. Help him? Yeah, we're going to the valley and explode some blasts and powder to destroy the railroad tracks. The following morning, the cattleman met not far from the Carson Ranch and brought with him picks and spades to dig holes in which blasting powder could be planted near the rails. It grounds money hard packed. Tough digging. Yeah, it sure is. Hey, Dicky, are you sure this blaster stuffed the train without killing anyone? Sure, the blast will just throw a lot of dirt over the rails. The train won't be able to get through. They don't know anything about that. Seems to me the whole train might be tipped over. I know what I'm doing, Carson. Just do as I say and don't worry about it. They're not getting cold feet, are they? No, but... Hell, you gotta back what you said in the letter. Addiction is right. The railroad ignores a warning, they'll have to take what comes. We're planting an awful lot of putty. Better too much and too little. Gotta throw enough dirt over the tracks to stop the train. Looks to me as if we're planting enough to tear the tracks right out of the ground. Don't go in my face! How about some of you other gents grabbing a speed? Hey, hold on, Joe. Maybe we can get someone to do it for us. Hey, you engine? Yeah, I saw that red skin right up. Never thought I'd ask them to dig for us. There's no harm in trying. Hey, engine! Uh-huh. You call me? Yeah. You want a job doing yourself some cash money? You work for Renner Road? Not exactly, but we'll pay you well. Sure we will. Grab a piece of paper. I'll give you a piece of paper. But we'll pay you well. Sure we will. Grab a pickaxe and bust up the ground alongside the tracks. Oh, why are you very proud in your tracks? To stop the train now, get to work. Well, hold on to Jimmy. You can't get any man to help by talking that way. What's your name, engine? Me, Tonto. Tonto, man. My name's Bill Carson. Me, no. Oh, you do? Ah. Well, I'll tell you the situation. We don't want a load of homesteaders coming out here to take over the rain. You savvy? Me savvy. We wrote and said so. Now, if the railroad comes out in spite of our letter, we aim to stop it. We need some help. You want a job? No. Me not want that kind of work. Hey, hold on. Yeah, come back here. Hold it. Tonto rode down the hillside and raced across the valley where he was supposed to join the Lone Ranger. The masked man rose to meet his Indian friend and listened attentively while Tonto explained what had made him late. We see men working near Railroad Track. Go take a close look. Tonto told about the plans to fire blasting powder strategically close to the Railroad tracks so the rails would be buried beneath tons of earth. Tonto, that ties in with something I heard. Ah, what that? I went to town in disguise this morning to get some supplies. The cattleman were talking about a letter that was going east on the stagecoach. Oh. I wonder if those men know that the train is already on the way. It will be here long before the letter reaches its destination. Well, me not know. Furthermore, Bill Carson, the other ranchers, seemed to think the rangeland is going to be turned over to homesteaders. I should know where they got that idea. I... I'm going to find out. You say trains come through pretty soon? Yes. I wish you'd follow the Railroad tracks east to the top of Ball Mountain. When you see the train, send me a signal. A fire at night or a column of smoke in daylight. Me start now? Yes. I'll be on the move as soon as I settle silver. Adios! Adios! Get them off the couch! Meanwhile, the last charges of blasting powder have been planted and fused by the cattleman. Big Bill Carson still looked dubious. Here we are. Now, you want to light those fuses, Carson? Yep. No, Dixon. I'm still not convinced we're doing the right thing. What do you mean? Well, it's too late to back out now. Hey, look at that rider heading this way. He's wearing a mask. You're right, Huckins. He is masked. Get your guns, boys. This might be a stick-on. Dixon and half a dozen ranchers turned toward the oncoming masked rider, and each man had a hand on the handle of his gun. What do you want, stranger? I want to talk to Bill Carson. That's me. They're going to take your hands away from your guns. That's where we know who you are and what you want. Now, get off that horse and unmask. 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. Now, to continue, as the lone ranger dismounted, he studied the faces of the cattleman. He knew they were honest, hard-working men ready to fight hard for their rights, and their faces were grim. Big Bill Carson stepped forward. You said you wanted to speak to me. Well, take that mask off, then you can talk. I wonder if any of you men would shoot me if I refused to take off this mask. Let's see your face, stranger. That's enough. I'll handle this, Dixon. Look here, Missy. Why do you want to see me? You're an important cattleman, Carson. Was it your idea to wreck the train? With surprising speed, the lone ranger unexpectedly grabbed Bill Carson by the wrist and twisted his arm behind his back. So Carson had a turn with his back to the masked man. My arm, you're breaking my arm. The lone ranger's other hand brought a six-gun interview. Carson is my shield. You can't get me without putting a bullet through him. Your hand wasn't hit. My bullet struck your gun. Anyone else want to try a shot? Get me loose from this creature. Don't try it. Hand back all of you. Before the menace of the masked man's gun, the cattleman drew back several paces. I'm taking Carson away from here where I can talk to him alone. The guarantee is safety if anyone shoots at me. Carson struggled, but the masked man's grip on his wrist was a grip of steel, and upward pressure on Carson's arm, twisted behind his back, brought excruciating pain. Carson's other arm was locked, so the big cattleman could do nothing to relieve the pressure. Let go of me. Let go of me, you hear? If you struggle any harder, I'll have to break your arm. Now, back up. We're going to Naroyo about 50 yards from here. You men stay right where you are. Come on, Silver, follow along. The lone ranger and his prisoner moved backwards step by step, while the masked man kept his eyes and his gun leveled at the others, until he reached the rim of Naroyo 50 yards away. Dense underbrush grew along the edge of the arroyo. There, he stopped and questioned Carson. At that moment, the lone ranger saw a column of smoke begin to rise from the top of Bald Mountain. He watched it spiral skyward until he learned from Carson why the ranchers planned to derail the train. Carson finished. We got this land the hard way and we aimed to keep it. And no masked man is going to stop it. Carson, according to your story, a government agent told you the land was to be open for homesteading. That's right. That isn't true. There's no plan to let homesteaders into Larrabee County. As for Dixon, why did he come here? He has a small ranch in the next county. Why didn't he stay there and ask his own neighbors to help him? Well, I don't know. I hadn't thought of that. You've been misled. We sent a letter warning the railroad people. They run the train at their own risk. Your warning letter left on the stagecoach this morning. It can't reach the railroad office for several days. There's no train coming through for a week. The train's on its way right now. Look at the top of Bald Mountain. You see that smoke? Yeah. That's a signal for my friend. The train is on the far side of the mountain. That's true. Dixon lied. Dixon did lie. You'll know it when the train appears. Go back and tell your friends Dixon lied to you. Tell them what they did. Exposed. They fired the blasting party. The tracks have been either ripped apart or buried, possibly both. Dixon must have given the word. Dixon wants that train wrecked. Yes, but why? I don't know. There's no reason to wreck the train. If the government isn't going to open this land for homesteading. Dixon must have a reason. Ready there, Silver? What are you going to do? I'm going to stop the train. You tell the other answers what you've learned. We'll deal with Dixon later. How do I know you're telling the truth about the homestead? You can check that. All right. Vinton, the man who had claimed to be a federal representative, stepped from the brushwood at the edge of the Arroyo. With a heavy gun held steady, he covered both the Lone Ranger and Bill Carson. He approached, but halted several paces back. Too far for the masked man to have any hope of knocking aside his gun. The Lone Ranger waited, calculating his chances, watching Vinton for a split second when the gunman might be off guard. But Vinton was sure of himself. You're both covered. And I'll shoot at the drop of my hat so it won't take any chances. You, mister, keep your hands away from your guns. You called him Vinton. Is he the one who said he represented the government? Yes. That was a lie, wasn't it, Vinton? You and Dixon must be playing for big stakes. We are. And we don't intend to let anyone get in our way. Then you're not a government man. Oh, you're learning, Carson. What's the idea hiding in the brushwood? Dixon and I thought it would be wise to have an ace in the hole. I guess it was. Well, Vinton, I don't know why you and Dixon want to wreck the train, but when the Kettlement here is... They're all looking over here, Carson. From where they stand, it looks like I'm holding a gun on the masked man. And I'll bet every one of them is glad to see me. Vinton, you've given Carson the proof he needed. That's too bad for Carson. Now I'll have to get what you get. I'm going to shoot you both. You don't dare shoot me in plain sight, my friend. It won't be in plain sight, Carson. The shooting will be done at the bottom of the arroyo, and the masked man will get credit for killing you. You plan very carefully, haven't you, Vinton? Yeah. And now... I, uh, I'm curious. I wonder what you plan to do about the Kettlement when the train is wrecked. You couldn't very well loot it while they all stand around watching. We didn't figure on having them around. The train is coming like you say it's ahead of time. But me and Dixon will handle the situation. Stand still, you. Stand still, I say. Stop hedging sideways. You two stay close together so I can keep you both covered. I'll get down to the bottom of that arroyo. Blake, please. If you're going to do any shooting, you'll do it right here where all my friends can see what's going on. You can do that, Carson, if that's the way you want it. Remember, all those men think I'm a government man. You'll be shot for resisting when I put you under arrest for plotting to wreck the train. There's just one thing you've overlooked, Vinton. You've been watching us so closely, you've forgotten my horse. Take him, Silver! Silver had been watching his master with hands raised before a pointed gun, and the carefully trained stallion was ready. The word he leaped into action, charging against Vinton and knocking the schemer off balance. Come on, Bill. Seizing the opportunity, the lone ranger leaped forward and shot his fist to Vinton's chin. Ah, that's his stuff. Here's another. That got him. It'll hold him for a few minutes. Dixon's bringing the others. They're shooting at you. Dixon's doing the shooting. No, no! Hold your fire, boys! The masked man's on our side. I'll have to do something about Dixon. Get his arm. Talk to them, Carson. I'll try to stop that train. The lone ranger leaped through the brushwood and out of sight before the oncoming cattleman could open fire. The great horse, Silver, followed as the ranchers rushed to Carson's side. Oh, wait! Wait, boys! Listen to me! He's all right! It's Vinton and Dixon who are wrong. Now listen to me! Come on, Bill there! The lone ranger guided Silver at top speed along the floor of the arroyo, until he was well out of range of the ranchers. Then he cut sharply to one side. Come on, big fella! Let's go! Silver scrambled up the steep bank. Now to meet that train. Come on, Silver there! Far ahead, the masked man saw the train appear over the crest of the mountain range. It was moving very slowly as it started the downhill run toward the place where the rails had been covered with dirt. The train was gaining full speed and the men in the cab were glad the hard pull was behind them. For more than one reason, Joe. We were toting a heavy load. I wasn't sure it would make the hill. I sure felt the old boiler. With the head of steam we had, we couldn't miss making the hill. I was a mite fearful of outlaws when we were running so slow. Word might have gone out about the gold we're carrying. Well, we've got a clear run now. Long and straight downhill. Open the throttle and let's high ball. You've got to open the throttle. Hey, look out the window. The man's riding up this hill at top speed. Hey, he seems to be waving at us. Well, he's messed. Maybe we talked too soon when we thought we were out of danger from outlaws. Open the throttle wide. Maybe we can outrun that critter. The old ranger drew silver to a sharp halt and turned abruptly as the train swept past. Not the train! His shout was lost in the rumbling of the wheels and the hissing of steam. Come on, silver! He had no choice but to turn and ride at top speed on this hill. Silver seemed to know what was expected. The gallant horse poured every ounce of his great strength into maintaining the killing pace. The masked man knew it was useless to shout. He guided silver closer to the engine. The pounding hooks were right beside the rumbling wheels. The long ranger leaned over. One hand touched the stair rail. His fingers ripped hard. He loosened the stirrups. Then he dropped the reins and grabbed the rail with both hands. He pulled himself on the saddle. For a moment the long ranger's boots dangled just above the huge wheels. He pulled himself up into the cab. I've got a gun in here. If this is a hold-up, you're as good as dead. I tried to tell you to stop. There's danger ahead. Stop so you can rob us, eh? No. If you keep on your reckless train, the tracks are buried. You're carrying a lot of gold, mister. We were warned about an attempt to rob this train. Take my guns if you like, but slow down. I'll take your guns, all right. You firemen, look out the window. Watch the tracks. You'll see they're buried under tons of dirt. Hey, Jim, he's right! There's a lot of understanding and weaving. The tracks are buried. You're getting it, mister. Waiting to attack us. My gang wanted to loot this train, but I've let you go ahead and smash up. Jim, stop the train. Hurry it up. Stand aside. Let me out that throttle. That was a close one. You may know some of those men. There's Bill Carson. I know him. And Hawkins. Hi, there, TV. And you had a close one. The tracks get buried, Carson. Well, it's a long story. We got the two crooks who aimed to wreck the train and steal all its own board, including the gold. Good. We had a pack of fools listening to a lot of lies about the railroad. We'd have been a pack of killers if you hadn't stopped. We wouldn't have stopped if that masked man hadn't done the humding in this piece of writing I ever saw. Hey, wait a minute, mister. I want to get my horse. But I want the passengers you saved to meet you. They owe their lives to you. Hold on, will you? Yes, no use, Jim. He won't stick around to meet the people he helps. He doesn't accept praise or thanks for what he does. As soon as he finishes one job, he moves on to another. Well, he's sure an all-fired fine rider. He's an all-fired fine man, Jim. He's the Lone Ranger. This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trenville, produced by Trenville Campbell Enterprises, and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's drama was written by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beemer.