 A horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty-high-o silver! The Lone Ranger! A sourceful 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 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! The acid used at Sundance Mine was shipped from the east in huge bottles known as carboys. Each carboy weighed about 100 pounds, and when the shipment reached the mine, the carboys were stored in the office vault. One day Hank Bibbs, the mine foreman, entered the vault. He picked up one of the carboys, but the bottle slipped from his hand. Hank rushed from the vault, slamming the door on the choking fumes. Fortunately, his heavy boots protected his feet and legs from the corrosive liquid. He was able to remove them before the acid reached his skin, but because of the poisonous fumes, it was days before anyone could enter the vault. During that time, the fumes acted on paper money kept in the vault, causing the green ink to fade to a lighter shade. Four days after Hank's accident at Sundance Mine, Conaway Curtis summoned two friends to the back room of his cafe in Mountain City. One of the hard-faced men was known as Rusk. The other was a heavily built gunslinger named Beaver. It's on your mind, Conaway. How come you sent for Beaver and me? You have a job for us? A big job, boys. What is it? The first of the month's payday at Sundance Mine. Yeah? There's a $25,000 payroll in the office vault and only one guard on duty to watch it. What about the combination of the vault? The bookkeeper knows the combination. He'll be in the office tonight doing a lot of paperwork. All you boys have to do to get the cash, he's go there, overpower the guard, force the bookkeeper to open the vault, and walk out with $25,000. Well, it's a good idea, Conaway, but I... But what? Well, I heard Sheriff Winters say he'll organize a vigilance committee if there's any more crime committed in these parts. I'll handle Sheriff Winters. All you have to think about is a Sundance payroll. I want that cash. Savvy? Yeah, I'm Savvy Cutaway. Come on, Resk. Make our plans. The payroll was stolen by the Cutaway Critters gang, and news of the robbery spread through town like wildfire. Sheriff Winters organized a vigilance committee, but in spite of their best efforts, it was impossible to pick up the trail of the thieves. When the lawman returned to his office the evening following the holdup, he found the owner of the Sundance Mine waiting for him. Hello, Sheriff. What is it, Sammy? You didn't get those two crooks, huh? We couldn't even find the trail. Then our only hope of capturing those thieves is to watch for the stolen money. The fumes of the acid hang drop bleached every one of those bills. It'll be as easy to identify as marked money. But the pole catch who stole it might hold on to that cash for years. In that case, Sheriff, we've no hope of catching them. You know, we might get them. We'll some outside help. Huh? What kind of help? I'm thinking of a gent who's outsmarted all kinds of crooks. What do you mean? The Lone Ranger. What? I'll wire every newspaper in the southwest and ask him to carry our story. If the Lone Ranger is in these parts, sooner or later he'll read that we're in trouble. The Lone Ranger was closer than Sheriff Winters or Sam Collins realized. Early the next morning, the masked man and his Indian companion made camp in the hills above Mountain City. Totto went to town for supplies. And when he returned, he also brought a newspaper with a surprising front-page headline. Oh, Scott, oh, fella. Easy, Scott, easy, fella. Here, newspaper, Kimusavi. It says Sheriff want help a Lone Ranger. When his masked friend had read the story, Totto said, Me here in town, crooks steal $25,000 from Sundance Mine. This newspaper quotes a sheriff as saying that he thinks a gang of outlaws are operating in Mountain City. If an unknown gang is in town, we may be able to learn more about them by going there. Oh, do you want me to go to town? Can I get news? No, Totto, I'll go to Mountain City myself. I'll take off my mask and wear a disguise. Oh, what kind of disguise? A gunslinger looking for work. Any kind of work. Give me a hand, Totto. I'll need your help. Half an hour later, the Lone Ranger put down the hand mirror he had used and turned to Totto. Well, Totto? Scar, cross-face, plenty good idea. You change shape of nose, mouth, and there's only one thing, Kimusavi. What's that? Guns, gun belt. Silver bullets make it easy to show you Lone Ranger. Yes, you're right, Totto. I have another gun, a gun belt in my saddle bag. I'll use those. Late that afternoon, Beaver and Rusk were sitting at a table in Cutaway Curtis' cafe. Having successfully stolen $25,000 that couldn't be spent, had put an edge on the temper of the two thieves. Instead of receiving a payoff for their work, Cutaway had cursed them both for their stupidity, and neither Rusk nor Beaver had the courage to remind him that the robbery had been his idea. Chafing with resentment and helpless frustration, they'd been brooding over the unexpected result of the hold-up. While Rusk played a silent game of solitaire, Beaver tried to forget his disappointment by making friends with Sue Garnett, a singer Cutaway had hired. Come on, Susie, sit down at our table. Sorry, I... I said sit down. He's the old mom. You'd better do as the lady says. Hey, what now? Beaver whirled to face the newcomer. He didn't know that the stranger was the disguised Lone Ranger, but he didn't know that the intrusion was an excuse to fight. This is none of your business, stranger. Clear out of here. I'll stay, but that may be good advice for you, miss. Thanks, mister. I was about to leave when Beaver started... You stay here, Sue, and ask for this stranger. Look how strange your Beaver's going for his gun. Not a mistake. Oh! Hey! What about you? Are you backing your friend's play? Oh, no, no, not me, mister. That, uh, that was fair shooting. Beaver's gun was out of leather when you drew. My hand is... My bullet hit your gun. Not your hand. I'll catch you for that, mister. I'll kill you. Shut up, Beaver. You asked for trouble in your gun. Hey, what's the gunplay? Who started the shoot? No, no, no. There's no fight chance. Just a friendly argument. It's all settled now. Go on back to your tables and forget about it. A friendly argument, huh? Looks like the stranger settled it. Yeah, Beaver's gun's out of commission. Yeah. Who are you? Call me Scar. Scar what? Well, the handbills haven't caught up with me, huh? You... You're an outlaw? I figured you were on the dodge. What if he is, Beaver? Sue, you said you were going home. Yes, I... I am. Goodbye, Scar. Thanks for helping me. I'm glad I was able to help. You're fast with your guns and you're on the dodge. That's a good combination, Scar. Cut away who'll want to know about you. Why? To turn me over to the law? Don't worry, Scar. We couldn't turn you in until we find out why and where you wanted. Who's Cutaway? He owns this place. He might have a job for you. I'm looking for work, but I don't want work in the cafe. Hold on, hold on. I wouldn't have mentioned it if I didn't think Cutaway could use you. Come on. I'll take you to his office. Cutaway Curtis was not in his office. He didn't return until evening, and when he entered the back door, he found Rusk and Beaver waiting for him. Rusk told the cafe owner about the stranger he knew as Scar. He was surprised when Cutaway eyed him coldly. He told you he was on the dodge. You told him I'd be able to use him. He's fast with his guns, Cutaway. I was sure brains were fast. Now he knows I hire outlaws. That's right. Listen, you chughead. I spent the afternoon with a sheriff. He and the vigilance committee are working day and night to try to uncover an unknown gang. If the word gets around town that I've hired a wanted man, the law will know who's ahead of the gang. Yeah, I should have killed that ugly-faced galoot. Oh, that's right, Beaver. That's right. Kill her in my cafe so you can be tried for murder. Of all the local trigger-happy... Where's Scar now? He said he'd be at the hotel if I wanted to see him. That's the first good news I've heard. Send word to him that you want to see him. Tell him you'll meet him. Yeah? If you see him, tell him you're riding out of town on a job for me. Beaver, you follow Rusk and his friend, Scar. Why should I follow him? You wanted to kill Scar, didn't you? Soon as he and Rusk are a safe distance from town, let him have it. In the back, if you have to, but get him, savvy? Ah, I savvy, Cutaway. It'll be a pleasure to gun him. But, boss, the fellas who were in the cafe saw Beaver pull a gun on Scar. If Scar's found dead, Beaver will be the first one suspected to kill him. Hey, I hadn't thought of that. Don't worry, Beaver. If the law comes around asking questions, I'll swear that you were in this office with me at the time of the killing. I'll see that you have an alibi. In that case, I'll be sure to take care of this. So Garnet left the cafe ahead of Beaver and Rusk. She hurried through the dark streets toward the hotel. And when she saw the man she knew as Scar coming from the lighted building, she called... Scar! Scar! Oh, I'm so glad I found you. I've got to talk to you. What's wrong, mister? They're going to kill you. Who's going to kill me? Cutaway Curtis. I went back to the cafe this evening. I sing there every night. But after what happened this afternoon, I decided to quit. I went to Mr. Curtis' office. And I was about to knock on the door to tell him I was leaving when I overheard him talking to Beaver and Rusk. They mentioned your name and I listened. As briefly as possible, the frightened girl told the disguised lone ranger what she had overheard. He listened quietly. I would have gone to the chef, but I thought you were an outlaw so I came here to warn you instead. I appreciate the warning. You'd better leave town. I'll leave temporarily, but I'll be back. Goodbye, Miss Sue, and thanks for the warning. I'll not forget that you saved my life. The lone ranger went directly to the stable behind the hotel. He mounted the great horse Silver and left town. Come on, settle there. When he was sure he had not been followed, he joined Toto in their camp. Those are so easy to be caught. What you learn about crooks, Kimusabi? A great deal, Toto. I think cut away Curtis is the man we want, but I have no evidence to back my suspicions. How you get it? I have a plan, but I'll need your help. 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. All to continue. Early the next morning, the lone ranger was back in Mountain City. He took up a position near cut away Curtis' cafe. And when he saw Rusk and Beaver approaching, he walked toward them. The two thieves stopped at once when he called... Rusk, Beaver. Where were you? I was in the hills north of town. I think I've found the tracks I've been looking for. Do you two want to come with me on a job? Where are you going? I'll be heading out of town. Out of town, eh? I sure will go with you. Come on, Rusk, we'll get our horses. Beaver and Rusk joined the still disguised lone ranger and headed north. They left town as they approached the bridge that spanned Big Bend River. Beaver tried to drop behind. He was maneuvering into position to shoot the lone ranger in the back. What's the idea, Beaver? Huh? You're dropping behind. Well, I... Don't turn my back on strangers. Right ahead of me. Now, hold on. You better do as he says, Beaver. He's faster on the draw than you are. You said you were looking for tracks in the hills. Who are you trying to find, Scott? Did you ever hear of the lone ranger and Tutto? Sure, we've heard of him. It's always Sheriff Winters, eh, Beaver? Yeah. Sheriff would like to find that masked man. I know where to find him. You mean he's in these spots? He's a lot closer than you or the Sheriff suspect. But he'll not be around here long. First, I'll deal with his friend, Tutto, that I... What have you got against him? What would you do if those two were on your trail? You... you mean they're looking for you? Oh, it's... Hey, what's the idea drawing your gun, Scott? Drop yours. I said drop them. Yes, it's covered, Rusk. I know better than try drawing against you, Scott. Eh, you dropped our guns. Now what's the matter? Just mount. Easy, boy. Steady, boy. Now listen, Scott, you got... I'll pick up your guns and keep them for the time being. But what's the idea? Look at the hills on the other side of the river. There's a rider coming down the trail. That rider's an Indian. You're right. It is a red skin. Do you recognize him? I never saw him before. His name is Tutto. Tut! I took your gun because I didn't want you to shoot him. I want the first shot at that Indian, and one shot will be all I need. You're gonna kill him? Stay back in these trees and we'll hit the bridge. Well, it's risky to start gunplay here. We're not far from town. If anyone hears a shot... That Indian's probably on his way to town to see the sheriff. I'm going to stop him before he gets there. With his guns drawn, the lone ranger watched while Tonto approached the wooden bridge. Neither Beaver nor Rusk knew that the Indian had been in the hills, watching through binoculars for the approach of the disguise lone ranger and his two companions. As soon as he saw his friend, he had mounted and written toward the river. As Scouts hoof struck the bridge, the lone ranger fired. Tonto clutched his chest and reeled from the saddle. He fell over the side of the bridge to the river below. You got him. Kill the lone ranger's partner. Well, wait till it cut away. Here's this. I told you, Skye was all right, Beaver. Yeah, let's get out of here before that shot brings someone from town. Short time later, Rusk, Beaver and the man they called Skar grew rain behind Cutaway's cafe. The two thieves didn't know that the lone ranger's bullet had not touched Tonto. They believed that the Indian was dead, and they insisted that Skar accompany them while they reported to the boss. The three men entered the back door to Cutaway's office. The outlaw leader listened to their story. Then he turned to the disguised lone ranger. Well, Skar, maybe I've figured you wrong. That's a mistake a lot of men have made, Curtis. I didn't know that mask man was around here. He's captured a lot of Crooks Cutaway. He's dangerous. If he comes here... I know all that, Rusk. You claim to know where to find that mask man, huh, Skye? I know where he is. I'll pay a reward for him. I have my own plan. Well, maybe you'll change him for a price. What do you have against the lone ranger? I want to see his face and question him before he's killed. I'll take his silver bullets and keep his guns as a souvenir. How much is he worth to you? You name a price. $25,000. Bring him here alive and it's a deal. You might be playing to pay me off in the lead. I made a deal. I'll keep it. Let's see the money. All right, I'll show it to you, Skar. If you'll not collect until you deliver the lone ranger to this office, Savvy. I understand. Here's the money, Skar. There's $25,000 here. It's yours when you turn that mask man over to me and my boys. The disguised lone ranger leaned against the wall as he eyed the currency in Cutaway's hands. A quick glance showed that the bills were bleached and faded. He recognized the Sundance payroll. Cutaway returned the money to the safe and closed the door. Now you've seen the cash. When will you bring the lone ranger here? I want all my boys on hand to meet that mask man. Tell me what to expect you and I'll see if they're all in my office. I'll bring him here tonight. Good. See that the money's ready, Curtis. He'll be on this table waiting for you. Disguised as Skar, the lone ranger left Mountain City. He joined Totto and told what had happened after the fake shooting. Now Cutaway think you real outlaw, huh? Yes, Totto. He's offered $25,000 about bringing the lone ranger. Now that you're supposedly dead. What you do? I'll keep my promise. What promise? The lone ranger will be in Cutaway's office tonight. As soon as it's dark, we go into town. Before I go to the cafe, I'll call on Sheriff Winters. It was nearly midnight when the lone ranger wearing his mask and riding clothes grew rain in the rear of Sheriff Winters' home. Totto was with him. And as the mask man dismounted, the Indian said, Me stay with horses, Kimathali. Good idea, Totto. There's a light in the kitchen. Sheriff Winters must be home. Yes, you can. A friend. I'll step inside if I may, Sheriff. Hey, who are you? You're a master. You wanted to see the lone ranger? That's right. You mean you were the lone ranger? Perhaps the silver bullet will serve to identify me. Here, Sheriff. Hey, it is silver. We're all going to Mr. I'm sorry I threw down on you. I need your help. That's why I'm here. You see, there's a gang operating in this part of the country. And I'm sure the headquarters is here in town. But I can't get a lead on the criticism. Cut away Curtis is the leader of the gang. Curtis? Why, he owns a cafe. He engineered the Sundance robbery. Do you have proof of that? He stole them payroll monies and he's safe. Are you sure? Yes, I saw it. Well, in that case, I'll go there with a warrant. Sheriff, I'd like to suggest a plan that will result in a capture of Curtis and all of the men in his gang. Well, that kind of a plan would be worth listening to, Mr. What is it? There are only two entrances to Curtis's office. One is through the cafe and the other is from the outside. That's the back door. Right. I'll go to the back door of the office. As soon as I'm inside, you go through the cafe and enter the office. A short time later, Cutaway Curtis, Beaver, Rusk and half a dozen other hard-faced outlaws gathered in the office at the back of the cafe. The stolen money, which was more dangerous than valuable to the gang, was on the table in the middle of the room. As Cutaway glanced at his watch, Rusk said, Don't worry, Cutaway. Scar will be here. We have nothing to lose by waiting. By paying Scar with a Sundance payroll, you'll kill two birds with one stone. I plan to notify the sheriff as soon as the payroll is in Scar's hands. If Winner's captures Scar with that money on him, he'll be blamed for the robbery. What's that? Someone's at the door. Maybe it's Scar. Who is it? Hello, Andrew. I'll open the door, boss. Rusk opened the door wide. The masked man stood in the doorway with a colt in each hand, and the man known as Scar was nowhere to be seen. As the Loon Ranger entered the room, Rusk, Beaver and the other outlaws raised their hands. That's it. Keep your hands up. You're covered, Cutaway. You'd better follow the example of your men. Oh, Scar double-crossed. No, no, he didn't, boss. That voice. What about the voice, Beaver? You, you're Scar. That's right. I don't know what your play is, but you can't cover eight of us at once. You're through, Cutaway. Well, we can't get away. Keep your hands up, dude. Where's my payroll cash? This undance payroll is on the table. As sure of winter's, mine owner Sam Collins and five deputies entered the office with drawn guns. Rusk, Beaver and the other outlaws backed up against a wall. Cutaway Curtis realized he faced arrest and exposure. A skate through the cafe was cut off by the deputies standing in the doorway. But the rear exit from his office was blocked by only one man, the Loon Ranger. Cutaway snatched at a shoulder holster, but the masked man saw the gesture. He fired his right-hand gun. That was a fool move, Cutaway. And mighty fancy shooting, mister. My arm. My arm, it's broken. Yep, and so is your fighting spirit from the looks of it. Your lick, Cutaway. Say, Sam, is that cash to mine payroll? Yes, it is, Sheriff. See for yourself how the bills are faded. Yep, that's all the evidence we need. Put handcuffs on these Curtis boys. I'm wounded, my arm. Darkle, take care of it as soon as you're in jail, Curtis. It'll be mighty soon. Well, Sheriff, this takes care of Mountain City's outlaw gang. It does, mistery, and I'm much obliged to you. Sheriff, this man's name is Scar. He shot an Indian named Tonto. You and Luke, oh, Cutaway. Tonto's outside your office right now. He can't be. He is. Scar, you dirty double-crossed... You weren't double-crossed, Curtis. I promised I'd bring the Loon Ranger here, but I didn't. You claim you're the Loon Ranger? You wanted a souvenir, Cutaway, a silver bullet. Here's one. I'll leave it with you as a memento. How do you, Sheriff? Oh, you leave it, mister? Yes, Tonto's outside with the horses. Goodbye, mister, and thanks a lot. I'm gonna be able to help you. This is a silver bullet, all right, but how'd he get it? You still can't believe it, Cutaway. You'll have a long time to think it over while you're in jail. If you think long enough, maybe someday you'll savvy how you were outsmarted by the Loon Ranger. This is a feature of the Loon Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated, directed by Charles D. Livingston, and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Loon Ranger is played by Brace Beamer.