 for the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty hyacinth silver, the lone ranger. The western United States was first opened to settlers, outlaws roamed the territory, and some of the bands became so powerful that they openly defied the local sheriffs. It was during this period that the masked writer of the planes started his fight for law and order. No greater champion of justice can be found in the pages of history, and the memory of his deeds will remain as long as the memory of the early west itself. Return with us now those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver, the lone ranger rides again. Two heavy-set men, one wearing the badge of a sheriff and the other that of a deputy, open the door of Sheriff Sayer's office at Mesquite City Inn. Sheriff Sayers? Come in, come in. I reckon you're expecting me, Sheriff. I wrote you for Millsburg two weeks ago. Said I'd be long after this fellow Jacobs you're holding. You're Sheriff Wilson from Catova County. Uh-huh, that's me. This year's Jim, my deputy. Still hanging on to Jacobs? Sure am. Here, sit down and rest yourself. Oh, thanks. Here's my credentials in case you'd like to look them over. If they satisfy you, we'll talk business. Shucks, I can tell more just from looking at you than from all the papers ever was written. There's an order. But like I said, you've got the look of a lawman, and that something can't be faked. Erecting after fighting crooks for a spell, it does something to us. It can't just put it in words, but it mocks you somehow. Can't say it ever struck me before, Sheriff, but I guess you're right. Well, uh, when do you want Jacobs? Tomorrow or sometime? No. Well, we're heading right back. Without even resting, that? After riding all the way from Millsburg. Wait over and we're likely to run into trouble. Trouble? How? Well, that's something I aim to tell you about. There's a chance you can get yourself some reward money. Yeah? Yeah, how'd you like to catch Buck Wheeler? Catch Buck? Hey, what's that you said? Thought that it roused you. You're joking. Like blazes I am, I meant just what I said. There's a good chance Buck will be calling on you for a long... Calling? On me? No, he will. If Jim and me really tricked him like we figured we did, I don't savvy. Buck Wheeler tried to dry-gulch you, Sheriff. No. Jim's telling the truth. He'd got us two if his horse hadn't winnied at the wrong time, but he didn't. And instead, we captured one of the men with him and made the fella talk. So you see, Buck Wheeler. What's he look like? Easy as tough looking as I've heard. You know what he reminds you of? What? A fella that had jumped with his own shadow. He sure ain't got that reputation. He's short and he's got a round red face with a nose that right in the middle of it that ain't no big in a button. He don't look like nothing at all, which just goes to show how looks can fool you. But how do you mean I got a chance to catch him? Well, I said we took one of his men prisoner. Well, we made him tell what Buck was scheming. You see, this fella you're holding, Jacob's, he's one of Buck's men. And Buck has made the boast that no man of his can ever be held by the law. So I've heard. Well, if Buck had dried gouches like he planned, he'd have stole our papers and come here pretending to be us. Savvy, what a vol, a blasted crust. The fact is, Jacob's is expecting Buck. When he sees I got through, he's going to be plumb, surprised. I bet he will. Now when we captured Buck's man, we made as though we were heading back to Millsburg with him. Then when we got out of sight, I sent him on with another deputy I had wrong. Then me and Jim come here like we intended. For all Buck knows, we won't be here for another couple of days. Uh-huh. So there's just a chance, Sheriff, that Buck will try a scheme even without this identification he aimed to steal. Well, I'm not saying he will, but it'll be just like him. And if he thought I hadn't got here yet, he'd count on you not suspicion that any fellow tried such a bold-faced bluff. Oh, shucks, even Buck wouldn't have the nerve for a stunt like that. Well, I thought you ought to be warned. Well, thanks. But it weren't necessary. He wouldn't fool me. I can tell crooks just as easy as I can tell a lawman. I can name the one or the other right off. That must come in real handy. Well, sure does. Well, I saw it just sound in a hurry, Sheriff, but I think the sooner we get started back with Jacobs, the less likely we'll run into trouble on the way. So if you'll bring him out. Oh, sure, sure. Just wait right there. I'll fetch him. Hi, then, Jacob. Here's the fellas come to get you. Get that grin off your face, you fool. Try to act like it was a deputy on business, even if he ain't. Honest, I can't hardly keep from laughing, boss. You hear how he said he could tell a crook from a lawman without having to cry in? I wonder what he'll say when he finds out how he was tricked. Need to be worth hearing. Wouldn't have though. Shut up. I think they're coming. Keep on going there in the office there. There's you, Wilson. I was hoping you'd, pfft, buck. Buck Wheeler. Huh? Sheriff, this thing, Wilson from Millsburg. This fella's Buck Wheeler. What the devil are you, Dad? That is Buck. If he told you he's Sheriff, Wilson, he'd lie to you. He'd go out and be switched. Jam throw the cops on him. Right. No, let go of me. Layers, grab these fellas, the crooks and let me tell you, the crooks. You can't do that. They told you frankly, that'll hold you. Hey, what's going on here? Don't you see it, Sheriff? Don't you recollect? I told you he'd be expecting Buck here instead of me. He just claiming I'm Buck, so it's a stall for time. He wants to give his father a chance to get here. No, sir. You've got to believe me. They're the ones that. Huh? This fella's one of Buck's men, ain't he? Yeah. Then if I was Buck, he wouldn't be likely to say so. Would he? No, by gravy, he wouldn't. But I ain't one of Buck's men. I just pretended to be to get the goods on his gang. I'm a United States Marshal. The Reeves Sheriff, Wilson, know who I am. That's why he was going to come here to get me. Might, he's him. But you've got to believe me. Take him outside, Jim, and put him aboard the spare horse. Come on along, sir. Layers. No, wait, they'll kill me. They'll kill me to keep you from telling what I know. Blast, sir. Wait, wait, they'll kill me. Well, I'll be blushing. Yeah, we'll see your fella try to run a bluff like that before. If he was a Marshal, he'd have told me about it before. He ain't thinking for one minute he is, are you? Well, I should say not. But I'll tell you one thing. That pole cat's slick. If you want to get him to Milsburg, you better watch him close. You think I won't? Don't you worry, Sheriff. You've seen Jacobs for the last time. At the same time, 15 miles from Mesquite City and far from the main trails, two men were waving their arms and shouting at the top of their voices. Can't they hear us? Horsemen in this part of the country. I don't know what they're doing here, but blame lucky for us. They come along. Come on, Silver. Some horses he got, huh? I could sure use that whiten. That pain to be sneezed at, neither. Look at them travel. What's the matter? That one fella, his mask, and his pard's a red skin. Well, don't go. You think they're two of Bucks men? Did it just be our luck? Ain't nothing we can do about it now if they are. Look at us. Stranded here without horses, water, grub, or even guns. If I ever leave my hands on Buckwheeler again, I'll... Where do we see who these arm-rays are? Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. Look out, whoa. What's the matter here? Who are you, Fodders? Does it matter, Wilson? Huh? You know me? I've seen you before. That's how the fella's your deputy. You're both from Millsburg. You know us all right. Now, what happened to you? What are you doing out here afoot? You're almost a week's travel from home. Well, look, mister. Well? You're not part of Buckwheeler's gang, are you? Is he in this district? You think we'd be afoot if he wasn't? He stole your horses? Stole our horses, badges, and every bit of identification we had. And he brought us clear over here and left us to walk. And if you ain't friends of his, we want to get to Mesquite City just as fast as we can. It'll maybe mean the life of a fella in the Mesquite City Jail. What's that? Strangers, there ain't time to argue. I'll make a bargain with you. You don't have to argue. There, give me your hand. You have to get to Mesquite City. We'll take you there. You mean that? Come on, help with you. Chuck, you can ride behind Tonto. Come on, Sheriff. What are we waiting for? Stranger, outlaws are not your white. And you got my word for it. You won't lose by it. You can tell me what happened while we were riding. Come on, Silverett. Get him on. Oh, no! That evening, Sheriff Sayers was seated behind his desk. And the door burst open, and two dusty figures entered his office then. What? Sheriff Sayers? That's me. But why did Sheriff Wilson for Millsburg? Where's Jacobs? He's still here? Anybody show up today claiming to be me? Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Not so long gone fast. Where's Jacobs? Who are you? This is my deputy. We come here to get him. Yeah, no, Wilson. Where's your badge? What you got on you to prove who you are? You think I just take the word of anybody that comes along claiming to be lawmen? Our badges and papers were stolen. Buck Wheeler got them. He did, huh? Say, don't you believe me? Oh, I ain't saying it ain't so. I'd just like to have some kind of proof. My heavens, I'll bet Buck was here. Was he? Is Jacobs gone? Now, wait, fellas. I'll tell you what I'll do. You both claim to be lawmen. Well, as such, you know, blame, well, I can't ask the questions like them, unless you can prove you got a right to get answered. We can prove it if you give us time. You have your chance in just a minute if you'll wait. Huh? There's a fella down the street says he knows you. They'd like to bring him here. And if he says you're Sheriff Wilson, why then you can ask all the questions you want to and I'll be pleased to answer. Then blast it, make it fast. Get a move on. It won't take me but a few seconds. Oh, gone, did you? Sheriff, this looks mighty suspicious to me. You know what my guess would be. Yeah? I'd guess Buck has been here just as I figured he'd be. And if he had, we'd have our papers and badges. He got Jacobs. And he'll try to make Jacobs talk. And if he don't, he'll kill him. Yeah, he'll kill him anyhow. When this fella, the Sheriff, when for identifies us, we'll get Sarahs to make up a policy and we'll try to trail him. Ain't nothing else left to do. Yeah, but just. And keep him up. What the hell, listen. I know you, Buck Wheeler. I can tell a crook every time. Me, Wheeler? Where's that fella you said notice? There weren't nobody. That's why I was too slick for you. I just went to get the boys. The officers surrounded, make a break for it and you'll get blasted. What in thunder is this? The end of you fellas and a nice reward for me. Boys grab them. We're locking them up. The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. How to continue our story. When Tonto, watching from outside the Sheriff's office, saw what happened to Wilson and his deputy, he hastened to rejoin the Lone Ranger just outside of town. Whoa, whoa, whoa. What is it, Tonto? There, trouble. Gailum Lawman. Sheriff Wilson? Take him, Buck Wheeler. Then Wilson was right. Buck must have been here. And if he was here, then he's got the Marshal. He can't let Jacobs escape alive. He must have learned too much while he pretended to be a member of Buck's gang. The Marshal's mouth will have to be shut. That's right. Kimusami, you think you could pick up that trail at night? Which way they go? The only way they could have gone is toward the hills. The odds are 10 to 1, they stayed away from the regular trails. To carry out their deception, they'd have had to leave town in the direction of Millsburg. They wouldn't have cut away from the trail until they were out of sight. They start from here and parallel the Millsburg trail on the side toward the hills. If you find a place where three horses left the trail, it's likely to be them. What do you do? I'm afraid of what can happen in town, Hunter. What do you mean? Buck Wheeler's been wanted for a long time. The men in Mesquite City may not be willing for the law to take its course. They may take the law into their own hands. They know as long as Buck's alive as a chance his gang will rescue him. It's happened in other parts of the country. They believe Sheriff Wilson is Buck Wheeler. Maybe lynch him. It's possible. I can't take the chance they won't be lynched. From what I've heard of Sheriff Sayers, I doubt he'd have the courage to oppose a mob. What you do? I'm going to break Wilson and chuck out. Me help him. No. You hunt for Buck's trail, Hunter. And if you find it, keep after them. But mark the trail as you go so it'll be easy to read. They don't. I've got an idea, Hunter. And if it works, we'll free Wilson and his deputy. Save Jacobs and capture Wheeler. Now get going. Mark the trail well. Get him up, Scull. Get him up. Oh, fellow, we've got work to do. Come on, boy. Come on. The jail in Mesquite City was well guarded. Four men lounged outside, one at each corner of the building. While inside, the Sheriff himself sat where he could keep the cells in view. Suddenly, one of the guards opened the rear door, calling to him. The Sheriff walked past the cells, paying no attention to the protests of his prisoners. Dog gone, you, Sayers. You'll hear about this. Blast your talk, boys. Why don't you? Hear it, are you? Hurry it up, Sheriff. What's the trouble? We've always been friends, ain't we, Sheriff? That's a fool question to ask. Of course we have. Now say what you have to say and get back to your post. Well, what I mean is, Sheriff, you wouldn't want to see me killed, would you? Say, why do you get mad? Well, then if you don't want me killed, don't holler. There's a mask gen right behind me with a gun against my side. What in the world are you still, can't you? Make it easy, Sheriff. Mask. Step back. Close the door. Call out, and it'll be the worst for both of you. How'd you get the drop on my guard? Dush, I couldn't help it, Sheriff. He sneaked up on me from the shed as just like a ninja. He was there before I knew it. You careless idiot. That's enough talk. Start walking. But now don't you. Keep going. What do you want? This is far enough. Unlock this cell. Hi, it's you. No noise, Wilson. I'll have you out of here in a moment. This ain't, Wilson. This here's Buck Wheeler. Unlock the door. Unlock it. Well, hunt you down for this, mister. Nobody yet has ever got away with a stunt like this and not paid for it. You're being saved from the results of a bad mistake, Sayers, even though you don't know it. Come ahead, Wilson. You too, Chuck. All right. You there. Me? Get inside. One of the guards should look in. He'll see somebody in the cell. Oh, do something, Sheriff. You'll be released soon enough. Now, Sheriff, listen to me. Yeah, yeah? The four of us are going outside together. Head for that small groove of trees to the left of the rear door. I have horses waiting there. Now look here. If anyone calls out, tell them everything's all right. Just stay where he is. Too dark in the rear of the jail for us to be recognized. I tell you. Obey orders and you go free, Sheriff. Disobey. We take you along. I ain't going to make trouble yet. See that you don't. But I'm warning you, mister. I'll be on your trail. I hope that you are. Now start moving. Forcing the Sheriff to lead the way. The Lone Ranger, Sheriff Wilson and Chuck reached the grove where the Masked Man had two extra mounts waiting. Not until they were in the saddle that the Masked Man gives Sheriff Sears permission to leave. On your way, Sears. You're not needed anymore. You won't shoot me in the back, will you? On your way. Yeah. Mister, we won't forget all you've done for us. Come on. He'll give the alarm in a second. We better hurry. One moment. And then. But we must go. The Masked Man broken out. Get your heart to see your guns. We're following after you. You hear him? What are we waiting for? We'll give them a chance to saddle up. You roll call? We want them to follow. To follow close enough to see our trailer. Fuck that. I'll explain later. When they're about ready. Let's go. Come on, Silver. As the Lone Ranger had hoped, the Posse was rapidly formed and swept out of Mesquite City, determined to catch the Masked Rider. In the meantime, the real Buckwheeler, Jim and their prisoner, rode on until they reached their hideout. There, Jacobs was tied against a tree while Buck stood over him. You ain't got a chance, Jacobs. You might as well talk. We'll get everything out of you we want to know sooner or later. Go to Blazers. We know you're United States Marshal. You ain't just believing you as a crook long enough for you to find where we was hit out and who's in our bunch. Now, what I aim to know is who you've been reporting to. Nobody. Yeah? Expect us to believe that? I don't care what you believe. I'll call some of the boys over, boss. They'll work them over. Now, leave them to me. I ain't never yet seen the Ambrie. I couldn't handle when I put my mind to it. Well, I just... You know how I found out about you, Jacobs? Oh, the time we had that raid planned at Mesquite City. There was no reason for you letting yourself get caught. You not only got caught, but being caught, you spoiled our plans. I'm sorry now that that happened, didn't you? I said go to Blazers. That's an idea. Yeah. Yeah, boss. Take a walk over there to the fire. Pick me out a nice, blazing piece of wood. Bring us back with you. I said, boss, sure. I'll have it right away. What are you going to do? Can't you guess? You dirty skunk. Are you going to talk? You had my answer. Well, you're stubborn now, but you won't be for long. You ain't the first fella to have the notion he wouldn't talk when I asked him. But I don't recollect that any of them stayed stubborn for long. There you are. Thank you. Get that away from me. Ain't you mind yet? No. Well, then? You wouldn't tell. You couldn't. Watch me. You're stubborn. What the... Get him! I've got him. I've got him. Give me a hand with that boy. I'm mad when I need you. Bring him here. Well, it's a ridgeline, all right. What's your handle, engine? Where'd you come from? Me, not him. You won't talk neither, huh? Now, that's just fine. I'm going to have more fun than I bargained for. Jim, tie the critter up. Before I'm through... They'll both be trying to out-shout the other. The lone ranger and his two companions followed the trail the counter would place for them. Come on, Silver! The trail turns to the south. Follow me. Where was he? Just lead the way. The posse is still behind us. Good. Never gaining, but never losing ground, Sheriff Sayer's posse maintained his pursuit of the masked man. The chase continued for miles, and the posse was forced to walk his horses to rest them. The three men they followed did the same thing. The Sheriff's men reached the hills. Finally saw the dim glow of a campfire in the distance. There's a fire ahead. See it, fellas? Yeah, sure. There's the hideout, sure as thunder. I think there's enough of us to take him. Sure there is. It's worth a try. They'll be here in a soon. Whip up your horses, fellas. Don't give that gang a chance to get away. Run them down. Everybody get their guns ready. It's not far to go now, boys. After them. After them. Get up. Get up. In Buckwheeler's camp, the outlaw and his men were startled by a sudden shout. Who's this? A mask man. It's more with him. Shoot him down. Shoot him down. Stand clear. Watch out. Watch out. Put down your guns. Put behind you a posse's coming. You'll have no chance. We're surrounded. They got us too long. What'll we do? Time given up. Don't shoot. Don't shoot. Tell your men to stand back or I shoot. They'll get you if you try to make a break for us. But I'm asking you. Look there. Look against that tree. It's Jacob's sheriff and a red skin. Here's Buckwheeler. You'll believe him to be Sheriff Wilson. He's what he claimed to be. What's he doing here? He was captured by these fellows. Why isn't he tired like the others? Chuck, release Tonto and Jacob's. Sure. I'll let you and your men follow us here, sayers. They could have escaped you at any time. I wanted you on hand to round up Wheeler's gang. Maybe he's telling the truth, Sheriff. Didn't you notice him and these others slowed up every time we did? Look at their horses. They ain't hardly fagged at all. I don't know. You'd better, sayers. If you can get the truth through your head even now, you're going to be in a mighty tough fix. Here's Jacob. See what you see to that? He's a marshal just like I told you. You fellows will have to go back to town with me and stay there till I can make sure that you're clear. Round up the rest of these men and take them with you. You'll clean up the entire outfit, sayers. You won't get me. That's where you are. Ask I. No. You're not hurt. You got them here fast. They're a scout. Let's go. Now, hold on. Not so fast. You got a heap of questions to answer yourself, strangers. Come on, Silver. Get them out, Scott. Hey, hold on. I will shoot. You shoot that fellow, sayers, and you'll be the sorryest fellow that ever lived. And that's a promise. You have just heard of the copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.