 horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hail silver, the lone ranger. In Tato, the masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. The stories of his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness have come down to us through the generations. And 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 hoof-feets of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. With Tato and Dan Reed, the Lone Ranger had traveled over 50 miles in record-breaking time to deliver a message to the governor. Then, with a man's freedom and perhaps his life at stake, the three riders had continued on to the prison with a pardon for Jim Loomis. This is the prison? This is it, Dan. You and Tana wait here for me. I'll be back as soon as I talk to the warden. This is it, warden. The governor said to give it to you personally. Thanks. Well, this is a full pardon for Loomis. Jim Loomis. Yes, I know. Who are you? What's the mask for? I took a signed statement to the governor, a dying man's confession. That cleared Loomis. And I brought the pardon directly to you. I understand that. But who are you? A messenger. Yes, a messenger with good news for Jim Loomis. And as I hope it's good news... He's been here for ten years, hasn't he? ...and spent the first five of them protesting he was innocent. He was? Well, justice is sometimes blind. Warden, isn't Loomis still protesting his innocence? Life in this place changes the way a man lives and thinks. Yes, I know. The past five years, he hasn't had much to say. His wife's death was a pretty hard blow. I think she was the only one who believed in him. She died. Five years ago. Oh, yeah. Since then, he's spoken very little. What he has said shows what's on his mind. What do you mean? Revenge. I've seen other men like that. Sometimes I question the wisdom of releasing a man... An official pardon gives you no choice, does it? I obey orders, regardless of what I think. Warden, another man confessed the crime for which Loomis was convicted. Yes, I heard about it. A man named Bart Vinton, and he died. Yes, I was there. It would be hard for Loomis to take revenge on a dead man. Maybe he will forget about it. He's still young enough to start his life over again. I don't know. Sometimes it's hard for an ex-convict to adjust himself to the idea of being a free man. He can do it. People will help him. I hope so. Well, I'll go and tell him about this now. Thanks for bringing it. You're welcome. Pardon for Jim Loomis. I don't know what he'll say. Loomis? Jim Loomis? I want to talk to you. It's as soon as you didn't. I have some news for you, Jim. Come on into my office. I'm not interested in news. You'll want to hear this. Come on, Jim. That's an order. Funny walking outside the cell. Ain't you afraid to take a chance with a dangerous killer like me? I know how you feel, Jim. Maybe you'll change your mind when you hear what I've got to say. Sit down, Jim. All right, let me have it. How old are you, Loomis? A man of 50 is a lot younger. Let's see. You're not much past 30. What do years mean? You just turned 20 when you came here. That was 10 years ago. What difference does it make? You're still a young man. Lots of men don't really get started in life until they're older than you are. Yeah. I got started once. And what you did once, you can do again. In jail? You're not going to be in jail, Loomis. You're going free. What? Say that again. You're going free. I've just received a full pardon signed by the governor. It's true. No, you're wrong. You must be. Killers don't go free. They stay in jail. They rot. I'm a killer. The law said so. The law proved it. Wait a minute, Jim. I don't think you understand. I understand enough. I understand that this talk about me going free is some new kind of pressure you're putting on me, but someday I will get out of here. And when I do, I'll make Bart Vinton pay for it. Bart Vinton is dead. No. No, he can't be dead. Vinton's got to stay alive so he can be made to pay and suffer like I suffered for him. Bart tried to square things before he died. He signed a confession clearing you of all blame. When the governor saw that, he issued a pardon. Tried to square things. I suppose that brings my wife back. You better forget that revenge talk, Jim. It won't get you anything but a lot more trouble. Bart Vinton is dead. You're alive. You're young enough to make something of your life. The biggest part of it is still before you. The only thing that's before is a chance to square myself with Ruth. Ruth? I thought your wife... Yeah, Ruth's gone. And Bart Vinton killed her just the same as if he'd shot her to death. But his wife's still alive. Now, wait a minute, Jim. You're not going to pile your hate for Vinton onto his wife. Who says I'm not? Would Bart frame me into this place he killed Ruth? Now, if I'm really free like you say I'm going to... Don't be a fool. Are you here? Or on the gallows? What do I care? I ain't got nothing to live for. If they hang me, I'll be with Ruth that much sooner. Oh, wait. Jim... Is that pardon you were talking about the truth? Can I walk out of here now? Yes, but... But I'm going. What I do from now on, Warden, is my own business. After overhearing the conversation between Jim Loomis and the Warden, Joan Ranger rejoined Tonto and Dan Reed a short distance from the prison walls. I bet Jim Loomis was glad to get his pardon. Not exactly, Dan. What do you mean? Sometimes a pardon seems small compared to ten years of unjust imprisonment. Uh, Loomis won't revenge. That's right, Tonto. The man he wants to kill is already dead. Well, then how could he... Somebody come. I think it's Jim Loomis. There was a saddle horse waiting outside the prison. What do we do? You and Dan ride back to camp. Wait for me there. Get him up to camp. Come on, Victor. Wait. Wait just a minute. Oh, oh, you critter. What are you... Mask? I'd like to talk to you for a moment, Loomis. How do you know my name? You're heading for the town of Buckhorn, aren't you? What if I am? I don't need any mask outlaw to show me the road. I thought perhaps I could help you. I'm dealing my own hand, stranger, by myself. Now, let go of that bridal... Do you think Mrs. Vinton still lives where she did ten years ago? What do you know about Bart Vinton's wife? Nothing. Listen, stranger. I just got out of that prison back there. I'm an ex-convict. I don't know how you found out my name or how you know so much about me. But I ain't anxious to pull ever. Now, let go of that bridal. It's quite possible that Mrs. Vinton has moved from Buckhorn. She might live over in prairie flats. That's the opposite direction. Yeah, she might. She might not. I'm going to pick up where I left off. Buckhorn's where she lived the last I heard about her. I know quite a bit about you, Loomis. Why you went to prison and what you intend doing now. Are you a lawman? No. Then no matter how much you know, you can't stop me. That's true, but... Unless you use one of them guns, you're packing. I ain't healed. Suppose you do kill Mrs. Vinton. How will that help you? That's my business. Not yours. The law... The law can't stop me from thinking. If I do any more than that, they won't know till it's over. Now, let go. All right, Loomis. I won't argue with you now. But I think I'll have something to say later on. Better mind your own affairs. Murder? Or attempted murder is my affair. Come on, Silver. The last man on his two friends broke camp and rode hard all night. By making use of back-trail shortcuts, they arrived in the town of Buckhorn early the following morning. Do you know where Mrs. Vinton lives, Tonto? Ah. That house over there. Well, I'm going to talk to her. You and Dan better ride ahead and keep out of sight. Ah. Get him up, Scout. Come on, Victor. Who's Silver? Oh, boy, who? I'll be right back, big fella. Who's there? I want to speak to you, Mrs. Vinton. Masked. Please don't be alarmed about the mask. I've come to help you, Mrs. Vinton. Help me? Do you know Jim Loomis? Loomis, I... I've never seen him, but I know who he is. Your husband knew him? Yes. Bart told me that... Told you what, Mrs. Loomis? Why? I don't know why I should be talking to you about Bart. Because Jim Loomis has just been released from prison. And I want to help you. You'll let me? Bart's confession, it must have... That's right. It was his confession that gave the governor reason to pardon Jim Loomis. Unfortunately, it didn't change some of Loomis's plans. Now, would you let me help you? I... I don't know. Your husband must have known what might happen. He said Jim Loomis might come hunting for me. He's on his way here now. I don't think he's really a murderer, Mrs. Vinton. But he's being driven by the bitterness of ten years of unfair punishment. I know it. It must be horrible to... Yes, yes it is. And as a result of it, your life's in danger. But... But what can I do? Two things. First, you can leave Buckhorn now and keep on going. Hope that Loomis never finds you. But I would know where to go. Or if you're willing to take a chance, you might save yourself and help in the salvation of Jim Loomis. Salvation of Jim Loomis? Salvation of Jim Loomis? Why should I care about that? Oh, no particular reason. But if you can help someone else while you're helping yourself, why not do it? What do you mean? Jim Loomis is bitter about an unjust jail sentence. Bitter enough to commit murder. He might become an entirely different man if he could rid himself of that one obsession. You and I can help him. That's a strange way to talk. Is it wrong? Of course not, but... Say, who are you? Where are you from? Nowhere and everywhere. I've never... Wait a minute. Is that your horse out there, the white one? Yes. What's his name? I call my horse Silver. Silver? Jim Loomis will be here before nightfall. I have a plan that may save both of you. Will you stay here and help me? I... Yes, I'll help you. If you're the one I think you are, you can count on me. 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 to continue our story. Shortly after sundown, Jim Loomis rode into the town of Buckhorn. In order to carry out his plan, the first thing he needed was a gun. And oddly enough, the first man he encountered in Buckhorn was an Indian who was willing to trade a single-action six-gun for the saddle Jim had taken from his horse. Here, a couple of dollars extra. Well, thanks. You're the biggest-hearted engine I've ever seen. Tonto Lake saddle. Tonto, who's that? Well, Tonto. That's me. Oh, that's your name. Well, Tonto, thanks for the trade. You got a good saddle and I got what I hoped a good gun. How about your drink? Going across the street to the cafe? Oh, me not drink. What's that? I thought all engine... Say, a lot of changes can happen in ten years, can't they? Well, thanks again, Tonto. I'll see you later. You see me later. Is your drink, stranger? Yeah, thanks. Say, Bartender. How long have you been around this town? Ten, twelve years, why? Remember a critter named Bart Vinton? Vinton was sure I remember him. Did you know him? Well, everybody knew Bart. He lived here until he died a few days ago. He was planted right over on Boote Hill. Yeah? What kind of a gent was he? Well, everybody figured Bart was a right-respectful critter up until the time he died. Then what happened? When he was cashing in, he confessed to an old crime. It seems that an innocent man was doing time for it. What did he say about this innocent man? Oh, nothing much. Guess he figured his confession had set the man free. Recollect the name of that man? Let me see. It was Jim... Jim Sumpner, other... Jim Loomis, that was it. Loomis? I'm sure that was it. Is his wife still living here in Buckhorn? Yeah. Lives in that little White House. First one when you come into town on the East Trail. Funny thing you asking about her. How's that? You're the second hombre I've been in here today asking about Mrs. Vinton. Give me another drink. Sure. Who was the first one? Oh, just a young kid. Sorry. Hey, let go of my hand. That ring you're wearing. Where'd you get it? Go, my hand. You're either local or drunk. Either one. This ring is mine. Give it to me. You're lying. Used to belong to Jim Loomis, and I'm taking it. Why are you... Better stand right where you are. My trigger finger's kind of itchy. The ring ain't worth shooping about. You want to steal it for us? I ain't stealing. It's mine. My name happens to be Jim Loomis. Jim Loomis? I don't know how you got hold of it, but I'm going to find out. You're local Loomis. The sheriff's standing right back there for the poker table. All I have to do is yell. But you ain't going to yell. First time I've ever been robbed in my life. Come back earlier. I'll drill a first critter to get it. I only took what's legally mine. If you want to argue about it, I'll pay off it later. Sheriff. Sheriff. Hey, what's going on up here anyway? The hombre they just backed out of here was Jim Loomis. Loomis, are you sure? That's what he claimed. Stuck a shooting iron in my face and took my ring right off my finger. Sam, Pete, come here. What is it, Sheriff? I want you men to come with me. We've got a pool cat to run down. I think he's heading for the Vinton house. Yeah? What makes you think so? He asked me a lot of questions about Bart and how he died and all that. That was for he told me his name was Loomis. Come on, boy. Yes, we won't need the horses, will we, Sheriff? Oh, the Vinton place ain't very far. I wonder if that critter knows the truth. He really is Jim Loomis. Yeah, there's bad blood there, all right. Sheriff, can I string along with you? I guess so. Any reason why you want to get in it? Oh, that's true of mine. She's down at the Vinton place. That's all? Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. Hey, what's this? A man's man. You're the sheriff. That's no secret. What's the idea coming? We're after Jim Loomis. I'll be after you if you don't take off that mask. Loomis has gone toward the Vinton house. That's mine. It seems to me you're a powerful nosy. I think I'll just take you... I'll advise you not to draw, Sheriff. I have all three of you covered. Well, of all the... It must be sidekicks of Loomis. They're all working together. We are working together. Although Loomis doesn't know it. Look here. I don't know who you are, but you're meddling with the law. And I'm... Any of my method is unusual, but I need your help. What are you trying to say? I want you to stay away from the Vinton house at least for the next few minutes. I'm the law in this town, stranger. No mashed-out law. I don't want to use these guns, but I will if it becomes necessary. You must be local. As a murder and killer, heading for a house where a defenseless woman is liable. Yes, I know all that. And my kids are with him. My little girl. I know that, too. There'd be a double murder if that crazy Loomis... No, there won't. An Indian friend of mine is watching the Vinton house. If you've got this thing all figured out, why are you so... I want to prevent murder. I suggested to Mrs. Vinton that she asked the girl to stay with her. Sheriff, this ombre's plumbed crazy. All right. You're holding the guns. What's your next move? We'll all move together. The only reason I'll use my guns is to be sure we move quietly. Do you agree, Sheriff? Play your string out, stranger. We'll see what happens. Good. Follow me. It's an old friend of yours, Mrs. Vinton. Open the door. Who are... Let her close the door. We can talk better inside. What do you want? I guess you don't remember me, Mrs. Vinton. No, I... The name's Loomis. Jim Loomis. Loomis. Oh, I... Kind of familiar. Ain't nobody like you. I've never heard of you. I've never heard of you. I've never heard of you. I've never heard of you. I've never heard of you. I've never heard of you. I've never heard of you. Ain't it? No, I... All I knew is that you used to be a friend of my husband's. Yeah. Till he double-crossed me. Oh, it barked me to mistake he knew that, but he confessed everything before he died. I suppose you think that's squared everything. Because he confessed. That doesn't make the 10 years in prison any less. That won't bring my wife back to life. I know who... But what you don't know is this. A gun. Ruth died because that double-crossing husband of yours framed me. There's only one way to balance that. Body and alive. So you're the next in line. So you're gonna kill me. If it's the last thing I ever do. Well, I... Can't stop you. I wonder what Ruth would say if she could see what you're gonna do. Ruth will be glad I'm squaring things. I didn't know your wife very well. She left town right after you went away. Yeah. That's what I heard. When I... I lost track of her. She's dead now. That's the only thing that's important. That you're gonna be the same way inside of the next two minutes. You know, you didn't surprise me coming here tonight. I've been expecting you. I've been waiting all day. You figured I was coming. And you waited? I had to. There's someone here with me. I couldn't leave. Someone... You ain't got the law. No. It's not the law. You wait and I'll show you. Don't try any tricks because I ain't the mood. Come here, dear. Who's in that back room? You call me, Eddie? Who's that? Hello. Who are you? Your niece, huh? It's the idea of bringing her out here. I just wanted you to know I wasn't alone. No, she ain't my niece. I wish she was. I don't get it. What's the idea? She's really an orphan. Some Indians found her a few years ago and brought her into town. It's a waste in time. I don't care who this kid is or where she came from. I'm gonna... The bartender at the cafe sort of adopted her, but she spends a lot of time here with me. Why don't you tell me who he is, Auntie? Oh, just a man, dear. Someone who's gonna send me on a long trip. Trip? Can I go with you? Well, that's up to him. Can I go with her? Will you let me go, too? Please? You're a queer young one. You don't know what you're talking about. Yes, I do. If my auntie's going on a trip, I want to go with her. I can't figure it out. Seems like I've seen you someplace before. Oh, what's wrong? He's wearing Daddy's ring. He must have stolen it. What? The ring you're wearing. It's the one I gave to Daddy. Well, well, she's right. Where'd you get that ring? Well, it's mine. Got it back tonight, after 10 years. Got my initials cut inside it. Found it on the bartender down at the cafe. You've got to give it back. It belongs to him. There's something about this kid. Her eyes are... Hey, wait. Listen, little girl, you say this ring used to belong to you. Where'd you get it? Oh, are you telling the truth? Why, sure I'm telling the truth. It sounds impossible, but... What? Well, the ring was hung around her neck when the Indians found her. And I gave it to my Daddy last Christmas. Your Daddy? She means Lem Loft as she calls him Daddy. The ring must have belonged to her real father. No, Mama gave it to me before she went away. Good Lord. I could almost believe that... Oh, no, it can't be. Her eyes... They're almost like Ruth's eyes. Of course they're Ruth's eyes. Ruth's my name. Listen, was your Ma name Ruth? Yes. And your Pa? I mean your real Pa. Did she ever tell you anything about him? Nothing except... Except what? He was good and strong and brave. But he had to go away for a long time. How old are you? Nine. Going on ten. Oh, Lord. Thank the Lord. I've been a lawman for over 20 years. And I've never seen anything like that before. And I asked Mrs. Vinton to get a child to stay with her. I didn't hope for this much. And it was all in that count of that ring I was wearing. It was a big risk. Loomis might have used that gun before. No, there was no danger. Potho traded Loomis that gun very saddle. It's loaded with blanks. Well, I'm sure that now Jim Loomis is through with guns for good. I'm going to try to do everything I can for you, Ruth. We'll show the whole world that... That your mama was right when she described your daddy. I like you. And I hope we'll be together always. We will be together. Because you're mine. My own baby girl.