 the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and the ha-hey-hay-oh silver, the lone ranger. With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful mask-rider of the planes 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! This is the lone ranger. If you want to be a champion at anything, remember, others have done it in spite of obstacles. Take radio champion Bob Maynard. He did it the hard way. He proved champions are made, not born. Bob didn't even have the advantage of growing up on a western ranch. As a boy, he lived in Chicago. But Bob started riding when he was 8 years old. At 14 in California, he became a stable hand. Today, Bob Maynard is one of the top money winners in rodeo competition. He sure is, lone ranger, and like many champions in all sports, Bob still chooses Wheaties for his favorite training dish. There's no question about it. Champions are made, not born. And there's no question why champions choose Wheaties for their training diet. They want that famous wheat energy. They get it with Wheaties, because there's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. Champions are made, not born. Get on your way with Wheaties. Breakfast of champions. Dan Reed, the nephew of the lone ranger, rode into Eagle City and dismounted in front of the local office of the Hendricks Freight Line. As Dan entered the office, a mild-mannered man looked up from the desk. He was the Eagle City manager named Sam Slater. Mr. Slater? That's right. My name's Dan Reed. Have you a message for me? Message for you? Well, no, I haven't. Is there supposed to be a message here for you? Well, I expected to meet friends here in Eagle City, but I haven't seen them. I thought they might have left a note for me. Not that I know of. I guess I'll be along soon. You're welcome to sit down and wait, son. It's cooler in here than outside in the sun. Thanks, Mr. Slater. Looks like there might be trouble. Jake Ronson's heading this way with a couple of friends. Huh? Jake owns a small gold claim. He's mad because of what it cost to ship his ore. You said it! Hello, Joe! What do you think, because the Hendricks Line is the only freight-mount fit you can rob? People like me, eh? Jake, I don't set the prices. They're the same on all the Hendricks Line. They're too high! That ore shipment of mine. I told you not to ship the ore. You should have had it refined in the stabbing mill. Freighted the refined gold. Same as everyone else. Don't tell me you had to run my business. All right, Jake. And don't get the idea that the other mine owners and I can't do without the Hendricks Line. We're through with your outfit. Well, that's up to you, Jake. To me and the others. That boys. All right. I'm serving notice, lady. I'm gonna start a freight line with honest prices. And I'll take away your business. I'm gonna bust you with the Hendricks outfit. Are you, Jake? Yeah. I've already talked to some of the men. They promised me their business. You learn a costly lesson, Jake. So you're threatening me, eh? No, no, no, Jake. I own this. You figured that teach me a lesson, eh? I expect you'll send gunmen to attack my wagons. None. You just try it, Slater. I'll be ready for your gunslingers. I'll have my wagons guarded. There'll be no gunplay as far as I'm concerned. You don't fool me with me and my talks. I'll be ready for your attacks, you fevering crook. Jake, that's about enough. You're free to complain all you want about the Hendricks rates. But don't you call me a crook. Another threat, eh? You hear that voice? Oh, kiddo. Yes, I'm gone. But I'll break you, you crook. You're out. Tonto arrived in town a few minutes after Jake Ronson and his friends had left the office. Dan Reid met his Indian friend and rode with him to the Lone Rangers camp on Eagle Mountain. There he told the masked man about the incident he had witnessed. The masked man was keenly interested. And then, about ten minutes after Jake Ronson left with his friends, Tonto rode into town and we left right away. Dan, how did Slater take it when Ronson called him a crook? Golly, he was awfully mad. He said Ronson was mighty unfair. Ronson, plenty big fool. Pay freight and ore. Well, that's what Mr. Slater said. All the other mine operators get them ore refined, and then they pay freight on just the gold ingots. But Ronson insisted on shipping the ore just as it came from the ground. It was all packed in burlap sacks. Why him do thing like that? That's what I'm wondering. Mr. Slater said he tried to tell Ronson the freight bill to be more than the ore was worth. Ronson told him to mine his own business. He must have been. Yes. You think Hendricks lying and crooked? As far as I know, Tonto, the company's very fair. Mr. Slater said Ronson and gold broke if he tried to carry freight at reduced rates. I'd like to know what Ronson has in mind. Oh, he must have been. Yes. He scouted around town for a few days. Maybe find out. Good idea, Tonto. Dan Reed and Tonto went into town the following day and returned to the camp after dark with a report. Jake Ronson wasn't fooling, sir. He really intends to start a freight line. Today he bought a heavy wagon. That's right, and him talked to miners. Him promised to cut freight rate. He can't do it without losing money. It's behind his plan. The following night, when Dan and Tonto returned from Eagle City, they brought further news of Jake Ronson's activities. Today he bought six horses. And plenty good horses. An empire driver and good shotgun guard. Then he has one wagon ready to go. The next day, Jake Ronson spread word that he would make a special announcement that evening in the cafe. So instead of returning to camp as usual at sundown, Dan Reed and Tonto remained in town to hear the announcement. Soon after dark, the cafe was crowded with mine operators and others. But wanted to hear what Jake had to say. Sam Slater was not among those present. But the sheriff was there, and so were Dan and Tonto. Presently, Dan nudged his Indian friend. Kind of. Ronson's climbing up on a chair. Maybe now, he'll make an announcement. Hey, James! Quiet down over here! Quiet! Let's hear what Ronson has to say. Quiet, Ken! You waiters, hold up the chair. Quiet down! Hey, James, hey. I reckon you've all heard about my new freight line. I want you to know that I'm going to headlet my plans despite the threats. What are you talking about? Oh, your stance. I've had a couple of letters that threaten trouble for me and my wagons if I tried to compete with a hand-picked outfit. Jake, you didn't tell me you had threats. I didn't mention the letters, sheriff, because they were unsigned. I couldn't prove that Sam Slater wrote them. Well, that doesn't sound like Sam Slater. Where are the letters? I burned them. That shows how little I think of Slater's threats. Boys, I say this is a free country. No one has the right to stand in the path of progress or to stifle competition. Of course, if you mind, operators are afraid to use my freight and service. I'll go broke. Then the hand-picked line will have things its own way. And be free to keep on running. No, wait, James. My wedding starts with St. Joe one week from the day. My rate for carrying gold bullion is just half of what the Hendricks people charge. Well, you'll have my business, too. Yeah, mine, too. Count on me, Jake. I'm all for you. Well, first-hand, you're welcome. All right, boys, thanks. I knew I could count on you. I'll have my office open to receive your shipments later in the week. Right now, I'm going home to do some paperwork, but take. I want to show my appreciation to you. The refreshments are all me. As Jake Ronson left the cafe, Dan Lee returned to Toronto and said... Do you think we should start for camp right away? You want to start now, Dan? Well, I'm mighty hungry. Well, half hour make no difference. Loan range are not mined if we stay. Jake Ronson will pay for the meal. No, Dan, no. We pay for supper. All right, as long as we eat, I'm starving. Because of the decision to eat before starting the trip to the Loan Rangers camp, Dan and Toronto were in the cafe a half hour later, when a man rushed through the back-wing doors and shouted excitedly... Hey, Jeff! Oh, I'm glad you're still here. I ran all the way. What's the trouble, Sandy? I was passing Doc Smith's house. I'm away home. Doc was standing in the open door. He asked me to hurry back here and tell you. But tell me what? Is Doc in trouble? No, no, no. Not Doc. It's Jake Ronson. What about Jake Ronson? He's in Doc's house. Someone shot him. The clip falls on the first act of our Loan Ranger adventure. Before the next exciting themes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Did you ever wonder who'd replace present-day Fweeties champions like Mickey Mantle or Roy Campanella when they finally retire? You know, as a sports announcer, I'm Mel Allen. I bet it's just an average guy, maybe the boy next door. Sure, maybe he can't run or hit like Mantle or Campanella as of now, but don't forget champions are made, not born. Mickey Mantle wasn't born a champion. Gosh, when he was only 12, he practiced hitting for hours and started training with Fweeties. Roy Campanella, a Fweetie's eater since he was 13 years old, spent years learning enough baseball to make the grade with the Dodgers. Roy and Mickey started with no more raw ability than hundreds of other baseball hopefuls, but they got on their way with hard practice and the right food. You'll notice they both chose Fweeties and they still choose Fweeties. Why Fweeties? I can tell you the big energy reason. There's a whole kernel of Fweeties in every Fweetie's plate. I'd like to see you a champion someday and just remember, champions are made, not born. Get on your way with Fweeties Breakfast of Champions. Now to continue. The sheriff left the cafe and hurried to the doctor's house a quarter mile away. He was followed by Dan and Tonto and half a dozen men whose curiosity outweighed the desire for further refreshments. The group crowded Doc Smith's living room where Jake Ronson sat with one leg braced by splints and heavily bandaged. The doctor said, There's not much I can tell you, Sheriff. I heard a shot and went out the front door to investigate. I saw Jake Ronson lying in the street. Did you see who fired the shot? No. Looks like the bullet hit Jake in the leg. Yes, the tibia was broken. The what? The bone between the knee and the ankle. I carried Jake in here for treatment. I sent for you because I thought you should know about it. It may have been an attempted murder. Sam Slater's workout best. Jake, what have you got to say? Nothing. Jake, I've got to arrest the man who shot you. Well, forget it, Sheriff. I'll handle things my own way when I get back in my feet. You know who shot you? I wouldn't name anyone unless I had proof. Did you see him? Sure, if I'm not going to say anything about the shooting. But I'll tell you this. It's not going to scare me out of starting my freight line. My wagon will start on schedule. Good for you, Jake. That's the talk, and we'll stick with you. Sure, Sheriff. I'll tell you this much. If anything happens to my freight wagon with a gold cargo, it's because of Sam Slater. Remember that. I'll remember it, Jake. Is Slater the one who shot you? I'm not talking about that. All right, Jake. I can't make you talk. But I'm going to call on Slater and see what he has to say. Later that night, Dan Reed and Tahoe told the Lone Ranger all that had happened in town. Seated on the ground close to the campfire, the masked man listened with interest. So when the sheriff went to talk to Sam Slater, several of the townsmen tagged along, and Tahoe and I went with him. Slater was alone in his house. How did he react when he heard that Ronson had been shot? Well, he seemed surprised. He said he knew nothing about the shooting. Tahoe and I stayed and talked to him for a few minutes after the others left. He's mighty worried, sir. Why? Well, he figures he'll be blamed if anything happens to Ronson's first wagon. Now, him offered Dan job. He did? Yes, sir. He said he needs someone to help him with a bookkeeping. Besides, he'd like to have someone who could swear to an alibi in case he does need it. Dan, that might be a good idea. Well, you mean you want me to take the job? Yes. But Slater will want me to live at his house. That's all right. It'll be for only a week or so. And I will see you every day to receive a report. We'll know a lot more about Slater by the time the Ronson line starts operations next week. He moved into town the next morning and went to work for Slater. During the following week, Jake Ronson conducted business from his home, or he was confined with his leg in a heavy cast. On the appointed day, the freighter was supposed to start at noon, but Ronson found last-minute details that needed attention. It was late afternoon when everything was ready. With the aid of crutches and friends, Ronson made his way to the center of town where his freighter was ready to start. Tonto and Dan were in the crowd that gathered. Did you get a copy of the route, Tonto? Let me get it. You and the Lone Ranger going to follow the wagon to make sure nothing happens? Well, that's right. After wagons start, they ride to camp until Lone Ranger. Then we follow. I wish I could go with you. Kimosabi say, you stay on time. I know. Are you going to follow the gold wall the way to St. Joe's? I mean, not now. Hey, look! Now you have the best guide in the town. You should get through all that. There we'll make it, Mr. Ronson. You're the guy to keep your eyes open. He sure will. There you go. Get out of there! The Lone Ranger threw the rugged mountains to avoid steep slopes. Because of this, the freighter had to travel over five times the beeline distance between Eagle City and the landmark known as Blue Spring. The wagon was halfway to Blue Spring when darkness gathered. Get up there! Come on! You want to keep driving all night? Pen's on the moonlight shotgun. I'll keep going as long as I can see the trail. I want to make up the time we lost at the start. Get up there! Come on! At midnight, the moon was high and bright, and Blue Spring was just ahead. There a man waited in ambush. Though the ambusher had left town after dark, he had reached Blue Spring ahead of the freighter by riding over the mountains in a relatively straight line instead of following the meandering wagon trail. He waited behind a rock. When he heard the approaching wagon, he gripped his carbine and levered a cartridge into position. I'll get the guard first and the driver. But when they heard the gunfire, some distance ahead. Guns mean trouble. Let's go, Tunnel. Oops! The last man and the Indian raced ahead on the rough road, guiding their horses around dangerous turns at breakneck speed. Jake Ronson had already started to remove the gold from the wagon. He was holding a heavy ingot of bullion when he heard the approaching hoof beats. As he glanced at the back trail, he saw two horsemen ride into view. His carbine had been left beside the trail, so he dropped the gold and drew his six guns. In a frenzy of fear, he opened fire without realizing that the range was too great for accurate shooting. Ronson was gripped by panic when his gun was empty, thinking only of escape. He leaped to the roadside, raced through the underbrush and mounted his waiting horse. Despite the gunfire, the Lone Ranger and Toto did not slacken their speed. They saw the gunman holster his empty weapon and ride away. A moment later, the masked man and his friend grew rain beside the halted wagon. The Lone Ranger turned off the trail and started an uphill pursuit. Toto climbed aboard the freighter. He found that the guard and driver, though wounded, were still alive. Both were unconscious. The driver opened his eyes, while the Indian was dressing his wound. Oh, you'll be all right. Wound, not killed. Dry gut. Shot without water. You and the guard both lived. The meat turned wagon, tied scout behind, then dragged to town. Ticket adopted. Gold. Gold safe. Do not worry. While the Lone Ranger pursued the fugitive to the top of the mountain and down the other side, on the comparatively level floor of the valley, he called on Silver for greater speed. Come on, Silver. Faster, big fella. Silver seemed to know that he was expected to overtake the horse ahead. With every stride, the powerful stallion gained on the man ahead. Come on, Silver. Silver closed the gap. The Lone Ranger was riding alongside the gunman. He held his rope. Yes, maybe along your way. Rain in your own rope, you. You'll never get me alive. I want you. A rope snaked through the air. The noose dropped over the fugitive. Hold your rope back. He was pulled from the saddle. He hit the ground in row, then wailed in pain. Oh, my leg. My leg. Hey, fella. You should have stopped your horse. Oh, this time my leg is really broke. Help me. Help me. I can't stand the pain. Jake Ronson. So you're the gunman. He'd and Sam Slater were on their way from Slater's house to the Hendricks office when a crowd of men approached. The garden driver was shot. Mr. Slater didn't do it. He heard it done. Oh, no chance. I swear I didn't. The agent brought the wagon into town a few minutes ago. Doc is working on the garden driver right now. Jake Ronson said you'd do something like that. No, I swear. This is the first I knew of it. Grandpa, the Ronson freighter. The agent told us about the ambush. You let Dan and Slater go. They didn't do it. Shut up. Look over yonder, boys. God deputies are carrying a man into my office. You see who he is? He took the man who caught him all night to bring him through the hills from the place where he ambushed his own freighter. He seemed to get a lot of gold on a freighter. He planned to drive out to the garden driver and take the gold for himself. And he planned that Slater here would be blamed for it. But Ronson had a broken leg. That was a fake. I got the whole story from Doc Smith while he was working on the garden driver, the freighter. Ronson persuaded Doc to help him fake the story of a broken leg. So he'd all think Slater had taken a shot at Ronson. That's right. Doc didn't know that Ronson planned to use the broken leg as an alibi while he went out and tried to murder his own garden driver. Well, Doc wouldn't have any part in an attempted murder. So he told the whole story. Then Ronson started the freight line thinking he'd get rich with one good haul by stealing all the gold. That's right. And he'd have gotten away with it. That masked man hadn't come along. We ought to lynch Jake Ronson. Come on, deal with him, boys. Now you let this be a lesson to you men. You can't get something for nothing. Any right-thinking man would look for something underhanded when Ronson offered to freight gold at half price. Slater. I reckon we owe you an apology. That's all right, gents. I'm glad the truth came out. Oh, uh, you, Dan. Yes, sir. Masked man said he'd meet you in town or in camp. Yes, sir. I reckon he started for camp already. Dan, is that masked man a friend of yours? He sure is. Well, I'm deeply indebted to him. Aren't we all? Who is he? Why, you should know that later. He's the Lone Ranger. Like little letters. You know, Cheerios is made from oats and every delicious spoonful of Cheerios and milk is a real muscle-building food. Each spoonful contains vitamins, minerals and proteins your body needs. Yes, the good things in a Cheerios breakfast do good things for your body. Help you have healthy nerves, good red blood, strong bones and muscles. Have Cheerios every morning. Then you'll hear people say... He's still... ...a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated is created by George W. Crandall, produced by Crandall Campbell Muir Incorporated, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer, your announcer Fred Boyd. The Lone Ranger is brought to you by General Mills every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at this same time. Be sure to listen. This...