 a fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty Hio Silver, the Lone Ranger. In the early days of the Western United States, the local sheriffs had a full-time job preserving the peace. They knew very little about law. There was no adequate court system, and the men, women, and children who couldn't defend their rights by force had no law-enforcing agency to protect them. The masked writer of the planes was the only man to whom they could turn for help, and in time, Hio Silver became the battle cry of justice. And I'll return with us 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! Night overtook the Lone Ranger and his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, as they rode toward Dalton. The rangers faced with the skies, and the two men stopped at a large ranch house near the town. They talked with the ranchers, watered their horses, and then continued on their way. I'd better put on my mask now, Tonto. There's something about that man that I didn't like. What's his name, Kirby? Yes, Nick Kirby. He's too shrewd-looking. He seems suspicious of every move we've made. That's right. And he's a lawyer. How do you know that? That's always certificate on the wall. What would a lawyer from the East be doing here? And what would he want with a ranch as large as that one of his? Me not know. And another thing, those two cowmen we saw him with. Them plenty tough fellow. One of them, at least, was an outlaw, Scar Larkin. You know him? Yes. He's watered in Kansas. I wonder what he... That's sharp, said he, Silver. He'd come from there. Get him up, Scar. Come on, Silver. He's there. I'll shoot him. It's woman and a dry ghost. Kill him, sir, sir. This way, Silver. You drop down. Oh, wait, mister. Oh, don't shoot. Me. Me got right from now. Let go. Let go, Indian. Don't, don't you kill me. All right, tunnel. Let go of her arm. Why, you, you ain't Nick Kirby. No, I'm not Nick Kirby. Oh, my steak's alive. Oh, thank the good Lord I didn't shoot you. It had been sin enough to kill Kirby much as the polecat deserved killing, but it real the wrong man. Oh, oh, oh. Oh, oh, oh, oh, stranger. Oh, don't take me to the law. I, I know I done wrong. I know I shouldn't have shot at you. Why did you want to kill Kirby? They, they in a solar light in Dalton that wouldn't like to see that snake put out of business. But they ain't no one to dare to kill him. I, I reckon I'm the only one in town that would want to face the music. I don't understand. They know they're yours, stranger. Oh, you're wearing a mask. Yes. Outlaw, eh? Oh, well, I can't hold that against you. My husband, he, he, he, he. He was wanted by the law too. Faked his most everyone in town is wanted by the law for something or other, but they're living good lives now. There are lots of people who have made one mistake in their lives, but most of them deserve the chance to go straight. And oh, so did my husband, he. Ah, shucks. What's the use of talking about it? I'd like to hear about it. Yeah. He ain't holding it against me that I've tried to shoot you. What about the lawyer, Nick Kirby? What do you think of a man that had break up a family? That's what Kirby done. He did? Yes. My husband was in the army. He'd done a double turn at guard duty and fell asleep. They was gonna court-martial him and so to save his life, he deserted. Desert her, eh? But there was years ago, even before he was married, somehow this lawyer could have learned about it. And he told them just what he told everyone else in town. What's that? Turn over half his cattle or he'd squeal. Well, that accounts for his large ranch. Every cow and steer on that ranch was took from some man that bought silence. Lim refused to pay tribute to Kirby, so Kirby turned him over to the government and got a $50 bounty for it. And Kirby's been doing that sort of thing all along? Sure he has. Ornrish-conk. Everyone had liked her, Kelly. But they don't dare do it. He's got it fixed so if something happens to him, all he knows and everything he has on folks will fall into the hands of the law. Oh. So instead of drilling him, everyone has to protect him. Me. Oh, don't matter. There's nothing more he can do to me. Does he have outlaws working for him? Sure. When a man came to for it to pay him what he demands, he makes the poor critter work his ranch for him. Not what you see. Yes, Talop. Well, you've got my story. Now what are you going to do? Turn me over to the law? No. Yes. You ain't? No. Most everyone makes a mistake in their lifetime. Those who see the mistake and change to become good citizens are sometimes better than those who have never made a mistake. I'm glad you told me the story. But a stranger. Who are you? Come on, Talop. We're turning back. Chalker, ready? Hold on, Mr. We're going to make camp, Talop. Wait. Come on, Silver. In the town of Dalton, two men were talking with Sheriff Allen in the lawman's office. All right, Charlie. Speak up. You fellows didn't drop in for nothing. Let's have it. Well, uh... Well, sure if it's like this. Yeah? Or you tell them, Hank. You said you'd do the talking, Charlie. Chalker, get out. Well, it's about... about whom or dad wills misses. You mean the wife of the fellow Nick Kirby turned in for desertion? Uh-huh. Well? Well, it's like this, Sheriff. She's mighty head up again the lawyer in. We sort of got an ocean. You better keep an eye on her. Seems to me you're mighty worried about Nick's health. Well, Sheriff, he ain't a bad fella, but... And you wouldn't want to kill him in your county, would you? You fellows ain't foolin' me. Huh? Ain't Nick's hide your worryin' about it's your own. You think I'm blind? I see things. And I've got him pretty well figured out. There's nothing any of you'd like better than to drill, Nick. But you know the whole town will get in trouble if you do. Well, that ain't it, Sheriff. Shucks. Where'd you get an ocean like that? Well, it's just that we wouldn't want to see any fellow shot. Let alone what had happened to Mrs. Doddwell afterwards. I'll watch her. Gosh, Sheriff, that's just... What's that? You don't think something's happened to Nick already, do you? You hear that, Hank? What the... I'll pass for you. Colonel, look here, stranger. Get the man out of here. I'm talking to you alone. Don't slap leather. Hey, hey, don't put that gun to me. Get out. By thunder, I'm not all here. What's the meaning of this? I'll explain when these men are gone. All right, you two. I'll see that you go and keep on going. Walk ahead of me. We're going. Just ease up and take a finger, won't you? Yeah, don't do nothing. You'd be sorry for her. Those your horses? That's them, mister. Get mounted. Sure. Sure, anything you say. But we've never done you no harm, stranger. Any fellow orders? What orders? Start riding and don't stop. If I catch you back here, there'll be trouble. We ain't coming back. And this will help you get started. On your way. Get up there. Get over there. Stranger, what in blazes do you... I just wanted to make sure our talk wouldn't be interrupted. Who's in that cell there? Huh? Him? Oh, that's just old Zeke Bagley. He's in jail half the time, but he's serving the peace or something. I don't want our talk to be heard. Don't pay him no mind. He's been over the cafe and now he's sleeping at all. What dog gone it? Who are you to be asking me questions? A mighty high-handed for a crook. We met once before, Sheriff. Quite a long time ago. Yeah? You don't remember me? Can't say as I do. Maybe you're on one of the reward notices a gut filed away. But I'd have to see you without that mask to make sure. I have a horse called Silver. Silver? And a friend, an Indian named Tonto. Well, I'll be... Now, do you remember? Oh, well, I should smile. Colin, I was mistaking you for an outlaw. I must be getting old and useless to make a mistake like that. Tell me something, Sheriff. What do you think of Nick Kirby? Why, that low-down on me sneaking no account... Then all I've heard is true. Sheriff, would you help me bring him to justice? No, that's something can't be done. Why not? The lawyer's too slick, that's why. You know what he's done? He's left a letter with a banker to be turned over to me in case he gets a drill. Yes? Now, understand. I ain't supposed to know what's in that letter. But I got a pretty good notion. It tells where he's hid the proof he's got to get in the fellas in town. Then you know about that, too. Ah, I savvy a heap more than I've given credit for around here. And I'm telling you straight out, I am on the side of the folks in town. I don't want to have to see that evidence again. Maybe that ain't no way for a piece of it to talk, but when folks are trying their level best to live decent and honest, I says give them a chance. I still think something could be done. Well, of course, if anything happened to that, their evidence, like it burning up or something, then it couldn't be given to me to act on, could it? But if the evidence is turned over to you, you'll arrest the man it implicates. A man's got to do his sworn duty. Of course. Sheriff, you said you had a number of reward notices on hand. Look at that desk over there. Spum chuck full of them. I'll need two of them. Two that don't carry pictures. One describing an Indian outlaw and the other describing a man about my build. I most likely got him. But what do you want? I've heard Nick Kirby hires outlaws. And I have a notion that wherever he's hidden the evidence against the men in town, it isn't far from his house. But just between the two of us, friend, I'd say the same. Like I told you, I ain't sublime to some folks' figure. Then give me those notices. I'll do that. Maybe it ain't just right. I won't say that maybe I don't suspicion a bit of what you've got in mind, but if you can work it out, I'm for you. I'm glad of that, Sheriff. Now, let me see. No, this ain't the one. This ain't neither. Now, Dad read it. Where did I put that? Shucks, here's one. It's for an Angel in the Night to US Marshal over Wyoming Way. Good. Uh-huh. And here's another that'll fit you fine. There you are. And welcome. Thanks. And mind you, I don't know anything about this. But man to man, it won't hurt to say that Nick's been looking for a couple of good gunmen. He ain't feeling as safe as he might these days. I can believe that. So here's wishing you luck. Nothing would suit me better than to see the folks around here rest a little easier. I knew I could depend on you. Will I be seeing you again? Nothing till I've taken care of Nick Kirby. Hey, Sheriff, what's that about the lawyer? What'd that fella say? Don't run and come here, won't ya? What'd he say? When'd you wake up, Zeke? Look here, what'd that fella say about fixing Nick Kirby? That's what I want to know. What'd he say? Now, Zeke, don't you go getting excited. He's gunning for Nick, I'll bet. That's what he's doing. He's gunning for the lawyer. Did you blame Digit? Let me out of here. Are you sure you're sober enough to make it home? Dad ratted Sheriff if I hadn't been what that masked weller said would've done it for me. Oh, come on, now, let me out. All right, all right. Just wait till I get the right key. Hurry, blasted! Oh, golly, if that masked weller drills the lawyer, the whole town will be going to jail. There. Now, don't do nothing foolish or I'll have to lie to you. Can't wait to talk to you, Sheriff. I gotta let the fellas know. Maybe I shouldn't have let you out. Folks, there's a fellow gunning for the lawyer. Nick's gonna get shot. Boys, come fast. Listen to me, I got news. Hey, old Zeke. What is it, Zeke? When did you get out of the Calibus? Won't you listen yet? You blame Galuche? There's a masked man. I heard him in the Sheriff's office. We were there. He's the one that chased us out of there. What did he do to the Sheriff? Nothing. All I know is that he said he was going to get Nick Kirby. Nick Kirby? He can't get him. We can't let him get Kirby. If he gets Kirby, we are all headed for jail. Did I tell him you that scene? Come on, get your guns. Get after the masked man. We gotta drop him before he ruins all of it. Haunted by those he wants to help, the masked man is faced with a difficult problem as the curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger drama. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue our story. When the Lone Ranger's plans were overheard and the citizens of Dalton decided to capture him, the masked man and Tonto left the town for several days. They returned in the night shortly after a thunder shower and went directly to Nick Kirby's ranch. Oh, what happened? Hurry, Tonto, watch out for the steps. Me come. No other door left open. What do you mean by breaking in here? We want shelter for the night. He was in a blasted big hurry. Well... We don't care for strangers. Wait. Haven't I seen this ending before? Perhaps. Who are you two? In the West, people don't ask questions like that. Who are you? Hold on, Barney. Stranger, you wouldn't be keeping something undercover, would you? That's all our business. Yes? Well, I'm making it my business. I've noticed before that people running from the law don't like to talk. We're not outlaws. Oh, of course not. Of course not. Why don't I sit down? Go right ahead. We've been working around. Look. What's the matter, Scar? Stranger, just drop these papers out of his pocket. Get me those. I'll take them, Scar. Barney, watch the stranger in the Indian. If they make a move, shoot. I'll keep an eye on them. Close them eyes. Sure. That's why I'll look them over. Here you are, Nick. Well, well, reward notices. You wish you hadn't seen those. And quite an accurate description, too. So you're on it for murder, huh? I'm not. Don't lie to me. What's the other paper say? This is for the Indian. The knife to United States Marshall. Me not doing that. No? Well, the government's pretty sure you did. Offering $500 for your capture. Is that right, boss? And there's a thousand offered for this other fellow. Carly, he must be wanted, babe. You're going to turn them in, Nick? I was just thinking. Yes? Stranger, just how handy with guns are you in the Indian? Good enough. Willing to show me? I am. How about a test in the morning? And if you prove yourselves, I'll hire you. We're not interested. I see. You'd rather go to jail. You'd turn us in. Oh, why not? You're worth money to me. Of course, I'd rather not. I could use a couple good gun hands. But if you prefer jail, well then... You seem to have us. Well, I'm glad you realize that. And it's agreed? We don't want to go to jail. Good. Scar. Yeah? You and Barney guard these men. Yeah. I'll put these reward notices away. Wait. Why are you putting those? Well, stranger, that's what nobody knows of myself. And no one will ever find it out. As long as I have these, you'll do exactly what I say. About ten minutes already. How far does he have to go? Stranger, you can keep your questions to yourself. It ain't healthy to be asking things about Nick. Oh? He's coming back now. I heard him on a step. You ready? Come on, Turner. Watch out. They're drawing. They hit the lamp. Grab him, Barney. Get a hold of him. No, no, no. Let them get out of here. I'll take care of them. Come on. What's happening? What's going on? Hey, let go. Let me loose. Come on, Scar. Where's he? I can't see a thing. Let go. Men, shoot them. It's too dark. We'll have to hit one of us. You stand back. There's the injured. Get him. He ain't here no more. He's slipped away. What? Where are you? Over here. Help. I'm through, Tyler. Let's go. Out the door. Stop them. They're outside already. We'd like this other lamp. Come on, Phil. There. Now maybe we can see what we're doing. Well, I'll be. Huh? Look at Nick. Boss, when and blazes happen to your boots. Oh, he's there. Go on. Stranger knocked me down and took them. Of all the local things to do. What a carnation was his ID? I don't know, but they're going to pay. You going after them? You bet I am. I gave them that chance, but they threw it away. Now we're collecting those rewards. Barney, bring me another pair of boots from my room. Right away, Nick. I'll show those fellas what it means to cross Nick Kirby. Instead of racing away from the ranch, the Lone Ranger and Tonto held their mounts to a slow walk. The Lone's beginning to break through the clouds, Tyler. They'll be able to see us. And that would be a good thing. When they chase us, I'll break away at the first opportunity. You keep on, but don't let them get within gun range. They'll probably think I'm on ahead. Tonto, do that. I'll need an hour's time. I'll have to return to the ranch right into town and back to the ranch again. Me keepin' away. Then I'll meet you on the hill overlooking Kirby's ranch house. There they are. They've seen us. Then ride, and he passed. They want that reward money. Get them up, Scott. See those trees? That's where I'll leave you. Those trees will give me cover. Unknown to Nick Kirby, however, the masked man had written off in another direction under cover of the trees. He returned to the ranch, and then when he'd finished there, raced into town. Hank and Charlie were in the cafe and heard the distant hoof beats of the great horse Silver. Listen. Come on, fellas. The masked man again. Coming right through town. Wow, look at him ride. Stop him. Get him, man. Here he comes. Come on, Silver. Now's our chance. Get your horses. Get your horses. Place right now. Everybody out, fellas. We're riding. If we're going to keep that fella from killing Nick, now's the time to do it. In the meantime, Nick Kirby and his men continued their pursuit of Tonto. Boss, that engine's fast. Don't ever seem to get tired. He can't keep it up. And how about the other fella? He just rode plum on the side. I have a button ready to give up. I say we won't. 500 is better than nothing. We'll get the engine at least. Get up there. Get up. Hey, what's the matter? Look where we're going. Huh? There's Sandy Crick. There's old Baldy over to the right. Well, is that Rasky's got turned around and he's headed straight back for the ranch? That means he's just scared. He doesn't know which way he's going. We'll get him for sure. You bet we will. He's going to be blamed, sir. He took it from a chase like this. Come on. Get more speed out of these horses. He might give us a slip yet. Come on. Get up. Get up. Get up. The townsman followed the lone ranger to the hill overlooking Kirby's ranch and then lost him. Now where in places did he get to? I've seen him a minute ago. Then he just disappeared. I'm telling you fellas, you're making a bad mistake. The mask man's on your side. How come you know so much, Sheriff? Of course, he's the man they call... Are you looking for me? There he is. Now we got him. Oh, you haven't. Blasted, he's got to drop on us again. If he hadn't come from behind us, we wouldn't have got him. He's got to drop on you anyhow. I'm telling you, he's... Listen to me, man. Stop, God, you stranger. Maybe you mean well, mister. But you're just getting us in trouble. We can't stay in place. I'll prove to you I'm not. But you can. If anything happens to Nick, the evidence he's concealed will be turned over to the law and used against you. We know blame well it will. Well, I can promise you it won't be. You can't promise no such thing. Who's that coming? It must be Tondo. Tondo? Who's he? You learn that later. Oh, oh, Scoundrel. Oh, oh, Scoundrel. Good work, Tondo. You gave me all the time I needed. Other fellow, come behind. One of the fellas. Nick and his two gunmen. You can hear them now. I see him. There's the skunks. Stranger, if you lay a hand on Nick. Leave us to me. Yeah. The injured are out, Sheriff. He knighted the U.S. Marshal. Hey. The masked army looks like that other fellow we was chasing. Sheriff, how do you mend their arrest? On what charge? Their murderers. Both of them. There's $500 reward for the Indian and a thousand for his friend. And we're claiming them rewards. Can you prove it? I've got the reward notices. You stay here and I'll go after them right now. Don't bother. What? I gave those reward notices to the masked man in the red skin. But you mean that they're not. I mean they're not wanted by the law. They're not the men those bills described. You're crazy. Nick, the masked man's gone again. Where in blazes did he get to? If he's got away, the Indian's still here. Red skin? You took us on that chase without any reason. And now I'm going to make you sorry you ever did such a thing. You will not hurt Kanto. Everything's ready, fellow. You'll light them. Like what? What are you talking about? You see, both blazes. You wait. Hold your horses, fellas. I gotta hunch something's gonna happen. Blast them, powder. My papers. The evidence. That's where I had it hidden. If you did it. You're going to glory now. What's that you said about your papers, Nick? Sheriff, now you've got to arrest that masked man. He's gone. Wow. Mandy, evidence is gone. But wait. Listen. Nick, it's you the sheriff's going to arrest. No, no, he can't. He can't do that. You've been blackmailing a lot of us till we couldn't even call our names, our own. And we'll all testify against you. Won't we, fellas? I'll have you jailed. Without no evidence, Nick, you're going local. How intonation did the masked fella find your hiding place? I'll tell you. Blast you. You showed me yourself. You led me right to them. I didn't. You got your ranch house to hide those reward notices. Do you remember stepping into a mud puddle? Yes, but what's that got? That wasn't mud. It was paint. That one, I had placed it there before we rode up to your place the second time. Then, then I walked in it and... And left tracks that took me straight to the evidence you've been concealing so carefully. You tricked me. And, boss, that must have been when a masked fella took your boots away. He didn't want you to catch on to what you've done. That's it, exactly. And I think we fellas in town was doing our best to stop you, friend. Charlie, it just goes to show. You never can tell when you're well off. All right, Nick. You're going to jail, pronto. But, but, Sheriff, you know I had proof against these men. You know the masked man blew it up. You have to do something. Nick, when you've been along as long as I've been, you get sense enough to serve a when-to-take action and when not to. Hey, wait! Gosh, you never even waited to be thanked. I never seen another fella like him. Sheriff, what was that you started to say about him a while back? Why, all I was going to say was that he's the fella they call the Lone Ranger. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.