 General Mills, makers of Cheerios, the Oats cereal ready to eat, and Wheaties, breakfast of champions, presents the Lone Ranger! Fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty hyose silver! The Lone Ranger! With its faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful 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. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come a thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver! The Lone Ranger rides again! Come on, Silver! Let's go, big fella! I am Silver! When boys line up to run a race, Galloping Garden sets the pace. He comes in first because he knows. He's got Cheerios! Yes, he's got GO-POWER! And so will you, once you're eating Cheerios every breakfast. You'll say the Cheerios taste simply wonderful too. They're already cooked, shaped like little roundoes, and just full of good toasted oat flavor. Pour out a big bowl full, add fresh milk and pitch in. You can almost feel the GO-POWER. For a Cheerios breakfast is one of the finest ways you can get the vitamins, proteins, and minerals your body needs. A bowl of Cheerios and milk really starts your day right. Helps give you good red blood, strong bones, and muscles. GO-POWER! You get it from Cheerios! Try it! And folks will say... He's feeling his Cheerios! Play after midnight when the Lone Ranger and Tonto rode slowly into the Colorado town of Duesburg. That flight could be seen in only one building, the cafe owned by Jake Reynolds. We'll try to buy supplies at the cafe, Tonto. If we can get the flour and other things we need, we'll be able to go on without wedding until the store opens in the morning. Isn't that good? We'll stop behind the building. I'll stay with the horses while you go into the kitchen and try to buy from the cook. Come on, Tonto! Get him up to count! While the mask man and his Indian companion rode toward the dark area behind the cafe, Jake Reynolds sat alone in his office, which, like the kitchen, was in the rear part of the building. The cafe owner was reflecting on the way his business had increased since he'd hired Barbara Andrews as a singer. Yes, come in, come in. Mr. Reynolds. Oh, it's you, Barbara. Do come in, come in. Mr. Reynolds, as of tonight, I've finished my three months' engagement here in your cafe. I want to thank you for the work and say goodbye. And since you're not leaving, you're the most popular singer I've ever hired. Business is more than doubled since you started away. You deserve a substantial raise in pay. It's kind of you to say that, but... How much do you want it? It's not a question of money. I told you when I came to work here that I hoped to be able to leave at the end of three months. To become a school DJ. To complete my education so I'll be able to teach. I thought you were supporting your mother and brother. I have been. But now my brother has a fine job. Both he and mother want me to become a teacher. I can't afford to let you go. I lose a lot of business. I'm sorry, but I... If you leave, I'll see that your brother loses his job. You can't do that. I can't, eh? And I'll have you know I have influence in this town. I'll speak to your brother's employer. Then you'll speak to Uncle Sam. What? My brother's working for the government. He's a pony rider. Pony rider? That underfed little sprout? How can he do a man's job? He's worthless and yellow. Slap my face. That's for the way you spoke of my brother. If you were a man, I'd kill you. Good boy. Now hold on. I'm leaving through this door. Not so fast. Let go of my arm. Even though you are a girl. Now get away with slapping my face. Let me go. Not until you apologize. Apologize to you? Why you fat pink face? Apologize. You hear me? Let me go. You're hurting me. I'll twist your arm until it breaks unless you're a pony. She's ready to throw you to the let go. Please help me. Well, I'm telling you. I'll teach you to mind your own business. Look out for his gun. Aren't you? That's for trying to draw a sneak gun. Drawing a derringer. Take the gun out of his hand and put it on the desk. Huh. Hey, do it. Is he the owner of this place? Yes. His name is Jake Reynolds. Every man in Capay hear noise. Come in here. No one could have heard it. The room is sound proof. I'm very grateful to you, sir. Even though you may be an outlaw. No, I'm not an outlaw. I have personal reason for wearing this mask. In any case, I'm glad you came in. Todd and I were just mounting behind the building when we heard you cry out. The door was open and we saw you struggling. He wouldn't let me leave until I apologized for slapping his face. Well, if you're free to leave now, he'll not stop you. But it's late for a girl to walk alone. It's just a short walk home. But I'd be pleased to have you escort me. Despite the fact that I'm a stranger and masked. You've proved to be a friend in time of need. Thank you. My name's Barbara Andrews. Andrews, I... I knew a man named Andrews. A teacher in the East before he came to Colorado. You see, he died a year ago. He was my father. He was a fine man. And I'm pleased to meet his daughter. Ponto will lead Scout and Silver and escort Miss Andrews to her home. Are you not quite a by-supplier? No, not here. We'll camp in the woods until morning, then get what we need in the store. Mr. Reynolds is regaining consciousness. Let's go before he's able to renew the argument. During the walk to her home, Barbara Andrews found it easy to confide in the last man. She told about her brother, about Jake Reynolds, and gave a detailed account of the situation that had led to the argument in the cafe owner's office. After leaving the girl, the Lone Ranger and Ponto camped in the woods near town. The masked man, knowing that Reynolds might try to get revenge, decided to remain nearby and watch. Wearing a disguise instead of his mask, the Lone Ranger spent most of his time watching Jake Reynolds as closely as possible. Five evenings after the incident in his office, Reynolds' jaw was still sore from the masked man's blow, but his pride had been hurt even more. Brooding and vengeful, he sat with a hard-faced man named Baxter at a corner table in the cafe. Neither suspected that the man who looked like an old prospector asleep at a nearby table was in reality the Lone Ranger, alert to every spoken word. You can see, Baxter, how my business has fallen off since that singer lived, and it will probably get worse. Yes, losing the business is bad enough. But when I think of her slapping my face, she'll regret that. After her brother's lost his job, she'll be baking me to take a bag. What makes you think that Gorrow's brother will lose his pony rider job? I've worked out a plan to get him fired, and jailed on top of being fired. That's why I sent her to you. I need your help. What do you want me to do? Get someone to help you rob young Andrews and steal the mail. But I don't survey how you figure that Andrews will be fired and put in jail just because he's robbed of the mail. I'll tell Peterson, the station master, that I overheard talk that made me think Andrews was in cahoots with mail robbers. Then I'll plant some money in Andrews' pocket. When he can't explain where he got it, his goose will be cooked to him. When do you want the rubbery that they play? Tomorrow. Right. His run begins at the station in Rockville, that's east of here. I know where it is. He finishes his run here in Jewelsburg. Then he'll ride across that rocky stretch of country about four miles from here. That'll be a good place to wail at him. That's the place I had in mind. Uh, what is in it for me? A hundred dollars now and another hundred when the job is done. Double it, Reynolds. I've got to split with my partner. All right. I haven't time to argue. I've got to call on Peterson before he goes to bed. The two men left the café and a moment later the disguised lone rangers seemed to awaken from sound sleep. He sat up, leaned back in his chair and rubbed his eyes. He looked around, then shuffled out of the building. In the darkness outside, he walked rapidly to the edge of town where Toppo waited with the horses. While replacing his disguise with his own familiar clothes and his mask, he told the Indian what he had learned and added, How do I think I know a way to turn the tables on Jake Reynolds? Isn't that good? I'll wait until he leaves Peterson's home then I'll go in. John Peterson lived alone, conveniently near the Pony Express station. He was surprised when Reynolds came to his home and told of overhearing two men discuss a meal robbery. He was even more surprised when the café owner added that the thieves had bribed a pony rider. Did they mention the name of the pony rider? Yes, Ben Andrews. Ben Andrews, huh? I suppose you know he's the brother of the girl who sang in your café. Yes. The girl who slapped your face. The girl just lost her temper. I don't hold that against her. She's a fine young lady and it's a shame her brother has turned dishonest. I'm not sure that he has turned crooked. You think I lied? I didn't say that. Do you describe the men you overheard talking about a robbery? Of course I can. But if you're not going to take me seriously... Here's your pencil and paper. You describe them and I'll write down what you say. All right, Peterson. You'll find out. I'm telling the truth. You'll continue our lone ranger adventure in just a moment. Sailor Sam is the smartest boy. Whoever shouted, ship a high, he can weather any storm that blows. He's got gold power from Cheerios. Yes, he's got gold power. 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 feeling his Cheerios. ...to continue. Reynolds gave a fanciful description of two men. Then left the house upset but satisfied that he had planted seeds that would develop into serious trouble for the young pony rider. Peterson sat reading over the description, which was too vague in general to be of any importance. When? When? Masked! I've been waiting outside in the darkness for your last visitor to leave. I took the liberty of coming through the back door without wrapping. But who are... Here's a letter that should satisfy you that I'm here as a friend. You a friend? Masked. Please read that. It's signed by a high army official. It explains why I wear a mask. A lone ranger? Scott! Did Reynolds tell you one of your men had accepted the bribe? Yes, sir. How did you know? Don't ask me how I know. Just tell me whether or not you believe Ben Andrews is dishonest. I can't believe that any of our riders would sell out the crooks. And on the other hand, unless Reynolds told the truth, what did he hope to gain? He wants Andrews to lose his job in the hope that Ben's sister will be forced to return to the cafe. He should know that I'd never dismiss a man on such unfounded charges. The charges may prove to be well-founded. You mean Ben is a crook? No. There are plans to frame him. A vault of mean, dirty... Pedicin! I'd like to make those plans backfire. So would I, but how? I have a counterplan. I'll need your help. Count on it. Just tell me what to do. Lend me a pair of Pony Express mail pouches. I'll fill them with blank paper. And I'll take them. The following day found Baxter and his partner hidden with their horses behind one of the huge boulders that studded the flat country east of Julesburg with Reynolds money in their pockets. The two men watched for Ben Andrews who was making his first westbound trip as a pony rider. Meanwhile, Ben had several miles to go before reaching the scene of the contemplated robbery. Like all pony riders, he wore light tight-fitting clothes and used a light racing saddle. He was equipped for speed rather than defense. His only weapon was a revolver of small caliber. Get up there! Get along, boy, we gotta make time! Get up! Higger, who reached Julesburg on schedule, then watched the trail ahead. But suddenly he heard a shout. Hey! Looking to his right, he saw a white horse approaching from the side and the rider of that horse wore a mask. Get up! Get along there! The mask man turned his horse and rode a breast of Ben. He was some distance away but edging closer as he shouted and raised his hand to signal a halt. Wait in! He wants me to stop and get run. Black blazes our wheels. Get up there! Get along now! Realizing that he could not out-distance the mask man, Ben drew his small gun and cried, You come any closer now, shoot! Wait in! I'm afraid! I warned you! Even a good marksman would have found it almost impossible to shoot accurately with such a small gun while riding at breakneck speed. Ben's first two shots came nowhere near the mask man. Wait in! I wanna speak to you! Keep away, do you hear? Keep away! Ben fired two more bullets, both in effectual. I can't even slow him up! Come on, do it! The mask man and the big white horse came closer. One bullet left. I gotta get him. The last shot missed, like all the others. Then the low ranger got its silver close to the pony rider's side. Get away, do you hear me? Leave me alone! Leading to the side, the mask man grabbed the bridle of the other horse. Hold it! Hold it! Hold it! You hang for this, he'll get you for stopping me. You'll hang, do you hear? Take it easy, Ben. Now listen to me. I'm a friend, I'm here to help you. I'm carrying a United States mail. I've stopped you to protect that mail. Listen to me, or you'll be in jail and your sister will be back in Reynolds Cafe. My sister? What do you know about my sister? I know all about the situation. I also know that men are waiting to steal the mail. I brought these pouches for you to carry. They hold blank paper. I'll take the one that you're carrying. No, no! Peterson knows I'm doing this. He loaned me these pouches. My boss knows? Yes. We made the plans and he wants you to cooperate. I'll meet you in the woods at the edge of town and return the mail. Listen to me. I'll explain everything. The mask man soon won Ben's confidence and his cooperation. Later that day, a small group of townspeople stood in front of the station to greet Ben on the completion of his first westbound trip. Ben's sister was among those present. He stood next to John Peterson. Presently, Jake Reynolds approached. Hello, Peterson. Good afternoon, Miss Andrews. How do you do? Have you any business here, Reynolds? Yes. I'm expecting some mail by Pony Express. It should arrive today. There'd be a cash draft enclosed in the letter, Peterson, for a large sum of money. I'd hate to lose it. If there's any mail for you, you'll get it. Hold it right! With Ben in sight, the Pony rider who was to carry the mail west from Julesburg came from the stable leading a fresh horse. While everyone watched Ben approaching, Jake Reynolds took from his pocket a $100 bill. He held it concealed in his hand, ready to slip it into Ben's pocket as evidence that the young rider had accepted a bribe. Hold it! Hold it! Hold it! As Ben dismounted, Reynolds stepped to his side and seized him roughly. Stand back, Reynolds! Let my brother go! With his body concealing the move, Reynolds slipped the money into Ben's pocket. Reynolds, let my rider go! Right, Peterson. You question him. No time for questions now. We've got to keep the mail moving. Transfer the pouches. Mr. Peterson, on the way here, I was dropped. You see, I told you he'd come here with that story. He sold out the crooks. These mail pouches look all right to me. Here's the Julesburg pouch with the lock just as it should be. What's your head for? See for yourself. Ben, you said you were robbed. Yeah, Barbara. Two crooks way-laid me and stole some pouches. But they held blank papers. A friend met me before I got the way the crooks were waiting. We switched pouches. He carried the mail past the crooks and gave it back to me just outside of town. Reynolds, I've opened the Julesburg pouch and there is no mail for you. And who's your mitts being robbed? The Julesburg mail arrived here safe, with the seals unbroken, and that's what counts. My job is to see that the rest of the mail gets going to the next station. On your way, Sam. Now, Reynolds, have you any more thing more to say? I've got plenty to say. I expected a letter with a cash-strapped entity. It's not here. Now, listen, Jake, there's the marshal right over there. He's riding this way. Why don't you make your complaint to him? I certainly shall complain to him. I'll tell him what I suspect and insist that he search this young scallywaggy. Yeah. Marshal, I want to speak to you. And I have something to say to you, Reynolds. You're under arrest. What? The charge is conspiracy to rob the United States mail. What do you mean by such a ridiculous guy? I'll take that sneak gun of yours. But this is preposterous. Don't act innocent, Reynolds. My deputies and I caught Baxter and Gates in the act of robbing the pony rider. Isn't that right, Andrews? Yes. The deputies are bringing him in. I came ahead to get you. I don't know anything about what those men did. You'll have a chance to argue that in court. But you won't get far. Both crooks named you as the one who hired them. They'll try to get like jail terms by being government witnesses against you. They're those double-crossing deputies right here. The mail wasn't stolen. Not the mail, Reynolds. The mail pouches. That's it. They're government property. Stealing them is a serious offence. The jail's right down the street. Get going. But wait. Listen, Epip. Get going. They're the one who paid for this. Those double-crossies. That's him pretty boy. Looks like Reynolds finally outsmarted himself. Yeah, that's right. Hey, look at that phone in my pocket. A $100 bill. I reckon Reynolds put it there when he grabbed you, Ben. He wanted it to be found when you were searched. It was to prove you'd been bribed. Well, then this is Reynolds' money. Yes, I'll take charge of it. I'll do it to him, but I doubt that he'll admit it is. If he won't claim it, we'll put it into the school file. Oh, good. Ben, did you really meet someone who carried the mail part of the way? Well, sure. And while he was riding to meet me, his Indian friend followed the trail with a marshal. He led the way to where the crooks were waiting. The marshal caught him red-handed in the act of robbing me. Of the empty pouches? Yeah. The last man wasn't sure Tomo could find the mail thieves in time. So he gave me pouches without mail in them in case the crooks did steal them. Tondo? Well, that's the name of the Indian. Did the man who helped you wear a mask? Well, yeah. Then he's the man who helped me that night in Reynolds' office. That's right, Barbara. Oh, I do wish I might see him again. I wish I could thank him for all he's done. You can see him, Barbara. Me and Tondo are up yonder on the hilltop. Oh. But as for thanking him, well, he doesn't wait for thanks. He's the Lone Ranger. We'll return in just a moment for a word about our next exciting Lone Ranger adventure. I owe you. Champions are made, not born. I guess we all agree with that. Take the story of Queenie's champion, Red-Shamed Deans, to the St. Louis Cardinals. As a Bat-Boy for a theme, to be a champ was young Red's dream. He learned to feel the hits to slide. And here's a tip to be your guy. Queenies helped him hit his stride. Now Red makes that double play. Queenies keep him on his way. Sure, Red-Shamed Deans has been powering up on Queenies for 20 years. And here's where the power comes from. There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Queenie's play. Let's go, Red. Hit a double. Hey, hey, hey. He's on his way, on his way. He's on his way, on his way. Get on your way with Queenies. Because champions are made, not born. Yes, sir. Get on your way. Get on your way. Get on your way with Queenies. Breakfast of champions. Reunited with friends in Modoc City, the Lone Ranger and Tonto didn't know that killers had followed them to town for the express purpose of murdering them. Be sure to listen. The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, is created by George W. Trenble, produced by Trenble Campbell Muir Incorporated and directed by Fred Flower Day. The night's drama was written 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 program has come to you from Detroit. This is ABC Radio Network.