 A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty high old silver, the lone ranger. With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the daring and resourceful, masked 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 from the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver, the lone ranger rides again. Come on, silver. Let's go, big fellow. Are you silver? In the kitchen of a small ranch house, Jim Fay sat at the table that his wife, Mary, had just cleared. He looked sad and ejected as he arranged some papers before him. Mary tried to be cheerful as she straightened up the room and talked to their young son, Tommy, who as usual was brimming with life and excitement. I think it's going to be fun living near the river. Could I get a boat, do you think? Oh, it's just a small stream, Tommy. I'd get us deep enough for swimming though, ain't it? Isn't, not ain't, dear. Well, then, isn't it? I don't know, Tommy. Now, maybe you'd better run outside for a while. Are those the papers that mean you're selling the ranch, Dad? Yes, son. If we're going to be farmers again, does that mean I could fill up the pony you promised me? I don't know, son. We won't need saddle horses on a farm. But, gee, Dad, you can't ride on plow horses. You said I could have a horse of my own on my next birthday. I'd rather have a horse than anything in the world, and I can ride too. Tommy, I told you not to bother your father. Go on out and watch for Mr. Schaefer. He'll be along any minute now. Do you think he'll be riding tornado? He's the best horse around here, everybody says. I saw him in town the other day, and he reared up on his hind legs right in front of the frisbee store, and pranced all over the street. Gosh, I love to ride him. If you ever get to be a rider like Dave Schaefer, you can take a chance like that. Even a horse like tornado can't stand up against him. Run along now, Tommy. I'll let you know when I see him coming. Are you disappointed in me, Mary? I sure made a mess of trying to be a cattleman. Jim, don't talk like that. I never should have left Illinois. We had a good farm there, and I should have been contented. You're still a good farmer, Jim. What if you didn't succeed as a cattle rancher? That's no disgrace. At least you had the sense to sell while you still had something. That's good, rich bottom land down by the river, and you're a good farmer. We'll make a goal that you'll see. There won't be much to start with, but at least Dave Schaefer's given me cash. Could be enough to buy some plough horses and farm machinery, and maybe some chickens. We'll get along, Jim. Here he comes, Dad. Here comes Mr. Schaefer, and he's riding tornadoes. You stay away from that horse, Tommy. He's dangerous. I've never seen a child so crazy about horses. Too bad we can't afford to get him. Oh, oh, don't run your horse. He was lying right here with Schaefer. Thanks, son. Maybe I'd better make some tea. Never mind. Dave isn't interested in tea. Hello, Dave. Come on in. How are you, Jim? Have a chair, Dave. Thanks. Hello, Mrs. Faye. Hello. How are you, Mr. Schaefer? Sit right here. Thanks. I've got all the papers ready. We've signed them right here. I've got the cash right with me. I'm sorry about all this. Well, I suppose I just didn't know enough about cattle. I'm a farmer, I guess. What? It's Tommy. That horse... Where is he? What happened? Come on. He's there on the ground. Tommy. Back. Back. Toredo. Someone on fire. Tommy. He's hurt bad, Mary. He must have tried to ride that horse. Oh, no. I'll ride the top of the doctor. You better get him right in the house. Steady. Get up there. Don't cry, Mary. The doctor's taken care of him. Tommy will be all right. Why did he try to ride that terrible horse? I'm sure it's sorry about it, Mrs. Faye. It isn't your fault, Mr. Shave. How is he, Doctor? You can go into it now, Mrs. Faye. He's conscious. My poor child. Well, Doc, Tommy's going to live, Jim. But... But what? I didn't want to tell you this in front of your wife. But I'm afraid Tommy's going to be crippled. What? Crippled? You mean for life? No. Dark later on, something may be done. An operation. I really can't see. I have done my best. I'm sorry, Jim. Thanks, Doc. Jim was my horse. Tommy needs an operation. Let me take care of it. I've got plenty of money. It wasn't your fault, Dave. I'll have enough money by the time he's ready for the operation. Well, you stay here till Tommy's better. Stay as long as you like. I wish I could do something. Thanks, Dave. Thanks for getting the Doctor so fast. Oh, for me, Tommy hadn't been so crazy about horses. I'm afraid he'll never be a rider now. I know he won't. As long as I live, he'll never go near a saddle horse again. I want everyone on the farm. I hate them. He'll never get near one again. The following months were hard ones for Jim and Mary Faye. Farm labor was scarce in this cattle country and clearing the land of the new farm kept Jim working from dawn until sunset. It was a day late in summer when he came toward the house just in time to see young Tommy disappearing over the hill toward the river valley. His face saddened as he watched the small figure hobbling along with the aid of a crutch. Mary came to the door. I've got your dinner ready, Jim. Come on in and wash off. Where's Tommy going? He asked me to pack lunch for him again today. He took a book with him. He's done that about three times this week. I don't know where he goes. He seems to want to be alone, doesn't he? Yes, he's changed, Jim. He's not the same little boy anymore. Ever since. Now, Mary, don't cry. He'll be all right after a while. He just isn't used to people looking at him the way they do. But he'll get used to it. I wonder where he goes every day. It's rough country over there to you. Little gullies and ridges. But maybe we'd better not pry, Mary. Make some happy to do it. That's not bother. Tommy limped toward the place that he had found quite by accident. It was a small valley hidden between two steep ridges. He had followed a little stream between the narrow opening of rocks about five feet wide when he discovered the place. A sheer slope at the end of it prevented any other entrance to it. And the small valley was like a quiet cathedral except for the gurgling stream that was spread by a spring on a slope. But today, as he entered between the rocks, he heard a different sound. It was the whinny of a horse. Be afraid of me. I won't hurt you. You must have fallen off the ridge. I think it's some help, poor fellow. It's so far back home. But though I just got... The lone ranger and Tonto, his Indian companion, were riding west toward the Fay Farm when they heard a voice calling... Rosalua! Rosalua! Rosalua! There's a young boy over on that ridge. Ah. He sounds like he's in trouble. Come on, Tonto. See what's wrong. Rosalua! He's all alone. Maybe someone with impact. What's wrong, son? I'm so glad you're here. Rosalua! There's a horse hurt down there in the valley. If you follow me, I'll take you to him. Oh, wait. You better let me take you on my horse. Here, I'll help you up. I'm afraid that's about all we can do for him. His hind leg is badly sprained. You'll have to stay off it. Will he have to be tied up like that? I'm afraid so, son. He doesn't like it, but it's best for him. Do you live near here? Yes. I live over the hill. I'm Tommy Faye. Well, Tommy, I think you'd better get your father to take care of this colt. It's well worth saving. Ah, him mighty fine horse. He's beautiful. Don't you think I mean, couldn't I take care of him? You're going to need some help. That leg needs treatment. Your father will be pleased to think you found such a fine animal. He'll probably get a vet right out here from town. I want him so much, but... But if you were a son, you found him. My father won't let me ride a horse or go near one. Jean, mister, couldn't you help me take care of him? You're so kind. Tommy, I noticed something when I picked you up. You're the first person I ever met who didn't ask me why I wear a mask. Were you too excited about this horse? I was excited about the horse, but that wasn't why I didn't ask. Didn't you think I was an outlaw? You were different. With me, I mean. Different? You didn't say anything about my crutch. Oh, I see. But I'll tell you about it. A horse threw me once, and that's why I'm crippled. And you still like horses? It hasn't made you afraid of them? No, sir. I'm not afraid of them. I'd rather have one than anything else in the world. But it's made my father hate them, and if he finds out about this one, he might shoot it or something. Oh, please don't tell anybody he's here. Well, he must be. Now, maybe we can back tomorrow, huh? Bring medicine, fix horse. Yes, tunnel. It looks as if we're going to have to. Oh, thank you, sir. I'll come every day and talk to him. I think the first thing we'd better do is to block up the entrance to this place. There's only one that nearer when we came through. That won't be hard. Come on. I know. Let's get busy. Ah, you get Francis along. And, sir, you'll promise not to tell a soul? Not a soul, Tommy. This is our secret. 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 our story. Every day, Tommy went down to his secret valley to feed and care for the lame colt. The Lone Ranger and Tonto took care of the injured leg, but the colt was nervous and frightened when they appeared. But he accepted Tommy, who fed him and brought him carrots and sugar and delicious things he had never tasted before. Finally, the day came when the Lone Ranger's task was done. He'll be standing on that leg tomorrow, Tommy. He's almost cured. Will he limp, do you think? No. He will for a while. But not after his leg is strong again. He'll be all right in a few weeks. Makes him nervous to have us around, Tonto. Let's go. I'll walk to the barrier with you. All right, fine. Don't you think I'd better talk to your father, Tommy? About the colt, you mean? Yes. I think I could make him see things your way. Oh, please, sir. Not yet. I want to have him all to myself just a little while. I'm going to call him White Star. I'm going to call him the star on his forehead. Do you like that name? It's a fine name, son. He'll probably be a one-man horse after this. You'll be the only one he'll trust. He knows me now. He pricks up his ears and whinnies when he hears my whistle and lets me sit beside him and brush his coat. Here, let me boost you over this barrier. There you are. Silver's glad to see you. Oh, here's a hauler I brought you for White Star. Oh, thanks. Will you be back again soon? There's nothing more we can do for your horse, Tommy. But we'll be back in a week or two to see how you're getting along. Maybe you'll be riding White Star by that time. Uh, leg get better. Pass now. There's only one thing I'm worried about. What's that, Tommy? I don't know how I'll ever get up on his back. There's a trick you can teach him. I taught it to Silver. What is it? What? Down, Silver. Down, boy. He's getting down. I could get right on his back without having to jump. All right, Silver. Get her, boy. To teach White Star to do that? All right, I'll tell you how, Tommy. But you must remember to be patient with him. It'll take a long time. Oh, I will. I will. The warm summer days were no longer lonely for Tommy. He and White Star spent them together in the hidden valley. White Star was strong again and trotted to the barrier when he heard the boy's whistle. Hi there, fellow. I brought you an apple, but first you have to do your new trick. Down, White Star. Down, fellow. Time you did it right away. You're the smartest horse in the world. Now, wait till I get on your back. Now, up, fellow. It was almost a month later when Tonto and the Lone Ranger rode to the hidden valley to see Tommy. As they neared the entrance, they noticed that the barrier was gone. Oh, look. The barrier's gone. Maybe horse stay here without being shoved in. I wonder. Let's ride in and see if Tommy's here. I'll go first. This passage is narrow. Come on, Silver. I can't see White Star anywhere. Teamers happy. Look over there. That Tommy on ground. Who's Silver? You think maybe Horse Throne? I hope not. Tommy, are you all right? Tommy, what's wrong? Are you hurt? No. He's gone. White Star, he ran away. Gone? How did he get out? He jumped the barrier. A barrier not there. It's gone. I know it. I took it down after he got out. He's been gone almost two weeks. I took it down because I thought maybe he'd want to come back. But I guess he doesn't. I guess he won't ever come back. Here, don't cry, Tommy. He may have come back when you weren't here. No, I've been here every day waiting for him and whistling for him. I miss him so. I don't know why he ran away. Well, Tommy, you see White Star is a wild horse. We're probably the first human beings that he's ever seen. And you're the only one he ever obeyed. He couldn't have liked me very well. Oh, yes, he did. But the urge for freedom was too strong. He probably went back to his herd. And I'll never see him again. I'm afraid I can't promise that you will. But I will promise this. Tuttle and I'll do everything we can to find him. And if we do, we'll bring him back to you. Four callhands stood around the corral at Dave Shaver's ranch. A beautiful black horse stood in the center of the enclosure. It quivered with excitement and called the earth as Dave Shaver entered the corral prepared to ride it. The men were so excited that they didn't notice the masked man in the Indian who had stopped their horses some distance away and were watching. Hold that rope. I'm riding him right now. How you gonna hurt him? Look at that critter foot. Oh, look at him sunfish. Right in, Dave. Look out, he's dying to my... There goes Dave. Bet that horse somebody. Open the gate, give Dave out. You all right, Dave? Help me, Dave. Get up, Dave. I'm getting up. I'm not hurt. Come on, get out of this corral. That horse is a devil. You sure made it pretty hard going through the air. You better not try that again. That horse must have been raised on gunpowder and red pepper. I never saw a horse like it. I... Hey, look over there. An engine and a masked man. Where they come from? Watch them, boys. Right. Is the idea of the mask, stranger? Who are you? You can take your hands off your guns, boys. We just stopped to see the show. That's a mighty fine horse you have there in the corral. That's a nice one you're riding, mister. Would you like to do a little trading? No, this one isn't for sale. I thought you might like to sell that one, though. You and he didn't seem to be getting along very well. That's right. I'll say they did. That horse is poison. We captured him about a week ago. It's a wildest piece of horse flesh I've ever seen. Nobody can stay on him more than five seconds. Then you sell him to me? No, he's not for sale. Why don't you sell him? Here's your chance, Dave. What do you plan to do with him? That horse has made a laughing stock of me all over town. I'm fixing things so they'll stop laughing. There's a big rodeo next week, and I'm taking this horse to it. I'm putting up a $500 prize for anyone who can stay on him for half a minute. That's a lot of money. Well, that's a lot of horse. All the best riders in the country will be there. And they won't be able to resist trying for a prize like that. And after this black cake of fireworks throws all of them, maybe people will stop ragging me about him. That's very interesting. We'll see you at the rodeo, Dave. Come on, son. Get him out of the car. The most popular feature at the rodeo was the horse Dave Shaver called Spitfire. Throughout the day, rider after rider had pried for the $500 prize. People no longer made fun of Dave for being thrown by the horse that had thrown all the best riders in the territory. And Dave was in high spirits when the lone ranger approached him. Hello, Dave. Well, if it isn't the mask man again, even wearing that mask in public. Is your $500 offer still good? It sure is, stranger. Maybe that mask is a good idea. It'll hide your blushes when Spitfire sends you rolling in the dirt. Well, are there any special rules about riding? You can make your own terms, mask man. The only rule is nobody gets the money unless he stays on that critter for half a minute. That is without being tied on. Don't try. Here's another local gent who wants to dirty up his clothes. I want you to take the saddle off the horse and let him run free in the arena. What? Did you hear that? He's crazy. Why, you couldn't even catch him, let alone stay on him if you did. You've had any turns, I think. Well, stranger, this should be fun. Take the saddle off Spitfire, Pete and let him out of the chute. New boys spread the word around. This is going to be good. The spectators crowded eagerly around the fence that enclosed the arena as the black horse pranced out of the chute at one end. They watched the mask man expectantly, but he only waved at someone across the enclosure. There was a gasp of fear from the crowd as they saw an Indian lift a small boy over the fence, and suddenly there was an odd silence. The small figure hobbled forward on his crutch, and then the crowd heard a low whistle. The horse stopped suddenly, his ears pricked forward, and the whistle sounded again. The horse quivered, then slowly walked toward the small boy who stood with tears of joy running down his cheeks. White star, white star, it's really you. We're together again. Oh, I'm so glad. I've missed you so. Do you remember white star? Do you remember your trick? Down, follow, down. I want to get on your back. That's it, boy. Too amazed to cheer, the crowd watched with unbelieving eyes as the great horse walked gently, carrying the little boy who had left his crutch in the center of the enclosure. I can't believe it. That's the kid that was crippled by my horse tornado. That's Jim Faesboy. Now, will you sell me the horse, Dave? Sell you that horse? I should say not. I wouldn't separate that horse and kid for a million dollars. I thought you'd feel that way. Come on, mask man. We're going straight to Jim Faes right now. He wouldn't take charity from me. I wanted to give him money enough for Tommy's operation. But he's going to take $500 right now. His son won it, fair and square. Tommy stood in the corral of his father's farm beside White Star as he watched the Lone Ranger ride off in the twilight. There he goes, White Star. And maybe someday soon, my leg will be strong again and we'll ride over the hills just like the mask man and his big white horse. You have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.