 for the speed of light, the cloud of dust and a hardy high old silver, the Lone Ranger. With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked rider of the planes 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 hoofbeats of the great horse, Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver, I was waiting on the trail ahead. Come on, Silver, Silver! The territorial prison was only a few years old, well built and strongly guarded. No one had ever escaped from its high stone walls, although several men had been killed in desperate and fruitless attempts. This knowledge was in Lou Russell's mind as he and Pete and other prisoner were being led across the yard by an armed and surly guard. Keep moving, you two, this ain't no picnic. Russell glanced up at a dark and overcast sky, then spoke to his companion in the tight-lipped undertone that is common to prisoners the world over. Storm blown up, that'll help. Yeah, remember now, there'll be a jar of Mexican pottery in the corner of the room. The gun's in that. You shot me. I got you. Cut the gap. Your army's asked to see the warden. The only talking you'll do is to him. Love. Open up, Bill. What's this? Warden's orders. They asked to see him. Cell guard and two prisoners. Well, Warden, you see, we figured... Make it short. I haven't time to listen to a long story. My partner and I have been cellmates for three months. No, no, Lou, you got it wrong. It's like this. You clumsy convict. Gee, I... And whooping that jar. Get up, Russell. I don't know what to say. Guard, use the lash. Stand up, you! Yeah, I'll stand up. He's got a gun. And I can use it to keep your hands up. Both of you. Nice work, Lou. Now get this and get it straight. The four of us are gonna walk out of here, see? You won't get away with it, Russell. Yes, I will. You and this whip swinger go first. Pete and I'll be right behind you. When we get to the outer gate, tell the guard to open it up. Understand? Yes, but you can. Head on. Start talking, Warden. And lock this door, Bill. And walk across the yard with us. Yes, sir. And these men, uh... And there's some government officers waiting for them outside the gate. Open it up. Yes, sir. I guess we ought to thank you, Warden, for everything you've done. Yes, sir. Say, what's wrong here? Use your gun. These men are escaping. Run for it, Pete. No, you don't, Pop. Over this way, Pete. The horses are here. I think I'll meet one of them guards. I hope it's the one with the whip. Here, Lord. I'd like to stick around and plug one of them for me. We have a time for that. A few minutes later, and not far from the stone prison, a masked man and his Indian friend were resting their horses in a small grove of trees. That sounded like gunfire, Thomas. Ah, maybe men hunt. There's no hunting in that direction. It might be a... If somebody headed this way, we'll stay out of sight. Ah. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Steady, there. I think we've lost him, Pete. Sure we have. Those guards can't hit anything. They can't reach with a whip. Damn, this is where I'll turn north. North? Where to? A little town called Plasm. Why go back there? It's the nearest thing I've got to home. Ah, now, Lou, don't be loco. You're the best sheriff that town ever had. What do they do for you? Not much. They railroaded you into the pan on a fake charge of cattle rustling. Is that your idea, not much? That's why I'm going back. I got to prove I was framed. Don't forget you're not a free citizen now, son. You're an escaped convict. Ah, let's head out west and start clean. No, Pete. I'm going back to class. Are you crazy? Maybe. Well, then, I guess this is where we... what we say so long. How do you figure? You're going out west, aren't you? Listen, you sidewinder. I can't be put off that easy. You're loco enough to go back to classin'? Well, I'm loco, too. Thanks, Pete. What are we waiting for? Let's hide, Taylor. Get up there! Come on, get up! I don't know. Those men have just broken out of prison. You think they speak truth? I don't know. These men not go away? That's what puzzles me. They could leave the country and be free. Yet one of them insist upon going back to the town where he was convicted of a crime. Me, not savvy. Neither do I. Anyone who gambles freedom against prison to prove he's right may need help. Here, Silver. Yes, Count. City, Silver. City, boy. Where we going now? Same trail there on to classin'. Come on, Silver. Get him up! The little town of classin' nestled snugly at the north end of Blue River Valley. In many respects, it was similar to other towns of a range country. The single exception was a large wooden building on one side of Main Street. This was the courthouse, the seat of justice in classin' county. It contained the room in which only a year ago a jury of angry ranchers had demanded that Sheriff Russell forfeit his badge. Attorney Dan Cummings had defended Russell at that time. And now, although it was well past midnight, he nervously paced the floor of his small office. I should have heard something like this time. Baby. Who is it? John Carter. Just a minute. I was just heading for home when I got your message. What is it you want, Cummings? Well, come in, John. Come in, Senator. Have much time, Dan. Ethel's going to meet me at the delivery stable. She's driving in from the ranch. What I have to say won't take long. I'm glad you mentioned Ethel. I'm thinking about her. I guess you've been thinking about my daughter for several years, Dan. Is that what you want to say? She's still in love with Lou Russell, isn't she? Won't consider me as long as he's in jail. It might be that way. Well, Lou's getting out of jail. It's probably on his way here now. What? Well, Lou Russell was sentenced to five years. I arranged a jailbreak. She'll be here tonight. What's the idea? I'm Lou's friend, and we're both in love with Ethel. My only interest is her happiness. If she wants Lou, I'll give them to her. Well, I'll be darned. I've heard of things like this, but I never saw it happen before. You'll tell Ethel? Sure. Sure, I will. Uh, by the way, Dan, there's something I'd like to ask you. Yes? This Murdock fellow who holds a mortgage on my ranch. I want to talk to him. Murdock? Well, he's very seldom in town. You're his lawyer, aren't you? Why do you want to see him? Curiosity for one thing. Here's a man who holds a mortgage on most every ranch in the valley. And yet nobody but you has ever seen him. Well, Mr. Murdock doesn't like people. I handle all his business. I hear he's kind of a queer critter. Where's the big black beard and dark glasses? That's right. Another thing, I've got to have an extension on that mortgage. That cattle rush in last year put me way behind. I'll talk to Mr. Murdock. Sure would appreciate it. I'll talk to Murdock, and you talk to Ethel. Fair enough. Good night, Dan. Good night, Carter. Oh, so long. Yeah, this is Classentunno. We ain't here with the courthouse until we see what those two men do. It's stopped by Lawman's place. I think it's the lawyer's office. Will you follow him? No. As long as the street's dark, it's best to wait here and see what happens. Who is it? Oh, you made it. I'm glad to see you. Yeah, we made it all right. This is Pete, Dan. Glad to know you, Pete. How are you? Did you have any trouble with the guns planted in the warden's office? Everything lined up just like we planned it. Oh, the guards. Did you have to? No. No, we didn't kill anybody. Oh, I'm glad to have that. But it isn't over yet, Lou. They'll be after you. I know it. That's why I have to work fast. Work? Prove that I was framed into that stretch. Isn't that why I busted out of jail? Yes, of course. But it'll take time. No, it won't. The first person I want to see is an hombre who showed up here just after I left. Who's that? I hear he wears a black beard, dark glasses, and goes by the name of Murdoch. Murdoch? Who told you about him? I did. The Lord didn't get around to picking me up until about a month after they framed Lou. I saw this Murdoch hombre a couple of times, but not up close. Who is he, Dan? Murdoch's just a man who came in here from the east and bought up some spreads. Yeah, bought him up after the ranches went broke on account of the rustling they blamed on Lou. Well, there's no law against buying property. Ain't it kind of funny this Murdoch got so many bargains? He's a shrewd businessman. I handled some of the deals for him. Then you know him? Yes, fairly well. But I don't think he'll be able to help you very much. I want to talk to him anyway. Where can I find him? Lou, why don't you and Pete forget all this and head out west somewhere? You can start clean. That isn't the reason I busted out of jail, Dan. I respect the law and what it means. I'm going right back to that jail just as soon as it clears up this mess. Ethel knows about your break. I told her father earlier this evening. I'm grateful for everything you've done, Dan. But right now I want to find this Murdoch. Where is he? He may not be in town. Then we'll tell him. Come on, Pete. Oh, wait, wait. I'll try to find him. He may be at the hotel or the bar. It wouldn't be good for you to show yourself in either of those places. I'll chance it. I'm sure if I find him, I'll find out who was behind my framework. All right, Lou. If you're bound to talk to Murdoch, I'll bring him here to the office. Good. But hurry it up, Dan. Like it's not, there's a posse on my trail, right? It doesn't mean herself. He'll be right back. Say, Lou, are you real sure this fella Cummings? What do you mean? Didn't he say he handled some deals from Murdoch? Well, you're crazy. Dan Cummings is the best friend I've got. Maybe. We wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for Dan. Well, don't get riled. I was just thinking. Let's all. I can hardly believe it, Father. Why would Dan Cummings help Lou Russell to break out of jail? Because he's in love with you. That doesn't make sense. I'm going to stop at Dan's office right now. Oh, no. You better leave well enough alone. Whoa, boys. Whoa, whoa. Lou's really here. I'm going to see him. Wait a minute. See that man across the street? Yes. I think that's Mr. Murdoch, and I want to talk to him. All right. You do that while I go into Dan's office. Murdoch! Oh, Murdoch! That's funny. He's looking right at me, but... Hey, Father. Hello, Lou. I thought I heard someone call Murdoch. He's standing right over there, but he won't answer me. I want to see him, too. Is that you, Murdoch? Listen to me. I know he's got a gun. So have I. He trails the whole town. Look. The man run this way. Yes. One of the men we've trailed, and he's wounded. Help him. Put him on your horse and meet me along the river south of town. Huh? Where you going? I'll catch that runaway team. Come on, children! Paul's on the first act of our Lone Ranger story. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. You are a story. Ethel Carter's team of young ponies were badly frightened by the gunfire. They raised headlong down the river road, with a light buckboard greening behind them. Ethel and her father clung desperately to the wagon. What can we do? Nothing but hope. If I could only get... Forage! Stop the bend! We'll never make it! But at that same instant, not far behind the runaway team was lunging through the night with ever-increasing speed. The Lone Ranger was urging his great white stallion forward. Paul and Silver, come on by! Slowly but surely the masked man and Silver drew alongside the team of wild and frightened ponies. And a straining tossing buckboard, which John Carter and his daughter clung precariously. They held on tightly, although they knew that at any moment the light wagon would be smashed into a million pieces. Help! As he drew a breast of the racing team, the Lone Ranger paused for just a moment, then levered the plunging back of one of the ponies. Oh, boy, whoa! Steady! Back! Whoa, whoa! His firm and steady hand brought the horses to a standstill. Hey, now, boys. It's all over. Everything's all right. Never saw such a writing in my life. You saved our lives. 100 yards, and we were to hit the bridge. Steady. It'll be all right now, after they rest a few minutes. I don't know how to thank you, stranger. Thanks aren't necessary. I'm glad I could help. At least you let me... Mask. You're wearing a mask. Mask, man, and a white horse. Outlaw! It was you who fired those shots at Lou. No, I didn't fire the shots. But I saw everything that happened. I don't understand it. I think I do, Father. Will you answer some questions? If we can. The name of the man who walked out of the lawyer's office just before the shooting is... Lou Russell. He used to be the sheriff here, but... He was convicted of cattle wrestling and sent to the penitentiary. He escaped from there this afternoon. How did you know all that? Uh, who's Mr. Murdock? He's the one who started that gunfighter. I guess it was him. I don't rightly know. You've never seen him? Only from a distance, like tonight. He's a queer-looking bird. Dark glasses and black beard. Thanks. Here's over, big fella. I think your pony is arrested now. He'll be gentle, too, after that long run. Lou, I just remembered. Maybe he was killed. No, he wasn't killed. He may be badly hurt. Let's drive back to town, Father, as quick as we can. You might not find him there. And if you don't, I can assure you he'll get the best of care. But how will we know? I'll let you know just as soon as I can. Come on, Silver. Oh, who do you suppose? I'm actually mixed up about a lot of things that have happened tonight. But I'm sure of one thing. What's that? That man we just talked to. He saved our lives and he rides a white horse named Silver. Well... There's only one answer. He's the lone ranger. ... I'm going to beat him to the ground, then I'll go. Yeah. Oh, Silver, whoa, whoa! Hey, big fella. Hello, hello, where are you? No, Taunton. Coming here. Now, where's Lou Russell? The man who was hurt. You bring him here? Uh-huh. Taunton bring him. Taunton fix wound. Him, sleep now. Where? Under Cottonwood. There. Oh, how is he taunton? Him, pulled through all right. Good. The other man who was with Russell. Where's he him dead? It's too bad after shooting stuff. How to hear people in town talk. What did they say? They know what caused it everybody talked plenty much and lawyer friend of Russell say him see mask man Right way him say you shoot The Russell's lawyer thinks I did the shooting about Murdoch Who you mean man with dark glasses and heavy beard may not see him I thought I might have a solution to this Russell's lawyer was there. I'm wrong What we do now you're on the ride Tano No, you're right at the ranch house of the girl who was driving the runaway wagon. I think her name is Carter I'll do Russell is all right. I think you can leave him here safely and where you go I'm going to find out something about the man named Murdoch. Meet me back here Kimo. Sorry Must feel much better outside of a crease in my scalp and left on it's not much good Who you thought on I picked you up after the gun battle and brought you here Well, then it's you I have to thank for how about Pete? Where's he? Hey, yes, you mean your partner Skilled Pete dead Do you have any idea who Murdoch is that's the ombre who started blasting me I never saw him before Very strange. I can't find a trace of him. You can't well now say mister Before you do any more for me. Maybe you better know that I'm an escaped convict I know all about it I've also investigated the charges essentially to jail Evidence was all circumstantial. Yeah letters from people I didn't know who was supposed to be buying stolen cattle from me. What's your lawyer's name Lou Cummings Dan Cummings He's about the best friend I've got he arranged the jailbreak. Oh, he did and the young lady Miss Carter Well, they'll didn't know about it. I only saw her a second before the shooting started Tell me is your friend Dan Cummings by any chance in love with Miss Carter, too Dan and Ethel. I Guess maybe he used to be kind of crazy about it, but well when we got engaged Dan forgot it I see and Dan's the one who helped me Time to bring plenty news. What is it Kimosami? Coward and class and big everybody talk Long and make posse you mean they're after us. Ah Wagon the front way come in town Carter man strapped to seat dead Noting wagon say girl kidnap we're bringing her back when lawman catch Russell mask man Ethel's father murdered and she's been kidnapped It's that Murdoch. It must be he's doing this because I got away and you helped me looks that way But why would he murder John Carter? I don't know Miss Carter got close enough to recognize Murdoch. What do you mean? Maybe nothing You're familiar with this country around here aren't you Russell like the palm on my hand You any idea where a kidnapper would choose a hideout there's several spots. Come on We'll ride double on silver we can stop at the Carter ranch and pick up a horse for you, right? First of the Carter ranch tunnel After securing a mount for Lou Russell a three horsemen spent hours scouring the hills in broken country for trace of the man Who kidnapped Ethel Carter finally Much further isn't the old man just around the end of the trail here There it is. It's in the old Looks like we're headed at last. I think you're right stay back. You can't hit us. We don't go any further Let me line a gun side on that. Oh, we can't rest shooting at the shack. The girl may be inside Yes, that's right. Oh, can you climb up one of these drawers and circle back of him? Oh, I'm gonna call if we can keep you men arrested by shooting in front of the place that simple That's it Lou. I want to give tunnel time to get there Don't seem like he's gonna make it. I got him. It's coming out of the shack with his hands up. Come on Ethel, is she all right? Good work tunnel. I'll see if that's all right. You outlaws ain't gonna get away with this That's very funny coming from a kidnapper. The boss will take care of you and I'll better keep those hands up All right, so you beat me to the draw go down that gun go down Give him cover tunnel. Yeah Who is it? You know no until that's known. Yes, Ethel. She's not hurt I prayed you what glad you're safe miss Carter Lou. Who is this man? You know him sure? I know him it's squint Davis livery man down at the barn. This job isn't his idea Who's your boss squint? I ain't talking our ways to make you talk. I don't think they'll be necessary Miss Carter. Yes, your father was killed when you were kidnapped wasn't he? Yes. He He was murdered Did you recognize the man? I don't think so. You see our wagon was attacked from the rear Naturally, you couldn't see anyone But I think we have a good enough case to take to the sheriff Maybe he can make squint talk. That's where you're bucking up the wrong tree. Oh, do you think so? Yeah, cuz the boss has already got warrants worn out for you three critters and the sheriff does what the boss says I think it's time to go to class and find out who the boss really is You manage him tunnel ha ha ha with gun and back him right good. You're not that can use your horse Lou Come on then. There's no time to lose All I want you men to do is listen to lawyer Dan Cummings go ahead Dan As a sheriff has sworn you all in his deputies And I'm sure we'll run down the art laws have been doing all the murdering and kidnapping around here I want to tell you one more thing Mr. Murdoch one of our wealthiest citizens has authorized me to say that he'll personally pay a $500 bounty on each of the three crooks Lou Russell an escape convict a masked man who rides a white horse and an Indian How does that sound? Just one thing I'd like to know Dan Cummings. All right. What is it? Who is this? Mr. Murdoch? We've heard about him, but nobody's ever seen Mr. Murdoch is very retiring as a matter of fact. He's sitting over in my office right now I'll tell him to come over and show him so make that bounty offer in person Get him Dan, you know, I'll try to get Yeah, maybe it would be better. I'll be right back It's the first time I ever heard of men arguing about who was going to pay bounty money. What do you care? We just want to see mr. Murdoch that's all ain't that right boy? That's got a black beard attack Fellow citizens, I can assure you that everything my attorney Dan Cummings has told you is the troops Get that out law's got nerve enough to show up here. I don't draw sheriff. I've got your coverage haven't got me I Show all of you something I'm here mr. Murdoch. Now you come here Make close attention everybody here. You have mr. Murdoch a man who pays 500 for outlaw bounties Have mr. Dan Cummings a thief a murderer and a man who betrayed his best friend Yes, he's a man who's behind the cattle wrestling last year He's a man who framed sheriff Lou Russell the man who murdered John Carter kidnapped his daughter We'll turn him over to the sheriff the law will take its course There's another prisoner for you, too I'll handle the sidewalkers all right I'm sure if you asked the governor for pardon for Lou Russell you'd get it sure I will Well, I guess you and miss Carter has some plans. Haven't you Lou? I'll say we have I think our job is done. Hello That's right Who did you say was it the Lone Ranger? I didn't know him by that name, but sure a real man Dory you have just heard as a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated