 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, Tato, the daring and resourceful mask rider of the planes led the flight 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. Late one afternoon, Joe Morgan entered Sam Tatum's gunsmith shop in Cottonwood City. You fix this gun for me, Sam? It's all cold. We'll take a lot of repairing, Joe. What happened to it? Well, it was shot from my hand ten years ago by the Lone Ranger. Oh, yes, I remember. That was when he captured me and sent me to prison. Well, I reckon I can fix it. Take some new parts. But you haven't towed it at guns since you got out of territorial prison. I'm not going to tow one now. My son speaks old enough to learn how to use a gun. I'm going to teach him. Joe, you and the Hunter Brothers were collecting lots of cash when that mask man caught up with you. Crooked cash, stolen cash. It's no good, Sam. And I'm grateful to the Lone Ranger for teaching me that. Grateful to him? Yes. For sending you to prison? That's right. I learned a lesson. In the two years I've been out of prison, I've gone straight. I can look my son in the eye without a guilty conscience. You know we're doing first-rate now, a little spread. And with hard work, we'll do better. And I wouldn't trade the peace and contentment I've had in the last two years for any amount of stolen money. I'll fix you, cold Joe. Be ready in a couple hours if you'll be in town that long. Well, I'm going over to the bank to talk to Jim Holliday about a loan. I'll come back here before I leave town. Good. By that time, this old powder burner will be in firing condition again. Joe, have you ever heard from the Hunter Brothers? No. I don't want to. Wonder what happened to them? I heard they left the country after I was captured. Those two were wanted a long time before you joined them, Joe. If they're caught, they'll spend the rest of their lives behind bars. Maybe that's why they went to Mexico. Well, I'll see you later, Sam. Joe Morgan didn't know that the Hunter Brothers had recently entered the United States. At that moment, they were some distance south of Cottonwood City. A round-faced man named Elk was with them when they drew rain and dismounted behind the bank in Ball Rock at 10 o'clock that night. Elk spoke in a low voice. The bank's dark. He should be able to force the lock on the door and be inside in no time. Instead of replying, Brick Hunter took an iron bar from his saddlebag and strode to the back door of the bank. A few moments later, he whispered, Door's open. Elk, stand guard. Right. Come on, Weeper. We'll go inside. Joe part of the job in a hurry. Where's the cash? In the safe. It'll stay there. But I don't want to open that safe if we worked all night. But we've traveled all this way. And we'll keep going. I never saw a safe yet that couldn't be opened. I'm going to the bank myself and take a look at it. He'd be wasting time. Elk, Elk. Only one man I know who can open that vault. Who? Joe Morgan. Cracked one just like a 10 years ago in Big Bend. We're heading for Morgan's ranch. We'll be back here tomorrow night. And Morgan'll be with us. Come on. Easy. Easy. Early the next morning when the bank was opened, the broken lock was discovered. The banker, Jack Ransom, sent for Sheriff Hank Perkins. One forced the door open, Sheriff. What's more, they entered the bank and went to the vault. How much was stolen, Mr. Ransom? Nothing. Huh? I've already made a thorough investigation. Nothing was stolen. Then how do you know someone was at the vault? These burnt matches were on the floor in front of the vault. I found them myself. Oh. Looks like your vault scared the critter, Mr. Ransom. Exactly, Sheriff. If every bank in the territory had a vault as good as ours, there'd be fewer robberies. A short time later in Cottonwood City, Jim Holliday was on his way to the bank when he met the Western Union operator. Jim opened the message the operator gave him and stopped in the Sheriff's office to read it to Sheriff Kander. Jack Ransom figures he has the best safe in the whole dog-gone territory, Sheriff. What about the fellow who broke into the bank, Jim? What do you mean? Was he captured? Ransom doesn't say whether he was or not. But that isn't why I stopped in to see you, Sheriff. What else is on your mind? Joe Morgan stopped in at the bank yesterday. He wants a loan. Yeah, what for? To make a few improvements on his ranch. Sheriff, do you think Morgan's really reformed? Yes, I do. And if the bank doesn't figure he's a good risk, I have some cashmoons saved up. I withdraw it and turn it over to him on bank terms. I just wanted your opinion before I made the loan. Well, you got my opinion. Yes, I sure have. And the bank will lend him the $2,000. Looks like you've another caller, Sheriff. Redskins dismounting in front of your office. He must be a stranger in town. He's riding a good horse. Yes. And I've seen that paint somewhere before. How, Sheriff Candor? Bloody ingenious. What can I do? Great day. Tonto! Me not think you'll remember me. I didn't recognize you at first. It's been a long time since I've seen you. Oh, plenty long. Say, Jim, meet Tonto, the partner of the Lone Ranger. The Lone Ranger? That's right. Tonto, this is Jim Halliday. Oh, I'm mighty glad to meet you, Tonto. How's your mask, friend? Him fine. Is he in town? Him in Camp and Hills, outside town. What brings you two to these fights? We hear Hunter Brothers cross border. Hey, what? Three, four-day goal. Mask friend think maybe Crooks come here. To Cottonwood City? That's right. Him think them look for Joe Morgan. Why would they look for Morgan? Well, him plenty good cracksman. Shared forgotten that. You used to be able to open vaults or to stop any other crook. Too bad the men who tried to rob the bank in Bald Rock didn't know that. Huh? Who robbed bank in Bald Rock? Nothing was stolen, Tonto. Somebody broke into the bank, looked at the vault, and decided it couldn't be opened. Let the sheriff in Bald Rock worry about that. We've got the Hunter Brothers to think about, Jim. Well, maybe Hunter Brothers try to rob bank in Bald Rock. Huh? Gee, Tonto. How far from town are you camped? Camp in Hills, near Joe Morgan Ranch. Let's go there, Tonto. I want to talk to the little radio. But Curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger adventure. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Joe Morgan was working on a fence some distance from his small ranch house. When he saw his 15-year-old son approaching, the boy was riding double on a magnificent white stallion. Joe recognized. Shading his eyes against the early morning sun, Joe saw that the other rider was masked. Dad, look who's here. How are you, Joe? It's the Lone Ranger, Dad. Mr. Lee, where'd you come from? He came to the house looking for you. And when I saw his mask and his horse, I remembered what you said about him. You recognized him from my description, I speak? Oh, not exactly. I had to prove my identity before he accepted my mask, Joe. What do you mean, prove it? I had to show Speck a silver bullet. He gave me one, Dad. Look. Speck, you shouldn't have asked for a bullet. He asked to see one, Joe. Giving it to him was my idea. You remember how you smashed my gun with one of those silver bullets 10 years ago, mister? Yes, I remember, Joe. I had that gun fixed yesterday. Sam Tatum replaced the parts that were busted. Now the old colts back in fighting for him. Speck showed it to me when I stopped at the ranch house. Yes, I gave him the gun. One of these days I'll teach him how to use it. I wish we had some cartridges so I could load it. Well, we'll get cartridges after you learn how to keep a weapon clean. Mister, what brings you to this part of the country? The Hunter Brothers. Well, they're on the other side of the border. Oh, they crossed the border three or four days ago. You mean they're back in the USA? Yes, Joe. Well, they must be local. If they're caught, they'll go to jail for keeps. Then you haven't heard from them? They wouldn't have any reason to get in touch with me, mister. But I'd sure like to know why they risk capture to come back to this country. If I find out, I'll let you know. Well, Speck, shall I help you dismount? Thanks, mister, but I don't need help. It's about time you hit the ground, Speck. Gosh, Dad, you can't blame me for wanting to stay in Silver Saddle. No, I don't blame you a bit. Not many boys have a chance to ride Silver with the Lone Ranger. I know it. Thanks, mister. Thanks a lot. You're welcome, Speck. Easy said it, big fella. I'm glad I finally met you. And I'm downright proud to have met you. Where are you going now, mister? To camp. Paolo will likely be back from town by this time. He'll be waiting there for me. I may see you again, Joe. Well, I hope so. Adios and good luck. Adios and thanks. Monsignor! Paul was in camp when the Lone Ranger returned, and Sheriff Candor was with him. The lawman told how thieves had broken into the Bald Rock Bank. The turtle told me you trailed the hunters to the vicinity of Bald Rock. Yes, we lost their tracks a short distance from town. He must have been here. Yes. Me think hunters try Rob Bank. You may be right. What kind of a vault is in the Bald Rock Bank, Sheriff? Jim Halliday gave me the telegram bank of Ransom Center. He read the message and he said he describes the vault. Well, thanks. Ransom advised Jim to buy the same kind of a vault. He figures it's Berkeley proof. The vault in the Bald Rock Bank is the same type as the one Joe Morgan opened in Big Ben ten years ago. But him, expert safecracker, Hunter Brothers, not able to open vault like that. If you're right, Tonneau, if the Hunter Brothers did break into the Bald Rock Bank and left without opening the vault... That mean them need cracksmen. Yes. They may try to persuade Joe Morgan to join them again. That's a mighty logical reasoning. I've already told Morgan that the hunters crossed the border, but he better be warned. He's hit a big flip. I'll go back to his place. Tonneau, they'll go with you. Come on, sonny. The Hunter Brothers had drawn rain behind Joe Morgan's ranch house a short time after the lone ranger left. After concealing their horses in the barn, they entered the small house. Nobody here. Come on, we'll wait. Joe and Speck found them there a few minutes later. Glad to see you remember us, Joe. Who's the youngster? My son. Dad, are these fellas friends of yours? No, son. No. That's no way to talk about old pals, Joe. Meet our partner, Al Coddy. You'd better clear out of here. We're staying long enough to get a meal. Then we'll leave. But you'll leave with us, Joe. You're local. We need your help. For what? To open the vault in the Bald Rock Bank. The same kind as the one you busted open in Big Bend for us ten years ago. My dad's no crook. He rode the outlaw trail with my brother and me for a year before the law caught him. He was our cracksman. Does that surprise you, youngster? No, it doesn't surprise him. I told him all about you, Paul Katz, and the mistake I made joining you. Now, if you're smart, you'll head for the border. You were safe in Mexico. What makes you think we're not safe here? The lone ranger's looking for you, and he'll catch you, too. What are you talking about, boy? It's true. He was here a little while ago asking about you. Where is he now? Speak up! How do we know where he is? We'll have to move fast if that mask man's on a trail brick. Joe, we want a meal. Then you're riding with us to Bald Rock. After we get the cash from the bank, we'll go back across the border. You'd better find someone else to open the safe. We don't need anyone else. You'll do the job. I wouldn't turn crook again for any amount of cash. You'll do it for your youngster. We'll take him with us. If you do as we say, you'll not be hurt. So that's it. Don't do it, Dad. Shut up! What about it, Joe? You dirty polecat. Yes or no. You want to save the boy, don't you? All right. You win. Dad, don't do it. He's being smart, Spack, but we'll not take a chance on him double-crossing us. Search Joe for a gun, Weeper. Right. I'm not armed. I reckon he's telling the truth, Brick. There's a gun on the table. That's my gun. It isn't loaded. I'll see for myself. I told you it was empty. Yeah, you're right. And listen. Ryder's heading this way. Look out the window, Weeper. See who it is. Right. Stay away, I Joe. You and the boy are covered. So don't try yelling for help. Brick, it's a masked man. The Lone Ranger. An engine and a fellow wearing a lawman's badge. I'll with him. What'll we do, Brick? Shall I let him have it? Not unless we have to. I can gun him easy from here. Don't be local, Weeper. So far the law doesn't have a murder rap against us. But this is a chance to kill the Lone Ranger. I said, hold it. Why? They'll find us here. They won't. We'll go into the bedroom and take the youngster with us. Unless you get rid of those three Pronto Joe, we'll let the boy have it. He'll be in here right away. We'll go into the bedroom. Come on, Spec. And remember, keep your mouth shut unless you want to see your dad stop a bullet. On his way to the bedroom, Spec passed the table where Elk had left his father's colt. He picked up the empty gun. Leave that gun where it is, boy. Let him have the old powder burner, Weeper. It's not loaded. All right, youngster. Keep the gun, but hustle into the bedroom. Do as they say, Spec. All right, Dad. You leave the door open at crack so we can hear what's going on. Inside the bedroom, the three outlaws stood at the partially open door. Weeper and Elk had holstered their guns, but Brick's weapon was leveled at Joe Morgan's back. Standing behind them, Spec held his father's colt, wishing desperately for cartridges with which to load it. He heard Brick whisper, So that's the Lone Ranger. It was the first time Brick, Weeper, or Elk had seen the mask man. They stared fixedly at the famous manhunter, ignoring the boy behind him. I've heard he uses silver bullets in his guns. I'd like to know where he gets them. Silver bullets. Spec remembered the silver bullet the Lone Ranger had given him. He reached into his pocket. His fingers closed in the cartridge. With their backs turned to him, the outlaws didn't see. Spec take the bullet from his pocket and place it in the gun. See, the Hunter Brothers may try to persuade you to join them again, Joe. Listen, he's figured out our plan. I don't think the Hunter's been that local. If they need a good correction, Joe, they'll probably come to you. No! As the sheriff spoke, Spec fired his father's colt. The silver bullet struck Brick with such force that he was sorely against the door, closing it. Weeper and Elk were able to face Spec. Get your hands up. I'll kill you for that. I got Weeper, that gun's loaded. Yeah, and I'll shoot you too, just like I shot your pal. I'll take that chance. As Weeper grabbed for his gun, the bedroom door opened. The Lone Ranger rushed into the room. A silver bullet from the mask man's gun struck Weeper's arm an instant before the outlaw fired. Don't shoot me, don't shoot. I'll not go for a gun. The sudden turn of events left the slow-witted Elk frightened him uncertain. He raised his hands to shoulder level. Keep your hands where they are. Me take guns, Spec. Spec, are you hurt? No, Dad. Weeper shot and missed me. That little coyote sent out a loaded gun. He shot Brick. Spec, is that true? Did you shoot Brick? I shot him, Dad. It's a shoulder wound, Joe. The whole cap will leave to go and try. I thought he was dead. As soon as you two are tired, we'll take care of his wound. Good work, Spec. Thanks, Mr. Well, I don't survey. Spec, how'd you get a loaded gun? I used yours, Dad. But it was empty. I loaded it with the silver bullet the Lone Ranger gave me. You mean you had only one bullet in that gun? That's right. It was bluffing as Weeper. And you fell for the bullet. A short time later, the Lone Ranger, Tahoe and the Sheriff left the ranch with the three prisoners. Joe and Spec stood in front of the house watching them right away. Dad, did you hear the mask man say we earned a reward for the capture of those crooks? You earned the reward, son. And I'm downright proud of you. You know, when my old colt was smashed by a silver bullet, I never figured the day would come when it would fire another one. It never would have if I hadn't met the Lone Ranger. The Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Tremble, produced by Tremble Campbell Muir Incorporated and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's drama was written by Fran Striker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer.