 horse for the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty high of silver, the Lone Ranger. In companion Tonto, the mashed rat of the planes fought crime and criminals throughout the early western United States. No one could match his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness, but it was his sense of fair play that made him the greatest champion of justice the West ever knew. The man who deserved a second chance could always count on the help of the Lone Ranger. 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. A solitary horseman was riding into the foothills west of the little town of New Hope. Except for his shirt, the man was dressed in black. A black stetson shall of the face that in spite of its intelligence was obviously cruel. He wore a long black coat and black trousers that were tucked into high black boots. The man seemed in no great hurry and contrary to the customer most travelers in that district, he made no effort to hide himself. Suddenly a second horseman raced from the cover of a pile of rocks and hailed the man in black. Hold on there. Oh, who boy, who there? Oh boy, oh boy. You going somewhere, Ross? How did you know my name? Chuck, they weren't no shorter figure. Everybody's heard about that get up of yours. All black, huh? Now why would anybody want to wear duds like them? That's my business, Scalp. You know my name? Chuck, that wasn't hard. Everybody's heard about you and your gang hiding out in the hills here. Scalp, why would anybody want to stick to the hills when there's fun to be heard in town? You laughing at me, mister? Just thought I'd pay her back in your own coin. No offense, man. Yeah. Well, you're heading where you ain't wanted. You turn that horse around and skedaddle back in the direction you come. And waste this trip? Eh? I just rode out hoping to find you, Scalp. Find me? What for? Thought we might do a little business together. You savvy what you're saying or you just run it off with a mouth. I know what I'm talking about. Ain't you the ombry that owns what they call the western land and development company? Well, I did. Well, then what business you got with me? Reckin' ya, savvy, how I make my livin'? Sure. At the point of a gun. Which same will be pointin' right at you in a second, fella, if you don't explain yourself, pronto. Scalp, I can use you. What's more, if you'll do as I say, I'll pay plenty. You and your gang both, profit. Yeah. What's the idea? I'm in a bad spot. Eh? I... Well, to be frank, my friend, for once in my life, I was guilty of poor judgment. I made a mistake. Either that mistake is corrected or I stand to lose a small fortune. Eh, how? Ever heard of Judge Bagley? No. Well, it doesn't matter. Would surprise me if you had. As a matter of fact, he's an easter and a millionaire several times over. Oh. He's never been West, but he's interested in Western investment. Quit talkin' so fancy. Get to it of Van Moose. Well, Scalp, it's like this. Bagley wanted to buy Western land. I heard about it and got in touch with him. In short a week ago, I sold him my land and development company with all the property to which it holds title. Sounds like you maybe made a good deal. I did. Well, then where's your hauler? Just this. In order to sell him all my holdings, I had to include the land in Buffalo Basin. Well, that's where them farmers built this here town they call New Hope. Yes. When I told them they were on my property, they just laughed at me. They took the case to court and I happened to know. The court is likely to decide against me. Then you didn't hold such good title the Basin after all. It was good enough for my business. I get you. But now. If that affair goes wrong, my sale to Bagley will be canceled. Which same you don't want to happen, huh? What do you figure to do about it? The court won't hand down his decision for some time yet. Maybe a matter of months. Yeah. If in the meantime, the people living in the Basin could be forced out, it would be the same as if they'd admitted they just been squatters. My title would be upheld. That's where you come into this. I do, huh? Well, how? The Basin is worthless without Buffalo Crick. Buffalo Crick rises in the mountains there to the west. It isn't far from here. I'll pay you to take your men and damn that stream so that it never reaches the Basin at all. That's all you want, huh? Ain't you forgetting something? What? Them farmers ain't going to like that. The creek dries up and they're soon going to find out why. And then what do you think will happen? There's no law in this territory worth bothering about outside the state capital. You should know that. Sure, but they won't. These people in the Basin are farmers, not fighting men. They'll talk and they'll threaten and they'll call protest meetings, but they'll never raise a hand or fire a gun. You can take my word for that. Maybe. How much is this worth to you? We can discuss that when you say you're interested. You in a hurry to get back to town, mister? Not particularly. Why? Camp ain't far from here. You come along. Does that mean that I'm interested? Mister, you bet it is. They're coming. Lead the way. Keeno, get up there. In the same hill that gave shelter to Scalp and his band of outlaws, three other men had taken refuge. They were practically strangers and late that evening as they sat around the small campfire, their conversation was terse and guarded. But gradually they lost their restraint. Until at last each had told the story of his past. When they had finished, there was a long silence until the man who called himself Jake Wimple stirred the fire and then turned to the others. Phillies, it's a funny thing. What, Jake? Well, first of all, the way the three of us met. Well, and then our fight and out that we're all of us in just about the same boat. It is funny, ain't it? Yeah. Take you for instance, Sandy. I've been around a lot. Breaking, I can tell an honest man from a crook as quick as anybody. You and Dick are honest if my judgment goes for anything. Thanks, fella. Jake, we think of you the same way. But here we are. Folks back where I come from got me paid for wrestling. I ate and never was, but I couldn't prove it in a million years. Well, you travel about 800 miles due north and they'll tell you I killed the best friend I ever had. And Sandy says the laws got him down for a bandit. I never even had it. Sandy, you ain't no outlaw. We know it. We know it just like, you know, Dick ain't no killer. But it so happens that none of us can prove he ain't guilty as charged. We'll never prove it. We, uh, we ain't outlaws, but we're, well, I don't know what you'd call us. Outcasts. Sure, that's the word for it. We're cast out. Decent folks won't have nothing to do with us. We'll never find a place where we can settle in peace. No matter where we are, we'll always be heading for some place else. Fearing if we don't we'd be caught up with. Get a job and never be able to sleep quiet if there's someone coming along the new year before. Keep moving to cover our trails, knowing we're making new trails all the time. I don't like it. I was hoping to find me a little place in some green valley where a fellow... Build yourself a cabin and run a few cars and live the life of Riley, sure. What's the point of time I had them same dreams myself? It's a funny world where a fellow can't go on us when he wants. He can't find himself a home. And if he found one, couldn't keep it. Well, parts, that's the way things are. We'll have to learn to make the best of them. We ain't no choice. You never know. Sometimes we get surprised. Sure, but the fix we... Hey, who said that? What? I did. A mess, man. Where are they taking you? No need to be alarmed. You can't bust. No need to reach for your guns. I'm not an enemy. I'm a friend. Range, you're hiding out the hills. Don't make us friends, the crooks. But I'm not a crook. You say that and keep your face covered. Vic, you said your home was 800 miles due north. I happen to know it is because I followed your trail that entire 800 miles. What did you say? What are you... I know that you were accused of killing your best friend. Now listen. I know that you're innocent. But I also know, as you said, your innocence can never be proven. The evidence is too strong. Mr. Adonis Aviles, who are you? If you're telling the truth, what are you following Dick for? What's your game anyhow, eh? I won't answer your first question, but I will answer the others. I was certain Dick was innocent. I wanted to find him to make sure he wouldn't turn out low because of the injustice he had suffered. Well, that's funny talk. But true. So you say, how do we know it? You don't, but you will. I promise you that. I've been in this neighborhood almost a week trying to pick up Dick's trail. In that week, I learned that certain things are going on in this district, which will end in trouble just as sure as the three of you are camped here beside this fire. Troubled? Yes. Maybe you'll learn that even trouble sometimes can bring some good. You're talking in riddles. Because for the present, I must. Here's over. Here, old fella. Well, here's over. Look at that horn. But when the time comes, I'll speak more plainly. If, and if you'll listen, you won't lose. Here's streets for this. Come on, Silver. Hey, wait. Hold on there. Come on, old fella. Come on. Well, I'll be. You ever see the beat? Fiddler's had a known. Huh? Maybe everything I've claimed ain't so. Maybe I ain't the judge I figured to be. What do you mean, Jake? Fiddler's had an ombre was masked. And he wore it to wear them two guns of his just for ornaments. But listen, everything I thought I ever knew was wrong, that ombre's on the square. Here's the news. The creek's dried out. Something's happened. Can't get no water. There's the Dickens today. Gotta find out what's up. Come on. We're going to see what's wrong. This might be some of Ross's work. And we're going to find out. You've got to get out. Look there, Tadda. Uh, me see him. Every man in the basin is gathered in town. Them heap man, too. For a very good reason. Without the creek, this basin will be worthless for farming inside a season. Ah. Wait. What matter? See that horseman? Just came from the direction of the hills. Look there. He's pulled up by the group of men. He's telling them something. He's pointing back the way he came. Yes. Now they're all looking in that direction. What do you think him tell? That shouldn't be difficult to figure, Kimosabe. We know they sent out several men to learn the cause of the blast. That's right. They've had time to reach the source of Buffalo Creek and to return again. Now, I have an idea. That man's one of them. He knows what's happened. He knows why the creek's dry. He's telling his friends. Ponto think you were right. You know what that means, Tonto? Then make fight. Yes. Right after outlaw. With old muskets hardly good enough for shooting game. Against a band of men who spent half their lives learning the art of murder. Those farmers aren't fighters. That's right. They have only their courage. And courage alone isn't enough. Tonto, it's time we took a hand. Follow me. Where we go? Back to our friends. The outcasts. Kill them all until we hit them off the skull. Kill them all until we hit them off the skull. 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. Now to continue our story. After the Lone Ranger rode away, Jake Wimple, Sandy Saunders, and Dick Porter lost no time in changing the location of their camp. They kind of spread them blankets here. Yeah, what you were seeing, Jake, is just about the way I figured. Maybe they're as many as on the level, but we can't take their chance. Better for us to make ourselves a skis. Hey, here's some dry wood. If Dick is better to be safe than sorry. But I'm wondering about something. I am. That armor didn't look to me like it felt as easy put off. You know what I think? And what's this, Andy? I think if that masked gent really wants to locate us again, he'll do it. That's just the way it strikes me. You're right, Sandy, and I can prove it. Huh? It's there he comes now. Well, I'll be switched. But this time, he's got a red skin with him. Which, same as likely, the reason he picked up our trail against easy. Well, he ain't going to take us by surprise this time. I'm great. Dick, don't be a dog on fool. Drop that gun back your holes here. What, he's coming. He ain't acted unfriendly yet, has he? No, but just. And if he was looking for trouble, you figure he'd be edgier enough to ride up like he is, making all that noise. He wanted us to save him. That's right, Dick. Wipe off that war paint. Well, all right. Hello there. Saddle up. What do you want? Oh, oh, miss, oh, miss. Say, Saddle up? That's exactly what I said. And don't waste time. Look here, stranger. You said you were tired of being outcast. We are. You said you wanted homes, a place where you'd be welcome and safe. Have your fun, mister. We can't stop you. Then I was mistaken. You didn't mean those things. It was talk and nothing but talk. Oh, miss, you don't get us wrong. We just don't savvy what you're up to. If you don't find us, Saddle those horses. Yes, miss. And ride with me. Meanwhile, the farmers of New Hope had armed themselves as best they could. They realized that their muskets were no match for outlaw rifles, trusting to their numbers in charge with determination. They leaped to their saddles and headed for the mountains. Get up. Get up there. Get up. Follow me, fellas. Where with you, light? We got a way to ride yet. But keep your guns handy. And when we get there, blast the crooks to kingdom count. Get up. Get up there. Get up there. On they raced through the foothills. The purple haze faded from the mountains. The ground became rocky, the trail broken. But the farmers never slackened their pace. Right. How much farther? Up this rise, across some flats, through a canyon. And then we're almost there. When we get there, the better. Get up. Get on there. Get up. Get up. Get up there. I figured them crooks are hiding in some woods not far from where the creek starts. Get there soon? I have on, maybe. Right up. What's that? Hey, who's that? Oh, there. It's an ass man. He's pointing two guns. He's up above. There's another fellow up there. And another. Must be Scalps whole gang. Come on, let's find a way out. Can't ain't got a chance. They'd blast us down. We'd never hit them. We'll get you, Scalp. I don't care what you call yourself. You and them crooks damned our creek. We come to see the creeks allowed to run the way it should. And you ain't going to stop it. We already have. For now. But there'll be another day. You're making a mistake. We don't can't. What choice we got? Well, we have you covered, none. And then go ahead. This is gang. Yeah? You would have lost. Maybe half of you would have returned to your homes alive. Maybe not. Talk away, mister. But you ain't fooling us, none. Think what you wish. You bet we will. But a friend of mine is climbing down there. What's that? He's taking your guns and horses. From their cover, high on the rim of the canyon, a lone ranger and the three outcasts watched Tonto as he made the perilous descent. When he finally reached the floor of the canyon, and it was impossible to follow all his movements without venturing into the open, Sandy became impatient. Careful, Sandy. Don't let them get a good look at you. You may get shot. I'm just trying to see how near finished Tonto is. I can see him. What's he doing? He's got the guns and horses all right. Now he's tying the horses together so he can lead them all at once. Yes. He's almost finished. Let us know when he pulls out. Will you likely hear him? Then what do we do? Carry out the rest of our plan. Ride to where Scalp and his men are holed up. You mean without waiting for Tonto? He'll join us in time. He knows what to do. What's he going to do? We want those farmers to begin on the finish. Sure. Unless their horses are returned, they can't be. You mean? When enough times elapse, Tonto will release the horses. And these fellows will be mounted again. I think he's about set. Hell, there he goes. He's safe away. Right. Then come into the saddle. Let's go. What's that, Scalp? Come here. What's the matter? We're just looking at the creek there. Well? It's rising quite a bit where it's standing up. What'll happen when it starts to flow over? Yeah, don't worry. Won't follow its old course. Can't. Not unless all that earth is washed out. Oh. Let me worry about that. You're keeping a good watch? For them farmers? Oh, well. Oh, sure. Now, they couldn't get close, listen. They crossed that clearing, could they? No. Then they ain't got a chance to take us by surprise. You go on back and sit down. We'll watch after things. Hello, there. What's the matter? It's a mask man. Where did he come from? Hello, tell me. Get back. You're not wanted here. Get back. Mr. you keep your distance. You? Coming there to talk. Get back. He can't hurt us, Scalp. Let him come. I heard that, Ross. I was coming anyhow. Now talk careful, Mr. and maybe you wish you was about 1,000 miles from here. Yes? Oh, oh, so much. Oh, boss. Get down. Keep your hands hushed and hip. Your Scalp? Yeah, that's me. Now what do you want? I'll talk with you. All right, talk. Only, only recollect this, mister. You came here with your own free will. We didn't ask you to, so. So what? So don't start hollering if afterwards we decided it ain't safe to leave you go again. Oh, that's the way you want it, then. You talk big with men behind your back, Scalp. Oh, are you? I wonder if you can act as big as you talk. Yeah, just what you mean by that. This. Out. And this. Out. He took the mask right out of our hands with hip, Scalp. Grab him. Get the coyote. That'll be enough, you scum. Reach for the scum. Walk it from the glory. Correct. You blind fools. While a masked man was fighting with Scalp, you let these men get in the camp. You're right, Ross. I can do it. Now you and these hired killers of yours will repair the damage you've done, or get ready for boot hill. We'll fix that mask, man. There they are, Lime. Got guns. We got them outnumbered. They see us, but they ain't shooting. What's up? Hey, look there. It's a crick. Back in its channel again. Well, I'll be dogged. They had to come ahead. Yeah. Those fellows with him are holding guns on Ross and the whole gang of crooks. But that didn't mean that they was done. He was lying to us. They did mean to help us. Pull up, fellows. Pull up. Bring them crooks up. I think Ross here is something to say. You'll find interesting. What's that? Ross, go ahead. Men, I've got to get that land you hold in the basin. I've got her. I have no choice. I took this way to get it, and the masked man spoiled the whole thing. And you're due to hang. Let Ross finish. If you men will vacate that land, I'll pay you twice what it's worth. Five times as much. I'll pay you 10 times its value, but you've got to sell. If I were you, Lige, I'd advise my friends to take him up on that. You can move on 100 miles and find land as good as what you've got and put money in the bank besides. Why didn't Ross offer that in the first place? Because he thought he'd try crooked means before honest. Well, if he'll pay, I will. I promise I will. And it sounds good to me. Me too. There's one thing more. Huh? These men who helped me and by helping me helped you. What about them? Dick, Sandy, Jake, step over here. Here we are. Lige, they helped you when they had no homes in Buffalo Basin. They had no property to lose. When they rounded up these fellows, they had nothing to gain. And they might have lost their lives. Well, we didn't know anything. They're men without homes. They've been hounded by the law for crimes they hadn't committed. But they deserve far more than they've received. See, you fellas looking for a place to settle down? Lige, we sure are. You think you could like me and my friends here? Well, you fellas look fine to me. Then you're coming with us. We owe you plenty. And you'll get your share, what Ross pays. But maybe you don't savvy, Mr. We... Hold on, young fella. I savvy plenty. And this is what I was going to add. Yeah? Throw in with us, and you won't be bothered. You won't have to answer no questions. The law comes looking for you. We'll send it high-tailing out. That sound good to you? Sure does, sir. Then shake, friends. It's a bargain. Hail, hill, where it goes! It is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.