 a fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high old silver, the Lone Ranger. The great natural resources of the western United States brought wealth to many of the early settlers, but their prosperity was only one at the price of hard work. There were other men who came to the early west who found the price too high. Outlaws and confidence men swarmed to the new territory, but in the masked rider of the plains they found an enemy who would give them no quarter. Astride his great horse Silver, he fought crime and criminals through the length and breadth of seven states, and it was he more than any other man who brought law and ordered to the lawless frontier. Now return with us to those thrilling days of yesteryear when adventure lay at the end of every trail. The Lone Ranger rides again. We're heading for the gold country. As our story opens, two men, both dressed like Easterners, are sitting at a table in the cafe at Kimberley and I tell you ransom, we should call on Mr. Faber tonight. This late? You realize what time it is? I realize this deal is too important to take chances. Ah, what's the harm in waiting? Get Faber out of bed now to talk business. He'd probably be so mad you'd spoil everything. There's $50,000 at stake. It won't run away Bennett. No. What if Faber learns what his mind is worth? Do you think he'll sell for what we've been authorized to offer? How's he going to find out overnight? Well, I don't have. Bennett, you're too nervous. Forget about it. A blue star will still be worth as much in the morning as it is now, and Faber will still be glad to sell out for $10,000. This thing has got me nervous. I hate to think of what the home office would have to say if the deal didn't go through. They'd fire us so fast we wouldn't know what struck us. But I'm not going to let it bother me. Hey, drink up and calm down. Don't take things so seriously. I suppose I shouldn't. Well, here's the success. I'll join you on that. There. That helps. Ransom, just how did the company get on with these things? Old Charlie Phelps tipped them off. The mining engineers? The best man to locate or I ever heard of. The company sent him out this way to look over some of these abandoned mines in a quiet. He located several properties worth looking into. But he said the blue star is the best of the lot and an absolutely sure thing. And Faber thinks it's played out. He hasn't an idea it's worth a penny. When Charlie investigated, he didn't bother with the main shaft at all. That old fellow's got an eye like an eagle and a brain to go with it. From the lay of the land he saw where the vein might have cut off at right angles. How would he know that? Something about rock formations and such. Stuff too deep for me. Then he took his pick and some blasting powder, went into a tunnel, had been started from the side of the hill before the main shaft was open. And there's where he found the gold. More than there was in the vein, Faber thought it played out. But if Faber is investigated for himself. It isn't likely. They say he hasn't been near that property for a month. And Charlie was slick enough to cover up anything that show he'd been there. I don't know, Ransom. I've got a queer feeling about this thing, as though it isn't safe waiting. There again? But if you'll promise me we'll call on Faber first thing in the morning. I'll give you my word. We'll be sitting on the porch when he gets up. Now forget about it. Have another drink. Bartender. Bartender, two more of the same with the table. You're a golly. $10,000. And for the old blue star. Hey, Barkeep. Hold on a second. You bet I want something. And by the eternal, I'm going to get it. Huh? What are you talking about? Never mind, Barkeep. That's a secret. Here's for the drinks I have. Maybe I'll be in tomorrow and tell you about it. Hey, this is a double eagle you give me. Hey, wait for your change. Keep it for yourself, Barkeep. It won't be long, and I'll be having plenty more of them. Good morning. Good night. How long Faber is this? Well, the morning comes. Maybe some slick easterners will find out what too late really is. I'll stand until there. Feli, you're carrying me to Carl Faber's place. As fast as them spab and legs of yours will get us there. I get along with you. Get up. Get up there. It was nearly noon the next day when Hank Dobbins arrived at the abandoned blue star mine and reigned in his horse before the side tunnel ended. Oh, there. Oh, my. So this is where Charlie Phelps was digging around. Well, I'll bet he didn't cover up so as I won't find that vein. What the? Two horses? Oh, gosh. What horses they are? I'll see if somebody can't be inside. Well, I'll blame soon find out. Where will I get my pick? The Tannstil, blast chip. There we are. Now, if there's anybody in there, I'll soon show them whose property their crest pass is on. The dog on the tunnel is so low, so it's got a stoop to get inside. Somebody there, all right. He can't look right. Hey, there. Whoever you are in there, your camp on property belonging to me. That's your mind? Sure is. And if you're outlawed, I got a pick in one hand and a shoot nine in the other. Why are you not outlawed, Carl? You call me Carl first. Doesn't Carl favor on this mind? Not anymore, I don't. Not outlawed, huh? But you're mad, and there's an engine with you. Me. Tongue tool. I got your cover. Put down your gun. Why not put a harm you? Oh, no, you don't. I ain't being talked into nothing. Pipe your hand, both of you. I said put down your gun. And I said to raise your hand. Now if you're done... Don't pick that gun. Wait, wait, don't. You, you get hurt? No, Kimosami. The gun was put it in the air. Blast you? It was your own fault. You wouldn't believe me when I told you we weren't outlawed. You're a mask. Never mind that. Well, anyhow, I ain't got nothing on me for you to steal. And I reckon what ore you fellas could pack away wouldn't amount to much. Ore? What ore? I ain't saying. Well, it's clear enough what you meant. Wait a minute. I didn't recognize you at first. And you hanked up and... And what if I am? I thought you were a rancher. What are you speculating in mines for? Speculate, man. That's what you think. You said you bought those mines. I bought it last night. A carl out of bed, draw up the papers, and the cash is to be paid today. That's all I'm at, speculation. Buying a mine that's been worked out. See, just who are you? Why? Well, you're a mast and all, but I never heard a crook puff like you before. And you ain't look to see if I had cash on me. I told you we're not outlawed. So I am doesn't matter. Well, anyhow, you're dead wrong. You think I didn't tell you what I was doing when I bought this place? Yes. This mining worth no less than $50,000. And I got the word of Charles Elf to prove it. Elf told you that? Just the same as? I don't understand. Tell him I've been in this mine several times and haven't seen any indication of gold. But no one on the west knows more about mines than Charlie Elf. He told you that. He must have had something to go on. What did you see him? Well, I didn't see him exactly. Well? But I got it from some fellas that knew about the report he'd made on the mine. There. Give me that big. I'm going to show you something. This is the end of this shaft right here. If anyone had found more gold here, there would have to be some sign that they'd been looking for it. Well, look again. Except for the marks I just made, this shaft hasn't been cut for months. Everything shows signs of weathering. But they said Charlie blasted them to cover it up. You can see for yourself that it's impossible. I was in the main shaft this morning. You can take my word for it. There's nothing there either. Right. But they said that... I told you about Charlie's report. Well, they didn't tell me exactly. No. I saw or overheard them. You overheard two men talking about this mine and they said Charlie folks claimed it was worth 50,000? Oh, that's about the size of it. What did those men look like? They were Easterners. One was kind of tall with a mustache and a hooked nose. And the other was tall too, but real heavy and humid. Hey, you've fallen for one of the oldest confidence games there is. Huh? Those men were Slick Allen and Tin Horn Taylor. They tried this game all over the West. They served prison sentences twice for it already. But they called themselves ransom and benefit. Assume names. How much did you pay for this mine? $3,000 was the price agreed on, but they ain't paid it over yet. And if what you told me is true, then I ain't gonna. Favourite, of course, was working with them. But why didn't you investigate first before making the agreement? Well, the way they talked, I didn't figure I had time. That's part of the game too. Well, stranger, I'm heading for town. I'm seeing the sheriff about this. And if there's any way to do what Favourite and them crooks are going to be paid. Plenty, man. I haven't too much sympathy for him, Taylor. I was playing with he thought he was putting something over himself when he bought this place. Uh, him not pay cash, him find out in time. I love you, Taylor. He will pay. Lived out that anybody will be arrested unless we take a hand. You sure of what you told me, Hank? That's just what happened, Sheriff. Everybody knows, Charlie, to be trusted. This ain't the first time he's tried to sell that worthless mine of his. Carl's been mixed up in a lot of funny deals. Sheriff, get the truth out of him. You bet I will. Here we are. You inside, Carl? Just a second. There you are, Sheriff. Hey, what's all the crowd for? You back to, Hank? And back for a showdown. We'll talk this over inside. Here, Sheriff. I'd like to know what this is all about. Hank's got a complaint to make. The mighty serious one, too. Yeah? You sold me that blue star mine of yours. Least ways you tried to sell it to me. Tried to? I did. I got the papers here to prove it. Gosh, you admits it. They think you can get away with a stud like this, and he's got more gum from the night you've been credit for. You're admitting you sold Hank the mine? For $3,000. And Hank's to pay it today. Then I guess there's nothing left to do but jail you. Jail me? What for? For a swindon, that's what. You're local. You just admitted it. You did? Why? You admitted I sold Hank the mine. I never admitted I cheated him. It's one and the same thing. Oh, gone it, Sheriff. Hank, there are no justice to be had in this town. You can't jail me without giving a reason. Hank says there was a couple of strangers in town last night that pretended to be Easterners. What about them? Now, don't pretend they wasn't in town, Carl, because I was ten and bar in the cafe when they were there and seen him myself. And right after Hank left, they rode away. Why would I say they wasn't in town when I don't even save you what you're talking about? They were your friends. It was them that tricked me into thinking your mind was worth something. Hank, why don't you confess you haven't told a half of it? When you came here last night, I told you right out. You was a fool to buy the blue star. You said that to Hank? I did, but he wouldn't listen. I thought it was mighty funny him rousing me out of bed a way to buy a worthless mine. I didn't want to be bothered, but he wouldn't pay no attention. I named 3,000 as the price just to get rid of him. When he took me up on it, I was the most surprised man in the county. Well, if what you say is so... It is so. Asked either or leave. Hank was so all-fine anxious to get my mind, he made them come over and witness the deal we made. Fellowes, is Carl telling the truth? That's the way it was, Sheriff. What you got to say, Hank? All I got to say is Carl tricked me, even if I can't prove it. Yes, hold on. Seems to me, Hank, you was the one that was trying to do the swindlin', coming here trying to take advantage of my ignorance. You never told me that you thought the blue star was worth so blame much? Well... Hank, you've just wasted my time. But, gosh, Sheriff... Come on, let's get back to cafe. Not so fast. I aim to know if Hank's going to keep his bargain with me. Pay you that cash. I'll be a ringtail snortin' maverick, if I will. Pay you 3,000 for nothing after you trickin' me? What do you take me for? I take you for a pole, Cat, whose word ain't no good. Why, you... The pole, have you shut up. You won't make me shut up, Sheriff. I got Hank's signature here on the deal we made last night. He's to pay me 3,000 dollars for the blue star. Oh, Sheriff, tell him he can't do that. Go on, tell him. I'm sorry, Hank. You mean... Carl's got a case against you, all right? It'd be for the court to decide, not me. But it might go hard for you. I get tricked. I get cheated out of 3,000 hard cash. And then, on top of that, I can be super being tricked. If that's justice, then I'm a sheepherder. Don't blame him on a pay-or-oranger. I guess I'll have to. But, Carl, you'll get yours yet. You just wait and see. You'll get yours, and you'll get a plenty. The curtain falls on the first act of our thrilling Loon Ranger drama. Before the next exciting scene, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Hank Dobbins was forced to pay the money his bargain called for, in spite of the fact that he knew he had been swindled. Our next scene opens just outside town with a masked man and Tonto have hauled their horses under cover of a grove of trees. It went just as I thought it would, Tonto. Hank wanted to get rich quick. Like many others, he was so greedy for a big profit, he risked his money and then investigated. Tonto, no other punner do that. Hank's not the only one by any means. But it's not going to be easy for Hank to get his money back. And be plenty hard. Slick Allen and Tin Horn Taylor, of course, are a long way from here by now. Nobody knows where they went. And without them, Carl's trickery can't be proved. But you've got plan. I have, Tonto. But you'll have to get that information I spoke about first. Tonto, get it. Then you'd better return to town right away. I'll go back to the mine and move by things that were safer place. We may camp near the marsh. There's plenty of cover there. You'll be able to find me by reading my trail. And I'll wait in camp until you've learned what I want to know. Tonto, maybe come back soon. Maybe long time. But you wait. Right. I'll get going, Tonto. Get him up, Scout. Come on, Gilbert. The faithful Indian returning to town shadowed Carl Faber wherever he went. He saw Carl receive the money Hank indignantly paid him. He was watching when Faber retired that night. And again, when Carl rose in the morning and left his house. It was several hours later that Tonto arrived at the mask man's new camp. Oh, Scout, oh! It on stage. Leave town one hour now. What name did Carl use? Him sent a fellow named Bennett. Good. Here's over. Tell us, please stay in camp for a while and rest. But as soon as you've slept, get back to town and keep on watching Carl. How to do that? When I've finished, I'll join you. Me not rest long. You get back quick. Perhaps that would be best, Kimosabe. Now I'll see you again in about four or five hours. Come on, Silver. The stage leaving Kimberley for Westwood was pounding and jolting over the trail. When suddenly the guard grasped the arm of the driver and pointed across the plane saying, Milt, look over yonder. You see something? Looks to me like trouble. See the fellow on the white horse riding the head of soft? Gosh, yes. Whip up your horses. Maybe they said they'll hold up. When you ain't sure of strangers, the thing to do is get away from them. I'll whip them up. Get along, Glocky. Lay in that harness, Nero. Get moving. Make tracks, you critters. I haven't smelled any of this trouble. Yeah? They're hungry, Milt. We're not going to pull away from them, either. Milt, just look at that white horse stretch out. You don't hardly bother to touch the ground. They'll meet us all right. Get your rifle ready. I've got it. Get up. Blast the kit going. Gosh, we might just as well be tied up to a hitch-rack for all the good that's is doing us. I ain't worried as long as there's just one of him. What's he yelling? He said to stop the stage. Yeah, like fun, we will. Get up. Get along with ya. I'll draw a beat on him. See if you can thrill him. Yeah, never even come close. How's that fun to aim with this taste bouncing around the way it is? Pull up those horses. Get away from us. Get up. Get up. I'll show ya. Take this, you... Ah! What happened? You wounded him. My rifle. He smashed my rifle. Now draw up those horses. Not by a plain sight. Get up. Get up, man. And hand south the ployer. Come over, don't fall. He's grabbed the harness. Get up. Get along with ya. Pull up those horses. Let's go, go on horse. Slow down the whole team. Yeah, low down. Okay, you'll do what I tell him. You can't kill me. There's a whale sight under your feet, guard. Slow it down. I'll do nothing of the kind. Quick. That was a warning. The next horse missed it. You better do like he says now. I can't. Here you are. But you'll pay for this. Well, you've got the mail. There's nothing else on the stage to steal. Now can we drive on? There's only one thing here I want. We ain't got no... Well, you can take the rest with you. What in blazes are you after? That's my business. But I can tell you this. This isn't a robbery. Expect us to believe that? I don't care whether you do or not. Here it is. Now catch the mail sack and get going. I got it. On your way. Come on, milt. When I get to westward, we'll report this to the law. Get up! Get up, hero! Up with your blackheath! With a package in his possession, the lone ranger raced back to town. There, timing his arrival so that he reached Kimberley after dark, he rode to the sheriff's office. Oh, Silver, oh, oh, boy. Wait for me, boy. What is this? Sheriff, take this. Mass! I've got something to tell you and you ought to listen. I'll... Keep your hand away from that holster, Sheriff. Why? What do you want? First of all, that package there. Keep it safely. But that's mail. I'll explain. You'd better put... You come quick. No, no. How did you find me? Me, Chief Silver. You come. All right, I know. What laces is this? Who's that red skinned? What's this package for? Hey, wait! Put that package away and don't let anybody see it. I'll be back later to explain. But you... Do as I say. What is it, Silver Sobby? He thinks Carl's got ready to leave town. To leave town? I didn't expect that. Impact close. Then we've got to stop him. Steady, Silver Jipper. You hurry. Get him up. Come on, Silver. Me not want to follow him. Without you, no. We won't follow him, Son-O. What we do, we'll give him some orders. And then we'll see that they're obeyed. Come on, Son-O. Get him up, Scout. Come on, Son-O. There's his horse in front of his house. Him foot saddle on horse. I wonder where he expected to go. Have he him meat outlaw, friend? No, I don't think he planned to meet Slick and Ted Horn. In the hand, he wouldn't have sent that package. He must have had another reason for wanting to leave. Here. Who's there? What do you want? Come on, Son-O. Where did you think you were going? What's it to you? How do you know I planned to go anywhere? I don't know. So are you packing up? What if I was? Justice, you're not leaving town. You're staying right here. But I... You make another attempt to get away. I'll stop you again. But the folks in town, they all figure I cheated Hank Dobbins. I've got to get away till things quiet down. Oh, that's it. They've been talking, making threats. There's no telling what they'll do. You're staying here anyhow. No, you can't make me. I'll go. I'll make you two promises, Carl. I'll keep them both. Promises? The first is that no one in town will bother you. I tell you, I... The second is that the next time you try to leave town, we'll be here to stop you. Wait, wait, listen... I'll get back inside. Matt, fix him. Now, time to keep an eye on him. Going back to talk to the sheriff again. And when I return, we'll take turns guarding this place. More than a week went by, and a dozen times, Carl Faber tried to escape. But each time, he discovered that either the masked man or Tonto was on hand to prevent it. We see him now on the evening of the 10th day as he peers through the window that looks out on the street. To the doctor, see him even if they was around. Blast him. He's enough to drive a fellow local. No one knows where they are, what they're up to. If I could just get a clean shot at one of them. What's that? The back door. If it's the red skin of the masked man, I'll show him. Done. There. Just one shot. Who's there? Take the red skin voice of the masked downaries. Who are you? What are you? Oh, you double-crossing drunk. Slick. And here's Tin Horn. I'll take that gun. You are looking for us, huh? Waiting to drill us, is that it? What's the matter? What are you fellas doing here? It's all you don't know. Hold out our share of the cash you've gotten and pretend you don't savvy why we come back. That's not so. We've been waiting over a week for that cash you promised to send. And not a sign of it. You figured we'd be scared to come back at a claimer, didn't you? Well, this should prove different. I sent you the cash, honest I did. I sent it the next day. It went out by stage. Save your lion for someone that'll believe you. But you gotta believe you. Even meet us with a gun in your hand. Oh, I can't figure this out. You don't need to. All you've got to do is hand over that cash. And this time we'll take all of it. Wait, I... You heard us. The cash. Quick. Where'd you go and hit? Please, wait. Listen. There's something wrong about this. I suppose now you'll say that Hank didn't fall for our scheme. You think we didn't hear about him buy on your mind for $3,000? The news got around all right. Hank Felper, it surely did. I ain't claiming he didn't. I already told you I sent the cash. It must have slipped your mind. There's only the thousand here I kept for myself. I can show you. Here, it's in my desk. Hey, what's the matter? That window. There's someone outside. What? The mask, fella. What mask? The fella did. Not just the mask, man, you crooks. The law's here, too. Come on in, fella. Hey, crap, you did this, Carl. Carl's not to blame. You trapped yourself. What? Slick. Carl sent you the money all right. But the mask man got it back and gave it to me. There, I told you. We knew you'd be coming back to find out why you hadn't got your share. And you crooks not only come back, but you set enough an hour here in to send you to jail for a good long time. Slick, run for it. Take one step and you'll stop lead. And I am just teaching to pull this trigger finger. Thank God. But you fellas ain't got nothing on me. I can't help it. They done, I just... You're in just as bad as anybody else, Carl. So stop your yelling. And give me back the rest of my cash. I got the 2,000 the mask fella gave the sheriff and now I aim to have the 1,000 you got. Fits in that desk. It'd better be. I heard Carl say it was when I was listening outside. But Hank, now you got your cash back, you'd better take some advice. Huh? Like the mask man said, the next time you figure you're going to get easy cash by making a fool out of some fella, be blame sure he ain't making a fool out of you instead. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.