 of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty house, silver, the Lone Ranger. With his faithful Indian companion Tonto, the mask 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, in the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver, the Lone Ranger rides again. Darkness had overtaken the Lone Ranger on his way to meet Dan Reed and Tonto in camp near San Carlo. As he entered the woods, he saw the glimmer of a campfire. Though he thought it strange that the camp was so near, instead of at the far side of the woods, the masked man rode into the fire lit clearing. Oh, Silver, oh boy. Where they are, Silver? Hello. Hi. There we are. Don't move. You're covered. Well, uh, why don't you come out and show yourself? I got no objections. Me and the boys just got back out of sight that we've seen who was coming. Moose Murdoch. You seem to know me. Yes. Last time I saw you, you were on the way to jail. Five years ago, wasn't it? Well, make no fast move, mister. You're covered. Did you escape? I've done my stretch. Five years. You deserved hanging. Come on, boys. You can come out of hiding. Hey, who's the masked man, Moose? Who's your friend? Yeah, why the mask? I don't know who he is, boys. Uh, take that mask off, stranger. What do you want here? I'm looking for friends. They seem to have their own camp. I said to take off that mask. Well, thanks for the invitation. Sorry I can't stay to learn more about you. Huh? You ain't going no place. Not to Moose. No. Oh, look on. Shoot me. Get out of the way. Get him, man. Shoot me, will you? I'll show you. Anyone else going for a gun? He got me. Easy. Hey, wait a minute. I want to talk to you. We meet again, Moose. Listen, I can use a man as fast as you. Who are you? Where you going? I've already told you. I'm on the way to join friends in camp. Moose, over. Moose, over. Oh, steady. Easy. How are you, Kimosabe? I'm me glad to see you. Golly, you're late. We expected you sooner. Steady. Well, I, uh, I was delayed, then. I'll take care of Silver. Now, you have trouble. Hello. Do you remember a crook named Moose Murdoch? Ah. You see him? Tonneau told me about Murdoch. We saw him in San Carlo. You did? Ah, him in town. Looked like him trying to get new gang. He already has a new gang. He was alone when we saw him. He and his gang are camped in this woods. Oh, he make plenty trouble. He may be planning something in San Carlo. Oh, just a minute, Dan. I was going down Saddle's solo. Oh, wait. I may write out again. Oh. What was Murdoch doing in San Carlo? Him talk to Gambler. To whom? A fellow named Ace Farnham. Ace Farnham? Yes. He owns a cafe. Him and Gambler got plenty game in cafe. When have I Murdoch talked to Ace Farnham? They had their heads mighty close together for some time. I see. Uh, wait here. Uh, you go? Yes. I want to talk to Ace Farnham. Is that a big fella? Moose, Silver. In the town of San Carlo, Ace Farnham sat on a bench in front of his gambling hall talking to the richest man in the community. Your job is cattle, you see, Thorndank? You know all there is to know about cattle, but you can't be expected to know about the banking business. That's true. I see every man to his line. All I know about banking is that I put my cash in the bank until I need it and I draw it out. Mm-hmm. It's all right for a man who has only a few hundred dollars. What do you mean, Farnham? Thorndank, I know all about banks. Anything that has to do with money is right in my line. I guess you know that. Sure. Well, I don't like to say anything against banker Sherman. Farnham, do you know anything against him? Well, I don't keep my cash in this bank. You'll have to use yours. You've got to be ready to pay off the winners in your games. Oh, I've got a plenty of extra cash, but it's where the banker can't get it to lend out to people, and where crooks ain't so likely to find it. You mean to say the banker lends my money? Sure he does. And if I wanted to draw it out of the bank, I couldn't get it? Thorndank, I'll bet two to one that the banker couldn't lay his hands on cash enough to pay out what people are trusted to him. Ah. And another thing, let's say the people come into San Carlos. Now, if they want food, they go where the sign says eats. They want liquor, they come here where my sign is. But if they're crooks, looking for a place to rob... The bank. ...why, sure. The sign on the bank might just as well say here's cash money. My thunder, Farnham, you've given me something to think about. There goes the banker now. Just going home to a supper. I see him. Farnham, I've got to think things over. That evening, banker Sherman sat in his home with his wife. His face marked with lines of worry. Ben, what's worrying you? You haven't said a word since supper. I'm thinking, Kate. Just thinking that's all. Ben Sherman was the man who brought the bank to San Carlos. Was he who taught the citizens to save instead of throwing their cash away in Farnham's gambling palace? For this, ace Farnham hated him. Has Farnham finally found a way to make trouble for your bank? Kate, I think he has. Shucks, he's been trying for the past three years to get rid of you and your bank. There's nothing he can do. I'm not so sure of that. Why? In my business, a man has to be a good judge of people. He has to have a pretty fair idea of what's going on in their minds. Ace Farnham had a look in his eye when he spoke to me today. Uh, smug sort of look. Smug? That's right. Sort of gloating over something. I could just see the buzzard. Thinking that he'd finally hit on the way to put me out of business. Oh, Ben, there's nothing he can do. He's tried everything. He's up to something, Kate. I know he is. Sounds like we've got company. I ain't much in the mood for company. What? It's Mr. Thorndike. Evening, Kate. Mind if I step in for a minute? Come in. Do come in. Hello, Sherman. Howdy, Thorndike. Ben's feeling low. Maybe you can lift his spirits a might. I'm afraid his spirits won't be helped by this call. Sit down, Thorndike. Yes, sit yourself right down here. I'll get right to the point. Sherman, I've been putting a sizable amount of cash into your bank. As you sure have. You're the biggest depositor we've got. How much have I banked with you? I don't know, offhand. I'll have to look it up in the books at the bank. First thing in the morning? Why, for sure, if you want me to. I'd appreciate it. You figure out how much I got in your bank with the interest. I'll be around to draw it out. Draw it out? We mean, mean all of it? Every dime. You leaving here? Maybe he's going to buy more land or more livestock. I ain't going to buy anything. I want my cash, that's all. I want to hide it where I know it'll be safe. Safe? While Thorndike, the bank's the safest place there is. You've seen how strong that iron vault is. No one could bust that open. The bank could burn right down to the ground and your money would be safe. You went through all that when you started the bank. Besides, if you draw your cash out, you won't get any more interest on it. I never savvy that interest thing, anyhow. I don't savvy banking. All I know is that I decide to get my cash. Do I get it, Chairman? You needn't draw that, Thorndike. I was told I might have trouble with you. I don't know who told you that, but there won't be any trouble. If you want your cash, you'll get it. First thing in the morning. I'll be on hand. Thorndike, let me ask you something. Did Ace Farnham have anything to do with this decision of yours? I make my own decision, Sherman. I'll be around in the morning. To show my cash is ready. Good evening. Good evening to you, Kate. Good evening. By the way, Thorndike, you might tell Ace Farnham what you're doing. It'll make him feel mighty good. So he gave you an argument, huh, Thorndike? He sure did. Ace, I've got to hunch you were right about our money not being safe in Sherman's bank. I'm right. If crooks come looking for cash where they go, they'll go where they know there's cash, won't they? Putting it in the banks just like telling thieves where to look for it. I never thought of it that way. Step back, my office, Thorndike. We can talk better in there. This banking business never made sense to me anyhow. I'd be glad to have my money back in my own hands. Well, I sure hope you get it. Step right in. I got some special wine. Thanks. Hey, who? Don't shout and keep your hands high. Mask! Who came in that window? I knew you'd come to this office sooner or later. I've been waiting for you. Sitting at my desk. You got your nerve. And look, if this is a personal visit... Hey, where you at? What's Moose Murdock planning? What's who? Who's he? Farnham knows him, don't you, Farnham? I don't know who you're talking about. Moose Murdock is a man you talked to a few hours ago. He's a crook and a clever one. He's a Sherman prison albomoral. He wouldn't have come to San Carlo unless he'd been sent for. Farnham, what are you and Moose Murdock planning? So, that's it, huh? Banker Sherman didn't waste time, did he? Sherman? Yeah. He's savvy to play thorn-dike. No, I don't. You told Sherman you wanted all your cash from the bank the first thing in the morning. So Sherman sends this credit to make us think it'll be dangerous for you to have all your cash hidden at your house. Hold on. Are you granted thorn-dike? I am. And you're drawing all your cash from Sherman's bank? You bet I am. Thorn-dike, you're the biggest rancher around here. You're no fool. You bet I ain't. Why are you drawing your cash? Did Farnham suggest that the bank wasn't a safe place? Sherman sure must be desperate to send a mask man here. Maybe he ain't got the cash to pay you. Thorn-dike, listen to me. Farnham and Murdock had their heads together. If Farnham can persuade wealthy men to draw their money from the bank, Murdock will have an easier time stealing it. A likely story. I don't know of anyone named Murdock. I know about him. If you're so eager to protect us, why don't you bring him in? The sheriff will take care of him. He can't be arrested without cause. Oh, there ain't no such credit. I believe you, Farnham. Thank your breath. Tell Sherman his trick didn't work. Now, wait till the boys hear this trick. They'll all draw their cash from the bank. I'll make sure they do. Don't hurry, mister. I'm going to tell everyone in town about this. Come on, Sorn-dike. We'll tell them. Now, boys. All of you, listen to me. Boys, listen to what Sorn-dike's got to say. Boys, I let Banker Sherman know I aimed to draw my cash out. He just tried a stunt that convinces me that he can't meet what he owes us. When he learns that his trick failed, he may try to run out of it. All of you that have cash in the bank could better get it out first thing in the morning. I got cash there. I got $100. Why would I get Banker from the store? I'll get my money and know the reason why. Now, boys, listen to me. We better make sure Ben Sherman don't run out on us. Who'll go with me to guard his house? 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. Most of the men underneath Sforum's Cafe had money in Ben Sherman's bank. They started toward the banker's house to make sure he didn't flee to avoid payment. Come on, boys. We'll surround his house. Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger dashed toward Sherman's house ahead of the mob. The masked man knew that in seeking information about Moose Murdock, he'd created a difficult situation. As he reigned up, the Lone Ranger heard the distant mob. He didn't pause to wrap on the door. What's this? Please listen to me. Time is short. Where's my gun? No, no, Ben. He'll kill you. Sherman, I'm here to help you. Help us. You? I may be a run on your bank. What? That's Ace Farnum's work. Men are on the way to make sure you don't run out before the bank opens. Who are you? Let me give you the essential facts. There's little time. But who are you? There's a crook named Murdock in this vicinity. He and Farnum are planning something crooked. Planning to bust my bank. I went to Farnum to question him about Murdock. Grant Thorn Dyke was with Farnum at the time. Thorn Dyke? I knew Farnum influenced him. Thorn Dyke wouldn't believe me when I spoke of Murdock. Farnum denied it. Thorn Dyke wouldn't believe you, huh? No. Thorn Dyke thought you'd sent me to warn him about a gang working in this vicinity. Don't hide sense here. He thought it was a trick to frighten him into leaving his cash in your bank. Of all the crazy ideas. The fact that you'd try a trick like that convinced him that you couldn't meet your obligation. I didn't try any tricks. Thorn Dyke thinks you did. That's why there'll be a run on the bank. Of all the fool notions. I can prove you didn't send me. Prove I told the truth. If I bring Moose Murdock into town, Grant Thorn Dyke's a fair man. If he learns that Farnum lied about meeting Murdock, you'll change his views. I hear something. Sounds like a mob. Talk to them, Sherman. Tell them you'll pay them when the bank opens in the morning. Well, I... Meanwhile, I'll try to find Murdock and bring him here to make Farnum admit he lied. I go on. Oh, damn you. Talk to them, Sherman. Do me again. There goes the last man! Hey, you scum! Hold him there! Hey! Hold him there! You got away, Kate. Ben, I trust that mask, man. And, Sherman, we want to go vended with you. Hold on. All of you, calm down. Listen to me. The boys want the cash. And listen to me. Sherman, speak. You know why we're here, Sherman? The man that just rode away from here told me, you want to draw your money from the bank. The cash is in the bank, and the bank opens at nine in the morning. If anyone wants to draw his cash, so as the crooks can steal it, or Farnum can take it, he's free to do so. Meanwhile, don't try to run out. We'll be watching it. Watch all you please. It was big talk, Kate, but I can't back it up. I know it, Ben. You can't meet all the demands until you've had time to call in loans and foreclose mortgages. I don't have time to do that, Kate. These boys will want their cash. If I don't have it, they'll treat me like a crook. They... They lynched the last crook. I guess there's not much to do, but count on the help the mask man promised. Giving the town behind him the loan ranger dashed across a strip of open country to the woods where Dan and Tonto were waiting in camp. Oh, Silverhoe, oh, oh, easy. You come plenty fast, Kimazabi. Is someone after you? Is there any big trillet? No, Dan. What wrong? I've got to go back to Murdock's camp. Now? Right now. Settle up, Tonto. We've got to capture Murdock. Uh-huh. Get saddle, Dan. He gets going. Right. Does the law want Murdock? No, not yet. Silver, take up the cinch a little. You got saddle, Dan? Here it is. Oh, here. Let me throw saddle. I can do it. I'll cinch up, Scout. Should I saddle Victor? Not now, Dan. What we do with Murdock? They've got to take him to Grand Thorndike. I've got to convince Thorndike that Ace Farnham and Moose Murdock had their heads together. There. Then you stay here and watch the camp. You said that Murdock had at least two men with him. That's right. Then hadn't I better go with you? Well, uh, we need someone to watch the camp, Dan. Tonto, I'll try to take Murdock by surprise. Ready, Silver? All right. I'll wait here. You know where to find Murdock campin', Doc? He had a fire when I was there, Tonto. I think I can find it even though the fire had been put out. You ready? Uh-huh. You ready? Get him up. Go on, Silver. As the lone ranger and Tonto neared the site of Murdock's camp, they reigned up and dismounted. Hello, fellow. Is that Tonto still up? There's the horses here, Tonto. Here we go the rest of the way on foot. Only the faint glow of dying embers remained of Murdock's campfire. But these were sufficient to mark the place for the masked man in the Indian. The troop crept forward cautiously, making no sound on the leafy carpet of the woods. They reached the camp to learn that there was no need for caution. They've gone. A brief inspection confirmed the fact that Moose Murdock and his men had abandoned the camp. Well, that's that. I can't kill them at night, Tonto. Not at night. Maybe find tracks at daybreak. We don't find Murdock before that bank opens. Ben Sherman is likely to be smashed. Ben Sherman opened his bank at nine in the morning without having seen the masked man. Grant Thorndike was the first to draw his savings. Pocketing the money, he drew a gun and stepped back at the counter with Sherman and Kate. Stay right in line, boys. I'll see that y'all get paid off. I've got two hundred dollars coming. Well, fill out this slip and sign your name. The rest of you can be filling in, please. You lamin' over there. See that the boys stay in line. Well, two hundred. There you are. Next, here's my slip. I got four hundred with you, Sherman. Sherman's worry increased as he saw the cash on hand running low while there were still many unpaid depositors. Well, there's yours, Hank. I hope you've got more cash somewhere, Sherman. I... I haven't. What? This is all there is left, Thorndike. So you can't pay us off. I'll wait. Ain't we going to get paid? Come on. Wait a minute. Listen. Listen, boys, let me explain. You'd better talk fast. None of you understand the banking business. I love it. I love it. Wait, wait. Listen to me. You'll all get your money if you'll wait. I've loaned some of it out. I've taken mortgages on property for it. You've got to wait till I get that cash in before I pay you. You always said we'd get our cash when we came for it. Yes, I know, but... All right, all right. Thorndike, you don't understand the banking business. None of you do. He's fond of nose banking. He told about you. He said you couldn't pay off. We ought to lynch the crook. Oh, no, no. This is just what I expected after that trick you tried last evening. He didn't try any tricks. I swear I didn't. You sent that masked man to tell lies. No, no, I didn't. You're trying to scare me into leaving my cash here. Get him from back of that cow that you're going. No, no boys, please. Listen to me. I'll pay off. No, please, please. Those inside the bank didn't see the white horse that charged up to the door carrying a masked man and a hard-faced prisoner. O行了, boys. Suddenly, those nearest the door were startled by a ringing sound. That is through there. They fell back when the masked man's guns froze everyone to attention. Get in there, Murdoch. I wasn't expecting to see you. It's the masked man. Yes, he's come. You! I told you about thorn dyke that proves the mask man told you the truth. I didn't try no trick Whether you try to trick or not you can't pay listen to me get this mask man He can't do this to me tell the truth Murdoch tell these people you were with ace for them yesterday I'll tell the truth all right I was just riding along by my own business when you and your pal captured me and put me here Tell the truth about yesterday. Tell what you and ace for them discussed. I don't know a spot. I never saw him I was never inside his place So that's not true Learn dyke he was with for them your local sheriff can tell you that this man has always been a sneak thief You can find people who saw him with for them. That ain't so no, let me go. Let me out of here I go it looks to me like we better string you up alongside Ben Sherman I heard that mask man had Murdoch here. Let me go. Not so fast There you are you're sneaking buzzard. Oh wait wait for what hold on phantom you admit talking to this man All right, thorn dyke. I admit it dirty sneak he came to my place looked around so as he could bust in last night and steal my cash This man Rob you know where it's not Let me see what's in that pocket. Oh wait quick go ahead for them Yeah, my money Just as he took it from a place down done. I had Murdoch the cook saw you thought you'd get out of town, huh? I know this this mask man did tell the truth. All right. All right. What of it? Murdoch was suggesting ways that I might get at the bankers those the boys that have more cash to spend in my cafe How'd I know Murdoch was figuring to sneak thief the cash? How'd I know he figured to steal my own cash? Here Sherman put my money in your safe For you you mean that you heard me but front him you yourself said the banker wasn't on the level I've said a lot of things in my day, but he can't pay off. He's do you know about the bank of business thorn dyke? Well Just what you told you stick to ranch and let Sherman stick to bank me. I'll stick to my cafe Well Sherman you find him says it's all right, and he knows what the bank and business is Here put my cash back in the bank Hold on there get the line line up with your cash boys here You can be filling out these lips while you're waiting where's the mask man? I owe him something He's the one that made it possible You don't owe me anything more than would have got away if you had to been chasing him bringing him back Wouldn't have helped Ben Sherman if you hadn't been Rob and Ben man enough to admit a mistake Well, how do you say I'll wait wait a minute boys hold your cash a minute. Stop that mask man We all owe him something Stop him The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated