 As 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 in the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver, the lone ranger rides again. Come on Silver, let's go big toe. Toward the middle of the 19th century, New Orleans was a city distinctive for its old world atmosphere. Creole aristocracy held sway, living in luxurious style. Their sumptuous homes bordered on streach, which derived a rare but emphatic beauty from the rows of elms, magnolias and willows. Trees that long witnessed old world intrigue and romance beneath their bows. The French Creoles were very conservative in social life and standards. The old customs and styles of dress lingered later among them than in any other part of the country. It was dusk when the boat from St. Louis tied up at the wharf of New Orleans. Two men stood in the shadows of the upper deck watching. One was a stalwart Indian, the other a white man of remarkable physique whose features were concealed by a black mask, the famous Mask Rider of the West, the lone ranger. Many people in New Orleans, Kimusabi were even for so many people in the streets, Hattori. Because this is a special occasion for having what they call a Mardi Gras. Me not savvy, Mardi Gras. Oh, it's a carnival, sort of a big religious celebration the Creoles have introduced. But saying to customary in France and Spain, I understand they're planning to have one here every year. Oh, and what people do in carnival, Kimusabi. Oh, they wear unusual clothes and put on masks to time of revelry and fun for everybody. Captain Hillcrest and I arranged our arrival to coincide with this event so that my mask will attract attention. Ah, not good. Now, you take papers to Captain tonight? Yes, we arrive directly to Fort St. Philip. Um, me not savvy one thing, Kimusabi. Oh, what is it, Tutto? Why then not send soldier with papers from Fort back in Texas? Well, papers are secret and important. No one would suspect me of carrying them. That's one reason why I volunteered to bring them here. Oh, and there are other reasons? Yes, Kimusabi. You remember Tutto years ago when you found me, the only one of a band of rangers who survived an ambush and you nursed me back to hell? Uh-huh. One of those rangers was a very close friend, Bill Westcott. He was killed with the others. And that's when you become a lone ranger. Yes, Tutto. Bill Westcott told me he'd married a girl of the Creole aristocracy in New Orleans. Her father objected to the marriage and Bill went west to make his way. He joined the rangers. And not take wife? No, before he had a chance to send for her, she died leaving a son. I promise, Bill, if anything happened to him, I'll look up his son someday and tell him about his father. This is my chance to keep that promise. It's not easy to find son in New Orleans. Well, I had word from Captain Hillcrest. There's a Lance Westcott living here on Bourbon Street. Lance is the name of Bill's son. Come on, Tutto. We'll go below now and get Silver and Scout. We'll go ashore and head for Fort Phillip. As the lone ranger and Tutto mounted on Silver and Scout left the wharf, they were approached by a soldier on horseback. Hold on, hold on. I beg your pardon, sir, but aren't you on your way to Fort Phillip? Yes. Captain Hillcrest gave me a description. He sends his compliments and has directed me to escort you to the fort. I'm Lieutenant Thiel. Glad to meet you, Lieutenant. I didn't expect anyone to meet us, but we'll be very happy to have your company. Oh, this is my friend, Tutto. I'm glad to meet you, Tutto. Now, if you'll follow me, we'll be on our way to the fort, sir. Thanks. Come on, Silver. Get him up. As the three riders rode up the street, they failed to notice a carriage drawn up in the shadows beyond the wharf. On the offside of the carriage, two horsemen sat listening to directions given them by Pierre Bouvet, who pointed through the carriage window at the retreating figure of the masked man on the Great White Stallion. That is the man I had been watching for. Through certain channels, I have learned he's carrying secret papers to Fort Phillip. Get those papers. But, Monsieur Bouvet, there are three to our two. Cut. Head them off on the trail to Fort Phillip. Find a spot from which to ambush them. Hurry. There's no time to be lost. If we take them by surprise, Paul, it should be easy. No one will notice your masks because of the Mardi Gras. I am going on to the opera house, to the Grand Ball. Meet me there. Go now. Au revoir, Monsieur. We'll meet you later. Come, Paul. Allez! The moon's coming up full and bright. It'll be just the right setting for the Mardi Gras tonight. Are you going, Lieutenant? Oh, grat the luck. I'll be on duty tonight with every creole, beauty and new Orleans turning out to the Grand Ball. Oh! Oh, no! Oh, no! Lieutenant, her key must be hers. Let's get him off his horse top real quick. The shots come from clumber trees to mess. There. It's pretty badly hurt. All right, tunnel. Lay low until they fire again. There they are. If we hit one of them, come on. Come on, Silver. Get him off his couch. Two men right away till the apples of the horse. Oh, horse got home, fellow-home. Follow them, Pado. I'll take the Lieutenant onto the fort. I'll meet you later at the edge of town. Get him off his couch. Come on, Silver. The long ranger took the wounded soldier to the fort. A short time later, he was at headquarters talking to Captain Hillcrest. Evidently, someone in New Orleans learned of my mission, Captain. No doubt. And there must have been someone with influence enough to have contacts in the west. The papers you brought would have been of interest to a foreign power. I see. I'm sorry about Lieutenant Field. Yes, oh, my. He's a fine chap and a good soldier. Oh, by the way, you wanted some information about Lance Wescott? Yes, sir. What do you know about him, Captain? Well, he's a nice enough young fellow in a way. He inclined to be hot-headed and spoiled. His grandfather, Louis Rois, pampered the boy. The old man's dead now. Oh, I see. Lance lives with his grandmother on Bourbon Street. He's gone through what money they had. Right now, he's said to be courting Nanette Beauvais, daughter of Pierre Beauvais, who has most of the money and power among the Creole aristocracy. People say Lance is heading for trouble. Why? Pierre Beauvais has already warned him to stay away from Nanette. So? Pierre Beauvais is a former fencing master. He's an expert duelist. If he ever put Lance Wescott in a position where he'd have to... Oh, yes, I understand. I've heard the dueling with rapiers is still a custom among the French Creoles here. The blastdowns is still a scene of many a duel, my friend. And everyone fights shy of meeting Pierre Beauvais in combat. You must be quite an expert. About the best in the country, I guess. A boy like Lance Wescott wouldn't have a chance against him. I intend to look up Lance when I return to town tonight. You'll probably find him. In fact, you'll find everybody at the old French opera house attending the Grand Ball. Since most of them go masked and in costume, this is one occasion upon which you can mix with the crowd without being concerned about your mask. That's true, though, I... Well, Sergeant? Pardon, sir, but I came to report on Lieutenant Field. What about the lieutenant? How is he? He's dead, sir. Dead. By thunder, they can't get away with that. We'll order out a company and scour the whole city of New Orleans. Oh, wait, Captain. Well? I'd like to suggest a better plan, if I may. Well, I... You may go, Sergeant. Yes, sir. What do you have in mind? Adjust this. My Indian friend Tato followed the two men who ambushed us. He's going to meet me when I reach town. That's my opinion that those two men were hired by someone higher up. I'd like to track him down, and I hope they'll lead me to him. Hmm. Sounds like a good idea, and I quite agree with you when you say you think someone else is behind this. All right, my friend, see what you can do. If you need help, send word to me. Thank you, Captain. And I'll go now. I'll do my best to bring the murderers of the lieutenant to justice. Good-bye, and good luck. Hmm. There's a man of action if I ever saw one. I'd sure hate to have him on my trail. Savi, who's over who? Easy, steady, big fella. What did you find out, Tato? A meat-faller man. Then go to Opera House. I see. What else? Well, me watch him through winter. Then talk to men who wear fancy clothes, have plenty white hair. Can you point them out to me, Tato? Ah, me take good look at them. Come on, then. What we do, King of Savi? Tato, the lieutenant Field is dead. You and I are going to the Mardi Gras ball to hunt his murderers. Well, till then, let's go. In a secluded corner behind some ponds, two young people stood talking in low tones amid the gary of the Mardi Gras grand ball. Manhead, you're the most beautiful girl at the ball. Why won't you dance with me? Well, Lance, it would not be wise. We must not let Papa see us together. Oh, come on. He won't notice us in this crowd. No, Lance, we dare not. We must be careful. Papa does not see us talking here. He's wearing a colonial costume and white wig. Watch for him. I'm too busy watching you, Nanette. Perhaps if your father gets used to me being with you, it changes mind about me. Papa is not one to change his mind. He is so quick of temper, Lance. I'm afraid I will not be able to... Oh, this is where you are hiding, Nanette. I have been... Monsieur Wescott. Oh, please, Papa, don't. Have I not told you to keep away from Nanette? Really, Monsieur Beauvais, there's no need to... You've gone too far. It is only because of her money that you press your attention upon Nanette. You are an upstart and a cad, Monsieur. I see here. You can't... There. I give you my glove. In your impudent face, Monsieur. Fuck Wescott with his glove. That, Monsieur Beauvais, is an insult. Lance? Lance, don't... Hello, Monsieur Lance Wescott. Very well, Monsieur Beauvais. I challenge you to a duel at dawn, now, with pistols. A ton, there, Monsieur. Since you have challenged me, it is my privilege to select the weapons. Of course, Monsieur. Lance, you cannot do this. You must... Quiet, Nanette. So, bien, Monsieur Wescott, we shall meet at dawn tomorrow with rapiers. Beauvais has never lost a duel. As you say. With rapiers, Monsieur Beauvais. With rapiers. And to the best. 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. Unloaded by the crowd that are gathered about Pierre Beauvais and Young Wescott, the Lone Ranger and Tonto listen attentively to the heated words that pass between the two men. Lance Wescott left the group, followed by Beauvais and his daughter. It was then that Tonto spoke. Kimosabe. There, man, with white hair. In one new talk with killers. Beauvais, man with a wig. Are you sure, Tonto? Ah, me sure. I see. Well, we've already spotted the other two. So no doubt they'll be with him at the duel in the morning. Kimosabe, you take six guns. Round up killers at dual place. Save Young Wescott, Teller, and take them all to share. No, no, Tonto. I'm afraid that wouldn't work. It would be your word against theirs. Beauvais is a very influential man here. Furthermore, according to their code of honor, Wescott would be in disgrace. Now, and what we do? First, I'm going to Wescott's home on Bourbon Street and have a talk with him. After that, we'll make our plans. Lance Wescott went to his home. He sat staring into the night through the open French window. As he nervously ran his hand through his dark curly hair, he turned as a servant into the room. Well, what is it? Someone to see you all, sir. I don't want to see anyone right now. Tell them I'm not home. It is I, Lance. I had to come. And that? Yes, I left the ball without Papa knowing. I must hurry back. Lance, you must not go through with this. There's no way out of it, Minnet. Well, you can refuse to go through with the duel. That would mean disgrace, Minnet. You know that? Oh, men in your so-called code of honor. What can you gain by this duel? You will be killed. And if by chance you're not, then I, oh, Lance, do you not see? He's my father. I could never forget enough. I'm sorry, Minnet. You could leave New Orleans tonight, go away until the old thing is forgotten. Be branded a coward? No, that would never do. But Papa forced you into this. You know you cannot handle a rape here, and he is an expert. Yes. Yes, I know. I don't know. If there was only some way to stop it, I'd feel so endless. You'd better go back now, Minnet. There's nothing to be done. But Lance, I... Oh, Lance. Yes, that's our goodbye. May I come in? What? I didn't mean to startle you, Lance. You'd know me? Why do you come in through the French window? I know of you. I came in that way because you're a man. I came in that way because I wanted to be sure to talk to you. Well, you're in. You can take off that mask. I prefer to keep it on. You see, I always wear it. Always wear it? I thought you were part of the Mardi Gras crowd. You're in trouble, Lance. I came to help you. You came to help me? Why? One of my best friends was named Bill Westcott. My father? Yes, your father, Lance. He's a stranger. This is also strange. Lance, I know about the duel. You haven't a chance against Beauvais. I know that. But it's a case of honor. It will be a case of murder if you go through with it. But what can I do? There's no way that I can avoid it. Yes, there is a way. The Code of Dueling permits a friend to champion the cause of one who is unequally matched. Yes. I'm not offered to take my place against an expert like Beauvais. I'll take your place, Lance, for personal reasons. You? No. I couldn't let you do it. You love Nanette, do you not? I... yes. Yes, I do. That too is a point against you in this duel. You wouldn't try to win against her father. I realize that, but still... I want to discuss a few details, and we'll say no more about it. I'll meet Beauvais at the appointed place at dawn tomorrow. Just before dawn the following morning, a closed carriage moves swiftly along the road toward the dueling grounds in the Plast Arms. Inside sat three men, all wearing long black cloaks. The face of one of them was covered with a black mask. I still think this is rather foolhardy in your part, my friend. He's doing it for me, Captain. Not alone for you, Lance. Captain Hillcrest knows what I mean. Yes, I do know. I got your message and came to meet you. But knowing what an expert Beauvais is with the Ray Pierre... That's my worry, Captain. I mustn't know you're in the carriage. Remember that. You'll know when to act. You say Tonto and my men are to be nearby? Yes. That's soon enough to reach a group of low-hanging willows. They won't be seen by Beauvais and his party. I had Tonto take Silver with him so that Beauvais and his two friends wouldn't recognize me as I rode up. I might have run off. I shouldn't recognize you in those clothes. Though they might question the mask. I've already explained to Beauvais seconds that my champion decides to remain incognito. Good. We're arriving to Dueling Grounds. I'll go ahead and attend to the necessary formalities. Good. I see we'll have a small group of witnesses. So this is the gentleman who used to take your place, Wesker. Yes, Monsieur. I shall act as his second. I think you had such a loyal friend. After I have the pleasure of running him through, we will have a look at his face. I don't think you'll have the chance to remove my mask, Beauvais. Let's get on with the duel. Paul, bring the rifles. Here they are, Monsieur. You may have your choice, Monsieur Maskman. Thank you. Remove your cloak and your tunic, Monsieur. I'll help you. All right, thanks. There. I'm ready. Attendez. On guard. On guard, Monsieur. I said I'm ready. Then fight, Monsieur Maskman. Fight for your life. The slanting rays of the rising sun fell upon the rippling muscles that move beneath the smooth, bronze skin of the mighty writer of the plains. His magnificent physique had drawn exclamation from the onlookers when he removed his tunic. Now as he thrust and carried, turning cold death aside with a quick movement of the wrists, they stared in open mouth wonderment. His dexterity of movement as he turned point to point, his calm yet deadly method of attack, showed Beauvais only too well that he'd met his match. What? You? You were not last, Monsieur. That remains to be seen. To say, the mask man drew blood. Backward and forward, lunging and fainting, the combat went on. The sneer had long since left Beauvais' face. Panic was fast appearing in his eyes. He looked at his unknown adversary, watched with drawing wonderment, the rhythmic movement of his broad glistening shoulders. Watched with fascination, the easing grace with which he directed every thrust, moving into attack with a nimblest skill Beauvais had never before seen. All the learning and skill of his command seemed of no avail. Sweat rose from his forehead, momentarily blinding him. Panic and rage welled up inside of him as he tried to beat off the ever-increasing thrust of the mask man before him. The onlookers watched, spellbound. Then Beauvais, throwing all course to the wind, lunged in a mighty effort to beat down the unbelievable afferation before him. With a quick swift movement, the lone ranger parried the thrust. Then, with a sudden thrust inside blow, struck Beauvais' sword hand. At the same time, flipping Beauvais' rapier from his hand, sending it flying in two pieces off to the side. Beauvais is down for it. The mask man's going to run him through. Immediately, the lone ranger placed the point of his rapier against the chest of the man kneeling before him. No, no, monsieur. Do not take my life. According to your code, your life is mine to take at will. Oui, oui, monsieur. What I beg of you... I'll spare your life on one condition, Beauvais. Oui, monsieur, of course. Just tell me. Confess to the attack upon the soldier. There's two companions last night. But I did not take part in the attack. I swear it. And who did? Answer me well. It goes to men over there. Paul and Jean. The soldier was killed. They murdered him. They did it. No, he paid us to do it. Beauvais, he's to blame as well as us. Only you will not get us. You're covered. Good work, captain. I ensure you can signal Tunnel to come over now. Just wave your arm. I know he's watching. Here are your six guns, my friend. Thanks, captain. These will be your prisoners. Here comes Taddo with some of my boys. You've had plenty of witnesses to Beauvais's confession. You all right, Kimosami? Yes, Taddo. The Beauvais here gave me quite a workout. All right, men. Get these men into their carriage and escort them to the city jail. Yes, sir. Come on, you. Get in in that carriage. Ladies, you took a beating. I'll help you with your tuning, sir. Thank you. Now, my gun belt, please. I don't know how to thank you, sir. For what you've done. Don't try, Lance. All I ask is that you try to be the kind of a man your father was. Do you think if I went west, I could join? Join the Texas Rangers like your dad did? That's right. Well, you might try. I'd like to make one suggestion, Lance. What's that? I see a carriage coming. I think it's bringing someone... someone you want to see. My suggestion is this. If you do go west, I'll leave a wife behind you. I won't. And if I have my way, I'll bring one with me. Yes, over. Thanks a lot. Ready, Talo? You ready? Come on. More silver. Lance, what has happened? Your father's gone into town, Nan. You'll see him there and he'll tell you everything. Oh, Lance, I am so glad you're safe. It's all due to that man on the white horse. I want you to be... More silver! Who is he, Lance? Do you know? To me, he's the greatest man that ever lived, Nan. He's known as the Lone Ranger. You have just heard as a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.