 A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high old silver, the lone ranger. When the wave of emigration to the western United States reached its peak, the days of the open range passed. All the government land was thrown open to homesteaders. Many cattlemen were faced with ruin and bitter disputes took place over boundaries and water rights. A range war might have followed, but the masked rider of the planes proved to both factions that their differences could be settled by peaceful means. It was he more than any other man who brought law and order to the lawless frontier. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the West was young. From out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the Great Horse Silver. The lone ranger rides again. Change country! We've got the hurry! Our story begins in the ranch house of Eric Badger, the most powerful cattleman in all that fertile region surrounding the town of Ashland. He and his foreman, Scotty Campbell, are talking with two strangers. You say your name is Dirk Hawkins? That's right, Mr. Badger. And this is Slim Dykeman. He used to boss my spread when I had one. When you had one? Russell has cleaned me out. Oh. Now what do you say, Mr. Badger? You going to take up my proposition or not? It's difficult to decide. It shouldn't be. You've been grazing your cattle on that government land ever since you started up here, haven't you? I have. Fact is, the best water holds in that part of the range. All right, what's going to happen? On the first of the month, the government is throwing that land open to homesteaders. That's less than a week from now. The town is filling up with fellas waiting to file. It is telling the truth about that boss. I was in town yesterday. I bet I counted two dozen strangers that are just hanging around for the first of the month to come so they can grab our range. I know, Scotty. You got your choice of just two things. Either you let them fellas file on that range, taken what rightfully yours, or you put up a fight and run them homesteaders out. And that takes man. Manhandy was shooting them. Perhaps you misunderstand, Hawkins. I've got nothing against homesteaders. They're just people doing their best to make homes for themselves. It's simply that in this case, I've been done in injustice. I had no reason to expect any such move on the part of the government. I'd been led to believe that range was mine as long as I had use for it. As a matter of fact, without it, I'm ruined. The land to which I hold actual title wouldn't graze a tenth of my herd. I'd have that all right. And that's why I say you ought to do like I suggested. What do you think, Scotty? Boss, I don't see what we've got any choice. I say take Mr. Hawkins up on it. I'd want an agreement in writing, of course. You can have it. I'll take my men and see that the land we file claim on has all the waterholes. If you get them, why, the rest of the range is as good as yours. Yes. We hold the homesteads till the excitement is over. Then we vacate, letting you know ahead of time. And your men can file on them without having to file off a whole bunch of farmers. That seems fair enough. Well, I don't understand, Mr. Hawkins, is why you don't want that land for yourself. You say you're anxious to get into rancing again? Yeah, because I ain't interested in this part of the country. I aim to settle further west. I've just seen a chance to help you out and make some cash for me and the boys at the same time. So I took it. Very well, then. It's agreed. Good. I'll draw some papers up. I saved you the bother, Mr. Badger. I got it all fixed right here. I know you'd see it my way. Yeah, read it over. Thanks. Yeah, this seems adequate. Shoot you all right? It does. Then there ain't nothing left to do but get our names on it. This year agreement is between you and me. Slim and your foreman can be the witnesses. My pen. Oh, yes, here it is. She will sign first. Oh, a thing. There you are. Now you put your name down. Yeah. Got it? Sure, boss. Now you sign right underneath Slim, and we're all set. Right here? Yeah. Well, there we are, Mr. Badger. And we'll leave this paper with you, seeing as how you stand to lose more than we do if the agreement ain't kept. Now come on, Slim. We better be getting back to where the boys are at and tell them the deal is all set. Yeah, you're a camping? Uh-huh. Pick down a nice spot over by the flats this side of the woods. Well, afternoon, Mr. Badger. Good afternoon. Afternoon, Scotty. Good afternoon, Badger. Goodbye, Scotty. We'll see you again before that range is thrown open. Sure will. We'll be around. I'm ready, Slim. Yeah, let's go. Get up. Get out of there. Get out of there. Well, Scotty, I'm still not sure whether we did the right thing or not. What else could we do, boss? We're short-handed now. We ain't got men enough to scare them homesteaders off, nor even enough to send them to town to file on their homesteads for us. And if this fellow, Dirk Orkins, has got his handy a bunch with him as he claims to have, they'll come in useful. Say, who are them fellows coming down these trails? Ain't none of our boys. Those are splendid horses they're riding. A white horse and a paint. Come on, gentlemen. They're heading for the house. Every bouncer. Come on, Scotty. Boss, look at that one fella. Mask. And that's a red skin on the paint. Well, I'll be... Well, I'll be... No more, no more. Half-lord. Listen to me. Clear out of here. Get going. Don't flop, brother, Scotty. What's the tunnel? You know my name? I know there's a band of outlaws camped over in the flats, and that the leader just left your house. What are you talking about? Outlaws? You're crazy. They're Dirk Hawkins' men. Of course they are. He told us about them. They're men who agreed to stay with him when he lost his ranch into the coders. He told you he was a rancher? He did. Eric, I'd tell you he's an outlaw, even if he has never been caught breaking the law. Dirk Hawkins never owned a ranch in his life. I've been trailing them halfway across the west, waiting for the chance to bring them to justice. What's your game, mister? Yes. What do you expect to get by telling a story like that? What did Dirk want here? None of your business. But we made a bargain, whereby he'll file a claim to certain homesteads, then turn them over to me. Well, if you've agreed to a bargain, we're too late. There's nothing more we can do here for the present. Come, Tutto. Get him up strong. Come on, Silver. Come on, old fellow. Several days passed. Dirk and his men staked out the most desirable homesteads, using force when necessary, and, when the first of the month arrived, filed upon them. Then, when the land rush was over, Eric Badger prepared to carry out the terms of the agreement he had made with Dirk. What made you write it to town with your boss? I won't need you for that, Scotty. I called you in to say that I may not be home until evening. I think this calls for something in the way of a celebration. That it should, boss. Keeping this range is about the only thing that'll keep us. Where in the world are you looking for something? My cash box. I have it. Looking for that paper we signed? No, I have that in another place. I won't need it. All I'm taking with me is the money I promised to pay Hawkins and his men. Let's see. They're filing on six homesteads. That will be 600 I owe them. They've already been given the $34 they had to pay the land office for each claim. Hey, you had my horse saddle? That's right. I didn't waitin'. There we are. Let's see. Is there anything else? I think that's all. Come along, Scotty. You got any orders for me before you leave? Oh, I think not. You sent men to look for those strays over north of the brush? Aye, lemon tax. There's nothing else I can think of that you can't take care of yourself. Steady there, boy. Well, boss, why are you celebrating? Do something for me, will ya? Scotty, we've all got plenty to be thankful for. This saves me the ranch and you and the men your jobs. Well, I'll see you later. Aye, so long. Get up, boy. Get up. The trail to Iceland led a winding course for more than 10 miles. But Eric, anxious to conclude the deal, never drew rain. He was within two miles of town at a point for the trail skirt of the cluster of boulders when someone hailed him. That's you, Dirk. Sure is. Right up. Oh, there. Oh, boy. Where are ya? Come in. Step along, fellas. Lock it me along this way pretty soon so me and the boys have been waitin'. Morning, Slim. Hello, there, men. Good morning, Mr. Badger. You ready to pay off? I certainly am, Dirk. In cash, too. I remembered what you said about preferring cash so that you could be on your way. Uh-huh. You, uh... You are leaving, of course. Oh, sure. Let's have the cash, huh? Well, of course. But I'll have to have proof you understand that you really vacated those homesteads. That is, I mean, if I... Oh, quit stringin' him along, Dirk. Ask him where he gets that idea we ought to turn them homesteads over to him. He must figure we're crazy. Yeah! One moment. I don't understand. If you don't savvy, then it's high time you did. Eric, we're keepin' them homesteads. We filed on every piece of ground that's got water on it. And if you've got the sense I figure you have, you know what that means. But I still... It means me and the boys here boss this range from now on. They might just as well pull sticks and clear out. Why, you rotten, swindlin' thief. The mask man was right. Maybe so. But if you didn't pay no attention to what he said, you ain't got nobody to blame with yourself. You can't get away with this, Dirk. No. And why not? Our agreement. The one we signed and had witnessed. Hey, boss, ask him if he looked for that paper I forced out not this morning. What do you mean did I look for it? Reckon Buck meant just what he said, Eric. Of course, when you start talkin' about agreements and me signin' somethin' that was witnessed and all that sort of thing, why ain't got no motion what you're talkin' about? But if you figure you got somethin' of that kind, why, I'd look for it if I was you. Boy, heavens, I... Don't get so red in the face, Eric. It ain't healthy. If that paper's gone, you've stolen it. Couldn't steal nothin' that there never was, could we? You witnessed that paper, Slim? Well, if I did, it must have slipped my mind. And I don't figure a thing like that had happened. You crooks. Well, and, Eric, I ain't admitin' there ever was such a paper like you mentioned. But if there was, I'd be willing to bet you're my new saddle here that you don't ever find it. Then you did steal it. The law will take care of you for this. Yeah? What law? Eric, we ain't been in this part of the country for long. But we've been here long enough to find out the law don't amount to nothin'. Just what do you plan to do with those homesteads? Why, just what we all have planned. We're into the cattle business for ourselves. Have you money enough to stock your in? We'll get along, don't you worry. Very well. Now I know what you mean are. And I'll know how to deal with you from now on. And I warn you, the next time we meet, I'll be prepared and we'll shoot on sight. Come on, boy. Oh, no, you don't. Not so fast. What do you want now? That cash you brought along. So, this is a holdup, too. It don't matter what you call it. Just give us a cash. And if he aimed a last first spell yet, don't make no trouble. I'll see you hung first. Get up, boy. Well, shoot him. Grab that horse's ride. Hand us high. Let me through there. I'll kill him. Oh, my gunshot out of my hand. Come on, Gilbert. That's the boys. That horse. That horse. Watch out. We'll get travels. Back, fellas. Get back. This way, Eric. I'm with you, stranger. Lead the way. Stop them, fellas. Blast them out of their shadows. You hear me? Fill them with lead. The first man will fly us. We'll get a taste of these guns. Follow me, Eric. Come on. You yellow cowards. I'll drop them, fellas. You want him. Not the way them horses are traveling. Then save your ammunition. Put up your guns and head for camp. There's going to be trouble and we're going to be ready for it. The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger drama. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments and now to continue our story. When Dirk Hawkins and his gang of outlaws held up Eric Badger, the masked man came to the aid of the rancher and helped him escape. We see the two men now as they approach the Lone Rangers camp. Patanto has been waiting. Oh, Gilbert. Oh, boy. Oh, boy. Oh, boy. Me hear shots. You have trouble. Nothing we couldn't handle, Kimosabe. There was plenty more than I could handle until you came along, stranger. I know I owe you the money I'm carrying, perhaps even my life. I'm not so sure those fellas will let me go after an outright theft like that. That's in the past now. We've got to make our plans to deal with those men in the future. From what I heard, those men have stolen the homesteads. They'd agreed to turn over to you. Which means I'm ruined. That land supported near to the hole of my herd. Now they've taken over the waterholes and without water, the range is useless. They may not keep those homesteads. I don't know how they can be taken away. We're the only ones that know I was cheated. And there's no use denying that they told the truth about the law in this part of the country. The only effective law on this range is the law you pack in your holster. There's the law of custom, however. Meaning... Meaning that since this country was first opened, it's been conceded that any rancher finding rustlers on his range can punish them himself. Rustlers? How else will that gang get a herd? I've been trailing them. I know they like cash. That's the reason for the holdup they attempted. Then your idea is to catch them rustling my cattle and deal out range justice? Right. I don't think it can be done. No. In the first place, I haven't met enough to handle a gang like that. And in the second place, everyone around here knows how necessary those waterholes are to me. If I took action, it would look to them as though I'd framed Dirk and his men for my own profit. I have a plan. Let them take care of all those things if you'll cooperate. I'll do whatever you say. Tell them, huh? I need a disguise. Those men have seen me with my mask. I don't want to fix it. And another thing. They've seen Silver also. They won't forget him. You ride Scout. Me ride Silver. I was going to suggest that. And your plan? Is this, Eric? Listen and we'll work it out together. Eric agreed to the Lone Ranger's proposal and hurried back to his ranch. That night, the outlaws met in an old line cabin to discuss their plans. Now then, fellas, listen to me. Watch on your mind, boss. Well, I've been thinking it's about time we branched out. We got most of what works to be done out of the way. The next thing is to get us some cattle. Me ride, boss. Some of Eric's cattle. His brand is a dot in the circle, isn't it? And the brand I registered for us is a wagon wheel. Funny thing, but I've got a hunch that maybe my brand would blot out Eric's. You wouldn't have had that hunch before you registered the wagon wheel, would you, Dirk? Maybe I would. You're right about getting us some cows, boss. But do you figure we ought to do anything so soon? Eric's gonna be hoppin' mad about this and he'll be watchin' out for us. Yeah, he ain't no fighter. He's had things his own way around here for so long he don't know how to fight no more. I don't know. It'll be a dog-gone funny thing if he don't make some move to force us out. Yeah, Eric. Yeah, what's that? That's Eric and his men right now, I'll bet you. Didn't waste no time, but I'll find out. Have you, Eric? It's basically the biggest skin. They all are in a fight. In a fight, bless you. Give it to them, man. Put out the lamps. Get to the windows. Start throwing lamps. Make it so hot for them fellas they'll wish they'd stay at home. Blame fools, we're two to their one. They're just one and a bluff. They ain't got no more chance against us than a rabbit against a wolf. Come on, start shootin'. Well, they took the cover already. They ain't rolled off yet. Keep givin' it to them. We're too blame-pad we can't get to our horses. If they didn't have us pinned up here, we'd give them a real beating. We don't need to worry. You see how many there was, Dirk? Just Eric, Scotty in the hand. Wait a second. Hold on. Huh? Listen, it's just somebody firing from over behind them rocks. But he ain't firing at us. My golly, Slim, you all right. Take a look. Well, that's so. Oh, his blazes couldn't be. There ain't none of our bunch missin'. Whoever it is, he sure pourin' lead at them. Yeah, and they don't like it none either. See? I'll bet they're clearin' out. Unless they're planin' on ridin' that other fella down. Keep an eye on them rocks. If Eric tries that stunt, give the stranger protection. Take a look. They're headin' for a home. They didn't mind us as long as they could keep us here in the cabin. But gettin' lead throwin' at them from two directions plum discouraged them. Here comes the stranger. Come on, let's see who he is. Maybe somebody knew us back in the Dakotas and heard where we were. Maybe? Howdy, stranger. Thanks for the help you give us. You sure sent them cow-punchers, kidadlin'. You, Dirk Hawkins? Sure I am. But how'd you know my name? I know quite a bit about you, Dirk. Yeah? And I know if Eric Badger's plans go through, you're going to need all the help you can get. Several days passed. Eric, following the Lone Ranger's instructions, sent his men to the neighboring ranches asking for reinforcements. At length he had enough men to handle the outlaws. But he found that the band of ranches and cow-hands were difficult to hold together. We see Eric now as he's on the veranda of his home as two of his neighbors approach him. Hello there, Ted. Afternoon, Harvey. Howdy, Eric. Howdy. Sit down. Help yourself to chairs. What's on your mind? Thanks, Eric, but I reckon we'll talk standing up. Yeah? You see, we're pullin' out. You're what? That's right, Eric. We're goin' back home. Now look here, man. You can't do that. Eric, we'd be glad to help you, but we've been here three days already and nothing's happened. We've got work of our own to do. Work that can't be put off. But you're kidding. That ain't all of it, Eric. No? You see, we said we'd give you a hand again, rustlers. We never said we'd help you run fellas off their homesteads that are keepin' inside the law. From all we've seen so far, there's Hawkins and them fellas you told us about seem to be mindin' their own business. If they're crooks, they ain't give no sign of it. I'll swear those men are outlaws. Now, Eric, we ain't got a crook. If they're allowed to stay, it will be the worst thing that ever happened to this range. I'm not speaking for myself alone. Of course I want that land. But wait. They'll steal my cattle. Then they'll steal yours. Just as sure as they're given a foothold in this country, you'll regret it. You can't back out now. I'm right. Sorry, Eric. But I guess we'll stand on what we say. Just wait another day. Another 12 hours. The other fellas feel like we do. I reckon there's nothin' more to be said. You can't... One moment. Huh? Eric, there ain't nothin' you can give us as an argument that we ain't heard before. You said you wanted proof that they're rustlers. Men, if I'm not mistaken, you're gonna get proof right now. Up there. Oh, it's over. Oh, oh. Oh, it's just a risk, kid. Wait. Tonto, did you hear from your friend? Have you got news? Uh, Tonto got plenty news. You listen. Me tell you. That night, although Dirk himself was not present, his men cut off more than a hundred head of dot-in-a-circle cattle. They drove them to a lonely valley where the fire they had built to heat their running irons could not be seen from a distance. Slim, Dirk's right-hand man stood to one side, talking with the lone rangers. Well, there's a good start for the wagon-wheel brand, mister. And this is only the beginning. How much longer will this take? Oh, maybe a couple more hours. Maybe less. Why? You gettin' nervous? Maybe somebody from Eric's place might see his blot in his brain? I just wondered. Ah, shots were safe enough. You know where Dirk went? No, I don't. Well, that's a funny thing. I can't save you why I didn't want to be here to boss the job. Dirk wouldn't even guess where he's going, huh? Nope. He saddled up a little at four in the morning, gave me orders what to do, then lit out. I asked him what was up, and he's much of said to my own business. Yes? You said if he had things figured out right, I'd know about it soon enough. And if he didn't, why? Then he said it'd do more good than harm to keep his mouth shut about it. Now, what do you figure he meant by that? I don't know, but I'd like to. Yeah, sure would I. Hey there, squint. Get back in your saddle. You there, buck. Build up that fire more. Go ahead, then, Slim. Yes, Count. No, it's a matter. Figure out having a ride? Perhaps. Where to? Something tells me Dirk's absence means our plan's gone wrong. I want to be prepared. You don't have to worry none about Dirk. He's slick, that fella. He'll take care of himself. Hear them hoops? Maybe that's Dirk now. He's riding fast. Is that his coat? Yep. He is perfect. Slim! Anything wrong, boss? Oh, boy. Double-lusted schemer. Hey, what's up? I thought there was something funny about this fella here. Yes? Yes, I mean you. Slim, you know who this fella is? You recollect the masked fella that rode up and got clear with Eric that time we tried to get his case. Sure I do. This is a shame, fella. No. What makes you think that? I'm been wondering what there was about him. I seem to recognize ever since he joined up with us. And today had come to me. Yeah? It was his voice. His voice is the same as the masked fella's. You might be mistaken. But I ain't mistaken about the horse that inch who was riding with him at him today. There wouldn't be no mistake on that critter. Well... Didn't know I followed you, huh? You never figured anybody would be watching to see where the engine headed after he left you, did you? I don't get this. The engine went right to Eric's place. This somebody right here didn't tell our plans to the red skin so he could tell them to Eric and I'm local. Oh, well, I'll be... Follower's grabbed him! No, you don't! Come on, sir! Let go! Let go of me! We're riding double-jerks! Let me go! I'll hit you! Boss, what do we do? Stand back! I've got a gun on your leader. Don't make a move! Don't pay any attention to him, fellas! Blab him! Come on, get me loose! But what if he shoots you? Boss! He means business. Here's your bluff! I'll tell you, get it! I'll blast the first man to move! We've got to get clear here! Put out that fire! Hide them running irons! Scatter them down! Don't let this hombre blow up the air! They're too late! Don't you believe him, fellas? We ain't too late! Get a move on! You're too late, I tell you! Eric and Tony know this, Captain. They started out right after you I took a short cut. I heard them a moment back! Listen! Let us oblige this with sir! Let the stranger keep him! We've got to get out of here! Come on! That was a warning! Another move in the next shot will be closer! Eric! Come on! Hold on! Get them up! Get them up! All right, the rest of you! Up with your hands! You're finished! Blast you! You're going to hang, Dirk. You've had it coming for a long time. Hold on! Hold on! Hold on! We'll take over now, friends. Yeah, take this fellow. I'm done with you, Dirk. I only found out about you sooner. I'd have fixed your goods. You didn't, however. Eric. Yeah? You can show your friends all the evidence necessary. They're running errands about that fire. You'll find 30 or 40 of your cows with fresh blotted brands. You won't need more proof than that. Here's how to... You can take Scout now. Stranger, I wish I knew how to thank you. It isn't necessary. But I'd suggest one thing. Yeah? Get men of your own to the land office first thing in the morning. The homesteads these men filed on will be vacant. You can't afford to waste time, however. Trust me, friend. That's what I should have done in the first place. Well, Ted, Harvey, do you believe me now? You need anything more to prove these fellows crooks? You had the right of it, Eric. But what I'm wondering is who is this fellow that trapped them pole cats? I don't know, Ted, but I... Hey! Hey, stop, Eric! Maybe you didn't know who that fellow is, but I can tell you. You know him? Nope. But there ain't no mistake in that horse or the engine he travels with. Men, that was the Lone Ranger. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.