 By special recording, General Mills, makers of Wheaties, breakfast of champions, and Cheerios, the old cereal ready to eat, present, The Lone Ranger! A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hockey-hio silver! The Lone Ranger! With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful mask rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those quilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver! The Lone Ranger rides again! Come on, Silver! Let's go, big fellow! Hail, Silver! This is the Lone Ranger. If you want to be a champion at anything, remember, others have done it in spite of obstacles. Take rodeo champion Bob Maynard. He did it the hard way. He proved champions are made, not born. Bob didn't even have the advantage of growing up on a western ranch. As a boy, he lived in Chicago. But Bob started riding when he was 8 years old. At 14 in California, he became a stable hand. Today, Bob Maynard is one of the top money winners in rodeo competition. He sure is Lone Ranger, and like many champions in all sports, Bob still chooses Wheaties for his favorite training dish. There's no question about it. Champions are made, not born. And there's no question why champions choose Wheaties for their training diet. They want that famous wheat energy. They get it with Wheaties because there's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties' flake. Champions are made, not born. Get on your way with Wheaties. Breakfast of champions. An ex-Confederate officer named Ross Colburn was on his way to his ranch in Texas, not far from the town of Mulejaw. Ross was only 32 years old, but his years of hard fighting and privation with Mosby's Rangers had left their mark in the grim lines of his hunger-pinched face. His faithful horse, Wander, also showed the strain of the heartbreaking campaign. The half-starred animal was beginning to regain some of the flesh he had lost in the last terrible year of war. For on the trip home, Ross had paused as often as possible to let Wander graze. They were approaching a fork in the trail when Ross saw three horsemen riding toward him. As they came closer, he recognized the riders. He waved and shouted, Rex! Bernie Waco! Three ragged veterans named Bernie Latner, Rex Quinn and Waco Drurain. Separated since the start of the war, they dismounted, shook hands, slapped each other on the back, and exchanged warm greetings. Oh, go on it, Ross. You've changed considerably. So have you, Waco. Where'd you get all that gray hair, Ross? The Yankees gave it to me. Yeah, they gave me a bullet of Chancellorville. But I was lucky it hit me in the shoulder where it didn't do any permanent damage. There's been plenty of permanent damage done around here. Yeah, I think it's a bad in Texas, Ross. It could be worse, Rex. What do you mean worse? I talked to a lot of people on my way here. They told me what the situation is. I came back because this is an ideal base of operation. What kind of operation? Fighting operations. But we're surrendered, Ross. I look at the surrender as a temporary truce. Truce? Thunderation. We were beaten into the ground. We were outnumbered, outsupplied. But we weren't out-generaled or out-forked. Even with better weapons and ammunition than we have, the Yankees didn't put up a better fight. Man for man, we could have whipped them if we had the food to keep going. It's over now. Not for me, it isn't. What do you mean? Now, for a lot of other veterans I've talked to on the way here. We'll fight again. With what? A guerrilla force to harass the Federals. When we build up an army large enough to do some real damage, we'll go to one of our generals and ask him to take command. But you'll need weapons, ammunition, horses, food. We'll get those without money. Rex, do you know what a steer's worth in northern markets? No. It'll bring $40 in hard American cash. $40? $40 ahead. That's right. And the people in the north will buy as much beef as we can deliver. I aim to deliver that beef. I'll use all the cash I can accumulate to buy what we need. Are you boys willing to throw in with me? Well, yeah. I'm game, Ross. So am I. Count on me. Good. We've a lot of hard work ahead of us, boys. But we'll be working for the south, for the Confederacy. Ross and his friends found other young veterans to help round up cattle enough to begin the ambitious drive to the north. At length they were ready to start. The drive progressed without interruption until it reached Kansas. There, the Texans were stopped by the fences of farmers who refused to let the cattle cross their lands. It was late at night and a full moon shone brightly on the campfire where Ross, Rex Quinn, Bernie Ladner, and Waco sat making plans. Hey, two riders ahead of us. Probably a couple of the boys coming to see if we figured a way to get past those fences. And not our boys, Rex. They're coming from that homestead. They're riding good horses. Great tailhorses. One of those fellas is mad at you. What? The Texans didn't know that the masked man was the lone ranger. Expecting trouble, they held their guns steady as the tall stranger and his Indian companion drew rain at the edge of the fire lit clearing. Oh, my God! You're coming, mister. Is it customary for men from Texas to draw guns without cars? That mask is cause enough. Do you know we were from Texas? A homesteader named Ned Morgan told me. He also asked me to tell you that you may drive your cattle across his land. What did you say? If you'll come with me, we'll take you to Morgan. A short time later, Ross, Rex, Bernie, and Waco were in Ned Morgan's small cabin. With Morgan were two other homesteaders who agreed to let the Texans cross their land. Ross Colburn thanked them and said, There's just one thing I don't say to you, Morgan. You and every homesteader around here were dead set against letting us through. What changed your mind? The mask man, who brought you here? He found out that your drive was stopped. He pointed out the fact that Hank and Mark and I didn't have any crops planted. He talked us into taking down our fences and letting you through our land. You've been down right a blast to you, Morgan. Yeah, if any way we can repay you. Don't thank me and my friends. Thank the mask man. But why did he want to help us? I don't know. The next time you'll meet the Lone Ranger, ask him. The Lone Ranger. That was the first time the Texans met the mask man, but they were destined to meet again. The drive was completed and on the return trip, Ross and his friends reached an agreement with the homesteaders, an agreement that would permit them to cross the farmland at a later date. They used the profits from the drive to buy guns, ammunition, the horses and supplies, and concentrated on accumulating more with which to finance their plans. After several other drives, their activities finally came to the attention of federal authorities. Messages concerning them were flashed to Washington. Agents were sent to investigate the situation, and when they returned to the capital, they reported directly to the president. The result was an immediate summons to the governor of Texas. The governor hurried to Washington, and on his return home, he stopped briefly at the ranch of Clarabel Hornblow. When he left, Clarabel and Thunder both knew that the governor wanted to see the Lone Ranger. Several days later, the mask man and his Indian companions stopped at the ranch. As soon as they entered the house, Clarabel told them of the governor's visit. The Lone Ranger and Tato swung to the saddle and headed for the governor's residence. After two days and nights of steady travel, they grew rain and dismothered in the darkness, a short distance from the official mansion. Keeping to his shadow is to avoid being seen. The Lone Ranger made his way to the French doors of the governor's office. Looking inside, he saw that the official was alone. He tapped on the glass softly. A moment later, the door opened. It's you. Good evening, Governor. Come inside, please, I must talk to you. The governor drew the office curtains, then took a number of papers and maps from his desk. These, sir, came from Washington. The president himself and trust had been to me. Then you've been to Washington? Yes. I was sent home because a group of veterans here in Texas are organizing an army to continue the struggle against federal authority. Oh, who's leading the army? Four Confederate soldiers. Erase Colburn seems to be the leader. He was with Colonel Mooseby's Virginia cavalry during the war. Mooseby's Rangers, huh? Yes. When he had laden there, it was an artillery man in the Army of Northern Virginia. Rex Quinn is one of the few survivors of Jackson's famous Stonewall Brigade. And the man named Waco rode with Jim Stewart's cavalry. Government agents investigated all of them. Here are the reports. Colburn, laden there, Quinn and Waco. You knew them? Yes, sir. We met some time ago when they were driving cattle through Kansas. If the president is aware of the situation, why doesn't he send troops to disband the Army? To disband them by force, with accomplice the immediate purpose. But if we do nothing to erase the hatred that resulted in war, unless those men voluntarily accept our flag is their flag, we can never hope for real peace and unity. The Clinton falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger adventure. Before the next exciting theme, please come at us for pause for just a few moments. This is Mel Allen, sports announcer, and I've been in this business long enough to know that champions are made, not born. Isn't that the way it should be? Gives every youngster a chance. Take Betty Shallow figure skating beauty with the famous ship stads in Johnson Ice Follies while she was learning to cut figure H years ago. Been eating queetes since she was only chin high to her breakfast bowl. Twenty years ago, that was. Or Otto Graham of the Cleveland Browns who can thread a needle with a forward pass. Otto made himself a champion, practiced hours every chance he had, and been really going for that Wheaties breakfast for 23 seasons. There's a don gone much honest energy packed into Wheaties. Nothing you pick at and push aside for Wheaties are downright goblin good. Let me say again what champions know. There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties plate. And don't you lose track of this fact for a minute. Champions are made, not born. Get on your way with Wheaties. Breakfast of champions. Now to continue. The long ranger listened soberly to the governor's account of the problem that might result in the resumption of hostilities between the North and South. Those armed veterans must expand willingly, disarm, and return to their homes. What can I do to help, sir? I'm authorized to ask you to act unofficially for the government. If you're acquainted with Colburn and his friends, you may be able to persuade them to give up their plan. I don't think that's possible, sir. What? I haven't got much influence with them. You could reason with them? You think that would change their loyalties? But confund it, there must be a way short of bloodshed to stop them. I told the president you were the only man who could do it. Only one man could do it. But if you can't do it, who can? Robert E. Lee. The commanding general of the Confederate forces? Yes, sir. You expect him to persuade Confederate soldiers to abandon their plans? Yes, sir. But he represents everything they fought for. He's the greatest rebel of them all. He's a great man. I think he's a great American. He's a parole prisoner of war, sir. Governor, will you give me a letter of introduction to General Lee? You counting on his help? I'm going to ask for it. Then give you the letter. The guys should be sorry to report to the president. We have his. Save your report until you hear from me, sir. It was mid-afternoon of the next day when a sentry halted for Lone Ranger and taught her at the entrance to a valley near Mules-Jaw Mountain. Don't try reaching for your guns. Where's Ross Colburn? In camp. All right, but I'll have to fire a warning shot to alert the camp that you're coming. There. Now then, mister, follow me. Come on. The sentry led the way through the valley entrance. Rounding a bend in the trail, they saw a group of armed men coming toward them. Colburn and his three friends were in the lead. Let's burn in our rescue. Come on. Back down, boys. Colburn, I'm here to see you and your three friends. You're the Lone Ranger. Back to your service, man. This man is in a frame. Colburn, let's go into your tent. We've a lot to talk about. Colburn and his friends led the way to an army tent. Tautos stood guard outside while the Lone Ranger told the four veterans that the authorities were aware of their activities. They know the location of this headquarters, and they know your plan. Thanks for the warning, mister. Now that we know their wires to us, we'll move carefully. You intend to go ahead? Your door goes right. Who led you? I did either to drive the Yankees clean out of the southwest. Do it. There's Mosby, maybe he... You're talking about subordinate officers. You're entirely forgetting the greatest general of them all. Why? The man who led the Confederate army. You mean... I mean Robert E. Lee. If General Lee would take command... Why not ask him what he thinks of your plan? Where would we find him? I'll take you to him. Will your men remain here until we return? We'll hear the doomsday if the general is coming back to lead him. Yes, sir! Eager for the sight of their old commander, the four veterans quickly prepared for the long journey with a masked man and Toto. Leaving orders with the men who were to remain in the valley, Ross asked... Now you fellas all set. Let's travel. The riders traveled at a ground covering low. And during the long trip, the Lone Ranger and Toto found the ex-soldier's good companions. Avoiding towns and settlements, when the Lone Ranger's mask would be questioned, they rode steadily. As they moved into the state of Virginia, the men became grim and silent. They were not far from the battlefields where many of their comrades had fallen. We'll reach Lexington tonight. That's where we'll find General Lee? Yes! It was after nine o'clock that evening when they reached the vicinity of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia. They drew rain a short distance from the college building. While the four veterans studied the moonlit landscape, the Lone Ranger took the governor's letter from his pocket and handed it to Toto. Toto, will you take this letter to General Lee and ask him if you'll meet us here? Where may I find him? He'll be in the college president's house. You'll have to ask directions to it. Let me find him. Do you think you'll come to meet us, mister? We'll have to wait and see. The men to smoke events stood beside their horses waiting for Toto to return. Five minutes passed. Ten minutes. And then the sound of hoofs broke the quiet of the college surroundings. At length two riders came into view. They recognized Toto, but the hat brim obscured the face of the other horsemen. There was something familiar about the gate of the handsome gray horse and an unmistakable dignity of the saddle. Suddenly Ross Colburn reached for his hat as he removed it, he murmured. Boys, it's nice to love it. Thank you, Bob. General Lee. The rider who brought the beloved war horse traveler to a halt in the moonlit clearing was no ordinary man. For no ordinary man could have inspired the blind loyalty of men like Jason, Jeb Stewart, A.P. Hill, and countless other brave soldiers. Robert E. Lee was a great man. And as the long ranger met him for the second time in his career, he knew that he had made no mistake in reuniting the four veterans with their old commander. The general's voice was warm and friendly when he spoke to the masked man. We met before, sir. I wasn't sure you'd remember the meeting generally. I do remember. A few years ago. I'm glad to see you again. Thank you, sir. Gentlemen, what may I do for you? Captain Ross Colburn. 43rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry reporting for duty, General. Duty, Captain Colburn? That's right, sir. Our friends and I are here to offer our services. We've accumulated guns, ammunition, supplies, and a hundred ex-soldiers who are ready to go on with the fight. Ross spoke eagerly, and we've been silent. We've only a hundred men, Tower. But if we can go back to Texas and say that you'll lead us, we'll be able to muster an army of thousands. So that's why you're here. We've come all the way from Texas to ask you to lead us again. We weren't out-fought the last time, General Lee. And with luck, sir... I know we weren't out-fought, Captain. No men ever fought better than those who stood by me. We're lickedy Yankees for sure but we were decided by war. We must abide by that decision. I gave my word, gentlemen. I can't believe... But, sir, we were never a battle the South Fort. Oh, you were good soldiers, loyal soldiers. But your duty now is to unite in an honest effort to obliterate the effects of war and restore the blessings of peace to our land. Peace? Yes. Promote harmony and good feeling. Qualify yourselves to vote and then elect to the state and general legislature's wise and patriotic men who devote their abilities to the interests of the country and the healing of dissensions. I have invariably recommended this course since the cessation of hostilities and I've endeavored to practice it myself. But... But what about us? We've worked to build up an armed force. We've got supplies and men who are ready to fight. We're waiting for all the gentlemen. I earnestly hope that you will abandon your animosity and make your son American. Later that night, the four veterans were traveling west. They had been silent and thoughtful until Ross suddenly missed the masked man who had been traveling with them. Where's the long range? He said he had to send a telegram and he and Carlos will join us later. Well, boys, we've a lot to do when we get home. We'll have to disband the men, divide the weapons and food and head back to our ranches to try to build them up again. I never expected things to turn out this way. I think the masked man knew what they'd turned out. What do you mean, Roy? I don't think General Lee's advice was any surprise to the long range. Full of Cheerios and milk is real muscle building food. Each spoonful contains vitamins, minerals and proteins your body needs. Yes, the good things in a Cheerios breakfast do good things for your body. Help you have healthy nerves, good red blood, strong bones and muscles. Cheerios, remember, is made from oats yet needs no cooking. Eat Cheerios, the cereal shaped like little letter O's. Then you'll hear people say She's feeling her Cheerios. Here a copyrighted feature of the Long Ranger Incorporated is created by George W. Trenville. Produced by Trenville Campbell Muir Incorporated. Directed by Charles D. Livingston. And edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Long Ranger is played by Brace Beamer. Your announcer, Fred Ford. The Long Ranger is brought to you by General Mills every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at this same time. Be sure to listen.