 The speed of light, the cloud of dust, and the hearty hay-o-silver, the Lone Ranger. The faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked rider of the planes fought crime and criminals throughout the early western United States. But the frontier courts were primitive, and due to the incompetence of the local sheriffs, a capture did not always lead to a conviction. It was only when the courage and resourcefulness of the Lone Ranger were placed in the balance that justice was sure to triumph. 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. Judge Wilkie wrapped for attention with his gavel and... A session like he was to home. Just quiet down and pack your cards away. Go to Gamble, the cafe is a place for it. Bonnie, set that jug down. I've been watching you. You've had enough. Courts now in session. Luke Dailey there is charged with horse stealing, rustling, stage robbing, claim jumping, robbery armed, and cheating at cards. None of which is looked on with favor in these parts. Judge! Don't be such a hurray, Zeke. You get your chance to present the evidence and tell the jury all about it in just a second. But there ain't no evidence, Judge. Huh? It's been stolen. Quiet! Quiet! Now, what's that you said? It's gone. Every dog-gone bit of evidence we had is gone. Ask the sheriff. Somebody broke in his office last night and stole it. That right, John? Zeke, give it to your straight friend. Somebody forced a lot, busted my desk, and cleaned it out. Why didn't you tell me before this? I... I had done without half my dinner to get here in time. We only just now found it out. Fine sheriff, you are. How is I to know anybody who'd do a thing like that? You think you'll understand God on that evidence 24 hours a day? Hey, what are you going to do about me? If you've got the evidence, try me. If you ain't, you've got to let me go. Now, wait. I'll try it, Sheriff. The prosecution has just admitted there ain't no evidence. This is clearly a shameless attempt to railroad an innocent man to jail. And I protest at such gross injustice. I appeal to you as an up... Here! Here! Here! That'll be enough. We ain't going to have no speeches. Zeke. Uh-huh. Have you or have you not evidence against the prisoner, Luke Daley? I... Well? We still got Milt Cummins to testify for us. You ready to carry on the prosecution, depending on Milt, to get you a conviction? Uh, if you give me a little time. I'll give you a week. Court's adjourned till a week from today. They can't hold my client. They reckon they can, Greg. Uh, Sheriff. Yeah? Take the prisoner back to the Calibou. And if he's stolen from you, I'll have you up for contempt of court. If Luke gets out, I'll resign. Your honor. Well? I appreciate having a word in private with my client before he jailed again if it's all the same to you. Sure! Go ahead. It just don't take all day. Yeah, thanks. All right. Show's over. Clear the courtroom. We're all about to get this over with. Mr. Greg, now, Luke, don't you worry. This didn't work out just the way I figured. But you got my word, you won't never be convicted. But you said they'd have to let me loose. I'll fix it. The evidence is gone for good. Burn it up. But how about Milt Cummins? He can tell plenty about me. Yeah? He knows about the claim, jumpin' in the sun. Shut up, you fool. Milt Cummins won't open his mouth. You hear that? You keep still and be glad to do it. Now go on back with the sheriff. I'll seat a Milt tonight. That night. Well, there you have it, Milt. You're gonna say half the things you claimed to know about Luke you forgot. The rest, you ain't so sure as you was. Well, you do this to me, Greg. I've got a client to defend. He isn't going to be convicted. He's guilty as a man can be. He's the rottenest skunk ever come to this town. And if he's convicted, I get a hundred dollars for my fee. He goes loose, I get a thousand. There's only one answer to a proposition like that. You're defending him, knowing him the crook he is. Why not? Well, it's nothing to surprise a man. You've been crooked enough yourself in your time. Likely you could tell what happened to the evidence that was stolen. Perhaps. I'll have to think it over. Or don't convene again for another week. I wish I knew what to tell you. No, that ain't it. I recognize, Savvy, what I ought to do, plain enough. What I mean is, I wish I had the nerve to tell you to go to Blazers. I wouldn't if I was you. The next thing, you'd find yourself right where Luke is. With less chance of getting out. All these years, I got a good memory, Milt. And this ain't the first time it served me a good turn. Sure, I can recollect what happened 15 years ago just like it was yesterday. And maybe if you don't behave yourself, I'll start recollecting right out loud where the law can hear me. You'd better go now. Sure. I'd like to ask Mary about this. Mary? Your wife? Uh-huh. We always talk things over when they ain't real clear. Right-level headed Mary is, too. She's never yet said to do a thing that was wrong. But your wife's been dead for the past five years. That long? Don't seem like it sometimes. Fact is, I've never been able to really convince myself she's left me. See there? See that rocking chair? Well, sir, that's where Mary always sat. She'd sit there by the hour just rocking. What? So now, when I want to ask her things, I sit there myself. I rock a bit like she done. And the first thing you know, there she is standing beside me, smiling real pretty. And mighty now, as young looking as a day, we run away to get married. There ain't a time to listen to such nonsense. Just see that you let me know what your plan to do before the trial starts up again. Good night. You hear him, Mary. Did you? Sounded like you kind of misdoubled what I told him about you and me, didn't it? Honey, I'm in a fix. Seems like sometimes, no matter how hard a man tries, the deck's stacked against him. Look at what's happened. Here's this fellow Luke Daley, and no good if there ever was one. He's in jail right now, and he ought to be kept there. And I'm the man who can make sure he is. But gosh, I don't know, Mary. I tell what I know up there in court, they'll be jailing me, too. Think an easy thing to face. I'm getting along, and I've always been well thought of. But just the same if I keep still and Luke goes free, it'll be a rotten trick on folks that have been my friends. And Mary, what's a man to do? Following morning. I'll go to the sheriff. Go ahead, Greg. That's your privilege. I can't stop you. But it's like I've just said. I've got to give him a testimony. You don't. It's what Mary wants. You gone clean, local. Nope. I'm seeing things straight. You know what this means? Uh-huh. Jail. Maybe... maybe even hanging. And you'd rather risk that than keep shut? I told you it's what Mary wants. You old fool! You talking, you will hang. I'll see to that myself. You'll hang, and I'll be watching. And the only thing I'll be sorry for is that you can't hang twice. Well, good day. No. No, wait, Milt. Now, wait. What's the use in your acting like this? What's the good of it? You think the folks around here are gonna thank you for testifying? I got to do it. Look. Look here. I'll admit it looks a crook. See? I'm admitting it. But if I get him clear, I'll make him promise to light out. I'll make him promise to leave the state. So he can rob and steal from folks somewhere else? No, nothing doing. I'll split with you. I'll give you half the thousand. He's gonna pay. It ain't no use. I've decided. Why, you sum-sing and hypocritical sum... What? Finish it, Greg. You'll do what? Go on. I would... Never mind these guns. They'll stay on their holsters. Finish that threat. What's this to you? The moment Donna told me what happened yesterday at the trial, I knew you'd try to reach Milt. I've been following Milt just to see what your next trick would be. You're as crooked as your client. You can't. Like most of your clients, you'll finish in jail or at the end of a rope. I can't. If I have to put you there myself. Stranger. You're coming with me, Milt. Wait, listen. I'll listen later. Come along. Where to? Can't. Don't think I didn't mean what I told you, Milt. Don't you think it for a minute. And I'll get you too, masked man. You'll have the chance, Greg, because I'll be back. Get aboard. Stranger, I don't say it. You will. Yep, with you. Yep. Come on, Silver. Hurry up. Silver plashed through the town and raced northward across open rangeland. Come on, old fellow. Stretch out those great raids of yours. Head for the wood, Silver. Tell us, wait in the camp. The mighty Stagian carrying double finally reached a small wood. There is master Drew Rainer. Hold it, Silver. Hold it. Hold it. All right, Milt. Mr. That was a ride. Shadow. What happened? What we expected. Greg can't afford to let Milt reach course. And Milt won't. And Greg can help us. Milt. Yes? I heard most of your conversation back there. How much of it was true? Has Greg anything on you? Can he get you jailed? He can, Stranger. I see. I won't ask you what's behind it. That's your business and it's in the past. Right now, I'm interested in just two things. Keeping Luke daily in jail and seeing that Greg joins in there. Mr. Well? I'm going to ask you the same as Greg did. What's all this to you? I want to see justice done. Luke is a kind of criminal who breaks the law with guns while Greg uses his wits. They're equally dangerous. Funny talk for a mask man. Well, let it go. Just a second. You bring me here without getting my opinion on it. Now I'd like to know what fur. To make sure you'll give your testimony. You claim to hear what we said. If you did, you ought to know that's what I aim to do. If Greg permitted it. He can have me arrested, sure. But that wasn't going to stop me from saying my say in court. A bullet would, however. Greg evidently hoped to blackmail you into silence. He can't. But he knows that turning you over to the law won't serve his purpose. He'd get revenge, yes. There was nothing else he could do. He'd likely be contented with that. What are you getting at? Justice. He might want revenge. But he doesn't want it half as much as he wants your silence. Arrested, you'd still be allowed to testify. And there's only one way you could be stopped. By murder. You... you really think that? I wouldn't have taken a hand in this if I didn't. Murder. Stay with Todd on me until court opens again and you'll be safe. Well... And if you wish. Yeah. Tell us what Greg has on you. Perhaps we can help. Nobody can. How can you be certain? And how do I know you ain't just trying to warm it out of me so you can try some blackmail? How do I know you didn't get the idea when you heard what Greg threatened? You don't know. I can give you my word, but of course you have no reason to accept it. Just so. In that case, all I can say is you couldn't be much worse off if you're told than you are already. Greg will take care of that. Oh, gone. And what is it? I wish I was to home. I wish I could just sit in Mary's rocking chair for a couple minutes. Yes? Then maybe she'd tell me what to do. We 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. Now to continue our story. Three days went by. In the cafe where Milks' disappearance was the main subject of conversation, a dozen theories were advanced and... You know how it looks to me, fellas. How's that? It looks to me like that masked hombre Milk was seen riding away with, with some fella headed in for it. Likely some crook Milk had trouble with that we never heard of. Fellas, I hate to say it, but I bet we don't never see Milk alive again. You agree with me, Judge? Nonsense. Corset don't. Why not? Corset blasted Piany over there. Sound something fierce. What's that got to do with it? Gets me too mad to agree with nobody. Barkeep! Yeah, Judge? Give all the boys a drink. It's for my private bottle. Not that injured. The end of the bar. Just them you know. Sure thing. And tell the professor to quit persecuting that poor, unresistant Piany. I'll have him up for disturbing the peace. All right. Cut the opera, Jack. You're upset in the jar. Here comes Zeke. Fred. Now what? Look, Fred, you've got to do me a favor. Do I? Give me another postponement on that trial. Why for? I can't go into court without my main witness. You know Doggone Weller can. Mean and milked? Of course. Give me another week to try and find him. Just one more week. You still got a couple of days before the trial? A couple of days ain't going to be enough. Can't help that. But Luke will go free. Zeke, Luke Daley's a skunk, a pole cat, a mean ordinary coyote, or anything else you see fit to call him. But nonetheless, you can't hold a man in jail forever. Just cause you hope someday to have evidence to keep him there legal. You come to court with a case in the day I set or let Luke go. Gosh, friend, and I always thought we was friends. We are. But that don't count where I'm a judge. Heard what you said, Judge. He does your credit. Think so, Greg? It's a real pleasure to know my client will be tried by a fair-minded man. Poor Luke, friends, is a misfortune and a victim of circumstance. As an honest fellow has ever drew breath. He is the biggest scoundrel ever went unhung. But you just said that. I'd give him his legal rights. And I will. But aside from that, we all know what the vomit is, and we're all hoping he gets what he's asked for. But you all forget it and drink up. Folks, the bar keeps filled your glasses. I'm proposing a little toast. Let's have it, friends. More headshots. But, gents, here's to the lady with the scales in her hands and the bandana across her eyes. Her handle is justice. And I'm here now making a promise. Folks, as long as I'm judging this county, that lady's blind phone ain't going to be fixed so tight that once in a while, she can't slip it aside to get a peek at the true facts. There. Now let's drink up. An hour later at the masked man's secret camp, when Greg said nothing so far tunnel, you sure of that? And bears out what I've suspected. Mr. I wish you'd let me in on what you got up your sleeve. Look, I've told you all you asked me. You know about me shooting and killing Slim back at 15 years back. You know about Greg holding that straightened Slim rotor out, accusing me of before he died. Ain't I done my share? Can't I? No, what's up? You'll know in good time. First, I want to make sure of my facts. But blast it, or you'll... The trial's in two days. Yes, but I want to... You'll be there to testify. In the meantime, you're staying in camp. We don't want you killed. What's the difference between being dry-guts by a crooked lawyer and being hung for killing? I'll see that Greg is told you'll be in court. But that's what I mean. When I tell my story, Greg's gonna tell his. And even if I don't hang, the least I'll get is jail. You won't hang and you won't go to jail. I'll tell you... And Greg's getting the surprise of his life. You see in him now? I am. Son of... Keep milk safe. Me, too. Come on, Silverth. Come on, boy! It was evening when the masked man arrived in town and not long afterwards, the loungers in front of the cafe were startled to see the sheriff burst from his office down the street and come running toward them. What was the sheriff doing? It was like he was robbed again. What's that about an outlaw? Hey, sheriff! What's up? A masked man! He was in my office. Where'd he go? A masked man? Stealing things? Didn't steal a thing, Blastim, but no outlaw's gonna force me to answer a lot of foolish questions at the point of a gun and get away with it. I want that fellow found. Scour the town, you runnies! Get that man! What's the fuss outside? Something's happened. Back inside, Greg. Inside, you're heavy. Put you... the masked man. The masked man rode off with milk. Mask first thing for me. I'll be here in a second. I'll be just ahead of them. You okay? No, tell them I'm not here. Why'd you come back here? I'm here to... That's them. Answer the door. Send them away. Tell them you haven't seen me. Hurry. Don't forget I'm armed. What's the matter? Looking for a masked man to help the sheriff, Greg. Got orders to search the town. You seen him? I... Have you? No, no. I haven't seen the fellow. Well, thanks. Sorry to bother you. Come on, fellas. My delivery's taken. They're gone. You're lucky, Greg. You've learned how to obey orders. What do you want with me? Cordery opens the day after tomorrow. Milt's been gone. You've probably been hoping he planned to stay away until the trial was finished. Until it would be impossible to call him for a witness against Luke Daly. What's he gonna do? He'll be at that trial, Greg. And he'll testify for the prosecution. The fool! And in the meantime, forget any idea you may have of finding him. We know you'd like to close his mouth. You won't. He's hidden. And he'll remain hidden until the trial begins. That's what you come for? To tell me that? Right. You know where Milt is? I do. Then you tell him something for me. Well? You tell him I said if he figures I was bluffing, he's made a mistake. Bluffing? He'll know what I mean. Just tell him that and then same words. Well, I will. And when you've done it, mister, don't be surprised. Surprised? Milt ain't half so anxious to get the court as you seem to think. The day of the trial arrived. The courtroom was crowded. And when the doors opened to admit Milt Cummings, a wave of excitement swept through the place. Seat beside him. Greg was seated beside Luke Daly at a table. The lawyer glanced at Milt nervously and... He did show up. I never figured he'd have the nerve when he'd come right to it. He's going to testify. But I... You said he wouldn't. You promised it. What kind of a lawyer are you, anyhow? Shut up, hush up, will you? You want the judge to hear you? You want to spy on everything completely? Sure, I'll hush up. But you listen to me, Greg. Now, Luke, you'll be took care of for this. I got friends. They'll see to it. And when they do, Greg, you'll wish it stayed out of the law and took a punchin' instead. Am I to blame? What do I care? I wanted a lawyer to get me clear. And you proved you couldn't handle the judge. Silence! First witness will be Milt Cummings. Take the stand, Milt. Your judge. Clem, swear the witness in. I swear it's all the truth, the whole truth, and none but the truth that I'll get. I do. I'll fetch Milt. Luke, see this paper? It's that statement I told you about. Wait till I shove this in front of Milt's face. Your Honor. What is it? Just one second. I got something to say to the witness. You're out of order. Get back to your seat. I want to remind the witness that if he don't tell the truth, he can be jailed for. Get back! Get back! I got it here, Milt. It's that statement. And by heavens, I'll use it. Great, you're in contempt of court. Clem, grab a hold of him. Get him. Make him sit down. I apologize, Your Honor. I forgot, Milt. Well, I'll overlook it just this once. But if it happens again, it'll cost you a penny. Now sit down! Yes, Your Honor. Hey, where you are? That's him. That's the man's man. Get him, fellas. Hold him for me. Those count for a warning. The first man to lay a hand on me will be sorry for it. It's not a watchman. Me watch him. This year's a court of law. Well, what's going on here? Bless me if I've ever seen the beat. Sheriff... Hold it. You, Greg. Get back. You've got a paper there with writing on it. That paper contains the dying statement of a man accusing his killer. Turn that paper over to the sheriff. I won't, though. Blast your mask, man. You're double-crossing me. You said you'd see I wouldn't hang or go to jail. Now you're giving that paper to the law. Trust me, Milt. You're lying to me. You're lying to me. Sheriff, take that. No, you don't. Blast you. Blast you. There you are, Sheriff. What is under this? Read it. Why'd you do it, mask man? You promised me. You said I could trust you. That statement won't get you in trouble. And Greg here knew it. But you've got... He took advantage of your ignorance. Judge. What? Oh, well, it's about time somebody paid a little attention to me. Milt has told me his story. Fifteen years ago, he got in a gunfight with a man named Slim Beckett. He wounded Slim in a fair fight, but he had no witnesses to prove it. Except for Greg here. Slim Beckett? I've heard that name before. You have. He was an outlaw with a price on his head. But Milt didn't know it. When Greg got the dying statement from Slim accusing Milt of his death, Milt thought Greg had a hold over him. The fact is, Milt not only did society a favor when he killed Slim, but there's still reward money waiting for him. That's why you held me up in my office and asked all them questions. You was making sure Slim was the fella you had in mind. Right. Then that explains why Greg didn't want to show that statement even after threatening he would. I could only be scared by it as long as he didn't use it so as I could find out the truth. Correct. And I said you was double-crossing me. Well, doggone. Hold on! Hold on! There's still a trial to be held here. Sheriff, arrest Greg there for contempt of court, obstructing justice, intimidating witnesses, and getting me some man I can't adjust my dinner. And you, mask man, I want you to... Well, I'll be switched if he ain't gone. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.