 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, Tuttle, the daring and resourceful mass writer of the plains he 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 thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver! The Lone Ranger rides again! I'm still there! I'm still there! I'm still there! The hawk was the name by which a certain clever leader of an outlaw gang had become known throughout the far west territory. He had received the name when a group of men wearing black dominoes suddenly appeared among a large group of guests at a masked ball which was being given by a mine owner in Albuquerque to celebrate the completion of a home he had built there. Instead of the usual black mask worn by the other dominoes men the leader wore a mask which completely covered his face and which oddly resembled a hawk. They had appeared with startling suddenness in the midst of the merry-makers. I line up everybody, this is a hold up! We're holding guns! The boss here but Simon gave orders to shoot down the first one to try out any tricks. Alright man, the boss says for three of us to take one side of the room and three of the other. He was standing here in the center with his guns ready. I'm Uli, you and Hody come with me. Let's get busy. While the silent leader had watched with drawn guns the others quickly robbed the guests. Then the gang departed as suddenly as they had appeared. Later the infuriated host was giving details to the sheriff. And the sheriff was the most crazy thing I ever saw. They got away with plenty too. You notice anything about him? Can you give me some kind of a description? Look, as you know I was given a mask ball. All of the outlaws wore long black robes. They had on black half masks. The leader had one on two but he wore a different mask. A different? Yeah, a painted mask. Colored his whole face. Reminded me of a hawk sort of. What's more he let one of the others do the talking. He never spoke a word. I see. Well I ordered my deputy to get a posture together. He must be ready to ride now. So I get over there right away to go with him. Well I hope he catch that hawk fellow. No telling how he and his gang of his will go if he don't. Well we'll do our best to train him. He can bet on that. And so the leader of that gang had become known as a hawk as they moved unhindered from New Mexico territory southward into Texas, robbing and killing as they went. A year after the mask ball episode that was looking middle aged man with athletic bills bought a large ranch outside of Pecos, a bar W spread. Carrick kept pretty much to himself but his wealth gave him a certain amount of influence in civic affairs in town. After the Pecos Frank had been robbed it was Carrick's voice that was heard most when the citizens held a meeting of indignation. I see the sheriff don't try hard enough. Yeah, he lost the train and gave up. We ought to get a new chair if that's what... Wait a minute, man. Wait a minute. If you all know the cashier in the bank cellar both agree it was the hawk and his gang who pulled the bank over. The hawk has the reputation for being clever. And he's outwitted Lawman for over a year. I say it's only fair we consider that. Let the present sheriff continue it off it. I lost plenty of that robbery but I believe the sheriff did as well as anyone else could have against the hawk. I just can't explain the fact. The hawk is mindy clever. I agree with Carrick. Let the sheriff stay. When time is made head of the cattleman's association for this territory, I have to make frequent trips out of town. If anything more happens, notify my foreman next. He'll get in touch with me and he'll put my men at the sheriff's disposal arriving upon me. You're good for this town. We're lucky to have him live in here. It was three weeks later when the Padre effemission not far from Fort Leaton walked out into the patio one morning in time to see a young crook who staggered to the open gateway and fall with a groan. Hurtly the Padre went to him and kneeling beside him saw that he was wounded. Oh, wounded trooper. Come, amigo. I'll help you inside. I'm hurt bad. Come. Do not try to talk yet. Oh. Easy. The rest on this couch, my son. Thanks. I must stop to your wounds. Then you can tell me. Oh, please. I must talk. Easy, my boy. Easy. Anyway, we were coming from town. Held up in the panzer. The others are dead. I managed to get this far. I need immediate attention. Wait until I walk. Nothing you can do for me. Get word to the fort. It was the heart's game. Tell the curler. He has gone. Peace be with you, my son. I shall see that your last wish is carried out. Many miles away in the long ranger and tottle it seemed and understood the puff of smoke from Indian signal fires as they rode along the trail. They had immediately set out for the mission and arrived that afternoon. The pottery explained about the trooper. I knew you'd want to know. I sent an Indian to the fort. They came at noon to take away the dead trooper. The colonel and some of the troopers are already out funding the hawk. The hawk is a very clever outlaw, pottery. Many have tried to trail him for a long time. They'd never caught up with him. Ah, him plenty bad tunnel. Oh, horsemen are coming. I'll go to the gate and see who they are. I see them now. You might as well give up the both of you. Wait. If they make no move to draw there'll be no gunplay here inside the mission walls, pottery. But these outlaws can't claim protection here. You've made a mistake. Not outlaws, Colonel. Colonel, you have my word of honor that these are friends. I sent for them after I learned about the massacre of your men in the past. They have come to help capture the hawk and his vicious followers. Poverty, I don't know your reason for trying to protect these men. I wouldn't for a minute say that you aren't telling the truth. Yet this doesn't make sense. The Padre has spoken the truth, Colonel. Perhaps this may mean something to you. A bullet. That is a bullet of silver, Colonel. The commandant who was at the fort before you would readily know its meaning. Now that I think of it, Colonel Davis did mention a masked man that whites tell him the mask. Yes. Yes, now I do know. Take the men outside the gate, Sergeant. Tell the others we've made a mistake. I owe you all an apology. I'm very sorry that this happened. Forget it, Colonel. We were trying to trail the gang led by the hawk. One of my men saw you heading here and he told us. We came here thinking perhaps the gang had broken up in order to escape. You lost the trail so soon. I'm ashamed to say that we did, sir. But we won't give up the search until the hawk is captured. You care to join us? Colonel, I shall work alone, Colonel. We come across a deathly trail that will get word to you. That's a good idea. Others are hunting the hawk in its vicinity too. Dean's gang rustled cattle from a nearby ranch during the night. The marshes' party is enjoined by many of the ranchers. They were aroused by a man named Carrick, who is head of the Cattleman's Association. He was in town for meeting when he heard of the wrestling. Oh, I see. It seems the hawk and his gang are going to find escape but it seems more difficult than usual this time. Up to now, he hasn't bothered the army. And he never will again if I can help it. Well, I'll join my men and get underway. Good luck, sir. Remember, if you get a line on them first, get in touch with them. I shall, Colonel. Adios. After the troopers had left, the lone ranger uncaught silver and scowled and headed for the path where the holdup had taken place. There were enough signs to tell them when they reached the spot where the army went in and stopped. They ran to a holdup. Well, that's not that easy, Colonel. How many others have been here, Tato? But the trail is completely covered. It looked like troopers ride that way. It mean maybe they'll follow out for a trail then. Yes. They'll go that way, too. They'll be reached the place where the colonel and the troopers gave up. Maybe we can go on from there. going. For some distance, the mask man and his Indian companion followed the definite trail left by the troopers as they hunted the outlaw gang. Finally, the lone ranger and throttle reached the point of the real ground where the troopers had come to a halt. The shallowness of the river at this point allow the gang to cross easily That's right. You think maybe colonel and troopers not crossed to look for tracks on the other side of the state's army men are forced to stop at the border tunnel. So in a case like this, I'm sure they crossed and search the other shore and found nothing. Oh, why you think that because the colonel said they lost the trail. But he didn't say that escaped over the border. We search for tracks along riverbank now. Yes, you go south. I'll go north. We'll meet in an hour at this point. All right, let's get going. It was more than an hour later when the lone ranger met with the place where the Hawke gang's trail went into the river. The lone ranger had arrived there first. And when Donald pulled to a stop, he found his mask and on foot closely studying the river bank. No, no, he he rides far down river not find any sign of this thing in the other direction. Oh, what do you think outlawed do? I'm beginning to get an idea to find out just how clever the Hawke really is. What do you mean? I look here. Oh, them bookmarks of horse have come from other side. That's right. The shallow place where many cross. I know, but I've studied these who marks while I waited for you. And I read across the other side. What you do that? You see these who mark shows the horse making them has a broken shoe. That's right. It's so plain and dirt. There are no such marks leading into the river on the other side. Oh, you get ID now. Yes. The Hawke and his men rode into the river, turned around and rode right out again at this same place. The troops were intent on following the trail into the river. And at the same time, they covered all the hoof marks as they rode down to the water here. Well, that's a good trick to help you. That's the reason they turn off the trail a short way back. They wouldn't run into anyone following. We'll get the horses and see if we can find where they turned off. We follow Mark, a horse with broken shoe. They've had a good start. Let's go. By short distance along the trail, the wind will blow to a stop and point it. Mark's a broken shoe turned left on Branch trail with other hoof marks. Yes. That branch trail has directed to town. I feel that we're going to meet the Hawks sooner than he expects. A curtain falls on the first act of our low ranger adventure. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. All to continue. The low ranger and Tahoe had little trouble following the Hawks gang along the branch trail. The marks of the broken shoes stood out plainly and before long, the two men approached the town. It rained to a halt in a groove of cottonwoods and Tahoe went into town alone. Within half an hour, Tahoe returned. From the way he stopped and dismounted, a low ranger sensed that the Indian brought disappointing news. What do you mean? Mark's a horse with broken shoe. Let the Marshal's house see horse standing out front. I see. What about the trail of the other horses? Well, then stop at cafe. There are many horses that hitch rack. We're not able to tell which ones we follow. Doesn't look as though we made a big mistake at that. Yet I'm sure those men didn't come from across the river at that spot. Well, maybe Marshal come back with posse after trailing wrestlers. Maybe posse trail wrestlers to river someplace, then ride along in water, come out same place, outlaw, start cross. That's a logical explanation. I'd like to check on us somehow. Well, maybe if we go to the cafe, we find out if Marshal lead posse along in river. We're trying, Tahoe. We go now. Ask you a question. A short time later, Tahoe went to the cafe. Now we can't throw Indians here. We know that. We hear Marshal and posse lose trailer wrestlers at river and ride along in water and come out where main trail cross river, bring posse back on branch trail. You heard wrong, Indian. I was with that posse. The wrestlers trail led away from the river into the foothills. Why are you interested? Oh, it's not matter. Let me leave now. Maybe we're not here right now. As Tahoe went toward the door, a man who had overheard the conversation left the bar and went to a rear table. You'll be holy. I just heard something. What's on your mind, West? What do you hear? That Indian who just went out, said he heard the Marshal and posse left the river at the main trail and took the branch trail back to town. Maybe that Indian saw his head back here. Here we better tell the folks. First, we're going to follow that Indian. Come on. The three men followed Tahoe off the street. They saw the Indian pass some large boulders on the trail just beyond the edge of town, then turn off and head toward the grove of Cottonwoods, which stood down in a little valley. The three men stopped behind the boulders. Oh, what are we stopping here for? Why don't you give your voice down? I figured that Indian is going to meet somebody in that grove of trees. I'm going to sneak over that way and try to see what's going on. You two wait here for me. Moving from boulder to boulder, then from trees to trees, West made his way cautiously toward the grove. Stopping in a shallow gully, West peeked over the edge into the grove. Several hundred yards away out of your shot, he saw the Indian dismount. The next moment, West saw a masked figure step from behind the underbrush. And at the same moment, he spotted the great white stallion silver in the background. Moving quietly, but quickly, West turned and made his way back to his waiting friends. Why didn't you go into that grove, West? He met an armory there. The only armory the hawk is afraid of meeting. Remember him telling us we had to look out for a masked armory that rode a big white horse? Holy mackerel! Did the Indian meet him? That's right, Hody. We got to warn the hawk right away that the lone rangers picked up a trail. Steady, boys. Darkness had fallen, and because of what Tahoe had told him, the lone ranger decided to face the marshal and get certain information he wanted. Oh, oh, oh, is he sitting in the corner? Leaving silver in the shadows near the marshal's house, the masked man moved from window to window until he made sure the marshal was alone in the main room. This is my chance. Going to the front door, the lone ranger knocked. What the? Masked out, right? You must be with the hawk, Marshal! Hold it, Marshal! I've got the drop on you. I'm coming in. Now, see here, you! I don't like holding a gun on you, but I came for some information. That's all? Well, let me tell you something. Who owns a horse that was in front of your house this afternoon? I own it. That's who? Maybe so. I don't know who rode that horse today. If you're interested in catching the hawk... Hi, Thunder. I'm looking at one of his men right now. And if you think you'll get away with it... If you'll wait a minute, I can explain. I'm not listening to you. The only... I'll wait. I heard that signal. One of your gang, huh? Sorry, you're so stubborn. I'll take your gun. Now, see here! And empty it. All right. Here's your gun, Marshal. I have to leave now. How do you... Thunder, you won't get far. How dare you hear that? Oh. After you go with the house, we see Thunder ride fast from behind the house. He'll go down the street, turn along railroad tracks to start the yard. Let's get to the horses. Be here, bucle. Cooper's outside town. Somehow, the hawk knows we're wise for him, Tunnel. For the troopers near, he and his men will have a hard time making a getaway. Easy, sir. At the stockyard, an engine with two cattle cars attached stood on a siding with steam up. The engineer and fireman stood on the ground beside the engine cab, smoking. The rick and the men from the candy spreader dragged in the cattle now. And here they're coming. Yeah, it won't take long for them to get loaded. Then we can get on the way. Here comes some mumbries. Must be some of the cow folks from Candy's place. Hmm, that's funny. Well, I'll see you with the cattle. I wonder if... Hey! This will shut you up! Help! Help! Get out of here! All you climb in the first cattle car, quick. Here's the horse. Him and I are on the engine. Let's get the car! Come on! The troopers are near. That man's man is wise with the bank, and whoever rode that horse must be the hawk. Unless he's in the cab, quick! The cam's shot by the reviving fireman had hit the off-law west and caused him to fall from the engine, leaving the figure wearing the mask of a hawk to run the engine alone. The Lone Ranger and Tahoe reached the place where the railroad tracks crossed the main street of town, just as the train started to pass. He's using the cattle train to escape. The horse, the car will... ...he will... The last of the two cattle cars had crossed as the Lone Ranger swung down the tracks behind it. In a moment, the racing silver edged alongside the back end of the last car. Standing in the stirrup, the Lone Ranger grabbed for the iron ladder attack to the end of the car. I made it! For a moment, the Lone Ranger climbed to the iron ladder and looked back. He saw Tahoe come alongside Silver, and stiggled at the follow-up. Then he climbed to the roof of the car and started crawling forward toward the engine. Within a short time, the masked man had reached the tender and made his way over the logs toward the cab of the engine. He could see the figure at the throttle, and in the glow from the firebox, a sinister hawk-like mask on the half-turned face showed him that at last he was the meat of a man known as the hawk. Drawing his down, the Lone Ranger moved closer, but suddenly his foot turned on a slippery log and flew him sprawling into the engine cab. His gun fell from his hand as he picked forward, and the hawk jumped toward the hauling figure with a hand on his gun. Without trying to rise, the Lone Ranger reached out and grabbed the hawk's reed. The hawk fell beside him, without speaking the hawk's rattle with the Lone Ranger. Gradually, the two men got to their feet in the swaying engine, exchanging blows in the cramped quarters of the cab. The Lone Ranger realized it was a fight to the finish. The hawk was determined to shove the masked man from the racing train. Finished yet? The life or death battle raged for a few moments longer. Then as the hawk grabbed with a fireman's iron poker, the Lone Ranger swung with all his might. Put that down! The hawk fell backwards, striking his head on the open boiler door. Then he went limp. That did it. Put on the brakes. As the train jerk to a stop, the outlaws in the first cattle car were pulling off their feet. They realized something was wrong. The only way out of the slatted car was by way of the heavy sliding door on one side. As they tried to scramble to their feet, another terrific jerk flew them down again. In the engine cab, the Lone Ranger had shot the throttle in reverse. Right, we'll do it. Once more, the train was underway at a fast speed, heading back toward the town. The outlaws in the cattle car were afraid to jump, and they couldn't get to the engine while the train was in motion. Being part of the cattle window, the Lone Ranger finally saw a large group of horsemen in the moonlight, riding along one side of the tracks toward him. When they were a few hundred yards away, he once more slammed on the road. The engine was now at the rear of the train, so the riders came alongside the cattle car first. The outlaws in the slatted car opened fire, and a gun battle followed. The Lone Ranger looked first from one cab window, then from the other. He realized the troopers were there with men from town. The firing finally ceased. He knew the outlaws in the car were beaten. Suddenly, he saw throttle right out of the shadows of the woods, just opposite the engine, leading silver. Oh, it's got a whole little bit. Me here, train, coming back. Me waiting once, then not see me. Good. Look at the way from here. Get him out of the cab. Marshall, thank you, outlaw leader. It's a good thing we left right away, then. Someone might draw a fool at me before the truth is known. All right, let's hurry. Under that leader got away. Let's follow him. Someone's lying in the engine cab. It might be the Hawks. No, Colonel. The Hawks are riding away. We'll have to get him. Let's look in the cab, Marshall. All right. Well, turn this man over. Great day. Look. Well, he's wearing a hawk like mask. I'll take the mask off. Marshall, look here. What? That's Frank Kerrick, head of the Cavalman's association. The hawk must put the mask on. Hey, that's the hawk himself. Oh, wait a minute. Frank Kerrick couldn't see the hawk. I know there's so special fancy-made boots he's wearing as he climbed into the engine while I was lying on the ground. And what's more? Now, one eye plugged back there, making him fall from the cab. Cold as the hawk had been, live on that doorhouse, Marshall. Oh, holy mackerel, and Kerrick must be the hawk. Sure, sure, he's been staying with me for a couple of weeks. And you know, that mask, Andre, who came to see me a while ago, tried to tell me that whoever rode the hawk that was outside my horse today was hawk and Kerrick had been riding him. Well, the mask man came to ask you questions, no doubt, because our mask friend had trailed the hawk to your house. He's done the Southwest a great service, Marshall. I guess you thought that he was an outlaw instead of a friend. Was that it? Sure, but I still don't see what... I'm sure that you've heard about him at some time or another, Marshall, you see? That mask man is the Long Ranger. This is a feature of the Long Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Enterprises, directed by Charles D. Livingston, and edited by Fran Stryker.