 A fiery horse with a speed of light, the cloud of dust, and a hardy high old silver, the Lone Ranger. Years of unrest that followed the Civil War, a powerful secret organization called the Legion of the Black Arrow sprang up in the western United States. Its members were to be found everywhere, defying the law or using the law for their own purposes, working toward the ultimate goal of revolt and the foundation of a despotic empire. It was the mask rider of the planes who led the fight against this band of outlaws and traitors, and for once his great strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness, were taxed to the utmost in the cause of democracy. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the West was young. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver, the Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver! Roll the tail of the Black Arrow! The masked man and Toto were crossing the planes when they saw smoke signals in the distance. Silver and Scout galloped to the spot, and the Lone Ranger found an exhausted Indian. What does it mean, Toto? When we got to him, this Indian cried out, Danger, Chief Thunder Cloud, and he fell to the ground. Him make smoke signal to us. His horse carried him here before he collapsed. That's right. Horse wounded. How is the Indian, Kimosabe? Not hurt like we think at first. Him fall to ground and cut him faint. You got the canteen? Here. More water, Toto. He's coming too. Here. Here, water. Running Wolf, all right now? Running Wolf, we're your friends. What did you mean when you said Danger, Chief Thunder Cloud? Running Wolf, remember now, you masked man, friend of Chief Thunder Cloud. Don't try to stand up till you've got your strength back. That all right now, when my horse take me from Indian village, that Indian fire at my horse. Horse come all this way before he die. I make smoke signal for help. We saw the signals. We crossed the trail. Running Wolf, you wear paint to Thunder Cloud tribe. That is so, my brother. Thunder Cloud sent me to find you. Have traveled far. There's trouble with Thunder Cloud's village? Much trouble, masked man. Bad trouble. Pretty soon we ride back to help, Thunder Cloud. Yes. Yes, Running Wolf. Silver can carry you as well as me. Just what is wrong? Running Wolf, tell you, two moons ago, braves of the tribe hold meeting without Chief Thunder Cloud. Hold meeting in nights away from wigwams. I go to meeting. I did not know that meeting was to elect new chief in Thunder Cloud's place. We need a new chief. Thunder Cloud is old. No longer can he lead us on the path of the hunt. No longer can he make strong medicine. Thunder Cloud is too old. No longer can he lead us on war path. Quiet, Tomahawk. Wait. What is it, Running Wolf? What is this talk? Since when do we take the war path once more? Not yet, Running Wolf, but soon. Soon we take the war path. Soon we put on war paint and ride against settlers who come into our land. Settlers are our friends. They are our enemies. Why do you say this, Tomahawk? Those are not the words of our great chief Thunder Cloud nor of me. I say it because it is true. Lately you have had many guns, Tomahawk. Your belt has been heavy with gold. Did someone give you this gold to turn against the settlers and against our chief? You are as clever as the wolf after whom you are named. I am a brave of the tribe. Why do you not give me straight answer? I will not answer you, Running Wolf. There is no need for me to answer. All the rest of our braves believe as I do. The Thunder Cloud is too old, too weak. Is that not so? So, Running Wolf, do you join us? Who will you put in Thunder Cloud's place? I. I will be chief of the tribe. I refuse. Thunder Cloud is my chief and I will protect him with my life. Get him, Q, Running Wolf. Yes, yes, he must die. Seize him. No, no, take him. They are in the darkness, but I was strong. I battled away from them, slipped into the night. So, a brave name, Tomahawk, is setting himself up in Thunder Cloud's place. He must have been. We get Tomahawk, we... Wait, Tomahawk. I think Running Wolf has more to say. All this happened two months ago? Yes, White Brother. Two moons ago. I escaped, but I stayed near village of my tribe. Tomahawk became chief and laced Thunder Cloud. Ain't not hurt Thunder Cloud. No, Tando. They make him a prisoner in only Wigwam. Even Tomahawk, not coward enough to kill Thunder Cloud, the great chief. Did you speak to Thunder Cloud, Running Wolf? Yes. I wait for my chance to see him, hiding by day in the arroyos. Then at last, three nights ago, there was no moon. I left my horse and stole through the darkness to Thunder Cloud's Wigwam. He told me to ride it once, that only you could help him. So I followed Thunder Cloud's bidding mask, man. My horse was wounded as I left the village, but I rode on. I reached the Padre and learned where you were. Now you must come. You must save my chief. Yes, little man. In the saddle, Tando. Oh, scout. Now, Running Wolf, take my arm. Up behind me. That's it. Get him up, scout. Oh, little man! You are following a false omen, Tomahawk. I say to you, there must be no more fighting. No more war hoops. Thunder Cloud, you are no longer chief. You are old, and you will not be harmed. But I am chief. I do not like your talk. Who pays you to do this? No one. I am old. But my ears know you tell a falsehood. Get into your wigwam before I forget and have you killed. You will be sorry for this someday. When Running Wolf brings help, he... What do you say? I... nothing. I... I say nothing. I also have ears. So Running Wolf has gone for help. Thunder Cloud, I'm sorry. It does not matter, Grey Antelope. No, it does not matter. Perhaps you will not live after all. You! Guard him well. I ride in the forest for a short while. No one must follow me. Here! Here! In a rude lean, too, well hidden in the forest, two men waited for Tomahawk. The leader was tall and dark. He had black hair and a black mustache. And his eyes were black also. Sharp, shining eyes like the eyes of a savage hawk. It was Toilock, the man known to the known ranger as a member of the dangerous legion of the Black Arrow. He know, Toilock, it's Tomahawk. Must be coming from the village. He's alone. I don't trust him, engines. He's doing all right so far. With us paying him, you can use him to get the Redskins on the warpath. He be a gun's handy, Turner. I trust no one. How? How? You bring news, Tomahawk? White man has eyes like the lynx. I bring news. I learned the thundercloud is sent for help. Sent for... What in blazes? You're Tar Nation Redskins. We told you to keep him under guard. He is in his wigwong. And he sent someone else. That's just his bed. You ought to hear that scalp lock lifted. Easy, Turner. If he gets help, all our plans are gone. I said easy. It takes a lot to change our plans, a lot, understand? Besides, Tomahawk's our friend. We're all friendly. Sorry. Aren't we, Tomahawk? Tomahawk does not like tongue of your companion. He didn't mean it. He's upset. He'll apologize. Apologize? After us giving him arms and money? After us giving him the idea, taking over the tribe? He'll apologize, Tomahawk. All right. I'm sorry. That's it. Now, Chief Tomahawk, let's see if we can help you on this problem. So, Old Thunder Cloud sent for help. That is so. He sent this brave you were telling me about. The one who refused uphold you as chief. Running Wolf. I won't ask how it happened that Running Wolf managed to get to see Thunder Cloud when you had him so carefully guarded. That's over and done with. No use raking up a cold fire. How long go do you leave for help? I do not know. I see. Well, tell me this then. Where did he go for help? To whom? That too. I do not know. That dog on red skin don't know nothing about nothing. This makes things a little difficult, Chief. It's too bad you didn't take our advice at the beginning. Get rid of Thunder Cloud. He was chief before me. Braves still remember him as a good man. Yes, yes, of course. Well, as long as he remains your prisoner, I suppose that's the best we can expect. But you better post some of your warriors all around the village. The watch for this help that's coming to Thunder Cloud. Whoever it is must be dealt with, Tomahawk. Dealt with it once, you understand? I understand. I go to Braves and give the orders. Yeah, yeah. Have them shoot the kill. Shoot the kill. That red skin is eating right out of our hands, Turner. Be careful. He don't show them off. Don't go on a tour, Locke. How can you be so all fired cool? We got a big stake in this engine uprising. We poured plenty of guns and cash into that engine's hand. We have plenty more. Huh? Never worry about how we get money, Turner. We're a big organization. We've got money enough to buy up a thousand Indians like him. You couldn't talk old Thunder Cloud into working his engines up for a fight. Thunder Cloud's a different breed of Indian. He's friendly with the settlers. It's a good thing he's old and his Braves don't listen to him. I hope nothing happens to make them listen again. It won't. It will if he gets help. Nobody can get through Tomahawk's Braves. I don't like it. Why not take the easy way out? Half Thunder Cloud killed, finished off. You heard what Tomahawk said? Sure, I heard what he said. But I also saw his eyes when you mentioned it, Torlocke. There's nothing he'd like better than to have Thunder Cloud out of the way. You would make him secure. Yeah, he could look like an accident, couldn't it? Then none of the Braves would blame Tomahawk. I know what you're thinking, Turner. We can get through that sentry line. Yeah, we know what Wigwarm Thunder Cloud is in. We'll crawl up to that Wigwarm and do the job ourselves, Turner. But I don't want you to use your guns. Too much noise, huh? How will we finish him? With a black arrow. The Indian village is not far off now. Me, she, campfire. We'll stop here. The range, Kimosabe. Silver and Scott won't leave. Ah. Now follow me. What is matter, Masked Brother? When I left, there were no sentries out from the village. Things may have changed, running wolf. It's been five days. Huh? Go slow. You're here. Sound? Someone in the shrubby ahead of us. Follow me and don't make a sound. Yeah, who did come? Your fist moved faster than flight of arrow, Masked One. You were not wakin' for some time. Who is he? He, Monad Nak. One of the braves who follows Tomahawk. Him got bow, arrow, and knife with him. Yes, Kimosabe. You're all right. Tomahawk has posted warriors to watch. That means Tomahawk knows you were sent for help, running wolf. And if he knows that, how can we be sure that Chief Thunder Cloud is still alive? Masked Man. That gray antelope. Something happened to Chief Thunder Cloud. The curtain falls on the first act of our thrilling Lone Ranger story. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. With Chief Thunder Cloud, a prisoner of his own tribe, the Lone Ranger and Tonto race to the rescue. As they got near the Indian village, they heard a woman scream. It was gray antelope, the granddaughter of old Chief Thunder Cloud. You may not hear any more. That scream came from the village, Tonto. A wigwam of Thunder Cloud. Running wolf. Yes. Yes, brave. Tonto and I will go ahead and see what we can find out. I wait, Masked Man. We creep up to wigwam. Yes, Tonto. It will be dark for quite a few hours more. We've got to learn what's been happening in Thunder Cloud's wigwam. That dog on Squall let out a yell. The whole village is buzzing. Reckon it's just as good we sneaked away without being spotted. You'll miss Thunder Cloud, Turner. There won't be another chance. Well, I couldn't help it. A woman saw us. Her yell threw off my aim. Now we'll be forced to let Tomahawk handle this his own way. Here he comes. That dog on Wallow is us to set that set arrow. Oh, Chief Tomahawk. Raves do not like what happens. Well, calm down. All they got left for Thunder Cloud is respect. How do you like it? With a like, it better had your arrow found Thunder Cloud's heart. Now you're talking sense, engine. So long as he's alive, you're in danger of losing your job as chief. That is so. Now I see it clearly. If you want more money and more power, Tomahawk, you'd better get rid of the old chief. I will do that. When? Soon. It will take time to convince Braves that Thunder Cloud is too old to live. You're a smart Indian, Tomahawk. Before we're through, you'll be leading all the tribes in the West. I shall lead them all. Thunder Cloud has not long to live. But while Tolok talked to the Indian, the Lone Ranger and Tonto were on their way to Thunder Cloud, straining every nerve, keen eyes, piercing the darkness ahead of them. Slowly but surely they made their way toward the Indian village, like shadows drifting without sound. They moved past the ring of centuries, circled the darkness beyond the wigwams, so quietly not even the village dogs knew of their presence. Until at last they came to the wigwam they were looking for. Thunder Cloud's wigwam? Cross this bit of open space. Wait here, Tonto. Tonto, wait. Flattened against the wigwam, the masked man tapped softly on one of the ridge pulls. Thunder Cloud heard the sound. The back of the wigwam. Who is it? A friend. The masked man, lift the skins. Chief Thunder Cloud, you're alive. An arrow was shot at me, but missed. Where is Running Wolf? He's waiting on the hill with Silver and Scout. Tonto, in the brush, just in back of this wigwam. The woods are live with Tomahawk sentries. We took care of one of them. Chief Thunder Cloud, we've come to get you away from here. Yes, Mask Man. Do you have horses? We can get them. And listen, I am old. I cannot travel fast. But I must make a long trip to get what is needed to restore me to leadership of my tribe. There's no time for that now, Chief Thunder Cloud. It'll be dawn soon. The first thing is to get you away from here. I must return later. We can discuss that after you're rescued. Stay here and be ready. I shall be ready. Ray Antelope. Yes, Mask Man. Leave this wigwam and go to the far side of the village. What? Go there and wait. You'll understand later. I will go. Good. Let's leave the rest of Tonto and me. I'm going now to make my plan to Tonto. I'll be back. Give me something. Tonto, I think maybe you captured. Thunder Cloud is alive, Tonto. I talked with him. Matt. Tonto, we're going to rescue Thunder Cloud. We'll have to get those guards away from the front of the wigwam. Matt, not easy. I have a plan. We'll go back to the horses. Running Wolf will ride with you on Scout. I'll take Silver and we'll separate. Be not savvy. All the horses are kept on the far side of the village, Tonto. If you ride in there suddenly and cut the horses loose, they'll stampede. In excitement, you'll be able to take two extra horses with you. Two horses. One for Running Wolf and one for Thunder Cloud. Time to do that. And what you do? The stampede will arouse the village. Every brave will rush in that direction. When I hear the noise, I'll get up straight for Thunder Cloud's wigwam and swing him up behind me. Plenty dangerous. The best chance we have is our only chance. Now come on, we'll get Silver and Scout. Easy, Silver. Running Wolf, did you tie up that sentry? When I knock, it's bound and gagged, Matt. All right, then. Get up behind Tonto. Go ahead, Kimo Sabi. The horses' hooves are wrapped in cloth to deaden the sound. Follow this ridge until you're on the far side. Running Wolf, him shall weigh. This is his village. As soon as you stampede the horses, fire into the air to draw attention. I'll ride for the wigwam. We'll meet back here. Adios, Kimo Sabi. Adios. Get him up, Scout. All right, Silver. He'll arouse the village. It's up to us to rescue Thunder Cloud. This way, old fella. Come on, Silver. Look, there, Tonto. The horses. You help take cloth off Scout's hooves. When we ride, we make more noise. Better for Mask Man that way. They've right down hill, the horses. All right, then. We go slow partway. Then, when Tonto yell, we go plenty fast. Chew plenty hard. Yell loud. We make sure Mask Friend hear us. Steady, Silver. Steady, boy. We've got to wait for Tonto and Running Wolf. Steady. There they go, Silver. Let's stampede the horses. Now, Silver. The great white stallion galloped down the slope. It's great for Thunder Cloud's wigwam. As he drew near, the Mask Man shouted. Thunder Cloud, keep Thunder Cloud. Mask Man right on the edge. Into the saddle. I'll ride behind you. Raise the Mask Man. Stop him. Mask Brother, look out. There is Tonto. You shot the bull right from his hand. Up in the saddle. Come on, Silver. Faster, Silver. Faster. You have done it. We are beyond the village. We'll meet Tonto and Running Wolf on the ridge ahead. I'll settle there. We are here, but where is White Brother? Ah, him come. Plenty soon. This guy grows light, but Dawn Tomahawk will take up trail. Dawn, settle there. The Mask Man. Ty! Ty, Kimo Sabi. You've got Thunder Cloud. That good. We have horses and saddles. Dear Chief Thunder Cloud, let me help you from the saddle. I am old for such a wild ride. We have a few minutes for you to rest up. We had to travel fast to get away, but they won't be able to locate our trail yet. Sit down, Thunder Cloud. Who is this? One odd knock stood on guard. Mask Man hit him with his fist so he would make no outcry. He was your brave, Thunder Cloud. What shall we do with him? He is my brave no longer. He has made Tomahawk chief. But he has ears. He can listen. Listen? Yes, my son. All of you will listen. Mask Man, I told you before that I must make a trip. Yes. I am ready to go with you. That is good. For I shall need your help. Where are we going? Listen well. And you too, my nob. I go to find the magic belt. Magic belt? Yes, the magic belt, which is the symbol of my power over my warriors. Magic belt that glows in the dark? Even so, running wolf. Mask Man, with the belt, my braves will once more respect me as their chief. I shall once more gain control of my tribe. For the belt is mighty medicine, respected and revered by every red man. Where is the magic belt now? Years ago, when I thought there was no longer need for the belt, I gave it to a medicine man for safekeeping. But now, there is need of the belt. Its magic power is needed to lead my people in the peaceful ways once more. Mask Man, my son, we must go to Finger Mountain. We must seek out Kadota, the medicine man. He is the keeper of the belt. Hunter not know where Finger Mountain is. It is many days journey from here, Tonto. It is lonely. Only Kadota lives there. Finger Mountain is a sacred mountain. It is forbidden. You need not go with us, running wolf. I will go, Thunder Cloud. No, the Mask Man and Tonto will be enough. Better that you should stay near the village to watch what occurs. There might be danger for my granddaughter, Grey Antelope. So be it. Thunder Cloud is spoken. I shall remain. The sun is rising. It's time for us to travel. I am rested, my son. Use this force, Thunder Cloud. We are ready, Kimosavi. You better leave now, running wolf. Circle East, we'll be going west. I go now. And I pray my chief returns with the magic belt. Hey, Noga. Hey! Ready, Thunder Cloud? There is one thing more, my son. We have little time. I did not tell you about the arrow that was aimed at me. I meant to tell you, but there was not the chance. I brought the arrow with me. It is a peculiar arrow. Perhaps it means something to you. Tonto. It's a black arrow. Oh. I see it has some deeper meaning. Yes. Tell us what's behind this attempt to stir up the Indians. It's better if we keep the secret. Very well, Mask Man. Then we go toward Finger Mountain. Lead the way, Thunder Cloud. You know the direction. Tonto and I will follow. So be it. Yep. Tonto. Now that we've seen the arrow, we've got even more reason for helping Thunder Cloud regain control of his tribe. This isn't just a small matter. Concerns the whole west. Map right. Tonto, that magic belt must be found. We go on trail now. We're riding with Chief Thunder Cloud. Come on, Silver. Come on, Silver. Come on, Silver. All right, Tomahawk. We get the whole story from Monodnok. Tell your braves to go back to the village. One moment. We haven't time. You listen. You are going to follow trail to Thunder Cloud in Masked One? Yes, we are. Thunder Cloud must not get magic belt. He won't. Magic belt is big medicine. I have heard stories of it. Shines in the dark like the light of a million stars. Shines brighter than the moon. Its spell is great. Thunder Cloud gets magic belt. Every brave, every warrior will follow him. Thunder Cloud must not get the magic belt. We'll make sure he doesn't get it. Thunder hit the trail. Get up there. Grab your horses. Here's the whip. We've got to beat the mask man to Pinkermountain. Who just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.