 A force with a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty high old silver, the Lone Ranger. With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked rider of the planes led the fight for law and order in the early days of the western United States. His strength and courage were always on the side of right against might. No man could match his daring and resourcefulness, and nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. 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. Features set in an expression of grim cruelty. Hawke's Slade closed the door of his ranch house, and met his way across the dusty yard toward the bunkhouse beyond. It was night. The bulk of his crew had returned from their duties out on the range. In the bunkhouse, their conversation was loud and jovial, but at the entrance of their employer, they suddenly fell silent. Hawke surveyed them silently for a long moment before he fixed his stare upon a slender youthful cowboy standing just outside the circle of lamp light. You come in. Me, Mr. Slade? That's what I said. Come in. You hired the one here a month ago. That's right. When you come here, you said your name was Jack Burton. It ain't. Well, look, Mr. Slade, there's a lot of fellas got reasons for not telling the right name. Your handle's Brad Whitman. You want to load down skunk, you come here to spy on us. Wait. You're Jeff Whitman's grandson, and he planted you here to find out our plans. Wait, Mr. Slade, listen. All right. If you don't like it, go for your gun. And your place in here with your crew to back you up? Oh, no, you don't, Hawke. If you aimed at real me, you'll have to do it cold. I ain't going to help you make it look like self-defense. Yellow coyote. I ain't going up against these odds. What gave you the idea you could come here and get away with a stunt like this? How did you find out about me? In town. Hmm? A fella there from up north recognized you. Told the barkeep, the barkeep told me. Oh. That car, she wasn't raising these parts. Nobody would know you, eh? Maybe. Well, seeing how you know who I am, I reckon you won't be caring about pay me wages no more, eh? Jake, if you just push my bed roll over this way. Wait a second. Hmm? The figure you was leaving? No, he was my stand on now, is there? You must think I'm a fool. What I think of you is my business. You come here and hire out under a fake name. You work for me for a month. You get a chance to poke around and find out things without nobody thinking it's suspicious. And now you got the notion after all that, I'm going to just let you right out of here to tell Jeff what you found out. What do you mean? I mean, whatever you've learned, it ain't going to do Jeff no good. You saying I can't leave? That's just what I'm saying. You keeping me prisoner? Either that. Hmm? The plant near three feet under. Why, you... That's your boys' time-up! Let go of me! Let go of me! Let go of me! Let go of me! At that same moment, several miles from Hawke's Ranch, a masked man has tried a great white stallion and an Indian mounted on a powerful paint. He quotes the ranch house of Jeff Whitman. There's Jeff Whitman's place, tenor. Ha! How'd you tell me this time of night? It looks as if it had pretty well gone to seed. Look, he bad. That barn sag must more it would fall in. That corral hasn't been repaired for months. What matter here? I can give you the answer to that, Kimosabe, in just two words. Hawke's Slade. Huh? Two years ago when I was through here last, Whitman's Ranch was the show place of the county. Count a member. Fine, fat cattle, rich grain fields, splendid buildings. The best of equipment. He had them all. Uh, it's gone now. Most of it. And from what I've been told, if things continue as they have been, what remains won't last long. Uh, that'd be bad. You see, Turner, Jeff Whitman was the first rancher to enter this valley. For years his cattle had the entire valley to themselves. Uh-huh. And like so many others of his type, Jeff didn't recognize the signs of changing times. What happened? The worst was when the homestead lords were passed. Jeff didn't think they affected him until Hawke arrived. What him do? His men filed on the best parts of the valley. Me savvy. And when Jeff tried to fight back, he found that the law was against him. Of course, if it had been anyone beside Hawke who filed on the land, Jeff could most likely have gotten along with him. But Hawke came here determined to get the valley for himself. Uh-huh. I've got an idea. What do you think? In the process, Hawke has gone too far. That he's been too impatient. That he's not hesitated to step outside the law. Uh-huh. Him crook. Yes. You'll help Jeff? I'd like to. I'd hate to see him go under. He's the kind of man the West needs. Hawke's kind, the West would be better without. Uh-huh. Their house. Yes, pull up, Tyler. We'll stop here. Here it is. They might mistake us for their enemies. Oh, Silver. Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. I know. I think that's Jeff you see through the window there. Come. Believe the horses where they are. As the lone ranger and tanto dismounted and quietly approached on foot, the utterly rancher Jeff Whitman paced back and forth in the darkness. Can't see a thing out there. I don't know why Brad don't signal. For this time he ought to be. See anything from the kitchen window Libby? Yes, there's nothing. Can't figure it. Do you think they might have caught him? Might have caught him? Yes. It ain't easy to say to know how they could, but most anything could happen. Brad's been playing a mighty dangerous game. Too dangerous. But the trouble is, I never even knew the boy was in these parts. Till he'd come here that night and said he'd heard about the fixer was in. Said he'd got a job with Hawk under another name and he'd report anything Hawk schemed. I couldn't talk him out of it. That's it, Jeff. Maybe Hawk hasn't planned anything yet. Maybe there isn't any news. You know Brad told you he wouldn't like the signal file unless he really had something to tell. Yes, but... What, Jeff? Last time I'd seen him he was all mighty sure he would have something to tell tonight. He recollect how he put it. Said to keep our eyes glued to the north. And the minute we seen a light over there, I was to saddle and make dust for Grizzly Dutch. He'd meet me there. Well, now there ain't no signal. I'm afraid... Wait, Jeff. Listen. Eh? I heard a horse stopping. Say, you think we... He might be Brad, Jeff. He might have written over here. I'll get it. Brad, get in here. Oh, Mr. Whitman, you don't know me. I know you. Your handle's Sandy Simpson. Oh, wait a minute. When you work for Hawk Slade, stick up your hands. Jeff, don't... Mr. Whitman, just let me talk, can't you? Let me talk. Talk. That's what I'm waiting for. My handle is Sandy. And I did work for Hawk. But I don't know more. Look, Mr. Whitman, I come here a stranger. I hit this valley from the west. I need the job. And the first place I come to was Hawk's. He gave me one. How was I to know then what was going on here? I don't know. How was you? Ain't you going to give me a chance to explain? I ain't stopping you. But Jane, believe in the word I'm saying. I don't see no metal on you, proving you always tell the truth. Mr. Whitman, I come here hoping you'd give me a job. I come here because I found out just what kind of a snake I was working for. I was hoping I'd get a chance to use my guns against him. You won't believe me, and I don't know as I blame you. I've been hearing things. I know what you've had to put up with. You're wasting my time. You better get... I ain't finished. You've had to put up with plenty. You've had to double cross and deal, Hawk's been able to think of. But you'll believe this. There? Hawk found out Brad got a job on his place just to spy on you. Oh, no. What's that? In the bunkhouse tonight. I was there. Hawk came in and told Brad he'd found him out. They jumped, Brad. They got him tied up. Oh, dear. You telling this straight? I am, Mr. Whitman. I am. They got Brad prisoner in that shanty, this side of Old Hyde Creek. They're keeping him there. It'll just a force son up. Go on. And then... And then they're taking him to Echo Canyon. They'll make it look like his horse slipped and went over the side. Quiet, Libby. Sandy. Yeah? I'd take back anything I was thinking about you. Brad's my grandson. I think more of that book. Well, right now, that don't count. You meant what you said about working for me? Just say so, Mr. Whitman, and I'm on your side from this second on. Then load up your gun. You mean that I... We're riding. Come on, old fellow. Head over west, handle her. Old Hyde Creek's beyond that woods. Come on, boy. Head over west, handle her. Hurry up, old fellow. Side by side, the two great horses, thundered to the night as the lone ranger and tonto bent low over their saddles, urged them to greater speed. Then, finally... Hold this, old man. Hold it. Hold it. Hold it. There you go. There, tonto. Through those trees. That's the cabin. Uh, let me see him. They'll have it guarded. Uh... He'll circle and draw their attention. Stay out of gunshot. If you get me open, start firing in the air. Uh... Tonto do it. It'll give me a chance to break through the bread. When I hear your shots, I'll start. All right, Kimasabe, get going. Get him up, scoundrel. Get him up. Steady, Silver, steady. May I see him, old fellow? All right, Silver, now. Come on. Come on, old fellow. Hurry, boy. Come on. Hold it, Silver. Hold it. Hold it. I'm shooting off this lock. Stand aside. To see. Brad, they got your gang? They are now. My smiley. Let's you better know something. Now that you've pushed it in there. Yes? Just took out of there an hour ago. You mean? We've got you surrounded. Don't range your story. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue our story. Old Jeff Whitman and Sandy Simpson, riding toward the shanty where Brad had been reported held prisoner, checked for the sound of gunfire. Boss, there's lightning ahead. We better pull up so we know what's going on. Oh, they're wrong. Oh. Oh, there. Oh, there. Hey, look. What do you see? I just seen with the door of that shanty for a second when his gun flies. There's a masked man in there. Sandy, what's happened? Don't ask me. All I know is... Huh? Somebody spoiled things. And you better reach. Hey, what? One movie, old goat. Now let you have it. What's the matter? Careful. Double-cross me. Fell for a toe, didn't you? See that masked gent in there? I'll fix you. Well, that's where you were supposed to be. You would have been on Hawks' land, breaking into his property. You could have shot you down and the law couldn't have said one word. You scum. The masked man got ahead of us. But he'll pay for it. And I ain't so sure we still can't make it look like you was drilled when you come here to make trouble. Where's Brad? Where have you coyote's got my grandson? You're just trying to find out, huh? Now get moving. Where is he? I'm turning over to Hawk. He can decide what to do with you. Go on, Mr. Straight ahead. I'll get you. What the... Hey. You drop gun. A red skin. Where'd you come from? White friend in cabin. I'm going to try and find a way to save him. You don't mean to take it? Take it. My hand. Who is this person? Who planted them trees? Who's your just man? Come on, Indian. Those coyotes are becoming here. We better hide, Taylor. Oh, you wait. But we better... The sculler in crook. Sure, he's one of them. But why stay... You tell Hawk, we got this sculler. Tell Hawk, let masked man go. We let this sculler go. Exchange a one for the other? Huh. Indian, that's a dog gone. Good idea. Minister, you better shut up. Hawk, stop right where you are. Hold up, or a pole cat working for you called Sandy eats lead. Hold up, then. Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up. It's me. This is trick or some challenge. Any trick, Hawk? You like to tell your arm done for. Hawk, I'll make a deal with you. What do you mean? Let the masked man save out of that cabin and we'll turn Sandy here loose. If you don't, well, you can say goodbye to one of your hired gunhands. In a deal? You got to do it, Hawk. They mean what I say. You got to. Yes. Yes. Hawk Slade had no other choice. After a short consultation, the hired gunman, Sandy, was released. And a few moments later, the Lone Ranger was free to join Tonto and Jeff Whitman. Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. That was quick thinking, Jeff. Don't thank me, Mask Man. Thank your part here. It was his idea. So I owe you my life again, Alexander. You saved Tonto many times. Vince doesn't change the fact that those fellas had me just about where they wanted me. I won't forget that, Kimosabe. All right. Where'd they go? They headed for the home ranch. Look, stranger. Yes? I don't know anything about you. That mask you're wearing says you're a crook. But if you are, I ain't asking no questions. Tonto got me out of a bad spot. You risked your life to break into that shanty because you figured Brad was there. I came to this district to help you. You did? But now isn't the time to discuss that. This was a trick to get you here and take your life if possible. Uh-huh. But we do know Brad's in trouble because we know they've learned his identity. Stranger, you don't think... That they've already finished, Brad? Yeah. I don't know. I... But now is the time to find out. Tonto, you and Jeff follow me. Uh-huh. Stranger, lead the way. Come on, Silverman. Get him up, Scott. Get up. I'll sell the home ranch! The failure of his plan to capture Jeff Whitman and the interference of the lone ranger enraged Hawke Slade After venting his anger on his gunman, Sandy, he subsided into sullen silence. Finally, Sandy gathered courage and... Say, Hawke. Well... He was pretty rough with me in front of the boys just now. You think it was my fault things went wrong with your scheme? Well, it didn't suddenly give it away. But I didn't, Hawke. I swear I didn't. I never seen nobody. Never opened my mouth till I got to Whitman's place. And how'd the nice man find out? I don't know. Well, nothing will be done about it now, Regan. Forget it. Yeah. Say, what about Brad Whitman? Do you anything with him yet? No. Why not? Because old Jeffery's came till he finds him. And if he finds him dead... A murder charge? Yes, sir. Then you're gonna keep him prisoner? You ain't gonna finish him off? He'll be took care of. But you just said that you... And I wouldn't now. I won't. Until Jeff's quit asking questions about where Brad disappeared to. After that, he'll be safe. Look, a queen now and then. What if he's located? He won't be. Well, I've got that hombre hit away. Won't nobody find him. Hey, what are you fellas talking along for? You've got to get back. Come on, now. Get away. At Jeff Whitman's ranch house, the elderly rancher, his wife, and the Lone Ranger worked feverishly on the masked man's plan to rescue Brad Whitman. That's everything. The rent check, shirts, bandana, and boots. Would you want to come back to the house for a masked man? What do you want with these duds? You'll learn that later. These are identical with the outfit Brad wore? Oh, yes. I know they are because I tried to give Brad these, but I said he wouldn't need them. Good. Anything else you want, stranger? Yes. Just name it. How many men have you on the place? Not near as many as I used to. About seven. Which one is closest to Brad and looks and build? Huh? Well, Jeff said it would be Sam. Yeah. Yeah, I reckon it would. Send for him. Right now? This time tonight? We should reach Hawke's Place just after dawn. But I don't see what you... Get him, Jeff. And? And then I'll explain exactly what I have in mind. Jeff, you stay right there. I'll call the boy myself. It's early morning and four horsemen quietly reined in their rounds to short distance from Hawke's late grandfathers. All right, Jeff. There's Hawke's Place. You and Sam will stay here. Todd and I will get in position. Keep to cover until you get my signal. Understand? Like we do. Fine. Todd, we can ride up that Arroyo. We'll leave our horses there and approach the house on foot. Ah, come. Pin them up, Scout. Come on, Silver. In the ranch house, the unsuspecting Hawke's Slade busied himself, formulating a new plan to bring Jeff Whitman to turns. His thought was broken to the closing of a door, then. I've seen him, Hawke. You'll keep. That's the right good place you picked out to hide him in. You think anybody would get the new shirt looking for him in the root cellar? Huh? Shucks. With all that canvas dropped over it, they wouldn't even know it was there. Put him back like you found him, didn't you? Sure. Sit down. Sandy, I got an idea. Yeah, what's that? You give it to me when you're told what Jeff said. Hmm? You said he felt a heap of the kid. Oh, sure he does. You could tell it. Then we won't only boss this valley, but we'll have the whole thing to ourselves. How? We'll make it trade like Jeff and that engine did for the businessman. I ain't sure I said it. Brad, for Jeff's ranch. Say. What do you think? Boss it at work. I know it at work. Why, Jeff's place ain't worth any part of what it was before you come here. Thinkin' what he does of Brad, he'd give it up in a second if it was to save the kid's life. Or he... Shucks. It wouldn't work after all. And Brad'd be free to go to the law. With what he'd learned when he was working for you, ain't a one of us wouldn't swing. What if he didn't go to the law? He would all right. I guess I didn't make it plain enough. You see what I really meant was to make Jeff trade his ranch for a promise to let Brad go. For a... Oh, now I get it. And when Jeff's made over the place to you... He can go whistle. I'll fix it so's he can't prove a thing. Come on, Brad! It's Brad, Brad! Oh, what the? Get going now! Yeah, Brad. That was Jeff. Look there. That is Brad. Look at him right in the woods. Well, how would he do that? You're a double-crossing coyote! No! What did I know where Brad was hidin' today? What did I have a look at him? Huh? You pulled cat. You fixed it for Jeff to get him loose. I didn't hawk, honest I didn't. No one hidin' me again. Everything was all right when I left. You're comin' with me. Oh, let go, hawk, let go. Get her inside there. Hawk, please. Very sensitive to Jeff's place last night. Right after it's the masked man comes bustin' in the spoils. Oh, wait. Get her along before I give you a boot the pants to help you. And today you go out to see Brad. Now he's gone. Hawk, I don't know anything about it. I swear to God. But honest, I don't know anything about it. He's a cabbage. He put him back like they was. Put him aside. What for, Hawk? If Brad's gone, what difference does it make? I don't do like I say. I'll do it, Hawk. Don't hit me again. Don't hit me. You see, Sandy, you're goin' where Brad was. You stand down there to think over what you get for double-crossin' me. No, Hawk, please. No, you can't. The masked man and the engine. That's right. Reach and keep reaching. And thanks for showing us where Brad's hidden. Tana, take those stones off the door and bring him out. I'll go do it. Too late again, masked man. I've had a habit with you. Too late? Told you you was too late back in the cabin, Brad, was gone. Well, he's left again. It had your eyes open, you'd have seen him right off just about three months ago. He and Jeff. He and Jeff. What entarmation of... Hell of a low-down polecat. Get me prisoner, will you? That'll be enough of that, Brad. He will not deal with this fellow, the law will. Don't hit him again. Brad, you... He was in the Ritziller all the time. You know he was, Hawk. The fellow you figured was Brad was Sam here. Dressed to look like him. I tried to tell you I hadn't double-crossed you, Hawk, but you wouldn't listen. It's just what you get. Save the talk for your trials. The crew, Jeff. Got a bard inside their bunkhouse like pigs in a pen. Then they'll all face the law. And with what I know about them skunks, they'll be lucky if every one of them don't hang. You can handle these two, Jeff. Handle them, mister. We sure can. Only you use the wrong word. Yes. We'll handle. And manhandle the coyotes. Brad, give me some help here. We'll tie these critters up. I sure will. Look, Jeff, can we talk this over, Captain? Oh, we can, Hawk. But when we do, you'll say your piece from inside a cell. Come on, Silverhead. Come on, Silverhead. Come on, Silverhead. You have just heard of the copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.