 The fiery horse with the speed of light, the cloud of dust, and a hearty high old selver, 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 masked rider of the plains 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 hoofbeats of a great horse, Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. After the Lone Ranger and Tonto had saved a wagon train from destruction at the hands of outlaws and the pay of the Black Arrow, they rode back toward the ravine, hoping to pick up Tolok's trail. Then just as they came inside of the ravine, someone opened fire on them from the east. It was Tolok, the masked man of the Indians started after him. As the Lone Ranger and Tonto raced up the long slope of the ridge, Tolok reigned up in the trail crew's camp beyond. Bolton. What's the matter? She wouldn't believe me when I told you they were outlaws around. You haven't seen any sign of them? Well, you will in a minute. I just spot them from the top of the ridge and I opened fire. They came after me and I rode back here to warn you. You hear that, Luke? I sure do. Pass the word along to the boys. Get away from the chuck wagon and grab your rifles, boys. There's going to be trouble. How many are there? Only two are masked men and an Indian, but they're tough hombres. We'll handle them. There, a white horse in a paint. You can see them now. I'm out of range. They'll come closer. Tell them to hold their fire. Hold your fire, boys. They're coming on all right. Never source a nerve. The trail won't be safe as long as these two are alive. You've got to kill them. Slim, Jerry, get some horsesaddle. We're going after them if they try to get away. Now, open fire! Shoot the kill! You think they're men of the Black Arrow? No, Kimosubby. Torlock with them? Then shoot at us. Don't forget I'm wearing a mask. You may have told them I'm an outlaw. They'd believe it. They have nearly 4,000 head of cattle. It's an honest trail, Crutano. You aren't taking any chances with their herd. Come in right now. Come this way. We don't want to use our guns against honest men. No, that'd be plenty bad. I think Torlock will travel with them as far as Dodge City. We'll trail them and make sure. Come on, Silver! Come up, Count! The lone ranger was right. Torlock traveled with Jed Fulton and his trail crew as far as Dodge City. But even before the herd had been bedded down, he said goodbye to Fulton and rode into the roaring, booming market town by himself. On past the great meadows where the trail herd were pastured. The stockyards near the railroad tracks, the business section of the town. On into the section where cafes line both sides of the street and the buildings seem to lie with laughter and shouts. Torlock reigned up in front of the lucky star and he pushed his way through the crowd on the sidewalk and in the gambling rooms until he reached the door at the rear of the cafe. The door that led to Al Brent's office. Surprised to see me, Brent? Oh, I didn't know you'd be here so soon. Sit down. Well? I followed orders. I've circulated stories. There's going to be a break in the market. And I've beat the price of stairs down $3 a head. That makes it 12. Too much. Well, it's $3 less than their pain in Abilene. Jed Fulton brought in 4,000 stairs this morning. I want that herd for $5 a head. You're a local, Torlock. If I were, you wouldn't be taking orders from me. Well, I didn't mean that exactly. But $5? There's no way you can get beef for that price unless there was a panic or something. We'll try to arrange one. Huh? Are you going deaf? Well, I heard you, but I couldn't believe my ears. A panic can't be arranged. Not at a time like this with the demand for beef the way it is. That panic won't last long. Just long enough to get Fulton's herd. That's impossible. A rancher wouldn't drive his cows to market if all he could get was $5 a head. But if the cows were already at the market, he might sell at that price to get rid of them. Are there any army buyers in town? Not right now. Good. Who runs a telegraph office? A young fellow called Johnny Day. Honest? Yeah. Didn't you have orders to get one of our men in there? Well, I haven't got around to it yet. Didn't Colby report to you? Yeah, he's here. When I find a way to get rid of Day, I may be able to get him the job. Is there anyone else in town who can handle a telegraph? No. And we won't waste any more time getting rid of Day. Colby's got to be in charge of that office or our plan won't work. I want him in there tomorrow morning. Torlock, how can I do it? It only takes one bullet. You mean? Murder. You don't have to do it yourself. In fact, I'd advise against that. Thanks. We don't want to take any chances on the position you've built up here. Cattle buyer, owner of the Lucky Star. Town has to respect you. They won't listen to you. I can find somebody. Do it tonight. Kino, you going to stick around? Yeah, I'll be here, but I can't show myself much. Why not? Nobody knows you. The Lone Ranger does. The Lone Ranger is here. Yeah, we're not out in the trail. I convinced Fulton he was an outlaw and his crew tried to capture him. Nothing doing, huh? Of course not. There isn't a horse in the west can keep up with that white stallion he rides. The Lone Ranger don't keep running, Tarlock. If he got away, he must have trailed you. He must be somewhere close right now. That's why I'm keeping out of sight. But hadn't we better wait a while before we try anything? Yeah, we're fairly safe in Dodge City. They'll stand for a lot here, but they won't stand for a mask man riding up and down the main street. But just to see... I know, you don't like it. Well, the leader isn't interested in what you like or don't like. Well, I didn't say that I wouldn't. Well, that's fortunate, Brent. But somehow, I never suspected that you tried to disobey. Well, sure not. Are you gonna tell me anything more? One thing at a time. The plan is really quite simple. But the first step is entirely up to you. Get rid of Johnny Day. Hi. Hi, Kimosabe. Are you able to keep track of Tarlock? Maybe it's hard to lose him. Lose him? Ah, me following him to Lucky Star. Go inside. See, Tarlock, go in office. Him not come out. Let me think. Now, Brent, who owns a Lucky Star, isn't it? Matt Wright. You're afraid that Torlock may have left by a back door or something like that? Ah. Did anyone else go in the office while you were there? Ah, Jed Fulton. That name of rancher, Tarlock, traveled with him trail. He went to see Brent, too? Him want to sell cattle. I see. Well, there's nothing wrong with that. Now, him not do it, though. Talk to here, talk when him come out of office. What did he say? Well, Brent, only give $12 a head. Fulton want $15. Him plenty mad. Him not sell for $12. The price had been $15 for a long time. Ah. Torlock was in Brent's office before Fulton got there. Matt Wright. There's something up. I can't figure out what it is, but you and I are riding town tonight. It's plenty dangerous. We've got to, Tarlock. Whenever Torlock goes into action, there's bound to be trouble. We've got to stop him. It was just at sunset that Ann Everett stopped in at the telegraph office with an invitation for young Johnny Day. I, uh, I'd like you to come over to our house for a stopper, Johnny. Oh, gosh, Ann. Oh, what's the matter? Well, which I could, but I can't. Why not? Time for you to close up, isn't it? Yeah, but the livestock rotations are coming through from Chicago tonight, and I've got to stick around. After I get them, I'll have to write them out so I can post them on the bulletin board first thing tomorrow morning. Oh, that's too bad. Could I come over after I've finished? If it isn't too late. It won't be. About 9.30. I'll tell you what. After stopper, I'll drop over and see Mrs. Murdoch. That isn't far from here. You can call for me and walk me home. All right. Fine. Well, you don't have to go just yet, do you? Well, I don't want to keep you from your work. Oh, you won't. I got a message to send right now. Sit down and listen to it. We'll see if you've forgotten all our tortures. Of course I have it. Listen. The switch isn't on, Johnny. You listen. Did you get it? I see. The message was just for me. I should hope. Oh, will you, Anne? Will you marry me? Let me at that key. Oh, sure thing. No. I haven't finished. Not until you've saved enough money for that ranch you want. Oh, but Anne. They say that two can live as cheaply as one, Johnny, but I don't believe it. You want a ranch and that comes first. You come first. Besides, I want you to get out of this business just as quickly as you can. Why? Dangerous. Oh, go on. Who it is. What if they were to send you to some office way out in the prairie? You'd be all alone with nothing, but wild Indians around. I'm not out on the prairie, though. Sometimes I think Dark City is even worse. I hate it when you have to work late, Johnny. Why? It's a dark and deserted-ness part of town after sunset. There's so many gunmen and outlaws around. Why should they pick on me? I don't have much money here. Sometimes you do. I can see a bag of gold dust and they're safe from here. Oh, that shouldn't be open. Then close it. Be careful. You know, if you aren't at Mrs. Murdock's at Hare Pass nine sharp... I will be, Anne. I hope so, Johnny. I hope so. As soon as night had fallen, the Lone Ranger and Tuttle left their well-hidden camp for Dodge City. They entered the town from the east where all was quiet and rained up in the shadow of a building not far from the single light that marked the telegraph office. We'll leave Silver and Scott here, Tuttle. And when you go, the lucky star. You wear masks. We aren't going in the front way. Back door, going to Brent's office. Isn't there any way we can get there? We'll leave Silver and Scott here, Tuttle. And when you go, the lucky star. We'll leave Silver and Scott here, Tuttle. This is the only way we can get to that telegraph office. Isn't there any way we can get to the telegraph office there? We'll leave Silver and Scott here, Tuttle. You know, Count O'Hear, that's from the telegraph office. Somewhere near it. To the other part of town, I wouldn't pay any attention to a shot. Here it's different. You'd better get there fast. Come on, Silver. Get him off the town. It's either a sleep or a... No, you're shot. Bandage a tonneau. From the safe's open. Somebody shoot him and steal. No, this is gold dust. Hasn't been touched. You think the boy has a chance? Maybe so. Let's see what's on his desk here. Nothing important. Are you coming with the bandage? I'll finish now. We're taking him back to Camp Kimosabi. Here, I'll carry him. Why you do that? I want to question him. It isn't safe here. I'll get him out of here and you can lift him up to me. Uh-huh. Hey, hold him. Hey, got him. Hey, got him. Now then, now there. That's where it come this way. Come on, Silver. Get him up to town. Hey, hey, hey! The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Everett, who had seen the Lone Ranger and Tonto ride off of Johnny Day, her cries for help brought a hundred men from the cafes and when they reached the telegraph office, there's something coming through on the telegraph. Goldie, you know how to run this outfit, don't you? Sure thing. Then go to work. That message might be important. Right. Oh, what difference does a telegraph make? You can see for yourself, Johnny's been shot. That masked man in the engine rode away with this. A masked man in an engine? Yes, I saw them. Johnny was supposed to meet me at Mrs. Murdoch's at 9.30. When he didn't come, I thought something might be wrong, so I came down here. I saw them, I tell you. Must be the same outlaws who met the trail, boss. Yeah. What's that? Roto White horse in the paint. Fastest things they ever set eyes on. We haven't got a chance of catching them. You've got to try. Well, you're standing around here for. You're right, Ann. You stay here, Colby. Take care of the office. The rest of you get in your saddles and follow me. We'll bring those outlaws back dead or alive. Come on, Timber! By the time Brent had rounded up his posse and headed out of town, the Lone Ranger and Tonto had reached their camp. A bed of pine balls was fixed up for Johnny. And before long, the young telegraph operator opened his eyes. Oh, how are you feeling? All right. What happened, anyway? Where am I? You're in our camp outside of town. Outside of... I don't get it. Someone shot you through the window of the telegraph office. And you've got a bad wound in your shoulder. Say, you're wearing a mask. That doesn't mean I'm an outlaw. And you look at horse, Masked Friend Ride. Oh, gosh, he's a beauty. Oh, and that horse called Silver. Masked Friend, you Silver bulletin' gun. Agent, you... You're trying to tell me this is the Lone Ranger? Not right. The Lone Ranger. Do you have any idea who it was that shot you? No, I don't. Might have been somebody after the gold in the office. Well, the safe wasn't touched. Of course, Tonto and I got there as fast as we could after we heard the shot. But somehow, I don't believe that robbery was a motive. I can't figure it out at all. Weren't you... Weren't you working later than usual tonight? Yeah. I was waiting for the livestock rotations that come through from Chicago. They were just starting when... Well, that's all I remember. Do you know Al Brent? Oh, sure. Did you have much to do with him? Nothing at all. I stayed clear of the lucky star. See, I was saving my money to get married and... Oh, golly. What's the matter? I was supposed to meet my girl at 9.30. I've got to get back to town. You'll have to stay where you are for a day or two. But I can't. Ann doesn't know what's happened to me. What's your name? Johnny Day. Well, Johnny, I don't think you'd be safe in town if you want to write a note. You'll see that Ann gets it. You can make her understand that you're all right. Maybe that girl, we see right off. It might be, Kimosabi. I have a pencil and some paper here, and if you feel strong enough to cry... Oh, sure, sure, I can write. My left shoulder, that's her. And just tell us where Ann lives. It's two blocks north of the telegraph office, just a little cottage, painted white. There's a big cottonwood out in front. Oh, ton to find that easy. Yeah. Maybe... Maybe I'd better say that she isn't to tell anybody where I am. Yes, Johnny, you'd better. They've tried to kill you once, and they may try again. She had not returned when Tonto circled back to town by the back trails. He avoided the main street and reigned up in front of Ann Everett's home. They're light and winter. Who's there? A Tonto-bring message. An engine. And that's the painter. You, you read this. What have you done with Johnny? You're not talks alone. Read note. Him write it. Then he's alive. But this writing isn't the way he usually writes. It's plenty hard. Him hurt. It says that masked man was a lone ranger. But why can't I tell anybody where he is? It's not safe. Then you've got to take me to him. Tonto do that. I'll be ready in five minutes. My horse is out in back. Will you get it saddled? Ah, you hurry. Why you stop? Look back there by the telegraph office. Oh, how's it come back? Not playing camp. What are they so excited about? It may be good time to find out. You can't get any closer to him. They put you in jail. Mask friend, him want to know. Then you leave it to me. I'll find out and I'll meet you outside of town near the camp. Ah. Get up there, Red. Paul, what are you yelling at me for? That's right, men. Stand back. It can't be. There must be a mistake. There's no mistake. Those figures I put on the bulletin board are just what I got from Chicago. The cattle market's busted wide open. Seven dollars ahead. Seven dollars ahead in Chicago means five in Dodge City. It's robbery. You should have sold this morning for 12, Fulton. There's something crooked about this, I tell you. You think I like it? I still got a thousand head on my hands that I paid 15 for. And I'm not so sure I want any more even at five. Colby, I ought to skin you alive. You'll keep your hands off me. That's right, Fulton. Don't make a move. A gun. Yes, a gun. Lock up Colby. I'll see you get back to the Lucky Star safe. Right. It's a crooked deal. This means he ended the ranch in the west. It's bad luck for all of us. I'll grant you that. Oh, come on down to the cafe and I'll buy a drink. Not me. I'm going out to my camp. I wouldn't touch your poison. And it's for selling for $5 a head. Oh, wait. What else can we do, boss? The cows are here. You'd better make up your mind fast or you won't even get five. Now come on, boys. All right. Johnny. You shouldn't have come out here. You think I could have stayed away when I knew you were hurt? Oh, it's only my shoulder. May I ask, man? You'll tell me the truth. You'll be all right. Did they send the posse after us? It's back in town now. And there's some big news, Johnny. Cattle's down to $7 a head in Chicago. Oh, I don't believe it. It's true. That man Kobe got it over the wire. Brent's cut his price to five. Wait a minute. And I heard him tell Fulton that if he didn't sell his head fast, he might cut it even more. Johnny, why don't you believe it? Well, it's possible. But I was talking back and forth with Chicago, waiting for the prices. And if there was some big news like that, Joe would have mentioned it. He'd have had some idea before the final quotations came through. That's a drop of $13 a head. You were talking with Chicago just before you were shot? Sure. I'm beginning to get the answer to a lot of things. No wonder they wanted you out of the way, Johnny. Who? Brent and Colby and Corlock. I never heard of anybody by that name. It doesn't matter. With their own man in that telegraph office, they could set their own prices for Dodd City and... Tell me this, Johnny. Is there anyone else in town who's an operator? No. I was the only one until Colby showed up. You're in no condition for a job like this. What about me? You? That's right. I've taught Anne everything there is to know about the office. You could get a message through to Chicago. You understand the code and... Of course. What's the idea? What do you want to do that for? To check on the truth of this report. Is there anyone at the office now? No. Colby locked it up. And you and I are going to town before it gets light. Tonto, where's Fulton? He's out at his camp. You know where that is, Kimosabi? Find him and bring him to the office. Tell him to round up his whole crew first. Ah. Here, Silver. I'll help you into the saddle, Anne. Did he read? Thank you. Come on, Silver. Get up there. What's the matter? I was walking over the hotel and saw a light way down the street. What about it? I think it was a telegraph office. So why didn't you put out the lamp? I did. There's something wrong. Who'd want to go in there tonight? I got an answer for that. But I don't like it. Huh? Never mind. Get the boys together. The posse? Our boys. I'll meet them outside in five minutes. She know. I managed to wake him up. What shall I see? Yes, tell him about the report that's posted outside on the bulletin board. Ask him if it's true or not. All right. Listen. Don't let someone's come in. There's no doubt about it. They aren't writing, so it can't be Kato or Jed Fulton. Can you do without this light? I suppose so, but they must have seen it by now. If you don't mind. Where are you going? There are any windows in the back. I'm going to keep them away from the front. There. Now all we have to do is wait for their answer. That looks like Brent. It is. Here, come. You don't have to sit there to listen. Get down on the floor. Why? Get down. Brent had caught a glimpse of the masked man at the window and ordered his men to open fire. But the lone ranger kept them at a distance and finally drove them to the cover of the buildings across the street. What are you getting? I'm still twenty dollars a hand. That's all we need. This was all a scheme to get Fulton's herd. Indications of a continued rising market. It's all right. Here comes Taro and Fulton's trail crew. Stay under that desk until the shooting stops. Don't yell at the other side of the street. Well done. Boys followed Taro's lead and drove Brent's men from the cover. Without horses, it was impossible for them to escape. And in five minutes, the roundup was completed. What's the meaning of this, Fulton? You don't have to be told. There was an outlaw in that office. We were trying to smoke him out. That was a lone ranger. And here he comes now. Well, Max Mann, what'd you find out? I can tell you that. The Chicago price for beef is twenty dollars a hand. It was a trick. You can take the whole gang down to the sheriff. And charge him with murder. They killed Johnny to get him out of the way. I didn't have enough to do with that. Shut up. It was Joe and Pete. I heard Brent giving their orders. Let's push the rope around all their necks. Not quite, Fulton. You see, Johnny's still alive. But as for this man? Hey, look on my wrist. Just as I thought. A black arrow. Tell the sheriff to hold this man until the United States Marshal picks him up. What's that? Where's Torlock, Brent? He's got a 12-hour start on your masked man. You'll be able to handle this crew, won't you, Fulton? Just leave it to me and the boys. I'll be on our way. Come on, Silver. Come up, Silver! You head west, Kimusabi? Yes, Toto. We know the headquarters of the black girls in the mountains. There aren't any mountains to the east. You look. What is it? They're a horse. Him where saddle, but no one ride him. Pull over on the planes. Let's see what this means. Here, good boy. It's an army horse, Toto. Saddle and ready to ride. He's wandered a long way. Kimusabi, their papers stick in saddlebags. Yes. And what to say? Just one word, Toto. Just one word. Help. What you've just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.