 with a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hotty-high old silver, the Lone Ranger! Companion Tuttle, the garing and resourceful mastrider of the Plains 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 all of the past come the thundering who beats up the great horse Silver! The Lone Ranger rides again! Late one afternoon, the Lone Ranger's Indian friend, Tuttle, entered Marshall Jack Forbes' office in Copper City in Northern Texas. How, Marshall Forbes? Yeah, who is that? Well, I'll be a two-toed grasshopper. Tuttle, how in the world are you? Oh, me, fine. What? Where's the Lone Ranger? Well, him in Hills, north of town. I reckon that two of you have come to this part of the country to see your old friends, Clair-Rabelle Hornblow and Thunder Martin. No, we not come to see Clair-Rabelle Thunder this time. Oh? We come this way, look for Crook named Dave Shelby. Shelby? Ah. Shelby, I never heard of the critters. Well, him wanted for murder in Kansas. We trail him long time. You must have, if you follow them this far. We lose trail two days ago. Masked man, hope find killer's trail in Hills. Him send me here to tell you beyond lookout for feller with big scar cross-forehead. Where'd you lose his trails out, oh? On north side of Sunflower River. Haven't been able to pick it up since, huh? No. Well, if he's a killer, the sooner he's captured, the better. I'm not right. I'll tell my deputies to be on the lookout for this Shelby feller. I'll ride to the Lone Ranger's camp with you. All three of us will look for the rat's trail. Not good. Yes, give me time enough to talk to the boys, and I'll be right with you. While Thunder Martin grew rain at Claribel Hornblow's kitchen door and hurried inside, the ex-new Skinner's face was flushed with excitement. Hey, Claribel, Claribel, I'm rich. I stuck it rich. What'd you say? I found gold, Claribel. My looks changed. I grew working for wages. I'm going to be a millionaire. Hold on, Clunger, now take it easy. It's the greatest thing that ever happened to me. When I saw that gold, I... Wait, you quiet down, you mutton-headed idiot. Yeah, what's wrong? The learning deed Shelby came to the door a little while ago, asking for a place to rest and a meal. He lost his horse and gear crossing Sunflower River. Where is he? In the next room, you big-mouthed jughead. I bet he heard every word you said. Where's the dog gone? You should have warned me. I would have if I had a chance. Let's step outside so we can't be over her. Yeah, he won't hear us talking out here. Now, where'd you find the gold, Thunder? Down by the creek about five miles from here. You don't know a dog-gone thing about prospecting. But if you're right about this, if you really have found gold, you'd better keep quiet about it. Don't worry. I'm not going to risk losing the strike to a claim jumper. I'll put my horse in the carousel. Good. I'll go inside and put supper on the table. When the food was on the table, Thunder roused Dave Shelby. The killer came to the table and wolfed his meal in silence. Then, when Thunder left the house to take care of chores outside and Clarabel cleared the kitchen table, the killer drew his gun. Hey, what's your idea? Don't make a sound or I'll shoot. Have you gone local? Sit down in that chair beside the table and be quick about it. Do as you're told. And don't try to call for help. Because if Thunder Martin walks in here, I'll shoot him. Why are you no good, or he's skunk. This is the thanks I get for taking in and feeding you. Put your hands behind the chair or I'll tom. You won't get away with this. Keep quiet. Now I'll gag you with his toe. Oh, no, you don't. I told you to shut up. I'm going to keep you quiet. Now I'll tie your feet. Hold still. Whether you like it or not, you're here to stay. Well, that chores are all done, Fab. Get your hands up, Thunder. Hey, well, what's your idea? Get your hands up or I'll shoot the woman. All right, don't hurt Fab. Keep your hands idle. I'll get your gun. Sit. What are you after? The gold you found today. You're going to show me where it is. Sit. Then you overheard me when I came into the kitchen. That's right. I needed a meal, so I decided to wait a while before pulling the gun. You'll never get away with this. If you lead me to the gold, you won't get hurt. If you don't, you'll stop lead. Get going. Meanwhile, the lone ranger, Tahoe and Marshall Forbes, found a Shelby's runaway horse, quietly nibbling grass a short distance from Sunflower River. After examining the animal's tracks, a masked man and tunnel realized what had happened. Soon afterwards, they found Dave Shelby's trail heading south on foot. Darkness was falling when they set out to follow it. Followed him up, Scott. Some distance south of the man hunters, Thunder Martin tried desperately to think of a way to escape Dave Shelby. The creek where he accidentally discovered gold was west of the ranch. But Thunder headed east, hoping to meet a rancher or friend who could help him. After nearly two hours' travel, Dave explained, That gold can't be this far from the ranch. How do you know where it is? I think you're stolen. What's worse, maybe trying to lead me into a trap. You wanted me to lead you to the gold? I know a sure way to find out where it is. We're going back to the ranch. For what? You and Clarabel Hornblow stepped out of the kitchen so you could tell them more about the gold without being overheard. You must have told her where you found it. Oh, clear that on the word, is it? I think she does. She'll talk, too, to save your hide. Turn that critter around. We're going back to the house. Get her out. Come on, round boy. Get her. In the ranch house, Clarabel had been struggling with the ropes that held her. By rocking her chair back and forth, she managed to move it close to the stove. Twice, she burned her wrists painfully against the hot metal. But at last, the singed rope broke as she strained at it. With her hands free, she took the gag from her mouth. Now, you're breaking on time, a thief. As soon as her feet were free, she hurried to the corral. Her favorite horse was gone. Quiet, Aunt, no good. Even Polkette must have it. Clarabel quickly saddled another horse. Steady, easy. The sooner I get to Mars reports, the better. Get up, get up there. Clarabel traveled cross-country to save time, and more than once regretted being without her palomino. His critters are skittish as a two-week-old calf. Get up, get up there. As she neared the main trail, it was necessary to descend a steep slope. Easy, easy there, easy. The sleek black horse balked. Clarabel coaxed, cajoled, and scolded. Finally, the horse started downhill. Then, without warning, the animal lost its footing. Oh, this is wonderful. Crawled from the saddle, Clarabel pitched headlong to the bottom of the rocky slope, where she struck her head against a small boulder and lay still. Court distance away, the Lone Ranger signaled a halt and spoke to Marshal Jack Forbes and Tahoe. Jack, did you hear someone call for help? I thought I did. Me hear it. It sound like woman. Come on, we'll investigate. Hold still there. Oh, stop. Here the Lone Ranger, Tahoe, and the Marshal approached the still figure, lying at the bottom of the slope. Oh, easy, easy. Easy, easy, easy, easy. Tahoe, it's Clarabel. Like unconscious. Looks like she took a header down the slope. She must have struck her head when she fell. A bad cut on forehead. The masked man reached for Clarabel's wrist to take her pulse. He saw the burn she had suffered, tweaking herself of the ropes. How bad she hurt, mister? I don't know, Marshal. Her wrists have been burned. Looks as though they had been tied. She could have fractured her skull. I don't think so. But she may have suffered a concussion. I mean, damaged cut on head. Banged her wrist, too. Uh-huh. Me fix them. I know sadly what she's doing out at this hour of the night. Traveling cross country over places you ought to have more sense and to tackle. She's not as young as she used to be. She must have been maybe a better doctor coming. Him know how bad Clarabel hurt. I think you're right, Tuttle. Well, the raptor age isn't far from here. I'll go there and ask Thunder Martin to bring a wagon here so she can be moved. Good idea, Jack. Very, very easy. What about the doctor? Tuttle ride to town for the doctor. I'll be back soon with thunder. Get up there. Come on. Easy, Scott. Easy. OK, hope Clarabel not hurt Dan. I'll stay with her till you return, Tuttle. That's good. Get him out of town. While Tuttle hurried toward town, and Marshall Jack Forbes rode toward the raptor age, Thunder Martin and Dave Shelby approached the ranch from the opposite direction. The scar-faced pillar kept Thunder covered and watched him closely. Oh, oh, oh, easy. They dismounted at the back door and entered the kitchen. Inside. Don't try a fast move, Thunder. Don't worry about it. Clarabel's gone. Gone. She got away. Here are the ropes I tied her with. Somehow, she managed to burn them off. I'll bet she's gone for help. That means you're esteemed to get my gold, won't work. You'll be in real trouble. I hear a ride out. Get in this way. I told you, Clarabel, went for help. Maybe that's Marshall Forbes coming to get you. I'm not caught yet. As Dave spoke, he swung his gun barrel to the side of Thunder Martin's head. The big man slumped to the floor unconscious. I can't watch you in that ride at two, so I'll try your feet and gag you. That way, you'll not make trouble. Dave Shelby worked fast. He tied him, gagged Thunder, and dragged him into the next room. Seconds before Marshall Forbes grew rain in the moonlit yard. From a place near the open door, Dave watched the lawman dismount. Suddenly, the moonlight glinted on the star, pinned to the Marshall's vest. Thinking Clarabel had told the law about him, the killer cursed softly. As the Marshall hurried to the kitchen door, he fired. At the bottom of the slope, where the lone ranger waited with Clarabel Hornblow, the Buxom ranch owner groaned softly. Take it easy, Clarabel. Where are you? We found you here a short time ago. Is it really you? Yes, Clarabel. Well, I thought I was dreaming. Come home, Marshall Forbes, and I found you. What happened to your dress, though? I burned him trying to get the ropes off. Well, you're sure it turned up at the right time, Mr. Thunder, and I need your help, bad. Who tied you? That scar-faced critter who came to my place a foot asking for me. I didn't want to turn a fella away, who's down on his luck. A scar-faced man. Is the scar a cause for it? How do you know? He's wanted for murder. Oh, great sinks alive. How haven't I been following him for some time? Is it my place now, but somewhere around the place? He captured Thunder and me, and if he's a killer, oh, poor Thunder. Tell me, did he rob you? He wants to steal Thunder's gold claim. Mr. You've got to do something, please. Please save poor Thunder. Marshall Forbes is on his way to the ranch now. Oh, this critter is smart. He might be able to fool the Marshall, fool him long enough to get the drop on him, then kill him. Clarabel, I don't want to leave you. I thought I went to town to get Dr. Simpson. I'm not feeling first-rate, but I'll be a whole lot better if I know you're on your way to the ranch to help Thunder. I'll be all right here. Do you have a gun? No. I have a spare one in my saddlebag. I'll leave it with you. Then you'll go to the ranch? Yes. I'll return with the Dr. Simpson. By the time the Lone Ranger reached the Rafter H, Marshall Forbes managed to free Thunder Martin. The big mule skinner was bandaging the lawman's wound when the masked man dismounted at the back door. As briefly as possible, Thunder explained what happened. I plan to go after that Rattler as soon as I finish fixing the Marshall's wound, Mr. Shall be gunned me and rode away from here as if the devil himself were after him. He has good reason to hurry away. He'll hang at his court. He's trying to reach the border. I'll go after him. He's riding to Rafter Bell's Palomino. That takes care of your wound, Marshall. I'll go with the Lone Ranger. I don't think he'll need help, but Clarabel does, Thunder. She's been hurt, thrown from her horse. We'll have to take a wagon to the bottom of dead man's slope to get her. Torn between his loyalty to Clarabel and his desire to see Dave Shelby captured, Thunder reluctantly agreed to harness a team to a buckboard. A few minutes later, he and the wounded lawman left the ranch. Get that bag! Get lost! Miles to the south, the Lone Ranger's great white horse raced across the plains after Dave Shelby. The outlaw's trail was clear and easy to follow in the brilliant moonlight. Hold still, Dave! The powerful stallion responded with a sustained burst of speed, maintaining a pace that brought him closer and closer to the fleeing killer. Presently, the masked man saw Dave ahead. The mighty silver began to close the gap separating them. Dave heard the thundering hoof beats and turned to look over his shoulder. You're finished, Dave! Dave recognized the masked man as the Lone Ranger. In sudden panic, he snatched his gun from his holster. Turn back or I'll kill you! I'll apologize you all the way from Kansas! Do ask for it! The frightened killer fired hastily. His shot was wide. Stop him, Ted! Shoot! Not unless you stop the take-out! The Lone Ranger caught up the shots. When the killer's gun was empty, he brought the racing silver close to the Palomino. And he grabbed Shelby. Come here, you! As silver and the well-trained Palomino slowed to a halt, the Lone Ranger lead to his feet. On your feet, Dave! Don't shoot me! I'm unarmed. I'm out of ammunition. I have a new score to settle with you. Killer! What are you talking about? Parabelle Hornblow and Thunder Marten are friends of mine. Friends? Yes, that's right. Parabelle's wrists are burned. She suffered a fall. Oh, wait a minute, Mr. I didn't know! You're due for a beating! But no! The killer's mouth taped. He stepped back as the Lone Ranger stepped forward. You! No! That's the beginning. A minute ago, you were going to kill me. I've got no guns! Use your fists! To fight Dave Swung. The blow missed the masked man's chin and struck his shoulder. The killer followed it with a hard jab that hit his mark. Then, before he knew what happened, I had to take it! The Lone Ranger drove a fist into his stomach as Dave swung forward. Another blow hooked his chin. The killer went down. Now, while you're unconscious, I'll tie your hands and make sure you're disarmed. Then we're going back to the Raptor range. It was nearly daybreak when the Lone Ranger reached the ranch with his prisoner. Doc Simpson was there with Clarabel, Marshall Forbes, Thunder Martin, and Toto. The masked man offered to help the wounded lawman take Dave to jail. I can sure use the help, Mr. Doc's going with me, and if you travel as far as the edge of town with it... I'll be glad to, Marshall. Clarabel, I'm sorry you had all this trouble. I hope you'll soon be well enough to bake some of those pineapple pies you always served Toto and me. Now that that rattler's been caught, Mr. I feel good enough to start a couple of pies right now. They'll be ready by the time you get back from town. I'll hurry back. See you later, Toto. We wait here. All right, good going, Dave. I hope they hang that stock. Clarabel, say, him tried to steal gold from you. That's right, Toto. I stuck it rich. Say, I have a little gift for you in the Lone Ranger. Ah, what that? I want you two to have the first of the gold I took from my claim. I've got something right here in my pocket. I didn't show it to Clarabel because I wanted to give it to you and the mask man. Isn't that plenty nice, Thunder? Hell, here you are. This is for you and the other is for our mask friend. Oh, you think this gold? My course is gold. Look at the color of it. Oh, no, this is not gold. Let me see this stuff plenty of times. Lone Ranger say it iron or copper. Pyrite. Pyrite? Fool's gold, Thunder. Thunderation? Sorry, Thunder. You may be not want to take my word for it. Why, you know a dog on sight more about it than he does, Toto. Fool's gold? Don't feel so bad, Thunder. That killer was a bigger fool about it than you were. He was planning to jump a worthless claim and all he got for his trouble was a trip to the gallows thanks to the Lone Ranger. Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated is produced by Kendall Campbell Muir Incorporated. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer, your announcer, Fred Foy.