 A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi-oh-silver, the Lone Ranger. With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful masked rider 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 out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of a great horse, Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver! Let's go, we come! I am Silver! Three men waited in the parlor of the Gilman Ranch house. One sat stiffly in a chair. A second stood erect and motionless. A third nervously paced the room. All three, however, kept their eyes fixed upon the closed door to Sam Gilman's room. Finally, the one halted his restless walking and confronted the man who stood erect. Dusty, why doesn't Doc come out? Why don't he tell us something? Take it easy, Mort. Getting excited won't help. I can't stand this waiting. Easy, boy, easy. Hank? Yes, Morton? We get this. If Pa dies, the Doc can't save him. Yes? I'll kill you. We're here now, Mort. Leave your brother alone. If he is just as bad about this as you do, Field friend. Mort, you can't blame Hank for... Save your breath, Dusty. Oh, here's the Doc. Doc? Will he...? I'm sorry, boys. I did everything I could. You mean... Your father's dead. No. Dead. He went to find his fellow I ever worked for. Dead. You hear that, Hank? You killer, Mort. Take it easy. I'll get you, you dirty killer. Stay away. Don't interfere. Let go, Hank. Let go of it. I'll fix you. It was an accident. Hank couldn't help it. Stop choking him. There now. He shot him. Hank shot Dad. Now, calm down. You... You all right, Hank? Yeah. I guess so. You'd better control yourself, Mort. I didn't shoot, Pa. Maybe Hank's telling the truth, Mort. After all, nobody seen you, Pa, get shot. He was found beside Cheyenne Creek. Yeah, but... Hank was hunting there, wasn't you, Hank? Yes, I was. Had there been anybody else anywhere near the creek? Had there? I don't know. You know Doggone well there hadn't been. Mort, look. You'd been hunting yourself, hadn't you? Over by the salt flats. You trying to say it was one of my bullets that hit him? Of course not, Mort. I'm just trying to make the point that if you fired the hand-ridden toward the flats instead of the creek, it could have been one of your bullets. I'm not fooling at the shooting unless I know there's nobody around. You can take your hands off me now, Doc. Well... I won't go after Hank. You just forgot yourself, Mort. You won't fly off the handle again. No, but I'm leaving here. Now, Mort... You shut up. From now on, you're no more my brother than Dusty is. You can have the ranch. You can stay here and run things to suit yourself. I'm through. Mort, you've got to believe me. I didn't shoot, Pa. Even if he did, it was an accident. You can call it an accident, but I say it's murder. And I won't stay in the same house with a murderer. Mort, hear things. I don't want them. I'll make you a promise, Hank. Someday you'll pay for this. And I'll be the one to make you pay. Hank... Mort didn't mean the things he said. He... Well, naturally, he's upset, but he'll get over it. He'll be back, and I'm sure he'll apologize. Not Mort. He's just riled up. Oh, Doc, you don't save him, Mort, like I do. But surely he can't feel the same after he's had time to think things over. He'll think it over. The more he thinks, the more he'll hate me. As the years passed, the community forgot Sam Gilman. Hank met a girl named Mary. They were sweethearts. They married, and two years later, their son, Neil, was born. The boy went through a normal boyhood, and then away to school and back. I'd always sort of hoped Neil would take over the ranch. But, Hank, he has a marvelous opportunity in the bank. Well, I've got no objections to having our son the banker. Neil had been a good son and pleasant company. Then there came a period when his parents were concerned, and that concern increased as Neil became more secretive and quiet with each day that passed. Oh, Hank, Neil just rode into the yard. He's putting his horse in the crevice. Won't you speak to him tonight? He won't listen to me. I guess I'd better. He's been acting mighty strange lately, spending a lot of time in the star cafe. Yes, I know he has. Bad place for a young fella that's trying to get ahead in the banking game. He's coming in now. I'll let you talk to him alone. He may talk more freely if I'm not around. Time you got to bed, anyhow. Good night. Night for kids, sir. How is the same at his age, so I reckon. Still up for? Looks like it. I'm about ready to turn in on dog time. That's a fair, sir. I want to talk to you. What is it? I'm sitting down for a second. I, uh, I don't know, I guess not. Son, you haven't been yourself lately. There's something wrong. Man, there's no use denying it. I can read you like a book. There's something on your mind, something worrying you. Can't let me know what it is. I suppose you must be imagining things. There's nothing worrying me. Sure, of course I'm sure of it. Remember, son, there's nothing in the world you can't tell me. That's a point that's not easy for a father to put over to his son. That's true. You can tell me anything. Now come on, why don't you talk things over? I, uh, shagged out with it. Don't be afraid of your own father. Well, there is something, Pa. Oh, it doesn't amount to much. That is, I, uh, I had to get out, huh? Son, there's just two things I hate like sin. Lying and gambling. Well, take me all around, and I'm pretty easy going. So let's have it, huh? You, uh, you think gambling's pretty bad, huh? For those that can't afford it, there's nothing worse. And I've still got to see the first fellow who could afford it. It leads to debt and no end to trouble. I've never gambled myself, and I've never had any use for the man who did. Well, may I just start talking about that? Oh, thinking of the Star Café, I guess. There's a new man running it, isn't there? Uh-huh. I, good night, Pa. I wouldn't be able to just get into him. Hank, did you talk to Neil? Uh-huh, I, I started to. What did he say? Honey, he was right on the point of telling me something. And he shut up just like a clam. I don't know what got into him. The lone ranger and his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, had rained up beside an old cabin bordering their trail. They had bought a few supplies from the old man who owned the cabin. So you say you're heading for the panhandler? Well, it's about four weeks' travel from here. We expect to reach it sooner or later. I wish I was going long. Yes. Even if I had to wear a mask like you to do it, huh? Yes, you're East Ranger. That used to be my old stamp in ground years back. Had a pair of friends there at one time. I never forgot them. How long has it been since you left? Just 25 years. You've got an accurate memory. Oh, I don't recollect everything. But there's some things that a man never forgets. Oh? Nothing that interests you or anything. Wasn't anything very pleasant either. I thought of keeping that old finish. Yes. Who was that? Well, likely you never heard of him. Sam Gilman was his name. Sam Gilman? As a matter of fact, I have. There's a Henry Gilman still in a panhandler. Sam's son. He had two of them. I was just trying to remember what it was I'd heard about Sam. It was a shooting accident. Henry was supposed to have been haunting, and one of his bullets struck his father by accident. They found Sam near Cheyenne Creek. You were almost right. It was near the salt flats that Sam was found. I heard several people tell the story. They all said Sam was found near the creek. It caused a quarrel between Henry and his brother, Mort. Mort couldn't forgive his brother for the accident and disappeared. I still say old Sam was found on the salt flats, mister. That'd been true. Henry couldn't have shot his father. He wasn't near there. That's where they say Mort was haunting. Well, I don't know anything about that. But when I say it with salt flats, I know what I'm talking about. Yes? She's. It was me that found Sam. You're the man who butted into the ranch house that day? I am. Who was it you told about where you'd found him? Well, Hank. You're sure it was Hank? I ought to be. I knew them boys well. Don't you realize what this means? Yeah? Gosh, yes. Follow, follow, we're writing. Here, Scott. Here's a little bit. What did I say to drive you off so fast? Did I say anything to get you mad? Of course not. That'd be cool. Then what's the rush? You've given me the most important information that I've picked up in the best part of a year. Adios. Mojave, Mr. Cowan. All evening, two weeks later, Neil Fielman was summoned from the Star Cafe's gaming tables into the office of its manager. Good morning, Neil. You've sent for me, ace. I suppose it's about the money I owe. I'll need a little more time. At all the time we can give you. Two weeks ago, you said you'd speak to your father. We waited just as long as we can. But I can't pay right now. That's too bad. But you told me not to worry. You said you didn't care when you got paid. Then all of a sudden, you want the money right away. It's not my doing, Neil, to order some Mr. Franklin. He said to make me pay up? Yep. Then let me talk to him. If I can explain things to him, I'm sure he'd understand. No one talks to Mr. Franklin. He told me to collect from you or go tell your boss a few things. No, you can't tell the banker about me. Don't do that. Why not? I think he'd be glad to know that you've gambled away $5,000 more than you can pay. That'd mean my job. Hey, I suppose it would. You've got to give me another chance. Another chance? Why? What would we gain by it? You've already admitted you can't get that money for us. Give me a week. A week? You have my word, you'll get your money. Every last penny. Oh, change your mind about being able to get the money. I know a way to get it. How? That's my business. Yes, I imagine it is. All right then, Neil, you have one week. 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. I'll to continue our story. Two weeks passed after Neil promised to pay his gambling debt. During those two weeks, his parents became more and more concerned by his silent secretive manner. Mary finally spoke of it to Hank. We've let this go just as long as we can. I know there's something wrong with Neil, something terribly wrong. I'm afraid you're right. We have to do something. Wish I knew what? Perhaps, perhaps if you talk to him again. Well, I'll have another try. Do make him tell you. I'll do my best. Hi, and there. You sleeping? What do you want? I was for letting your dad in for a second. Wait a minute. Hello, Pa. What is it? You're just sitting here in the dark, were you? Shut the door. I don't need any light if you don't, I reckon. I, uh, I was lying down. I thought maybe I'd nap a bit. Nap it, huh? Yes. Feel more like talking now than you did the other time, son. What's there to talk about? I don't know. That's what I'm asking you. I, I, I... Have a fight with your girl? Shucks, no. Fightin' your job too tough for ya? Thinkin' maybe you'd like to work here on the ranch with me? Oh, that's not it. Oh. And you admit there is something, huh? Oh, I... Yeah? I... Come on. We got stuck like this once before. I... I... Boy, I'm going to jail. What's that? I must have been crazy out of my head. I didn't know what to do with it. They'll jail me just as sure as I've lived. Let's have over it. The warmer of voices within your son's room, Neil's mother watched his door anxiously. Finally... Come on, Neil. Honey, get our cash box. What? I said the cash box. Don't ask me to explain. Just get it. Neil, my guns are hanging by the kitchen door there. Bring them here. Paul, what are you planning to do? You still owe 3,000 to this fellow, Franklin? That's it, but I don't see what... Well, I'll get them IOUs. And he'll get a stomach full of land. In the meantime, the Lone Ranger and Tonto had been riding steadily toward Henry Gilman's ranch. Four weeks of travel lay behind them. They were at last within sight of the lighted ranch house. There's a place, Tonto. Ah, isn't it good we hear? Horses plenty tired. Yes, but a mighty hardship for them. I hope it's been worthwhile. Meanwhile, Hank Gilman and his son had ridden into town. Who? Who? Who? They just mounted in front of the Star Cafe, tethered their horses, and went inside. Hank walked stiffly. His hands never far from the guns that hung from his hips. Neil, his face white and drawn, followed his father's lead. Where's that manager? There he is. They're just this side of the office. His name's Ace. Fellow with the mustache, huh? Yes. Let me do the talk. But, boy... Now, don't be scared. I've run into tin horns like this gen plenty of times before. Come on. You the gent they call Ace? Oh, good evening. Hello, Neil. This must be your father. Yes, sir. Ace, how's for having a private talk with you? What about? About money. But the money you got coming from my son. You, uh... you're paying his debt? I am. It'll be a pleasure. Here's my office. Step in. Now, if you just give me the money, I get Neil's... I don't do business with a hired hands, Mr. When I do business, it's with the boss. Mr. Franklin? That's right. I'm afraid that'll be impossible. Neil should've told you. Mr. Franklin sees no one. So, of course, if it... Take us to the boss. You wouldn't dare shoot. Wouldn't I? Just try me out. We'd never get out of here alive. But you'd be dead before I would. So how's it to be? My way or yours? There'll be plenty sores. So will I. This way. Come this way. Yes, Mr. Franklin. Anyone with you? Tell them there is, and I'll blast you to Kingdom come. Of course not, Mr. Franklin. One moment. Aish, you lied to me. Morta. You're Morta, you. You're my brother. Your fool is just what I was trying to guard against. I couldn't help it. I couldn't. He hadn't recovered. Well, the damage is done. All right, Hank, what do you want? You've been in town all these months calling yourself Franklin? I have. Come inside, all of you. Don't stand out there so everyone can hear you. All right. So you've finally found out who I am, huh? Morta. I don't savvy. Why didn't you tell us? Why did you change your name? I had my reasons. But what reasons? Your kid there tell you what happened? He did. Well, there you are. Huh? Hank, maybe you've forgotten the day I left home. Well, I haven't. I haven't forgotten what I promised you when I left. Promised me. You killed dad that day when we were hunting. But I. Wait till I finish. You could just call it an accident. Let it go at that, couldn't you? Well, I couldn't. I'd always been closer to dad than you. Maybe that was part of it. Now, never make a promise I don't keep. That's the rest of it. I don't recollect anything about a promise. You don't, huh? You don't recollect me standing in the door telling you someday you'd pay? You mean to say you've remembered that old these years? 25 years. There are not a days gone by in any one of them that I haven't thought of it. I worked hard getting cash enough to come back here and keep that promise. Well, I finally did it. Came back. I looked around to see where you could be hurt most. I found it in your boy. You know, Morton, I used to think quite a bit of you when we were kids. That's all dead and done with now. What counts now is that Neil owes me $3,000. A couple of weeks ago, he owed me $5,000. I guess we both know where he got the difference. It doesn't matter. Neil and I have talked it over. He's going to the bank and make a clean breast of things. I'm paying back what he took. He has to go to jail. Well, I reckon he'll take his medicine. Trying to make the best of it, huh? Morton? Well? He made us out of different stuff, even if we are brothers. I'll tell you what I hadn't mind to do when I came up here. I was going to pay you off and drill you. But you needn't worry. I couldn't do that now. Fact is, I don't reckon I need to. What's that mean? I've been watching the look on your face. You planned this for years, and now all of a sudden, you found out you're not enjoying it near so much as you'd figured out. Oh, no. Fact is, you're kind of sorry you've wasted the time. You forced my boy to steal. And it's not neither big thing you thought it would be. Morton, right now, you're a downright disappointed man. Why, you don't know what you're talking about. I reckon I do. You, my boss, there, that window. What? Ask me. Or Robert. I'll get him. Hold it. Why, you? I was at the warning. I'll go any closer to your sneak gun. What do you want? How'd you get in here? Use the stairs that Morton had built on the outside to get in and out of this office without going to the rest of the building. Who are you? How long were you outside of that window? Long enough to be familiar with the conversation. I came in to contribute to it. What are you talking about? The death of your father. What do you mean? Hank, it's about time Mort learned the truth. No, no. So you did know the truth, now, Hank? That's what I thought. I'm trying to protect Mort. You've created nothing but trouble. What's that about protecting me? You blamed your father's death on Hank because you thought the body had been found near Cheyenne Creek. Please, please don't go on. Quiet, Hank. Your brother's got to know the truth. What do you mean? When your father was killed, he was on the salt flats. On the salt flats? Do you know what that means? On the salt flats. Hank was hunting on the creek. I was hunting on the salt flat. No. No! Your father was killed, Mort, by a stray bullet fired from your gun. No, no, don't say that. It's true. Hank knew how close you and your father were to each other. He was afraid it might ruin your whole life if you knew that you were to blame for your father's death. So he took the blame. He said he'd been found at the creek. Hank, Hank, tell me, is that true? I guess it is, Mort. Hank did that for you, and you spent a lifetime hating your brother. I did. I had planned it, I waited, waited, counted the days to when I could show your boy up as a thief to hurt you. Hank, I... Maybe I did the wrong thing, Mort. Me, I'm a murderer. No, you're not a murderer, Mort. It was an accident. I can't bring back my dad. But I'll do what I can to right things. Neil, you wouldn't even worry about the bank. I'll fix that. Thanks. Hank, I'm an old man. You're getting on, too. Can you forget? No, no, you can't forget. But can you forgive what I've done? I'd be a fine man who couldn't forgive his own brother, wouldn't it, Mort? I reckon I haven't been much of a man. I wonder if it's too late for me to start over. Neil, yes, move it here. Let me look at you. Hey, he looks a lot like our pa, don't he, Morton? He does. He sure does. When he gets older, he's going to be the living image of dad. Morton, wouldn't you like to get out of this place, come back to the house where you and I were kids? Hank, you mean that? Why not? If you let me do that, I'll spend the rest of my life trying to be worthy of being uncle to our dad's grandson. Yes, I sure will. Say, that mask man. He just went out the window. Same way he committed. Who was he? How'd he know? Where'd he come from? I don't know about that, Mort, but it almost seems like Providence sent him. What you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.