 At the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high old silver, the lone ranger. In Tonto, the mask rider of the planes led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. The stories of his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness have come down to us through the generations. And 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 the great horse Silver. The lone ranger rides again. The ranch was owned by John Noble. Its broad rolling acres and broken woodland was bounded only by the terms of the original Spanish land grant. Multiplied by four, the distance a horseman can ride from sunrise to sunset. And on this far-flung range, successive generations of the noble family had built a vast cattle empire. John Noble was justly proud of it. And confident that when his days were done, Tommy, his only son, would prove worthy of so large a trust. But unlike his father, Tommy never gave the matter much thought. His principal interest at the moment was responding to good-natured judge from the Diamond D cow function. Look at him, boys, a silk shirt, red stitched Coffeeville boots and a brand new stets. Mr. Pansy pairs himself. Yes, sir. That Tommy's got his shell fixed out to do some highfalutin. Ain't right, Tommy? It might be. 8 to 5, there's a girl in this somewhere. He ain't dressed that way to rope any steers. Of course he ain't. The boy's going cartin. It's broad daylight. How can you go on cartin in the daytime? Milligan, just cause you're so ugly, no woman would look at you in daylight. It's no sign Tommy has any trouble. Why don't you cow-pokes lay off? Who is it, Tommy, that quarry girl that's nestin' down by Clear Creek? What if it is? Nothing, except that her paws are nestin' on Diamond D Rain. That's not her fault. I'm going to talk to Dad about it anyway. If he don't talk to you first. Pepper, the foreman, who's just sayin' a few minutes ago that... Well, here comes Pepper now. Tommy. Oh, Tommy. What do you say, Pepper? Your dad wants to see you, Ken. Where is he? In the house. I wouldn't do it right now if I were you. I don't have a mood that puts him in. Yeah. He's talking to Ryan. I'll wait a few minutes. No need of makin' him any matter, and he must be right now. You know as well as I do, these nesters haven't any right to be in my range. They have a legal right, Mr. Noble. The government says any American citizen can homestead 640 acres. Worthless ladders, sad busters, dirt-scratchers. Their homesteads are all registered legal and proper in my office, Mr. Noble. It's nothing I can do about it. Well, I guess there's only 6 or 7 of them. They're all down in the valley close to Clear Creek. Might as well let them stay. I'm glad you feel that way. In those 6 or 7 nester families, there are 10 or 12 men who might prove to be tough if you tried to run them off. Tough? When they're livin' on my land? Why, I'll stamp out those dirt lice so quick they'll never know what hit them. Yeah, that reminds me. I'm gonna ride over Cottonwood Canyon way this afternoon, see if any of them moved in there. Now, Mr. Noble, there's really no... Oh, excuse me, Dad. Well, that's all right, Tommy. Ryan and I have finished our business. Yes, of course. I'll be getting along. I'll see you later, Mr. Noble. So long, Tommy. So long, Ryan. Oh, you say you're riding towards Cottonwood this afternoon, Mr. Noble? Yeah. I'll be careful. Remember what I told you about some of those nesters? I can take care of myself. Pepper said you wanted to see me, Dad. Yeah, what's this I hear about you courtin' one of those nesters? I'm not exactly courtin' it, Dad. We've been ridin' together a few times. Mm-hmm. What's her name? Callista. Callista Corey. Corey, eh? That's that skinny shank down brave with a place on clear creek, ain't it? He's a widower. Callista keeps house for him. Well, Tommy, whatever you do is your own business. I believe in young folks livin' their own lives. But I don't like nesters and they don't like me. You like Callista. I'll bring her home sometime. Yeah, maybe. That's where you're headin' now, down to Clear Creek. Unless you have somethin' for me to do. No, no, no, no, run along. I'm gonna ride out to Cottonwood. See that no more of those sod busters light my range. I'll tell Callista what you said about young folks. I mean, I'll tell her sometime. Maybe not today. So long, Dad. So long, son. Hi, Callista. Going to pick blackberries. Want to help? I'll try. I've never picked any of them. Come on. What's all this stuff grown around here? My garden, silly. Tomatoes, green beans, lettuce, turnips, radishes. Do you really eat this truck? Of course. Tommy, do you mean you've never eaten a fresh vegetable? The only kind of food the Chinese cook at the ranch ever dishes up comes on the hoof. Oh, you need an education. Maybe I do. What are those weeds over there? Those aren't weeds. That's pie plant. Some folks call it rhubarb. You mean pies growing? No, no. You make pies with it. I'll be dug on. I hear the blackberry bushes. Don't be so smart. I've seen blackberries before. Then help me fill the pail real fast. Just watch me. I'm greased lightning. As John Noble rode along the trail to Cottonwood Canyon, his thoughts were in a turmoil. He thought he was a peaceful man, but the steady encroachment of nesters on Diamond D range infuriated him. He'd given orders that they'd be run off and he meant to see those orders obeyed. Steady boy, this trail is tricky. Suddenly, without warning, the afternoon calm of Cottonwood Canyon was broken by a rifle shot. Your bucket's plumbful to the brim. Thank you, sir. You know, Callista, we've known each other for almost six months now. Yes? Well, we like the same things. We like that. Well, I've been thinking... I've been thinking... I know, Tommy. I've been thinking the same thing, too. Have you? But we can't do anything about it. Not as long as your father's as mad at Pawn me as he is. That's not really mad, Callista. One of the men from your ranch was over here yesterday. He gave us three days to get out. I know, but he's changed his mind a little bit. You and your climbing. Nesters. I hate that word. So does Dad. We're farmers. We're homesteading this land and we'll contribute just as much to its growth as your father with his cattle. I know. But it's hard to convince a cattleman. Say, why couldn't your father go to work for my dad? There are almost 100 punches on the ranch. I'm sure we could. Pa's out hunting now, but when he comes back, I'll tell him. Sure. And then this fall? About harvest time. Roundup time. I said harvest time. Callista, if you're going to stay here in the West, you'll have to learn that fall means roundup. Not to me. I'll always call it harvest. How are you going to harvest a bunch of steers? Are you armed without riding for your health? No, we're not, Tommy. We came to get you. Might as well give it to you straight. Your dad's been shot, kid. Ambushed out in Cottonwood Canyon about an hour ago. Dad, he's not. He's dead. From all the signs, it was a Nester's bullet that killed him. As your father around, ma'am, I'd like to talk to him. Pa's not here. Oh, honey, huh? Callista, I'm going back home. I'll see you later. Of course. I'm so sorry, Tommy. Please let me know if I can help in any way. He'll let you know, all right. Come on, kid, let's ride. Following afternoon, Tommy Noble returned to the little homestead on Clear Creek. He rode alone this time. Can I speak to your father, Callista? He isn't here, Tommy. I'm worried. You told me he went hunting yesterday. Did he say where? By Cottonwood, I guess. I see. My dad was murdered yesterday. Murdered by a Nester. How can you be sure? He was shot in the back. The bullet that killed him was a round ball from an old-fashioned squirrel rifle. A rifle just like your pa carries. Tommy, how can you... I had a long talk with Pepper and the boys at the ranch. You and your pa are no better than the rest. Tommy, I can't believe you do this with no more evidence than you have about your father's murder. When your pa comes back, if he does come back, remember what I've said. I've given you a better break than you deserve. Tommy, you can't do it. You can't push us off our land. It's my land, Nester. We're staying right here. Cowboy. You've got till tomorrow at sundown. Get up. Tonto and Dan Reed were inspecting some rabbit traps they'd set the day before. Nothing in this one either, Tonto. We're not having much luck. Hey, look, what are these tracks? Oh, me not know, Dan. Oh, look here. Heavy footprint. Good hunter, not walk like that. We trail them. Come. Tracks are getting deeper, Tonto. They're not straight. Like the man was drunk or something. And they lead right up. Why, it's a cave. Come. Don't see how anyone... Zip, prove it. No, we're not. Stand right there and don't make a move. I'll get your hands up. Who are you? We were just following some tracks. Zip said there was a posse. It's too dark back here for me to see who you are. But we're not from a posse or any part of one. What was that? Just a friend of ours. He's trying to find us. I suppose you and the red skinning part of the commons posse. No, we're just been trapping up here. Go on, engine answer him. Both of you move back here. Out of that light. I said move. You've made a mistake. Put up that peep out either of you. Now, when this hombre stumbles in here, I'll know who he is. He 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. Continue our story. Threatened by a rifle in the hands of a man they could hardly see in the cave's darkness, Tonto and Dan Reed obeyed his commands. They could hear the Lone Ranger coming closer to the cave, but they dared not warn him. Here, we're inside the cave. Tonto got lost. We came in here. I don't see how you could... Get him, Tonto! Yes, I know. Your warning put me on guard. I hoped you'd understand what I meant. It was quick thinking, Dan. I knew there was trouble when you said Tonto got lost. Who is this man? I don't know. I'm going to Tonto and I walked in here. Quiet now. Don't touch my leg. Bring him out in the light. Please, be careful. My leg. What's wrong with your leg? Mask. In this cave? Oh, down the trail, about a mile from here. That's true. How did you... Zeb Pruitt found me. He helped me up here so I could hide out. Why did you try to shoot me? You ain't out, Laws. You must be part of the posse. A posse that's searching for you. Why? All the punches at the Diamond D figure I dragged out their boss yesterday. Diamond D? That's John Noble. Is he dead? I guess he is. But I didn't kill him. Zeb Pruitt. Who's he? Another farmer. Or if you're a cowman, I guess we're nesters to you. I see. John Noble has been murdered. Naturally, all of the homesteaders are under suspicion. Me in particular. They say he was killed with a squirrel gun, like mine. If you're innocent, the law will prove it. Law. There ain't no law on these parts except John Noble and Diamond D. Listen, mister. We're fighting for our homes. And no cattleman like John Noble, his son, or any of his punches, is big enough to drive us off. But you can't go. I've been so worried ever since Zeb told me that... Well, back as soon as I've quit, Sam. Who are these hombres? Reach all of you. Put down that gun. Yes, Sam. Put it down. These gents are harmless. He's wearing a mask. Are they out, Laws? They are not. But as long as they're not punches from the Diamond D, I ain't too inquisitive. There's no arms today. Children, Jessup Coleman, and Barnes. Oh, dirty, sneaking bum. Tommy Noble told me that we have Joe's thumb down, and then they'll burn our place. Tommy, he told you. And after the way he's been hanging around our farm for the last three months, shining up to you... I hate him. Two-faced, pulled cat just like his old man. I wish I had killed John Noble. Don't say that, Paul. Bad enough for them to think you did it. I'll pass the word to all the boys, Sam. They're waiting for us at your place. They're all alone. But when they write up to my house, they're going to meet something they ain't looking for. May I ask a question? This is a private fight, stranger. But what do you want to know? If you didn't kill John Noble, who did kill him? I don't know. I wouldn't put it past one of his own cow punchers. That's exactly what Merle Ryan said when I told him about it today. Who's Merle Ryan? Land agent in this county. The best friend we've got. I may be able to help. Come on, Tonto, Dan. Sure. Nosey critter, ain't he? I guess outlaws like them three are always nosey. Maybe they're not outlaws. What's the matter with you, Callista? A big one wore a mask, didn't he? I know, but the tone of his voice when he said I may be able to help makes me wonder. Here, silver. We're going back to camp. No, Dan. We're going to ride over to the Diamond D. Tell me Noble is using all of his punches for a rating party. You can join them without being noticed. I want to know what they're going to do. Sure. Where are you going? I'm going into town and talk to the sheriff. Where we meet you. Back here, Tonto. I'll be waiting for you. What's the matter, kid? Change your mind about the glory place? No, Pepper. I haven't changed my mind. It's just... It's the girl, ain't it? You're still sweet on her. I am not. She's an ester. Same as all the rest. The only difference is that her pa shot my dad. If I ever catch a sneak and sod buster... We all feel the same way, Tommy. But in the meantime, let's send the girl hiking. Hers is the only place left. No. I'm going to give her a few more hours. We'll wait till midnight. Hey, if you're going to burn her out then why not? I said we'll wait till midnight. All right, Tommy. You're the boss. And I think you're local. Hit the dirt, boys. Stow away some grub before we do any more riding. Malikin. Yeah? Who was that just rode away? Looked like an Indian and a young kid. I don't know. No redskins in this outfit. Then we head for clear cricket 12 midnight. That right, Tommy? That's it, Pepper. I'll be in the house. You let me know when the time comes. What's this all about? You know where Ryan keeps the records of Holmes' dead deeds? Right in that drawer, I think. Oh, wait a minute. It's just about what I expected. They're all like this. What do you mean? You said you saw Mr. Ryan right away about an hour ago. You had any idea where he went? Tommy was heading for the diamond deed. That's where we're going. Come on. Hold on. I ain't got no reason to write clear out there. Yes, you have. And I'm going to see that you do it. These are friends of mine, Sheriff. Otto and Dan Reed. Hello. Hello. How did you find out, Dan? The cowboys from the diamond deed are going to burn down a quarry farm at midnight. It's almost 12 o'clock now. Yeah, they were supposed to do it earlier. But Tommy Noble decided to wait a few hours. If you're aiming to stop those cowpokes from the diamond deed, I'm telling you right now it can't be done. Tommy Noble can stop them. Our job is to stop him. Come on, silver cannon. All right, Victor. And you're not coming with us, Tommy? No, Pepper. If you and the boys go ahead and do the job, I decide I don't want any part of clear cricket, even to see it burn. You're the boss. Let's say, uh, Merle Ryan's here with us. You got any objections if he goes along? I don't care who goes with you. Just get it over with. Come on, boys! Let's ride! Get away! Oh, who's this little boy? Oh, Victor. Oh, Victor. City big fella. Wait for me here. I'll talk to you for your gun, Tommy. I have some important news for you. Who are you? Never mind that. Here, look at these. What are they? Homesteaders' deeds. I got them from the office of Merle Ryan, the land agent. What have Nestor's papers got to do with me? Come on, look at them. You'll notice there's a mortgage attached to every one. Merle Ryan has advanced every one of the farmer's money, and they've mortgaged their claim for security. What about it? Look at the dates. Every mortgage expires tomorrow, providing the owner's default their claim by moving off the property. I don't understand. The only man who could profit by their leaving is Merle Ryan. The only way he could be sure they would leave was to start a range war. Start it with a murder. You mean Ryan was the one? When you find him, I'm sure you'll find a squirrel gun instead of a rifle in his saddle boot. It wasn't Sam Corrie. Pepper and the boys. They're all down there. You hurry. You can stop them. Callist? Sure. Excuse me, stranger. I got something right to do. Here they come, Sam. I can hear them. Keep your sights up, boys. We'll get in the first round. Callista. Yes, Pa? You reload the rifles first and keep out of the line of fire. I will. They're almost here, Sam. That's young Tommy Noble riding up from the rear. That's good. He'll get a taste of the first blast. All right, boys. Let him have it. A few weeks in bed, and he'll be as good as new. Doctor, can I... Sure. Go on in. Now, Sam, I'll take a look at that leg of yours. It's all over, Tommy. Several of the men were hurt, but no one seriously, except you. I'll be all right. I mean... The sheriff explained everything. He arrested Meryl Ryan, and Ryan admitted the murder. I... I made an awful mistake, Callista. So did I. Up until I saw you ride in front of all those men and try to stop the shooting, then I knew. Knew what, Callista? Farmers can get along with cattlemen, Tommy. We can work and live together. The West belongs to all of us. How about you and me? Well, if you learn that pies don't grow on rhubarb plants... I'll learn anything if you'll teach me. Maybe by next fall. About harvest time. Round-up time. Harvest. You'll have to learn to say round-up, Callista. Round-up or harvest. What difference does it make? As long as it means us. I've just heard as a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.