 A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty howl silver, the lone ranger. With his faithful Indian companion, Tato, the masked 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. Come on Silver, faster boy, faster! Hail Silver! Twilight was slanting down into the gloomy depths of Boulder Canyon. The last rays of the setting sun created fantastic patterns of red and purple and gold on the canyon walls. The lone ranger and Dan Reed, together with their stalwart Indian friend, Tato, rode slowly along the rim-rock trail. Be very careful here, Dan. I sure will. Remember, always let your horse pick his own footing on loose rocks. Ah, this plenty-blant-blant place for a horse to fall. Golly, she looks awful far to the bottom. Nearly over the worst part. Trail widens out just ahead and we can look for a place to camp. I bet the horses will be glad when this ride's over. Yes, they realize a danger and sometimes get very nervous. Boy, sure feels good to be riding on solid ground again. Those rocks are too slippery for comfort. Good mountain stream ahead, good place to make camp. I don't see any stream. We can't see it from the trail. It lies hidden beyond the ridge of Jackpine. Oh, hey, the new and Tato must have been through this country before. Yes, we were here several years ago for the same reason we're returning now. Oh, you mean about that escape convict, Red Brewster? Yes, that's right. See, Dan, Tato and I were able to help Sheriff Ashley round up Red Brewster in his outlaw bunch. But why would Brewster come back here? Because he knows the country like a book and has friends here who will shelter him. Mainly because he swore to get revenge on the sheriff. Then the sheriff will be on the lookout for Brewster, won't he? I doubt it very much. There's no telegraph near here. There hasn't been time for the sheriff to be notified by mail that Brewster escaped from the territorial prison. Golly, that's a good thing we got here before. Listen, who's over here? Hello, the rifle shots. Shots come from back a ridge. We'd better ride over there and investigate. That's a pretty bad place for ambush. We know it is. Come on, Silver. Later that evening in the town of Navajo Flats, a strange meeting was about to begin in the office of Sheriff Joe Ashley. The small group of men present were grim-faced, waiting expectantly for something or someone. Finally, old Jim Ellis, owner of the rafter L Ranch, broke the silence. I don't know what it's all about, no more than you do. All I know is that Jake Nelson wanted us to meet here in the sheriff's office tonight. Jake ought to be along in a minute. Jake's finally decided to agree with you boys about sending for this fellow Rod Blakely. I sure hope so, Sheriff. Blakely has the reputation to be in the fight in his two-gun marshal in the south-west. Yep, he's an old Lord Brewster for sure, Reagan. Yeah, that's what we need. Me, I'm willing to admit this job's too big for me to handle alone. And if you fellas want to send for Rod Blakely, that's all right with me. Well, he's glad to feel that way about his years. Look, here comes Jake Nelson now. Who's this stranger with him? I don't know. Never saw him before. Evening, gents. Last time we got together, you men wanted to raise the money to send for Marshal Rod Blakely. Yeah, that's right. You still figured the marshal could stop this cattle stealing here in the valley? Oh, with the sheriff helping him, of course. It sure is with a tragedy. How about you, Sheriff? You want another lawman in here? I'm agreeable to anything. It'll get the job done, Jake. All right. Now then, I get a real surprise for you, gents. I reckon you've been wondering who this armbary is abroad with me. Well, gents, I want you to meet the toughest two-gun marshal in the Southwest Territory. Rod Blakely. Well, shame it sure is a surprise. Mighty pleased to meet you, Mr. Blakely. Right proud to know you, gents. Howdy, Sheriff. You're more than welcome in Sage Valley, Marshal. We got plenty of work for a troubleshooter. Oh, go on, Jake. Here all along, we figured you was again sending for Marshal Blakely. Now, here he is. Well, boys, I got to thinking it over and sent the marshal word to come running. I reckon him and the sheriff will get along fine. Sure. We'll run them outlaw of varmints into their hole and then smoke them out, huh, Sheriff? Well, we don't. We'll be some of the ranchers folding up before very long. It's right, Marshal. We can't afford to lose any more stock. Hey, Sheriff, there's some Redskin out here. He wants to see you. What's he want? Says he wants to see you, personal. All right. Well, what's on your mind, Redskin? Uh, me bring message. Yeah? What message? Who from? Oh, here. You take it. Huh? What? Say what? Hey, just a minute there. Well, I'll be... Hey, what's wrapped up in that note? It looks to me like it can't reach me that is silver. Yeah. It's a silver bullet. What's it mean, Sheriff? Help! Help! It might mean that the sheriff's office is going to have more help than they've been figuring on. What do you mean by that, Sheriff? Excuse me, Marshal, while I read this note. Well, after midnight, when a pair of horsemen rode silently down the main street of Navajo Flats. Better leave the street down and come up to the sheriff's office from the rear. Ah, light burning in the sheriff's office. Yes. I won't be in here very long, Tonto. Oh, silver bullet. Oh, silver bullet. Keep a sharp lookout. Signal if you see anything suspicious. Ah, me watch. I'll try the door. Sheriff Ashley! I wonder if he could have... No. It looks as though a red booster got here before me. Shot right through the heart. I've got you, killer. Help with your hands. You're mistaken, I just found the sheriff here. Yeah. Get him up. Now, keep him up. Mind telling me who you are? Marshal Rod Blakely. Looks like I happened along just in the nick of time. You're, uh, Marshal Blakely? That's right. You're caught red-handed, killer. You're mistaken, uh, Marshal. You see, I came here to warn the sheriff about... About what? About an escaped convict named Red Brewster. He was coming here to kill him. Too bad, stranger. You almost had a good alibi there. Guess what do you mean? Red Brewster was shot and killed two days ago. In a boulder canyon. Are you sure it was Brewster? Yep. Just like I'm sure that you did kill the sheriff. I can prove that I was his friend. Prove nothing, Mask Man. There's a bunch of ranches in town to rip off that mast and string you up to the nearest tree, and I'm calling him right now. Don't fire that gun. No. Staying right where you are, mister, and don't move a muscle. That'll bring him on the double-quick. Yes, and you can tell them I wasn't able to wait. Yeah, what? All right, Tuttle, say what? You drop gun. This knife, plenty sharp. Hey. Drop gun. Good night, Marshal. We'll meet again. Come on, Tuttle. They're getting away. Out the back. What about the sheriff being killed? Can't see a blame thing out there. Get to your horses. Is there any idea who it was, Marshal? I know who it was. It was a mast man who caused himself the lone ranger. Listen, man. There's too much of a job for Sheriff Ashley to clean up this valley alone, and there's too much for me. I call this meeting tonight because I need your help. Every one of you. Cut on the red drill, Marshal. All right. We know there's just one man at the bottom of all this, and that's that mast man. Round up that mast man on his parts, and your troubles are over. Marshal's right. Let's get after that mast man. Let's get started right now. Take every man you've got and scour the hills. Say on that mast man's trail until you find him. Good night, boys. Mr. Nelson. Yeah? I'd like to see you a minute before you leave. All right, what's on your mind? Uh, step inside and shut the door. What do you want? You know, if I was a fortune teller, I'd say that someday you're going to be an awful rich man. Yeah? Yeah. And if I was a fortune teller, I'd say that about the time you get awful rich, I'm liable to turn up awful dead. Cut out that kind of talk. You'll get your money, and the job's finished. More like to get a 45 slug in the back. You're a suspicious critter. Uh-huh. Careful too. The way I figure the sheriff's out of the way. Joe Ashley was getting suspicious too. Sure. Tomorrow every cowboy in the valley will be out chasing this Lone Ranger gent. When they get home, I don't reckon they'll find much, do you? I reckon you know my plans. There won't be a pound of beef in the valley nor a building left standing. Sure. Of course I know your plans. What's more important, I know where all that stolen beef is right now. You've been spying on me? I sure have, Mr. Nelson. Or would you rather I use your real name? Never mind that. I know where that box canyon is. I know all about them hired gun slicks on your payroll. I know who Jake Nelson really is. So you see, I sort of know too much, don't I? I didn't say that. You don't have to. I don't trust you, Jake. I want my money right now. I'll get it for you in the morning. No, I get a better idea. Let's you and me right out to your place and get it tonight. All right, come on. Fine. Just so you don't get any funny ideas, I'll just take charge of that shooting eye in your packing. Get going. That's too bad their answers couldn't have stayed for the last part of that meeting. Ah, then be plenty surprised. Yes, we'll have to act fast now. Here, go right to our camp where Dan is. Give him this note. And who note for? There's a regiment of cavalry stationed at Whitewater Bend on the Powder River. You go with Dan, but let him deliver the message to the commanding officer. You wait on the back trailer to lead the troopers here. And see that Dan stays at the army camp until we call for him. Whitewater Bend? That's long right from here. I know, but it's our only chance. We're going to need the army's help before we're through here. And what you do, Kimosabi? I'm going to see that our friend, the marshal, stays in the valley until the soldiers arrive. Come on, let's get to the horses. Steady, Silver. Right for Camp Tutto. Yet Dan started with that message. I'm heading for the Ellis Ranch. Come on, Silver. Get him up! Kill him up! Kill him up! The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger drama. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue our story. The Lone Ranger, discovering the plot between Marshal Blakely and the ranch owner, Jake Nelson, sent Tutto and Dan to bring the cavalry from the outpost at Whitewater Bend. Meanwhile, as stride the great Whitehorse Silver, the masked rider of the planes races through the night to Jim Ellis' Rafter L Ranch. Easy, Silver. Steady, big fella. This is the Rafter L. Easy now. There's the main ranch house, but we'll find Mr. Ellis. Oh, Silver. Oh, boy. Easy. Stay here, Silver. Richard! Don't be a liar, Mr. Ellis. You, the masked man. What do you want here, you sneaking vomit? I think it will pay you to listen to what I have to say, Mr. Ellis. Ain't nothing you can say to me, you killer. I'll prove to you that I'm not the outlaw you think. But first, I'd like to ask you some questions. Go to Blazers. Ain't answering no questions for you. How long have you been losing cattle? Just as if you didn't know. I can help you, Mr. Ellis, if you'll let me. You know when we start losing our beef. You know how many's been run off. Listen to me, and you can recover all of your cattle within 24 hours. Oh. I know who's responsible for this wrestling. I know who killed the sheriff. What's more, I know who burned your barns the other night. You do. Strangely, you sure got a convincing way about you. I hope so, for your sake. Uh, what is it you want to know? When did the wrestling start? Uh, most a year ago. It was just in small dribbles at first, but lately, them night writers have been making off with some sizable herds. Yes, I know. Today, those same night writers are planning to strip this entire range. Are you and your men right to the hills looking for me? Yeah. How come you know all these things? I make it my business to know. Now, tell me, when did Jake Nelson come to the valley? Jake? Oh, it's been about, uh, three years, why? I suppose the wrestlers have struck at his place, too. Yep. Jake's diameter spread has been the heaviest loser so far. I feel sorry for Jake. Yes, and you're going to have reason to feel sorry for her. Uh, what do you mean? Jake's my friend. I suppose he's made you an offer for the Rafter El. Matter of fact, he has. But Chuck, she's been buying up range land ever since he came to the valley. I see. Now, just think a moment, Mr. Ellis. Doesn't it strike you as strange that a man would lose as much stock as Jake Nelson has and still be trying to buy up these other ranches in the valley? Why would a man want those other ranches when they're all losing money? Yeah. Are you trying to tell me that Jake is a... I have positive proof that Jake Nelson is out to crush every ranch owner in Sage Valley. Good day. Nope. That's ridiculous, man, where Jake is the one who put up the money to bring Blakely in here. Yes, and that's where our friend Jake made his biggest mistake. You see, Mr. Ellis, Nelson and the so-called Marshall are really partners in this plot. That's mighty strong talk, man. Can you prove what you're saying? Yes, I can prove it. Will you give me the chance? Well, I'm willing to be convinced of the truth. Good. Now, call out your men and hurry. At this hour of the night? Yes. There isn't a moment to lose. We've a lot of writing to do before daylight. All right, come on. Well, wait till I get the land in. This'll fetch me an hurry. Hey, man, you like it, boy? I sure hope I let myself get took in on a slick scheme, man. You'll see in a moment that I'm working for you. What's up, Jim? Anything wrong? Hey, who's that tall jigger with the boss? That's the masked man, the fellow that killed the sheriff. Well, rain up and walk back there, you wild collutes. Me and the masked man have been having a collab here. I reckon he's got something to say to you. Just one thing, masked man. Understand, I believe you're all right, and I'm willing to do anything to get my beef herds back. But if this turns out to be a trick, you won't live to play another one. I know just how you feel, and I don't blame you for being suspicious. Now, listen to me, man. Starting at daylight, every man in the valley is supposed to get out and scour the hills and mountains, looking for me and my friends. That's why I'm here, so you won't have to look for me. Never, Cassini. You man, leave this ranch today. When you get back, the last of the rafterl herd will be gone, and every building on the place will be in ashes. Believe me, it's the truth. The same thing will happen to every ranch in the valley that's left unguarded today. What do you figure we better do? Scatter your beef herds so the rustlers can't run them off. Post a strong guard around the buildings. Then send a rider to warn every rancher in the valley to do the same thing. Every rancher makes men? No. Warn every ranch in the valley except Jake Nelson at the Diamond Age. Wait a minute. How come we don't ride to warn Jake Nelson, too? Because Mr. Nelson knows all about it. In fact, he's better prepared than we are. Now get to your horse's men and ride. When Tonho left the Lone Ranger at Navajo Flats, he rode at a furious pace to the well-concealed camp near the canyon. There, he explained everything to Dan, while Dan hurriedly saddled Victor, the white stallion coat. Tonho gave Dan the Lone Ranger's note and instructed him to remain at the Army post after delivering the masked man's message. Tonho would wait on the back trail and lead the cavalryman through the mountains to the Lone Ranger. After a breathtaking ride that would have killed an ordinary horse, young Dan Reid arrived at the Army outpost where he was taken at once to the commanding officer. Captain Kennedy. Yes, Corporal? This boy wants to see you, sir. Come in, young man. What's on your mind? Thank you, Corporal. You can wait outside. Yes, sir. Here's a message for you, sir. Say, who gave you this note? A very good friend of mine, sir. The Lone Ranger. What? I've heard of him. What's he doing in this part of the country? He ran into some trouble in Sage Valley. This friend, the sheriff, was killed, and now he's uncovered a plot to ruin all the small ranchers. Yes. So the Lone Ranger sent Tonho and me to get the cavalry. Tonho? That's the Indian who always rides with the mask man. Who are you? What's your name? My name's Dan Reid, sir. Am I to proud to know you, Dan? I'm supposed to stay here and camp until a trouble's over with. Tonho's waiting for you on a back trail. Why didn't he come here with you? He said he wanted his horse to be fresh when he met you. He's waiting where the trail branch is off the Boulder Canyon. This message says there's a man in Sage Valley posing as the United States Marshal. So I guess that makes it our business. Corporal Hayes. Yes, sir. Have the bugler sound boots and saddles. We're riding to Sage Valley. Yes, sir. Troop is ready. Make yourself at home until we return, Dan. Thank you, sir. Troop! It's been scattered over a thousand acres. And it looks like somebody might have been expecting us. Hey, here comes your friend, the Marshal. Something's going haywire for sure, boys. One of the reasons such an old fire would hurry about. Oh, oh, there, oh. Jake, can we be heard in the valley? It's been scattered. We sure can't drive no cattle out of here today. Maybe not. We can start some mighty big bonfires. Come on. That's right for the ranch house. You know what to do. Don't leave a single timber standing. Get up there. After you and Butch circle around, get that fire started. Me and the boys will take care of the rest of the buildings. They sure looks deserted all right. Yeah, we'll find... All right, boys! Hey, look out! Look out, it's a trap. Right out. Everybody take cover. They'll hold up on that house. We'll just keep it metal dark and burn them out like rats. Listen, what's that I hear? Sounds like riders, Jake. Lots of riding. It's a cavalry from Whitewater Valley. Chris Nelson, we've got to make a break. We've got to get out of here. Keep up. Not Jake Nelson, anyway. That yellow scut can't run fast enough to get away from old Betsy. Hold your head, Jake. Get dirty, poor cat. Betsy wants to talk to you. You got him, boss. Drill him blown center. Yeah, and I got one more for that. Marshall, Jake. Hold your fire, Ellis. I'll take care of the Marshall. Here, Silver. Is there anything for the... Come on, Silver. Marshall! Ma'am, get out of the saddle. Come on, that's the Marshall's head. It's all bloody. Bloody my foot. That's hair dye. Marshall's redheaded. So you're the lone ranger. I'm proud to know you, Mr. Thank you, Captain. Glad to know you. Muddy glad you got here in time. Just who is the water-soaked rat over there? That's the Red Brewster. He recently escaped from territorial prison. Brewster? Well, we heard he'd been killed just a few days ago. No, it was Red Brewster working with Jake Nelson who killed the real Marshall, Rod Blakely. And Brewster took the Marshall's credentials, disguised himself, and rode into Navajo flats. He killed Sheriff Joe Ashley before we could get there. What about Nelson? I think your records will show that Jake Nelson served time with Brewster in prison a few years ago. Captain, I just want to say if it hadn't been for the Mayesh man here, Jake Nelson and that redheaded scoundrel would control the whole valley by now. You're right, Mr. Ellis. Well, they sure got the needons. I'm here to say. The Mayesh man showed me where the stolen beef was being hailed. Jay, where the dick is that filigouti? There he goes. He and the Indian who led us here. They're going to sure want to think they don't, briefly. Hey, looks like they're riding away. They'll have be horned swuggles. Guess what kind of a fella is that Mayesh man? Well, personally, Jim, I'd say he's about the best friend you'll ever have. You have just heard as a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.