 A fiery horse for the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty high old silver, the Lone Ranger! The rich grasslands of Texas brought wealth and prosperity to many early settlers. But when the days of the open range passed, disputes arose over boundaries and water rights, with the cattle war the inevitable result. The vast crater of the plains fought this means of settling a dispute, just as bitterly as he fought the outlaws and cattle rustlers who roamed the new territory. It was he more than any other man who brought law and order to the frontier. And our return with us to those thrilling days when the West was young, an adventure lay at the end of every trail. The Lone Ranger rides again! We're heading for the range country! The sheriff and one of his deputies rode out from town toward the Hallstead Ranch. As they approached the trail that led to the ranch house, they sighted two horsemen coming toward them. The sheriff and the deputy reigned in their horses and held their rifles ready for action. Oh, there! Looks like one of them, too, is a ninja. So he is, Sheriff. The one riding the paint horse. Yeah. And get a look at the other man. He's wearing a mask. By Thunderation, Hallstead's doing just what he promised me he wouldn't. Bringing in outside gunmen, huh? Just so. Hey there, you! Hold up there! Rain up! We aim to question you. Stand where you are. Don't move. We're in a masque. You know the sheriff around here, aren't you? That's what I am. What are you blocking this trail for? We hanker to ask a few questions. Why are you heading for the Hallstead Ranch? Well, I didn't know I was heading there. Is that where this trail goes? Just so. But it goes beyond the Hallstead Ranch, doesn't it? Yes. That's where I'm going. I'm heading for the west. What's the idea of the mask? Because I want to hide my face. Why do you block the trails to the Hallsteads? Put some out of there. You are a professional gunslinger? No. Them six guns you're wearing look capable? And so they are. Tell me why this trail is closed. I want to go ahead. Well, you ain't a go-on-to. Savvy? If I wasn't so busy trying to keep some law and order with a range war going on, I'd run you in for wearing a mask and find out something about you. Range war? Yep, range war. There's a regular feud going on. That's why I stop in you and turn you back. Now swing your horses around and head back the way you come. If you want to get beyond the Hallstead Ranch, take the trail to the south and go around it. Tell me more about this feud. Who's having trouble with Hallsteads? Bart Conway in his outfit. Glad that the whole region's tore up with a feud in of them two. I got my men posted on the trail to keep strangers from going through and getting shot up. And also to keep both Hallstead and Conway from important gun toters to make it a worse war than it is. What started the war? Same thing as always, Sartre, some water rights. There's plenty of water around this part of the country? That's what we always figured. But it seems that Hallstead dammed up one of the main streams and diverted water from Conway's place to his own. I've heard of Bart Conway. He has a good many thousand acres. And so's Hallstead. Two of the biggest ranches around here, and they join each other. Now there's the dickens to pay. What are you wasting time arguing with him for, Sheriff? Tell him to get me. If he don't get, start blazing. Mind your own business, Deputy. When a man speaks civil to me, I speak civil to him. I want to see Hallstead. For what? Bart Conway's on the level. And so's Hallstead. That's what I want to find out. You better turn and get now, stranger. Sheriff, we're going on to Hallstead's ranch. Bye. Tunderation you ain't. You said the reason you wanted us to turn back was to prevent our being shot by one of the fighters. And that's just so. Then what are you going to do if we push on past you? Shoot us? You've been told to turn and get. Now, stranger, don't get me riled. I can shoot us and do the very thing you're trying to prevent others from doing. Or would you let us go and take our chance of being shot? Dad, why did you ain't supposed to argue with me? You're supposed to... Hey, they're coming past us. Hey, they're coming past us. Stop. Stop where you are. Let's drill them. Come on, Super. Hold on, Dr. Deputy. Don't shoot. But he's gone past. He's heading for Hallstead's. Well, what are we going to do about it? The critter's right after all. It's better to let him take his chances being drilled by one of Conway's or Hallstead's men than for us to drill him. He might come through alive in spite of all the ledges flying. And never yet was the range war that settled anything, Tuttle. Not right. And in many cases, range wars have been started by people who sit back and watch two fine men break each other so they can step in when both sides are weakened. You think maybe that happened? If Hallstead is as fine a man as Conway, then this feud has got to stop. How you stop it? Before we consider that, we'll try and learn more about Bill Hallstead. Come on, Silver. In a cafe a few miles from the scene of the range war, we find two men seated at a table. I did my best to pour lead into the two of them, Pete, but the sheriff wouldn't let me. How long ago was it that they got through to Hallstead's place? Oh, it must have been five, six hours. Middle of the afternoon. They went right on past Hallstead's and kept going. It's all right. They'd be past the four and it was ranged by this time. I thought maybe you could change the plans for tonight. You can't do that. I promised delivery on the cattle. Hi, Savvy. And the men that are paying the cash will meet you at the far side of the ranch to pay it and take the critters, huh? Just so. I sure got a hand at the you, Pete. You work the thing right smart. What's the sheriff think of the feud? He's downright disgusted with it. It says the shame two men like the Hallstead Conway pair has to shoot each other up. The war is progressing in good shape, ain't it? I should say it is. Then from both outfits, you kept too busy with fighting to pay any attention to branding and line riding and things of that sort. Sure. Good enough. You do all you can to keep me posting on things. I can do that all right, Pete. Being a deputy, I get to hear all the news. Yeah. See that you pass it on to me pronto. Ain't I done that so far? Well, keep on doing it. I gotta leave here. I'll meet you here tomorrow and have some cash for you. Good. It'll be right handy. There, Deputy. Yeah? I want to speak to you a minute. Step closer. If it's about what I owe you, I... I've got nothing else. You just bought four more drinks she ain't paid for. I told you, wait and charge them. Trouble is, Deputy, the book I like to charge you can't see them. It was just about plumb filled up on your page. You'll get your money. When? Tomorrow. How's that? You don't get a paid agent the first of the month. I said you'd get your cash tomorrow. Hey, what's the matter here? Oh, evening, Pete. Barkeep, was you asking the deputy for cash? Yes, I was. Well, here. Was that square the account? Well, Pete, I don't want to take your money. I says, does that square the account? Sure. You got some change coming. Barkeep, in case my friend, the deputy, wants a little more credit. Thanks, Pete. I'll pay you soon. Hell, I'll collect it. I ain't worried about it. Well, you're square with the board again, Deputy. But you hadn't better let the sheriff feel that you're letting an hombre like Pete pay your debts for you. Well, I didn't ask him to. It's all fair peculiar that he'd do that. And just don't save it. Pete ain't given to being a generous critter. Well, it ain't none of your affair. You got your cash. And if you don't like where it come from, I'll tell Pete to take his business to the other cafe. Hmm. It might suit me fine. Oh, Peller named Pete. Huh? Or say, engine, we ain't allowed to serve no liquor to Redskins. That all right. Me see Pete Peller with Bloman. Yeah? Oh, Peller named Pete. Engine? All I can tell you is just this. The less you have to do with him, the better. Especially now when the Range Wars are in a dead manner for almost every day. Oh. You're savvy of that? Pete don't like engines. And he especially don't like engines that are curious about him. Hmm. Me savvy. Plonto left the cafe shortly after Pete and followed him. Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger crept past Horstead's guards and finally reached Big Bill's ranch house. How did you get here? How did you get back? They get easy, Horstead. It's taken me hours to get past the guards. Mask, huh? I suppose Conway sent you to get me. No, I haven't seen Bart Conway. I'm all gone glad of that. He ain't ever been the kind to send a man sneaking in to drill me like a dog. I didn't come here to drill you, Horstead. Well, that gun is right. The only way for my own protection came to talk to you. What for? About the Range War. If Conway sent you to a mile fight until he sends back the steers he put a running iron on. What's that? Sure. He's been changing my H brand to his own B brand. Is that what Conway's supposed to have done? Not supposed. It's what he done. The story is that you started the trouble by damming the water so it didn't cross his land. That's not an outlie. The chances are he had his own men dam it just to give him a reason to steal my cattle. Then he could claim he was just getting even. That isn't Conway's way of doing things, Horstead. Ain't my way of doing things to dam that water, either. You didn't need the water? Of course I didn't. I got more water here than I can use. You suppose this whole Range War was started by someone else? Huh? What's that? Someone who wanted you two to be at each other's throats? Oh, of course it ain't. Conway wanted my prize steers, so he took them. Then when he seen I'd learned about it, he dammed the water. How many men have you lost so far? That ain't none of your business. I don't know who you are, and I won't listen to you no longer. Conway sent you here to try and make peace. Well, there won't be none till he returns them steers. What about the water? The dam stays put till I get the steers back. He probably will keep the steers until you release the water. There's some of my boys now. Hey fellas! Come and get this umbrella. You come fast. Tunnel? What is it, Tunnel? You come fast. Tunnel, see plenty. Very well, Tunnel. I'll see you later, folks. Where are my men? Have they all been shot up? Kate? Clem, where are you? We're coming. We're coming. Get that man. Get him. Who's that? A man's man. Come from Conway, I figure. We ain't no horses here. How do you get in? Got past the guard somehow. We'll get after him. No. Wait, boys. I see through it. Let him go. But boss, he got it. That's what it is. A trick of Conway's. He wants you to chase after them, too. And that'll take you away from the house. Then his men can come here. Let them two go. Stick right here and double the guard. Them two slip past somehow. Double the guard. And a feed of that mask, man. Or the red skin shows up again. Shoot up. All right. The lone ranger and Tonto rode hard toward the western boundary of the Hallstead branch. On the way, Tonto described the man named Pete. He told the masked man how it followed him and had seen him letting cattle through Hallstead's fence. And then, Tonto, you say this man took cash from the man he turned the cattle over to? Not right. And it must have been Pete who started the range war. He started it simply to keep both rangers so busy fighting. That man wouldn't be able to watch the stock. Wait. Hallstead. What is it, Tonto? You look. Look. You see, campfire? Yes. Can I see it? Look, is it the branding cattle over there? Not right. Stay here, Tonto. Keep an eye on the camp. I'm going to ride back and get Bill Hallstead to see this. How to watch them. Come on, Tonto. Here's where we end this range war. I'll see you. The masked rider raced back to the house, unaware that Hallstead's men were waiting for him. They saw him ride out of the darkness and rushed to meet him with the drawn gun. Who? Who's over here? Who are they? Who are you guys? That's him all right. Wait a minute, man. I want to speak to your boss. I want to see Bill Hallstead. Ain't no need to see him. We got orders to kill you on sight. Captured by the men who tried to help, the masked man faces exposure and death. Before the next exciting scene, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue our story. The Lone Ranger riding to get Bill Hallstead and show him that Rusters had been at work was captured by Hallstead's men. Ain't no use you arguing, mister. Our boss says that you come from Conway and try to get us to follow you. But why would I do that? Because the chances are Conway's men are ready to close in on a ranch house as soon as we was to leave and follow you. Man, listen to me. Ain't there was a ways in the time. Take your guns and mask and we'll drill him. Very well. You're going to shoot me. It might give me a chance to tell you just one thing. That's fair enough. Go on, talk. After I've gone, one of you will get my horse. That's so. Hadn't thought of that. Good horse, too. I never seem to like it. That's sort of a long story I have to tell you. But I want to be sure and see that this horse has good care. Sure. We'll see to that. Anyone of us admires good horse pleasure. But you will have to hear this story. Hold on. This critter's just calling for time. That's what he's doing. Figuring on some of his parts coming to help him. Is that the case? My thunder, I bet it is. I am dealing with you right now. Me, too. He slipped past me when I was on guard. I wanted to go after him then, but he was accommodating and come right back this way. There's his help. To the south, Tunnel. Aye, look out there. Get them children. Pass them over. Look out for that, Tunnel. The other side. I'm running, Tunnel. He's not the one we do. We can't get the horse dead now. His men are gunning for us. That's right. And we might be able to reach the other side. We'll go and see Mark Conway. Conway was sleeping when the Lone Ranger and Tunnel managed to reach his ranch house. Tunnel was left to stand guard while the masked man opened the door and entered the house itself. Once inside, he found Bart's room and walking to the side of his bed, gripped the rancher by the shoulder. Wake up, Bart, wake up. Where they at? Let me at the ordinary water heaves. Where's my six-gum? Make it easy, Conway. I reckon I was dreaming. Hey, who are you? My name wouldn't mean anything. How'd you get in here? Let me get a light. You don't need a light to listen to me. Hold on. I heard that voice before. Talk some more. I've come from Hallsteads. What? Boy, that whole... Hallsteads, all right, Bart. Just as square as you are. Found that out for myself. By some duration, I wish I could remember where I've heard that voice before. Wish there was some light in this room. I reckon you're holding a gun on me, ain't you? No. I don't need to hold a gun on you, Bart. Because I can draw it if it's needed. You saw me draw my gun to a long time ago. Hmm. Keep talking. At that time, they were going to hang you for a murder you didn't do. The Indians saw the murder, and it took quite a while to convince the sheriff. Hold on. I remember now. There was a man that saved me from hanging. I hid out in a cave with him while the law worked to find me. That's right, Bart. A white horse, a mask. Are you a mask? Yes. Thunderation, why didn't you say so? How'd you get here? What are you doing here? Why did you see Hallsteads? Well, I didn't question at the time, Bart. Now, listen. Both you and Hallsteads are strong-willed men. He thinks you stole his cattle just as you think he damned the water to keep it from you. I never stole cattle in my life. Who would I want to his critters? I've got plenty of my own. What do he want with your water? He's more than he can use even in the dry weather. Just ordinary cousinhood. No. A third man did both those things just to start a range war. What? Just to keep you and Hallstead busy. So cattle could be taken from both of you. You won't quit fighting till Hallstead releases the water. And he won't release the water until you send him the cattle he thinks you've stolen. Stranger, I'd do anything you ask, almost. But I'm darned if I'll back down. I can't do it. If I was to go to him with peace terms, I'd be the laughing stock of the county. Pride, Bart. You're going to let more men get killed because of your pride. May it Hallstead come to me? I can't reach Hallstead. The men are ready to shoot me on sight. I'd sooner go broke. Lose all my cattle. See all my men shot down and get shot down myself. Then to go and count how to bill Hallstead. With both of you feeling that way, this war can go on as long as there's a man alive on either side. Just so. This war goes on unless Hallstead comes to me, takes back what he said about me stealing his cattle and lets that water come through my land again. Very well, Bart. I've done my best. There's one favor I'd like to ask of you. I told you I'd do most anything you ask, but I won't back down in this fight. What I'm going to ask is very simple. Name it, mister. A friend of mine will come here in the morning asking for a job. Gunman? No. Cook. Cook? Well, I got a Chinese. This man is an Indian and a good cook. Well, we can always use a good cook. That's all you want. Send him around. He'll be on hand first thing in the morning. I'll tell the guards. Let him by. Thanks, Bart. Well, that beats me. They'd like him to give up trying to stop the war. Yet, by ginger, that's just what he seems to have done. I don't feel my heart. That's him all right. There he but one man shouts like that. The lone ranger. Shortly after breakfast the next morning, Bart Conway went to his bunkhouse. What's the matter with all of you men? Your horses are waiting in the corral. Oh, boss, we're ailing something awful. What's the matter? I don't know what it is. We all feel like we've been poisoned. Well, get yourself the saddle and you'll feel better. The boys just came in from the Halstead place. They're eating out. We ain't no guards on the job or nothing. Get going. I can't move a step to no saddle, boss. I'm sick. Me too. All the hanker for us to keep horizontal. I feel like I've been poisoned, boss. Poisoned. Maybe some more work in that Halstead outfit. They wouldn't use poison. They sure enough used something. I'll find out about this. Hey, you. I want to see you. What you want? What are you doing with that horse? This scout in Tonto's horse. I know it's your horse all right, but what are you cinching up for? Me ride way now. But you was the cook here. And that's what I want to speak about. Tonto cook breakfast. Yeah, and half my men are ailing. You know anything about it? All men get sick by mine. What's that? Other fella eat now. Yeah, but you. Fine by them be sick too. You mean to say you poisoned that food? No. But you just said... Me put medicine in food. Medicine? That's right. Steady, steady scout. Hold on. Get down from that horse. You ain't going nowhere like it done questioned you. And if you laid up all my men by a thunderation, you'll swing for it. Even if you are the mask man's friend. Men be all right in two, maybe three days. Dead rich. You're not stupid. Hey, you kicked away my gun. You're going to get him up scout. I'll kill you for this. Come on, scout. That same afternoon in the town cafe. So the hell of the Conway outfits laid up. Sick of it. That's what I heard tell, Sheriff. I guess it's straight enough. Bob, don't get his facts wrong. I wonder what'll happen to the few. Now there ain't no one for Halstead to fight again. Just so. Wonder field attack while Conway is hampered, sir. No, that ain't Halstead's style. I... I wonder if Big Bill knows about it. Seen any of his men around here, Barkeep? Ain't seen high in the hair of any of them. No, sir. Reckon, old busy garden Halstead's ranch house since that mask man got away. I've heard about him. Dog gone. I'd like to get a hold of him again. He slipped past me once. Well, see you later, Barkeep. Yes, sir. Hey, leaping lightning flash. Take it easy. You? I thought you'd be interested in what I have to tell you. I'm interested in... No, don't slap, brother. You can't get away with this for long. Someone will come by here and see you holding a gun on me and wearing a mask. Then by darn you... That's why you must listen without wasting any time. All of Barke Conway's men are laid up. I know. My friend put medicine in their food. That red skin? I'll get him too. No, you won't. Because that's going to be the means of ending this range war. What? What's that, stranger? You can get to Halstead's place, can't you? I'd like to see him try to stop me. Then go there as fast as you can. He will do what I ask. You'll end the range war. Why are you so interested in ending that war? Because both Halstead and Conway are good men. They should be working together against certain crooks who live here. Meaning? A man named Pete. Ain't never been nothing proved against him. One of your own deputies. Half a dozen other men. Now will you listen to me? Put that iron in leather, stranger, and start talking. After the sheriff had listened to the Lone Ranger, he went to Halstead's ranch, arriving there on the late afternoon. Halstead began the conversation. Now, there ain't no use you trying to tell me to stop fighting, Sheriff. I won't do it. I know better than to suggest anything as sensible as that, Halstead. What I do object to is the means you're using. Huh? It ain't right nor just to try and pison all about carved remains. Who says I don't, Matt? Name a pole cat that uses me of using pison. I ain't naming nobody. But the facts are that everyone of Conway's bodies is sick of it. Oh, is that so? Yep. Looks to be some sort of pison that got into that grub. I thought you'd know something about it. You know better, Matt. I hoped you wouldn't use such means to carry on a range war. How bad are they? Oh, they'll pull around in a day or two, but meantime, Conway's alone there. He ain't even the guard to help him. Shucks. I can't fight a man in that condition. That's the way to be, Halstead. I all said you was a fair ombre. I thought I'd tell you. But as soon as his men are around, they'll be heading here again, trying to get past my guards and smash that dam. Reckon so. And I won't let him. Not till he fetches back that cattle. I didn't dam the water, but as long as the dam is there, it stays there. It's a darn shame you've got to neglect your ranch so much. I bet you ain't had line riders out since the feud began. How could I? I'm most afraid to see what my friends will look like. They ain't been checked in weeks. Might have a lot of stray cattle, but this time... Gee! With Conway out of the fight for a couple of days, I can have my men tend to some of the work here. That's right, Halstead. Wait, I'll get them started right away. Hey, you call in the boys. We're riding west to check the rides. Have all the men ready to ride and work all night. All right, boss. I'm glad you come and told me that, Sheriff. I've been worried about them fences. We'll be ready to ride in no time. All set, boys? Sheriff Stain at the house? Yeah. Go ahead, Halstead. Don't worry about your house. I'll look after it. Maybe spend the night here. Come on, boys. Get up there. Get up there. It worked out just right. Now to meet the masked man. Then follow them, boys, so the law will be on hand for the showdown. After dark, Halstead and his line riders spotted a campfire. They waited for a few moments, then circled it. While Pete and the deputy sheriff huddled close to the fire, not suspecting that they were seen. Ah, stop worrying, deputy. There ain't none of the Halstead men coming this far from the house. Not while the war is on. I planned the war for that reason. But the war ain't on right now, Pete. Conway's outfit is sick in bed. Yeah, I ain't worried. Hey, you lazy glutes. Get them running irons hot fast. We got a lot of doggies to brand tonight. Paint for a few hours so the boys will meet us and take them over. That's all we need to know. What's that? Keep your hands high and stand up. Halstead, we have what you said. You started the war. Damn the creek and ran a running iron in our house. There's a couple lines. I just wish you'd make a move, Pete. Just move and give me a reason to shoot you. Never mind, Halstead. I'll deal with him. Sheriff? Yep. I've been a long time trying to prove something on you, Pete. All right. What are you going to do about it? That's plenty. And that goes for you, too, deputy. And all the rest of you. Well, I thought you was at the house, Sheriff. Wouldn't say that, Halstead. I had to be here to make a rest. You knew these snakes were here? I had a good idea that the masked man told the truth. Who? The masked man that made Conway's men sick. So you'd ride lines and find Pete here. I reckon when I tell Bart the truth, the two of you can shake hands. There's nothing I'd admire to do more to hold Conway. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.