 A fiery horse at the speed of light, a cloud of dust, a hearty hi-o silver, the lone ranger. With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, 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 and the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver, the lone ranger rides again. Let's follow me fellow. Are you silver? Whom was hushed as the widow mills lay waiting for death. The doctor stood near as the dying woman spoke in weak and pleading voice to Mrs. Marlin, a neighbor from a nearby ranch whom the widow had asked to see. Please, Mary, for just a little... I have a boy my own Tom. Please do this for me. We've been friends for... But your boy Bob, won't your mother-in-law in Rockville want to take him? She wrote you know, isn't it? No, no. Not right now. I'll take Bobby for a month or two. Mary, promise you will. I promise. Now you rest a bit and perhaps you'll feel better. Oh, Dr. Crick, I think... It's all over, Mrs. Marlin. She's dead. Oh, poor Stella. Have you known her long, Mrs. Marlin? Has she lived around here very long? Stella and her husband lived here on this ranch until almost 12 years ago. Her husband died just before my boy was born. I remember it so well because the old doctor was available and Stella practically saved my life. They stopped the stage on the trail and brought in the doctor at the last minute. He was on his way to St. Louis. I see. I had a difficult time, so I remembered little. But when he saw it was out of danger, he went on. And Stella... Stella nursed me until I was well again. I noticed her boy when I came in. Yes. Right after my boy was born, Stella left here. She leased the ranch. While she was away, her boy was born. She came back two years ago. Too bad the father didn't live to see his son. Bobby seems like a nice boy. Yes, yes, yes. He and the boy Tom about the same age as you see. Well, doctor, I'll find the boy and take him home with me as I promised. I'll brace the news to him as gently as I can. It was three weeks later when the doctor decided to drop by the Marlon ranch and see how Bobby Mills was getting along. The doctor was in the large living room talking to Mrs. Marlon. How was Bobby getting on, Mrs. Marlon? I suppose with two boys, you have your hands full. Yes, doctor, I really do. Bobby's a lovable boy and should make a good playmate from a Tom. Tom seems to resent any attention as given to Bobby. Consequently, they get into frequent fights. I'm afraid I'm going to have to send Bobby to his grandmother before long. Well, now that's too bad. The widow Mills rather dreaded having the boy go to live there, but I suppose he'll have to sooner or later. Hey, I'm awful hungry. Well, Bobby, how are you getting along here with the Marlins? I'm not Bobby. My name's Tom and I live here. This is my son, doctor. Go into the kitchen, Tom, and get some milk. All right, Mom. I want some bread, too. It's funny. I could have sworn that was the Mills lad. Of course, I've seen him only a couple of times. Now that you mention it, the boys do look somewhat alike. I've never thought of that before. Naturally, I think my own boy's better looking. Of course. Where's Tom, Mother Marlin? In the kitchen, getting something to eat. I'm hungry, too. All right. Go along and eat with Tom. Yes, ma'am. Didn't you mention that I see the resemblance? I think it's remarkable. He took the biggest piece. I did not. He doesn't think of this. Give it to me. I'll take it away from you. You better not cry. Come on. See what I mean, doctor? Well, I'd better go out and settle this before they start a real fight. That evening after the boys were sleeping, Mrs. Marlin sat down to have a serious talk with her husband, Bill. Bill, I... I'm afraid we're going to have to send Bobby to his grandmother as soon as we intend it. Oh, now, Mary, what's the hurry? From what I hear of that old curmudgeon, Mrs. Mills, a poor kid would have a heck of a time. Oh, but, Bill, you're not around her in the day. Bobby and Tom go from one fight to another. They just don't agree on anything. Well, that sort of squabbling doesn't mean anything, Mary. It's good for them. I used to battle with my brother Lou all the time. I'm sort of getting it like that, Bobby. Seems like my own boy at times. Well, just the same. I think... Look, Mary, Tom was born that month that I was away. I hadn't been for Stella Mills. Well, maybe you or Tom might not be here now. Let's keep the kid a while longer. All right, Bill, but it's your hard on me to hear them at each other's throats every five minutes. I'm bringing a couple of ponies over from the bar I've spread tomorrow. Just barring them for the boys to ride. That ought to keep them quiet a while. Bill, the only trouble with you is you're too soft-hearted. But I like it for it. The boys will get a surprise when they see those ponies. I'll see what happens then. The following morning, Bobby and Tom stood beside Mrs. Marlin on the ranch house porch. Their faces were aglow with excitement as they waited. Well, how long do we have to wait, Mom? Now, Tom, don't be so impatient. Why can't you wait quietly like Bobby does? Well, it isn't his father's thing or something to show us. That's why Bobby don't get tired of waiting. Now, Tom, don't say that. But it's true. Daddy's my father. But he told me I could... could call him Daddy sometimes if I wanted to. But he isn't. Really? Tom, now stop with this incident or I'll send you inside. But, Mom, why should Bobby... Quiet, Tom. That's all right. That's all right. I don't remember ever having a dad. A fellow don't have a dad, will he? Oh, dear, dear, Bobby. Let me dry away those tears, darling. Oh, dear. Now, it wouldn't do to let Daddy Martin see one of his boys weeping now, would it? No, ma'am. Oh, both of you, close your eyes, Greg. Daddy's coming now with a surprise. Hey, boys, look here. Polies! Are you going to let us ride them? Sure. Come on down here. Oh, darling. Oh, gee, look at those polies. Take it easy, boys. You'll get them away. I want this one. Now, see here, Tom. Well, it's all right, Daddy Marlin. Tom can take that one. This one's nice, too. All right, then. Hit Leather Bowl here. Let's see how you ride them. Oh, it's easy, boy. But I can ride better than you, Bobby. Daddy showed me how to ride. I didn't have anyone to show me how, but I can ride pretty well. Now, be careful, both of you, and don't ride very far. All right, cowpokes. Hit the trail. Come on, there. Get that boy. Get that boy. Come on. Oh, look at them go, would you? They certainly are happy together right now, Bill. Yeah. See, maybe we better keep Bobby here for good, Mary. Now, Bill, you can wait a while before we make a serious decision like that. Come on in and have some coffee. We better not go any farther, Tom. Maybe we ought to turn back now. You're always worrying. Hey, look. There's a creek just ahead. Come on. Get up there. Get up, boy. Oh, there. Oh, boy. Oh, golly, that looks cool. Easy, boy. Let's go swim. You better not. We've come a long way from home, and in any way there's a current in there, and it looks strong. I guess you can swim. That's why you won't go in when I'm going in. I can, too, swim, but I'm not going in. That scared the cat. I'm almost ready. I'll watch the ponies. They might leave us if we don't watch them. Well, you better not swim long either. I'm going to get a rather start and dive right in. Hey, you better not dive in, Tom. You don't know what might happen. Yeah, go. Tom, where are you? He must be at the tip on the rock. Tom, hold on, Tom. I'm coming. I'm being carried out of the stream. I got to get to him. I just got him. Meantime, two horsemen leisurely followed the trail along the bank of the creek. They were the Lone Ranger and his Indian companion, Tonto. It'll soon be at the Mission Tonto. There's much farther. It'd be good to see Padre again. Yes, he'll be expecting us. I remember the last time we were there. Help! Help! Oh, it's gone. Someone's calling. Help! Help! That carver help came from down the creek. Come on, Tonto! Get him up! Look, Kim, it's heavy. A boy clinging to a rock in midstream. Look like he's holding someone else. Water plenty deep there. Current strong. Yes, I know. Hold him. Hold him. Hold him. He loses hold. We dashed a piece of it over the fall just below. It's not good. Take my guns. I'm going after them. Me, come too. You move along the bank. Keep your laryth ready. But it's dangerous for you to go. Get back to them. Pull on, Tonto! Although the lone ranger had entered the stream above the position of the boys in the water, he had to place the strong current in order to keep them being carried past them with long, horrible strokes he gradually fought his way until finally he reached out and grasped the rock Bobby clung to. I can't hold on. You're holding another boy. Yes, he's hurt. I can't let him drop. I'll get you to shore somehow. Don't be frightened. Here, I'll hold him. You grasp my shoulder. Love all. Keep your head, son. Yes, sir. Here he is. He's left the way. Tom's got under. Bring him to the rock quick. I'll get him. Now, come back. He'll both be carried over the falls. No! 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 now to continue our story. As Bobby tried to transfer the unconscious Tom to the Lone Ranger, Tom suddenly slipped away into the current, leaving Bobby clean to the rock in midstream. The Lone Ranger immediately dived out of town. Come back. You'll both be drowned. I heard him. Do it. Take it easy, son. You've been very brave so far. Hold on a little longer. Keep your tummy. Oh, you'll learn it, Tonto. Now, son, we'll be out of this in no time. Tonto will pull us out one at a time. With the aid of Tonto and his lariat, the boys and the Lone Ranger were finally rescued from the fast-flowing stream. A short time later, Tonto and the Lone Ranger were on the bank, working over the exhausted Bobby and the unconscious Tom. This one will be all right, Tonto. How about the unconscious boy? Him get cut on head. But me think him be all right with plenty good care. Good. Tom, where's Tom? Don't let him jump. Easy, easy, son. Tom's going to be all right. Don't worry. Ponies are ponies. We'll find your ponies. Now, you lie quiet and rest awhile. This one. Him breathe better now. But him need looking after Kimusubby. Tonto, I'll care for the boys while you go upstream and get the ponies. Then we'll take them where they can be properly cared for. The mission is closest. It good to take them to mission. Padre, see them get well. Me go get ponies. Then we go to mission. The Lone Ranger and Tonto took the two boys to the mission where the Padre made them comfortable. The boys were put on cots in a room apart and were soon sleeping normally. After a couple of hours, the Padre and the Lone Ranger went in to observe the boys and found them awake. Well, my son, how do you feel? I feel all right now, sir. Where are we? You're at the mission. This is the Padre. Oh, Bobby told me not to go into the water. I hit my head when I do. Bobby saved me. That masked man saved both of us. We'll have to get word to your people. What's your name, son? Tom Marlin, sir. William Marlin's boy? Yes, Padre. You're fortunate, my son, to have such a brave little boy as Bobby for a brother. Boy, he's not my brother. Not your brother? No, sir. He's Bobby Mills. He's staying with us for a while. You see, as his mom, she died. Oh, I understand. But I wish he was my brother now. I wouldn't fight with him anymore. Well, he saved me. I wish I was too. Someday soon they'll send me to Grandma, their mills, and I don't want to go. Oh, I wish I never had to go there. Sometimes, son, our creator moves in strange ways. Perhaps you won't have to leave the ones you seem to love so much. Well, Padre, I'd better send tunnels to notify Mr. Marlin that the boys are here and safe. Yes, of course. But before you do that, I have something to tell you. Well? Rest now, boys. We'll return later with food. It's strange, but I was under the impression that those boys were brothers. They're such a strong resemblance, Father. My son, I have a story to tell you that may clear up a great deal of misunderstanding. About 12 years ago, a ranch hand from the Marlin Ranch arrived at the mission asking for aid. I returned to the ranch with him. After hearing the Padre's story, the lone ranger decided to ride with Tonto to the Marlin Ranch. It was almost a tusk when they rained up before the ranch house. Who's over there? You wait here, Tonto. Ah, Mr. Marlin? Yes, come in. Thank you. What the mask? That doesn't matter. I, uh, came about your son. The boys were in danger, but they're safe now. You came about? Oh, so that's it. Well, I got you covered, mister. That isn't necessary. You see, I came here to tell you... Shut up. I'll do all the talking. You picked up those boys and recognizing one of them is my son. You came here to ask for ransom before I can get him back. I'll see you here, Mr. Marlin. I said keep quiet. Mary! Mary! What's that mask mean to him? This outlaw's holding our boy in Bobby, that's why. He had nerve enough to come here to try to collect ransom money. Listen, if you'll let me explain... You'll explain, all right. Mary, get to the back door. A couple of the boys washing up out there. Get him in here, pronto. Oh, yes, of course. I don't want trouble with you, Mr. Marlin. You're making a great mistake. Naturally, if you're worried about yourself... Keep your hands up and shut up. What's wrong, boss? Well, I'll be one hour hoot. Throw your guns on him, boys. Sure thing. I got him covered. Mary, get the rest of the hands here. Have one of them right for the sheriff. He'll make him tell it to the boys. The boys are safe, Mrs. Marlin. If your husband will give me a chance to talk... You will talk at the proper time, mister. Right now, we're going to find out... You drop guns. Hey, look! An injured in the open doorway. Got two guns on him. Oh, please. If they're shooting, somebody will be killed. They'll make him... All I asked for was a chance to explain, Mrs. Marlin. There's no need for gunplay. Now you'll listen. Well, go ahead and talk, mister. You'll find both boys at the mission under the care of the Padre. They were almost drowned. But now they're all right. Oh, those poor boys! Oh, Bill, we must go to them! I'm not so sure this stranger's telling the truth. How do I know that there is...? You'll have to take my word for it right now. You come now, Kimusabi. Yes, Tutto, we'll leave. Nothing we can do, boss. Oh, that Indian's got us under his sights. They're not convinced, Tutto. Come on, we'll go back to the mission. Let's go. Take cover. Easy. Come on, Tutto! Come on, Scout! It was later that night when Bill Marlin and his wife arrived at the mission and were met at the door by the Padre. Padre? I'm Mrs. Marlin, and this is my husband. We were told that... Your boys are here and safe. Come right in. Well, then... didn't that Mask Ambrie was telling the truth after all? Oh, I feel so ashamed, Bill. The way we treated him. My masked friend understands. And he has a very forgiving nature. Moreover, you owe him a great debt, my friends. You see, he saved both the boys from death in the rushing water. Oh, Bill... Take it. Why didn't he say so? We tried to tell him, Bill. You wouldn't listen. No matter, since there's no harm done. Oh, the boys, where are they? Before you go in to see them, there's a story you must hear, my friends. And the one who should tell you is the man who saved them, my masked friend. I'll call him. Will you come in, my son? Thank you, Padre. Good evening, Mrs. Marlin. Mr. Marlin. Say it now. I guess there's things I ought to say, but I... Forget what happened at the ranch. I realize you were upset. The Padre says you have something to tell us. Yeah, something very important, Mrs. Marlin. You see, the boy Bobby saved Tom. He held him up until I could get to them. Well, I'll be done. Mary, we really ought to keep that boy all the time. I think you will keep him. You see, Bobby is also your own son. Why? Now, now, see here. I might have found a Bobby, but when you say... He speaks the truth, my friends. Well, Bobby and Tom are twins. Twins? Yes. When the boys were born, Mrs. Mills was your only attendant at first. The Padre made a short visit to the ranch. You were in a critical condition. He was told twins had been born. The doctor who was brought from the stage was known to the Padre. He verified the fact that twin boys were born to you, Mrs. Marlin. But, but he's somewhere in St. Louis. How could he... After the Padre told me the story this afternoon, I used a quick method of telegraph. This is the reply I picked up a short time ago. I recall the incident when I was asked to leave stage and attend Mrs. Marlin 12 years ago. Twin boys were born. I left before Mrs. Marlin regained consciousness. Mrs. Mills was in attendance. Dr. Morton. Oh, then... Then Stella Mills took one of my boys to raise their own. Yes, Mrs. Marlin. Evidently, the death of her husband had affected her. She took Bobby away from you. Oh, then that's why Stella made me promise to keep Bobby a while. She hoped we'd, we'd go to love him and keep him. I'm sure that is what she hoped. Oh, my poor boy. In the think we almost... Mary, Mary. It's all right. I wonder they look so much alike. We'd better get to see them, Mary. Yes, they're waiting to see you. And you have the news to break to Bobby. Come, I'll take you to them. My sons, you have visitors for whom you've been waiting. Oh, Mom and Daddy. Oh, golly, how glad to see you. What about you, Bobby? Son? I'm glad to see you too. Awful glad, but you're not really my mom and dad. Oh, but we are, son. We are. Now we know that you're Tom's real brother and our son. Honest? Are you sure? Yes, yes, darling. It's really true. You'll be ours always. Well, golly, I got a brother. Yeah, Bobby's your twin brother. He was lost a long time, but now we're family. Heaven is due thanks for returning a lost lamb to the fold. Bobby, my son, I'm sure there's great happiness in store for you from now on. We'll sure be one happy family, Bobby. That masked man hadn't saved us and I wouldn't ever have known I had you for a mom and dad. Your bravery in saving your brother was rewarded. Oh, Bobby, my brave little Bobby. We'll be so happy together. We'll never fight either. I wonder. That masked man, he's done so much and we owe him so much in the way of apologies and thanks, Padre. He needs neither apologies nor thanks. Your newfound happiness is his reward. You see, my friends, he's the lone ranger. I'm sure you have just heard as a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.