 A fiery horse with speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high old silver, the Lone Ranger. The rich grazing land of Texas made the fortunes of many early settlers, but the ranchers were unable to protect their herds from the outlaws and rustlers who roamed the new territory. It was the masked rider of the plains who first brought law and order to the frontier. Astride his great horse, Silver, he fought crime and criminals throughout the range country, and the memory of his deeds will remain as long as the memory of the early West itself. Now return with us once more to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hooffeets of silver. The Lone Ranger rides again! It was on a Saturday evening that Tonto, the faithful Indian companion of the Lone Ranger, was sitting on the steps of the cafe in Rushville. He paid no attention to the shouts and laughter inside, but directed his gaze toward the edge of town. Finally, the sound of hooffeets reached his ears, and Tonto's weight was ended. Mel Nugent, just released from jail, spurred his horse up the narrow street and pulled up in front of the cafe. I've waited two years to fix that fella for what he'd done to me. I'm gonna fix him. Lance just stands still while I'm tying you the hitch rail, can't you? There. Powerful Dan Adams is inside like I heard. He's gonna get what he's got, Kermando. Hey, Redskin, what matter? I'll show you what's a matter. Get my way, will you? Tonto, not in your way. Don't give me any of your sense. There plenty room for you walk by. Well, I don't choose to walk over there. I'm walking where you're sitting. If you don't handcrafted trouble, you'll get out of my way. Tonto, stay here. Boy, I'll show you. You'll not show me. Let me go. You walk and find that room? Sure, I will. I was just joking. My arm is most twisted off. I ain't got time to take care of you now, Ingen. But I won't be forgetting this. You'll not want trouble. You'll stay away, Tonto. Hey, there's Mel Nugent. He must have just got out of jail. Looks like he's hankering after trouble. Maybe he's after Dan Adams. Dan Adams in here? Here I am. You looking for me, Nugent? I am. I reckon you savvy boy. I can guess, all right. It was your fault I was sent to jail. It was you who got me locked up for two years. I did, and I'd do it again. Why you? It was rustling my cows and I caught you at it. I was sent back to town to be law-abiding, all well and good. But if you turn crooked again, you'll be sent back to jail, Pronto. You won't jail me again. Not if you stay on it. That's got nothing to do with it. You won't jail me again because you ain't going to live to have the chance. You've come gunning for me. I've been thinking of this day for two years. I've been planning on it when I was a week. Dreaming about it when I was sleeping. I ain't thought of nothing else day in and day out. And I am telling you right now it's going to give me more downright pleasure than anything I've ever done before. You're welcome to try. You won't do it, you fellas. I got you both covered. What are you interfering for? There's not going to be any gunfighting in my town. He told me he was looking for trouble mail and I've been expecting you to try something like this when he got back to town again. That blasted red skim. Well, maybe you're right, Sheriff. It won't mean it started this fight anyhow. I'm sorry, that, Dan. But I never backed up when one was offered me a gun now. You don't have to. I'm chasing mail out of town. You're what? You heard me. Beat it. You ain't got no right to do that. I served my sentence. The law ain't got no hold on me. Look here, mail. You've got a little place up the valley away. Go on home till you've cooled off. Then when you want to come to town peaceable it'll be all right. But until you do, stay away. I'm going. I've got no right in the face at all. Don't give me money. Don't see their red skin about it. Why in blazes couldn't he have minded his own business? No good. Who called my name? Step over here. I've got something I want to say to you. Yeah? I ain't never seen you before, have I? Don't reckon you have. What do you want? Anybody around can hear us. Don't see nobody. I'm Jake Dietz, forming out to Dan Adib's place. Well, that's it. You're one of his men, are you? Well, I'll show you. Don't get all head up. I'll get even with your boss and you can't stop me. I don't aim to. Huh? Maybe you and me can get together. You mean him? Me and I got some scores I want to settle too. Yeah? You recollect old Dan's girl? Sure. She got hitched up to a fella named Clayte Summers, didn't she? It's just what she did. She married me if Dan hadn't butted in. So that's it, huh? Between Dan and Clayte, the whole thing was spoiled. If it hadn't been for them, I'd be sitting pretty with a pine law that owns half of the beef critters in the valley. You got something in mind? Look here. Dan used the law to fix you, didn't he? It was him and the law that sent me to jail. And how'd you like to use the law to get even with him? Hey. You're getting really interested. When I heard the ruckus inside the house, I thought it was a good idea. When I heard the ruckus inside, I started thinking. Yeah? And I'll bet my boots I got a scheme that'll fix Dan for you. Get rid of Clayte for me and give me a chance to court the girl again. I am willing to listen. Get on your horse. You don't want to do too much talking in town. Right. My horse is this one here. Daddy boy. Come on. You lead the way. The queen is going to just about have things our own way. Get up. Tonto returned to the camp he shared with the lone ranger and told him what had happened in town. The masked man suggested a plan and the next day the Indian prepared to carry it out. First he rode to the Adams ranch house. Whoa, whoa, paint boy. What are you on red skin? Tonto. Tonto want job here. What kind of job? You need cook. Can you cook? Me, he'd good cook. How'd you find out there's a cook I was needing? Tonto here. Red skin I ain't had a decent meal since that girl of mine got hitched up to Clayte's summer. And if you can throw grub together so it's fit to be swallowed, you're hired. That's good. Say, where'd a red skin like you get a horse like that? Oh, that paint horse. Him, mine. Wouldn't hanker to sell, would you? Oh, me not sell. Didn't figure you would. If you'd been willing, I wouldn't have fought so much of you. A man with a private horse like that got something that can't be reckoned in cash. That's right. Well, there's a cook shack over there. You'll find something you'll need in it, I guess. It'll be time for grub in a couple of hours. So you'd better start hustling. Me start. And if you're not ready on time... What's hailing you, Jake? I was here last night. I just made a count of the cows we cut out and threw in the corrals to was ready for shipping. Well, they're still there, ain't they? I can see them. There's a third of them gone. You sure of that? Just step over there and see for yourself if you won't take my word for it. That's just what I'll do. Come on. What are you tagging along for, ain't you? Maybe wrestler leave trail. Well, if they did, a red skin ought to be able to find it all right. The red skin ain't needed. Yeah, never look for yourself. Don't need a count to show there's some missing. You're right, Jake. Where are you find trail? Just over Yonder. The clients have stole the stuff, opened the corral gate sometime during the night. Heard the cows out and headed east. That's right. Me see track there. Yep, and so do I. Reckon whoever's here forgot about the rains we had softening up the grounds. Boy, that trail's easier to read than a book. What are you gonna do, boss? Call in the rest of the boys. We're going to follow them tracks. And if it takes us to the low-down-seeking polecats that stole my stuff, the fur's going to fly. Those of Dan's men within call were ordered to saddle their horses and follow the trail left by the cattle. Dan and Jake took the lead. They headed eastward. And less than a half an hour later, Dan announced... Bye, Thunder. The tracks are leading right to plates place. They are, sure enough. I can't figure it out. They ain't any too well off, is he? But he ain't no thief. That's what folks around here said about Mel Nugentil. He was caught. Yeah, but he... I've been hearing some talk about Clayton, mate. What kind of talk? Well, he's been heard to say he figured you ought to help him stock his range. You being his wife's pa. I never did believe in that sort of thing. A young fella should learn to stand on his own feet. I only told you what I heard. Besides, I just remembered he's been rounded up a trail herd. Maybe he calculated to get the critters he stole away before you'd done anything about it. Hey, look up that Cooley. There's the cows. And they're my critters. I can read the brands from here. You're going to stop and have a look at them? I don't need to. I've seen enough. Yeah. Clayton's house is just over this rise. I'm going to ask him some questions. I'd do that same if I were you. Now get up there. Get up. Get up. I can hardly believe Clayton turned restless. But I'm sure we're going to find out. Yeah. But maybe he can explain it some way. There's the house. Get along there. Get along there. Get out. I don't see Clayton always around. He's most likely in the house. Oh, there. Oh, oh, oh. You come along, Jake. The rest of you fellas wait here. Clayton's in the house all right. That's his saddle on the porch. Come on. I'll find out what's behind this. Why, damn. I wasn't looking for you over this way. Step on in. I'll do my talking right here. But why don't you come on in? What do you know about them critters of mine that are in the Cooley just over that hill? Huh? I'll tell you the trouble. I was close to 20 of my cows rustled last night, and I trailed them right onto Clayton's range. No. What that can't be. Most likely they just strayed. Out of my corrals. You ain't saying I took them, are you? I don't know what to think. All I know is they were stolen. I found them over here. Poor you locals. You think Clayton took them? I always thought you were straight, Clayton. You know, darn well I am. If there's anybody else but you, I found this evidence again. I'd shoot it out first and ask questions after me. Oh, you don't know what you're thinking. I'll tell you, I didn't steal them cows. Maybe you didn't, maybe you didn't. Yeah? And this time I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt. I don't need the benefit of nothing. But if I ever find any of my critters on your range again that can't be proved to be strays, I'm riding back with my gun loose in its holster. If you're fool enough to think I'm crooked, you can do what you like. Oh, Clayton, we don't want no trouble. Well, I just got this to say. If I'm to be pestered by rustlers, there's going to be more trouble here about than this range has ever seen before. The curtain falls on the first act of our thrilling lone ranger drama. Before the next exciting scene, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. We'll continue our story. When Mel Nugent returned to town after two years spent in jail for rustling Dan Adams cattle, he challenged Dan to a gunfight in the café. But the fight was prevented by the sheriff. Jake Deets, who was Dan's foreman, had a grudge against Dan and so against his son-in-law, Clayton Summers. It was he that suggested to Mel that they work together for revenge. Tonto reported Nugent's arrival to the lone ranger who suggested that Tonto keep an eye on the Adams ranch. Just as Tonto was applying for a job as a cook on the ranch, Jake arrived with the news that some of Dan's cows had been stolen from the corrals. They were trailed to Clayton's range where Dan warned his son-in-law that if there were any more rustling, he would take the law in his own hands. As our second act opened, we see Jake astride his horse some distance from the Adams ranch house. It is nearly midnight. Only the occasional stir of restless cattle breaks the night's silence. Suddenly Jake turns in his saddle at the sound of approaching hoops. Thank you, Mel. I've been waiting for you. It's a long ride here from my place. These are the cows we're going to take this time? Uh-huh. Where are we going to plant them? It would look funny if we leave in that coolly again. I thought there's something better. I reckon you know Clayton's got a trail herd gathered to take across the hills to the railroad. I know about that. Well, these cows are going with him. They'll make it look all the better. When Dan finds his cows with a trail herd, he'll figure Clayton was getting them out of the country in a hurry before they could be found. Hmm. That's a blame-good notion. Come on, let's get these cows moving. We ain't got any more time than we need. Yeah. Get up there. Get up there. Come on, you kiddos. Get over there. Get over there. Get over there. Get over there. Get over there. Get over there. Get over there. Get over there. Get over there. Get over there. Dan always rides his way in the morning. He'll find these cows going first thing. I don't know. How are we going to get these critters into Clayton's herd? It'll be good, won't it? Now, just speak of it, won't it? There won't be more than two fellas riding night herds. Hmm. And we'll stop before they can hear us. When we let the cows go, they'll drift into the herd without no prod. I reckon they will. Hey there, keep moving, bless you. And this time when Dan finds Clayton's cows, it's going to be gun-clear. Better be. I'll see to that. It wouldn't matter much, even if they weren't. Why wouldn't it? There'll be plenty of witnesses to their quarrel, won't there? And if Clayton should be found later on with a bullet room, who do you think would be blamed for it? Well, get you there. Come on, you critters. Step along there. Clayton's going to be out of the way and Dan will be hung for it. And we'll be sitting pretty. When I want is a chance to court Dan's girl. If I can get hitched up to her, I'll own both her. Dan's and Clayton's. And we're through here. I'm heading back for my place. I don't want to be seen around. You can let me know how things come out. I'll do that. Come on, let's haze these critters along. I make you do this job to be done with. Come on! It was early in the morning when Dan Adams made the discovery that more of his cows were missing. As soon as he made sure that the trail of the stolen cattle headed east again, he turned his horse and raced back to the ranch. Tex! Sandy! Pete! Hey, fellas! Whoa, whoa, whoa! What's up there all again? What do you want? Get your horses. We're riding. What's up, boss? There's more cows being stole. And the tracks head for Clayton's ranch again. And he's starting a trail herd this morning. Maybe your critters are with his herd. We'll soon find out. You ready, fellas? Oh, if Clayt figures he can steal me blind just because he married my girl, he's going to find out different. Get up, sir! Get up! In the meantime, Clayt Summers was just finishing breakfast at his home. We hear him as he speaks to his wife. Ah, that was mighty good grub, honey. Well, now I reckon I'd better be pushing along. You had to leave already, King. Shucks, I gotta do my share of the work. The boy's got the herd started an hour ago. I told him I'd catch up as soon as I could. How long you figure you'll be here? Oh, the trip shouldn't take more than a week. I'm sort of glad you're going, Clayt. Huh? I don't know what got into pause the other day, but it'll most likely be best if the two of you don't meet up again too soon. That was the dirtiest thing I ever heard of. Say, and I'd rustle his cattle. Can't hardly blame him the way things look. I wish I could figure out how them cows got in that coolly. It's got me worried. Oh, now, honey, there ain't nothing to worry about. Dan will soon enough admit he made a mistake. Look here. Oh, I don't know. There wouldn't be any of the boys riding back unless something was wrong. Blast you, Clayt! Paul! What blazes is wrong now? Where are they? Where's what? You savvy blamed well for what I mean. Where are the cows you stole off of me last night? Have you gone plumb, loco? The honor drill is even coyote, Dan. That's what I come to do, but I want to find them cows first. How can you say still your cows, Paul? I know it, because I followed that trail to where Clayt had his herd bedded down last night. You mean to say you found your cattle in my herd? No, I didn't. That's why I'm here. We caught up with your herd, but they wasn't there. You must have figured that would be the first place we'd look. Of all the dog-gone-crazy things I ever heard tell them. I always said you were no good, Clayt. Sure you did, Jake, and I'm just wondering if you ain't had a hand in this someplace. Why? You didn't try to put the blame on somebody else, Clayt. We got you dead to rights. But I never stole them. Are you scum? I don't care if you are, Miss Paul. You can't talk to me that way. I never was particular how I talked to Russell. Plug him, boss. You stay out of this, Jake. Are you going to tell me where you hid them cows? Or do I have to gun with you? I can't tell you what I don't know. I call it and I'll show you. Oh, don't. You wait. What? It's an Indian. You ain't wanted red skin. You hear me. What are you doing here, Tonto? Me show you something. Get out of here. Tonto show you cattle, huh? Don't listen to him, boss. He don't know what he's talking about. You know where the stolen cars are? You come. Tonto show you. Maybe the Indian's local. But I am to find out what he's got to show us before I'm accused of rustling. How come you know so much about this, Tonto? You see. Pretty quick. Come on, let's go. Boss, it's just a trick of some kind. Don't let the red skin fool you. If he's trying some trick, it'll be his last. Tonto, not trick you. I wouldn't advise it. My horse is just outside. We'll all ride together. I turn right, we will. And if it ain't proved that you had nothing to do with this plate, I'm dealing with you myself. All right, fellas. Let's go. Tonto first led the men to the place where Clayt's herd had been bedded down the night before. Then he pointed out that the tracks of the stolen cows circled the herd and continued onward, still further eastward. The men remounted and pressed forward, discovering at last that the tracks took them directly to Mel Nugent's tumble-down spread. As they drew near, coming to Melt Shack, Clayt shouted, Hey, there's Mel running away. You run out of the house when he sees us coming. He's heading for his horse. Me get him. Get him up, pain horse. Don't let him get away, Tonto. Tonto, we're open. Get him up, pain horse. Get him up. We catch him. Come, pain horse. Come on, get him up there. Get away from me, red skin. Get away. Me rope me. Oh, I shit. Whoa, pain horse, oh. You not get him away now, Texas. Oh, bummer me. You wait. There you go. I'll get you for this. Tonto, don't afraid that. Hang on, man. Tonto. Come, you got him. Get him up, get away. Let me hold him in. Hey, Dan. Look. Your cat is back there and Mel's corral. That's them, all right? It can't be, boss. It just can't be. I ain't blind, Amatix. Shake your double cross and rotten pole cat. You'll pray me for this. I don't know nothing about it. May or I sent you to jail once for wrestling my cows. But this time, you're going to hang. Wait. I never brought them cows here. Jake and a mass fella brought them. Then when I come along, a mass fella roped and tied me. He waited and seen you fellas riding up, then he took the ropes off and beat it. Yeah, local. I see it all now. The mass fella let it slip, but your game was jaking. I'm playing fool. Keep your mouth out. I'm talking. I'll talk plenty. You ain't going to get away with this. Why are you all on that, Jake? We'll hear Mel out. What's this you're saying about, Jake? He framed me. That's what. He got me to help him steal them cows to put in plates hurt. Then him and the mass fella brought them on here so I'd be jailed. It ain't so. The mass fella told me all about it. You ain't fooling me. Jake, helped you steal the cows? He sure did. He stole them both times. He knew I was gunning for you, Dan. This way, he figured I'd be took care of. It was you double-crossed me. Huh? You bring the cows here for yourself. All that talk about a mass fella ain't nothing but lies. Dan, it looks to me like there was both in on it. That's what it does. Last year, why couldn't keep your mouth shut? Why should I take all the blame if the trick you played on me? He's going for his gun. He's going for his gun. Help me. Oh, my hand is smashed. The mass fella just shot the gun from your hand. Sheriff, what are you doing here? I'm here because the lone ranger brought me. The lone ranger? But where? What? There him and the engine go now. What? Well, look at how it goes. What's he got to do with this? Apprentice. It was him, fella, Jake and Mel, when they stole your cows a second time, Dan. Yeah? Then when these two skunks left the cows, he rode for me and the two of us brought them on here. Then it wasn't Jake double-crossed me. The mass fella just let you think that. I didn't believe him at first when he said Jake was in on it, but he told me if I did like he said, I'd hear enough to prove it. And you sure did. It just goes to show when crooks figure they're slick enough to get away with a stunt like this, they better make sure the lone ranger ain't nowhere to round. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.