 A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high old silver, the lone ranger. With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the planes 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 come the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver, the lone ranger rides again. One morning after long years of discouragement that at times brought Caleb Bixby and his wife to the verge of starvation the old prospector was in high spirits. He was up early. He wore his good suit and a fresh shave. Yes, siry! Yes, siry, Sarah! I got a hunch today is going to be my big day. Caleb, sit yourself down there a minute. Gotta hurry, Sarah. The man at the assay office told me he'd have the report for me this morning. Caleb, now you listen to me. I've kept quiet for a long time, but I've noticed it's not the men that find the goldmines that are comfortable and well off. Then who in time... Caleb, why don't we open a little store of some sort? Something where you won't have to be hidden for the hills all the time. Breaking your back and breaking your heart. Me? Open a store? Why not, Caleb? We could borrow the cash. I'm no storekeeper. I'm a gold miner. Take that burrow yours, Caleb. What about the burrow? If that burrow had his choice between staying in the lush grazing or heading into them hills and wearing down his hoofs which your rep need choose? Why, wrecking the lazy coyote would choose the grazing. Your soul. And, Caleb, when I married you I figured you had more sense of the burrow. Yes, I... What? Why, dead-graded, Sarah? I want you to make a promise. Well... Caleb, you're going to the assay office to get the report and the last oil you left there. Uh-huh. Promise me you'll give it up if it don't show pay-der. Give up? I'm not a man to give up, Sarah. Never give up in all my life. For me, Caleb, what will you promise there? Well, I'll think it over. Hey, don't go on boots getting tight. Remember now, Caleb, if you haven't struck it this time you're not going to prospect no more. I'll think it over, Sarah. That's all I can say. If you've struck it rich it means your trouble's just begun. Finding the gold, the beginning on no end of trouble, Caleb. I'll think it over, Sarah. Now you got to be content with that. Leading his faithful old borough, Caleb Vixby headed for the assay office, and as usual his hopes were high. As he approached he noticed an Indian standing in the shade of the frame building. Who? Who are you? Howdy, engine! Howdy! Is the boss man inside there? Boss man? I may not know. By ginger I'll blame soon find out. Engine, you stand right where you are. What for? You stay right there, engine. And in a couple of minutes you may be looking at a millionaire walking out of that door. A millionaire, that's what? When I say millionaire, I mean me. You strike them gold? You wait and see. You just stand right there. And if I'm right, I'll make you present of the best door gone blanketed that can be had in the whole of the Denver region. And for more bad news? Wonder what Caleb would do if he ever got a real good sample or reckon he'd survive the shot? You sing a different tune when you hear the report on my oar? How many years have we been hearing them say words, boy? Yeah, and how many years has Caleb been eating them, huh? Just you wait. I'm going to be rich on this hear strike. I've got it this time. Where is the claim at this time? Not far. Maybe about two, three hours by burrow. Which means 30 minutes by foot the way that could of yours travels. Caleb, you wouldn't spend as much time backing up as going forward. Say, you state your claim yet, Caleb? No. If he'd state their reclaim from which you've had samples, he'd have half a car rather state for now. No one with you saw two. Hey, Caleb, it comes Fleming. Reckon he's got your report for you. Mr. Fleming, what's the news, eh? You needn't be afraid to say it right out in front of the boys here. They might be a bit jealous, but it won't hurt him none. Back here with me, Caleb. Why, sure thing. I want to speak to your law. Is he struck at this time, Fleming? Come into the back room with me, Caleb. There's nothing wrong, is there? Nope. This way, Caleb. Caleb, we'll be waiting to hear what's what. I'll close that door so those jets out there won't hear what I have to tell you. Sit down here, Caleb. All right. That's it. Now then, who knows you brought these samples into me? Why, gosh, you reckon most everyone does. Why? Did you tell anyone where you found them? Sure not. I don't tell all I know. Are they any good? Well, that whore will say a couple of hundred dollars a ton. It will! It isn't the best door, but it's good. Then I struck it rich. You found gold. What? Gosh. Uh, gosh. Say that again. You have found gold. Yeah! Oh, wait a minute. Take it easy, Caleb. Take it easy. Until you get your claim staked out and registered, you've got no more right to that land than the next man. I'll attend to that right away. I'll set out first thing in the morning to stake my claim. Well, listen to me first. There's a pack of clean jumpers around here. You'll have to watch yourself kill it. First thing you know, someone else will have that claim staked. Then you'll be right where you were before. You see, it's one thing to find gold, and another thing to hang on to it. Yeah, I know that. I'll be on guard all right. They won't do me out of it, no, sir. All right, now sit still a minute longer. I've got to tell my wife. I've got to tell her, sir. Now listen to me, you old fool. Sit down. Now then, will you take a little advice from me? Sure thing. That stake and register that claim. Then come to me. I know a couple of men from the syndicate. They'll buy you out. They'll give you more cash than you ever saw and the payment every month for the rest of your life. That will save you working the claim. You think I ought to sell out right away? Well, if you were a younger man killer, I'd say work it yourself. But at your age, the best thing would be to sell half interest in it. And I'll arrange for you to meet the men that can buy it. Now then, you talk that away with Sarah. Meanwhile, get your title to the property. I sure will. And until then, keep your mouth shut. Oh, I will. I will. Now I've got to go tell Sarah. Yee-hoo! Oh, what a buddy. I struck it, boys. I struck it rich. You did? Now I'm going to be rich. Yee-hoo! Indian, I struck it. You just come with me and I'll give you a present. You talk too much. I've got to tell everyone I'm rich. Let me go now. Hey, wait. Indian, get him up. Come on. Come on, you come on with me. No, sir. I'm going home and tell my wife I struck it rich. Yee-hoo! Tonto hurried to a small camp where the Lone Ranger waited. He told about Caleb's fortune. Meanwhile, Caleb hurried home while other men went to the cafe to spread the news. In the cafe, a half-breed named Vega called the bartender to a corner and spoke in low tones. What do you want of me, Vega? I wish you speak about gold. Huh? I thought that would make you listen. You will talk with me now, say your part. Well, give me an idea of what you've got to say. If, without risk, you could own a gold claim, you would pay me well for it? What claim? Migo, I cannot tell you that. It will be your claim. At times you go to hunt for gold, the next time you go, you'll find that gold. How will I? I fix it so you'll have a map. I tell you where to go. I too will go there with my friend, but we will be too late, Migo. You understand? You will be there first. Hmm. Just how can that be worked? If you know where there's a strike, why don't you stake it yourself? Oh, me, Senor, I could not. I have never go prospecting. People would be suspicious if I were to find gold. That's right. If you were to show up with the gold claim, everyone would know you jumped it. But with me, it would be different. Senor, you give me half of what you find, huh? That's fair enough. And you give me cash now, in advance? You tell me your scheme first, and I'll see how I like it. Oh, see you, Migo. See, see. I alone can do it because Senor Bixby looks on me as a very good friend. You're speaking of Caleb Bixby's claim? Oh, what do you think? Let's hear your scheme. Hardly able to realize their good fortune, Caleb and Sarah spent the day talking about their plans for the future. It was nearly dark when Sarah stopped daydreaming. Oh, my sake's alive, Caleb. It's getting dark outside. I clean forgot about supper. What's the difference, Sarah? Can't eat anyhow. I'm so excited. I never seen the time you couldn't eat, Caleb. Just imagine us being rich. Well, we're not rich yet. I still can't believe it's true. I'll feel better when I see the actual cash coming in. It'll come. It'll come. Can't stop it now. Nothing's going to stop us from being rich. You won't have to worry no more. Why, sake's alive, Sarah. I already got a chance to sell half interest in the claim. Just set back and count the money without doing a lick of work. Oh, it seems almost too good to be true. Tomorrow morning, first thing, I'll go and stake my claim. Dear, dear, I won't sleep a wink tonight. The thing is about to... Sleep? Who in tarnation wants to sleep? What's that? The winner. Look. Sarah! Sarah! I... The crash of glass and the sound of a heavy six-gun rang through the night. It was heard by the lone ranger in his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, in their camp not far distant. Tonto, that was a .44. Couldn't have come from the town. That would be too far away. Must be from some cabin near here. We'll investigate Kimosabi. I thought I heard glass breaking as well as a shot. Is that right? Here's the label. Here. Ready, Tonto? All right, follow me then. Get him out of the scope! Old Caleb had been hit in the chest by the bullet that came through his window. He lay on the floor gasping while Sarah bent over him. Sarah, Sarah, look outside. Thought I heard someone right in the way. Never mind them. Never mind anybody outside, Caleb. How bad are you hurt? Where'd they get you? Here. Let me see it. Let me get that shirt off. See how bad it is. Sarah, you've got it. Now rest easy, Caleb. Honey, don't talk none. I'll have it fixed up in a minute. One request... There's been the... the gold claim. They was doing it for... Quiet, Caleb. Sarah, they found out about our fortune. That's it. My quiet, Caleb. Sarah, just when we... we were set for... to get rich... Sarah, who's that? Look outside. A couple of horsemen stopped outside, Caleb. Wait a minute. I'll get that rifle. Don't be afraid to shoot, Sarah. Someone's out to get us. You'll be ready to shoot to kill. Right. But it's a mask man. Stand back. Stand where you are, mister. I've got this rifle on you. I'm ready to shoot to kill. The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story. Before the next exciting scene, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. When the Lone Ranger came to Caleb's house to investigate a gunshot, he was met at the door by Sarah, who held a heavy rifle. Put down that rifle. We're here to help you. Take a look at that man, Toto. See how badly he's hurt. Wait, you're masked. I'll take that rifle. Your husband needs attention. Sarah, I guess it's going to be me now. Don't live to see the riches. Take it easy, Bixby. You're not going to die. Toto's going to take care of you. Oh, you anyway. What are you doing here wearing a mask? We want to help you. Toto can grasp Caleb's wound. Did you shoot Caleb? No, Mrs. Bixby. But you know his name. Toto saw your husband this morning when he was told about his gold. But if you didn't shoot Caleb, who did? We'll try to find that out after Toto's taken care of him. Why, this time the murder's gotten clean away. I'll look around outside. Stay with him, Toto. Do all you can. Oh, he's clean. Is he going to live? Ah, him get well. Are you sure? Are you sure of that? Maysure. Sarah. Sarah. Yes, Caleb? You will have to ride for the claim come morning. You've got to get there. Steak it out. Or it'll be lost to you. Never mind that, Caleb. Only thing I care about is to see you well again. Sarah looks like this engine knows what he's doing. I'll see you at the door now. It takes a lot of life. So many things happening all in one day. Oh, it's enough to make a person dizzy. Amigo. Oh, it's you, eh? Biga. Oh, Gona. I had some tough luck. Senor, what is the matter? You are hurt? In shot, Biga. Some ordinary coyote tried to finish me off before I could stake McLean. Rick, have you heard about that? See, Senor, I hear about it in the cafe. What are folks saying about it, Biga? Are there any of them that might have drilled, Caleb? I do not know that. I only know others go to find gold, too. Oh, the others are starting out to try and do what I done, eh? See, Senor Barton, he is to go tomorrow. Oh, he is, eh? Maybe he wants me out of the way. See, but you, Amigo, you have not staked your claim yet. It is important you stake the claim at once. Eh, I don't see how. I, eh, I would go in your place if you would trust me that far. Of course, we trust you, Biga. Not in case of trusting anyone. You couldn't stake a claim in my name. Oh, don't go to Sarah. After all these years of looking for gold, it'd be just my luck if Barton got the place staked out ahead of me. Amigo, I have the idea. Yeah? Perhaps the Senora could go in your place if the trip is not too difficult. I would be glad to accompany her. But I don't know where it is. Perhaps, uh, Senora could make the map? A map? Yes, you reckon I could. Ah, that is it. You make the map and I will go with the Senora. Would you do it, Sarah? Would you go stake that land? Of course. I'll fix the map tonight, Biga. Now, I'll come into town in the morning, Biga, and I'll have the map with me. Yeah, then. I will see you in the morning. It was half an hour after Vega had left Caleb's home when the lone ranger rode up in the moonlight and dismounted at the door. Oh, of course it would go. You didn't say anything. Tonto was there to medium. Tonto, who was here? A fella named Vega. Tonto, very clear tracks going away from this house. Now, you followed him? That's right, and they circled right back here. Tonto, this man Vega's the one who shot Caleb. Ah, and Caleb think him plenty good friend. Then Caleb's got to learn the truth. Now, wait. Let me tell you about map. Map? Ah, Caleb make him map for Vega. Him go help woman stake claim. You mean to say that Caleb is trusting Vega with his secret? Ah, you tell him Caleb, Vega shoot. Caleb not believe. I see. Caleb had a little reason to believe what I tell him. Now listen, Tonto, we'll have to have a lot of proof before Caleb will believe that Vega shot him. The following morning, Sarah went to town as soon as the sun was up. She drew Caleb's old mule to a slow halt in front of the cafe where Vega was waiting. Ah, senora, you're right on time. That's right, and I'm sick of writing you. You have your map, kids. Well, you know. Now, perhaps you will let me see the map so I know where we go. Ah, here it is. Ah, it is well-grown. And we're to stake the claim right at the end of the dotted line. Oh, I know. What about Barton? You said he was to start out this morning. That is right, senora. He has already started. Are you all ready to go? One moment. I must go to the cafe to get a package of food. We may get hungry, huh? Well, I'll wait right here, Vega. See you, senora. Barton, Barton, look here. You got the map? Of course I have the map. I told you I'd have it. Here, see for yourself. Good for you. Work quickly. Make a copy of it. I got a pencil paper already here. Keep back from the window. Hey, senora, I think you have already started out to look for gold. Well, take me long to copy this. Give us time to get out of town before you start. Yeah, shabby. You will have to ride in a circle to get ahead of us. I'll handle that, all right. You just travel slow. It was nearly noon. Sara and Vega were still on the trail that wound in and out through the rock-strewn mountains. Then as they rounded a curve, they saw three horsemen on the trail just ahead. Whoa! Whoa! Oh, it shakes alive. It's a mess, man. Well, what is it? Hey, Mr. Fleming. Howdy, Mr. Big Spear. She is here, too. Hey, come over here, sir. Howdy, ma'am. I see you and Vega got here all right. What is it? I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. You and Vega got here all right. What does this mean? Who is this man, Stormbray? I told you about him, Vega. That engineer took care of Caleb and his friends. So, he's the one who shot your husband. You know better than that, Vega. What do you mean? Sara, this man's man called on me at dawn this morning. After I heard what he had to say, I got Fleming from the assay office and came along here with him. We've been waiting on the trail for you, Mrs. Big Spear. Waiting? But how have you know where we were coming? We're not the only ones who know. Sara, according to this mask man, the man you're counting on is a friend who's the one who shot your husband. What? What do you mean? Vega, I mean you. Why you? Hold it. Don't finish that draw. Well, take it easy, Vega. Me and Fleming still have open minds. Hell, dear, you say baby shot Caleb. Mrs. Big Spear, his tracks were quite clear outside your house. I followed them. He rode away and circled right back to the house. That is not true. Do you mind one of the only tracks near that house? Yes, that's true. My tracks were there, too. And so were Totto's. You were the one who shot Caleb. Sheriff, this man is the one who tried to kill him. If that's true, Vega, we'll find it out plenty soon. We're going to travel along with you folks until you're safe to claim. I don't see no reason to object to that. It takes a life, Sheriff. I'll be down right glad to have you with me. I am insulted. I remember this man. Just a minute, Vega. Look here, mister. Why would Vega shoot Caleb? Because he and a friend wanted to steal your husband's claim. That is not true. Vega wanted Caleb to draw a map showing how to reach the gold. That's what Caleb did. Yes, of course. I heard you, Vega. I was close by when you and Barton talked last night after you had left Caleb's. Lies. Lies. Nothing but lies. Framing, Sheriff, senor, are you going to believe what these monsters are? I told you, Vega. We was keeping our minds wide open. We're waiting to be shown. Let's follow the map. Yeah, come on. Have you got that map, Vega? Yeah, of course he's got it. I gave it to him. All right, then. You go right ahead. Follow that map to the end. And we'll tag along. Isn't that big rock there the end of the trail? Yes, it is. Barton's there. He's driving states. This is a frame up. Hold it, Vega. Let's see what Barton has to say. Barton, what are you doing here? Well, howdy. What sort of party is this? It might be a surprise party for you, Barton. Is this any silver? Stay here and claim, Barton. Yeah, after kid of luck, I decided to do a little prospecting. We'll have a look at the map, you followed. Map? I don't know what you're talking about. Maybe I can make myself clear. Come here. Let go of me. Let's see what you have in your pocket. No, no. No, wait, listen. Sheriff, who is this masked man? What's the idea of letting him go through my pockets? We're waiting to see what the idea is. Maybe this will explain. Give me that. Oh, not so fast. Here. Take a look at this, Sheriff. Here. See if this isn't a copy of the map Bixby gave to Vega. I drew that map myself. I was out here once before. Two things, Barton. That won't go. Is the map the same? Yes. What about if he gave it? I don't know. Vega, there's only one way Barton could have got that map. You let him see it. You let him copy it. And he came here ahead of us. It's just like that masked man said. Now, wait a minute. Now, listen to me. I'm not admitting a thing, see? But there's one thing you can't deny. I've got my stakes in that land, and I'm going to fire my claim to it. Sheriff, you know enough, Barton, know that the land goes to the first one who gets it staked. That's all right. You're welcome to it. Welcome to it. He is not. Oh, Caleb, spend a lifetime trying to get back. Just a minute, sir. That land is worthless. What? When Caleb drew the map, the dotted line ended at that rock a quarter of a mile on the back trail. What? Yes. I was in your house last night, Sarah. I made a little change on the map. I extended Caleb's line. You changed it? Yes. If you go back on the trail to that big rock and stake a claim, you will get the goal that Caleb found you. And we'll help you, sir. We sure will. Now, wait. Listen. The law wants you, Barton, and you too, Vegas. No, no. You've got nothing against me. If this isn't Caleb's property, you can't accuse me of jumping any claim. Who said anything about claim jumping? We're taking you in along with Vegas for attempted murder. No, no. You can't do that. How did I shoot to kill you? Shut up, you fool. So you did shoot, Caleb. Come on. What do I say? You've said plenty. I won't go. Get back all of you. I'll shoot the first one who tries to take me. You will? Oh! Oh! Have a whole shoe, Barton. If you want more gunplay, just say so. Oh, my arm. My arm. Now, you'll go back to town peaceable. Fleming, take Vegas' gun. There. Hey, buddy. That's it. You don't need me now, Sarah. It's not a big flop. Well, you've done your part, mister. We'll carry on from here. You go on back and tell Caleb that Sarah will soon be home with paper showing that Caleb owns a gold claim. I won't tell her that. You vagrant. The thing that we trusted you. Why, you are... Yeah, yeah. That's all right, Sarah. Take it easy. The law will deal with this crook. My arm. My arm is busted. Yeah? Well, Barton, it serves you right. You should have known better than to try to pull a gun against the lone ranger.