 for the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high old silver, the lone ranger. With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked rider of the planes fought crime and criminals throughout the early western United States. Rich and poor alike turned to him for help, and high old silver came to be the battle cry of justice on the frontier. Return with us now those thrilling days when the west was young, from out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver, the lone ranger rides again. It was Sunday afternoon and when young Vic Fuller reigned in before the new home of banker Lambert in the small western town of Oasis, he was spruced up in all a young rancher's finery. He took the steps of the porch two at a time, and his wrap upon the door brought a hearty response. Come in Vic, come in. Afternoon ma'am. Howdy Mr. Lambert. Howdy young Fuller. My, but you surely do look nice, Vic. Here, you sit right down beside me here on the sofa. Well, uh, I, I, uh, that is... Look, animator. He's dooted all up like maybe he's going sparking with some girl. Don't seem able to talk very plain neither. Nature, oh tease. Vic, don't you pay me any mind. His manners was awful when I married him and I do declare they've got worse things. Hey, do you mean to say you don't recognize it? Well, I know I don't see that. I, uh, Reagan, you think I got a lot of nerve, don't you, Mr. Lambert? No. Can't say it's never struck me that way. Well, I should have said something to you folks first. Whatever you're talking about, I... Reagan, you ain't as bright as I always thought you. Shucks, it's red all over him. Well, why, Vic, are you really today? Yep, gonna ask her. Bet you sent all the way to Chicago for that there ring, didn't ya? Uh-huh. Oh, Vic, I'm so glad. It's the match me and Pa have always wanted. Ain't it, Nate? Well, I reckon I can make out to put up with it. Oh, I think I see a match outside just now. Uh, come on, Nate. We'll get out and leave the parlor to the young folks. Well, run along if you want to, honey. I'm enjoying this. You recollect what you used to say when my folks kept us company? I don't recollect nothing of the kind. I... Say, who's that she rode up with? Ain't that that young fella they call Frosty Kelso? I do believe it is. There's a worthless scam for ya. Look, he's leaving. Now, Pa, don't you scold her. Likely he just forced his cell phone. Well, one of these days I'll do some forcing on him. Why do you stand for it, Vic? I should think you... Here she comes. Go to it, young fella. Rush her right off her feet. Oh, hello, ma'am. Hello, ma'am. Honey, I reckon maybe me and your ma would better leave you young folks alone after all. It wouldn't surprise me none at all, Madge. You found Vic had something special to say to ya. Come on, ma'am. Wait. Huh? Well, honey, you're white as a sheet. You ain't alien, are you? I... I've got something to say. Madge... Wait, Vic. This is something I want all of you to hear. Daughter, you ain't acting yourself. Out with it. I... I'm engaged. Why, Vic, and I thought you hadn't asked me yet. I'm engaged to... to Frosty Kelso. What? Madge, daughter, did I hear you right? You did? Oh, honey, you don't know what you're saying. I think I do. I won't have it, you hear me? I won't have it. I don't know why you got such a local notion. I don't give a darn. Engaged to Frosty Kelso. Young lady, that's something I'm setting my foot down on right now. I... You're gonna marry Vic, you hear me? He's the man for you. Now tell us, you didn't mean what you said. I can't bother. Vic, I... I'm sorry. Oh, that's all right. Sure, that's all right. I hope you'll be right happy. Well, good day to you, ma'am. Afternoon, Mr. Lambert. Vic! I just happened to think of some workout to place now it's forgetting. Goodbye. Now look here, young lady. Let me be. Let me know that. I don't want to talk about it. Young lady, come back here. You and me are gonna... I'll fix that. No, Pa, no. But I won't have her. Well, this is something she'll have to work out for herself, Nate. Ranton and Skolden won't help none, I know. I was just like her once, Mr.... By thunder, we got to do something. Pa, when she wants to tell us what's wrong, she'll do us all of our own free will. In the meantime, there ain't nothing for you and me to do, but wait. The Fuller Ranch was owned in equal partnership by Vic and his father, Matt Fuller. That evening, Matt was alone in the ranch house. His jaw was set, his eyes worried. And when someone knocked at the door, he rose from his chair with a nervous start. Who's there? Frosty Kelso. Open up. I thought I said you wasn't ever to come here. No, no, how you're gonna prevent it? Close the door. I said close the door. What do you want this time? Ain't you gonna ask me to sit down? Thought maybe you'd invite me to share a drink with you. I don't drink with stunks. Forgetting yourself, ain't you? I ask you what you want it. Oh, the usual. Only this time, more of it. I've given you every cent I can afford. Yeah, well, you're giving me some more and pronto. It'll be a kind of wedding present. How much? Oh, just 10,000. You're absolutely crazy. Think so? In the last month you've drained me dry. My accountant Lambert's bank is gone. I borrowed from friends. I've sold everything I could that wouldn't arouse my son's suspicions. Demand anything you want. You won't get a dollar. Well, it's your funeral. You wouldn't... Look here, Fuller. I got a confession signed by you that it sends you to jail for plenty long. I got it and I ain't afraid to use it. Now, make up your mind which you'd rather do. Pay or go to jail. Good heavens, man. What would I pay you with? Got a nice spread here. Which belongs as much to my son as me. That ain't my problem. That's yours. I can't do it. It's impossible. I can't do it. I reckon you'd better. Me and Madge will be needing a site of cash when we get hitched. What was that you said? I told you it'd be a kind of wedding present. Madge Lambert is in love with my son. Vic is in love with Madge. That's interesting. Why, you... Madge Lambert would never marry a skunk like you. You'd better ask it for yourself. She'll say the same. And go easy on them names you're calling me. I don't cotton to them. Get out. Oh, sure. But remember, 10,000 it is. I'll give you three days. When you get it, you can leave it in the usual place. You should know where that is by now. Get out. 10,000. Or jail, partner. And, uh, how would that boy of yours like that? I'd rather be dead. I'd rather be dead. Later that night, a man rode slowly toward a bog near the southern boundary of the fuller range. When he reached the edge, he brought his mount to a stop and still more slowly dismounted. The moon gleaming for a moment through a rift in the clouds highlighted the gun he held in his hand. I'd rather be dead. There ain't no other way out. That paper will be no good to him after I die. Maybe he won't show it. Won't let my son know I was a thief. There, old fella, it's all right. You will find your way back to the corrals alone, shall you? Good boy. Steady, old fella. This should do. I... Well, there's no use wasting time feeling sorry for myself. We all have to pay for the bad things we do one way or the other. Now... What? What's the meaning of this? Hey! Save the horses, son of... Hey, watch them. You are going to take your life. You've got no right to stop me. Well, I'm all right than you to try a cowardly trick like that. Come on out of here. Let me go. Come on. No, no, let me go, I see. We thought you were up to something when we saw you pass our camp and head this way. We knew there's no trail through this marsh. Bless her for a minute. Quiet. Let's have a look at you. Hello. Do you know this fellow? Ah, him name Matt Fuller. And you own this ranch. And what of it? You have a splendid ranch. A fine son. And you try to destroy yourself. Not cold for an explanation. Which I won't give. And you might be able to help. I didn't ask for help. Well, I'm a stranger. I can't expect you to confide in me. I'd suggest, however, that you talk this over with your son or a trusted friend. Whatever's worrying you isn't worth this. A friend? Yes. Nate Glambert. Why didn't I think of that? What are you going to do? Listen, stranger, let me go. I'm not going to try that again. I swear I won't. I'll give you my word. But there's someone I must see. That's better. Go ahead. Maybe I was a fool after all, stranger. And for what you did, well, thanks. We may meet again. Come on, boy. Get up. Get up there. What's the matter, him? I don't know, but we'll find out. He'll likely tell his troubles to this friend he's writing to see. Huh? When he does, we'll be on hand. Come on, sir. Get up, scoundrel. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. Silver. And it was right after that that Frosty started blackmailing me. That's where Frosty got a hold of that confession. Well, I'll be switched. You know, I poked around in the ashes myself some after that fire. But when I didn't find it, I figured the whole thing must have gone up in smoke. You had it in a cash box, didn't you? Mm-hmm. Well, that's what Frosty found. He broke it open on the chance it might hold valuables. A snooping rat. Once ten thousand, does he? He does. Well, I got the cash. Don't worry about it. Nate, you mean you... Forget about it. Got some much cash in the bank that ain't working. This'll look like a right good investment. Now, how do you say you paid Frosty off? I put the money in a hollow stump near the swamp. Frosty can watch from the hills before he collects to see that no one's nearby. Well, I'll have the cash for you. Nate, one friend like you is more than a man deserves in a whole life. Oh, don't talk about it. But Matt, when this is finished, you and me got to put our heads together. Yes? Somehow, I don't know how. That snake's made Madge promise to marry him. Couldn't talk to her. Can't do nothing. I know. But you and me are going to find a way to trip that fella up or... Or... Or by thunder, Matt, the law will be looking for me, forgetting my heel on a snake and crushing it. The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story. Before the next thrilling scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. We ought to continue our story. The Lone Ranger and Tonto, after following Matt Fuller to town, return to their secret camp near the marsh where Matt had attempted to take his life. There, the masked man tried to unravel the tangled threads that held the Fullers, the Lamberts, and Frosty Kelso together. It's clear enough what happened to Matt Kimosabe. Frosty's a blackmailer, and he's been making Matt pay again for a theft he not only repaid years ago, but which he further paid for by leading a fine, honest life ever since. Something was said tonight between Nate and Matt that pointed to a certain possibility. I've got to get a look at that confession. Oh. Only Frosty knows where it is. Oh. Nate has promised to loan Matt the $10,000. But if Frosty were led to believe Matt wouldn't pay, Tonto, I think we can get Frosty to show us that confession himself. Being set for the payment of the $10,000, Frosty entered the cafe and grinned, but he saw Matt nervously gulping at drink at the bar. I'm celebrating, gents. Got a couple things to celebrate. I'm coming in with some cash. Real soon I'm getting hitched to the prettiest girl in the county. And who is the girl, Frosty? She's Madge Lambert, gents. Only soon you'll be calling her Mrs. Frosty Kelso. Ha, ha, ha, ha. There you are, peasant fellas. It's on me. Big mouthful, huh? Well, well, if that ain't Vic. You got a drink coming too, Vic. Vic, dear, they'll buy you a couple drink. Sort of a consolation prize. I ain't drinking with you now or any other time. And what's the idea of bringing up Madge's name around these barflies? Is that only opinion you've got of her? You telling me what to do? I'm saying it's an insult to Madge to talk about her in a bar. You're just put out because I beat your time. Ain't a very good loser, are you? I'll show you. Boy, you dirty little cunt. I'll beat the living daylights out of the poor. No, Frosty, don't get mad. Vic don't know what he's saying. He's had a lick in the cover now. He's getting it. Let's lose my arm, Pa. I'm gonna hit him. No, Vic, you can't. Why can't I? You just don't understand, Vic. See, even your poor savage, it ain't safe to get me mad. You better take his advice and clear up. What's the idea of signing with Frosty? I'm not. I just don't want you fighting. Better listen to him. Well, maybe I did forget myself a little, Pa. But you, Frosty. Yeah? From now on, when you see me come and you just stand aside. Because the next time we meet, Paul likely won't be there to save your crooked hide. It was several hours later that same night. The range dark and mysterious seemed deserted. The rolling hills, the isolated clusters of trees through black shadows. But the shadows were deepest with the fertile grazing lands met the marsh, a place of death and stagnation. At the edge of the bog was a hollow stump of a tree. A man walked toward it, moving with infinite caution. Can't be anybody around this time of night. $10,000. This has got to be the last time. If he asked me for more, then one of us must back to the house. Scarcely had the first man faded away into the shadows and two others silently merged. One was masked, the other and Indian. Reaching the same stump, they held their voices low. One used to be in here, Tyler. One moment I'll see. Here, I have it. That good. Come, now to see what happens. A little later, Frosty brought his horse to a clattering halt in front of the Fuller Ranch House. Leaping from the saddle, he strode across the porch and the crest opened the door without warning. Where's Vic? So you thought you didn't have to pay, huh? Thought when it came to the point I'd just be bluffing. You fool, I don't bluff. I want that $10,000. You told me to be there. That means you've got it. Hand it over. What are you talking about? Give me that cash or the law gets that confession. I pay. You're lying. I left the cash in the stump not over two hours ago. And I suppose you expect me to believe somebody just happened under the floor I got there and stole it. You sure you look good? It wasn't there. Then someone must have taken it. They must have. You think I'm as big a fool as you are? But you... You get that cash. But I did. Good morning. Wait. Or you'll be looking out from behind bars. I paid and it's the last time. Huh? Do anything you want. Expose me. Take that confession to the shelf. I don't care anymore. You hear me? I don't care. I couldn't get another dollar for you if my life depended on it. That's what you said last time. And this time I mean it. Not half as much as I mean what I told you. I'm going home. I'll wait there for you. If you don't show up. No. Hey, put down that gun. I've come to the end of my rope, Frosty. I'm sorry now. I didn't let Vic give you the beating you deserve. No, wait. Please, please. Maybe I'll hang. But the only cure for a skunk like you is lead. Take it. What? You will not shoot. Well, let's get to you. Put down gun. New color. You'll leave. Sure. Sure. Keep them covered, ancient. I'm leaving. Try to kill me, huh? Well, just for that, the sheriff's getting that right in tonight. Right again. Get him on the stove. Get him on the stove. Frosty spurred his horse homeward at the small cabin where he lived. He left his mouth standing while he dashed inside slamming the door behind him. But as he made for a corner of the cabin, he did not hear the door open a second time. Nor did he know that a tall masked man stood in the doorway. I'll show him. Fix him. Tried to kill me. Figured he don't have to pay. The sheriff sees this paper. I ain't giving him no second chance. Here's the board. Put it under this board. Now, where is it? If it's been stolen. Now, I'll just go. You drop that paper. What? The first move you make for that gun, I'll shoot. Matt Fuller, after his interview with Frosty, had saddled his horse and raced to the home of his old friend, Nate Lambert. There he told him what had happened then. You put the cash in that stump, but when Frosty got that, was gone? I don't know what to think, Nate. Maybe it was gone when he looked her. Or maybe he lied to me. Maybe he thought he could collect twice. Inside with you. The masked man. And Vic. What the? He may be. You're safer in here. Who are you? That doesn't matter. I found Vic hiding outside. I believe he was laying in wait for Frosty to come here. If I hadn't found him, there might have been a killing. And good enough for him. That remains to be seen. Now, look here, sir. Wait. I have some papers here. Two sheets of paper with writing on them. Have you ever seen them before? Nate, the confession. Say, you give them? There's nothing for either one of you to worry about. These will be destroyed. You mean that? I do. Nate, I heard noises, and I wanted a masked man. Don't be alarmed. Honey, you'd better go back to sleep. Everything's all right. You're sure? We were just talking business. I'll just leave this alone, Ada. Well, I... Go ahead. Go on back to sleep now. Very well, Nate. Now then, what's this all about? What are you doing here? And one of them papers got to do with this. You'll learn very shortly. Why not now? Because I'm expecting something to happen. It shouldn't belong. When it does, then it'll be time for explanations. You as a fellow, I met at the march when I... I am, Matt. But you can take my word for it. Your troubles are over. Over? Just beginning, you mean? What I'd like to know is what you... There. What's that outside? What I've been waiting for. Bring them in, Tado. You... Here, get them. Let's do it. Let's do it. Here's the match. Imagine Frosty. What are you doing with them bags? Where were you two going? Now, we're going to elope, Nate. And we will get married. I'm a vague. You can't stop us. Why you... Quiet. I think Mad will change her mind in a moment. Madge. Yes? You promised to marry Frosty, not because you loved him, but because he threatened to expose your father. Isn't that so? All right. Me? Expose me? What in thunder farer? Frosty tried a clever trick. These two sheets of paper contain a confession to a crime committed years ago. You didn't commit the crime, Nate, but you wrote the confession. And when you had it finished, the guilty party signed it. Oh. In other words, anyone shown just the first page without the signature, which is on the second page, would believe that you were confessing, Nate. The person reading it was familiar with their handwriting. Oh, God. That's how Frosty threatened your daughter. He showed her the first page of the confession, convinced her you were guilty and threatened exposure if she didn't marry him. When he lost the confession tonight and knew the game was up, he tried to elope with Madge before she learned what had happened. Why you dirty blackmailing skunk? That was your game. Recollect when I start to give you what you had come in a cafe. Now, wait a minute. You're getting it right now. You're coming outside with me. Let me go! Let me go! Let me go! Let me go! Pa, I feel so ashamed. I should have known you could never... Forget it, honey. It makes me proud to think I raised a daughter that would forget her own happiness just to save the part she thought had done something crooked. But the confession, if it wasn't you, then who... That's something that had better be kept a secret, Madge. Talk to her, Madge. Oh, yeah. Madge. Thank you. What are you going to do? Wait. You're burning it. Yes. That confession will never harm any man again. Stranger, I don't know who you are, but... Well, all I can say is you're an ombré if a fellow could tie to. Look at it, mate! Look! Loving bodacious now! Which is just as it should be, Madge. Yes, Pa? I hope you've got some sense now. Vic, uh... Well, it was just a couple of days ago. Vic, come here to ask you a question. And if I recollect rightly, there was a ring or something of that sort that went along with that there question. Well, if he still wants to ask me, Pa, I'll wear that ring. And be so happy you won't recognize your own daughter. Madge, I've always wanted you for a daughter-in-law. And I'll thank you for it, Stranger, for bringing it about. Hey, it's a manous man to register in. Where'd they get to? I'll kill them all! I'll be dog-gone, slipped out of my... without my even noticing it. Well, anyhow, if I see them fellows again, I'm inviting them to the biggest wedding that's ever seen in this county. Now you've got to get hits to Vic, honey, cause that's a promise. I've just heard as a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.