 A very horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty high old silver, the lone ranger. During the years of unrest that followed the Civil War, a powerful secret organization called the Legion of the Black Arrows sprang up in the western United States. Its members were to be found everywhere, defying the law or using the law for their own purposes, working toward the ultimate goal of revolt and the foundation of a despotic empire. It was the masked rider of the plains who led the fight against this band of outlaws and traitors, and for once his great strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness were taxed to the utmost in the cause of democracy. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the west was young. From out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver. The lone ranger rides again. Run the fields of the Black Arrows! The rain of the past few weeks had chained the river into a raging torrent, and the lone ranger and tonto rode along the east bank trying to find the best place to cross. Suddenly a cry for help sounded above the roar of the flood, and as the moon broke through the clouds they could see a girl struggling for her life in the middle of the stream. The lone ranger urged the great horse Silver down the stream for a hundred yards, and then plunged into the water. Wait, Silver, swim against the current until we get out in the middle. You'll only have one chance to catch her. No! All right, I think we'll make it. She's still managing to keep her head above the water. It's heading there. It's coming! It's carrying me away from you! Hello, Father Silver. Come on, boy! Wait, any more! Keep your head up! Now then! Run, Silver, back to the shore! Swimming with the current, the great white stallion struck out to the bank, and a few moments later the danger was over. Tonto lit a fire and made coffee. The girl was wrapped in a blanket, and after she had drunk a cup of the steaming brew, her strength seemed to return rapidly. I can't stay here. We'll be glad to take you home. Where do you live? I live in New York City. I only wish you could take me there. It's not girl who'll send us note. What did he say? When we saw you in the river, we thought you might be someone else. How did you happen to fall in? I didn't fall in. I was trying to swim my horse across, and I slipped from the saddle. But why should you try to do such a thing? Because I wanted to get to the other side. Oh, I see. You didn't mean it, did you? About the time. I've been trying to forget that mess ever since I noticed it. But you're an outlaw. The only reason you saved me was to keep me prisoner. You called me for ransom. Oh, on this call. I'm not local. I've been out here long enough to know what the west is like. Cruel, ruthless. There isn't a man out here who can be called a gentleman. Even when they don't wear a mask and carry guns like you, there's murder in their hearts. I saw a man shot down in cold blood in Abilene. Now they're trying to... Trying to what? You may be one of them. Of course you are. You never had any intention of taking me home. Yes. You said yourself that was impossible. I mean to... Oh, I... I didn't tell you where I was staying, did I? Not yet. My father and I were stopping at the Powers Ranch. Emily Powers Ranch? Yes. We're the guests for son Duncan. I thought he was in the east. He has been. Isn't he the president of the New Southern Railroad? Don't fool yourself. There'll never be a southern railroad. There's been a lot of talk about it. It doesn't matter to you, does it? Oh, not directly. This part of the country needs a railroad, though. It'll mean a lot, Miss Development. We'll start for the ranch as soon as you're ready. Please. It isn't a trick, is it? You will take me back even if you are an outlaw. Oh, you make a big mistake. I have no money with me, but will we get to the ranch after? There's no need for that. Here, Silver, just count. It's only 10 miles along the river. You'll be there in less than an hour. Here, I'll help you into the saddle. There's no need for you to come down. This is as good a place as any for our camp. No, count or not, no. We think maybe better we camp close to ranch. You may be right. You run slow. Me clean up here, Pronto. Catch up with you. All right, Kimosabi. You'll find us on the river trail. Come on, Silver. There's where I tried to cross the river by the big pine. Wasn't wise of you to be riding alone so late at night. If you must know I, I followed my father. I think he'd tell you the same thing. No, Mrs. Powers would. Never mind, Mrs. Powers. The fire's out now. What fire? It was over there on the other side. I could see the men around it. Was your father one of them? I couldn't be sure. That's what I wanted to find out. There were men around? Why didn't they help you? Because I didn't call for help until I thought I was drowning. Did you think you could swim back to shore? At first. And afterwards, you were a long way from the campfire. I wouldn't have... Wouldn't have called for help from those men? Masked men. If you could see them, would you tell those men? Masked men. If you want money, I'll pay you. I promise that you won't get into trouble through helping me. I'm grateful after all you did to save my life, but... but I have nothing more to say. Very well. I hear them. Who feeds? Is it the Indian? No, it's someone riding tortoise. Quick. Can't we cut away from the trail? Why should we? You're wearing a mask and I recognize that horse. He's leading another. That's mine. Please, I don't want to meet that man. Why are you swapping? Well, if he has your horse, why shouldn't you ride it yourself? How? How he knows you. Oh, it's too late now, anyway. Well, are you all right? Yes, Mr. Powers, I'm fine. But how have you forgotten something? I'm sorry, Miss Carthage. You aren't Duncan Powers. You're Johnny, aren't you? It's right. Well, I'll be told. Now, don't go for your guns. This man saved my life and I promise he wouldn't get into trouble. Howdy, Miss Man. Hello, Johnny. I never was so glad to see anybody in my life. Oh, is there any chance you're sticking around for a few days? Of course. Why, uh, what's wrong? We better talk that over alone. Howdy! Well, it's Tonto. Howdy! Oh. Could you make camp right here? I'll take Miss Carthage up to the ranch and come back. Fine. Will you help me down, Miss Man? Surely. Well then, there you are. If you don't mind, Mr. Powers, I'll take my horse and ride back to the ranch by myself. Then you can stay here with your friends. I should have guessed you ran around without us. You watch your talk. What? When you came to stay with us, Ma made me promise to watch out for you every minute. I didn't like the job then, and I don't like it any better now. But you haven't got any more sense than a three-month-old care. Give me those rings. And tonight, she approved it. Trying to swim this river during the flood. I thought you knew I did that. I got eyes. You saw me? Just the same as. You were with those men. Was my father there? I don't know what you're talking about. I don't know where your pa is, and I don't care. He shows just about as much sense as you do. All I know is this. You ain't to be trusted by yourself. If I don't ride home with you, I might box my ears, and it'll serve me right, too. Do you remember what I said, Mass Man? There isn't a gentleman in the whole west. Get up there. I'll see you later, Mass Man. Get up there. There's more in Duncan, and the porch. Will. You all right? Yes, thank you. Just decided to go for a swim, that's all. You were down with the river? Yes. Did you get a curse? What did you know she tried there? Now, wait a minute. Before you say anything more, Duncan, I think the girl should be told. I'd rather you did it. Should be told what? My dear, did you know that your father slipped away from the house after supper? Yes. I saw him go. I followed him. I wish you'd told this. I didn't tell you because I don't trust you. None of you, please listen. When we realized the two of you were gone, Duncan and Johnny went to look for you. Johnny found you, and Duncan found your father. Found him? He was lying on the bank. Someone had shot him. You don't mean it. No. I'm sorry, my dear. We warned him there were outlaws around. If it was you who did it, you're the one to kill him. What do you say? Don't. Come inside. Take your hands off me. I had to argue in this afternoon. Dad wouldn't give your precious son any money for his railroad and so he killed him. You'll kill him. But you'll hang for it. Do you hear? You'll hang! Wait a minute. I guess it's all a mess, man. Your brother, Duncan, wanted Judd Crottage to finance the Southern Railroad. That's why he came out here. Put the country over and decide if he wanted to make the investment. That's right. I'm just getting things in order. You traveled all along with the proposed route with your brother. And for the past two weeks, you've been staying at your mother's ranch. Yeah. This afternoon, he refused to back the railroad. Tonight, he was killed. Oh, it's awful. You think your brother did it? No. No, he couldn't have. He denies it, of course. Of course. Nothing could shake the girl. It's like Duncan's saying, she's hysterical. Have you seen Cartage's body? Yeah, he was shot in the back. When was it that your brother found him? He said, I mean... Didn't he sound as if he were telling the truth? Sure he did. You know, you know when I met you and then? That was right here. Oh, yeah. I'm just not thinking. Well, Duncan found him three or four miles upstream from here. There's a turn in the river. It's wider, but even during flood season, it don't get so off of these. That's where we're riding, Johnny. You want to come with us? Well, you won't find any... Yes, I know. Your brother took him back to the ranch. But Toto may find something else. Are you with us? Yes, ma'am. I'm with you to the finish. Look, here came a hobby. Yes, Toto. You see difference in hope print? Yes. You notice it, Johnny? The other one's a clear. Judd Carthage rode down the bank and into the water over there. When his horse came out of the river here, he wasn't carrying a rider. You figured that he crossed the river and then came back, but he was shot just as he reached this side. That's it. And he was shot from the far bank. He couldn't have been shot from this one. Does that eliminate dirt? No, he could have been over there. And you sent for the sheriff, haven't you? One of the boys went. You ought to be here in a few more hours. Where are Judd's papers? The ranch, I suppose. Is there any way we could look through them tonight? I guess so. We gave them a room on the first floor to use as an office. I suppose they're in there. Oh, how about your mother and your brother, Miss Carthage? Are they still up? Maybe not. We could ride to the ranch and see. That's our next move. You're not across the river. Not yet, Toto. I want to look at those papers before the sheriff gets here. Hold him, Silver. Come on, get out of there. Light on the second floor, Johnny. That's in Hill's room. Leaving her horses at the car. I hope she couldn't have heard us light up. If we're quiet, I don't think anybody will come down. Let's go. He's on the desk. Someone's been going through them. Yeah, it looks like it. Might have been Nell. I heard her asking for her father's keys, just as if it was starting for your plan. Look out, King of Puppies. Up with your head. Nell. If anyone moves, I'll shoot. Paul's on the first act of our Lone Ranger story. Before the next exciting scene, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Nell Carthage stood in the doorway of the room her father had used as an office. He leveled a gun at the Lone Ranger, Tonto and Johnny. What are you doing in here? Put down that gun, Nell. Answer me. But trying to find out who killed your father. I know who killed him. It was Duncan Powers and you three helped him. Put down that gun, Nell. No. No, Johnny. I'd shoot and I made it. Let me have it. That's better. I'll just throw it over on the desk. I hate you. It was quite a wallet. But you don't hate me, Nell. Right about everything, don't you? I'll take it easy, kid. I may not amount too much, but I'm standing by you. Against your own brother? I can't believe you did it, Nell. But if it did, then you'd have to pay for it. What's going on down here? It's Jericho. But what's that mask man doing in my house? I think he's better explained, Johnny. Well, you've heard me talk about him more. He's a friend of yours? He's a Lone Ranger. A Lone Ranger? Remember how I told you about his save in my life in Dark City? Oh. Oh, yes, Johnny. Have you told him what's happened here? He's told me all he can, Mrs. Powers. Now, I wonder if you'll all sit down. He might be able to get this straightened out. There's only one way to do that. Please. Believe me, my dear. If there's anyone who can help us, it's the mask man. We must listen to him. Sit here. Now, then, what did Judd Cottage tell you this afternoon, Duncan? I heard him. He refused to put any money into the railroad. Did he? Not exactly. What is the model for that? He made a condition that was impossible. What was the condition? That if you're given a controlling interest, I've already sold 60% of the stock. There's only for 20% left. Couldn't you have bought back enough to give Cottage the interest he wanted? I refuse to do that. That stock was subscribed by people out here in the West. And that's where the controlling interest belongs. When the southern and westerners built, it isn't going to be kicked around the Wall Street. Oh, I see. Well, Cottage, did you know that your father was acting for someone else in this deal? Not until the night. I saw a letter over there. This one? Yes. But what are they? Did you notice there wasn't any signature? There's an initial down at the bottom. Can you think of any letter of the alphabet that looks like that? Well, you know how some people write. It isn't a letter. It's an arrow. Black arrow. And we happen to know what it means. Did your father have a black arrow tattooed on his wrist? I know. You're sure? He didn't. And he was only working as their agent. He may not have known what he was letting himself in for, but now he's found out. What are you talking about? Duncan, I take it you have a franchise and a subsidy from the government. Yes. Work has to start by the first of next year. And no one else can build a railroad over the route you propose if you do start work. That's right. Well, said Cottage was given two months to get control of your rights. That two months was up to date. How do you know? Another paper I found. Here. Well, I believe he's a wrapping paper. It has today's date on it. Read what's underneath. Well, it's hard to make out that the last day we'll be waiting across the river tonight. Do you remember those men you saw around the campfire? Yes. Your father went over and met them just as he was told. He had to admit that he'd failed. They let him get across the river again and then they shot him. Why did they do that? It was only something to do with business. They knew too much. These papers prove it. Please, Ms. Cottage. You want them? Yes. I'm going to put them all back in this strong box. The box is going to Washington. To Washington? But not before it catches your father's killer. What's that? He must know that Judd Cottage had papers such as these. You've got to get them or destroy them. We're lucky he hasn't been here yet. Do you mean to say the murderer will come here tonight? He wouldn't take a chance on waiting longer than that. Doug, it's hard to understand, somehow I know the map, ma'am, telling the truth. Can you forgive me? That's all right, Dave. Forget it. Haven't I better call up some of the boys from the bunkhouse and put a guard around the place? We want to catch the killer. We don't want to scare him away. You're going to let him walk right in here? I wonder if you'll try that. He wouldn't dare. He might. After all, we don't know who he is. Gives me the creeps. What if he doesn't come for the papers? Are we going to let him get away? We'll wait until the morning. By that time, the sheriff should be here. We'll make sure the papers are safe, and then we'll pick up the trailer of the killers across the river. Couldn't some of the boys do that now? I'm almost sure their latest trailer's on this side. Let's wait until morning, Johnny. Kimotami, somebody right up outside. Oh, my goodness. That's one horse. We'll see who it is. What time is it now? Four o'clock. It might be the sheriff. I doubt it. I've got an awful feeling when we open that door, we'll see the killer. I never heard of such nerve. Listen to him knocking. Well, after all, I'm on you. Hello. Good morning. Oh, Mask Man, that's all right. He's a lone ranger. Who are you? A lone ranger. Say, I've heard an awful lot about you, Mask Man. Where's that horse you ride? It's silver. He's down at the corral. I see you're wearing a star. Oh, yeah, yeah. I'm Jim Truman. That doesn't mean anything to us. I wonder Mike saw his deputies. You mean to say that Mike didn't bother to come himself? Didn't show he'd tell him there'd been a murder? Oh, Mike will be here, ma'am. I don't want to take any responsibility for a murder case. You see, I just happened to meet Shorty on the trail. He told me what had happened, so I figured I'd ride on here and see if there's anything I could do. The sheriff's in town. You can't expect him for another hour or two, not before it gets light. Well, I can't see where you're going to do us much good, but you might as well come in. Thanks, ma'am. The murdered man had some very valuable papers and we're expecting the killer to come and get them. Oh. What's the matter? He's in office of the law, isn't he? Shouldn't he be told, nice men? I don't see why not. Don't be so nervous, Johnny. If you don't look out, you'll get me that way. Oh! What's the matter? We left the box all by itself, and you have a long way to go. Mrs. Howard, I have the lamp. I thought to make sure a window and room lock. I saw you, Kimosabi. Never mind. It's all right. It's right where we left it. So that's where the papers are, huh? Yes. Well, you folks look as if you needed some sleep. You want me to stay here and guard them? That's a suspicious remark. Is it? No. I guess it isn't. Was it mess men? Not very. But you don't understand, Jim. I don't think any of us would be able to sleep tonight. We might just as well settle down here and take things easy. That's a good idea. Just sit down and put out the light. Do we have to do that? Do you want to give him a chance to get close, Mrs. Powers? Oh. Well, we'll find a chair. Now you can blow it out now. Just a second. Perhaps you two ladies would better go upstairs. Not me. I'd rather stay here too. You might be safer. I'll feel a lot safer in the same room with you. Blow out the lamp, Nell. All right. Well, let's be quiet. As quiet as we can. Oh, Nell and I are going to get married. Be quiet, didn't you hear the mess, ma'am? What was that you said? Yes, Mrs. Powers. All right. Oh, Nell, I'm... I'm so glad. When did you decide to... Just now. He just asked me. Well, if Johnny's around, sure. I must tell you, he'd never give it up, and you don't like the rest. Of course. I could learn to like it. And I like Johnny. He's all right. He needs a little payment down. That's all. You can do it. Aren't you going to congratulate me, dunk? Yes. Jim's ruined. What are you doing? Just looking out the window here. Do you see anything? No. Is there any sign of light in the east? The darkest pitch. Oh. Good to hear your voice, ma'am. You've been so quiet. I didn't know whether you were here or not. He's been quiet like we all should be. Oh, dear. It's nothing, Mrs. Powers. Jim or the match. Did you have to do that, Jim? I was only like one of these new friends in the cigarette. Don't you realize they could see that match outside? Such a small light. It wouldn't be noticed unless someone were looking for it. Like that? All right, sir. All right, sir. Like that lamp, Johnny. What? Hurry up. You better do as he says. Sure. You're all covered. Stay right where you are. The killer did come for the papers. Yes, he did, and he'll get them, too. You admit you killed Judd Carthage? What if I do? That's not going to help you any. In just a second, the two boys are with me. They'll be arriving up outside. Are they members of the Black Arrow, too? They're still trying to find on board what's good for you, huh? There they are. Yeah, I'm taking this box, and I'm handing out the window to them. There's enough to box here until you open the window. It's locked. Remember, you have to keep us covered. Simple enough to drop the box. Excuse me, hand free. I didn't think you were smart enough to figure that out, Jim. Oh, you didn't, huh? Think you've got a core of all the brains in the West? I just wanted to point out that you haven't noticed that... Well, your brains won't be any good now, see? Grab a hold, boys. Here comes the papers. All right. You got it? Give me a minute. Before I go through this window, masked man, I'm going to put a bullet through every one of this room. The last one is yours, mister. The finish of this game is going to be the best part of it. Are you sure you'll have enough to go around? I've got six. That's more than enough. There are only five of us here. Five? Tonneau left some time ago. You'll reach for a study. That sounds like he has your men covered. What, sir? Am I right? I'm not looking. I'm going to give it to you for the last time. Oh! Stop the gun right out of his hand. Get it, Johnny. Right. Put it aside, Duncan. Give Tonneau a hand with those men out there. I sure will. Here's a rope that'll do for this one. Oh, my goodness. I almost told him Tonneau was gone. Then it was afraid he'd notice it every second. Oh, I wasn't worried. Well, I was. Would that draw the masked man's guard? He could have caught him off guard when he first picked up the box. It was better to wait. Now we have a full confession. We'll turn him over to the sheriff as soon as he gets here. No, Johnny. Tonneau and I are leaving at once, and we're taking these men with us to Fort Griggs. To the fort? I can't explain, but they're wanted for more than murder. When the letters go to Washington, these men will go with them. Just as Dong was breaking, the lone ranger and Tonneau raced across the Great Plains to the east with their prisoners. All day they rode until at last the walls of the old fort could be seen in the sunset glow. Tonneau made camp outside while the masked man delivered Jim and his henchmen to the colonel. All right, sergeant. To the guardhouse with them. One, one. I'm sealing the lock on this box, Colonel. Good. You have the key and you'll send it with your letter. But aren't there any of these papers you can use? The men they mention are all in the east, up to Washington to investigate. I see. What are your plans, then? Tonneau and I are heading west. I wonder. You seem to be worried. I am, masked man. You see, I sent a detail out on a hunting expedition over a week ago, where badly needed fresh meat. Yes. So far I've had no word from them, but I've had another message. Breed Latham is out in that country. Breed Latham and his whole gang. Oh, I see. My men should be warned, but I haven't another scout here at the fort. You sent one with them? Yes. His name is Laramie. But there's no one else who could pick up their trail and find them. Of course, I know your business is... Right now, my business is Breed Latham. I'm on my way. Breed is dangerous. There's no telling how many men there are with him. You can depend on Tonneau to find the trail, Colonel. Of my boys, you mean? Yes. Let's hope Breed doesn't find it first. Hold, Silver! Hold, Silver! Breed is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.