 with a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty high of silver! The Lone Ranger! Before this exciting adventure, a word from our sponsor. General Mills, makers of Cheerios, the ready-to-eat Oats cereal that gives you go-power, and Wheaties, the breakfast of champions, present by special recording, The Lone Ranger! When boys line up to run a race, galloping gardens set for pace, he comes in first because he knows he's got go-power from Cheerios! Yes, he's got go-power! And so will you! Once you're eating Cheerios every breakfast, you'll say that Cheerios taste simply wonderful too. They're already cooked, shaped like little round-o's, and just full of good toasted oat flavor. Pour out a big bowlful, add fresh milk and pitch in. You can almost feel the go-power. For a Cheerios breakfast is one of the finest ways you can get the vitamins, proteins, and minerals your body needs. A bowl of Cheerios and milk really starts your day right. Helps give you the good red blood, strong bones, and muscles. Go-power! You'll get it from Cheerios! Try it, and folks will say... He's feeling his Cheerios! With his faithful Indian companion title, 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 come the thundering hoofbeats of the Great Horse Silver, the lone ranger rides again! Come on, you still there? Let's go before... I am still there! The first half of the 19th century saw the beginning of expansion into the West. Nature, Indians, and wild beasts had been conquered, but there remained abandoned gangs and outlaws, men who lived by the gun and preyed on fellow men, men like East Lassivir, who led one of the strongest gangs, down on a long train of freighting news. The freight train out of St. Joe was heavily loaded with mining machinery and equipment. A cargo would have meant much in the development of a community, but Lassivir's gang planned otherwise. A week and a half since the engine plunged into the bottom of the canyon, and all the heavy cars went after. Lassivir's gang was waiting at the bottom of the canyon. Move in, boys! You know what to do if you find any survivors! It was heavily loaded with lumber and building materials to be sent overland from the Missouri city, but it never reached its destination. Lassivir's gang struck when the riverboat touched Harper's Landing. Hey, Fars, it looks like you can't stand up. Ellie, you can't stand, you can't travel! There's no room in my den for triples. Lassivir, you... Well, Fars has just dropped out of our gang. But Fars, you didn't give Alex dance. I'd put a mercy bullet into the head of a horse with a broken leg. Why shouldn't I do the same for Alex? After the attack, the charred remains of the steamboat and its cargo drifted downstream together with an assortment of wreckage. The low-ranger and toddler were on the riverbank, watching the grim procession. Another attack, Tutto. Must be plenty big gang. Tutto during the past few months, there have been a number of raids on railroad, wagon trains and freighters. That's right. Every case the attackers were more interested in destruction than in fever. They take guns and ammunition. A few things crooks can use, but they concentrate on the destruction of materials for expansion of buildings, business and industry. I think...Tutto, look. Ah, man, look downstream. Face down in the water. Intent. The current is bringing the body close to shore. I think I can reach it. I'll wait out a couple of yards here. Give me your hand. I have it. That road makes me very heavy. In shock and sight ahead. Another bullet broke his leg. Let's see if it's anyone we... Tutto. I know who this man is. His name was Al Kurtz. Me hear that name. Him bad man. His pictures on hand-builds all over the country. Maybe him and gang that raid steamboat. That's true. I can name the leader of that gang. Lasseter. That's right. Lasseter. Kurtz never made a move that wasn't ordered by his boss. Get a blanket, Tutto. Ah. And what do we do? We'll wrap this body and leave it here, while you go into town and report to the sheriff. Why are you going? Tutto, I want to know more about Ace Lasseter. And there's just one way to get the information. Before I act, I want to see our friend, the Padre. I'm going to start at once for his mission. Me join you there? Yes. When Tutto went into the sheriff's office, he saw a hand-bill on the wall. He pointed to this and said, That fella. Him one we find in river. Well, Kurtz, eh? That's right. Well, this calls for special handling. We've had orders from Washington, D.C. as to what we should do with any leads on the gang that hit the riverboat. Wait here, engine. I've got to get to the telegraph office. Here, chief. A telegram from a small town on the Missouri River. The sheriff's message was delivered to the head of a special bureau appointed by the president to aid in the expansion of the West. Well, Kurtz, eh? So he's dead. Yes. I've been waiting for something like this. Glad you'd speak to Martin and ask him to come to my office immediately. Yes. In the meantime, the lone ranger had reached a little mission and joined his friend, the Padre. My son, never before have I seen you wear an expression of such great concern. Never before a Padre have I faced a situation like this. You have heard of Ace Lasseter. And who has not? You have heard of the many recent attacks from wagon trains, railroad steamships. Great prejudice. As Lasseter's been. I've heard of the many recent attacks from wagon trains, railroad steamships. Great prejudice. Yes, Lasseter's behind them. Indeed. You have the power of an organization, Padre. Even the men with him are fighting change. They're opposed to progress. But why are they doing that? Their own greedy selfish interests are best served. The West remains unchanged. They know that if this country develops and becomes more civilized, there'll be more law and order. Now, they don't want that. They want things to remain just as they are. With small towns isolated, an easy prey for outlaw armies. They don't want each town to expand and to be connected by good roads. Railroads and telegraph lines for every other town. That's why they're opposed to progress. That's why they're destroying everything that might develop this country. My son, you may be right. I think you are. But what can be done? I'm going to join Ace Lasseter's gang and try to work against him from the inside. That is great danger. That's why I came to you. This mission may be my last. If I'm unmasked and my body is found, as an outlaw member of Lasseter's gang, you will know what to do. Your grave shall be alongside that of your brother and the brave Texas Rangers who died with him. Thanks, Padre. Now, let us pray that your courage may remain steadfast, no matter what may come. It was one hour later when the masked man, followed by the Padre, came from a mission and stood beside his great horse, Silver. Refreshed both physically and spiritually, his eyes held a light of courage as he tightened the sink. Oh, one last request, Padre. Yes, my son. Father will come here, keeping with you until you hear from me or about me. This is a job I'm attending alone. I understand. I shall pray for your safe return but if this is not to be... It will be up to Tato to take care of Dan Reed. Ready, Silver? Ready to be floated. Also, love each the Padre. One, two, three! Oh, the girded knight's road forced to battle. We'll continue our lone ranger adventure in just a moment. All over the country in every direction How you, how you do it in the past, and here on the haphazard happy people have to say Oh, we did that. We do, do, do. And okay, okay, okay. Sure enough. Take Midwestern champions, for instance. When Bobby Feller takes the mound, the outfield boys sit on the ground. That Wheaties pitching leaves them there watching batters fan the air. And when we name our Wheaties crew, Big Ted Klususki's in there too. He'll face those hurlers day or night and knock them down. He'll come back one night and knock their fastballs out of sight. Bob Feller and Ted Klususki both know that Wheaties' magic. There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties' flake. Wheaties, breakfast of champions. Keep body to your Wheaties and you will do, do, do. And okay, okay. Now to continue. When the undercover man, William West, he brought carefully prepared hand-bills and circulars that would establish him as a notorious outlaw. Aided by good luck, he found Ace Lasseter's gang with him a short time and became accepted as a probationary member. The Lundranger was less than a mile away at the bottom of the canyon that bordered Lasseter's camp. A disguise had been applied to his face. He was about to change into other clothing when a sharp voice spoke from behind a nearby rock. Get him off. How are you? You can call him back. I'm Rhino. There's a couple other boys coming you from the ledge up above. You are members of Ace Lasseter's outfit. You're just the man I want to see. Yeah? Yeah. I heard Lasseter was taking in new members. That's the case. Wait a minute, mister. What are you doing here? Looks like he was fixing to change clothes, eh, Rhino? What's this, a mask? Well, of course. Now, if you'll give it to me, I'll put it in my saddlebag with it. No, mister, don't make any more moves. Just keep your hands at shoulder level. Pick up his gun belt back. All right. These are downright handsome guns. Oh, it's a matter. Rhino, these cartridges are silver. Silver? You were fixing to join our gang, eh? What about it? I've heard of a gentleman who uses silver bullets and he wears a mask like that when you're laying on the ground and he rides a white horse. Yeah, he's uncovered, Rhino. I'll get his horse. Here you go. Come here. Go on, silver. Come on. Come back here. Come back, you critter. Go on, silver. Go on. Shut up. The long ranger slumped to the ground when Bat struck him cruelly with a barrel of his six-gun. When he recovered consciousness, silver was nowhere to be seen. But Bat and Rhino and several other men waited in grim silence. As soon as you can stand, we'll take you to the boss who has to stay. The long ranger felt reasonably sure that he had completed the disguise on his face before the capture by Lasseter's men. But now it didn't seem to matter. He knew when he faced Ace Lasseter that his life was measured in minutes. So this is the long ranger, eh? No doubt about it, boss. He laid his side to his mask and he was about to change into other clothes. There they are. They brought him along. And here's his gun belt with the silver bullets. What about his horse? No way. So you're the long ranger, eh? I've heard a lot about you. Haven't you, Martin? Yes, I have. A man no one ever saw without his mask. Take a good look, Lasseter. I am. I suppose you know what's coming to you. I'll have the satisfaction of knowing that I died for a worthwhile cause. Martin, I've changed my mind about your test. Instead of waiting, you can take the test right now. Kill the long ranger. Now? Why not? Give me his gun belt. You heard me, let's have it. Be sort of fitting to let the long ranger be killed with one of his own silver bullets. Yeah. I like that touch. All right, keep your hands up, mister. Walk ahead of me over to the edge of the cliff. I'll let you have it so your body will fall into the water down below. Save us the trouble of digging a grave. Is that all right with you, Lasseter? That's all right. Get going. We'll be watching you from here. All right, start walking. It was about 100 yards to the edge of the 20-foot drop. During the walk, the long ranger moved two paces ahead of Martin and held his hands at shoulder level while he thought of many things. He wondered about his great horse, Silver, that he had last seen at the place of his capture less than a mile away. And he wondered about the man who had been delegated to shoot him. Martin, Martin, what are you saying? But I remember you, Markman. You're no outlaw who says I'm not. Two years ago, you were a federal agent. I hope you're still one. Are you working undercover here to get this gang? How do you know me? We used to be good friends. I doubt that. I don't forget a face. You haven't seen my face. What? I disguised it before I was captured. Now, you want me to take another step over the edge of the canyon? Or wait here until you shoot. It's only a 20-foot drop. The water's deep. You'll break your flaw. You'll kill me. Can you smash Lassiter's gang? I hope to. Plenty to attack the Cheyenne warehouse in Saturday. I'm going to try to slip away from on Friday night and get the soldiers in Fort Laramie. You've got to succeed, Martin. I'd like to know who you are. Something familiar about your eyes. Shape your chin. This guy doesn't hide that. I was with you when you were wounded by the Cavendish gang in Texas. Wait. Wait a minute. No, no, it can't be. I'm a stranger by the name of Reed, the younger brother of the captain. Martin, you're the only man accepting Tonto who knows my identity. Just one thing, Martin, before you shoot. I have a nephew, my brother's son. His name is Dan. Yes. Help Tonto prepare that boy for the future. His generation must carry on after our work is done. The next thing you do... Martin, talk fast in low voices. Meanwhile, Lassiter and his gang watching the two men a hundred yards away were becoming impatient. Hey, Martin, we've waited long enough. Let that critter have it or we'll do the shooting for you. That you and Ryan will get your rifles ready. Right, Roy. Martin doesn't shoot in five seconds, you two open fire. And shoot Martin as well as the lone ranger. Martin's going to shoot. That's it. Blast of the lone ranger right over the ledge. For a minute, I thought he was bagging out. He's looking down into the ravine. Make sure of him, Martin. Firing three more shots after the man who had disappeared over the edge of the ravine, Martin crossed the guns and gun-belt into the canyon, then turned on his heel and rejoined Lassiter. Plans went ahead for the attack on the warehouse at Cheyenne. Ace Lassiter sent out his scouts who brought back reports that pleased the leader. On Friday night, firearms were inspected and final orders given. You, Martin, well, stay with me. Rhino back. Yeah, boss. Stay close, keep an eye on Martin. What's the idea? I'm taking no chances, that's all, Martin. You might get the idea that you could get a nice reward and a pardon for your past crimes by sneaking off to tell about our plan. You think I'd double-cross you like that? I'll be more sure of you when I see how you act on your first big job with it. Till then, we're watching you. Martin didn't sleep that night. He lay awake, waiting, watching and hoping for a chance to get away as he had planned and tell the soldiers at Fort Laramie about Ace Lassiter's army of destruction. But his hopes were futile. Bath and Rhino took turns sleeping. One was always awake and watching with a gun held ready. Early morning, found the outlaws on the moon. Martin was forced to ride at Ace's hide with Bath and Rhino right behind. There's a warehouse straight ahead. Watch and see. That's what I'm having, Martin. I mean, shoot him. I mean, shoot him! You're missed! He's no fire on us. I'll get him. Wasn't I the way you've been acting? You could have hit that one. You'd better play straight on this job and become some of the townsman. Put him on the double! The outlaws put their horses and dash to the warehouse. They reigned in fast. Each man watched over the site. Some opened fire on the approaching townsman. Others smashed lock from the warehouse doors and prepared to go inside to start the fire. Bath and Rhino stayed close to Martin and Ace last for their... Use that gun, Martin. I've been watching it. Oh, soldier! And that's the man in the lead. And White Hawk. What? It's a low leaf! You bet it is. These bringing troops to get you. You didn't kill him. Why, you double-clothed? The army's spreading out at a surrounder. We gotta clear out. I got one thing to do. Oh! That's for you, Martin. For a double-clothed one. We gotta ride hard. We're being circled. Every man firms up! The outlaws had no chance to escape. Before they could modern-wide, the soldiers had swept around in a tight circle to surround Ace last-for-their-grand. Many of the outlaws fell. The rest threw down their guns and held their hands high and surrendered. The long wings were quickly spotted, Martin, and rushed to the side of the dying secret agent. Hold it, hold it, hold it! Martin! I'm glad you made it. Let's see that room. No, no, no use. I'm going. My job was done when I passed the word of the attack to you and let you get away. I owe my life to you, Martin, but that doesn't mean much. It's what you did for the nation that counts. I just shot you right, hoping you'd fall into the deep water where you'd have a chance to live. I didn't think you could reach the soldiers in time. I found Silver. I went downstream to the place where I'd been captured. Silver was waiting there. But you, Martin, your wounds left me... No, you can't help me. I'm done for. You carry on. I'd train someone to carry on in your place in the 20th century. Dan Reid will meet the 20th century as a man. His generation will be heard from. Great things lie ahead for this nation in the future. Great tests of strength and courage. America will meet those tests, Martin, as long as there are men like you. No, no. Men like you, Reid. Crusaders. Men with courage to fight all odds. Men who won't let selfish interests and greed stand in the way of conquest. Your kind will help me, Martin. We'll see this country to the threshold of the 20th century. Then a new kind of fighting man will carry the load. We'll see the West made safer industry. Boys of today will be the men of the next century. There are leaders among them. Pioneers will build great cities, mills and factories in the West. Men who will make America a nation that will set the pace for a new world. I see them, Reid. I see them marching to the future. Marching over broad highways where the first trails were blazed by. Long Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Long Ranger Incorporated, is produced by Trenville Campbell Muir Incorporated. The part of the Long Ranger is played by Brace Beemer, your announcer, Fred Boy. Listen to the Long Ranger brought to you by Special Recording Mondays through Fridays at this same time.