 A fiery horse with a 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 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 a great horse silver, the Lone Ranger rides again. Lone Silver, I'm going home. I'm going home. The blade had a grim expression on his cruel face when he came from his ranch house. He slammed the door in anger. There was purpose in his steps as he walked through the moonlight across the hard packed earth between the house and the bunk house. His mouth was compressed to a hard line and his hands were clenched into fists. The cowhands saw the expression on Hawke Slade's face and lost interest in their poker game. They grew silent, waiting for the boss to speak. Slade's icy gaze centered on a youthful cowhand who had not been in the poker game. You. You mean me, Mr. Slade? I mean you. Come here. Yes, sir. You heard that to me a month ago. That's right. You said your name was Jack Burton. I, uh... Well... You lied. Well, look, Mr. Slade... Your name is Brad Whitman. Oh, I don't... Come here to spy on us. I'll wait, Mr. Slade. Go to that Whitman's grandson. He planted you here to find out her plans. You're a sneak and spy and here's what I think of you. If you don't like being slapped, go for your gun. Here, your crew to back you play. No, Slade. You aim to shoot me, you'll have to do it without my slapping with it. Yeller. I'm not giving you the chance to call itself defense. How long do you think you'd get away with it? How'd you find out about me? The man from up north recognized you and told the barkeep in town. The barkeep told me. Oh. That's because he wasn't raised on these parts. Nobody would know you, eh? Now that you know who I am, I reckon you won't want to be paying me wages. Get my duffel and clear out... You were... You think you'll leave him this outfit? Well... You must think I'm a fool. Slade, what I think of you is worse than that. You come here and hire out under a thick name. You work for me for a month. You get a chance to poke around and find out things. And now you got the notion after all of that, I'm just going to let you right out of here to tell Jeff what you learned, eh? Well, I guess again. Are you saying I can't leave? That's just what I'm saying. What you've learned won't help Jeff one bit. You're keeping me prisoner? Grab him, boys. Time up. Now, wait. Let me go, wait. He's hard to handle. Get him on the handle. Yeah, that got him. Now, put ropes on him. The Grand Tunnel guided their horses at a slow walk through the moonlight toward another ranch. There's Whitman Place Tunnel. Ah. You can't see much of it in the moonlight. It looks as if it's quite run down. That's right. Look at ridge of barn. Yes. The site much more would fall in. Notice the corral. That needs a lot of repairing, too. What matter with Whitman Ranch? The answer to that tunnel can be told in just two words. Hulk Slade. What him do? The last time I came through here, Whitman's Ranch was one of the finest outfits in the county. You were with me, Totto. Oh, you remember. Fine, fat cattle, good grazing, good building. Oh, plenty different now. We've been told the truth. Things are going to be much worse for Jeff Whitman. What happened to old fellow? Jeff was the first rancher to enter this valley. For years, his cattle had the entire valley to themselves. And like so many others of his type, Jeff didn't recognize the signs of changing times. What happened? Homestead laws were passed. Jeff didn't think they affected him until Hulk Slade arrived. What him do? Ladies men filed claims on the best parts of the valley. And these family? Jeff tried to fight. They found that the law was against him. He might have gotten along with other men, but not with Slade. So he came here determined to get the valley for himself. You nearly done it. Well, that's plenty bad. I have an idea that Slade's been too greedy. I'd like to find out if he stayed within the law. You think and crook? Yes, I do, Totto. You know, I'd hate to see Jeff go under. He's the kind of man the West needs. The West would be better off without Hulk Slade's kind. Right up, Totto. We'll stop here. Hold this. Leave our horses here among the trees, so the rest of the way to the house on foot. Ah. Look in the window. Oh, you see your old farmer? Yes. Old Jeff Whitman. The man is dismounting near the house. Huh? I heard a horse stop. Do you think it's Brad? Maybe he rode over from Slade's ranch. Who shakes a life? No, it can be Brad. He wouldn't wrap on the door. Well, I'll see who it is. Mr. Whitman, that's your name, isn't it? Yes. You don't know me, but I got to... I know you. Your name's Randy Simpson, and you work for Hulk Slade. That's right. I want to speak to you. Well, step right in. This is my wife. How do you do it, Mrs. Whitman? Oh, stick up your hands. What the... What's the idea, Whitman? I came here to tell you something. Because Hulk sent you, probably. Well, talk fast, then I'll ask questions. I did work for Hulk Slade, but I don't anymore. When I went to work for him, I didn't know what kind of a coyote he was. I needed a job, so I went to Slade's ranch and got one. I didn't know what was going on there. Let me explain. Come on, explain. I came here because I found out what kind of a pole cat Hulk Slade is. That sounds convincing. He wants to get rid of you so he can control this whole region. We know he does, and he'll try some underhanded way to do it. Your, uh, Granson got a job at his place to spy on him, didn't he? You know? Brad might have learned what Slade is scheming if his luck hadn't gone sour. Gone sour? Yes, they found out who he was. That's why I came here. I thought you ought to know about it. I came here to find out. To the ranch? No. I took him to a shanty just this side of Bullhide Creek. They're going to keep him there until just before sun up. And what? And they're going to take him to Echo Canyon. They're going to make it look like his horse slipped and went over the side. They're going to murder him. Jeff, you've got to do something. But how'd they find out that Brad was my grandson? He hasn't been in this part of the country for years. Never mind how they found out. What are we going to do about it? Go to your side from the second you say the word. I'd be down right glad to fight against that ornery scheming Theven Hawks Slade. I want to work for you when money don't count. All right. You're working for me from now on. Check your guns and be sure they're ready for action. Jeff, Jeff, what are you going to do? Do? Well, there's only one thing to do, mother. We're going over to Bullhide Creek and get Brad out of that shanty before daybreak. We'll do it. The lone ranger and the tonto had paused on their way to Jeff Whitman's house when they saw Randy ride up and go inside. They had heard the conversation through a slightly open window and then taken all the top speed. Yes, sir. Quick over that way, beyond the woods. That's the worst of it all. Be savvy. The masked man and his faithful Indian companion traveled on through the moonlight until they came to Bullhide Creek. They followed the creek downstream, raining up when they came within full view of a small cabin. Hello. Hello. Hello. Through the trees. Ah, we see a cabin. That's the one. There may be guns near by. We'll take it back behind the places guarded. You mind if I get them circled to the right to draw their attention to the guards? He bought a pistol ring but opened fire into the air. Ah, be savvy. The guards go to see about the shooting. I'll have a chance to get through to Brad. When we talk to him, we'll learn more about Hulk Slade. That's right. All right, get going. Hey, there. Hey, boy, easy. Make it easy. Briar, thank you. We'll wait until Tonto starts shooting. Hold some of that. Tonto's gunfire brought no response. No guards around the shack leaked to attention. There were no shouts of surprise. Those are the words back this week. When the masked man rained up in front of the shack, he realized for the first time that the dark place was apparently unguarded. But in this, he was mistaken. Bok and several of his men crouching low in the shadows, ignored the shooting, and concentrated all of their attention on the tall masked figure who stood in the moonlight. Say, Jake, there's something strange me funny about this. What do you mean, Hulk? Take a look at that pretty. He's big. Yeah. That horse he rode, the way he rode it. Looks to me like something's going wrong. Say, Jake, he's wearing a mask. What do you mean by that, boss? I don't know. He's examined in the muck on that door. Stand ready, Jake, and pass away to the other side. Pass the word along, boys. Stand ready. Brad Whitman. Are you in there? Right on the lock, this machine. That fix thing's just right, don't it, Hulk? Come on. We'll move up slow. Dark is the inside of a pocket. You're in here. Let me know where. You're gay. You kicked the floor. There was silver. Silver, what's wrong, boy? There's something going out there, and silver knows it. You got to go. Come on out of your hands, sir. Slade. Well, I'm in that door. I won't take it. Both can go both ways through this door. Well, this is to be a bit of a decision. We've got to finish up the surround that way. We can't get out without the reason. Where's Brad Whitman? That's something you'll never know. Curtin falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Ranger had reached the shack on Bullhide Creek ahead of Jeff Whitman and Randy Simpson. He was not greatly concerned about his safety when Hawke Slade's men trapped him in the cabin. He knew that Tonto was nearby and that Jeff Whitman and Randy were on their way. Hawke Slade and his men outside the cabin made hasty plans. Say, Hawk, we can get him out in a hurry if we set fire to the cabin. Don't be a fool, Jackie. I'll destroy all the evidence I set up. Where's that critter anyway? How do I know? What about his horse? Never mind his horse. You've always spread out and find the critter that came here with him. He's over there somewhere among the trees. You stay here with me, Jackie. All right. I'll deal with that gent inside. I can throw some shots at him. Stop it, Jake. Save your cottages. There's no use throwing lead through that door unless you can see what you're aiming at. Fire was heard by Jeff Whitman and Randy Simpson as they rolled through the woods approaching the shack. Rain up, Randy! Something going on up ahead there. Yeah. Seems like it. Randy, see those fellas in the moonlight? See that one with the broad shoulders? That's Hawke, isn't it? Maybe so. It is, I know it is. And they've been firing on Brad. They've been firing on my grandson. Dad, rat it out, show him. Hold it. Huh? Get your hands up, you old goat. I'll let you have it right here and now. What? Okay, Randy. What's the idea? I went to your place because Slade sent me there. He... he sent you? He was supposed to go and bust into that shack and give Slade course to shoot you. The law backs a man that shoots someone breaking into his property. Shoot me? You mean that Brad isn't in that cabinet at all? Of course not. He's hid away back near the ranch house. We'll need the unit or anyone else can find him. Why? Keep him up, Jeff. Keep him up. I've got to see what's going on down there. Seems like someone else busted into that shack ahead of you. You drop guns. What? Me take them. You will not. Oh! You bloody fool. You got him in the arm. This is flying. A me friend. Other friend in cabinet. Slade. Slade over here. Shut him up. Me fix him. Me stop him. The lone ranger heard the voice of Taunta in the distance. When he heard Hawk move away, he dashed in the cabinet and Leap described the great horse, Silver. Won't Silver? Hawk Slade's men were confused and so was Hawk Slade. Before anyone was aware of the masked man's sudden move, the lone ranger had reached Taunta among the trees. What's the matter, Matt? He's in there. Now let me get away from here. But who are you? David, Jeff. Now let him follow us. Sorry. Come on, Silver. Let's go. Get up. Safely away from Hawk Slade and the ambush he had planned, the lone ranger identified himself as a friend and declared his intention to try to find Brad Whitman. He outlined a plan while the old man nodded. Anything you say, Mr. I made a mistake in trusting Randy, but I reckon I'm not making no mistake in trusting you. Then we go to your house right away. Randy Simpson had recovered from Taunta's blow. His wounded arm was bandaged and then Hawk Slade asked questions. I'll tell you, I don't know nothing about it, Hawk. Who is that masked man? How do I know? Who is the Indian? Tell me that. We should get figured out. Your boy's got any ideas? Well, it's water over the damn hour. My plan fell through. What about Brad? What do you plan to do with him? He won't be found. Not where I've got him hidden. If I get your horses, boys, we'll get back to the ranch house. There's no use hanging around here. Meanwhile, at Jeff Whitman's home, the old man and his wife brought clothing from a chest and spread it out for the inspection of the lone ranger. Eh, that's all the clothing brought with him when he'd come from the North Country. Except, of course, what he took to the Slade range. Boots and britches, shirt bandana. You wear the same color shirt? Yes. All right, then this outfit will do. What are you going to do? We need a man to wear these clothes. How many men have you on the ranch, Jeff? About seven. That's a long way from the 25 men I used to have. Yes, it is. No seven wouldn't be with us for the ones that are gone loyal. We haven't had pay for three months. I see. Which one of those men is the size of your grandson, Jeff? Well, I... You mean so as he can wear these clothes? Yes, they're much too small for me. Is there anyone else who could wear them? I reckon Sam could. That's right. Sam's just about Bradley's size. But how will that help us locate Brad? I'll tell you all about it later, Jeff. All right, now we've got to find Sam. I want to get to Hawk Slade's ranch house by daybreak. It was just before dawn when the lone ranger and tanto accompanied by old Jeff and the cowboy called Sam wore Brad's clothing, reigned up not far from Hawk Slade's ranch house. The home's already breaking over in the east. Sam, you keep an eye on that ranch house. When it's light, you'll be able to see tanto and me. When you wave your hand, it's my move. That's right. Hold on, tanto. And I'm up to scouting. What's more, a coffee or an beer? I don't mind if I do. I hope you don't hold it against me. You mean about that mask man showing up last night to sport our plans? Since last night, Randy, I've got another idea. Yeah? What's that? Maybe he'd like to swap his ranch for the kid. You mean... I mean, give him a boy alive if he has a sign over the man. About Thunderhawk it would. I know it would. One thing. What's that? Brad is turned free. He can go to the law with what he knows about you. You don't savvy all my plan. What I'll do is this. I promise to let Brad go if Whitman makes over his property to me. But once he's signed it over, he can go and whistle. You... him to kill, Brad? We've got to. He knows too much about me. You sure he does? Yeah. Yeah, he can prove that we stole considerable cattle from old Jeff. He can prove we forged a few names to build a sail and me. That's not all. Seems like that's enough. Hey, listen to this. He knows that me and four of my boys are wanted for that train stick up in Kansas. He does. Yeah. I had a handbill about that, describing us somehow or other. He found that handbill. It was in his gear. You'll have a time disposing of a dead man, won't you? Hey, man. We'll dig a hole in the root cellar where we've been holding them prisoner. Glad you're mad. What do you have there? I'll go. Well, hi, Randy. What do you want? Just came to bring this cash to you. Old Jeff was downright pleased. What are you talking about? You know what I'm talking about, Randy? Brad was downright grateful too. These are his clothes. They're given to me just for bringing this cash to you. What's that? Look here, I don't know what you're talking about. I didn't see Slade over there. Let me see that cash. I'll see you here. Wait, hold on. A hundred bucks. Oh, there. Oh, there, Mr. Slade. Well, that's just a gambling debt. Yeah. Well, that's a lie. Old Jeff's grateful, huh? You got Brad's clothes. Boss, wait. Give them both of it. You two. Well, now, wait. Hold on a minute. I thought you double-crossed me last night when that masked man showed up, Randy. Then you got me thinking different. But now, by some time... I didn't double-cross you, boss. I swear I didn't. Give me that gun. I'll take yours. Now, see here. Let me explain. You already explained, and I heard it. Need any help, boss? No, I can take care of these two. You lead the way, Simpson. Over to the root cellar. If you think I'll let Brad out, Jeff... There's his clothes. What more do you want? I'll get walking. Give me a gun out of the root cellar. He got out himself. I didn't let him out. No one else could. No one else was down there. No one else knew where he was hid. Root cellar won't be empty long. They spoke of digging a grave there. If the place is empty right now, you two can start digging. When you're through digging, you can start occupying. That's far enough than we are. Gersh, you made a fool play this time. You got to listen to me, boss. It's a trick, I tell you. They're just trying to frame me. Open that door. Go on, open it. Open it wide and get down the stairs. Hurry up. I'm opening it. Go on. Get down, man. Pull this leg. It's a mask, man. You! It's a trick. I got him. Look over there. Jeff, I already see him come now. Well, there, Brad. I don't know how this happened, but that's never taken our sure aim to accept problems. You were down there. I told you it was. Put the clothes. Extras. Brad, your grandpa said I could have this outfit. Whatever grandpa said is all right with me, Sam. Did you get what you came here for, Brad? If you're talking about evidence about this pack of crooks, I sure did. There's a horse for you, Brad. We've got a high tail at fast. Slade's men are on the way. We'll get away. That's more than you'll do, Slade. He's wanted for train robbery and murder and so are some of his men. The law will close in before he can get far. Come on, Brad. Hit the saddle, Slade. Slade, we've got to get away somehow. Yeah. How far do you think we'll get? Look over there. Come on, Brad. There come Slade's ranch hands. Ranch hands? I wish they were. Don't worry, Jeff. Those horsemen are with the United States Marshal. I'll deliver the message to him during the night. Where are the ranch hands? Where are the boys? By this time, I think the Marshal has them all in custody. Well, there you are, Marshal. There's a couple of prize crooks for you to take. That makes it complete. Wait till you hear what I can tell you about the armories around this place. You can tell us while we're putting ropes on Slade and Randy Simpson. And at the same time, tell us who's under that mask man is. That's good. Hello. Hey, wait. Come back here. I'll tell you who he is, Marshal. He's the Lone Ranger. There it is, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.