 A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust in the heart of Ohio Silver, the Lone Ranger. In the early western United States, but with the railroad came an army of confidence men who tried to rob the pioneers of their property and savings. They found an opponent in the masked rider of the planes, however, who was more than a match for them. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoofbeach of the Great Horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver! We're heading for Pecos! This old Missouri Mustang Mags foreman was for the first time in his life receiving a great deal of attention. The kind of attention he had long been convinced he deserved had always been denied. Two strangers to old Missouri had struck up an acquaintance at the bar, and now all three were seated like old friends at one of the tables. Well, Albert, long as this is the last thing we're going to have, let's make it a toast. Sure, to what? We'll break this into the squares, bravest and smartest cattlemen ever to sit the saddle in the Lone Star State of Texas. We'll drink it to the next share for Pecos County. To make it short, we'll drink to Missouri. Cooper, I'll join you in that gladly. Ha, ha, ha! Oh, now, silly! Missouri? I reckon you ain't got the least notion how you talked about and looked up to, and I don't mean just here in Texas. Ha, ha, ha! No, sirree! Why, there's folks west of the Mississippi that know your name who couldn't tell you who to sitin' in the White House back east in Washington. I've asked folks if they'd heard of the Lone Ranger, and they've said no. Then I've asked them about old Missouri over to Pecos, and they've told me things you've done that you've likely forgot yourself. So, Missouri, that should explain why Cooper and me thought of you first off. After we'd been here long enough to see what this county needed was a real fightin' man for sheriff. You will take the office, won't you, Missouri? Fine, fine. I knew you would. I knew you was public-spirited enough to do your duty when you seen it. Just one thing, Missouri, what's your stand on rustlers and sets? Good for you. Come out four square like that during the campaign, and you'll get the voters behind you 100 percent. Sir, now, if you'll just sign this, Missouri, here's Penning. What? It tells you how to stand on law and order, and says you're willing to serve the people in this position of public trust. Put your name to it, sir, or folks won't believe a busy man like you would spare the time for the job. Thank you, Missouri. That's fine and dandy. Oh, no, no, no. I'll take it. Now, I've got somethin' to show folks when I tell them you're our candidate. Oh, I'm sorry, Missouri. What was he going to say? Nothing. Yeah? You know, James, I'll bet I'll make a right good sheriff at that. Although Missouri's new friends Cooper and Dabbitt constantly forecast a great majority in favor of Missouri for sheriff, the old fellow found on his return to Mustang Mag's ranch that there existed a powerful minority definitely opposed to him. This minority was Mustang Mag herself. You were sheriff? I could soon stuff a bag with hay and call it a sheriff. For a lawman, you'd be worth less than a pitchfork to shovel water with. While you're a worthless stove in... Adler in it? Adler in it? Thank you, Missouri. Old morsel horn without life enough left in it up and die. Who are these fellas anyhow? I never heard an old gents by their names in these parts of force. I ain't been here long. Cattleman? Uh-huh. Sound to me like they ain't got the sense needed to herd sheep. Told you what a great fellow you was, huh? Oh, I wouldn't say they missed the facts by so far. No fodderin' from here to the border? Well, I won't say you can't run for sheriff, Missouri. All I'll say is that if you do, you can draw your time and make tracks. I won't have my outfit to laugh and stalk at the county. If anybody's gonna act a fool around here, I'll do it myself. Now, how about that fellow from the railroad? What'd they say? Oh, God! That's what I forgot. I knowed it was somethin'. You've never seen him? Well, I got to talkin' with him, fellas. Well, there's only what in thunderation you're supposed to give you the day off to go to town for. I spent all last evening poundin' into your thick head the kind of terms you're to make. Because I can't spare the time to go to town myself for fixin' so you could sign the papers without me. Now, here you are, now the thing's been done. I'd like to wring your neck. Now, maybe the railroad won't even want to buy me timber. It'll be so disgusted to go somewhere else, and if it do, I won't blame him. Oh, that's foolish. What's foolish? Sayin' they won't buy your timber just cause I happen to forget. If they don't buy from you, Mag, where will they? Who else around here's got any? Well, you talk like timber grew on trees. Well, don't it? Ah, you know what I mean. If I do it's cause I don't pay any attention to what you say. All right, Missouri, you listen to me. I don't care if it is gettin' on to sundown. You're sadlin' up this minute, and you're dustin' pronto back to town. And you're findin' that railroad fella if it takes from now till cows grow feathers. You mean, without waitin' me? Missouri? Now, don't get hasty, Mag. I'm a-goin', I'm a-goin'. Wait. That is what? Look outside there. Slim just rode up. My landser do believe he's been shot. Shot? He's holdin' on to his arm. Here, Slim, get in here. What on earth is it? Ma'am, you can give me somethin' clean for rappin' up this place where I got drilled, and then you can give me my wages. Next outfit I work for to be where a fella's told what's goin' on. Because I get some clothes. Now then, Slim, just what you mean by that last? Ma'am, didn't you tell me in forgy to guard your timber? I did. With orders to run off anybody goin' in them woods without permission? I had to. That timber's gonna bring me cash. I couldn't take the chance somebody might say it afire. Then why didn't you tell us it was sold? Why'd you let us get in the gunfight with them fellas when they come to take over? What, sir? You heard me? Somebody claimed they bought that timber. Didn't they? They did not. Who were they? Well, that fella Cooper and his partner Abbott. Oh, wait, Mag. Something doggone funny about this. You think I don't know it? But if you didn't sell, where'd they get that deed signed by Missouri? Don't tell me they didn't have one, because I've seen it. Don't tell me Missouri never signed it, because I know his writing just like I know my own. Missouri! Missouri, I'm gonna ask you some questions. Don't act funny. Don't try to dodge them. Or I swear I'll laugh it so hard you'll be able to scratch the back of your neck with your front teeth. Nice, man. What was the name of them fellas wanted you to run for share? I told you. Then tell me again. Why, Mr. Abbott and Mr. Cooper. That was her name, man. But why did they get you to sign anything? You think I'm an engine? Yes. Oh. Answer my question. I never signed a thing, but that paper they'd made out to show folks I was willing to be a sheriff. Then you did sign the paper. Yeah, but you read it first. I didn't have to. Huh? They told me what was in it. Doggone. I'm trying not to, Missouri. I'm trying not to. Huh? Not to what? I'm not to skin you alive and use your hide for sand leather. Why, you flea brain old fool, do you know what you went and done? You signed away my timber. The following day when Mag accompanied by the sheriff rode to the timberland in question, she not only found Cooper and Abbott living in an old cabin there, but discovered that they had already hired a crew to begin lumber operations. The two men smoothly denied Mag's charges. The sheriff was uncertain how to act. I don't know, Mag. Don't get the notion I think you've lied to me. I don't. These fellas have got a deed to this land, and they say they've already entered in on the books with the county clerk. Now, I'm wondering about something. Yeah? I'm wondering if Missouri's been honest with you about this. These fellas said they paid him. Why couldn't he have kept the cash for himself and made up that story he told you? You're calling Missouri crooked? Well... He's as straight as you are. All that's wrong with him is he's too simple to live. Nobody could be that simple. This ain't acquainted with Missouri the way I am. Well, from the smirks on your faces, it looked as though you figured you'd put something over on them. Well, not at all, man. We just kept you from putting something over on us. I think you got me stopped, huh? We ain't gonna worry if that's what you mean. No. Well, before either one of you was much older, you're gonna worry plenty. I'm taking this thing to court. Well, ma'am, you don't say. And as sure as I'm standing here, the judge will decide in my favor. That's all. But even if they don't, you still ain't got my whip. No. No, ma'am. Don't go to threatening and let her finish her. I'm kind of curious to hear what you think she's got up her sleeve. I'm sending for a friend of mine. Yeah? Who might that be? The Lone Ranger. Now laugh at all. What's the matter? You swallowing something sour? Look at this trail, fellow. Poor thing. Later, the masked man and Tonto were competing the last leg of their journey. They suddenly caught sight of a horseman whom they recognized as a member of Mustang Mag's crew. It was Slim urging his mount toward town. The masked man hailed him with... How long, man? Uh-oh. Who is the Lone Ranger? Oh, fella. Oh, fella. Oh, right. Oh, that. Well, you fellows must be the Lone Ranger and Tonto. Ah, right. I call you Slim. You work for Mag. Uh-huh. What's happening? We heard Crooked is still on her timber land and she's taken the case to court. Does it look as though the court will decide in her favor? It'll have to. Good. But by the time it does, it won't make no difference. No? Abbott and Cooper ain't waiting. They're clearing off that land just as fast as they can. They figure by the time the court decides, it'll have all that timber cut and haul the railroad. It'll get the cash burden cleared out. That's why I'm heading for town right now. It is? Oh, I'm to see the judge. Mag wants an injunction to stop until there's a decision. An injunction, huh? When she sent you? She couldn't get away. She wrote to the judge. That's what's in this letter. Turn back. Huh? Forget the injunction. Let those fellows go ahead. Hey, you're local. You know what you're doing? Exactly. Well, if I turn back, them skunks can keep on cutting timber. Yes. Is that what you want them to do? It is. Then they've bought you out. Stand aside. I ain't turning back for you or anybody. Get up, fella. No, you don't. Don't take that matter. Look out. There. You double-crosser. Now you can ride ahead if you wish. Without that letter, what good would it do me? None. Then I'll go back and get another. I promise you it'll never reach the judge. Mr. Well? They say you're lightning fast on the draw. I reckon if you wanted, you could drill me before I hardly started to reach. Yes. But that ain't stopping me from telling you something. What? It don't matter whether he calls himself the lone ranger, whatever. The man that had sell out a friend is worse than a snake. So there's my opinion of you. Get up, bro. Get up there. Ah, him. Heap man. It couldn't be helped, Hutter. Come, we'll make camp. Ah. Get him on scouts. Hail, Silver, Hawaii! The curtain 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. Here's our story. Slim reported his meeting with the Lone Ranger to Mustang Mag. That's exactly what happened, Mag. Now you see what kind of a friend that polecat turned out to be. Slim. Huh? You're almost the best man I got on the place. But if I didn't savor you said that, because you didn't know nobody, you'd be through. Huh? You mean you're still the figure he's in your side? I know he is. Even after what he's done? Yes. Ma'am, with your kind of faith, I tackle Billy the Kid and Geronimo all at once. Doggone. Well, well anyhow, you're going to write the judge again, ain't you? Mass Man told you wouldn't let word get through? Mm-hmm. But you can trust me, ma'am. I know what to look out for now. We'll be stopped a second time. It won't be a second time. No? If he don't want me to get an injunction to halt them crooks, he's got his reasons. Doggone. And I reckon the Gordon's. Now just forget this, Slim, going back to Bunkhouse. I'm not worrying. I know the Lone Ranger's on hand, and, well, I guess that's all I need to know. In the meantime, the Lone Ranger and Tonto had made camp in a secluded spot convenient both to Mustang Mag's ranch house and to the Timberland where Abbot and Cooper were supervising the operations of their crew. Twenty-four hours went by during which time the Masked Man made himself familiar with the situation. Then he returned to camp and gave Tonto certain orders. Tonto saddled Scout while he listened and... You won't have to hurry, Kimosavi. It'll take them about a part of a month to complete the clearing of that Timberland. When it's been cleared, the lumber will have to be freighted to the railroad's construction camp. Not right. They don't get paid until all of it has been delivered. Barker is the agent of the railroad who made the deal. Why him not wait? Until this court find is over? He can't. The railroad needs lumber as quickly as it can get it. Barker has to take the chance that Abbot and Cooper's claim will be upheld. If it isn't, then of course the railroad will have to come to terms with Mag. I understand Barker is remaining in Pecos until the Timber's all been cut and is actually on the way to the construction camp. Then what him do? He'll accompany Abbot and Cooper on the trip and pay them when they get there. Unless we prevent it. How long do you think it'll take you to find Chief Thunder Cloud? Maybe a week? Good. When you see him, tell him exactly what I've told you. Tonto do it. He's helped us before. I'm confident he will again. Good friend. Ready? Huh? You ready? Then good luck, Kimosabe, and we'll meet at the place I named. Huh? Get him up, Scout! Get him up! A month went by. Cooper and Abbot had completed the work of cutting Mag's timber. While the suit to determine the ownership of the land still dragged on in the court at Pecos. Nevertheless, Mustang Mag still held to her faith from the last man. He hasn't let me down. I know he hasn't. I suppose not, Mag. Don't you think it's kind of funny he never showed himself? Slammed seeing him. But we ain't. What's that got to do with it, Missouri? Well, wouldn't he want us to know he's on the job? I know he is. Sure, but I reckon in a way it's kind of a compliment to us that he ain't been here. It's his way of telling us, he knows we got faith in him. If he doubted it, he'd come round to make sure it wasn't worrying. No, Missouri. I'm always glad to see him, of course. But he's one fellow with his own way of doing things and it ain't for us to question it. Thank you, Mag. Well, this wouldn't catfish. You're right. I was confident you wouldn't lose faith. Oh, my stars, I never meant for you to hear me. I know it. Friend, I'm glad to see you. Mag, today the last of the timber was loaded and sent on its way to the construction camp. Was it honest? Yes. I've just come from there. Abbott, Cooper and Barker have left with the wagons. But that means... That's Missouri. You know if Abbott and Cooper ever get to camp and collect that cash, they won't be back, don't you? Yes. But this is the way you plan things? It is. Well, I don't say it, but that's all right, I guess. Is that what you come to tell us? That the timber's gone, but we're not to worry about it? Only in part. Yeah? Chiefly, I came to learn that you and Missouri would obey a request of mine without asking why I made it. Don't you know we would? Just name it, friend! Abbott and Cooper, keeping with the wagons, will travel slowly. They can't reach the railroad camp in less than ten days. Uh-huh. So you won't have to leave it once. If you wait until the end of the week, you can still overtake them. We can join them, fellas? Yes. Keep still, Missouri. Let them finish. Go on, friend. They travel through some rather wild country before they get there, especially between Saddle Butte and Apache Pass. You know that district? Enough to get there! That's all that's necessary. That's where I want you to join them. And what we do? Pretend you're there to make one last effort to prevent the sale of your timber. That won't be hard. You'll go? Of course we will. And prime for the pool cats, too! I'll get out my buffalo gun! You don't know such things. Expect it! You'll carry no guns when I'm alone. Expect it! But I've got to protect you, don't I? Protect me while you're spab and old. It should have to be skin full of liquor to say boo to a rabbit. Oh, no, man! You what? You what? What? Now see what you've done while you're talking, he leaves. Missouri, someday you're going to stretch my patience till I just naturally up and hit you in the face! It was a week later that Abbott and Cooper, having passed Saddle Butte, rode in advance with their freighters toward Apache Pass, till a day's journey away. Barker, who was riding with them, suddenly turned in his saddle and pointed toward the west. Someone's coming. Huh? Oh, yeah, wonder who it is. Make them out, Abbott. One's a woman, ain't it? You think so? They're waving. Better rain up. Oh, there. Oh, there. Well, I'll be doggone. Huh? That's Mustang Mag. Don't you recognize her? The fellow's Missouri. Well, sure it is. Hold on! I don't know what she wants. I reckon I could guess. Yeah, I reckon I could, too. Howdy, Mag. What brings you here? Hello, Missouri. Well, well, well, well. It looks like you folks have been riding hard. What's on your... My business ain't worth it. You also kindly keep your face shut. But I was... Mr. Barker. I want to know if you really figured to pay these crooks for timber belonging to me. Well, I... Mag, careful what you call us. And you be doggone careful how you talk to Mag, mister. Or you'll have me to deal with. I ain't got a score to settle with you anyhow. I hear you're running for sheriff, Missouri. Any truth in it? Missouri, keep quiet. Don't pay no attention to her. Mr. Barker, you ain't answered me yet. Mag, what else can I do? Give the money to me. But the land this timber came from is in their names. Because of the crooked trick. I'm sorry, Mag. Hey, what man? Daddy said about Indians. What's the world to you? We're right in the middle of Indian country. Oh, hold this over. Hold on. Hold it. Who saw Indians? Look there. Look there. And there. And behind you. They're surrounded. Everywhere the masked man parted, Indians were silhouetted against the sky. Apparently there were hundreds of them, all shouting their war cries. And they bent low over the backs of their fleet ponies. Almost before the party of white men could realize its danger, it was completely circled by howling, painted braves. They made no attempt to close in, and when one of their number gave a signal, they fell silent. It rained their mounts to a halt. The Indian who had given the command detached himself from his followers and run alone toward the waiting whites. That must be their chief. Yeah. Now fix the environment. Hold up that gun. Hey, you fool. The masked man's right. Shoot this fellow and those Indians will be honest in a moment. We won't have a chance. Put your gun away, Cooper. This fellow's the chief, Barker. Probably with him. If he wants. I will. How? Me, Chief Thunder Cloud. You, Savvy, the white man's took? Uh, me, Savvy. Then what is it you want? Why have you stopped this? Me want them. What? Me and Abbott? What for? You cut them down trees belong great spirit. Huh? You cut them down trees sacred to red man. Now you pay. You may be speaking the truth. If he is, this is serious. You can't always know what places the Indians hold sacred. The Indians may have been mags for us. With trees as rare as they are in this district, it's very probable. You mean these engines would punish us for it? What does it look like to you? No, they can't. We'll fight them. And how far would we get? Counting the drivers of those wagons is hardly more than a dozen of us. I'd say Thunder Cloud has at least 200 braves with him to obey his commands. Me not make war on you. Me just take them. You come. No, get back. Don't touch it. You come. Come back. Don't interfere, Barker. They'd wipe us out in five minutes. Wait. You fellows ain't gonna let them engines take us, are you? You gotta help us, please. They'll kill us. Ah, kill them. No, no. Wait, what they will... Thunder Cloud. Ah. What if that woods hadn't belonged to them but to someone else? What if they'd cut this timber from it because they'd been ordered to by the real owner? Would you still hold them to blame? Would you still want to punish them? That's it. It wasn't our fault. We was told to do it. Who tell them? It was Meg here. She owns them woods. It was her who had us cut them. That's true. It is true. You realize what you were saying? You're sacrificing a woman to save these fellows? Perhaps. Easy. What are you saying, Thunder Cloud? Would you take these fellows then? You speak true, me no hurt them. I've told the truth. Honest it's so, Indian. You ain't gonna kill us for doing what we was told to do, are you? If anybody's to blame, it's Meg. Sure it is. You rotten skunks. One moment. Barker, you should have paper and something to write on in your saddlebags. I have. Let the fellows write down a statement that the timber belongs to Meg. And they have no claim on it. Yes, they can do that. No. I won't write no such thing. Just to take them out. Shut up, you fool. You lie to Thunder Cloud. No, Thunder Cloud. They told the truth when they said it belonged to Meg. They're going to make a statement to that effect. Written in the white man's language. But unless you... Now would you rather we let Thunder Cloud take you and your partner? Cooper, we ain't got no choice. Now paper Barker. You'll write that statement and sign it, Cooper? I... Will you? Yes. Use paper and pencil. Just put down that the lumber sold to the railroad belongs to Meg. Then sign your name, Cooper, and Abbott can sign his. Hurry up, Cooper. I don't like the way that engine's looking at us. Is this right? Now sign it. Good. Your next, Abbott. There. Very well. Now I'll take that. That's all Thunder Cloud. It worked. Me go now. Carl. What was that you said? Is that engine a friend of yours? Was you playing a trick on us? What do you think it was? Why you... You got the timber by a trick? If you lost it the same way, it's just what you deserve. You can't do that to us. I'll fix you. You got the matchman's dinner sign. Let me at it. Oh, my God. Thanks a lot, Missouri. You knocked him out. Well, don't go on. I just don't know my own strength. I'll still work hard. I've just heard as a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.