 With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the planes 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, and we'll see you in the next one. The sheriff had left his horse and gone ahead on foot, and he crouched, and a moment later he lay flat on his stomach and inched his way through the tall grass at the edge of an oriole. His objective was a partial, and the horse was to be put on his back. The sheriff was to be put on his back and to be put on his back. The horse was to be put on his back and to be put on his back. He went away through the tall grass at the edge of an oriole. His objective was a party of three who were camped there. A couple of inches more, and I'll have the drop on them. A couple of inches more. Sheriff Landis could peer down. He saw a masked man and an Indian, but the third man in the camp was partially concealed. Then much to the lawman's surprise, the masked man spoke. When you get to looking us over, Sheriff, come on in and join us. With it. All right. I'm coming with my gun coming all the way. Hi, sir, mister. I don't need to fool around. If the gun got hurt, they might get hurt. Well, I thought the race, and if anyone is going to get hurt, it won't be me. Who is that could be sitting over there with his back to me? It won't do you any good to know his identity. Hey, girly, you've got the nerve talking that way to the business end of the sixth year, haven't you? Well, we've been expecting you, Sheriff. Expecting me, eh? Yes. Now calm down. You, how don't I look like the man you're after? Well, you're in there camp. So are you. But I just got here. They're ready. If you want the man who held up the stage, you'll find them in an old cabin at the head of the arroyo. They're waiting for you, and they're tightly roped. Written? Roped, you say? Yes. Tonneau did the job of roping them. It's well done. They're going at all. They don't save you. I want to see that third man. Sorry, but you can't. I'm holding the gun. I can't do what I want. Goodbye, Juniper. Sorry. My arm. Just jabbed it. Look at his gun. I heard you do that so fast. I was afraid you might get hurt. But the gun and his host are tough. Let me fix it, then. Your arm will be limped for a few minutes, Sheriff. To read it, you got no respect at all for your six-gun. I might have shot you when you made that moving, yes, me? I thought you were the type of lawman to shoot carelessly. I'd have made a different move. Gee. No, eh, Sebi? Yes? You and the Redskins and the gents had talked to the stage driver just after the hole-up. Did the stage driver mention us? He sure did. He said you rode a horse that you called Sylvie. Oh? Now I get it. I gully you with a own ranger. Do it, go on. I should have known us when I seen that mask. Eh, now who's the kiddie with these back to me? Let me have a look at him. Just a minute, eh. Did the driver of that stage just tell you how many men were involved in the hole-up? Four men. Four? Well, there was three of them waiting in ambush. The fourth man was off away, so the horses... The three who did the actual hole-up were in the cabin with the loot. The three... Yes. The man over there is the fourth, but you're not taking him. You were smart, weren't you? Very fast, too. But on the other hand, I always had something of a reputation, too. I am wondering if... Out of my way! Out of my way! Out of my way! I'll see him! Pull it! Pull it! Good day. You... Well, you got your look, didn't you, Bob? Chris Johnson. You were a cookie. Sorry you had to find it out. Chris... Uh, Sunday... The masked man tried to keep you from seeing me. You were the best friend I ever had in the world. Yes, that's true. No way. You got a jingy. Chris, what do you do with stage rubbish? What's happened to you since the last time we were together? Oh, just one thing after another. That's all, Bob. Texas Fever cleaned out my cattle. Then, Master died the following fall. Then, when I lost my boy in the sheep-warrer, I guess I took all my gumption away. It was broken. Just didn't give a hang. Chris, you hadn't let me know about your hard work. It wasn't your problem, Bob. Besides, I didn't know where to find you. You were a good cattleman. You could have got a job. My age? No, Bob, that wasn't in the books. I just let the bank take over my land and house and shoved on. Drifted for a while. Then found myself camped with some men that had food. Turns out they were outlaws. And you swung in with them. I had missed a lot of meals, Bob. I was glad to be with men that ate regular. Chris, you gave me the first job I ever had. You took me in when I was a kid so gotten, spending that I could hardly cast a shadow. You made a top hand out of that kid. Now, let me see you like this. I can't believe it, Chris. You were crook. A high woman. Maybe a killer. I was putting in a little strong, Bob. Yeah? I never shared in the dirty work of those three. I just cooked to the wrangle horses and ran errands. Not that it makes much difference. I don't know what to do, Chris. I can't let you go free and take in the others. I know you can't, Bob. If it's two pins up, turn in the badge and forget the whole business. Let three dangerous crooks go free. I know, I know. It's ungrateful that every man has such a problem. Well, don't stand there looking at me. You're so old-fired smart, why don't you think of something? I am thinking. Thinking I'm no end of a fool? That's what you're thinking? No, Sheriff. I'm thinking that Tutto and I made a mistake. Yeah, get him up. Toss a rope on him, Tutto. What kind of a switch is this? One minute you're off or help me, and the next you pull again in a rope. Get away from me with that rope. Toss a loose, Tutto. Take it away. Take it off me. Sorry, honey, you can't treat the law this way and get away with it, no matter who you are. Take it easy, take it easy, Sheriff. We leave your friend here to uncover you. Oh, that should solve your problem. It won't solve nothing. Oh, this red skin has got me tired so I can hardly breathe. You're doing all right. Tutto and I will take care of the three stage robbers. My prisoners. Oh, Sheriff, my prisoners. Those three are wanted for another robbery beyond the county line. We'll take them there. U.S. and county? Yes, you needn't worry about them. They'll go to jail. They'll go to jail in Garson County where Chris Johnson won't have to accompany them. With the loot? It'll be where I told you. You can pick it up and say the stage robbers got away. They got away because a mass man got the drop on you. All right, bring the horses, Tutto. Yeah, man, begin it this heavy. You'll be free to do an important job, then. Important? Yes. What about your friend? Are you going to let him drift again so he can eat? You don't give a man a chance to sink. Here. Thanks, Kinosabe. Good luck to you, Chris. Thanks, mister. Thanks, no worries. Have a big foot. In Garson County, the three crooks went on trial. Most Martin. A watery-eyed man called Weeper. And a half-breed. Guilty is charged in the indictment. Guilty is charged in the indictment. That'll hold the three of you. How do you like our jail, Moose? Listen, you tin horn. I got friends and influence in this county. And I can lay my hands on cash. I'll be out of this place inside a six-month time, and my pals will be out with me. The Lone Ranger had made a mistake. In taking the outlaws to face charges in Garson County, he had taken them to a community where influence and cash could distort justice and buy early freedom by parole. Just six months after facing the judge and hearing the verdict of guilty, three high women walked out of jail, three men. Boys, that Ambrie we talked to in the jail had the true facts. Yeah? Chris Johnson's over in Hawkville, just like we heard. He's working at the bank. That's right. He's a guard. He sits at the door with a shotgun across his knees, waiting for trouble. What's this job in a bank? After all, we've done form that ain't right. Sheriff Landis got him the job. Votes for him, I guess. I bet the Sheriff didn't know that Chris traveled with us. Boys, you know what I think? What? I got a hunch that the Sheriff got Chris that job to pay a debt. What do you mean, Moose? That masked man caught us mighty neat after that stage job. I got a hunch that Chris squealed on us and got a job for doing it. I got Chris Johnson County for that old job, said a face and trout for the stage holdup. I figured it was because the Sheriff didn't want to involve Johnson. It sounds like good reason, Moose. One thing is sure. Chris and the Sheriff are friendly. And they'd be in the case we're gonna cash in. I'll break up camp and get ready to travel. It was evening in the town of Hawkville. Sheriff Landis was at his desk working overtime when the door opened and his old friend walked in. Where's Kees? Hey, look better every time I see you. Sit down, Doug. I feel better, Bob. Doug, honoured I... I'm getting back to where I can face myself in the shaving mill without wincing. You've been working overtime here. Yep. Today I lugged the payroll money for the mines over from the express office. It was a pretty big responsibility. I was mighty proud to be trusted that way. Don't do this, Kees. Why shouldn't you be trusted? I remember the day when you can buy and sell any man in this town. Someone has got to carry money. Why shouldn't you be the one? Bob, you know I... I'll get this straight. You never were crooked. A low ranger saw fit to trust you, didn't he? Yes. That's good enough for me. And it's good enough for anyone else. Bob, did you ever tell the bank or anyone else about me? What's it to tell? Well... Your past is your own business in a closed book. No one knows about me running with moose and creeper in the braid. Well, there's no reason where they should. Bob, there's just one thing. Yeah. What if it comes out that I had a part in that stage holder? Just horse holder. Legally, I was a part of it. If that's known and it's known that you've got me a job after learning about that... Yes. You're going the bloody long way to buy something to worry about. Just the same. I'd feel a lot better if everything was known about me and I had my job in spite of it. Hey, what's the matter, Chris? Just a second. I saw it. You thought what? What are you looking at behind there? A window. Bob, tell me this. How long do those crooks have to stay in jail over in Garson County? You were smart in the spares. Oh, two to five years, why? Then I guess it's all right. I was just mistaken, that's all. You're mistaken about what? Someone peaked in that window and I thought for a minute it was Martin. Who's Martin? He's locked up tight in Garson County. What's more, if he ever does come around here I'll need him for that stage hold up. You can't do that, Bob. You can't arrest him without arresting me along with him. Legally, I'm as much to blame as any of them. Well, don't worry about it. Martin and the others are jugged up plenty tight. The curtain falls on the first act of our loan ranger story. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue our story. Sheriff Landis thought that Garson County lawmen would hold Moose Martin in jail for many years to come. He scoffed when Chris Johnson thought he saw Moose peering through the window into the sheriff's office. Landis, however, was mistaken. Moose was not in jail and neither were Breed and Weeper. They'd been turned out on parole and had gone to Hocksville to investigate their former companion, Chris Johnson. Chris wasn't the only one who saw Moose Martin. Santo also saw him and raced through the night to report to his masked friend, the loan ranger. Get him off the couch! Meanwhile, in another camp, three men sat by a low, well-concealed fire. I tell you, boys, I seen the two of them there in the office together. They was downright friendly. Now I'm dog-gone sure that we were sold out by Chris Johnson. Are we going to sit still for that? Not by a darn sight. Got any plans, Moose? Yeah, Weeper. I got plenty of plans. I learned a few things in town. And what I learned will fit right into my plans. What's your learn, amigo? This week Saturday is the first of the month. And all of them from the mines around here will come into town to turn in their vouchers that the bank can get cash. The cash to meet the payroll came in by express today. It's in the bank right now. The bank is fair bulging with so much money. Yeah, I begin to savvy what you got in mind. I want to get that payroll cash and a man to double-cross this. We'll have the money and Chris Johnson will have a nice long stretch in the junior. The following morning found the three outlaws raining up at a hitch rail across the street from Jonathan Perkins Bank. This'll do first aid, boys. Don't tie your horses. Leave them at ground, hitch so we can make a fast getaway. I see the bank is open. And look, amigo, that's inside the door. Do you see him? Chris Johnson, biggest life and holding a rifle. And keep back a little. And let him see us until we're ready. When do we access almost? In just about two seconds. There's the owner of the bank just... Right on the job, eh? Yes, sir. Have to be mighty watchful today and tomorrow. Need you, eh? I'm always glad when the first of the month is passed. Stick up your hands. What stick up when we mean business? Moose and weaver. Come on, those others. I'm still always short. Moose, you can. Shut up. Go on, weaver. Breed will cover you. Get the cash and don't miss none. I won't. Now what's the door? Stay right where you are, Perkins. This is an outrage. Save it. Well, Chris, so you remember your old pals, huh? Pals? Just like old times, ain't it? Reminds me of the time a few months ago when you helped us stick up the stage from Plainsville. No, no. What's that? What's the trouble, Chris? Didn't you tell your boss that you used to travel with us? Oh, one of a pole catch. You'll pay for this. Are these crooks your friends? This boss, like you doubt it, Perkins, they're the sheriff. I better take that rifle, Chris. Better let the troubles in your mouth. That's the case, Moose. Come on then. Stop him! Stop him! No more shouting on my next shot to be closer. Get the horses, boys. I'll cover the getaway even if Chris don't. You won't get away with this. I'll deal the first man to try to come up that door. Come on, Moose is your host. All right. This will hold you. Mr. Perkins. Oh, you traveled with those men. But wait. Wait for what? Hey, what's the shoot? What's going on here? Hey, what's up? You men see that Johnson doesn't try to escape. Yes, sir. Here's the sheriff and his deputy. Hey, hey, good thing. We came on a run. You? Bob, the bank's been robbed. Moose Martin, his pals. What? It's true. They got away with all the payroll cash. Yes, sir. You listen to me, Sheriff Landis. I just learned that this man you recommended was once in a league with those art-laws. You keep still, Johnson. Landis, I want the truth from you. Did you or did you not know that Johnson had a criminal past? He wasn't a criminal at all. Was he with those men when they robbed the stage in Plainsville? Well, answer me. Yes, he was. Well, that settles it. As mayor of this town, I'll take that badge. Here, deputy for the time being, you will act as sheriff. Do as I tell you. Take this badge. Your first duty is to put Chris Johnson in jail. Jail. But you got nothing on him. Holding for investigation and connection with the Plainsville stagecoach hold up. We'll get to this bank robbery later. Bob Landis, without his badge of office, accompanied Chris as the deputy took him to the jail that had joined the sheriff's office. It's not what happens to me, that bothers me, Bob. See, I'd hear that you're in trouble up to the neck for trying to help me. Don't talk that way, Chris. I'm not a darn bit sure of what it did. I'd do the same all over again. Deputy knows you didn't have a hand in that bank robbery. Hate to do this, Landis. That's all right, Hank. You're just following the orders of the mayor. I got a lucky up, Johnson. And I'll have to form a posse to hunt for the bank robbers. I sure wish I could help you, Hank, but I expect Perkins won't stand for that. I don't know. Wait, wait. Bob, the mask man. Good day. I'll go for the gun, deputy. I'm not a fool. Sheriff, where's your horse? He's in the barn. Get out of town. Meet me on the south trail. I'm taking Chris with me. Silver can carry us both. Silver? This way, Chris. Hey, hold on. You can't take that prisoner. I have to take her. But you can't. Yeah, who did, Hank? Well, he's getting away with Johnson. What? You can't stop the lone ranger. Come through there. Carrying Chris Johnson in addition to the masked man, the mighty Silver threw all of his great strength into a mighty effort to respond to the familiar shelter. Come through there. The lone ranger traveled in the wide circle until he was sure that there was no pursuit. And he cut back to the south trail where Tonto had met Sheriff Landis. Oh, Silver, who are you? He's a big fella. Chris, from now on, you'll ride with the sheriff. Is he here? Who said he is? I've shouted a few plans to Chris while we travel. It's all right, Bob. If I sunder our late sense of one, this masked man knows what he's about. Hey, Chris, I'm with you to finish. Get behind me. You come with me, Tonto. Uh-huh. You ready? Tonto had already marked the direction of the fleeing bank robbers. He and the lone ranger started out in that direction. But soon cut the left of the trail, then erred Scout and Silver to even greater speed. Meanwhile, Moose and his companions allowed their horses to drop into an easy loop that could be maintained for several hours. They felt confident that their getaway had been complete and had no thought of capture until Moose suddenly raised his hand and shouted, Raina! Am I seeing things? Look what's on the trail ahead. Moose, it's the same, too. The pain horse and the white one. That masked man, he called us the last time. All that downright cuss of luck. There they are, ringed up right in the path. We can't go ahead. What are we gonna do? We gotta shoot it out? Head for that canyon to the right. Get in there and we'll be out of sight and we can give them a slip. Come on, get up there! Get up there! The floor of the canyon was rocky and the pace had to be slowed. Moose rode with his head turned, watching the back trail for signs of pursuit for the masked man in the Indian. Still no sign of them. Maybe they didn't even know who we were. Could have been just an accident if they were ahead of us. Couldn't it, Moose? There may be so. They do not follow us. Once we get around the bend and the canyon will be out of sight. Even if those two do ride this way. The bandit is just ahead. We'll make the turn and stop and wait. They're being followed. We'll be able to drop those two from ambush. Now you're talking, Moose. I'd sure like to settle a score with that masked hombre. And me. Well, if they come this way, we will settle a score. That rain up here. Hold it there! Hold it there! Now with this mountain wait. Get your guns ready, boys. We're letting them settle in. Hey, keep your hands away from leather. The sheriff. Chris, save it, people. Just try that gunrail slow and drop it. I'm gonna be in Chris, but you can't. Johnston? We used to be pals. Used to be. You went against me and robbed a stage. You told me to hold your horses while you just stopped to speak to the driver of that stage. But you... Shut up! You're a gun now, Moose. Then be fast. But you want to... Ow! Ow! Ow! You slow down, Moose. Next time you move sudden, I'll pull my sight a little finer. Here's my gun. Your turn, Brayden. See, here it is, my gun. Don't shoot. Now get down and ride with Moose. I'm powering your horse. Forgive the hard work, Chris. It will hit for time. Anthony, I bet that new appointed chair will be surprised. Show me excitement. What happened? Now, look. Look what's coming. It's the bank robbers with their hands high and their horses empty. It's true. It is the robbers. Hey, that's the sheriff and Chris bringing them in. What? What's he for yourself, Mr. Perkins? Here, Perkins. Look what we got. Landish. Johnson. I got the stolen money with him, Mr. Parkins. You folks ran up right there. Well, Hank, you'll have to make the erase. I reckon I got no authority now that you're wearing the sheriff's badge. Did you two catch these thieves? Looks that way, don't it, Perkins? I had to make a detail on my way to jail, Mr. Perkins. But now this new sheriff wants me out. Get off those horses. I won't ask questions. Whatever you say, Mr. Mayor. Do you smell, Chris? All right. How did you two overtake these men? Well, you see, we had some help. In fact, we had a lot of help. We just rode hard and then went into a canyon and waited. First thing you know, these fall cats backed right into us. Mr. Perkins, if you watch in his life, Chris got mixed up with the wrong men. But I reckon he's not the only man that made a mistake. Yes, I guess we've all made mistakes. After all, Chris, today's work is proof enough that you weren't working with these crooks on the robbery my bank. Listen, you, if you jail us for that stage hold up, you gotta jail Johnson along with us. What about that sheriff? Who, me? No, not you, Hank. I'm talking to the sheriff. What about that crook statement? Well, I'll tell you, Perkins. I reckon we can jail these galutes for the bank job. After they've done saving 20 years or so for that, then maybe we can discuss that stage hold up. By that time, if old Chris Johnson does get sent to the Poke Hill, he'll be willing to settle down. Now, Hank, you better give me back my badge. Glad to, Bob. Well, I still don't understand. You two running down those three hard-riding desperators? You couldn't understand that, Perkins. Unless you understood the man that helped us. And you'd never understand him because he wears a mask. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.