 with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high old silver, the Lone Ranger. The Great Empire Trading Company had established posts throughout the western United States. Most of their business was done with Indian trappers in sections where the white settlers had not penetrated. But the masked rider of the planes knew that emigrants would not be long in coming and that it was necessary to preserve the goodwill of the Indians. Whenever he heard of a trader who was taking advantage of them and thus making the country dangerous for white men, he fought on the side of the Indians until the dishonest trader had been brought to justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the West was young and adventure lay at the end of every trail. The Lone Ranger rides again. Hello, Silverman Cattery. It's going to be true. The Lone Ranger was riding in the district near the Sandy River Post on his way to join his faithful Indian companion, Tonto. Suddenly, he caught sight of a group of riders emerging from a woods not far ahead. Pull, pull Silverman. Pull, pull. More like it. The agent at the Sandy River Post. These men have got an Indian boy with them. Several fellow, there's something wrong here and we're going to find out what it is. Come on, boy. Come on, Silverman. Come on there, boy. Hold on there. Pull. Rain up. I said rain up. What do you think you're doing, mister? Staging a one-man hold up? I want to know what you're doing. What did you get this Indian boy? Stranger, this ain't just any engine, kid. This is Lane Bear's young man. Rust, you ruff. What did you learn to keep your big mouth shut? Gosh, boy. Keep your mouth shut. Lane Bear, son. What do you think you're trying to do? Put Lane Bear on the warpath? Suppose you mind your business and let me send him home. Indians on the warpath is the business of everyone. All right, Stranger. As long as Roof here couldn't keep his tongue from wagon, you might as well know the rest of it. I'm going to teach that blast at Heaton a lesson and take it from me. You won't forget it. What's Lane Bear done to you? No, it's he done to me. Why is he on repeated sidewalks? They're just about to ruin my trade. He won't let his red skins do business with me and there ain't no other engines that's got the nerve to come into his territory. The old snake has been out to get me, but I'm going to get him first. Now, I'll tell you why he refuses to trade with you. You cheated him at every turn. You've taken valuable pelts and bought it unfairly. Fairly. Look here. Well, he gets held out for fair prices. You fed them cheap whiskey until they didn't know what they were doing. You've been up to every trick you Noah can think of. You've lost your trade. You had it coming. You're going to let him talk to you that way, boss? About teaching this metanombry a lesson, too. I'm taking charge here. Sneak and mash crook. First, you're releasing the boys. I blaze as I am. Keep them and the Indians will run wild. They'll sweep this entire country free of whites and every death will be on your head. What whites are there in this country? We can finish anything we start, mister. How about the woman at your post right now? How'd you know about her? I've heard that a man by the name of Atkins is visiting the post with his wife and son. And what about her? You can bring any kind of trouble you wish on yourself. Whatever you get, you deserve. But you can't be allowed to bring trouble to strangers. They're them dudes right for inviting themselves where they ain't wanted. Maybe some trouble would send them back where they come from. I won't argue with you. Set the boy free. I won't do that. Wait, wait, boy. Listen to me. Grumps. War talk, Bull. The Indians have found out about us grabbing the kid. The damage is done. We've got to get back to the post. We can't let them paint the devil's sketches out here. One moment. You're still covered. Don't move a step until I say the word. I'll blast the man that tries it out of the saddle. I've got something to say, and you can go. On the present, you can keep the boy. As I told you, I don't care what punishment you get. It couldn't be more than you've asked for. You better go careful, stranger. I'll be responsible for what I say. I'm not thinking of your safety. I'm thinking of the safety of those people from the east that are staying at your post. Those Indians want revenge. Taking Lane Bear's son was a crime. If you released him now, it would mean the Indians would have nothing to hold them back. Hold them. Perhaps you can bargain with Lane Bear. The boy's freedom for your safety. But if you harm him in any way, you will answer to me. If that's all you've got to say, what are you keeping us for? One thing more. There's an emergency. The post is in danger, or if you can't bargain with Lane Bear, I may be able to help you. A smoke signal in the daytime or a fire at night will bring me. That's for Atkins and his family, however. Now, get going. Come on, fellas. You, Roof, keep your eye on the kid. Eat up. Eat up. Still rule, fellow. We are going to see some trouble. All right, boy. Back to camp. Come on, Silver. When Bull Eckert and his men had returned to the post, they could hear war drums in the distance and were forced to realize the post was in danger. But before Jim Atkins, a visitor from the east, Bull pretended that there would be no trouble and... Oh, you're afraid of Atkins. We've been back an hour and there ain't been no sign of them red-skinned shitheads, sir. If you're a yellow, pack your Dutch and scoot for home. It takes men to live in this country. You fool. I don't know why I waste a time arguing with you. You'll listen to me whether you want it or not. I've been here long enough to understand your methods, Bull. What's that to me? Before you're through, you may find it more than you bargained for. Look here, mister. You've got some kind of pull with a home office back east or they wouldn't have fixed it for you to come here. But that don't make you my boss, savvy that. Fact is, you ain't even with the company. Yeah? And I'll tell you something more. I've been with the company for going on 15 years. I've handled the toughest post, the toughest men, and the rip-roaringest engines you ever want to see. And anybody will tell you that for all them 15 years, there ain't a fellow with a company that's got better belts for less cash than I have. Yeah, me, Bull Lekker. I've heard about that. You're a once-over man. You get what you can in the season or two and then clear out. And after the enemies you've made, the company's had to withdraw from every district you've worked. They just wasn't full of stuff enough to handle the jobs I can. That's the excuse you've always given. The company believed it for a time. Eh, it seems to me for an hombre that ain't with the company, you've got a sight of information. Never mind that. I've told you what I think and what I know. And of all the stupid things you've done, kidnapping Lane Baer's son was the worst. Eh, you're kind of asking for trouble, ain't ya? You plan on making it? Mr. Iota, pick you up and break you in two. Sounds like that woman of yours yell. Best, what is it? Oh, my damn. The Indians have taken him. Oh, Jim! My lord. Do something! Get him back! Go after them! Oh, please! No, wait, honey, wait. How did it happen? When was it? Oh, when I think of it. Where, honey? They sneaked up to the cabin. I didn't see them. I didn't hear them. And then... Yes? They just took him away. They never said a word. Never opened their mouths. Oh, Jim, it was horrible. When would you have started, they got? It was half an hour ago. They tied me up. I just got free. Half an hour ago? I ain't no use chasing after them now. You're responsible. You started this trouble. I'll get you for this. You murdered me! Or I could beat your life off of you. If I had a gun, anything. Why don't you quit shakin' me? Ruffian! Come here! Get this half-wit wildcat off of me! Get him away! Ruffian! He's land-raising fire! What's going on here? Ruffian! Go call him Jim! I like crazy galooker. He's a Canada! Get away from him! I'll fix him. Stay old. Get him out of my red skin. You! Hold on to him, fellas. Clean off his head. What was that he said about the red skin? The kidnap Dale. And you're the men responsible. Is that a fact, boss? What do it is? Ain't nothing to be done about it now. You've got to get my boy back. You've got to! Where am I to know how? I'll go after him. I'll go where Mr. White... Hold on! You ain't gonna do no such thing. Me, personal, I don't give a hoot what becomes of you. But the company said I was to see you didn't come to no harm. And you ain't going to if I can help it. Now just get it out of your head. You're leaving this, folks, because you ain't. We've got to think of some other way to handle this. Boss, how about telling the Redskins? They get the chief's young and back if they send back Jim's kid. You willing to go bargain with them? Well, uh... You set foot near Lane Bear's village and you'll be losing your top pair before you can turn your tracks. But there must be some way. There must be. Shucks, I get it. Wait, huh? That mask fella. What about him? Don't you recollect what he said, boss? Don't you recollect his saying that if we got into trouble we couldn't handle to get in touch with him? A mask man? Honey, Bull told me about him. Perhaps he can help us. No, I don't know. How'd we find him? Bill, the signal's much like he told us. I'll bet he'd be just local enough to come. And what in blazes could that hombre do that we couldn't? He said he'd be willing to do what he could, didn't he? He wouldn't be fooled enough to risk his scalp for strangers. What's in the harm in finding out? Well... If there's any way to get my boy back, you've got to try it. There's nothing else to be done. Good enough. If he's willing to risk his scalp, that suits me fine. And if he ain't, we're in no worse fix than we was before. Sure. You'll go in the back room where Lane bears kidders and see if there's anything he needs. Grubber, anything like that. We'd better go easy on the young'un. And you roof go build that fire. Build as big a smoke as you know how. Then we'll see what happens. Now get... The masked man was waiting for a signal from the trading post and answered it at once. From Bull and Jim Mattkins, he learned what had happened. Then he raced back to his camp again. As he reigned in his Great Horse Silver, he saw Tonto approaching in the distance. Oh, Silver, oh, one, two. Toy, keep us on me. Toy! Toy! Toy! Toy! Toy! Toy! Toy! Toy! Toy! Toy! Toy! Toy! Toy! Oh, Tonto, did you get to talk to Lane Bear? Oh! Tonto see him. And him plenty mad. Toy, they were gone. I got a signal from the trading post. The Indians stole the son of those people from the east. Tonto know that. He must have been. How'd you find us? Me with Injun. One brave, fetched boy there. What are the Indians' plans? Are they going to keep the boy? Lane Bear, not let boy go. When him get Whitebird back. And the men at the post absolutely refused to give up Whitebird until Atkins son has returned. Neither side trusts the other. That plenty bad. Neither the whites nor the Indians will give up their prisoner first. Tonto, no Lane Bear, not do that. But keep us on me. I promise to do what I could. Unless this is settled peaceably, there'll still be more trouble. That's right. I couldn't plan anything until you'd returned. But I've been thinking. What you think? Tell her. No one at the trading post has seen you. That's right. And so there is a way this trouble might be settled. What that way? If the whites and the Indians could both be persuaded to surrender their prisoners in exchange for a hostage, perhaps... What? What you mean? Suppose the whites were told Lane Bear himself would ride alone to the trading post, put himself into their hands while they release Whitebird and remain their captive until Dale sent back. Lane Bear, not do that. Wait, Tonto. And suppose that Lane Bear was told that Dale's father would do the same. Give himself up as hostage for his son until Whitebird's return. Do you think Lane Bear would agree to that? Maybe. Him do that. In reality, however, neither Lane Bear nor Jim Atkins would act as hostages. What you mean? He must have been. Would you be willing to risk your life to help settle this quarrel? Tonto, do that. Then I have a plan. I'll return to the trading post and put the proposition up to them. In the meantime, you will ride to Lane Bear's village and make the same suggestion to him. Tonto, savvy. They both agree. You'll go to the post and say you're Lane Bear. I happen to know that although his tribe traded with Bulleckett in the past, none of the whites at the post have ever seen the chief himself. Whitebird can't speak English, so he won't be able to give your identity away. I'll take off my mask and put on a disguise and then ride to Lane Bear's village, pretending to be Jim Atkins. And somehow I'll manage to warn Dale not to reveal who you are when he's sent back to the post. Matt Heap Smart. Neither side will know it's been tricked until both prisoners are home again, and then it won't matter. That's right. But, Tonto, there's one other thing. What? What that? Bulle thinks Jim Atkins is just a visitor from the east curious to see the west. Oh. I have a different idea, however. And if this trouble is taken care of, I think there's going to be a basis established for real peace between the whites and the Indians in this territory. And that'd be plenty good. Now, Tonto, you understand everything? Tonto, savvy. Then let's ride. I'll go to the trading post while you persuade Lane Bear to accept the hostage. Steady, Silver? Tonto? Tonto, do that. Then return to camp as quickly as you can. Now, I'll meet you here. Huh? Hurry up! Get him up here! The curtain falls on the first act of our thrilling Lone Ranger drama. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue our story. The Lone Ranger and Tonto left their camp in different directions as the first step in their daring plan. At the trading post, Jim Atkins and his wife waited for word from the Masked Man. But Bulleckard had no confidence in him and... Look here, Atkins. You're a stranger in these parts. Like I tried to tell you before, I say everything you don't. And I say that Masked Man is a crook. He ain't helping you out for nothing. We'll see. And once more, I contend he ain't even got no ideas on how to straighten things out anyway. He said he'd be back. He'll be back. Like blazes. Fess, Fess, look. The Masked Man. Yes, Jim. He did come back. What? Atkins. The Masked Man. You won't release Whitebird until your son has returned. Mr. White... Atkins ain't got nothing to say about that. Lane Bear is young and is my prisoner. And he don't get loose till we see Dale back here safe and sound. I happen to know the Indians feel the same way about releasing Dale. They won't do that until Whitebird has been returned to them. And if we was local enough to let our prisoner go back first, they mean you the double crosses are sure shooting. I doubt that. Franger, I want you to know that I'd be willing to take your word for Lane Bear's good faith. But what Bull says is correct. Our only hold on Lane Bear is the fact that his son is in our hands. And as much as I'd like to bargain for an even trade, Masked Man, I'm afraid to chance it. I understand, Atkins. But isn't... isn't there some other plan? There is. A few people will do your part. What, Mr., tell us what? Suppose Lane Bear puts himself into your hands and you release his boy. Then Lane Bear, the chief of the tribe, would be your hostage until Dale was safely returned. Now, Lane Bear wouldn't do that in a million years. But if he did... It would be a way out. And you'd send Whitebird back to his people? We would. But I don't see how... Well, you can't have any possible objection to that. With Lane Bear in your hands, he wouldn't dare keep Dale. It wouldn't mean his life and he'd know it. Look here, Masked Man, how do we know you can get Lane Bear to come here? You don't. Once more, I'm making no promises. I'm only asking for your word that if he does, you'll play fair and release Whitebird. Yes, we'll give you that. Our lands are for all of us. But I'll leave you as much to be done. And if my son comes back to me, I'll bless you as long as I live. We'll see you again, friend. You will. But the faster I act, now the better. All right, old fellow. Now to see what lucktado had with Lane Bear. Come on, Silver. Come on, old boy. In Lane Bear's village, Dale Atkins, confined to a teepee, was guarded by a group of warriors under the command of the chief himself. Sorrow, at the loss of his own son, was written deeply on Lane Bear's face. But at the sound of approaching hoops, his features became expressionless. His figures straightened and he issued a brief order to the Braves about him. Na to ka. Ro mon ik te. Oh, Silver. Oh, fellow. Oh, boy. White man keep word. White man come. Your old chief, Lane Bear? Uh, me, Lane Bear. I'm the man you'll hold prisoner while the white boy's given his freedom. I trust you, Lane Bear. I've come to you unarmed. I remain here until White Bird returns to you. White Bird, not come. You die. I understand. Lee Partoo! But wait, Lane Bear. Before the boy's released, I want to speak to him. You have my word, I'll not trick you. Why you won't see him? To give him a message for the whites, to make certain White Bird is freed. Where is the boy? Him here in T.P. You go, make talk with White Boy. Lane Bear, wait here, outside, but not wait long. Very well, Lane Bear. I'll hurry. After the Lone Ranger talked to the boy, Dale was led from the T.P., given a pony and was allowed to go free. Knowing that the Lone Ranger's life depended upon the return of White Bird before sundown, Dale drove the Indian pony to the limit of its strength. At last he reigned in before the trading call. Oh, oh, my, oh, Dale, my boy, you're safe. Mother and dad. Son, thank heaven you're back. Bull, where is he? Lane Bear's son has got to be sent back to his tribe right away. Bull's inside with Chief Lane Bear. And come on, hurry. What, Dale? Mother, this is important. Come along, dad. Well, here he got back. Yes. Yes, and, Bull, you've got to let White Bird and Lane Bear go back to their tribe now. What's the hurry, son? The man's life depends on it. Dale, Bull will let them go. You come back. Just a minute. Dale, you just come from that engine village. Is this here engine Chief Lane Bear or A.D.? Uh, me, Lane Bear. Shut up, Rat Skin. I'm asking the boy. Well, Dale, is he all right? Well, I sure he is. All right, Bull, my boy's back. Now, there's no reason to hold the Chief or his son any longer. No. We promised that masked man that White Bird would be given his freedom when some of his Lane Bear gave himself over to us. Bull, you insisted then on waiting until Dale got here. And now you're... wait. My dad, what's wrong? Dale, you weren't to be released until White Bird got back to his village. But how did you get away? Why, when they let me go and that White Man got there. What White Man? Well, I don't know his name, but he turned himself over to the Indians in my place until White Bird gets back to them. And then he... Was he masked, son? Why? What did he look like? Think Dale. He was tall, held himself straight, had wide shoulders, looked like he knew how to handle himself. And it was him. Jim, you mean... The same man without his mask. It must have been. But I don't understand this. Well, that can... I do serve you, see? Your masked friend has put himself in a tough spot. What do you mean, Bull? Dad, we've got to get fresh horses and get these Indians started. Ah, me go now. Take White Bird. Not so fast. Them two ain't going no place. But that man's life is at stake. If White Bird isn't back in the village by sundown, the Indians will kill him. Me go. He back all of you. Put down the guns. Put that gun away. Didn't you hear what Dale just told us? Ruth, Pete, come here. Well, you go down. Shut up. Listen to me. I'm the head of this trading post, the boss here. And now I got things fixed just the way I want them. What do you mean? Listen, we want furs and them redskins got them. But already lame bear here climbed up on his high horse. Said his engines weren't going to trade here no more. But I say they are. Because until we get them furs, lame bear and his kid White Bird stay right here. You rotten schemer bull. You've made just one mistake. Your plan is based on this man being lame bear. Well, he isn't. He's named Tondo, the friend of the man who rescued me. You think I believe that? Believe it or not, it's true. I promised I wouldn't tell, but now I've got to. That's plenty true. Me take White Bird and go. No, you don't. Ruth, Pete, keep the bunch up and cover. We're all staying right here. From the teepee where he was closely guarded, the Lone Ranger watched the sun drop toward the horizon. As a minute passed, he began to wonder if White Bird would come before nightfall. Lame bear waited no less grimly than his prisoner. But at length he spoke to a warrior at his side. Then turned and entered the teepee. Pale face, sun go down quick. White Bird will come, Lame Bear. He'll be here. Him not here now. You hear? Brave, ready for you. My people call. At Lame Bear's shout, two stalwart braves entered the teepee. Each gripped an arm of the Lone Ranger. Then Lame Bear brushed aside the flap of the tent and led the way, the others forcing the white man to follow him. The Lone Ranger saw that resistance would be futile. He looked toward the west, but the sun was slowly sinking beneath the rim of the horizon. Something must have gone wrong. Still a minute or two, not long enough. The White Bird were coming. He'd be here by this time. This must be the end unless you speak. Nothing you'd understand, Lame Bear. Balu, no teepee. The Lone Ranger was led to the stake. Rohide lashes bound his hands and lashings were drawn about his body. The chanting of the Indians grew softer. The wood was piled higher and higher around him. The end had to come sometime. I hoped it might be postponed so much still to be done. You? The sun hasn't disappeared yet, Lame Bear. Soon, sun all gone. You afraid? Afraid of what? You afraid of pain? There will be no pain, Lame Bear. You'll lie. White Bird not come back. There still is time. No. Now sun gone. Monique, copy. Not pain. The sun was gone. Lame Bear raised his arm and signaled to the Indians who were waiting. With flaming torches, they approached the deadwood pile around the stake. The torture fire was lighted. The flames took hold quickly, leaping up to consume the small sticks. The powder smoke billeted up the logs and the Lone Ranger felt that all hope was gone. Then a distant shout. Horses loomed from the edge of the distant wood. A paint horse carrying Tonto and other rider in white cloud was close behind. All eyes turned and Chief Lame Bear saw the Lone Ranger's friend dashing toward the council ring. La-Too! Pick up! The chief roared commands to his men. They leaped into the flames, kicked aside the burning wood while Lame Bear himself sliced through the ropes and thongs that bound the Lone Ranger. Tonto, Lame Bear's son and Jim, thundered close and brought their horses to a rearing halt. Tonto, if you come, Chief Lame Bear, your son leads with Tonto. La-Too! Tonto! Tonto, what happened? Bull, Bull, try and hold us. We have fight. Make him prisoner. Bull wouldn't let you and Whitebird go? Friend, he wouldn't have. But hadn't been for Tonto here. You should have seen this Indian part of yours going to action. There's no doubting he's your friend. He must have a hat on, Lame Bear. You'd come, but... Lame Bear! Me make talk with Whitebird. Him say these men good men. Other pale face bad men. They're a good and bad among both Indians and white men, Lame Bear. We want to be your friends. You brave. You not afraid die. You heap friend, Lame Bear. Chief Lame Bear, I'm from the east. I represent the Empire Trading Company. I was sent here to check on Bull Eckhart. And now I want to say that Eckhart will be replaced by an honest, competent man as soon as I return. But Chief, more than that, my company wants to keep your trade. Patkins, I suspected that with your errand. This country is too wild to visit merely out of curiosity. I told you this only because I believe it's necessary under the circumstances. You send good men to trading posts? Lame Bear, Salam first. Good. Chief Lame Bear, I think this is the beginning of real peace in this country. And the credit goes to the masked man. I am Silver! Away! Come on, Silver, old boy! There's trouble between the railroad and the freighters. I am Silver! Away! You have just heard as a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated. Lone Ranger Incorporated.