 A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high of silver, the lone ranger. And his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere on 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. Huge gates of territorial prison swung open, and the guard bid goodbye to the big rough-looking man who stood gazing out at the broad sweep of prairie that meant fresh air and freedom. All right, Lawson, this is it. So long. So long. Spike Lawson stopped and turned. For one long moment he stared at the building he had just left after two long years. Then with a scowl on his face, he swung away and walked determinedly toward a man who waited with two horses a short distance away. Hi, Pete. I knew you'd be waiting. Howdy, Spike. Good to have you free again. Yeah, thanks. Nice bronch you brought for me. Steady, fella. Let's get away from here. Sure. Get up. Get up. How's my kid doing, Pete? Fine, Spike. Fine. Getting so big you'll hardly recognize him. Sure was nice of you to take care of him while it was doing time. I think nothing of a check hasn't been much trouble. Sort of the kind of kid that looks after himself. He's tough as all get out, too. Tough? Yeah. Like I said, Jack's big for a boy of 15. He's got all the other kids around the town. A Jason toe in the mark, I can tell you. If you get started with your gang again, Jack will sure make a good extra hand, Spike. I was hoping that kid would turn out different from me, sort of. What do you mean, different? Well, maybe a mount or something instead of being an outlaw like his old man. Well, after all, Jack ought to have something to say about what he wants to be. But from what I see, he's going to be just like his old man. Yep. That kid's a natural to be a gunslinger now who just like you, Spike. Late that night, Jack Lawson, Spike's 15-year-old son, entered the cabin on the edge of Jason. Jack stood for a moment near the door, staring at the man who sat at the table playing cards with Pete. Then he approached them enthusiastically. Pop! Well, golly, Pete didn't tell me you were getting out today. I thought I'd surprise a kid. Well, you sure surprised me all right. Aren't you going to say anything to the kid, Spike? Oh, yeah, Pop. What's the matter? Why, you're staring at me like that. Where are you bending this hour, Jack? Well, uptown with a few fellas. We have a little gang. I'm the leader, too. Gang, huh? And staying out all hours, too. Look, kid, I don't like it at all. But you're a leader of a gang, won't you, Pop? Why can't I be? Take a close look at me, kid. See what two years at Hard Labor did to your old man. You want to end up in territorial or at the end of a rope, maybe? But, Josh, Pop, if you can take the chance, I can. Oh, gee, it's good to have you home. If you get your gang started again, maybe you'll end up... Get out of here. Go on. Get before I... Spike! Oh, God, please, they go, you're joking me. Crazy a bit, I guess. Sorry, kid. Go on to bed. Go on. Oh, yeah. Yes, sure, Pop. Good night. You shouldn't have grabbed it that way, Spike. You want to scare the daylights out of the kid for the first time he sees you in two years. Sit down, Pete. We'll finish this game. A following afternoon, Dan Reed, 14-year-old Matthew of the Lone Ranger, rode to the general store in Jason, on his horse, Victor. Leaving the beautiful white stallion at the hitch-rack, Dan went in to get supplies. A few minutes later, Jack Lawson and one of his cronies sauntered over and stood admiring the horse. Hey, bud, look at that horse. He sure is a beaut. Yeah. I'd sure like the hair of one like that. I noticed the kid that rode him into town. He wasn't very big. He sure didn't look very tough either. Yeah, I noticed him, too. Well, I hope he isn't in a hurry to get away from town. Why? Because I'm going to ride around a bit on that stallion. That's why. Maybe he won't let you, Jack. Are you local? How's he going to stop me if I decide to do it? I guess he can't, seeing as you're the toughest kid in town. I'm going to mind him and get going right now. Oh, still, you want to decide to mind him? Watch out, Jack. Go translate him. He's looking neat. Your horse will ever trample me. Once I get on him, he'll be sorry for acting up. Oh, then our horse kid. Get around here. What are you trying to do? Easy, Victor. Steady, fellas. Well, well. So you don't like what I'm trying to do, huh, kid? This is my horse. You have no right to bother him. Oh, you get that, Jack. It's his horse, so you mustn't bother him. I decide to ride that horse a while, see? And whether you like it or not, I'm going to do it. You better watch out, kid. This is Jack Austin, the toughest kid in town. He's bigger than you when he gets real bad. I think I am getting mad, too. I know one who should get mad. Just let my horse alone and we'll have no trouble. I'm going to ride that horse. But before I do, kid, I'm going to beat the living daylights out of you. I stand back, bud. No reason for us to fight, Lawson. He's trying to beg off now, Jack. Well, he's not getting out of it that easy. This is showing. You're forcing me to do this? Why, you little... I'll show you. Dan waited and talked to Fight Will, but the lone ranger had also taught him to use his knowledge only in self-defense. As he faced the larger boy, Dan easily carried the blows that Jack Lawson threw at him and in return made every blow of his own a telling one. At first, Jack seemed to have the advantage of brute force, but as the fight progressed and Dan landed slow after blow, the ugly look on Jack's face turned to one of amazement. I'll fix you yet. I don't think you will. Holy moly. I'll hit him all right. You want to go on, get up, Lawson. Get up, Jack. This boy jumps on you. I'll wait. No, no, I've had enough. Don't hit me. I don't want to fight anymore. I don't need it, Lawson. I'll defend myself. I couldn't let you take my horse. Well, you mean you're not going to follow up your advantage? Let's forget it, shall we, Jack? Well, what do you know about that? Jack would have kicked the stuffing out of you if he got you down, kid. I don't fight that way. Well, when I tell the other kids about this, I bet they'd agree to have you for our leader instead of Jack. Thanks, but I don't go in for gangs. It only leads to trouble and jail or the worst. Golly, kid, I never met anyone like you before. What's your name? Dan Reed. I know yours is Jack Lawson. Yeah, that's right. I had the reputation of being a toughest kid in town, but Jack doesn't get you anywhere, Jack. He just gets other people down on you. I told you all that sort of stuff, Dan. Friend of mine. The same one who gave me the horse and who taught me how to fight and shoot and ride well. Look, Jack, I'm leaving. I'll see you later. So long. He's going to tell the gang about the beating you gave me. You're a good fighter. Well, that is you could be if you knew a few of the rules and fought fair. You know, I never had a real friend, but if I ever had the chance to have, I think someone like you would be just the one. We could be friends if you like, Jack. How about it? Oh, gosh, sure. Let's shake on. All right. I better be getting along now. Maybe I'll see you next time I come to town. So long, Jack. If anybody ever tries to pick on you, Dan, just let me know. Thanks. Goodbye. Come on, Victor. Leaving the town of Jason, Dan Reed rode into the nearby hills to the camp he shared with the lone ranger and tanto. Dan told them about his encounter with Jack Lawson. I noticed the slight discoloration around your left eye, Dan. But Jack's a hard hitter. He's big for his age, but he doesn't know how to handle himself in a fight. Well, from what you tell us, Dan, he might want to pick on you again. Oh, no, Tom. We made up and became friends. Jack could be a nice fellow if he tried. I know of his father, Dan. Oh, you do? Yes. In fact, that's one reason why we came here to Jason. See, Jack's father was an outlaw. Went to prison, but he recently got out and came to Jason. I understand his gang is still waiting for him. Carly, no wonder Jack acts so tough. That's right. It's not good for Jack to follow father's footsteps and be outlaw. There's no reason why he should, tunnel. Then, why don't you bring Jack out here to the camp there too? Maybe we could change a few of his ideas. Oh, gosh, I'd like to. All right, then. Bring him out tomorrow. Let's prepare supper, tunnel. Next day, Dan rode into Jason and found Jack. Then the two boys set out for the Lone Ranger's camp. Within a short time, they reamed up and dismounted. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. This is camp where I stay with my friends, Jack. Oh, Dan. Jumping, catfish, a masked outlaw. Well, Dan, why didn't you tell me you were serious? Well, he isn't an outlaw, Jack, honest. That's right, Jack. I'm not. So just forget the mask. I'm glad Dan brought you out to see us. Well, thanks. Come along and meet tunnel. Hey, Dan. A man wears a mask. He must be an outlaw. I'll tell you who he is. Take my word for it, Jack. He isn't an outlaw. I've been around a few days and it gets to know you better. I'm sure he'll tell you why he wears a mask and all. Well, all right, Dan, but I'm still curious. Oh. Gosh. Dan, tell us about you, Jack. Ninja. Tunnel's our best friend, Jack. Not right. Well, we all take a short ride, Dan. You can ride Jack's bronc and he can ride Victor if you want him to. Sure. Would you like to, Jack? Well, golly, yeah. Fine. Let me get back. Tunnel and I will give Jack a few of the pointers we gave you, Dan, on fighting to defend yourself. All right, let's get the horses. For several days, Jack visited the camp and learned much from the Lone Ranger and Tato about shooting, riding, and boxing. Though he was still somewhat dubious about the mask, the kindness and patience of the Lone Ranger made Jack think of him with awe and wonderment. No one had ever been so understanding, and the thing that struck Jack most was the wonderful relationship that existed between Dan and the two men. His feeling of friendship for Dan grew strong and his admiration for the Lone Ranger was boundless. Not knowing that they knew about his father, Jack hadn't mentioned him, and as the days went by, he felt disgraced to think his father was an outlaw. One night when he returned home, his father was not there, but Pete was waiting. Hello, kid. Been waiting for you. Waiting for me? What, Pete? Well, I finally convinced your old man. What do you mean? Look, Spike's at the gang's hideout right now, and to bring you there. A couple of nights, we're going to pull the first job he's planned since he came back, and he's going to let you help. Ah, from then on, kid, you'll be a full-fledged outlaw. 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. Now to continue our story. Arriving home, Jack found Pete waiting for him. Pete told him they were to go to his father at the gang's hideout, and that Jack was to take part in a job that would make him a full-fledged outlaw. For a moment, Jack stared at Pete without speaking. Then the boy gave voice to a thought that raced through his mind. You know, Peter, I always hoped Papa'd let me join up with the gang someday. Sure, I knew you were hoping that, kid. Being big for your age at times, come when he's going to let you. But now I've changed my mind, Pete. I don't want to be an outlaw at all. What? Let's come over, you, Jack. I don't know exactly, but you can tell Papa I don't want to help on that job. But it's all planned out, kid, and we need a boy to put it over. You can't back out now. I'm not going with you, Pete. Just tell Papa I said I've changed my mind about things. Look, Jack, Spike said to bring you out there, and that's what I aim to do. Hey, this is what I'm going to do. Hey. This says you're coming with me. Don't point that gun at me. As long as I told you we were going to pull a job, I can't go without you. Now get going and no more backtalk out of you, understand? Get going. Pete and Jack rode up to the shack where Spike was waiting for them. Hold it, hold it, hold it. They're gone inside. All right, Pete. There he is, Spike. Hey, hey. God, you're the gun, Pete. Hey, Papa, he pulled a gun on me. He made me come out of here when I didn't want to. Put up that gun, Pete. Sure. But I don't like the kid's attitude, Spike. He seems to have gone soft or something. What's the matter with your son? I told Pete I didn't want to come. I don't want to be an outlaw. You don't? And what do you want to be? A lawman, someday. A lawman? Yes, sir. Well, let's come over here, son. And what you just said, then, you called me sir. You never did that before. I heard someone say that boys should say that to their fathers. And look, Papa, I won't tell anything. Why can't I go back home and... No. You know too much, kid. Now that you say you want to be a lawman someday, well, that fixes it. Look, Pete, why don't you go outside and join the others a while? Let me talk things over with Jack and get things straightened out. All right, Spike. I'm telling you one thing. That kid isn't getting away from here. Me and the others will see to that. There's something funny about this change of ideas that I don't like. See you later. Two days went by and Jack failed to appear at the camp. One day after Tonto had gone for supplies into town, Dan spoke of his concern to the lone ranger. Golly, I wonder what happened to Jack Lawson. He hasn't come around for the past two days. Yes, I noticed that, Dan. Perhaps Jack's decided he's seen enough of us for the time being. Oh, no, sir, I'm sure it isn't that. Jack said the last time he was here that he couldn't wait to get back with us. Well, then it is strange that he hasn't shown up. I guess he'll be around before the week is out. Gosh, I hope so. I sort of got to like Jack, and I wouldn't want anything to happen that'd make him change his mind about not being an outlaw. Did Jack say he didn't want to be an outlaw? No, not exactly. But he did say he hoped to be a lawman someday. He never mentioned his father. Yes, I know. Here comes Tutto. Oh, he's got hope! He went back sooner than I thought he would. Yes, he did. Me, here's something in town came to me, and it's not good. What did you hear, Tutto? Did you see anything of Jack Lawson, Tutto? Wait, Dan, wait. You listen. Go on, Tutto. Well, me go to town, rain up at Hitchrack. Me see boys standing nearby. There's other fellow rain up beside me. Oh, he's got hope! Easy! Oh, oh, oh! Easy boy. Hey, mister, what's that in the jack? You haven't been around lately. Ah, how do I know? Go on, beat it, kid. But he's living at your cabin. You ought to know. I said, beat it! Jack's got more to do than to hang around with you. Hmm. Him going to café. And me, father, maybe find out about Jack. You wait here, scout. He'll not be gone long. So you followed the man into the café, Tutto? I'm not right. What did you find out? Well, him go to table in corner. Meet other fellow. Meet get close to listen and hear what them talk about. I was hoping I'd find you waiting, Bill. Just come from the camp. Is everything set, Pete? Yeah, it's all set. How are we going to work it? The stage to leave here in the morning carrying the shipment of gold. Yeah, I know that. There'll be a guard on the tube. That won't matter. Here's the plan we got. We've managed to get hold of a covered wagon. The gang will be hid inside. But on the wagon seat will be Lawson's kid. With Spike dressed like a pioneer, sit and decide him. Then what? We'll start out so as to meet the stage a few miles east of here on the trail. Hey, that's a good plan. Sure, they won't suspect a thing when they see a covered wagon coming along slow with a kid on the seat. Spike will wave down the stage as if to ask directions. And the gang will take over. Good. What am I to do? You hang around town tonight and make sure the shipment's still leaving. You can find out easier now. Sure, I can find out. Good. And come on out to us to help us. They're a little trouble at camp, but it's under control. Trouble? Yeah, it's nothing. Me and the man got to smooth out. I'll be getting back, Bill. I'll be looking for you later at camp. I mean, Pete, leave Café. Me come to tell you about Aunt Laugh's plan. I see. It's a very clever plan. I can't believe Jack could do a thing like that. Help the Outlaw gang in a hold-up. Yes, I know how you feel about it then. And what we do, Pima Sully? Naturally, we're going to prevent that hold-up if possible, Tonneau, and catch the Lawson gang. But what about Jack, if the gang has got him? A good citizen has to do his duty then, no matter who's involved. That's a lesson you'll have to learn if you ever hope to be a lawman. All right, Tonneau, I'll get a note ready for you to take to the sheriff. The following morning, along the trail east of Jason, a covered wagon moved along slowly. Inside were several tough-looking men. While on the driver's seat, Spike Lawson, dressed as a pioneer, sat beside his son, Jack. In the wagon, just behind the seat, Pete kneels with a gun in his hand. You ought to be beating the stage most any time now, Spike. Tell that kid of yours, if he don't act right when we do meet it, I'll put a bullet in each of you. Listen here, Pete, you and the gang took my gun away. You wouldn't make vets like that. I'm sure we couldn't let you stick up for the kid like you wanted to. They'll both get your share if the holdup goes over all right. I don't want any of it. Look, Pete, let Jack get off the wagon, beat it. I'll follow through with the plan. Nothing to him. When they see a kid sitting on the wagon seat, they won't be suspicious. If he was there alone, they might smell a trap. Hey, there comes a stage now around the bend, John. That's right. Get ready, men. Right, Pete. And don't forget, kid, one false move and you get it right in the back. When we get close enough, just about to pass him, call out in a nice way for him to stop him in it. Understand? I understand. I know, kid. Take it easy. Stop the wagon, Spike. Hold! Hold it! Hold! Give him, kid. Call out to him. Keep going! Don't stop it! It's a holdup! No, you don't! Pulling alongside the covered wagon, the stage suddenly stopped and the coach door opened. A long ranger with a sharpened tato sprang out and ran close to the wagon side. Watch out! The wagon's full of outlaws! Just check. Come up the wagon! Now you want, kid? Look out! Oh, my wrist! Steering the order from the masked man, Jack jumped to the ground and ran to join the group alongside the wagon. The driver and guard on the boot of the stage had jumped behind a large box on top. From this vantage point, they rained bullets through the top of the wagon canvas while the lone ranger, the sheriff and tato moved toward the opening at the back. Touch down on the wagon, Jack. Follow the wagon. Come on, tato. We get him from back. They can't get away now. All right in there. Drop your guns and call out. I'll get you first. No, you won't. No! Never mind. You'd better give up. Nothing doing. You can't make us give up. Let them have it, men. There are a dozen men out there. We give up! Hold it! It's time to come out. All right. Come out with your hands up. There seems to be all of them. Pops in there. Pete was going to shoot me for one and you've been trying to jump them against you. Easy, Jack. They'll bring your father out here. Come on, tato. What's the other, sheriff? I sure will. The driver's guard up there and the boots still have drawn guns, too. We got him covered. Pete and lost. They're both still inside wounded. We got them out of the wagon. Be coming to help. A short time later, Dan Lee to would follow the stage a short distance behind, leading Silverland Scout arrived on the scene. Hold it! Hold it! There, Dan, the forces came back. Oh, Dan, gosh, I'm glad you came. My pop, he's shot. We're trying to help him, Jack. No use, mister. I'm a goner. No, pop. No. I don't think it's so hard, son. It's the best way. Easy, fella. Easy now, easy. Jack told me about you and that boy, you didn't want to come along. Pete. Pete. Yes, we know. We heard Jack's warning and saw what you did to save his life. Jack proved himself in a big way, Spike. You won't have to worry about him. Maybe, maybe someday he can be a lawman. Not an outlaw. Like me, little pop. It's all right, son. All right. You'll make a fine lawman, Spike. I'm sure of that. Oh, I'm very glad. And it's because of you and that boy, Dan. Jack, son, I... I... We'll see you later to make arrangements for the funeral. Sure. Now take these prisoners back in the stagecoach and attend to Spike. You can write on Victor with me, Jack. Come along, then. Adios, Sheriff. Adios. I can't serve her while I lost this kid. I'd want to be a lawman. There's lots of local armories like you don't serve him, mister. If we had more understanding for kids like that, we wouldn't have so many growing up to fill the prisons. The Lone Ranger gave Lawson's boy that kind of understanding. This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created and produced by George W. Trendle, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer.