 A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty high of silver, the lone ranger. With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the dearing 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. Dan Reed, 14-year-old nephew of the lone ranger, was riding the stage coach from rocked into Belmaf returning from a visit with friends. The only other passenger in the coach with Dan was a young woman whose beauty and pleasant smile attracted Dan's attention. As their eyes met, the girl spoke. You're rather young to be traveling around the west alone, aren't you? Oh, no, ma'am. I was born out here and I know the country quite well. Oh, I see. I think we ought to know each other's name, don't you? I'm Betty Rollins from Chicago. My name's Dan Reed. For the present, I'm living just outside of Belmaf. Well, that's where I get off the stage. This is my first time west and I'm quite excited about it. I like the west. I've never been to Chicago, but I have been to St. Louis. I think I'm going to like the west, too. Are you going to stay out here, Miss Rollins? Well, yes, I think so, Dan. You see, my uncle died and left a large ranch to my cousin and me, a cousin I've never met. His name is Jack Owens of the Star Ranch. Oh. Jack lived there with my uncle. I don't know Jack Owens, but I have heard of the Star Ranch. It's quite a big one. So I've been told. Oh, I've got a lot to learn about ranching, Dan. In fact, I've done very little horseback riding. I like to ride. I've a horse of my own called Victor. He's a beauty. How wonderful. I'd like to see your horse someday. Will you bring him out to the ranch and show him to me? Gallia, I'd be glad to, Miss Rollins. Good. Then we'll consider that as a definite appointment. Why don't you come out someday this week? All right. I'll come out tomorrow if it's all right with you. All right. I'll be looking for you in Victor tomorrow. Later that day, Jack Owens, Betty Rollins' cousin, was riding the Star Ranch buckboard to town to meet the stage from the east. The foreman of the ranch was riding on the seat beside Jack. Well, Jack, I wonder what your new ranching partner's going to be like. I'm wondering myself, Tex. I've never met my cousin, Betty. Too bad the old man went and left half of the ranch to that girl after the way you've worked to help make it so successful. Yeah, I know. But Uncle Bob always did have a soft spot in his heart for cousin Betty. Jack, didn't your uncle's will say something to the effect that if anything happened to either one of you, the other one was to get all of the ranch? Well, Will did say that. Why? Oh, I was just thinking. The Star Ranch really ought to belong just to you, Jack. Look, just forget that kind of thinking, Tex. If anything happened to cousin Betty, the first one the law would grab would be me. Not if it was proved to be an accident, in front of witnesses, for instance. Look, Tex, right now that kind of talk makes me nervous. She doesn't even hear you. Well, it's worth thinking about, isn't it? Yeah. Yeah, it is. We better hurry. The stage is probably in town already. Get up, Tex. Get up. The stagecoach arrived in Belma before Jack Owens got there. Betty Rollins stood with Dan Reed in front of the stagecoach station waiting. I hope they got my letter saying I was to arrive today. Well, the ranch is quite a waste in town. Maybe they're just a little late in getting here. Yes, I guess so. Tell me, Dan, what could I buy as a present for my cousin while I'm waiting? Is there a shop around here where I might get something in a hurry? Oh, yes. Right up the street there, see? Oh, wow. That's a saddle and leather goods shop. Well, come on with me. Right. Oh, I should have brought something from Chicago, but I just didn't think of it. Well, here we are. I ought to get a gift for a man, a rancher, something especially nice. Well, let me see. Hey, I know just the thing right back here. Now, here's something special, ma'am. Spurs? Well, I got more. They're the handmaid of Mexican silver. Here, you look them over. Well, they are unusual looking. That's right. What do you think, Dan? Well, they'd make a very nice present. Well, oh, Dan, look here on the side of each spur, but there's a star carved out of the silver. Well, since we have a star rancher... They'll be very nice. You can have them for only $15, ma'am. All right, I'll take them. Here, here's the money. Thanks, ma'am. I'll wrap them up for you. See, I just saw the star ranch buck board go by, Miss Rollins. Oh, well, then cousin Jack has come for me. You needn't wrap the spurs. I'll take them just as they are. All right. Come along, Dan. I don't want to keep my cousin waiting. After taking Betty to the buck board, Dan went to the livery stable and got his own horse, Victor. Then he rode out into the hills to the camp which he shared with Tatto and the Lone Ranger. Dan told about Betty Rollins. Golly, she's awfully nice and pretty, too, sir. I guess she must be, if you say so, Dan. You say she came out here to take over her share of the star ranch? Yes, sir. She owns half of it. Her cousin Jack Owens has the other half. I saw him today for a few minutes when Miss Rollins got in the buck board. Missy Jack Owens round town came a subby. Oh. Him tall, blonde color. That's right, Tatto. Well, what do you think of him, Dan? Well, I don't like him very well, sir. He didn't even thank Miss Rollins for the spurs she bought him. He just took them, looked at them and said, oh, that's all. I could see she was disappointed after thinking to buy them for him. Yes, it was a nice gesture on her part. It was a coincidence that she should find a pair with a star carved on the side. Ah. That fit him nice with name a ranch. Oh, that's the reason she bought those spurs. Those are the star on each of them. I see. Is she going to help run the star ranch, Dan? Well, she said she didn't know anything about ranching and that she couldn't even ride a horse very well. But she does want to stay in the West. She'll have to depend on her cousin Jack Owens to run things until she learns I, uh, thought he's honest enough. Gosh, I hope so. Now, I'm going out to the star spread to see Miss Rollins tomorrow. She wants to get a look at Victor. That's plenty big ranch. Then have plenty fine cattle. Yes, that's right, Tatto. Well, it's time to prepare supper. Tomorrow when you get back from the ranch, you can tell us all about it, Dan. The following day, Dan mounted Victor and rode to the star ranch. He rained up in front of the ranch house. Oh, hello, Victor. Oh, boy. Easy boy, steady. I heard you ride up. Hello, Miss Rollins. Oh, what a beautiful horse. He's absolutely magnificent. Gee, I'm glad you like Victor. Oh, I do very much. I bet you're very proud to own him, aren't you? Yes, I am. Oh, I'd love to ride him someday. May I? Oh, sure. Look, why don't you ride him right now? Just go out to the trail and back. Oh, but, Dan, I've ridden so little. Well, Victor will be gentle with you. Won't you, fella? He acts as though he understands just what you say. He does, Miss Rollins. I'm sure he does. Do you want to ride him out there and back? Well, all right. I'll help you, Muff. Steady, Victor. Easy boy. There. I won't go very far. Wait for me on the porch, Dan. All right. Get up, Victor. As Ben, he rode away on Victor, Dan turned and walked to the porch. He sat on the lower step and watched as Victor carried the girl out toward the ranch entrance. As he sat there, Dan heard the back door slam. Then he heard voices in the living room of the ranch house. Hey, isn't that my cousin riding away from the ranch? Yeah. I wonder where she got that white horse? Must be one of ours. Can't tell from here. Guess you had one of the boys bring it around. He's not much of a rider. Rise like a tent if it all right. See, you thought of what we were talking about in the way of the town yesterday? Yeah. I did give it some thought, Tex. Well, what about it? I gotta tell you, I may have a way. It could be done. It'd be like an accident. They'd have plenty of witnesses, too. I'll still have to think it over a while. First chance we have, we'll get together, but we won't be interrupted. Then you can tell me what it is you got in mind. You'd better get together soon, then, because what I have in mind, it has to do with the cattle drive next week. I wonder what they're talking about. Yeah, I see you're wearing them spurs your cousin bought you. Sure, why not? They might have nice spurs when you come right down, though. Yeah, they aren't there. A strap bug on one of them is about to come off, though. Have to get a fixed first time in the town. Come on, we got work to do over in the North Range. Golly, sounds like those two are planning something dishonest. Miss Rollins wouldn't want anything like that around this ranch. When I get back, I'll tell Tonto and the whole range of what however hurt. That night, as they sat around the campfire, Dan remembered to tell Tonto and the lone ranger what he had heard Jack and the foreman saying in the ranch house. You say they said something was going to be fixed, so it looked like an accident then? Yes, sir. That's what I heard the foreman say to Jack Owens. They didn't know I was sitting on the porch step. Maybe I shouldn't have listened to it. Oh, it was the nature of the conversation that attracted your attention then. Not right. If them planning something crooked, it'd good you hear, Dan. I wish they had said what it was they were planning to do. Anyway, whatever it is, it's supposed to happen next week during a cattle drive. I guess the store ranch is having their cattle drive at that time. They'll probably drive about a thousand head from the ranch to the loading yard and building after that, right? No telling what they might be planning. I wonder if it... Tonto, there's something I want you to do in the morning in town. Huh? And what that came to tell me? I'll tell you when you're ready to go. There's something I want you to find out for me. The answer may put a different light on this whole matter. The following morning, leaving Dan at the camp, the Lone Ranger rode with Tonto to the edge of town. He waited while the Indian went to a certain office in Belknap. After a short time, Tonto returned to the place where the Lone Ranger was waiting. Oh, Scott, hope I like it! Hope I like it! Well, Tonto, it didn't take you very long. Not right. Me go to land office, like you say, Kimusabi. Oh, what did you find out? Well, then say Jack Owens own half star ranch, girl, or another half. The main thing I wanted to know was about... Well, me know, Kimusabi. Me find out something else. Well... Well, man, tell me, according to Willow, Uncle who died, all ranch go to one who's left, if something happened to Owens or girl. I suspect it as much. Well, me not said he would... It struck me last night, Tonto, that Jack Owens and that four men at the star ranch could be planning something far worse than we thought at first. What do you mean? Well, according to what Dan heard, something is being planned to happen during the catalyze. That's right. That's something is to look like an accident. Ah, that's what Dan tell us. Tonto, I have a feeling that those two aren't just planning to do something crooked. I believe they're planning something far worse, as I said before. In other words, it might be that they're planning the murder of Betty Rollins. 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. After Tonto had learned that the will of Betty's uncle stipulated that if one of the partners died, the whole ranch should go to the other, the Lone Ranger told his Indian friend the conclusions to which he had come regarding what Dan had overheard. Tonto was impressed by the Lone Ranger's ominous words. King of savvy, that not good. Maybe it better we warn girl about cutting. Oh, wait a minute, Tonto. Remember, I'm only assuming that such a thing is possible. I'm not saying that Owens and a Forman are actually making such plans. I could be wrong, you know. And what you do? It would be unwise to worry the girl needlessly. What we can do is to be on hand when that cattle drive takes place. Just to be sure nothing does happen to her. Ah, that's a good plan. They'll go back to camp now, Tonto. When that drive starts, we'll be nearby, watching. Come on, let's go. All right, let's go. Now, be ready. Hold still. Come on. The following week passed uneventfully. Dan kept in touch with Miss Rollins and found out the exact day that the drive was to take place. Early that morning, the Lone Ranger and Tonto set out from their camp and rode to the hilly rangeland of the Star Ranch. They rounded up most of the cattle on the north range, Tonto. They'll drive them down the valley over there. Ah, that right. They'll enter the valley to the north and come out between the ridges right over there. They'll keep out of sight as we follow the progress of the drive. Girl tells Dan, cousin wanted to go on cattle drive. I know. That's suspicious as it's self. She's not used to riding. And what's more, tenderfoot has no business helping on a cattle drive, especially a girl. That's right. We'll look for Miss Rollins when we spot her to make sure she doesn't get out of our sight. We've got to hurry a bit. The drive has probably started by now. Hold still. Get them off the counter. Meantime, Jack Owens and the foreman rode with Betty Rollins from the ranch house. As they approached the place where the cowpokes were moving the cattle into the valley, Betty's eyes shone with suppressed excitement. Well, Betty, there they are. Isn't that a sight? Oh, it certainly is. And to think we own all those cattle, I can hardly believe it. Sure is a fine herd, Miss. Them cattle bring a big price. How many are there, do you know? Yep, nine under 2,000 head. All fat and ready for market. Who the hell are you? Well, Betty, here's where I have to leave you. You stick along with Tex and be sure you don't get too close to that herd. Sometimes they run a little wild. You never can count on them. We'll ride along the ridge down to the point where they leave the valley. Miss Rollins can get a good view of the drive as they move through the valley. All right. You can join up with us there, Tex. I'll be seeing you later. Get up there. Oh, my. This is exciting to watch. I guess it is for somebody who's never seen a cattle drive before. Them critters get off laundry at times. Sure keeps the cowhands busy getting them to move down the valley. I'm going to like ranching. And I hope to learn enough so that I can be of help later on. Oh, no, hurry about that. We can handle things pretty well. Well, we've got to get going. Get up there. Get up. Gradually, the herd moved down to the narrow exit. While the cattle was still a short distance from the point where they were to leave the valley, Tex and Betty reached the exit on the left side and rained up. Whoa, fella. Whoa. Well, there they come. In a couple of minutes, the cattle reach here and leave that valley. I'm joining the boys on this side, so I'll be leaving you, Miss Robin. You've been very helpful, Tex. Thanks a lot. I wish there was something I could do to help with the drive. I feel so useless. Well, Miss Rollins, I was just going to suggest something you could do to help. Well, of course. What is it, Tex? Well, them cattle are moving mighty slow, as you can see. That gives you plenty of time to ride across the other side from here and give the man a message for me. That is, if you're not afraid. Well, if you think there's plenty of time, I guess I can do it for you. Good for you. You won't have to worry. As I said, the cattle are moving slow. But just ride over and tell the first cowpork you see that I want them to swing the herd to the left before they reach the river. Otherwise, we'll have trouble. All right, I'll tell them. Get up there. Meantime, near the exit from the valley on the opposite side and keeping well out of sight, the lone ranger in Tuttle watched the figures of Tex and the girl across from them. So far, Tuttle, everything's gone all right. I guess the girl's going to watch the drive from there. She and the foreman have stopped. Ah. Me wonder something came of something. What? Me wonder why foreman ride with girl. Why I'm not held cowhands with cattle drive. I thought of that. It may be that she asked him to go. Oh, look. The girl has started to cross the valley opening in front of the cattle. Ah. They're coming alone. We have plenty time. Cattle not moving fast. I know. Still, it's a bit risky. Something should happen. They're shooting from the side of the hill on this side. You must have a look. Cattle's tampedon, girl right in path. That girl will be tabled to death. One, two, three. Realizing that every second counted, the lone ranger disregarding the extreme danger to himself and his horse started at a gallop toward the freer stricken girl. The great heart of silver never hesitated an instant to obey the ringing cry that had urged him into the face of the thundering herd, which was fast approaching the spot where Betty Rollins was trying to urge her horse into a faster gate. Suddenly, the lone ranger heard her scream again, more terrifying than the last. She bent home, her horse is lifted, faster silver, faster! Ever closer came the fear-ridden herd, yet the masked man and the gallant stallion gave no thought of swerving from their purpose. As he neared Betty, the lone ranger cried out to her, Get to your feet, hand up! The girl looked up with terror in her eyes. Then she struggled to her feet and turned a chalk-white face toward the masked figure that raised toward her. The next moment, the lone ranger reigned up momentarily beside her. Hopefully, easy now! Open yourself! Take my hand, come on! Betty grasped the lone ranger's hand and with her combined effort, she managed to swing up behind him. Hold on! One, two, three! With a pounding herd only a few yards away, Silver leaped forward with his double load and headed back to the point where Tuttle was waiting. As the big stallion swept around the edge of the ridge, the thundering herd seemed to brush past his flanks with only inches to spare. Push over! I just can't believe that we got up here. Here, here. We have to get down. You're safe now, Miss Robbins. Yes, thanks to you. I'm sure my cousin wants to meet you. My friend Tuttle will see that you get back to your ranch safely. I have something to do, so I'll leave now. I'll meet your cousin later, Miss Robbins. Come on, tell her! While the cowhands crowded around Miss Rollins, exclaiming over her narrow escape and wondering about the mysterious masked figure, the lone ranger rode along the ridge until he reached the spot from which the shots had come. At the time, he had noted the puffs of smoke from the gun. I remember the person who fired those shots was behind this cottonwood tree. If I could find some sign, it would give me a clue. Put prints here, but not very clear. I wonder if... What's this? That's all I need. The big fella! One foot away! That night after the drive was over, the men returned to the star ranch. Betty was in the ranch house with her cousin Jack and Tex the foreman. Betty, hereafter, you'd better stay at home when we have a cattle drive. You were mighty lucky you weren't killed, I can tell you. Yeah, that's right, Miss Rollins. I'd sure like to get my hands on the local cowhander who did that shooting. I question all of them, but they all deny doing it. I won't have anyone so careless as that working here, Tex. Cousin Betty means a lot to me. Anyone that at risk of life like that can't stay at the star ranch. I appreciate that, Jack. But I'm sure it was unintentional on the part of the cowhander who did the shooting. After all, he had no way of knowing I'd be in the path of those cattle. But I shivered to think of what would have happened if... This man reigning up out front sounds like... I'll open the door. Good evening. What? Oh, just the man we want to see, Miss Rollins. The masked man. What are you... Jack, it's the man who saved my life. Oh, do come in. Thanks. Why didn't you? Sure. Much equity, too. Miss Rollins, there's a sheriff bell in his deputy. How do you do? How to do, my hearty folks. Hey, why have you brought the sheriff here? Just a little business, Mr. Rollins. Won't take long. Well, I guess I'll get back to the book. Now, better wait, mister. Now, look at here. He said to wait a minute, Tex. Why do you pull a gun? What's the meaning of this? Unwrap this and look at it, Miss Rollins. Oh, all right. What? What? It's a spur. It's one of the spurs I gave to Cousin Jack. I know it by that star. Good. I lost it the other day. Glad to get it back, mister. But Jack, you wore your spurs this morning. I couldn't help but look to see if you would. You had them both on. That's right. He did. The strap is broken on this one. Jack Owens is a man who fired those shots to stampede the cattle. That's a lie. Is it? And why was this spur found under the cottonwood on the spot in which those shots were fired? That doesn't say that. I come here this afternoon and picked up one of your boots from the cook. It matches the boot marks under that tree, Owens. But why should Jack... Miss Rollins, will you tell us why you started to ride across when you did? Oh, of course. Tex asked me to. He wanted me to tell the men to swing the cattle left before they reached the river. There ain't any other way they could swing them, ma'am, and they all know it. Exactly. Their timing was perfect. Tex sent you across, and then Owens stampede the cattle. In other words, Miss Rollins, they attempted to murder you and have it look like an accident. Oh, no. Well, it sure looks like it to me. They didn't count on you getting any help. They planned this thing for several days. No. No, it's Tex's idea. He can't put the blame on me. He put me up to it so he'd get the ranch. He's the one who'd profit. You planned it together, and you can take the consequences together. Sheriff, they'll stand trial for attempted murder. Well, he won't take me in. Oh, no! Oh, my leg! Oh, man alive. That was quick shooting. All right, deputy. Get Owens out of here. We'll fix up Tex's wound and then take him to town, too. Well, I guess that's all. I'll go now. Adios. Adios. Come on, Owens. Help your man Tex out the bunkhouse. We got more men waiting there. Now, come on, get moving. Oh, Sheriff, I can't believe Jack would do a thing like that. Well, he did miss, and you're mighty lucky you had a friend like that masked man watching over you. Yes. Yes, I am very lucky. He's a very amazing man, Sheriff, yet I haven't any idea who he is. Well, nobody knows who he really is, Miss Rollins, but believe me, nobody cares just so they can say their friend is the Lone Ranger. This is a product of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created and produced by George W. Trendle, directed by Charles D. Livingston, and edited by Fran Stryker. A part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer.