 A fiery horse at the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty high old silver, the lone ranger. With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the planes led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. People where in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return when it's not those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse silver. The lone ranger rides again. Come on silver, let's go big fellow. I use silver. Jake Wattles, owner of the cafe in Canfield, was a huge man with a great shock of hair. His small, close-set eyes watched the customers, but he didn't notice four men who came through the bat-wing doors until they started shooting. In the hush that followed the gunfire, Jake saw that the four men wore hoods. All right, keep them covered boys. Any man throw us, let him have it. Now this is no hold-up, gents. Nobody will get hurt if he minds his own business. Keep your hands from your eyes and back away from that fire. That's you, Jake. You stand just where you are. If it's another hold-up, what is it? You'll find out pronto. Step this way and keep your hands raised. Who are you? Who are your partners? Who we are, don't concern you. Hey, I want to know what this is. Just call us friends, the four fellas you frame once. Four fellas your head sent to jail on a trumped-up lion charge of murder. That'll be good enough for you. What are you talking about? Forget already. Well, it's been a couple of years, maybe I ought to freshen up your memory some. Remember Pete Stevens, Bill Kendall, Judd Wayne, Todd Lang? Remember them? So why? I never framed them, they had a fair trial. No, you've got to listen. Ask anybody if they weren't guilty. Ask Nate Bender, he jailed them. Ask Judge Powers, it was him that gave them the trial. Anybody would tell you it was all fair and square. We know our friends weren't guilty, Jake. As for Nate and the judge and that lion killer, I've talked to Mark Marlin that you had testify against our friends. They'll all be getting theirs too. Wait a minute, sir. You just happen to be first on our list. All right, start walking. Out the front way. The first yell out of you, you're stuffing lead. On your way. Come on boys, back out, I'll watch this pole, Ted. The rest of you, Gents, stay here. Don't follow or try to get Jake back. Just keep out of what don't concern you. All right, quick boys. Keep your mouth shut and climb on that horse. Get moving. You won't get away with this. Get him up. Get him up. All the way. All the way. Get up. Get some ass, man. With the rest, kid. Shoot your fools. Shoot them down. We've got to get out of here. All gone. We missed him. Can't be held. We've got a rider. We'll be caught. Get back to camp. Get up. Get up. First of all, fellas, we're haunted. Hold up. Who was that mask on, Rick? I've seen it all, fellas. I've seen every bit of it. Those four hooded gents took Jake from the cafe. Then the masked army and the injured came from nowhere. And they got Jake. What's happened to make Jake popular, sir sir? The hooded men raced to their hideout several miles from town. There they rained up. Ho, ho, ho. Easy. Todd, you take the horses and pick them where they can graze. Paula settles over against that tree. And get these hoods off the ride. Come on, you finish. Bill, I had you plenty to know who that mask man in the Indian were that butted into our play. You got any ideas? No, I haven't, Judd. You ever see that pair of four-peat? Not that I remember. And you... Huh? I don't know. Well, something about him I should play seems like. I can't seem to do it, though. Look to me as if they'd planted themselves right there waiting for us to come out of the cafe. They must have known beforehand what we were planning. I'd have sworn we came here without anybody knowing it. Yeah. Well, that's what looked funny to me. So we missed out on the first try. We can wait. We've got time, plenty of time. The next try, we won't miss. Bill, you made one bad mistake back there at the cafe. Huh? What's that? You named the four we're out to get. Everybody in the cafe heard you and warned the men we want. That's why I did it. Huh? Now that they know we're after them, they can spend some time worrying about it. That just suits me fine. But what if they clear out? They won't. How do you know? If Jake gets away from that mess, man, he won't clear out because everything he owns is right back here in Canfield. Yeah, that's so. Hawk Marlin won't. Because this is just about the only part of the country where he's not wanted by the law. Besides the fact that he's drawing good wages from Jake. He's the one that's going to be hard to handle. He's lightning with a six-shooter. Sheriff Nate Bender and old man Powers is the judge. There's sure no danger to them leaving. But all the time they'll know we're somewhere around. They'll know that sooner or later we're going to get them. And between now and then, they're going to spend plenty of sleepless nights. The Lone Ranger and Toto had taken their prisoner south of Canfield. Outside the town, they circled and rode to a small, well-concealed camp within a mile of the Hooded Men. Jake Wattles was closely watched as he sat beside a small fire. Look here, stranger, I appreciate what you've done. It hadn't been for you and the Redskins. And Hooded Chance would have gotten me. Why can't I get back to town now? What are you holding me for? You're going to give Toto and me the backs of this affair. What do you mean? We learned by accident that those men intended taking you prisoner. While we waited outside the cafe, we heard the names of three other men mentioned. Judge Powers, Nate Bender, and Hawk Marlins. I want to know why all of you have been marked. Well, talk. Sure I'll talk. I got nothing to hide. You heard them mention some other names too, didn't you? Yes. Bill Kendall, Pete Stevens, and the others. They're the ones. Well, it just so happens they're killers. They're not killers alone, but thieves into the bargain. Go on. Two years ago they robbed my place. It was after hours when we was cleaning up. My strongbox had a lot of cash from punches that had been paid off and wanted to save place to put their moneys, well as gold dust from panniers that came in from the hills. They stole the cash and dust, stole it, and killed a swamper that was cleaning the cafe. He tried to fight them off, so they let him have it. Then it wasn't you who lost money. The cowboys and the miners who left their valuables with you for safekeeping. Like blazers, I didn't lose nothing. I had $5,000 a mole in that safe. Why are the hooded men after Hawk Marlin? Well, Hawk Marlin heard the shots that killed the swamper. He saw them fellas when they made the getaway. It was his testimony that convicted them. Why are they after the sheriff and judge? The sheriff jailed them and the judge sentenced them. But at what point did you plan all this? They seem to blame you most of all. That's because of the lying story they told him could. Yes? They tried to make the judge think God hired Hawk to rob Monesafe. They told him that Hawk claimed to see them escaping because he had seen them right from town just about the time the whole thing happened and knew their riding away could be made to look as though they were guilty. They were convicted, huh? Yeah. But all they got was 10 years of peace. That was because of the fact that Hawk was the only real witness against them. They should have hung from murder. 10 years? You know what that means, Jake? Yeah. That means they might have been able to secure a pardon if they did. Then maybe it's them that grabbed me tonight. Then fellas wearing hoods claimed to be friends with them. But there was four fellas sentenced for that cannon. And there was four in the gang with war hoods. Straight here, I'll bet that's it. I'll bet they're one and the same. It seems logical. You got a reason for saying that? Otto found their camp late this afternoon. The four men were Bill Kendall, Judd Wayne, Todd Lang and Pete Stevens. These fellas in camp addressed each other as Todd and Judd and Bill and Pete. Then you know where they're hid. A week until Nate Bender hadn't picked up. No. But they're convicted killers. On top of that, they as much as said they were going to kill some more. Well, you ought to argue. Are you on their side? No, I had been. I'd have known the details. Is it necessary to bring you here to get information? Well, now what? You're free to return to town. Now? Right. Yeah. Stranger, we should tell me where them scouts are hiding out. Adios, Jake. All right, the whole is still there. Well, get this, mister. I'm going to tell Sheriff Bender you know where that camp is. Go ahead. He'll question your plenty. You'll have to find this. Very well. Adios, get up there. What do you think? We'll move camp before Jake can bring the sheriff. Pack up, Tunnel. This talk with Jake has given me some new ideas. And one idea. There's one thing Jake's story didn't explain. He said the men who went to jail were after him because they claimed he and Hawk Marlin were guilty of the robbery and killing. They lied that no Jake wasn't guilty. There's no reason to want revenge. Oh, that right. We'll pack up in a hurry. And where we go, what we do. I want the truth of that robbery. The next day everyone in Canfield and the surrounding district talked of the hooded men and their threats. There were, however, two who spoke in privacy. They were Jake Wattles and his employee Hawk Marlin. They met in the evening in a private room at the rear of Jake's cafe. I can't figure what we're going to do. Well, what are we going to do? Whatever it is, it's got to be blamed soon. I've been on edge all day waiting for them hooded men to grab me off. The thought of spending the night all alone in my place makes me downright scared. What's happened to your nerve? Given an even break, I'll face anybody. But how can you fight fellas when you don't even know where they're at? I'm hoping the sheriff will look at them. You didn't find that mask man you told him about? Well, the mask man and the Indian moved their camp. But maybe he'll run into them sooner or later. But when he does, you'll make him tell where Kendall and his parts are hanging out. You seem sure the hooded men are the Kendall out there. I am sure. Couldn't be anyone else. Jake, I want a drink. Go out and tell the barkeep to give him my special bottle. Right. Bring it back here. Good idea. Hey, this door's locked on the other side. Locked? Oh, maybe a waiter locked it. We got we were in here. You set the back door and go around the front. All right, Jake, I will... Hold it! What? Come on fellas. Sit still, Jake. It's just us. And my pods. You remember Todd and Pete and Judd here, don't you? It was you that wore them hoods last night. Uh-huh. But not tonight. You already picked up the judge and the sheriff. Now all we want is you and Hawke. This time, the masked man can't help you. 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. How to continue our story. Unknown to Bill Kendall and his companions, the Lone Ranger had been watching when the quartet entered the rear room of the cafe. Then he raced to the place where Todd-O waited. What's the matter? Since up Todd-O, we're riding. And where are we going? Bill Kendall and the others have taken judge powers and Sheriff Bender. And they just now took waddles and Hawke Marlin. We hurry, we might reach the hideout first. You see them? Yes, we're good at their camp. You ready? Good. Todd-O and the Lone Ranger swept across country through the night on their powerful stallions, heading for the hideout of the hooded whore. As they burst through a thicket of underbrush, they came upon a clearing where in the darkness, two securely bound figures were dimly visible. They're back to a tree. Oh, sir, oh, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well. Bless you, fellas. You can't get away with this. You better let me and the judge go. Easy, big foot. Come on, Todd-O. Here you come. Are you Sheriff Bender? Who do you think I am? You sure are. See, you're not the same man. Judge, this is a masked man in a red skin. This is the critter Waddle spoke of. Who are you? I've been looking for you. Cut their ropes, Todd-O. You're going to help us? Right. Then why didn't you come and tell me where those troops were hid? I could have caught them. Hands free now. Their feet. Let me fix them. Yeah, hurry. You've got to get away before they come back. You're not going anywhere, Judge. You're being untied, but you're staying right here. What? Just what I thought. You are on their side. You're a crook just like the others. You'd both better rub your wrists. It'll help restore your circulation. Stranger. Siding with killers makes you just as bad as they are. Under the law, you're an excessive... Walk around a bit. That will help. I'm talking. You listen to what I say. Everybody concerned in this will pay for it, just as you're a shooting. That means you and the engine too. Not so fast, Sheriff. Now don't try to bull... You've decided that Todd-O and I are helping the men who captured you. I get this straight. We're on your side. Indeed. Yes. I want some information. What about? How well did you know Wayne, Stevens, Lang and Kendall before the Café robbery? Well, I didn't know them at all. Thought I did, but it was proved I didn't. Was he stolen money recovered? No, but I... I didn't think so. How about Jake Waddles? How well did you know him? Plenty well. Was he a man you'd trust? Well... What do you say, Judge? His reputation was shady. If you're thinking he and Hawke frame the defendants, I can assure you that the trial was fair and just. Well, I believe you gave them as fair a trial as possible. You could be guided only by facts and statements made by the witness. You sound as though you think the four were innocent. I hope to learn the truth before morning. Kendall and his gang were convicted. Their trial was fair. And they captured the judge and me. They'll have to pay for abducting us. Judge, if you'd been certain they were guilty, you'd have given them longer terms. Isn't that true? Well, I... You'd have sentenced them to hang for the murder of that swamper. Wouldn't you? No, see here. You're not a man to let killers off with a short prison term. That's neither here nor there. Now listen to me. If you two have courage, we may be able to learn some surprising things. Courage to do what? What are your plans? I wonder if you two men have nerve enough to die. It was a little later when the four men who had captured Waddles and Boston Marlin neared their camp after a roundabout route from town. What do you fellas figure out doing with us? Don't ask so many questions, Jake. You'll find out soon enough. Yeah, plenty soon. You're gonna kill us? Any good reason why we shouldn't? Didn't you and Waddles try to get us hung? Jake, you gotta make him on his go. You gotta do something. Jake, what can I do? You got cash? Buy him off. I don't want to die. Quick, whip him. Both of you, shut up. Come on, cut to the right here. We're almost to camp. Come on, boy. Get along. Watch out for this slope. Where about you got the judge and the sheriff? In camp. You assume me with him. There's a camp. I'm clearing ahead. Now look for me. I'll tell you later. Jake, you can't talk your way out of this, so shut up before we gank you. Here we are, Arena. All right, climb down. That goes for you two, Hawk. Hit the ground. All right, all right. Don't shoot. I've been waiting for you. Who's there? Where is he? You were longer than I expected. There he is, the masked man. You! Get him out of my poise, sir. Put those guns away. You don't need them for me. No, we don't, huh? Tie him up, boys. Right. Take his guns. Take one step toward me and Totto will shoot. Totto. Me here and behind you. Great stuff for you, mister. How do you mean you're afraid to start shooting? Get me a hook out of this and I'll pay your handsome. Guess again, Jake. You're in it for keeps this time. What do you mean? Bill, put your gun away and listen to me. I've learned a lot since last night. I guess I've changed sides. The fact that the judge and sheriff are right where you left them should be proof of that. Okay. Of course, Bill. So they are. What are you up to, mister? Who are you? Let's put the guns away before we talk. Come on out, Totto. You needn't hold a gun on them any longer. I'll meet Putz on the way, but other fellas still hold guns. Bill and his friends won't make trouble for us. They know we're on their side. They don't think I trusted you. I told everyone you was on the side of the law. Now you're throwing them with these convicts. Shut up, Jake. All right, put your guns away, boys. But be ready to draw fast. If you say so. Now then, mister, I'd like to know why you're on our side. Isn't it possible that I'd have personal reasons for wanting these men punished? The pull-cats frame you, too? What do you men plan to do with your prisoners? Well, we... Kill them? Oh, gosh, no, we... Why not? You have all four of them here. We're not... Shut up, Pete. Doesn't matter. You four go ahead with your plans. Our... Our plans? That's what I said, Kendall. You brought the judge and sheriff here and left them tied to trees over there near the edge of the clearing. Now you've returned with Jake and Marlon. You captured the four men for a purpose. Go ahead. Do what you intended to. When you're finished, I'll take over. All right. Bring Jake and Marlon, boys. Get going, Jake. No, please, boys, don't kill us. Give me a chance. We'll give you a chance. We'll also give you something you won't forget. Now, set them on the ground right next to the judge and sheriff. Go on, sit down. Have you heard what Bill said? Well, judge, sheriff... What are you going to do with this? You won't get away with this, Kendall. Sheriff, two years ago, you put the four of us under arrest. Judge, you sentenced us to 10 years. You got off lightly. We busted out. We come here because we were framed. All four of you were in on it. And you're going to admit it. I ain't ever framed a man in my life. Neither did the sheriff. Jake, you talk first. Isn't it true you had Hulk break into your cafe and kill that swamper? No, no. That's a lie. You're just trying to trick us. You figure we'll confess that you can have the sheriff and the judge his witness. That's right, Jake. That's what they're trying to do. Bill, they heard you say you didn't want to kill them. They know you four men are not killers. Stand to sign. What are you going to do? You'll find out. Now, hold on, mister. Kendall, what's the difference whether or not they confess? You brought them here to punish them to get square with them. Come here, Jake. No, no, wait. Get on your feet. Take it standing up. We'll carry out this punishment and hurry. No, no, wait a minute. Please, please. Step back a few places. No, no. Put that gun away. Bill, we can't let him do this. You will not stop him. Go on, Jake. Back away from him. You'll shoot me. Do as I said. Now, John. Those two are untied. This way, Sheriff. They got loose. They're getting away. I'll stop them. You drilled them. The judge and the sheriff. You dropped them both. Don't try to make a break, Marlon. Don't shoot me. Don't shoot. Keep an eye on these two. They want to hear them talk before we shoot them. Gosh, mister, you're too handy with your guns. I'd rather let those two go free than shoot them. That's what I thought, Kendall. But I had different ideas. Now, we'll concentrate on these two. Come here, Hawks. Stand up there beside your friend, Jake Waddley. Yeah, yeah, I'll do it. But please don't kill me. If one of you wants to talk, this is a chance. He might show leniency to a witness just the way they do in court. What do you want to know? Before we get into my business, we'll clear up that robbery and murder in your cafe. Now, which of you wants to do the talking? I'll talk. I'll talk, mister. I'll tell you all about it. Shut up, Hawks. The man's not fooling. You saw what the judge and sheriff got. I'll tell everything, mister. Jake planned that whole night. That's what I thought. Who stole the money? It was Hawk. He got the money, and he's the one that killed the Swamper. You told me to. It was your idea, Jake. You know it was. You lie. Steven, the money was my idea, but I didn't tell you to shoot that man. You told me not to let anything get in my way. And listen, mister, you've got to believe me. Jake schemed everything. He even rigged up the evidence to frame four other men. And, uh, you were the witness against the four? But Jake made me. Now, wait a minute. Let me get this straight. You two have fallen all over each other, passing the blame, but it don't look to me like the judge and sheriff was even in on the frame-up. That, Kendall, is the thing you had to know. That's why we planned it this way. Planned? Planned what? The whole thing. And the sheriff? He's not dead. Not even hurt. There's the judge. We heard everything. From here on, we'll take over. It was a frame-up. It was a trick. The judge and sheriff heard us. That's exactly what they were supposed to do. You see, Kendall, before you got back, the masked man untied us, so me and the judge could break away when he gave us the signal. And we flopped to the ground when he fired over our head. Why don't you let Hawk and Waddles know they had small chance? Well, Bison, you tricked us. Shut up, Hawk. You and Jake aren't the only ones who were tricked. The four of us were just as sure as you that the masked man was a killer. Judge, what about these four men who were unjustly sent to jail? A terrible mistake has been made, but it will be corrected. Kendall, is that what you wanted to hear the judge say? It sure is. Good. Come on, Tyler. Now, but hold on. Wait a minute. We're not needed anymore. Is that a big fella? Judge, sure if I... There's a lot I don't savvy. Kendall, all you have to know is this. You and your friends will be cleared. Marlon and Waddles will face trial. And conviction. And their case will be different than yours. There'll be no doubt in my mind as to their guilt. What's he looking at? I'm stuck. Yeah, but that masked man, what did he have against the two? And he just wanted to get the truth. You see, he's the lone ranger. I'll kill the whole... What you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.