 A fiery horse with a speed of light, the cloud of dust and a hearty high old silver, the Long Ranger. The rest that followed the Civil War, a powerful secret organization called the Legion of the Black Owl sprang up in the west in the United States. Its members were to be found everywhere, defying the law or using the law for their own purposes, working toward the ultimate goal of revolt and the foundation of a despotic empire. It was the master rider of the planes who led the fight against this band of outlaws and traitors and for once his great strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness were taxed for the utmost in the cause of democracy. Return with us now to those thrilling days in the west we young. From out of the past come the thundering who feet to the great horse Silver. The Long Ranger rides again. Long, Silver, run the field of the Black Owl. The map in the woods had burned to glowing embers when a masked man wakened. He was unable to decide for the moment the reason for his waking. Then he noticed the tonto had roused too and though motionless was keenly alert. What's Silver's warning, Tonto? Someone is nearby. Me, no. Me, listen. Me, not to your sound. I don't hear anything. It's warm below on the ground, what a flicker. And suddenly he leads to his feet. Shark, got him! Hey, look out! Don't shoot! Do you watch for others? Good work, Tonto. And you're bashing my neck the way you hold me. Go away if you like to be. Hey, hold you tight. I'm ready for anyone else. I'm alone, missie. Tell this red skin that my neck breaks easily, will you? Stop dragging me, I'll come. He got this fella. Don't be too rough until we find out who he is. I'm a friend. I don't mean no harm. All right, let him go, Tonto. He won't get away now. My sakes alive. I'm most stove-in from the way Tonto tackled me. You'd better have a good reason for sneaking up this way. What do you want? You, that's all. Go on. Then, ratted, I didn't mean no harm. I was only trying to get close enough to see if you was wearing a ring on your finger. A ring? What do you know about a ring? I was told to be careful and to make no mistake. And if you didn't have a ring, I was to sneak away again. Heh, fine chance I'd have to get away. Does that engine have eyes in the dark? Who sent you here? Now, that don't enter into it at all. You're that old ranger you wouldn't be wearing the ring. I can see it now and what light there is. What's more, no one but Tonto could have took me like I was tookin'. I'm satisfied that you're the right party. Get to the point. I will, I will. Just tell Tonto not to treat my poor neck like it was a pump handle. All I'm to do is to make sure you wear the ring that you didn't get the chance to return to a certain party. And then hand you this year a letter. A letter? Why didn't you say so in the first place? It is. When did you get this? A couple hours back. In town? That's right. How did you know where to find this? Now look at here. I can't answer a lot of questions. How did you find this? I'll tell, I'll tell. She rode with me to the edge of the woods then told me to follow her trail till I see the light of your campfire. Which I done. She left and rid off toward the north. That's the more wood on the fire, Tonto. Light enough to read. I'll give you a hand. Tonto, sorry about your neck. Oh, that's all right. Under reason, I reckon I'll have something to brag about to the boys when I tell them that the partner of the Lone Ranger like to tie him out in me. Ain't sure a shooting hate to have you really mad. That brush make quick fire light. That's enough, Tonto. I can read. This good friend is the most dangerous task you've ever had. An army may depend on your six ambushes planned. Colonel Moffat's troops? Ambush? Tonto. What we do? Great camp at once. We're through with rest and sleep. We've got a ride again faster than ever before. Great day in the morning. Here, Silver. Ready, boy. Steady. Steady there. Are we saddle up? What can I do to help? Roll up that blanket and hand it here. Sure thing. Tonto, leave the canteens aside. We'll enter them on our fire. Here's the blanket. Thanks. Now I... One minute. You said you saw the line of our fire. That fire was bloody well concealed. What kind of eyes do you have? Well, I didn't exactly see it. The girl gave me pretty definite instructions. I know this, would you see? And she said you'd be near overhang rock. She's certainly as well-informed. Ready, Tonto? All but fire. Put it out? Yes. Then we'll ride. When the lone ranger and Tonto left the camp, the man who had bought them the girl's message watched and listened until he could no longer hear the hoof beat to the horses. And he started back to town on the age of the horse he'd left at the edge of the woods. He saw a figure on horseback in front of him. He noticed that it was the girl. I'll circle back after I left you, Amos. I wanted to be sure you'd deliver the letter. Sure did, ma'am. Now, if there's anything else I can do, you'd just name it. And you gave it to have the ring on his finger. Yeah, he's well on his way by this time. Oh, good. Thanks a lot. Crackiness don't thank me. I'm the one to thank you. Wait till I tell the Colonel that I met up with the lone ranger. Last time I see him, he would tell him me about that mask man. The Colonel? Uh-huh. He is sort of distant relative of mine. Third cousin is something of the sort. I'll ride back to town with you, Amos. I thought I'd better meet you and make sure you deliver the message. I can hardly wait till the day after tomorrow when the Colonel gets to town. That'll be nice. Yep. And a letter from him last week. He said it was coming by stage. It's been a long time since we've seen one another. Fact is, it's been five years when I left his cavalry on the county getting on in years. Is he still in the cavalry? Sure is. Fine soldier, too. Crackiness don't make him no finer. Give him another five years and he'll make the name of Moffat mean something in the west. What's that, huh? Why are we stopping? What did you say the Colonel's name was? Colonel Moffat. Why? You heard of him? Isn't he with his troops north of Powder River? No. The troopers are there, but the captain's in charge. The Colonel's been east on some special business. Oh, why, what's the trouble, Miss? Are you sure the Colonel has been east? Sure, I'm sure. What about it? Oh, listen to me. You said you'd been a soldier. I was. I was good at it, too, if I do say so myself. Then you've got to help me further. The Army needs you again. Huh? There's a big woods between here and Powder River. I know, that woods. It's big and spore and over mountains and valleys. A huge gang is there, waiting to ambush Colonel Moffat's men. I don't say. Why, the ordinary coyotes? Moffat's making a share here. They're going to come through the woods to get here. This is to be their new station. I didn't know that. The letter you took to the Lone Ranger told about the ambush. The Lone Ranger is writing to warn Colonel Moffat. But you say a captain is in command now. Sure, I tried. The Colonel would know the Lone Ranger. He'd listen to him, believe what the Lone Ranger said. Sure he would. I mean, it can come in. This captain may not know the Lone Ranger. He might think the mask means outlaw. He might put the Lone Ranger under arrest. If the Lone Ranger can't convince the captain that there is a trap in the woods, the whole detachment might be wiped out. Come on, Juniper. We've got to do something about that. Just you say what and I'll do it. You've got to ride. Ride hard and long and try to overtake the Lone Ranger. Overtake him? Hopeless though, it seems you've got to try. If you can overtake him, you'll have to keep going until you meet the troops. Tell the captain... Oh wait, there's one thing. The ring. The ring? You mean the one the Lone Ranger's got on his finger? Yes. Get word to the Lone Ranger. Tell him to open the ring. Remember that. Open the ring. I'll do it. I'll start right now. It'll take till tomorrow night to reach the woods. I'll make my way through in the dark. Get to Powder River and then she'll go on to find the army camp. I'll get what Grubba need as I go along. Remember the message, Amos. Open the ring. I will. Go on, man. Amos pushed his horse to the limit. For long hours he rode steadily through the night. And to only pause briefly, let the horse drink and graze for a minimum of time. Then once more pressed ahead, by nightfall the exhausted man and horse had reached the vast stretch of woods near Powder River. Now we're in for hard travel, old horse. Back to go do north by inch stinking. What little we see of the stars. Get along, boy. We got luck on our side. We'll meet the Powder River by sunup. An hour and then another pass while horse and rider continue through the trees. Low branches slap the damer's face. And rough bark rake the horse's side. It was almost midnight, and center of the forest had been reached. Then suddenly... Ain't up there. Stop, we want you. Hold on for a week. Stop. Here we go. Hey, he's there. Don't you... This is just an ordinary kind. Sure, that's all I am. Let me go. I don't mean no trouble. Where are you going? North of the Powder River. For what? Look, mister, I didn't do anything. I don't know who you are, but if you think I'm an outlaw, you can search me. Why are you riding north at this time of the night? What's your name, anyhow? Amos. I'm riding north to... to meet my friends. Take him to the headquarters. Please, let me go. Slay the headquarters a long ways off. Yeah, that's right. You've got to stick around here. Rope into the tree. They're keeping for 10. No, don't do that. I ain't got to get north. Get out if you're lucky to be alive. Rope him. Tightly tied to the large trunk of a great tree, Amos could see the vague figures of the men who moved in the midnight darkness of the woods. He knew there were a lot of them, but there was no way to count the exact number. His spirit sank to low ebb. He had failed in his all-important mission. The words of a girl echoed in his ears. Can't tell him. Can't help now. They'll be late. They'll be late. I failed them. Maybe they've got their own ranger, a prisoner too. While the lone ranger and Tonto continued through the woods. Blackest part of woods behind us now. Who fills out louser behind us? That's what Tonto think. Do you, Kimosabi? Ah. Long time back, we ridin' wide-circle. That was when you told me not to speak. And our horses traveled very slowly. We had a lot to learn. We had a lot to learn. We had a lot to learn. We had a lot to learn. Our horses traveled very slowly. Ah. And that's where Tonto think. Outlaw wait. Tonto, look ahead of us. Ah, that's good. That's where woods come to win. That's right. A few seconds and we'll be out of the woods. Then cross river. Then, Kimosabi, we can really travel. The curtain falls on the first act of our lone ranger story. Before the next exciting scene, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Continue our story. We crossed the river and splashed into the water. The stream was shallow. In a moment, the hoops of sculpt and silver clattered on the dry bank. In the north bank, a powder river. In the head, the land was level, free of trees, and lighted by the moon. The lone ranger cried out, Come on, silver! Get him up! Out! Both horses leaped ahead. They seemed joyous that the woods had been left behind. A mile after a mile, the mighty silver paced the sturdy sculpt. The moon sank and the darkness grew more dense. Again, the hearty voice rang out, Come on, silver! Then in the first gray light of dawn, it grew, and then a ready hue came from the east to paint the land ahead. Armed through the dawn, the horses ran. Then far ahead, just as the sun's rim showed a tiny arc above the horizon, the faint notes of a bugle sounded above the clatter of the horses' hooves. The army, Tunnel! There it is! Open our home! I want to speak to your commandant. You're a bass. Yes, will you summon the commandant? Very well. Corporal of the guard! Corporal of the guard! Anyway, the horse is very tired, Tunnel. Ah, them make plenty long runs. They've earned the rest and they're going to get it. Ah, maybe the army goes south right away. That's all right. We'll not have to go with it. As long as we inform the current of the situation south of here, he'll take matters in hand. Ah. He went into the woods unaware of the danger. We might be overpowered. But those outlaws don't have the advantage of surprise. The army will have the situation in hand from the start. Not many soldiers here, came us, have he? Plenty out long woods. Ah, it doesn't mean nothing to the army, Tato. As soon as we've seen Colonel Moffat, we'll find a place to camp. The Corporal of the guard will tell Captain Blake about you. But I want to see Colonel Moffat. He hasn't been here in weeks. Hasn't been here? Captain Blake is in command. And he doesn't like masked men. Captain Blake joined the sentry at the army camp. And with a deep foam in his face, studied the lone ranger. What's the meaning of this? You come here mask. I came to speak to Colonel Moffat. I understood he was in command. He has been away for some time. You're Captain Blake? I am. The Colonel were here. He would know who I am. I propose to find out who you are. Please remove that mask. Just a moment, Captain Blake. You wouldn't have any idea who I am by seeing my face. No, well, I'll... I unexpected my efforts in this part of the country have made you familiar with the expression, the lone ranger. I've been here but a short time. I'm from Ohio. I must insist that you unmask, sir. An account for the wearing of that mask. Captain, I think... This part of the country's been placed under what amounts to martial law. I don't have been traveling hard to bring a message to you, to your men. I said, sir, unmask. Do so it once or I'll have it done for you. Just a moment, Captain. You're traveling south. You're going to the woods south of Potter River. You know a great deal about army maneuvers. Too much, I would say. Captain, have you heard of a powerful gang of outlaws around here? So, you seek further information. I do nothing of the sort. I'm trying to give you information. False. The truth. The woods south of Potter River hold an army of outlaws. More of them than you have soldiers. They know you're coming. They're waiting for you. Indeed. Yes. This is probably the poorest effort and strategy I've ever seen. Naturally, the outlaws don't want the army to take over control south of the river. The bandits down there have had things their own way. They don't want us there. So, you come here. You expect me to believe you despite that mask. You tell the size of the outlaw army in the woods. Say you expect me to remain here rather than go and confront those outlaws. Captain Blake, I'm trying in every way I know to state the situation to you. What would you suggest, sir? Let you start now at once. Get to the woods in daylight and be prepared to fight. Thank you for the suggestion. My information, however, is different. Therefore, I will proceed along the lines originally planned. And, uh, break camp tonight? Yes, I have no apprehension of going through the woods in darkness. I've been informed that the men we seek are beyond the woods. If I follow your suggestion, we'll come out of the woods in the south at night. And that is where we expect to meet our opposition. What can I do to convince you? I'm not in league with those outlaws. You can't convince me. Oh, place this man under arrest. Yes, sir. Stand back. I'm not going to be placed under arrest. Fast draw. Two guns, sir. Let's serve to verify my suspicions. If you were what you claim, a friend of the army, you'd be quite willing to submit to arrest, unmasking, and investigation. Captain, there are reasons you can't possibly understand why I cannot be unmasked. I'll signal. That'll bring men. I've been the outlaw. You accuse me of being. I'd never let your guard fire that signal. You can't escape. Fire your guns, or you'll be riddled with bullets. Turn from here to ride, and we'll bring you down. Blake, I've got to do this, much as I hate to. I'm leaving, and you're coming with me. You can't watch those others, Tunnel. You watch them. Unhand me. Let me go. I'm sorry. Up you go. You're running on silver with me. Steady, boy. Let him go and I'll fire. Fire and you'll hit your captain. Hold your fire. Don't shoot the captain. You'll hang for this. You'll change your mind about that. Our horses are tired, but they've got to do it. Get going. Get him up. Go! Go away! Mount up. Bring the horses. He's got the captain. Hurry up. He's making for the south. In a few seconds after the lone ranger dashed away with the captain, the troopers were in their saddles, racing in pursuit. That white horse can't hold the pace for long, carrying double like that. Keep him in sight. Silver already exhausted, called forth reserve strength from his great heart to obey the command of his master. This was no ordinary incident to the lone ranger. It was a climax of all his efforts of the past. Come on, Silver. Calm your silver heels. The masked man felt the ultimate defeat of the whole legion of the Black Arrow. The terrorist band of outlaws plotters against the flag, depended on the next few hours. He was ready, even glad, to offer his own life if, by so doing, he gets smacked. The menacing organization that threatened the very foundation of the nation. Blake, when we ride, you've got to listen. There was no other way than this. You'll hang for this. My men don't shoot you. My life doesn't matter. The life of your troopers is what counts. They must not be massacred. They must carry on. They'll carry on long after they dispose of you. Yeah, the river is just ahead. On the far side, I'm going to let you to the ground. You'd better. Not until we penetrate the woods a little way. Far enough to prove to you that I have told the truth. Auto. Now, what do you want? You must hurry. You've got to stay with the captain. I'm going on alone. I, you stay. Hunter, go on. No. Follow orders. Kimmel's coming. A river. We'll cross. Just a little deeper into the woods, captain. I'll leave you and Hunter. My men will overtake you in a minute. They won't need to. Steady. Silver. Steady, boy. Now, down you go. Take over, Hunter. Hunter got gone on captain. Blake, I'm going on ahead. Those outlaws want me just as badly as they want you and your troopers. I think they're not far ahead of us. Perhaps in the open fire on me, you'll believe what I told you. But this is where your danger exists. I'll see you. Stay here. Adios, Hunter. Let me join you by and by. Come on, silver. This is the last effort, Silver, old boy. I know you're tired, but so am I. But that doesn't matter now. Only we can draw enough gunfire to show the troopers where those killers are. Only the first shots don't get us. Put that Indian under arrest. Let me take a horse. Here, sir. I've got your own. Search these woods for that mask man. Spread out. No, not spread out. Go on. Find out. One shot. Fired by the mask man to lure us on. He's desperately anxious to have us go on through the woods now and arrive at the other side after dark. Fire and again. Outlaw there. Fair enough, man. Close it on him. All no shots, not one man. There does seem to be a lot of shooting. Now wait. One of those reports a rifle. The mask man had no right to win. Do you think he was telling the truth, sir? Let me listen. That's a lone ranger. Did you hear that, sir? Someone called out. Wait, let me listen. Someone said get the lone ranger. Black arrow, pay hensherd. A black arrow? Pay hensherd. I heard that. Gentlemen. Hensherd, go behind them, please. Get him up there. He was right. Man, man, listen to me. The black arrow is ahead of us. Hear that? The black arrow. I've got more men than you have here. More men? One of that. We're soldiers. We're fighters. Come on. Let's go get them. At last the captain believed. He let his men savor flashing in the sun as it glinted to the trees. Pistol, on the other hand, barking at the first of the outlaws who came before his life. Trained soldiers, experts at grim battle, charged the scattered outlaws who were taken by surprise. Gunfire that was devastating, lashed at the black arrow. The outlaws were gripped by stark panic when they faced the army. Their shots were wild, erratic. Some tried to flee without success. Others sought protection of the trees. The whale-grain horses of the troopers leaped over obstacles, dodged around the underbar, and kept a line of fire on every man. And through it all, one man yelled by emphasis. And a boy! That's the right man. That's the way we're always done it. Cut him down. Wipe him out. He'll put the army men alive when they get right men. You do, old ranger. They'll get him right coming to us! He was last to a tree, but feared none of the wildly flying bullets. He saw the army, his army, fighting as never before. The fight was over. I'll cut the ropes, Amos. How did you get here? The pole catch-catched me. I was trying to get to you. There now. Rub your wrists. Oh, me, I'm all right. Did the troopers get him home? They're tying the prisoners now. Golly, I wanted to tell you about Colonel Moffat. When the girl heard that he wasn't in command, she sent me after you. It was about the ring. The ring? He thought you might have trouble convincing the captain in command that he was to believe what you said. But you didn't have no trouble, I guess. You fetched him here all right. Yes, I... I brought them here. I'm glad you did. What about the ring? She says to tell you to open the ring. Open the ring? Just that. That's what she says. That and nothing more. Open the ring. I didn't know it could be open. In fact, I hardly had a chance to examine it closely. You must have it. Everything all right now. The ring is supposed to open in some... Oh, there it is. There's a secret compartment here. Now what do you know? I don't know. Let's explain one thing more about the girl. Where's Captain Blake? There I'm come. Captain Blake. They call you the Lone Ranger. Now, sir, I understand what that means. I'm sorry for the way I had to take matters in hand. Sorry, man alive. I'm proud to have been taken in hand. Look, I didn't realize it, but I had this with me all the time. What's that? Very small bit of thin paper on which has written a message. You see, this message will assure anyone who sees it that the bear is acting at the personal request of the president. Is this your ring? It wasn't mine, but, well, I was told to wear it. Now we go make camp, huh? Yes, Tutto. The Army will take care of the prisoners. Your permission, Captain. We'll leave. That's all right. I'll go back to town with my old regimen and tell the girl that everything's all right. I don't think you'll see her to tell her, Amos. You don't think I'll see her? I think she'll drop out of sight until she's needed again. Good luck, Lone Ranger. Adios. Adios. Got it, Tutto? Ah! And I was told to let her live!