 A fiery horse with the speed of light, the cloud of dust, and a hearty high old silver, the Lone Ranger. Music With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked rider of the planes led the fight for law and order in the early days of the western United States. Wherever bad men and outlaws threatened the peace and security of the settlers, his strength and courage were used against them on the side of right against might. And in time, high old silver came to be the battle cry of justice on the frontier. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the west was young. From out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver, the Lone Ranger rides again. Silver, we're heading for Deadwood. There's going to be trouble. I will soon... He sat on the steps of his horse with his wife. Abner's eyes, dull with the years, were moving from a battered heavy old stagecoach to several aged horses in the nearby corral. Yes, all grown old together. Not even Jane here no more. Abner, you talking to yourself? Hmm? Oh, not special, Myler. You've got to stop thinking so much, Abner. There must be something you can do. Old and stoving, wore out like the old horses. Even the old stage is in better shape than me. No such thing. It ain't been the same since Jane and Charlie got married, moved to Charlie's ranch to the south. Well, why shouldn't Jane get married? Charlie's a fine husband for her. I reckon so. But it sure makes it powerful to launch them around here. Truth of it is, Abner, you ain't got no more worries about Jane. So now you're thinking of yourself all the time. If only we could raise enough cash. Cash for what? We've got enough to live on. The kindest thing I could do for them old horses is to get rid of them. They're old, stoving, wore out. Just like me. You've been talking to the new stage line, folks. Well, I did try to get a job there. What did they tell you? Even one job a man my age can do. That's to be general manager of the outfit. Can't be that unless I bought up an interest in the stage line. Well, then forget working. You don't need to. Six alive. We've got no money worries. I think I sold out my part of the stage line. Dog gone full. You didn't have no choice. A line you had was losing money all the time and needed new horses and new stages. It wasn't nothing but generosity on the part of Mr. Fletcher that gave you any cash. He didn't need to. You'd have gone broke in another three months. He didn't have the new roots or anything else. I know. I hadn't been sleeping while that other outfit started out. Oh, forget it, Abner. Look at that stage. I can't help thinking when I look at her how proud I was when I used to set up there. Those horses were young and spry, rare in the go. I'd make a big business of pulling all my gloves while folks stood all around admiring Envion. Then I'd take up the reins in one hand, whip on the other while the horses clattered and poured. Ain't just to get started on the run. Then I'd shout, we're off. The crowd had cheer and yell. I'd crack the whip. Get up there! Get up there, Nero! Blacky! Dusty! Get along! I could live it all over again, seeing that old stage. Now it's fallen apart. Horses are wore out. And me, I... Oh, please, Abner. Why don't you burn that old crap-trap up? The stage coat? Yeah, sure. It's no good. Tears good? Can't use it no more. It's too big and heavy for anything. It takes four horses to pull it. I keep her greased in shape just the same. The wood dinner's just as solid as it was a day to build. You yourself just said it was falling apart. Well, it ain't. All right, Abner. If only I could raise the cash. I'd be boss of this new outfit. By the thunder, I'd show these young whippersnappers how to run a stage line. They seem to be doing all right. But not as good as they could. All the businesses out here now, they could do ten times as good as they're doing. Oh, I ain't a man to sit and dry rot, Martha. I've got to be doing something. Yeah, I wish there was somewhere you could go to work for the Deadwood Company, if it'd make you happy. What's that? Horsemen coming his way. There at the other side of the house, Mom. There they are. Look at that white horse. Do you ever see one like it? Looks much stronger. Finest I ever did see. Abner, the brightest mask. So he is. Say that, stranger. Hello. Don't make no fast moves. What's that mask mean? It doesn't mean that I'm an outlaw, Abner. You know me? I've heard about you. An Indian. Me, Tonto. You let horse have water? Water plenty by the crowd. Me, thank you. Take silver, too, Tonto. I'll have a talk with Abner. Tonto, water horses. Where'd you hear about me? What do you want here, mister? We ain't got nothing more to steal. I'm not here to steal anything. Where'd you hear about me? Tonto was in town when you were talking to the men in the office of the Deadwood stage line. Tonto, that's your partner? Yes. What'd you come here for? Just after you left town, Abner, there was a lot of excitement. What happened? These went to the Deadwood office and stole a fortune. They did? A lot of gold that was there ready for shipment. It was believed that they were heading this way. They never stole nothing when I was running the stage. There was never enough to tempt thieves. Robbing crooks? If only I could met up with some of them when I was handing the six in hand. There's a pretty big reward for the capture of the thieves. How many was there? Seven or eight of them. It was Red Brogan's gang. Red Brogan? Six alive, Abner, you hear that? Brogan. He's the biggest crook in his part of the country. That's what I've heard. That critters never come close to being caught. That's why there's such a big reward for him in addition to a reward for every one of his men. Golly. Do you know what Red Brogan looks like? I've heard enough about him. I've never seen him. If he comes this way, fire three shots. I'll fire one shot. That'll be right at him. But, uh... Yes? Who are you? I've been trying to locate Brogan. I finally had word that he was heading for the town near here. That didn't seem. He rode in, robbed and got away. Where was you? Too far from town to trail him. You figure you'll head this way? Yes. Why? If he came this way, he'd have to stay on only one trail. A trail over the powder river bridge. It would be the most dangerous direction for him to come. Any other trail would be safer for him. He could go three ways from town and have a fairly good chance of escaping. Sure he could. But, as you say, this way it'd be dangerous. Well, it seems to me, then, that this is the one direction Red Brogan wouldn't you? That's the way the lawman figure. Brogan knows that the sheriff will have a posse watching the other trails. That's why I think Brogan will come this way. By a junior, but sounds right, Martha. Todd and I are going to scout around here. But we'll be close enough to hear a gunshot. Don't try to capture Brogan's gang alone, Abner. Wait until he's well on his way, then signal for me. So you can get the reward? If I can find Brogan through your help, Abner, you'll get the reward. Don't sound reasonable. Granted, if only I know who you are. More spreading now. We're going hunk again. Yes, Todd-O. Hold on, stranger. Who are you? Here, Abner. Perhaps this will tell you. Eh? Ready, Todd-O? Get him up scout. He'll soon! Hoey! What was that he tossed here, Martha? Where'd it go? There, Abner, on the ground. Oh, sure. Sure thing. Sharks, this ain't nothing but a cartridge. But he called his horse... Silver. That's right. Why in tarnation didn't I think of it? A silver bullet. So that's why he'll give me any reward money I helped earn. The Lone Ranger. The Lone Ranger and Todd-O crisscross the stretch of country near the powder river bridge, hoping to find some track of the outlaws led by Red Brogan. The masked man was right in supposing that the thieves had come to that district, but he was far behind them. Old Abner's daughter and her husband were much nearer the gang than the Lone Ranger. They sure done a good job of hiding our tracks, Red. We bet it. Bet there ain't a loman inside of 10 miles. Only one thing we need right now, and let's fresh horses. I reckon I know where we'll get them, too. I know. Straight ahead. That's right. My eyes ain't doing tricks. I see some right smart-looking critters in yonder corral. Don't look like there's anyone about, neither. Not unless they're in the house. I don't see no bunkhouse. I know that ranch. Chollabates, please. Yeah? Get married a while back, married old Abner's girl Jean. Abner, the stage line? Yeah, same. What about young Bates? You got any cowhands that are likely to spot us? No, he ain't much stock. Mostly horses and good ones. Which same we can use? It's fresh horses across the powder river bridge, and then we're in the clear. Sure, work a job out slick, Red. Got a hander to you. That's why I never had to worry much about the law. Pete. Yeah? Come here. Yeah, Red. Pete, I want you to take charge of the rest of the boys, while me and Laffley are making pilaf with Bates and his wife. You see, the saddles and things are switched to fresh horses. Right. And see, too, that you pick the best ones in the corral. Take all the rest and them along with us. Red, huh? I think we ought to be burdened with extra horses. We can always use them. But they might slow us up. There's nothing chasing us. What if we got a hurry if, uh, better to go slower with no horses left to be used in chasing us than fast outrung lid? You're right again. Here we are now. Send them horses, Pete. Hello there inside the house. Come on out. I want to talk to you. Someone opened the door. Come on to the porch with me. What's the shooting for? Howdy, ma'am. You? I'm here to have a little talk with you, ma'am. He's your husband to home. Charlie. Charlie, it's Red Brogan. Look out, Red. Charlie! That'll learn your husband to draw a beat on me. You seem to know me, ma'am. You shut my husband. You shut... He's just winged in her bed. You mannerist beast. You better watch her. She's a fighting wildcat from all I hear. If she makes a move to draw a gun, put another slug in Charlie there on the floor, right? What do you want? I just wanted to make sure your husband wouldn't interfere with a little business my boys are taking care of over at the corral. Oh, horses. We need him, ma'am. And what we need, we take. Now, if you don't make no trouble for us, you'll maybe find your horses straying wild somewhere when we're done with him. You... If you want to get some water and bandage and patch up with your husband, you just go right ahead and we won't interfere none. My boys will have the horses saddled and we'll be on our way in a couple of minutes. You can't get away with this sort of high-handed business, Red Brogan. You'll get yours someday. You better do it, Red says, ma'am. Show you what I'll do. Put down that gun. I won't. I won't. Oh, you! Put down that slug at the floor about an inch from your husband's head. Now, you drop that shooting iron or bite thunder, the next one won't come an inch from his head. That's better. Here come the boys with fresh horses. They're good. You won't get away. They'll see about that. All righty, Red. One thing more, ma'am. Go on. Get away while you've got the chance. You coward. There was a man and a woman against the aid of you, but you were afraid of even those odds. Two good men will let the pack of you. Go on. Get a head start because Charlie and I are going to get back our horses if it's the last thing we ever do. Lots of spanks for a woman. Come on, boys. Come on. Cowards, we'll get those horses back. You'll wait and see. 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. Red Brogan, notorious alt law had robbed the stage office and made his escape by stealing fresh horses from Abner's daughter's ranch. Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger and Tonto were far from the outlaw gang trying to locate. We've been searching this part of the country for hours, Kimosabi. There's still no sign of Brogan in these men. Maybe we go wrong way. Positive Brogan headed in this direction, Tonto. Me not see sign. His horses would leave tracks in this ground. We couldn't have missed them. That's right. I hate to go back and let Brogan make his getaway with that stolen money. Kimosabi. What is it, Tonto? Come to see something. Who's Prince? Tonto, we've located them. Ah, them go south that way. How long ago? Round a little bit dry. And pass this way maybe two, maybe three hours. Two or three hours. They've got a long head start, but we've got to catch them. What? What matter? What you see? South Tonto, do you see that? Ah, not not cloud. It's smoke. A column of smoke away off in the distance. It's too far to tell exactly, but Tonto, Abner's daughter and her husband have a ranch in that direction. The ranch must be on fire. We call. After me. Thank heavens. There's only a slight wound. That's it. It's bandaged fine now. Oh, and those sidewinders rode away and left you lying on the floor. Come on right now, Janie. Just help me up. They took our horses. Brogan and his gang take whatever they lay their hands on. Janie, we've got to get help. Too far to town. How about your father's place? What can father do? He's old, Charles. He's old and weak. Jane! Jane! Charles, what's the matter? What is it? Hey, it's on fire. So it is. It was a busy camp for you. I didn't know that. Yes, you will ride past the haystack. I didn't notice, but he must have thrown a match in the haystack. First he takes a horse and then he burns up a hay. You're gone that no good thief and coyote. What can we do? There's nothing we can do that they haze burners. What? Janie, those two riders. One of us is wearing a match. Here, run. Run for the house. I've got to get my guns. There's no need to be alarmed. We're friends. You must be Jane. What? Who are you? Never mind that. What about that fire? Then it's burned, Mr. Nothing we can do about it. They're almost gone now. What do you want here anyway? Where is he? I might have known it. You're part of his gang. You're an outlaw. The same as he is. Listen to me. My husband's right. You're wearing a mask and you're looking for Red Brogan. Get out. He's done enough damage. He stole our horses unless some of his worn out nags in their place. And on top of that, he burns up a month's supply of hay just for fun. That's not all he did. Red Brogan's gang rubbed the bank. Mr. If I had my guns... Huh? Did you say you rubbed the bank? That's why we're after him. Jane, we're on the side of the law. Mr. You sound mighty convincing, but I don't like... Go that way. Charlie, are those Red Brogan's tracks? Why, they... Yes, Mr. I believe in you. They are Brogan's tracks. How long ago did he leave here? Must have been two hours or more. He's heading for Powder River Bridge. He's got fresh horses. Our horses. He's got plenty men. What do we do? We couldn't catch him anyway. Those horses he left us are tired and wore out. They're mighty slow. We thought he'd go to my father's ranch. Jane, that's it. Your father. Huh? There's a chance. There's just a chance, Kimosabe. What do we do? Charlie, can you handle a gun? Father's wounds nothing, mass man. You and Charlie, right after the outlaws. You won't be able to make very good time because of the horse Charlie will have to ride. Yes, but Brogan won't be going too fast either. Brogan doesn't fear pursuit. He won't travel fast unless he has to. Him got good start. Follow them. I'm going to try and block them. But how can you? There's no time to explain. Never mind how much of a start the outlaws have. Follow them to the Powder River Bridge. Aye, savvy, Mr. Come on, Janey. I better get my gun. I'll pick out the best of those horses Brogan left. I'll have them ready for you. Time to do like you say, but not know what you mean. Just follow instructions, Kimosabe. Leave the rest up to me and Silver. Adios. We do it. Adios. Come on, Silver. The Lone Ranger raced back toward Old Abner's home at a speed that made Silver seem like a streak of white flame flashing across the open country. Yet the mass man urged the stallion to even greater speed. Come on there, Silver. This is the time when you've got to meet the test, old fella. Stretch out, Silver. Faster, boy. Faster. And while the Lone Ranger rode north, Red Brogan and his outlaw band headed west toward Powder River Bridge. We sure got things easy, gents. Clear trail and nobody following after. Easy horses. We got a right good pony. Yeah, no sense in rushing them, right? Well, what's your joke? You didn't notice when we left Jane's ranch, Brogan. You didn't look back, did you? Why should I? Just for a laugh. When we was riding away, I tossed a match into their haystack. Short burns, good and fast. You set it afire. Are you local? What's eating here? Why are you dumb? So most somebody's seen the smoke. I never figured on that. Anywhere the sheriff couldn't have got there. He went the other way. Maybe so, but we better play safe. Hey, you all brats, a little faster. Get traveling. Come on, get up there. Get up. Outlaws heading west toward the Powder River Bridge and still racing toward the north, the Lone Ranger and Silver. White mane and tail were whipped by the wind. The brim of the masked man's hat was flattened back against the crown. A plan of daring was taking shape in the Lone Ranger's mind. Abner, still seated on the steps of his hulls, stood up as he heard the distant thunder of hoops. Well, and if it ain't a horseman coming again, I wish it was Brogan. I'd like a shot at the old ranger. Jumping. Ginger, it's a masked man coming back. Martha! You see someone? Six o'clock and he comes again. And riding like the wind. I don't see anyone chasing him to you. If it was, he wouldn't be heading this way, Abner. That's the Lone Ranger. Watch out, mister. Abner, answer my questions and be quick. What's your trouble? How long does it take to get from here to Powder River Bridge? On a horse? With a stagecoach. About half an hour. If there's four or six good horses, take six if there's a load. How long from your daughter's house to the bridge? That's a lot longer. How long? Oh, I'd say three times as long. Maybe four times. And there's a chance. Can that old stage of yours be moved? It sure bit moved. Bring out your horses, then hitch up. Them old horses? Yes. Oh, talk. Gonna miss them. Critters is old. War out. War them's blind. Bring them out. They've got to help pull the stage. But for what? Where to? At stage. Look, mister, I don't know what your scheme is. But those old horses ain't pulled a stage in two years. They couldn't budge it now. Horses are a lot like people. They'll do what's expected of them if they're made to understand how important it is. I don't know, mister. Abner, you're too old to drive. Who is? Aren't you? Like fun I am. Sure, he's too old to drive. Martha. You were trying to tell the men in the deadwood office that you could still handle the reins. Can you, or was that just a lot of idle bragging? I can handle reins as good as any man. And don't say your horses are too old. Maybe they'd like to be back in harness just as much as you would. If you could tell me for what? To smash the Bergen gang. What? Abner. Get your rifle and get those horses hitched. We're going to trap those outlawed. Great lander, milk and honey. Why didn't you say so in the first place? Get my rifle, Martha. But, Abner, you... And save your arguments. Get the rifle. Be sure it's loaded. And fetch the extra ammunition. I'll get the horses hitched as fast as I can. Oh, mister, don't let nothing happen to Abner. I won't. I'll go get his rifle. Thought to guard the bridge. The law wouldn't figure me dumb enough to come by this field. We ain't nothing to worry about. If we do meet the law, we shoot it out. Look at him. Poor old horses. Kindness steps Brian. Look eager. Hey, buy Thunder Nero there. He's got fire in his eye like he used to have. Steady there, Nero. Be ready in the jiffy now. I'll head Silver with the others, Abner. Steady. Silver. Martha, what are you doing? I'm going with you. Now, see here. There's your rifle on the seat, Abner. I'll ride inside. No, my six alive. What a woman to try and reason with. Well, get in then. Get in. He timed argues. Silver, oh boy. This is going to be a hard job for you. You must do the work of four horses. I don't think we can count on much help from the others. All right, fella. Good boy. Yep. All right, Silver. You take the reins, Abner. Be ready in just a second. Got to pour my gloves on. I've never learned your gloves. You ain't appeared before folks in town now. All right, I'm ready. Look at them old horses, Martha. Clattern and porn. Anxious to get started on the run. Well, we're off. Come on, Martha. Get up there. Get up there, Nero. Blanky, dusty. It's just like it used to be. Look at them travel, Martha. They ain't old no more. They're young again. Get up there, Nero. Blanky, dusty. Old Abner felt thrills of another day returning to him as he sat once again on the high, jouncing seat of the old stagecoach. The horses strained the lines. All four of them together, accomplishing only as much as the mighty Silver. The lone ranger leaned low over the head of Silver, whispering words of encouragement. Come on, Silver, oh boy. More than a capture of outlaws depends on you today. Come on, Silver. Mile after mile, unreal beneath the rumbling wheels. Then, Paul to River Bridge was in sight. A narrow bridge, narrower even on the wheels of the stage. Abner, look to the south. The bridge. Be on the bridge. That cloud of dust. What is it? Red Burgum's gang. We're ahead of them. Your horses made it in time. Right up now. Pull, pull there. Pull. Back it on the bridge. It won't cross the bridge. Back it as far as it'll go. Let the wheels drop over the side. We're going to block the bridge so the outlaws can't cross. Hi, Shabby. Hang on, Martha. Here we go. Back around there. Back around, boy. Come on. The bridge is blocked. Red, we can't cross the bridge. We're going to try. We've got to shoot. Forget us. In three seconds, we'll open fire on you. I'd like to see you show yourself and up to fire. How's this? We better backtrack. Wait. Look on the trail behind you. You see dust there. You're between two fires, Red. You're trapped. Surrender. He's right. Writers come over behind us, Red. They might not give you the chance to surrender. Far off, are they? Wrong ways. Can't see how many there is. We've got no choice. It's a little stage. I ain't hankering to die, sudden. I'll take my chance on jail. Wake him up. Drop your guns. Stop him, boys. Back from the bridge. All right, I'm there. Go and get their guns. This is your capture. Sure. As soon as I scramble over the stage here. So, so you're the big bad outlaw, Red Brogan. Well, maybe you won't feel so important when you see it's just me and my wife and the little ranger that captured you. Hold him. Yes, Your Honor. Coyote. It's me, all right. And I'm getting the reward for capturing you. And I'm buying a stage line with it. Thanks to that there mask man. Trick. I thought there was a hull army there. Didn't need it. My old stage and horses was all I was needed. That is, together with a lone ranger and silver. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the lone ranger incorporated.