horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty high old silver, the Lone Ranger. In the pages of history, one can find no greater champion of justice than the masked rider of the plains. He fought crime and criminals throughout the western United States, but one of his most thrilling adventures took place across the border in Mexico. It was during the Mexican War for Independence when he joined forces with the Black Caballero and the Men of Juarez in their struggle for liberty. 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. Come on, Silver! We're heading for the hills! Shadow and the Black Caballero are waiting for us! The residents of Santa Marta were thrown into sudden panic. Foreign soldiers from the fort that stood at the edge of the town entered more than a dozen homes, seizing everyone inside them. No one was spared. The aged, the very young, even the women were placed under arrest. No! No, no, no! We are innocent, senor! We have done nothing! My daughter, my benigno! I'm out of the hills! No! Scarcely had the first arrest been made, then a horseman raced from town, driving his mouth with whip and spur toward the hill. His horse was foam-flecked, and he himself was near exhaustion. But at last he drew rain and threw himself from the saddle. A rising wind tore his clothing as he staggered toward the cave. Compadres! Ramon, Jose! Si, come on well! Miguel, what has happened? Why you come here? Senor Lone Ranger. Senor Black Caballero. Go around me. I must see them, Jose. Go where is that? Quick! They are inside. Come. Jose, what is it? Senor, it is Miguel. Oh, Miguel, you're welcome. You bring us news from town, yes? Yes, senor. I bring the news. Terrible news. What? Bad news, Miguel. What is it? Compadres, we are lost. Go on. Today the soldiers have seized our families. Your father, Chico, he has been taken to the guardhouse. Ramon, your wife, Carmencita, she too has been taken prisoner. Your mother, your father, your little son, Joaquin, they too have not escaped. Oh, it is terrible. Oh, Diablo. Why, Miguel, why? That I do not know, senor. Perhaps I do. Miguel, who else was seized? Anyone not related to your comrades here? I cannot say. I left at once. Amigo, what is it you have in mind? This, Black Caballero. It's been several days since we raided the fort and recaptured the arms and money belonging to Juarez that the soldiers had stolen. Si? By this time, Major Lafitte must have learned that these men helped us. It wouldn't be difficult. He had only to go through the village and find out what men were missing. And? And we know that he wants revenge. He can't find us to punish us, but he can seize the families of your friends. The Major isn't the kind of man to overlook such an opportunity. But no, my friend. It is impossible. That would be making war upon women and children. No man of honor could do these things. Major Lafitte is not a man of honor. But still, he and the many commands are foreigners. They're fighting for a foreigner Maximilian against Juarez and you and your people. He's part of the force attempting to make slaves of a free people. And when you're fighting for an unjust cause, you must use dishonorable methods. Then, amigo, it is as you think the families of our compadres will be punished for what we have done? Not punished, perhaps. More likely held as hostages. Hostages? For our surrender. Oh, but this must not be. Tonto, get Silver and Scout. Saddle them at once. Tonto, are you right? To Santa Marta, Black Caballero. No, no, you must not if you are caught. If we're caught, then I am depending upon you to see that we're free. Of course, amigo, but... No use to argue, friend. We've got to know what's happening. Tonto and I will see. Adios. We'll return as quickly as we can. The families of the small band of daring men who followed the Black Caballero were placed in the guardhouse. The outer wall of this building faced the outside of the fort. It was toward the guardhouse that Major Lafitte and the Scout he called Dirk made their way. The wind in the meantime had increased in strength. Crossing the courtyard, the two men were more than once halted by its force. And although it was no more than noon, the sky was beginning to darken with particles of dust and sand swept up with a storm. Lafitte shouted, Sacre bleu. Whoever saw the light? Major, you ain't seen nothing yet. Eh? There are winds like this often? Take a look at the color of the sky to the east. You'll think this ain't nothing more than a breeze after we're through. Ah, what a country. There's the guardhouse. Quickly, let us get out of this. Come on. Oh, whoa. Oh, this is better. We're out of the worst of the wind beneath the wall here. Got your key? Oui. Keep the dogs covered as I open the door. You think I won't? Stand back. The temple rushes will shoot you down. What is it you wish for the senor? Please. Why cannot you leave us in peace? Quiet there. Quiet. Quiet. Shut up. Blast the electric half. I ask you again, senor. What is it that brings you here? One of the guards reported you. Si? You have been heard singing and laughing. This morning a man could not think for the howling you made. What has happened here? What is it? Speak up. Ah, senor. Would you not wish to know? None of that now. When the major asks a question, you'll answer and pronto. We are happy, senors, because we have heard good news. News? Si. We have been told that soon we shall be free. So, now I think I understand. You have been told that as soon as those traitors hiding in the hills have surrendered, you'll be permitted to leave, eh? Si. We have heard that also. Explain to them, monsieur. Well, folks, I'll tell you how it is. If them hombres come here to the fort and give themselves up, then you'll go free, sure. That is what we... Hold your horses a second. That ain't all of it. The point is just this. That offer don't hold if they're cut first. No? And the major schemes, so they would be. Don't you figure we savvied what had happened just as soon as word got out that we was holding you for hostages? Of what you speak, senor? Why, all your friends in the village that had a notion where them gents was hiding out just about broke their fool necks to get into the hills and pass them the word. But is that not what you wish? Why, sure it was. But not in the way you're thinking. We've had men planted out there to follow them. Captain LeSeer's got a patrol with them right now in the hills, waiting for word where they're hiding out so they can grab them. So, like I said, it don't look much like they're going to be able to surrender, will him? And if they don't, you folks stay on in this here calaboose. You comprehend, my friend? Ah, but for once, senor, you make the mistake. What's that? Tell them, Pancho, tell them. Talk, Blastia. I have said, senors, that we have been told that we will go free. But it is not because those you seek will surrender. No, we would not wish our freedom at such a price. Yeah? Then how else are you going to get out of here? That we do not know. Huh? But it has been promised us by the senor with the mask. The mask, ma'am? Hey, where'd you see that fella? How'd you get word from him? By his thunder? This is how they got word, Dirk. Through the window. He's at the window. Them sentries of yours blind? How'd he get so close to the wall without being sighted? I do not know, but he... I've never seen. Then how are you... At this moment, I have a gun aimed at the only guard who is aware that I'm here. He knows better than to call out. I will take... You'll do nothing. I'm praying for the information about Captain Nassir. We didn't know he had left the force. Bless you! You'll be sure that he won't find my friend. You cannot always escape us. We'll see about that. And one thing more. Well? I've given my word to these people that they'll regain their liberty. The men and their families who are now on the hills will not have to suffer because of it. You will... I'll keep my word. Mister, that's big talk that's going to get you in front of a firing squad yet. Come on, Silver. Get him up, Scout. The engine was with him. Tonto, turn out the guards. After those fellows. The last man and Tonto raced back to the cave in a desperate effort to reach their friends before their hideout could be found by Captain Nassir. Even the increasing fury of the windstorm could not slow their pace. And at the entrance to the cave... Whoa, whoa, Scout Nassir! Go, Scout Nassir! Go, Scout Nassir! Go, Scout Nassir! Go, Scout Nassir! What's the horses, Kemosabe? Let me watch them. I'm going inside. Who wants if anyone approaches? I'll try to do it. What have you learned? Puddy. Yes? Captain Nassir is somewhere in the hills. They've got men posted to signal him. Anyone coming here would have been followed. Tonto and I came by a roundabout trail. So please, Steve. Three from Tonto have already arrived. Do you know if they were seen? Orlando, Dominic, Pablo! Come here, quickly! You heard where the senor all right has called me? Yes, senor. What have you seen, amigos? Is there anything you noticed as you came? Senor. Where, Pablo? Aye, as I rodeo, there was a man on the horse. I thought nothing of it. I did not know I was... Pablo! We can't take chances. The horseman Pablo saw was one of Lafitte's men. Captain Nassir is on his way here now. Si, we must leave him watch. Jose! What is it? We have been talking. All of us have discussed these things, senor Black Caballero. Art with it? It is like this. The soldiers, they have made our wives, our mothers, our fathers prisoners. Those we love will be punished for what we have done. What chance have we, amigo, when they... Oh, but you are cowards, yes? Is it that you no longer trust me? Is it that you would go crawling back to your homes and beg those pigs of soldiers to have mercy upon you? Oh, but senor... It is for America and what else we fight. It is not for ourselves, you, me, Ramon there. Would you give up that fight now? Our families, amigo, you must... Wait. Men, I understand how you feel. I am not of your country, but I am your friend nevertheless. And know what is in your mind. It is not easy to go on fighting when people dear to you may suffer by it. No matter what the cause, it still is not easy. But I think there's a way out. A way in which those of you whose families have been seized by the soldiers may rescue them. And still you'll be free to fight for Mexico. And that way, senor, on Ranger. You have followed me before and had success. Will you trust me once more? Will you follow the black Caballero and me again? Do you think the states are worth the risk? And our people are held prisoners? Will be returned to you safe and sound. What do you try, amigo? I will follow. Yes, sir. And I, Pablo, I will also follow you. Don't find the waste. Get your horses. Sand the throne. The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger drama. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue our story. Pablo had been seen and followed as he rode to the cave. The legionnaires, led by Captain Le Sur, jogged down the trail toward the hideout, unaware that their arrival was expected. The windstorm had grown still more violent. It rose to hurricane strength, and the troopers had difficulty following the trail. Oh, go on, Captain. It can hardly get my breath. It's flowing so hard. Oui, monsieur. It is getting worse. Ah, look at the dirt in the sky. You think it was getting close tonight? We should be grateful, however. Huh? For this? The wind will cover the sound of our approach. These rebels will not be warned. Yeah, I was forgetting that. Watch the trail. It grows narrow. Uh-huh. Come on, boy. Get up there. Monsieur? Yeah? What is that? You are familiar with this country? Sure. That's just the cut I told you we had to pass through. There's a valley on beyond, and we climb a ways. After that, we're almost there. Good. Good. Ah, here we are. It'll just take us a couple of seconds to get through here. It'll be clear sailing on the other side of this cut if it weren't for this blasted storm. I see the valley. It's about three miles wide. It begins rising again. Halt! What the bleh? Who called? And Captain's waiting to be gone. You're better out of business, Captain. Oh, boy. And if you doubt my word, look around you. Guns! They've lined the pass. No use making a break for it, Captain. We wouldn't have a chance. Disarming Captain LeSueur's startled column, the Lone Ranger and his companions forced the Legionnaires to accompany them back to the cave the Mexicans used for a hideout. There, the troopers were forced to exchange their uniforms for the ragged clothing of the band of patriots. The Lone Ranger himself took off his mask and assumed a disguise. The Mexicans could not hide their jubilation. Hey, compadres! Fine, this party! This is the outrage! How did you expect to be treated, Captain? You came here with your men to make war on these people who wish only the right to rule themselves. Did you expect them to welcome you? What is disputed clothes? It is unheard of! New experiences are good with the soul, amigo! Ah! Hey, get it easy, Captain! You ain't doing yourself no good getting mad. What do you fellas fix in the zoo? Leave us here? The moment the men are ready, we ride. What about us? You ride also. Eh? What for? You'll find out soon enough. Amigo? Yes? Our compadres are almost ready. Shall I tell them to mount? Perse to these fellas. Eh? Tell your men to tie the troopers to their saddles. When that's done, we can leave. It will be done. Yes, senor. Listen. This time, it is getting worse. Fine. What can we do in such weather, senors? This kind is like at night. I have seen what trees have fallen. Never has there been such a storm in all the time that I, Miguel, can remember. If it weren't for the storm, our plan would fail, Miguel. For our own good, and hope that it doesn't die out before we reach the fort. Ready, then? Yeah! In front! At the fort, while Dirk sat looking on, Major Lafitte paced the floor of his quarters. Why don't you sit down, Major? What's the use of getting yourself all head up? Ain't nothing to be gained by. Captain, sir, should have returned an hour ago. What do you expect? To plan your fights on regular schedules? How in blaze do you know how much trouble he had rounding up them fellas? Precisely. How do I know? The longer it takes one to return, the more serious the situation looks. Yeah, that's maybe so. But you ain't helping none by wearing out the floor. You forget yourself. Huh? An officer of the Legion is accustomed to being addressed with more respect. Now look here, Major, don't you forget yourself. I ain't one of your trained monkeys. I ain't enlisted in your army. And you need me and Squint a heap more than we need to cash your payers. So just stick that in your pipe and smoke it. Pardon, monsieur. Major, I am upset. Much depends on what happens today. Forget it, Major. I can savvy how you feel. I've left word to the sentries to inform me the moment Captain Nosur is sighted. Well, I reckon they will then, all right. But it is worse, this waiting, than fighting itself. For a soldier, the battle is nothing. It is in action when everything hangs in the balance that is impossible to bear. Something like scouting for engines, huh? You worry about them until you see them. Perhaps. Perhaps. Yeah, better calm down. We have a try. Listen to that wind, Major. If I was you, I'd be thinking my lucky stars. I was here all safe and snug and out with the others. No matter how doggone the impatient I got. Captain Nosur was approaching the port, but if Major Lafitte had seen the manner of his approach, his anxiety would have increased. It's at the fourth and we've captured. You see? Our only chance will be that of complete surprise. The gates are thrown open. Enter with the old men and spread out at once. Circle the courtyard. I think you'll find that most of the garrison will be there to greet Lafitte. How they will greet him, my friend. We should be close. I cannot be far. The air is thick with dust. It's difficult to see. But there is one thing, amigo. Yes? If we are discovered before the gates are open, what then? It will do no good to attempt to storm them. We'd meet only failure. We'd spend good lives as well. That is so. But do not forget that Lafitte is holding the families of your men. We are holding Lafitte's senior officers in the pick of his command. We can arrange an exchange. Captain Nosur and his soldiers are your people who have been imprisoned. Either way, we are assured of success. We'll hope so. Get him up, Charles. Here is Tanto. You were looking for me, Tanto? There, fort. It's almost time. Remember your instructions. Pass the word to your men. Si. He's ready, Ablo. Captain Nosur. We'll be at the fort in a moment. One sound, one word of warning from either you or your men, and you'll regret it. And if we keep silent? We'll try to avoid bloodshed. We are not murderers. It is a bargain. Oh, who was there? They've seen us. Now for it. Meanwhile, inside the fort... Can you hear, Monsieur? Was it the sentry? I didn't hear nothing. You're imagining things now. Didn't I tell you to take it easy? I was almost sure. Go on and sit down, you... Major! Major! On the way! It is Captain Lasurma, Major. He is outside the gates. Herbie, are you sure? But of a certainty. They are alone? No, no, Major. They have with them prisoners. Good. By golly, they've done it. This will be worthy of a celebration. We shall have wine. We shall... Why are you standing there, you fool? Through the gates. Admit them. Wait a moment. Now, my friend, we shall see how much trouble these fools will make us in the future. They will be quiet after this, I can assure you. Come, I shall congratulate the sewer myself. Open the gates, I say. What delays you? One moment, Captain. They're getting them. Congratulations, Captain. Come on, Silver. Surround the courtyard, compadre. I hate to make a close, but don't. Tell your men to throw around their arms. Never. Watch out, Alton. Up with your hands. I give up, I give up. Oh, listen to me, Major. Don't hear me. You want your men killed? Peace. Fire. That caballero. You call me amigo. Command your friends to hold their fire. The Major has surrendered. Viva Juarez! Viva Mexico! The legionnaire, seeing that resistance was impossible, threw down their arms and assembled in the center of the courtyard under the watchful eyes of the Lone Ranger. When he was assured that there would be no attempt at treachery... Alton, march ahead of us. What is it that you do? Obey orders and don't ask questions. But I will... To the guardhouse, all of you. I will give you the keys. We cannot resist. You can free your friends. We shall. Then you can... But that isn't all. Other regiments of the legion are in the territory, Major. Major, we've gained the fort, but it would be impossible for us to defend it. You have won this time, but there will be other times, I promise you. We will continue fighting as we have in the past, striking from the hills. You will not... But in the meantime, you and your friends will get a taste of your own medicine. This will do. Halt! Major, unlock the door. Open it. You're free. Find yourselves horses and get to the saddle. Senor, you have kept your promise. You have rescued us. We thank you, senor. Hurry. We'll leave in a moment. All right, Major. What are you... Inside with you. All of you. March. Quickly. You lock us in there? I promise you a taste of your own medicine. This is it. No, no. Did you hear me? Inside. Oh, Monsieur, if only someday I can meet you again, then it will be a different story. I'm remaining, Major. I think you will. And then we'll see. Never, amigo, have I had so much enjoyment myself. No, people are ready. Si. Here, Silver. Then we leave. This is the second blow we struck at Maximilian's men, Black Caballero. Let's hope not many more will be needed. May he call with thank you, my friend. Come back to the hills. Si. Take him back. On Diablo. Come on, Silver. You have just heard as a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.
