fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty, Hi-oh, Silver, the Lone Ranger. Before men gathered around the campfire in the early days of the western United States, stories were told of the masked rider of the plains, his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness, his devotion to the cause of right against might. All of these made him the greatest champion of justice the West ever knew. 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 west to Pecos! There's going to be trouble! The Lone Ranger and Tonto, camped in an arroyo, stood beside their horses, watchful and waiting. At the sound of approaching hoofbeats, reached their ears. The horses remain quiet. They may not be seen. It's pretty dark. Who come this way? I don't know who could have business in this part of the country. Get close now. Steady, Silver. Quiet, old boy. Sweet Chad, having to take what everyone feels like to give me instead of what we earn. Yeah, remember this, Ben. Every time everyone wants, he can turn us over to the law. Better take what he wants to give and keep still. I suppose you're right. But it still riles me. Especially when I saw what his share must be. Sooner or later, he'll not get what's coming to him. Do you hear him? I wonder who they are. Two fellow there. Yes, just two of them. Who is this man, Irwin, they mentioned? I don't know. Seems that Irwin can send those two to jail. They must be crooks. In which case, they should be in jail. That's right. If Irwin, whoever he is, isn't sending them there, he must be as crooked as they are. Him, I are crooked. For what? There's a lot of food for thought in what those two men said, Kimisabe. Tomorrow, when we go into town, we'll see if we can learn who Irwin is. Maybe our friends know him. If Missouri and Mustang Mag don't know him, nobody will. The following morning, old Missouri, the sheriff, rode out to Mustang Mag's ranch and met with his usual reception. I don't care if you are the sheriff, Missouri. You needn't come calling here with that official expression on your face. But I'm here on official business, Mag. It's no difference to me. Say, what's that you said? I'm here on official business. Doggone it all, I don't like it. What official business, you old coot. You wouldn't know official business if it stepped right up and bit you. Now, calm yourself, Mag. Hang it all, you just seem to want to make my job hard. Now, let me handle this my way, won't you? All right, go ahead and make it fast. You got bread in the oven. All right, here I go. As sheriff of this year county, I'm serving you with this year paper in accordance with the law. You're done now? Yep, I'm done. Now, is old Missouri your friend? Hold on, let's see what this paper is. Well, I'll tell you what it is. And I'll also tell you that you're a natal head of... What's that? I says that you shouldn't be trusted to go around signing your name to paper. What? Now, Mag, don't bile up. Let me finish. You'll sit and keep still. Let me look at this. What's it for now? Well, it's a notice that if you don't pay John Irwin $2,000 by the first of the month... Hold on. Why in Tunkard should I pay John Irwin any $2,000? Cause you borrowed it. Says so right there. You're nothing of the sort. Now, Mag, you needn't try to hide your personal affairs from me. I ain't hiding nothing. I never borrowed no $2,000 and I lambaste the man that says I did. Irwin says you did. And so's the mortgage he's got. And so's the signature you wrote on that mortgage. I seen it. Listen, you old goat. Where'd you get this paper? Jack Irwin. He come to the office and told me how you borrowed cash and how the mortgage was fallen due. And he wanted the cash. Oh. Well, this calls for some thinking. You shouldn't have got yourself in so deep, man. Be still. Let me think. There's times when women should seek out the judgment of men that they can trust. $2,000. I could have told you that it wasn't good sense to go into debts as deep as that. You ain't the cattle to carry them. Well, you be still, Missouri. I ain't saying nothing. Besides, I always figured that me and you were sort of confiding in one another. And I was right hurt when... Ain't so, that's all. Huh? There's something mighty odd about this, Missouri. I don't owe Irwin any money like that. Now, Meg... I said I don't. Now, do you want to argue it? Well, gosh, no, Meg. I only... Well, that is... You know what? Well, the name you signed says you do. You say you don't owe the cash and that's a little confusion. Well, it needn't be. See here. How well do you know this Irwin critter? Well, gosh, Meg, you know what he's like. He never shows much of his self around town. He always keeps sort of... Who's there? Hello, Miss Dang Mary. Six alive. Am I hearing things or is that our friend with a mask? How are you? Oh, my six alive. Hey there. Great Scott, mister. It's good to see you. Hello, Missouri. And Tonto, too. Hiya, Tonto. Oh. Oh, step in. Step in and sit. Missouri, get that kettle of stew over the fire and heat it up. You bet I will. He'd a man alive, and it's more than welcome, mister. And you couldn't have come at a better time. I've been having a pack of trouble with Meg. She's got herself into trouble. Two thousand dollars worth of... You shush. I want no trouble at all until you come here bringing this paper. What paper, Meg? Jack Irwin. He claims that I... Whose paper? Jack Irwin. Oh, I came here to ask if you knew him. Sure I do, and I... Why? What do you know about Irwin? Nothing. I came here to find out what I could about him. Last night, Irwin's name was mentioned. Yeah? Who was talking about him? A couple of men whom I believe are crooks. It's Irwin himself that's a crook. The idea of him trying to claim that I owe him two thousand dollars. Well, if you don't owe him nothing, then... I didn't say that. I do owe him something. Two hundred dollars, and I'm ready to pay it to him. Then you did borrow from him. Sure I did, same as lots of others have. But what I borrowed was two hundred dollars, not two thousand dollars. Then by Juniper, I'm going to see him and get it straightened out. Wait a minute, Miss Uri. I've got to get moving and see Mr. Irwin. If he thinks he can make a fool out of me or try and hoodwink Mustang Mag while I'm around, he's got more thinking to do. I'll see you later. Mustang Mag, perhaps you can give us some help. I sure like some help myself. I don't savvy this tall. Irwin seemed to have gotten together with some crooks. I gathered from what I heard that he was putting over a deal that would mean a lot of money to him. I can't save it. Mr. Irwin always seemed like a real good sort to me. I never knowed him very well, but then they did say he was first rate. He's well thought of in town? Oh, yeah. He's got plenty of cash and he's always been willing to lend a little here and there where he could tide folks over for a spell. He ain't like him to try a low-down ornery trick like he's doing. I see. And where does he live? In town. I know, but tell me... Oh, you can't miss his house. It's about the biggest in the town. It's all painted up with white. It's the first place to see riding from here toward town at just this side of the church. Very well. Hey, you leaving too? I'll see you later. I want to speak to Jack Irwin. Come on, Tutter. We're heading for town. Missouri, plenty mad, huh? Yep. We'll ride slowly enough to let him get to Irwin's first. Come on, Silver. A showdown with Mr. Jack Irwin, that's what I will. He's going to do in Maggie while I'm around. Not on your chin type. Open up there, Irwin. It's the sheriff. Come back to see you. Dang it, just my luck. He ain't to hold. Irwin, this is Missouri. I come about that paper you give me. Door ain't latched. Anyone to home here? I reckon he's gone somewheres, which same is mighty odd being as he never leaves the house. Chulpin' juniper. He's hurt. Irwin. Irwin, speak to me. It's Missouri. It's the sheriff. Dead or in a doornail. What's going on here? Oh, my sakes, Mr. Brady. Look there on the floor. Missouri, what'd you do? Now, hold on, Brady. I don't know what's happened here. You done it. You killed John Irwin. I never done no such thing. Stand where you are, Missouri. Even if you are the sheriff, you can't get away with stabbing men dead. I didn't do it, Brady. Then why are you here? Who let you in? No one. He's killed Mr. Irwin. He's got a hang for it. You say no one let you in here? That's what I said. How'd you get in? Well, the door was open. Oh, so you snuck in, huh? Snuck in and knifed Irwin. Look here, Brady. What are you doing here? What business you got coming to Irwin's house? Me? I've been calling frequent. Me and Jesse, Irwin's cook, are keeping company. That's right. Mr. Brady was in the kitchen. Oh, he was, huh? And I suppose you didn't hear me yelling to get in to see Irwin? We didn't hear nothing. You go get the deputy, Jesse. I'll hold Missouri here. I will. Brady, I tell you, I don't know a dog being on the wing of a... What the... Drop it. Make me. Get me out of here, mister. Get me out of here. I got work to do. Master, eh? So you're friends with the outlaws, eh, Missouri? Why, you local... My gun, Brady. Oh, there. You come this way. Hunter got horse ready. Go on, Missouri. Take the hiding with your partners and we'll know you're as guilty as sin. But I... Come on, Missouri. Yeah, go on, Missouri. Look, mister, if I take it on the run, the whole town will think I killed Irwin. They'll think so anyway and hang you before there's a chance to find the real killer. Now, get out of here. Get going while you have the chance. Oh, my sakes. Why does everything have to happen to me? We'll find you, Missouri. We'll start a posse out and find you if it takes till doomsday. Hold your horse, Missouri, and ride with Tonto. But you heard what it said. I'll be hunted down. So will you. Here, Tonto. Take this hat and shirt and give me those old clothes out of that saddlebag. You're taking off the mask. Don't worry. My face is disguised. Oh. But I'm not going with you. Take silver along, Tonto. Meet me at last night's camp. Get going. You come. I reckon there ain't no choice. Get him up, scout. A short time later, the Lone Ranger re-entered the Irwin home and found Brady and Jesse still there. We'll get Missouri. Now, there ain't a doubt about who killed Irwin. What's happening here? Who are you? As far as you're concerned, I'm a stranger. What's happened to this man? He's murdered. Can't you see? Missouri done it. We caught him in the act. You saw the murder? Well, same as. We got here right after. Found the sheriff himself standing over the corpse with a knife in his hand. The sheriff? Where is he now? Well, he had a couple of pals that come and took him to hiding. Why would he murder this man? Jesse can tell you. Because Mr. Irwin held a mortgage on the ranch that Mustang Mag owns and she's a friend of old Missouri and Missouri notes she couldn't meet the mortgage. Good motive and everything, eh? I'm going after the deputies and form a posse. Now, wait just a minute. What? Aren't you being too hasty? Well, there ain't no time to lose. But if Missouri didn't commit this murder, you'll chase him while the real killer's escaped. Well, it was Missouri, all right. It has to be. He's the killer and as soon as he's found, he'll hang. Brady means what he says, stranger. Yes. I'm afraid he does. The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story. Before the next exciting scenes, permit us to pause for just a few moments. Missouri, you doggone old fool. Why is... You're under arrest. Yep. I heard that you was wanting me. Oh, you heard, eh? As if you didn't know it when you ran off in the first place. Well, what are you gents waiting for? You're taking me to jail, ain't you? That's what we are and pronto with that. Then let's get going. Oh, Missouri. Missouri, you don't mean to tell me that you really did kill Owen? Nope. Then why in tarnation have you come here to surrender without a fight? I'll get tried in court, Meg. They won't set out to lynch me without no trial. You'll get your trial all right, Nuff. Now turn back and start. I'm ready, boys. It ain't never to be said that Missouri didn't uphold the law. They'll go peaceful. Hold on. Huh? You're gone, Adderbrain. I won't stand by and see you act local. Where at is the Lone Ranger? Why didn't he keep you out of the hands of these half-brained critters that are so Adder they charge you with a murder? Now, Meg, you're just riling yourself over nothing. Come on, Missouri. Where's the Lone Ranger? Meg, it was the Lone Ranger that told me to hunt up Brady and the deputy and surrender myself to them. He darn mad? Yep. And he didn't do it thinking that I'd swing for a murder I didn't do. Then why? I ain't no more to say. Then move. Get up there. Get up. Get up. With Missouri in jail, the Lone Ranger and Tonto rode toward a cave some distance from town. There can be no mistake about it, Tonto. We followed the trail carefully the first time we came this way. They're not mistaken. The cave is just a little further beyond the trees. Ah. What about two crook? I saw them riding toward town a little while ago. You know, fellas? When I saw them in the daylight, I recognized them. One was Sid Newman. The other, Bat Kester. Oh. The law wants both of them for a holdup in San Mateo County. Oh. That long way from here. That's why they think they're fairly safe here. Oh. And there's the cave. Rain up. We'll miss them out here. Yep. It's going to surprise a lot of people in town when we show them what we've learned. Keep your gun handy in case there are members of the gang that we don't know about. Step in. Ready? Look. The town was in a turmoil with news of the murder and the capture of Missouri. Then two men appeared with a claim that caused a new sensation. I reckon you'll agree the signature of Mr. Irwin is on the level. Seems to be. Take a look, Brady. You knew Irwin better than anyone else. She's writing all right. You'll find the original of the will somewhere around the late Mr. Irwin's house according to what he said in the letter he sent us. How did you two heirs know he was dead? We was just passing through here and heard the news. Well, that's the way of it. Your name is Newman, huh? That's me. And this is Mr. Kester. I figure it won't take long to settle things up, will it? Well, I don't... It shouldn't. There ain't no doubt about Irwin being dead. You two figure on settling down here? I reckon we might as well. Irwin has a big place and it'll take a couple of men to run it. Well, we talked it over, you see, and figured we may as well keep it instead of selling, huh? Best ranch in this district. None better. Gosh, what luck for the two of you. How'd Newman come to leave you, Wally Owens? We saved his life once. Where? In San... That is a long ways west of here. Someone's stopping outside. Hey, seems to be plenty of excitement out there. I'll have a look. Stand back, all of you. Put down them guns, what is it, Brady? Throw your hands up and drop them guns. Come here, Sheriff. Get the drop on them. You don't need guns on us. We came here to surrender. Just keep your friends from opening fire. The masked man. It's the Lone Ranger. Come on, Sheriff. Get him. I'll help him. You bet shit. The Lone Ranger. Isn't that what they said? Yeah, I don't like it. Let's clear out. Yeah, we'd better help. Go around. Where are you two going? Where's it to you? We'll step on, Brady. Looks like you'll be busy. You'll stay right here for the time being. We will not. You'll stay. Sit down there. You'll be interested in what we have to say. For a man that's under arrest, you've got a lot to say. These men don't have... You're the one that claims I'm under arrest, Brady. You'll change your story when you hear what I have to say. Now, those two men might be the ones you want in the place of Missouri and Tato and me. Those two? He's local. Bill's fighting worse. He's calling us killers. He can't do that. Who are you two? Mr. Brady and the Acton Sheriff know who we are. That's all that counts. They're the ones that'll inherit the Irwin Ranch. Oh, they will, huh? Yeah. How do they know it so soon after Irwin's death? Irwin wrote him a letter and told him. He sent him a copy of his last will and testament. I see. Sure, that's that. Now we're leaving. You sit. I'll be hanging first. I'm to say you sit. All right, all right. You didn't stick a knife in me. You act like you had a plenty to say for yourself, mister. If I didn't have, I wouldn't have ridden here to see you, knowing that you had a posse out hunting me. Well? Missouri wouldn't have surrendered either if he hadn't felt certain that he'd be proved innocent of the murder of Jack Irwin. Start talking. First of all, how do you know Jack Irwin was murdered? How? Why, great guns. We saw him dead. How do you know it was Irwin you saw? Huh? How? What did... Why, gosh, how do I know it's Missouri that's in jail? I know, that's all. Because a dead man looked like Irwin. Isn't that the truth? Sure, and Jesse worked for him. He knew what he looked like. Tell me this, Brady. How are Jesse's eyes? Well, they suit me. Quiet! But a wry sight is not good, is it? Well, ain't what it might be. In other words, if another man were to be dressed in the clothes of Jack Irwin and his hair and mustache fixed the same way, there might be room for doubt. You mean to see that? How to bring the man in. Oh. Hunt will get him. What are you getting at, mister? Jack Irwin is not dead. What? Where's the trick? The trick to do is to have our inheritance. You'll find out the sort of trick that's been played. Hello, Brady. Who in the same hill are you? My name is John Irwin. That ain't so. You aren't John Irwin. Oh, yes, I am. Those two men cut off my beard and clipped my hair short. I can prove I've Irwin, though. I recall on every event and detail in my life. Hmm. He talks like Irwin used to. This here's a lot of trickery. We ain't gonna stand for this. Sit down and keep still. Meanwhile, hand over your guns. The minute you'll decide to use them, I tell you. Your guns. You want my shooting, man? Take it this way. Ow! My hand! My hand! Pick up his gun, Brady. Gosh, I've heard of the Lone Ranger shooting, but never seen it before. Now sit still, Bat Kester. What was that name? Bat Kester. You look over the reward notices from San Mateo County, you'll find both Kester and Newman are wanted. And if you're interested in what these crooks planned, I'll tell you. I don't know what should be done. Maybe Missouri should be here. Tell us your story, Irwin. Then we'll see if Missouri gets out of jail. These two crooks were working with another man who called himself Irwin. The three of them came to my house while I was making out a notice for Mustang Mag. They made me finish the notice, then captured me. That's the notice Missouri took to her, ain't it? Yeah. Then Kester and Newman took me to a cave and held me captive. I was shaved and my hair was cut. Why was that done? I didn't know at first. I was left in the cave. Then Bat and Sid went away. They came back well pleased with themselves. They double-crossed their own leader, murdered him. And the sheriff, old Missouri, had arrived in time to take the blame. So that's how it was done. If you hadn't been so certain that Missouri was a killer, you'd have found the tracks that these two men made when they left the Irwin house. They went out a rear window. Go ahead, Irwin. The first plan had been for this imposter to take my place. These two thought of a better scheme, though. They made me make out a will, leaving everything to them. Then they killed their leader, who was going to kill me. What's shaving you? Why was that? The plan was to kill me and let me be found as a stranger. Pretty slick. I told you I was making out a notice, just a matter of form, for the sheriff to take the Mustang Mag. Yes? Well, knowing Mustang Mag as I do, I made the mortgage $2,000 instead of $200. a reason that no matter what happened to me, Mustang Mag would make such a commotion about being overcharged that there would surely be an investigation. I hope that would bring the criminals to justice. doggone good thinking. Mighty smart. If you want proof, you can follow the same tracks the Lone Ranger followed to the cave where I was held. I reckon the looks and the faces of those two crooks is all we need to go by. Hey there, you action shell. Mustang Mag. Who left that door open? The Lone Ranger left it open when he went out. Don't matter who left it open, I'm here, and I'm making out-and-out demands on you. Missouri is pining away in that caribou, and he ain't guilty. Now, God write your skinny hides, you either let Missouri out pronto, or you'll give me the keys to do so. Give her the keys, deputy. Here they are, Meg. Oh, by Ginger. I sure expected to have to fight for them. Good for you, Meg. Huh? Who are you? I'm the man Missouri is supposed to have killed. Huh? So, princess-a-press. I've got to get Missouri out. Without him here, this office is for a local. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger, Incorporated. Thank you.
