horse for the speed of light, the cloud of dust, and a hearty high old silver, the Lone Ranger. That followed the Civil War, a powerful secret organization called the Legion of the Black Arrows sprang up in the western 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 masked rider of the plains 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 to the utmost in the cause of democracy. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the West was young. From out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of a great horse, Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver! Run the tail of the black arrow! Come on, Silver! With the help of an imitation of Chief Thundercloud's magic belt and a renegade Indian called Tomahawk, and the Black Arrow planned to arise the Indians against the white settlers and capture Fort Lariat. The Lone Ranger and Tonto learned of their plans and realized that only Chief Thundercloud and the real belt could prevent an uprising that might spread through the whole of the West. They raced across the Badlands in the direction of Thundercloud's village, but suddenly, as the moon broke through the clouds, the masked man reigned up. What? What mattered, Kimosabe? Look, I met at the side of the trail near that big rock. Oh, that's right. The dance will be recognized! Soldiers, they won't understand my mask. Maybe they'll take you prisoner. We can't let them stop us. Cut away from the trail. Come on, Silver! Get him up, scout! They're trying to get away! Close it, man! Steady! Steady, Silver! It's no use, Tonto. We're surrounded. Ah, them heroes come wait for us. Ah, that's better. I'm glad you got sense enough not to go for your guns. Get him, boys! Sergeant! The masked man and an engine! We aren't outlaws. It ain't exactly outlaws we're looking for. It's Renegades. And you make plenty of big mistakes. You've got to believe us, Sergeant. We're doing everything in our power to stop the uprising. So there's going to be an uprising, huh? There will be if we don't bring Chief Thundercloud back here in time. Oh, you're going after Thundercloud? Yes. That's all I need. What do you mean? We got some Indians working for us and that encampment. They brought word to the fort tonight that Thundercloud was being sent for. And when he gets here, the Indians will attack. But you don't understand. It was Tomahawk who promised... How do you know that if you ain't in with him? Tonto and I got close enough to overhear their counsel. I'll bet you did. I'll bet you had a front seat. Did your scouts say there were any white men in the council? Well, they said there were some white men hanging around. You're right. And the Renegades, too. But I'm not one of them. You can tell that to the colonel. Keep a close watch on them, man. I'll get moving. Troopers! Howard! Howard! Yes, here's the colonel's quarters. Dismount, last man. The Indian can wait outside. Who's there? Sergeant Donnelly reporting, sir. Come in. Go on. Well, Sergeant... We picked up this armbring in the Badlands not far from the Indian encampments, eh? I see. There was an Indian with him. He's outside. They said they were on their way to Thundercloud's village. Admitted it? Yes, sir. Why haven't you taken off his mask? I thought you'd like to see him the way we caught him. Take it off now. Yes, sir. Just a moment, Sergeant. Don't give me an argument. Before you carry out the colonel's orders, you better read this letter. I don't intend to... Let's take a look at the signature. Why, this is... Where did you get it? From the man who wrote it. You know the signature, don't you? Uh, Sergeant, you may go. What, sir? At once. A masked man and I have a little business to discuss. A loan. I... Yes, sir. The letter was signed by the President of the United States and outlined the Lone Ranger's mission against the Black Arrow. For nearly half an hour, the officer and the masked man talked. Then the door of the cabin swung open. It's a masked man, sir. He's trying to get away. Don't be a fool, Sergeant. Hand over his guns. Give him back to him, sir. Here you are. Thank you, Colonel. The Indians as well. Yes, sir. A masked man. You believe that they won't try anything for three days? Not until the dark of the moon. Their plan doesn't have a chance of succeeding before then. How long will it take you to reach the village? Not longer than 24 hours. The chief is old. It'll take us longer to get back. You're sure he has the real belt? I'm sure. And the Indians will realize the difference when they see it? Colonel, when one sees a belt shining through the dark, it's easy to understand why the Indians believe there's magic in it. I can't describe the glow, but it's strange. Unearthly. Like starlight from the bottom of a canyon. Hurry, masked man. Get the chief and the magic belt back here in time. We'll do our best. Adios. Good luck. Come on, Silver. Hit him up. Cow. Well, Sergeant, you can take it from me. If he doesn't get back here before the dark of the moon sets in, we'll all be dogged. That was the Lone Ranger. All night long, the flying hoofs of Silver and Scout thundered across the Badlands. At daybreak, the Lone Ranger and Tonto stopped to rest and water the mounts. Then into the saddle and on again, morning, midday, afternoon. The sun dropped behind the purple mountains, a blaze of gold. And not until the thin crescent of the waning moon had turned the sage to silver, did Thundercloud's valley stretch before the masked man and his Indian companion. At last, they reined up before the lodge where the chief was standing among his faithful braves. The story of Tomahawk's conspiracy was told. And then... This is why Tomahawk has left the village of his father's. It is of this I warned the masked man, Thundercloud. You did well to warn him, granddaughter. But how can Tomahawk persuade the other chiefs to follow him into battle? They'll think he's you. That cannot be. I am old. He is young. He'll do it by means of the belt that glows in the dark. The magic belt is in the lodge of Thundercloud. Corlock's made another one. Ah, him use foxfire. It cannot be the same. The glow from foxfire lasts but a short time. The magic belt has shed its light from a time Thundercloud cannot remember. No one knows the secret of its precious substance. I understand that. But you must realize that the other chiefs have never seen the real belt. All they know is that it glows in the dark. That you're the one who owns it. Just imagine this. There's no moon. All the campfires are put out. A chief appears wearing such a belt who says he's Thundercloud. The other Indians are going to believe him. It may be so. What would you have me do? Ride back to Fort Lariat with Toto and me. The way is long. Can the fort be reached in time? We have until nightfall, two days from now. Maybe storm come. Then not wait for dark a moon. A storm would mean lightning. Tomahawk won't take a chance on his face being seen. Until nightfall, two days from now. There's time if we hurry. Quickly, Gray Antelope. Let the black be saddled. Then bring me the magic belt. Tawana! Morta! Nayda! A few minutes later, Thundercloud was mounted on the black beside the Lone Ranger and Tonto on Silver and Scout. Gray Antelope appeared in the doorway of the chief's lodge. High above her head, she held a magic belt, its mysterious light shining like a beacon. A cry of wonder broke from the throats of the braves. The girl walked toward her grandfather and handed him the belt. You are a great chief, Thundercloud, but the magic belt will increase your power many times. Let it bring strength to your arm and wisdom to your tongue. Let the great medicine of our fathers bring peace and honor to our people. This the belt shall do. Manectar Redeno! Lead the way, mass man. Oh, Silver! Get up there! On the night of the third day after the Lone Ranger and Tonto had ridden out of Fort Lariat, the colonel paced the parapet at the top of the stockade. There was no moon, but from the distant badlands, the glare of the Indians' campfires lighted the sky. Their drums and chanting reached the stockade faintly like a whispered menace. Well, Sergeant? Nothing to report, sir. No? Well, this is one time when no news is bad news. May I ask a question, sir? Of course. It's about the drums. Are they having a war dance? No, Sergeant. We have that to be thankful for. It's only a ceremonial dance. You'll recognize the difference at once when you hear the war drums. Did the mask man say he'd be back tonight, sir? He hoped to be back, but he might not come directly here. Isn't there something that we can do, sir? Send out a scouting party or something? This waiting is getting on the men's nerves. I've given my word that we won't try anything till I hear from the mask man. We're putting our faith in the Lone Ranger. Yes, sir. At that same moment, in a small, well-hidden camp not far from the Indian fires, Torlach handed Tomahawk a belt. Any time for you to make your appearance, Tomahawk? Is this belt I wear? That's the one. Light from it, not strong. Real belt glows brighter. You don't know anything about that. Neither does anyone else around here. I just want to make sure you know what you're supposed to say. Tomahawk, no. I'm going to fire three shots. Then wait a little while and fire three more. That's the signal. Red Fox will tell the Braves that's thundercloud coming. That all the campfires must be put out. Not even a spark left. That is good. The darker it is, the more the belt will show up. The less chance there'll be of anyone recognizing you. Tomahawk would leave Braves into battle tonight. We've gone all over that. They aren't going to follow anybody. Not even thundercloud. Till they've had their war dance. They can't have that without fires. Let them dance all the rest of the night and tomorrow. And tomorrow night when it gets dark again. Tomahawk will appear once more to lead them into battle. Yeah. And here goes. The signal, thundercloud comes. Let all fire be put out. Let not spark, not amber remain. Lest we do order to thundercloud and magic belt that shine in dark. The Indians followed the instructions of the renegade. Soon the encampment was dark and silent. The Braves expectant as they waited for thundercloud's appearance. Red Fox issued a low command. The drums began. In the distance, a band of light could be seen. Faint and ghostly, but unmistakable. It moved closer and closer until at last it stopped. Red Fox shouted. Hail to chief thundercloud. Disappointed murmurs swept through the encampment. Was this the magic belt of which they had heard so much? Red Fox insisted. Hail to magic belt that lead us to victory. A single voice answered him. Then another. Another and another. As if trying to build up their confidence with noise. They shouted louder and louder. Then Tomahawk's voice was raised above them. Silence! Thundercloud has come to lead you into battle. The power of magic belt shall bring us victory. While thundercloud wears magic belt, no other light may shine upon his face. I leave you now. And when I have gone, let fires be lit. Let war dance begin. Tomorrow night in darkness, thundercloud will return to you. Tomorrow night, we capture Fort Lariat. 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. The war dance continued through the night. But just at the hour before dawn, the Lone Ranger, Tonto, and Thundercloud reigned up on a ridge above the encampment. Steady, gentlemen. Steady. They sing the praises of their war gods. We're too late. Not yet, Thundercloud. The Black could not keep pace with Silver and Scout. Many times you were forced to stop, but Thundercloud might rest. They haven't attacked yet. They will not listen to words of peace now. Their blood cries out for war. It's nearly dawn. I'm still certain they won't attack while it's light. That means we have all day to stop them. Tonto. Uh-huh. They're Indians from all over the west down there. Could you put on war paint and join the dance without being discovered? Uh-huh. Tonto do that. The main thing is to get into the camp and find out what they're planning. Tonto, find out. We'll leave you here to get ready then. You ride with me, Thundercloud. Between now and daylight, we've got to find Tomahawk in the Imitation Belt. The country is wild. There are many places to hide. Tonto and I know where the men behind this uprising are camped. It won't be far from there. Come on, Silver. Get up. Get up. It is true that men have camped here, but the ashes are cold. The signs tell Thundercloud they left this place many hours ago. Heading west. Away from the encampment. That means their work is done. They're leaving it all up to Tomahawk. It may be so. You take off the magic belt, Thundercloud, and hold it down toward the ground. We need more light on these tracks. I'm glad the hollow's well protected. That glows as bright as a torch. Here. There's something. An Indian made that print. And there's another. The prints are faint, but you speak the truth. Leading us straight to the bank. To that rock. Yes, Thundercloud. And the rock has been moved recently. I think we'll take a look behind it. Come back to camp, Tomahawk. Yes. The belt is safe. The braves might ask, where is Tomahawk that he does not dance with us? He is well you come. There one brave red fox have you watch him. What tribe is he? He wear war paint of soul. There. He talk with Silver Spear, leader of Navajo. A traitor. Is he one you told me what's for? It is Tonto, a friend of the Lone Ranger. Order your men to take him prisoner. Look. He see you. He might horse. Stop him. Laneta. Open fire. Shoot the traitor. No shots are coming from the Indian camp, Thundercloud. Tonto may have been discovered. It's light enough to see now. As soon as we get over this rise, we'll know what's going on. An Indian rides away from the camp. It's Tonto. They're after him. Come on, Silver. Kimo Sabe. Come on. Follow us. Then stop plenty soon. We're going on. On to the fort. Get him up, Scout. Go soon. Go away. I still don't understand it, Maskman. Thundercloud's here. Why can't he ride into the Indian camp and declare himself? The Braves will not listen if I talk of peace. In the state they're in now, they'll attack without a leader. They don't need one. There are a thousand of them. You only have a garrison of a hundred men. But what guarantee do I have that your plan will work? Leave the fort when we're so outnumbered. My whole force might be wiped out. Thundercloud is counting on the magic belt. I can't do that. Out in this country, it's possible to respect the legends of the Indians. But if my men were to be massacred and I were to survive them, what would Washington think of my report? The sight of the belt shining through the darkness may be enough to strike awe and wonder into the hearts of the Braves. I'm not denying it. I simply don't know. And as a colonel of the United States Army and the commandant of this fort, I must be skeptical. It's my duty, Maskman. I appreciate that. We'll consider the whole thing from your point of view. I wish you would. You'll admit that if the Indians attack, you won't be able to hold the fort for more than a few hours. I admit it. If you place your men where I ask, the Indians would find nothing here. You have the authority to abandon the fort if you think best. Yes. And even if we aren't able to capture Tomahawk and are taken prisoner instead, you and your men could march on to Fort Lincoln and find safety there. But the settlers around here... If this attack comes, it will only be the settlers around here who are in danger. The Maskman speaks well. The whole frontier will be at war. I'm asking you to give our plan a chance. You're asking for a chance to face death. We're doing that right now. Everyone inside this fort, everyone within a hundred miles of Lariat. I... The responsibility... We must have your answer soon. We'll have to head south from here and circle the Indian camp, then cut back through the canyon country. That's 50 miles. We'll have to cover it before dark. Big Pine Valley. Right there at nightfall. Well, your answer, Colonel. Go ahead. It's a chance, but it's our only chance. Thundercloud, Tonto, we're hitting the trail. The Lone Ranger and the two Indians raced south from the fort across the open prairie. And when the outpost had become a dock on the horizon, they changed the direction to the west. On they rode until the red and yellow cliffs of the canyon country loomed before them. With a sure instinct, Tonto picked the trail that would lead them beyond the Indian camp. The trail that would lead them to the hollow where Torlach had made his camp. Just at nightfall, they rained up in the grove on the rim of the hollow. Steady, sir. Steady. Listen. Uh-oh. Ward, Dan, stop. The drums are quiet. Yes. The Braves are waiting for Thundercloud and the Magic Belt. You think Tomahawk come here already? Get Foxfire Belt? Hip. That's what we've got to find out. He may have changed his plans after seeing you in camp this morning. The rock has been rolled away. And the belt is gone. All right, let's go. There are only one trail from Indian camp to fort. That lead through Pine, Big Pine Valley. Hip. Listen. Once more Tomahawk appears before them, once more he uses the name of Thundercloud. We've got to reach the opening of the valley before they do. Come on, Silver. Get left. Come on. Ask man. They're attacking. Yes. But they still think they're following Thundercloud. Are your men all placed? Just as you told me. They each have two torches? Yes. And they know the signal? Three shots. That's fine. Ride back into the valley, Colonel. They see you too soon. It will spoil everything. They're close. I can see a faint speck of light out there. That's Tomahawk wearing the false belt. Hurry. Come on. Get up. The moment has come. Thundercloud is old. Death means nothing to him. But it is wrong that you and Tonto should die to save my people. This is for the future of the West. Stand your ground, Thundercloud. Remember that you're wearing the magic belt. The Lone Ranger, Thundercloud, and Tonto waited at the opening of the valley as the war party swept down in them. The glow from the magic belt was so brilliant that when he was more than a hundred yards away, Tomahawk could see and recognize the face of Thundercloud. Vainly, he tried to rein up, but the ponies behind swept him on until he was directly in front of the old chief when he had pulled his mount to a stop. Then the other Indians could see Thundercloud, and a shout of amazement echoed to the skies. If this was Thundercloud before them, wearing a belt that shone like the stars, who was the man who had led them? Look, my brothers. By the light of the magic belt, you shall know the man who has tricked you. No, it is Tomahawk. It is true, and I am man to lead you. Thundercloud is old and weak, Tomahawk young and strong. It's Thundercloud who wears the magic belt. He has no right to wear it. Look, brothers. White man stands beside him. He is the white man's friend, and he has turned his back on our people. No! Let us take away the magic belt from him and ride on to the fort. Which one of you will brave the anger of the great spirit? Will it be you, Tomahawk? Red Fox. Sure. He knows the legend. Will you prove your courage by defying it? No! My men have spoken. You may keep magic belt and ride away in pace. On to the fort now! On through the valley! Wait! This man shoots! Open fire on him! I've fired into the air! Look beyond you! Look into the valley! On the ridges that surrounded the valley, a great circle of torches flared through the darkness. Look where Tomahawk would have led you! Into the valley! Into an ambush! You would have been surrounded by the soldiers from the fort! Not one of you would have left the valley alive! Remember, it was Thundercloud who kept you from entering the valley! Is Tomahawk worthy to be your leader? Then take him prisoner! Tomahawk and Red Fox! Look at the belt Tomahawk is wearing! Then look at the magic belt of Thunderclouds! Which is the better? There is the same difference in their council! Tomahawk told you the white men were your enemies! Thundercloud tells you they are your friends! And then not by war, but by peace you shall live in honor! Do not listen to him! Soldiers kill you! That isn't true! Colonel Sheridan! The lone ranger's call by leaving his cover and galloping through the opening of the valley toward the Indians. In one hand he carried a torch, and in the other that grasped the reins, a pipe of peace. The leader of the soldiers! He carries no sword, but the pipe of peace! Mashman! Turn it off! Remember that Thundercloud wears the magic belt! Those who do not listen to him shall feel its power! Will you smoke the pipe of peace and return to your homes? Then light the fires! Let this be a night of feasting! Sound the drums and sing the song of peace! You've done it, Mashman! The plan worked, if that's what you mean. But it was Thundercloud and the magic belt that persuaded them. What about Tomahawk? Both he and Red Fox are prisoners. Will the Indians turn them over to the Colonel Thundercloud? No. That means you won't have any trouble with the others for a long time. You don't believe the Black Arrow will try to arouse them again? Let's hope we find their headquarters and their leader before they have a chance. A leader? This Torlach that bribed Tomahawk? He may be the one. We don't know. But we're going after him. Are you ready, Tonto? Uh-huh. Adios, Thundercloud. I don't have to tell you, if Renegade should capture the magic belt, there's no telling what might happen. Guard it with your life. Ah. Goodbye, Colonel. Goodbye, Mashman. The President shall hear of what you've done tonight. Come on, Silver. Get it up. Come on, Silver. Come on. You have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.
