A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty hi-yo silver, the Lone Ranger. Years of unrest that followed the Civil War, a powerful secret organization called the Legion of the Black Arrow 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 the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver, run the trail of the Black Arrow. Come on, Silver! The Lone Ranger and Tonto, on the trail of Torlock, member of the Black Arrow, had found a glove floating in the Breakneck River. The masked man recognized the glove as Torlock's. But what he did not know was that Torlock had dropped the glove in the water deliberately and was waiting for him upstream. Torlock! Hey, Torlock! Torlock! Did you hear me, Biller and H.E.? You're not hurting cattle, Snavely, I saw you. No necessity for shouting. Well, all the way... Never mind. You saw them? Yeah. Anyways, I saw two riders. Coming up the breakneck? Right. Sticking close to the shore. Moving slow like they were watching for signs of tracks. Lone Ranger and Tonto. I couldn't say for certain. That clip I was watching from was a long way from the riverbank. Well, you saw the horses? Yeah. A white horse and a paint? That's right. Well, there's no doubt. How soon do you think they'll be here? Well, if they find those tracks we lift for them. They'll find them. They don't miss the kind of a trail we lift. Should take them maybe three, four hours. We'll figure two. Two hours? Two hours, Snavely. Those aren't ordinary riders. That's the Lone Ranger. Then you better make sure your scheme is set, Torlock. Yeah, follow me into the hollow. Blodgett's down there? Yeah, Blodgett and a woman. You understand why I'm doing this, don't you? You want to capture the mast hombre in the red scheme. Yeah, exactly. What for? Don't bother to ask what for. You'll find out in plenty of time. Now look, Torlock. I'm a member of the Black Arrow. I got as much right as you to know. Careful while you talk, Snavely. We're both members, but you're just one of the herd, understand? I'm important. You know, Ken can't help wondering that, so. That's enough. Yeah, we're in a hollow. Well, skin me for a buffalo pelt. What's hit this spot? Why? Why? Well, ponderation, Torlock. There was a camp here, a camp in good order. Now look at it. Fire scattered, lean-to smashed down, supplies gone or busted, there's a broken rifle. Well, it looks like there's been an ambush. That's how it's supposed to look, Snavely. And where's Blodgett and Miss Nancy? Right here, Snavely. He wasn't sure it was you coming, so he took shelter in the brush. Well, how's it look, Torlock? Reckon it'll fool him? It fools Snavely. Fool me? I don't savvy. We were just following orders, that's all. We was told to make it look like this camp had been attacked. You were told to make it look like... Torlock. You mean this is part of your scheme? Yeah. Well, it sure is slick. But how's it going to stop the mass, Jen? It will. You have those two black arrows, Snavely? Got them right in my blanket, Roe. Get them out. When the mask man gets here, he'll find more than a wrecked camp. Trail lead this way, up over hill. Not hard to follow. I've got Torlock's glove, Kimo Sabe. We'll follow this trail, we'll find the owner. Ah. Keep your guns ready, Tonto. This country's heavily wooded. Oh, Tonto, ready. How old is this trail? It may be trail day old. Mark the hook, show that. Torlock may be far ahead. We find them. And that mean we stop Black Arrow, huh? Perhaps. Torlock may not be the leader, Tonto. He may just be one of the important men. Black Arrow is a large organization. Trail drop down now, into Hala. Yes. Watch out for the horses, they mustn't stumble. Tonto smell smoke. Think maybe camp down there. Camp for Kimo Sabe. Otto, there is a camp. There's been a tack. Ah. They're man, woman. They not move. They got arrows in their back. Black arrows, Kimo Sabe. Come on, perhaps they're still alive. This not Indian tack. No, it's a black arrow. Indians don't use arrows like that. There they are. There may be a spark of life in them. They're alive. Get in, Father Mask, man. They're alive. They're not even hurt. Torlock. Lodgett, Nancy. Kimo Sabe. They get up. They not hurt. Lodgett, keep your guns straight on them. Yeah. Nancy, collect the shoot iron. I don't think they'll start anything with a woman in the line of fire. Key note, Torlock. How do they fix arrows? That's simple, Tonto. We should have realized it before. There are no points on those arrows. The cloth was cut and the arrows are probably glued to the skin. Most likely using pitch or pine sap. Very observing, Mask, man. I thought you'd fall into this trap. The sight of two people brutally murdered never fails to call out the crusader in you, does it? I'm surprised you went to all this trouble, Torlock. It would be more natural for you to make it a real murder. Perhaps. This method's served. So at last we meet face to face. Yeah. Well, not quite. That is, not till I take off that mask you wear. No, you're not taking... Take my guns, Nancy. You and Blodgett keep them covered. Yeah. Now, Mask, man. Come ahead, Torlock. What's the trouble? Why did you stop? Go on. We got them covered. Yeah. Yeah, that's right. Well, you stopped again. I... I... I haven't moved. What are you waiting for? I've changed my mind. There's plenty of time to get that mask. What are you laughing at, Injun? How to laugh at you. Your face turned white. You know you get close to mask, friend. Him grab you. And him plenty strong. You afraid. Quiet. Quiet, or I'll have Blodgett shoot you down your tracks. Yes, Tonto. That's enough. Torlock's dangerous. As long as he's at his safe distance. Mask, man. You and the Injun will be laughing at yourselves soon. So will the whole West. What are you planning now? Right this minute, one of my men is riding on an errand, mister. His name is Snavely. But that doesn't matter. What does matter is that he's riding a white horse. And he's wearing a mask. In fact, he's impersonating you. They are now. Broken down wagon and all. Sure hope this mask and this white horse fool them like Torlock said. Torlock said they ain't never seen the Lone Ranger. Just heard about them. They see me now. Better make it look good. Come on, Silver. There they are. Come on, Silver, old boy. Hello. Howdy. Howdy, mister. Howdy, ma'am. Mister, your name is Morrell? Yeah. Yes, sir. No need to ask yours. A white horse and a mask. I reckon you must be the Lone Ranger. Well, that's me. I mean, yes, ma'am. Well, I sort of pictured you as bigger than you are. Abby. Well, all I'm saying is... Well, don't say it. Don't mind my wife, mask man. You see, she's always had romantical notions about what you should look like. We never saw you before, of course. Yes, my friend told me that. What was your friend's name? You should know, Morrell. He found you right here with your wagon broken down. His name was Tormund. Abby, it was Torlock. Oh, yes, so it was. We told him we needed help. He said he'd get the Lone Ranger for us. It's a pity he couldn't help us himself. Torlock told me about that. That country ahead is pretty dangerous, injured and such. I reckon Torlock figured the Lone Ranger could do more good for you. Well, I'm here. Let's get started. Torlock said he didn't figure the wagon could be fixed. Now, take a look at it. It's the rear axle. Yeah, broke right in two. Can you fix it? I'd advise you to saddle them two horses and go ahead without your wagon, Morrell. Don't look like you've got much to carry. No, mask man, but what we got is mighty important. My husband's the new Indian agent for the Kiowas. He's got all his papers and things, so the Indians will know him. Yeah, documents from the Great White Father. The Great White Father. In Washington. That's what the Indians call the president. Oh, oh yeah, sure. Then there's also some mighty valuable gifts from the government to the Kiowa chiefs. Now, if there's hostile Indians or outlaws between here and the Kiowas... Hi, Savvy. You want my help. Well, if they stop us and find nothing on us, they'll most likely let us by. But if we had the valuable... Right. They'd take them from you quick as a wink. That's the way this here Torlock, Jen. Told it to us. He was right. I was wondering, mask man... Yeah? Seeing as you're the lone ranger, that horse is known to be mighty fast. Silver's the fastest horse in the world. Uh-huh. Now, it's asking a lot, but... You don't have to say another word, Morrell. You want me to take them valuables west to the Kiowas for you. That's it, ain't it? Will you? I'd be glad to. While I'm riding ahead, you and your wife can take a roundabout way. Just forget about your wagon. Oh, seems a shame. It is, but we've got to make time, Abby. We're overdue already. I'll be waiting for you at the Kiowas camp. Keno, we're sure grateful to you, mask man. Now, here. This chest holds the important stuff. Just a second till I mount. Whoa, there's silver. Steady, doggone, you hide. Hand up the chest, Morrell. Here you are. Got it. Get started as soon as you can. I'm leaving now. Adios, lone ranger. Maskman. Yeah? I was just wondering before you go, where's Tonto? Huh? Tonto. From the stories we heard, he's always riding with the lone ranger. Oh, uh, well, Tonto's back in the hills. He's waiting for me. Adios to you. Get up, Sylvia. Abby, what's the matter with you? Nothing, John. Just been wondering, that's all. For one thing, I've been wondering if that axle broke by itself or if someone did it for us. You're always a suspect. And you're so trusting, John Morrell. Well, who was that gent, Torlock, coming out of nowhere as the way he did, warning us about Indians and outlaws ahead? We never heard any talk about that back in Sioux City. And wasn't it mighty odd how easy he located the lone ranger? The lone ranger just happened to be close by, that's all. Next thing, you'll tell me you even suspect that masked man wasn't the lone ranger at all. I reckon we'll learn about that later, John. Right now, I ain't saying. Torlock! Where in blazes are you, Torlock? Over here, Snavely. Come in out of the rain. Soaked to the skin. I see you brought that iron-bound chest, Snavely. Hand it down. Yeah. Yeah, that lean-through leaks. Not much. Dismount, come in out of the rain. It's better than where the masked man and the Indian are. Out in the open? Yeah, across the hollow. Blodgett and Nancy have them guard it. See, the Morrells didn't doubt you were the lone ranger, Snavely. Sure, the mask and the horse fooled them. With the papers and this chest, we can easily fool the Kiowas. First thing we'll do is get all their furs on the pretext of taking them to Sioux City to sell. Yeah, only we keep the cash. There's presents in that chest, too, Torlock. Yeah, let's see what's in it. Stand back here a ways and shoot the lock off, Snavely. Yeah. It's hard to open. It's wooden. Torlock. Torlock, this here chest's empty. There's nothing in it. No, you didn't fool them after all. They fooled you. They gave you an empty chest while they took the papers and presents with them. What are we going to do? What do you think? We're going after them. This time, we'll get what we're after. This time, I won't hesitate to shoot. Government agent or no government... Torlock! What was that? Across the hollow shooting. Grab your gun, Snavely. Come on. Bludge it. What were those shots? Where are your prisoners? They gave. They got away. Got away. Where'd they get guns? Well, we heard a couple of shots. I guess we turned our heads for a second. And before we looked back, the Lone Ranger had jumped for the guns. He shot my gun out of my hand. That's enough. All you heard was Snavely shooting the lock off her chest. Because of that, you idiots... No use getting riled now, Torlock. They're gone. They're heading away from here just as fast as their horses can take them. 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 back to our story. The rain was still pouring down as the Lone Ranger and Tonto rode down out of the hills and away from the break-dank river where they'd been kept prisoners. Better slow it up now, Tonto. Time we held the power on, decided what to do. Easy, boy. Pull there, whoa. Steady. Steady. Steady. Torlock and others, not follow. They did. We're far enough ahead of them. Ah. Kimasabi. What they plan to do? Why Torlock send Snavely on white horse and mask like you, huh? Snavely was impersonating me for a reason, Tonto. We go back and listen, maybe. No. Snavely returned just before we escaped. The most important thing now is to follow his trail. Well, that's not easy. The rain lasts a while longer yet. He came this way, Tonto. You're the best scout in the West. Watch for his trail. Oh. Tonto, try it. Get him up, scout. Come on, Silver. All night long, the lone ranger and Tonto made slow progress. Only occasional flashes of lightning showed brief glimpses of the rain-sodden ground. Yet they still found signs of Snavely's route. By morning, the storm had passed and the sky was clear once more. Their pace began to speed up. There, hook, Mark. There's clay in the soil here, Tonto. The rain couldn't wash them away. Ah. Ground good for tracking now. It not rained so much here. We can read the signs of the gallop now, Kimo Sabe. Give Scout his head. Get him up, Scout. Faster, Silver. Faster. On across the prairie galloped the white stallion in the paint. The hoof prints left by the outlaw marking a plain trail before their keen eyes until finally, as the sun reached overhead at noon... It's a wagon, Tonto. Snavely's tracks lead straight to it. Steady, boy. Steady, boy. Oh, Tonto. Oh. White and empty. No horses in the shaft. Been cleaned out overnight. Well, at least there's no sign of a struggle here. I was afraid Snavely had used that impersonation to do some shooting. Kimo Sabe. Look. Tonto finds signs of two horses. Those tracks aren't so old, Tonto. Three, maybe four hours old. And what we do? Well, first... Let's take a look at this broken axle. Ah. Mad funny. Why they not fix axle? Why they leave wagon? More of Snavely's work. Perhaps he convinced them it couldn't be repaired. Oh, that's not hard to do. Strong rope, fix it good. Tonto. Huh? Get those rawhide strips out of the saddlebags. We're going to fix this wagon. And when it's fixed, we're... Then what we do? I'll ride ahead on Silver, following the trail. You'll bring the wagon along later. Now let's get busy. There was no problem for two men as powerful as the Lone Ranger and Tom to lift the wagon and repair the axle. Less than an hour from the time they started, the axle was bound tightly with heavy rawhide and braced so that it was as good as new. Well, that does it, Kimo Sabe. It will not take long. I'll put Scout in the tracer's tunnel. The wagon's empty. He can haul it easily. Ah. Get him up here, Scout. Ah. You back up now. Get's wagon. That right. That right, Scout. Here, Silver. You go ahead now. Yes. Silver should be able to catch those riders before sundown. Adios. Adios, Kimo Sabe. Me bring wagon. I'll see you. Hooray. John, there's a rider coming after us. What's that you say, Abby? Where? Yonder, along our back trail, topping that rise. It's getting dark, but you can see him. Stray up your horse, Abby. That might be one of the outlaws that fellow Torlock warned us about. Well, the masked man said we'd be safe coming this roundabout way. Never mind that. Now we've got to ride. Get up there. You can't ride fast with this load we're carrying. We've got to lift them hooves, ponies. Can you see him? He's riding like the wind. Faster. My horse is traveling full tilt now, John. Can't get a lick more speed out of mine, either. It's no use, John. He's catching us. Oh, stop. Stop, Abby. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. I've never been one to go for violence, and I put trust in my fellow men, but I'm ready for this stranger. If need be, I'll shoot. Come on, Silver. There they are. John, did you hear what he called that horse? Why, he called him Silver. The Lone Ranger. Put up your gun, John. It's the Lone Ranger. Whoa. Steady, Silver. Steady boy. Howdy, mister. You sure give us a turn? Why, when you left us last night, you didn't say nothing about meeting us here? You're mistaken. I didn't see you last night. You didn't? John, this man's riding a white horse, and he's wearing a mask, but he ain't the same man. Yeah, I noticed it the same time you did, Abby. Called his horse Silver. Mister, you ain't fooling me. The real Lone Ranger saw us last night. You're an imposter. Now, put up your hands. If you use that gun, I'll have to take it away from you. Oh, no. I got the drop on you. How do you expect to take it away with me? Now, I... Like this. Hold it right out of my hand. Give me that gun. Not till we get this straightened out. Doggone if I can figure this. Two men dressed the same, riding the same kind of horse. Now, which is which? If you want my advice, John Morrell, I'd say this man right in front of us is the honest one. The sure enough Lone Ranger. I never trusted that gent last night. Oh, why not? Torlock said that he was... I never trusted Torlock either. Both of them had shifty eyes. Kind of mean looking. Well, Abby, why didn't you tell me? Well, first off, because you were so all fired certain they were honest. And second, well, I wasn't certain myself. At least about the masked man last night. You seem to be certain now, Mrs. Morrell. What's changed your mind? You, mister. He looked like I always pictured the Lone Ranger. He talked good English like I heard the Lone Ranger always did. And most important, you treat your horse like a friend, not like that other man did. By Jupiter, you're right, Abby. You're right. Of course, the Lone Ranger never talked to his horse like that hombre last night. Land of living, Abby. We gave him the chest with the presents for the Kiowa Chiefs. And all the papers I need to identify myself as the Indian agents. That's what they were after. He's got them, mister. No, he hasn't, John. What? I said he hasn't got them. But I gave him the chest with my own hands. Uh-huh. And the night before with my own hands, I emptied it out. Those papers and gifts are right here in the saddlebags. Abby, you're a wonder. I reckon we're all fixed now. We don't need... Morrell, don't make a sound. Huh? I can hear a horse galloping this way. Well, can you get mighty sharp ears, mister? I don't... Yeah. I hear it now. Who could it be? It's all right. That's Scout. I recognize his gait. Aye! Aye, Kimo Sabe! Oh, Scout, home! Tonto, something's the matter. Where's the wagon? Kimo Sabe, Tonto see plenty trouble come along back trail. Me sees from hell many rider. They come fast. Me hide wagon off trail. Ride Scout this way to warn you. Black Arrow, men. Tonto think that. Black Arrow? What's that? Doesn't matter, Mrs. Morrell. Well, the point is that those men have discovered they were tricked. They're coming to get what they want, and they'll use force to get it this time. Mister, what are we going to do? You can ride faster than they can, but they'd catch us easy. We'll have to use our heads then instead of our horses. Well, you'd better think something up pronto. The wagon. Wagon? What about the wagon? That's it. It's your only chance. Morrell, it's getting dark. Do you think you and your wife can head back along the trail and find the wagon? We'd run right into them, mister. Not if you get off to one side when you hear them coming. Yeah, in the darkness, they'd miss us. Well, sure, but what good would that do? All of us mean is they'd have to turn around and backtrack. That wouldn't take them long. Mrs. Morrell, well, you do as I say and leave the rest to us. I sure will, mister. That goes likewise for me. Then we start right now. This way, follow me. Get them up, cow. Come on, silver. As they rode, the masked man explained to Morrell and his wife what they were to do. Then he and Tonto raced on ahead, circling wide to avoid being heard by the outlaws. Then cutting back to the trail, they reached the wagon well ahead of Morrell and his wife. Steady, silver. Silver, fast now, Tonto. We haven't much time. We'll send the horses off into the darkness. Silver, silver, oh boy. Tonto and I have work to do. Gallop off that way till I call for you. Go on, silver. Aye, you go too. Get him up, scout. You've got your lariat, Tonto? Ah, here. Get as big a loop as possible. When Snavely and his gang arrive, they'll find Morrell and his wife. But we'll be here too. Several hours later, as the rising moon cast a pale light over the prairie, Snavely led a group of horsemen back toward the wagon standing beside the trail. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. All right, gents, here they are. Thought you'd fool us, huh, Morrell? Backtracking along the trail didn't get you no place. You tried to fool us too, wearing a mask and calling your horse silver. Calling yourself a lone ranger. There's no time for lingo. You know what we come for. I reckon so. That chest was empty. Now you hand over them identification papers and the presents for the Coyote Chiefs. Now we'll get them over your dead body. No, no, don't shoot. You're going to be sensible about it, eh? My wife's right. No use fighting all of you. Get off your horses and I'll show you where the things you want are. No tricks, mind you. All right, gents, follow me. It's right over this way, right beside the wagon. Walk with your wife, Morrell. They're in the horse's saddlebags. Right here. Yeah, I'll open them. Stand back. Fine lot of good it was you fixing that axle. You didn't know it was us broke that axle, did you? It happened in the night while we were sleeping. That's right. We did it. So to set the stage for Torlach. Better get them saddlebags open. I'm doing it. They seem to be a might stiff. Eager to get at their prize, the outlaws crowded closer behind Snavely as he struggled with the straps. They did not notice two figures slip out of the rear end of the wagon or hear the sound of the lariat Tonto whirled over his head. Now, Tonto, rope them together. Hey, what's the label? Snavely, there's a rope around me. I can't get out. I can't get my arms. Good work, Tonto. You dropped the rope right square over them. Snavely, there's no use struggling. Tell your men to give up. It's the masked man and the injured. The lone angel. Where'd he come from? I don't know a wedding for you, Snavely. Now, as soon as we get you tied up and get our horses, we'll take you to a sheriff who'll put you in jail. Get some rope, Morrell. We'll tie them right to their horses. The angry outlaws dared not struggle as they faced the guns leveled at them with the masked man's steady hands. Quickly, they were disarmed and bound, and in a few minutes, each outlaw was roped on his horse with the lone ranger and Tonto beside them in the saddle. Mask man, you saved my job for me, not to mention our lives. We'll be grateful to you always, and I hope these coyotes get what they deserve. They will, Mrs. Morrell. You'll have no trouble getting to the coyotes now. The tale has no more danger ahead for you. We all ready to ride. Snavely. Yeah? Before we take you to jail, I want to know one thing. Where's Torlock? He headed for Sioux City, and after the way he left us to run into trouble while he went his own way, I hope you get him. I hope you get him good. Sioux City, huh? We'll get him, Snavely. He'll end up in jail with the rest of you. Lead the way, Tonto. Ah, you Snavely, Blanchett, all you men, you follow after. Get him up. Get him up, scout. Goodbye, mask man. Adios to you. Adios. Adios. On the trail, Silver. John, I got a funny kind of feeling. I got a feeling that Torlock is going to run up against the masked man mighty soon. Yes, Abby. And when he does, he'll lose. There's nobody can lick the Lone Ranger. I don't know. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated. The story you have caused is a little bit about the school guy. We'll see you again. I'm John Will. We'll see you again.
