Fiery horse for the speed of light, the cloud of dust, and a hearty, hi-ho, silver! The Lone Ranger. The Continental Railroad was one of the most important steps in the winning of the West. The railroad was of prime importance to the future of the country. But powerful forces, cattlemen, stagecoach lines, and steamship companies opposed it. Outlaw opposition sprang up, and the Lone Ranger was commissioned by the president to lead the fight against the enemies of progress. 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! There's danger on the trail ahead! Well, Silver! Out beyond the grating cruise and the end of the track, out where the Central Railroad would someday bring commerce and fast transportation to the Western Territory, a detachment of cavalry halted at the sound of a bugle. The men formed a hollow square and stood on guard, wind snapping the regimental pennant and carbines held ready for use. The captain wheeled and galloped to the center where two riders sat their horses. My compliments, Colonel Parkman. This is the spot. Thank you, Captain. We have a clear view of the valley from this rim. Let's keep your men on the alert. Yes, sir. We're miles out from the railroad. There might be Indians or outlaws in the prowl. Someday the railroad will be here, Captain. Yes, sir. Let me take your position. Travis and I can discuss the engineering situation. Dismissed. Come on, boy. Well, Travis, you're an engineer. What do you think of it? Colonel Parkman and I still have the same opinion. I don't believe we can put tracks across that valley. Why not? Because of the slopes on the east and west. They're too steep for trains, sir. The cliffs can be blasted out to make easier grades, Travis. It's a difficult job, sir. I still say it'd be safer to go the long way around, to circle clear up north around the upper end of the valley and bridge the river above the waterfall. It's 150 miles that way, Travis. Straight across the valley is only 20 miles. Well, that's true, but... That's 130 extra miles. Travis, if I didn't know better, I'd think you were in cahoots with the Iron Spur. Colonel Parkman... Well, what else? The Iron Spur outlaws, true enough. But they're trying to slow up the building of the railroad. And your suggestion certainly seems to be doing the same. An extra 130 miles. That means an extra two weeks. This track must be late on schedule, Travis. If it isn't, the government withdraws its support. Oh, I know, sir, but... What, more objections? Well, Colonel, I know we made this trip out here under difficulties, but... Difficulties? That's a mild term. It's been a long march. A dangerous one in the wild country. But if my engineers persist in bringing back reports like yours, then I have to come out and see for myself. Going around that valley is impossible, Travis. Impossible. And cutting through the valley would be fatal. Hmm? That waterfall, sir. What about the waterfall? It's very dangerous, sir. Dangerous? It's only a trickle. The stream below can be bridged with one span. It's a trickle a day, Colonel, but any day it might be a raging torrent covering the whole floor of the valley. What's that? That stream comes down from the hills, sir. It's tricky. There are cloudbursts in those hills and snow. This valley gets flash floods and spring freshets. Look right below us, Colonel. You can see where the high watermark of the last one was. Yes. Quite high. That's why we've got to go the long way around, sir. Travis, I'm afraid you were right. But we can't... I'm not! Colonel Parkland, two riders approaching at the gallop. Yes, I see them. Bring them to me under guard. One of them is masked. So I know this. The other's an Indian. Captain, they must be outlaws. This may be a trap. There are only two of them, sir. There may be dozens more behind the hill. Don't waste time. Shoot them down their tracks. That's enough, Travis. I'm in command here. Let them come, Captain. When they arrive, bring them to me at once. Detail halt. Well, sir, what are you in the Indian want? Why are you masked? Here's a letter, Colonel. It'll explain this. I'm your secretary. Miss Barkley? Yes, Colonel. Colonel, I tell you, these men are outlaws. Why should an honest man wear a mask and travel... That's enough, Travis. I'm satisfied. But, Colonel, whatever that letter says... This letter's addressed to me, Travis. Whatever it says is my business. And I'm satisfied that these two men are our friends. Dismissed, Captain. Yes, sir. Detail. Return to posts. Cut. Colonel, Tonto and I have just come from the upper end of the valley above the falls. You're putting the railroad straight through, aren't you? That's impossible. There's flood water most of the time. Yes, masked man. I'm afraid Travis is right. Colonel, the Central takes all the time necessary to go the long way around. They'll get behind schedule. They'll never make it up. Mister, are you an engineer? How do I know this country, Colonel Parkman? You can go across this valley. How? Fly like the birds? I tell you... Just a minute, Travis. What makes you so certain, mister? Colonel, above the valley, the stream runs through a narrow canyon. The ground itself slopes off westward. All you need do is build a dam across the canyon. And when the water rises, it'll flow off to the west. Ah. As long as dam stands, valley not get flooded. Is this true, Travis? Well, I... I'm sorry, Colonel. I haven't been up that way myself. You haven't? And you call yourself an engine... Never mind. Masked man, the railroad's grateful to you and the Indian. Captain! Yes, sir? We're looking over the north end of the valley. I want to look at the terrain. The troop will accompany us. Yes, sir. Come on, boy. Mister, if that stream can be dammed, then the railroad goes straight through. If that's the case, we'll return with all speed at the end of track. We'll send out special crews to build a dam and cut the grade. So everything will be ready when the track crews get here. You will accompany me, Travis. Yes, Colonel. Thank you, mask man. Bye. Goodbye, sir. Get out there. Adios. Get back on the force. Marching order. Soldiers ride plenty good, huh? Hello. I'm wondering. What matter? This man, Travis. Something about him. I wonder whether he's really loyal to the railroad. Koster, don't shoot. It's Travis. Oh, you've got to be careful. In the dark, you never know. Well, I did my best, Koster. The railroad is going straight across the valley. What's that? Now easy. Easy? Well, you little libra coyote. The arts bird's been giving you plenty of cash. And your job as engineer with a central radard, you're in a fine spot to help us smash it. You fall down on the job. It wasn't my fault. I did the best I could. Yeah. Absolutely, Koster. Well, I had the colonel convinced it would be suicide to go straight across the valley. You told him about the floods, huh? Of course. Even though the colonel was dead set against the delay that it would be caused by going the long way around, he agreed with me finally. And then... Then what? A mask on break, Koster. A mask man and his Indian partner. Mask man? Masked. Riding the white horse? That's the one. Hello, Ranger. I tried to tell the colonel there were a couple of outlaws. The soldiers ought to shoot them down, but... Never mind that. You're to the point. Well, the mask man told Colonel Parkman that a dam could be built above the valley. Colonel Parkman went to have a look. And it settled. The dam was going to be built. You knew about that possibility all the time. Sure I did, but I wasn't mentioning it. Why didn't you talk against the dam when the colonel was up there? You were an engineer. You could have argued... Don't be local, Koster. The colonel has already given me a dressing down. Besides, the colonel's an engineer himself. As soon as he saw the canyon and the stream, he knew a dam could be due to work. If I'd argued, I'd have lost my job. Yeah. I reckon you was wise to button your lip. At least you're still in a good spot to help the iron sperm. Have you got a plan? We're not giving up, if that's what you mean. When are they going to start working the dam? Another engineer and I are starting out with a party of workmen from end of track. We leave tomorrow at dawn. What's the name of the other engineer? Borden. Ted Borden. Can he be bribed? Not a chance. How many workmen? About 40, all tooled. Any army men for escort? Cavalry. Two dozen. That's 60-yard old tool. Keen up. The men will carry guns, Custer. Don't worry. The iron spur can get 100 men. All gunfighters. You get on your horse, Travis. Get back to the end of track. You have a plan, Custer? Don't worry. Start out in the morning with a railroad outfit. Get out there and do the job. Start right in. The iron spur will be out that way, too. You'll be hearing from us. Adios. Howdy, Travis. Well, I reckon we're all set to start out. Everything ready, Borden? Yep. Men are all assembled. The wagons have got every piece of equipment packed away. Blasting powder? Two full wagons. Those two at the tail end with the red flags. And the detail of soldiers. It's a long trip out there, Borden. Glad country we travel through. The detail is all present, Mr. Travis. Oh, hello, Captain. Yes, sir. We'll have 10 men as advance guard, 5 men rear guard, and the rest will ride point along the wagon plane. Good. Should take us about a week to reach the valley. Right, Borden? I reckon so. And we can start any time. Yes, sir. I'll be with the advance detail. Get up, boy. There's sure a crowd to see us off. Yeah. Tell the wagoners to keep a tight rein on the horses. I wouldn't want anything to happen to that blasting powder. Sure thing. All right, men. Ready to ride. Piling them wagons. Keep a tight rein on your horses. You riding with me, Borden? I'll be glad to, Travis. Steady, boy. Get along, boy. Adios, everybody. Adios, Colonel Parkman. We'll have that valley all ready when the grading crew comes along. All right, you wagoners. Start them off. All right, Captain. We're traveling. We'll be there in another day, Travis. We can start work the day after. Yeah. A mighty peaceable ride. No trouble at all. Another thing. Travis. What's the matter, Borden? It's the two riders near those cottonwoods. Looked like they was trailing us. Trailing us? What'd they look like? You think they might be the... the iron spur? No, I don't know who they are. One of them wore a mask. Go, Silver. Go, Silver. This is close enough, Tato. I believe the horse is here. It's a big fella. You stand here, scout. Wait for us, Silver. Kimo Sabe. They still work at night, huh? Night and day, Tato. The dam must be built in a hurry. Ah. Here's where we separate Kimo Sabe. Then you circle east. Try to locate Travis and keep an eye on him. Ah. You go talk to Borden? Yes. That's his tent directly ahead. And you talk good. Adios, Kimo Sabe. Adios. A few fast steps and I'll be inside. Where is it? Don't raise an alarm, Borden. I just want to talk with you. I'm a friend of... Borden. Borden, what's happened to you? Wounded. I'm hurt. Hour ago. Explosion. Covered sound at the shot. It was Travis. Travis. He came in. Borden. Borden, are you all right? Hold your hands, mister. That's so bad, Captain. Don't reach for your guns, masked man. So you shot Borden, did you? Captain, there's some mistake. Yes, there is. And you made it, mister. I told Colonel Parkman you were an outlaw. He wouldn't believe me. But now this proves it. I saw you coming to this tent half an hour ago. I just got here. Captain, Borden's been wounded, badly hurt. But he told me it was Travis who shot him. That's a fine story. It's the truth. Captain, ask Borden yourself. I will. Don't move. Borden, who shot you? Was it that... What are you trying to pull around here, mister? Borden can't talk. He's unconscious. Unconscious. Borden. Borden. Travis. If he dies... If Borden dies, masked man, you will hang for it. I'm sorry, mister. Colonel Parkman said you were all right. But I got to believe the evidence in my eyes. I'm placing you under arrest, masked man. Hand over your guns. 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 Lone Ranger was arrested by the Army Captain, who believed he had shot and badly wounded Ted Borden. Two hours later, the masked man was in a tent guarded by four soldiers. And at that same time, several miles north of the encampment... So everything worked out, Jim, Daddy, or Travis? Couldn't have been better, Custer. After I shot Borden, I stayed close by. Just by mere chance, I saw the masked man slip into Borden's tent. I got the captain. Mask man will hang. He's under guard right now. Borden can't live, can he? He's pretty bad off. Better not live, Travis. If he does, it means you'll finish. Perhaps. Perhaps another him. Borden was facing you when you shot him, wasn't he? Yes, he knows I gunned him down, Custer. But I'll make dead certain he doesn't live, Savvy. Get it all figured, then. That's right. Who's caring for him? A couple of the workers. There's no real doctor. And one of these nights, I'll be able to complete the job. Well, Travis, sounds like you've got your time all picked, haven't you? That's right. Ties in with our scheme to wreck the dam. Yeah? Yeah. I've had time to think it over, Custer. See what you think of this. I'm listening. You've got two dozen men camped out here, and the railroad crew knows nothing about it, right? You know. We made sure our tracks are covered. You aim to blow up the dam night after next, isn't that so? Yeah. Water's rising up on the hills. I ought to hit the dam about then. If we blow up the dam just before the water floods, it'll pour into the Valley Full Forest. Well, the encampment right in the path of the flood. That's our idea. Well, I'm adding to it, Custer. Oh. Here's how. There'll be men at the dam, right? Yeah. They may give us a fight, but... I can fix it so they won't be there to fight the iron spur off at all. That's, uh... Sounds interesting. Custer, suppose some of the tents caught on fire just before you got to the dam. Those men at the dam would leave, head for the camp to put out the fire. Say, that's so. Before they got back, we could plant the blasting powder, huh? And set it off. Now, that's real slick, Travis. When the flood pours down, we'll get rid of the masked men and probably take a few of the railroad men, too. Yeah, yeah, that's standard. Wait a second. What about Borden? Suppose they get him to high ground. No sense carrying a dead man to safety, Custer. Dead? I don't say that he's only wounded. He'll be dead. How can you be sure? Because I'll make sure. Myself. You'll shoot him? Yeah. It'll be twice as risky as before. Oh, no, it won't. Because when I start the fire, everybody will be running around like skinned wolves. Even the men caring for Borden will be running. I can slip into the tent and finish him prano, Custer. It'll be as easy as slipping a cinch. Hey, hey, boy. The night after tomorrow. Adios, Travis. We'll be watching for the flames. That'll be our sign to blow up the dam, huh? Yeah. Adios, Custer. Get up, boy. Come on, get up. Paul, we're going to the dam. Captain Wallace. That's your west entry. Yes, sir. Hello, masked man. How are you? Hello, Captain. I want to thank you for letting me stay masked. It was the least I could do, mister. I remember that Colonel Parkman vouched for you. I sent a courier back to end of track with news that Travis demanded your arrest. I'll do nothing further until I hear from Parkman. Well, how is Ted Borden? Is he still unconscious? Yes, it's touch and go. He may pull out of it, but... I understand. You still insist Travis shot him? Borden told me himself. You understand my position in this? Yes, of course. Your detail is attached to this railroad crew. Actually, you're supposed to take orders from Travis. That's the difficulty, mister. Well, I'm certain I've got fair dealing from you. The army never deals any other way. And what about the dam? Is it finished? I understand it'll be completed in another 24 hours. The men are working day and night. Good. The railroad must go through. Our country needs it. Mister, I... I swear I can't figure you out. You carry two guns. You're masked. I should take you for an outlaw, and yet... Well, sir, somehow I trust you more than I trust Travis. Halt! Who goes there? Put that gun aside. It's me. Halt. Yes, sir. Mass man, it's Travis. Yes, I see. Hello, Captain. You questioning the prisoner? Hello, Mr. Travis. Hmm. You haven't been talking about me, have you? I've been doing my duty, sir. You've been away from the encampment? That's my business, Captain. You stick to the army. Understand? Yes, sir. If you'll excuse me, I have some work to attend to. Well, mask man, I reckon you'd better start counting the hours. You won't live long. If Borden lives, you'll be lucky, Travis. That's the only way you can escape the hangman's rope. Why, you... You shot Borden. We both know it. Soon it'll be proved. You can't talk... You know, mask man. Maybe so. Maybe you're right. I can say that with no one else listening. But savvy this. Whoever shot Borden, it's you that'll pay for it. Think that over. And think fast, because you won't have much time to think. Now, what did he mean by that? Bird call. It's Tonto. I see him creeping through the grass. That's Tonto. Go ahead. I'm standing so the guards won't see you. Your hand's tied. That's all right. You, uh, you know what happened to me? Huh? Me here. Me set you free. No, not now, Tonto. What have you got to tell me? Did you, uh, watch Travis? Uh-huh. Him leave tent, Tonto follow. Him leave caster, iron spur outlaw. You listen. Tonto tell you what they plan to do. Well, that's their scheme. The night after tomorrow. Good work, Tonto. Uh-huh. Planning to start a fire. Blow up the dam and kill Borden all at once. It's a big night's work. It's up to us to stop them. Tonto see Silver. Him and Karel back at camp. Good. Now you go, Kimosabe. Stay out of sight. The day after tomorrow, just after sundown, you come back here. Be careful of the guards. Whoa, whoa there. Whoa, boy. Whoa. Well, Captain, I've just come from the dam. It's all finished. Fine job. So I understand, Mr. Travis. We can break up camp any time you say. Well, I don't think it's smart to move Borden yet, do you? Perhaps not. He, uh, he should regain consciousness tomorrow, though. What's that? I've seen men in his condition before, Mr. Travis. That's my guess. Oh, I see. The, uh, masked man is still a prisoner? Yes, still under guard. Oh, by the way, Captain. Yes, sir? You sent a messenger to the end of track, didn't you? Has he gotten back yet? No, sir. You're not very polite, Captain. Somehow I get the feeling that you don't like me. That's beside the point, Mr. Travis. I'm under your orders. All I can do is obey them. Then why didn't you shoot that masked hombre at once? Without a trial? That was the order I gave you. I'm sorry, Mr. Travis, but that's one order I must ignore. This country has a constitution, a bill of rights. Every man has a right to a fair trial. And the masked man will get a fair trial. That's why we're waiting for Borden to get better. This is insubordination, Captain. I'll report it when we get back to the end of track. That's your privilege, sir. Right here. What place is it? It's over this way. Now get in your way. Aim lower. All in silver. Get him up, Captain. Corporal. Corporal, what is it? Look down there, Captain. Hold your fire. It's no use. I'll see that you lose your right for this, Captain. The masked man has escaped. All in silver. Scout and silver go plenty fast. Nobody on trail now. He must have it. It's getting late. We're free, but there's still Borden from the encampment and the dam across the canyon. And there's Travis, too. Him still in camp. We have a lot of work to do. Swing this way, Kimo Sabe. Now, we turn around. Yes, Tonto. We're heading back to the camp again. That's mighty bad. They see you first. They shoot. I've got to talk to the captain. You go to the tent where Borden is lying. No matter what happens, stay there till I come. Me, Tonto. Only only... Only what? Foster and Badman up near camp. They wait for signal from Travis. Fire signal. What happens if Travis can't fire before we catch him, huh? Faster, Tonto. That must never happen. Come on, settle this. Do not move, Scout. Be right behind the tent. Do not make sound. Water. Water. Oh, him hurt plenty bad. Wear mask, friend. Him take heap long time to talk to Captain. What's that? Rouse down. Rouse down, everybody. Fire in the south corner. Never mind, Borden. He'll be all right. Come on, we've got to farm a bucket for you. Fire. Travis, start fire. You stay here, Scout. Tonto, go in camp. Everything go wrong. Fire's start already. But maybe, Tonto, get wounded man to safe ground. We're firing up. That's enough, Inchon. Stand up and lift your hands high. Travis. Don't turn around. I'm going to finish Borden right now. Everybody's fighting the flames. And I'm going to put a bullet in you, too. Right this very minute. We got here in time, Captain. Kimo Sabe. Yes, Tonto. We followed Travis over here. Travis didn't set that fire. After I talked to the mass man, I had a bonfire started. You hombres think you're all fired smart, don't you? I was going to set a fire, but I saw that one blaze up. I figured an accidental fire was as good as any other. That's fired out already, Travis. Kimo Sabe. The iron spur. What's that? Kimo Sabe, you forget. Fire was signaled to iron spur to go to Dan. Pretty soon they blow up Dan. Not if we get there first, Tonto. It's going to be a close race. The soldiers are ready, aren't they, Captain? Here they come now, mass man. And every railroad worker can sit in the saddle with them. Corporal. Yes, sir. Place Travis under arrest. Yes, sir. Come on, Tonto. Here's Silver. Here's gun. Bloody big fellow. All ready, Captain. Come on, Silver. Get out. Men, follow the mass rider. Load your guns. Up the valley. Head for the canyon. Come on, Silver. Get back. Come on, man. Here, Coster. There it is. Clear in the moonlight. Not a solar round. Sure enough. They all run to put out the fire in the valley. There ain't no chance. Rain up. Finley. Jurgish. Get the blasted powder. Get a move on. Careful. Don't drop it. Well, hang it over the side of the dam and use a long fuse. It'll give us just time enough to get away. What dead thunder. You just hear anything? Yeah. Sounded like maybe. It's the army. It's a mass man. Drop your guns. Shoot it out. Get to your horses. Ride them down. Don't give them a chance. Be good, Coster. This way, Silver. No, you don't. Oh, my hand. Coster. Coster, it's no use. Get out of your guns. We've got you surrounded. We could be alive. See one more. Don't shoot. Don't shoot. You got us. Don't blow a piece. Fire. My hand. A mass man. Fire at me. You're not hurt. You're not the guns out of your hand. Coster, you and all your men are captured. Travis, don't be tricked as he... Travis is under arrest, too, back in the camp. Gordon's still alive. He'll testify against him. As for you, we need no further evidence than we already have. You're all going to jail. That mass man. If it hadn't been for him... He's gone. Yes, Coster. And if it hadn't been for him, the building of the railroad would have been delayed. The railroad owes him a vote of thanks. And so does our country. Go to it! Hold it! The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.
