A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty, Hi-oh, Silver, the Lone Ranger. His fateful Indian companion, Tonto, the mask rider of the plains, led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. The stories of his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness, have come down to us through the generations. And nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past can the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse, Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again! Come on, Silver! Lone Ranger and Tonto topped a sharp rise on the sun-scorched plateau west of Fort Smith and reined up their horses. A quarter mile to their left, the sluggish Canadian River cut its way through the red, red clay of Indian territory. Directly ahead lay a hard-packed wagon trail. It was this that held their attention. Or rather, the small prairie schooner drawn by a yoke of oxen, which was jogging slowly along in the sun. Suddenly, the team of oxen broke into a gallop. They left the trail and headed across the plateau, dragging a wildly careening wagon behind them. Tonto, look. Wagon driver, plenty crazy. It's a runaway. Whoever's driving that wagon doesn't know this country. They'll be killed unless we... Come on, Silver! Get up, Scout! Oh! Oh, there! Oh, David! I can't stop the brood. Reese is suddenly going mad. Oh, there! Oh, David, look! Two men on horses. Oh! They see us, and they're riding this way. That won't help me, sir. Pull them! Pull! You'll never stop them that way. Better use a gun before they upset the wagon. I haven't got a gun, and I can't... David! Oh! He's wearing a mask. And that Indian with him. They must be outlawed. There's nothing we can do about it. I don't hold it to the other side. Ah! Pass this! Scout! Jump to the brake, Tonto. Try to pull the pin of the wagon tongue. I hope it's loose. Ah! David! Oh, hold it! Up alongside there, Silver, so I can... Yes! I've got it, Tonto. Jump! Up! Into it! Down, Tonto! A brake! Right in the brake! The horses, Tonto. Oh, Silver! Oh, Scout! Oh, fellas! Oh! Oh, thank you. Oh, David. We're safe. We're alive. Just a moment ago, I thought... And so did I. And we owe our lives to these two men. Glad that Tonto and I happened to see you. The rate you were going would have been only a few minutes until you were... Yeah, but you pulled a coupling pin on the wagon tongue and saved us. I still can't understand why my team of auctions should suddenly... They must have gone mad. No, nothing like that. They just smell water. They've reached the river by now, and they would have taken you in the wagon with them. Yes, but I can't understand. Steady, Silver. Steady, big fella. When did you leave Fort Smith? The day before yesterday. I notice your water barrels are empty. Both of them sprung a leak. The oxen haven't had a good drink of water for a day and a half. Well, that's true. My wife and I have been rationing ourselves and the animals, too, but... Right over to the river and bring them back, Tonto. They'll be all right now. Get them up, Scout. It isn't your fault. A lot of people make the same mistake. They don't realize that when oxen or any other animals are deprived of water, it's dangerous. Both my wife and I are deeply grateful to you, sir. But it's odd that our lives should be saved by outlaws. Tonto and I aren't outlaws. But you're wearing a mask. I'm surprised that homesteaders like you folks don't carry a gun. Shooting the oxen would have been your only salvation if Tonto and I hadn't come along. Well, I haven't carried a gun for several years. My wife and I aren't homesteaders in the usual sense of the word. We're missionaries. Oh, I see. And you're heading west into Indian territory. I've been told that the Cheyennes, if they can be made to understand the teachings of peace, as well as they understand war. Cheyennes? You've picked a difficult job for yourself, Mr... I'm David Russell. And this is my wife, Ruth. How do you do? Not that the Cheyennes, or any Indians for that matter, are wholly to blame. When trouble comes, there's generally a renegade white man behind it. I know that. And I hope to prove by counsel and help that all of us are not alike. Oh, oh, Scout, oh, fellas. Are you all right now, Tonto? Ah, oxen drink plenty of water. He'll keep good. I don't know how to thank you. Oh, no thanks are necessary, Mr. Russell. And I hope you have a lot of luck in the work you're doing. Thank you, sir. Is that a silver easy? I suppose you know that Indian territory is wild country, that you have a dangerous trip ahead of you. Aren't you afraid of it? Why should I be afraid? Many years ago, certain doubting men questioned the great teacher whose scriptures I follow. And the teacher answered them, saying... Why are you fearful, O ye of little faith? Why... Why, yes, that's it. It's my faith that will protect... But you, an outlaw, quoting the Bible... Tonto and I aren't outlaws. I told you that before. But I don't understand. Ready, Tonto? Me ready. Adios. Good luck to both of you. Come on, Silver. Get them up to the scout. David, I... I can't understand it. David, can I, Ruth? They risked their lives to save us. An Indian and a masked man who knows the scriptures. Surely, this is an omen of divine guidance. Two years passed. David Russell built his mission house on a low hill overlooking the winter camp of the Cheyennes. His sincerity and medical aid had won him the friendship of Black Horse, the Cheyenne chief. And his sympathy and understanding had gained the loyalty and help of an orphan boy called Little Bear. David worked hard, and he had no way of knowing the exact day that two men in a small covered wagon stopped on the other side of the Cheyenne camp. Oh, oh, oh, yeah. Oh, steady. Well, Pete, this is where we bet down for a few weeks. That's the Cheyenne camp right over there. Why can't these redskins pick out a decent spot to pitch their teepees? Nothing here but sand, mesquite, and... Now, stop beefing. We're here on business. It's been two years since I've seen my old friend Black Horse, who'll be glad I showed up. Hey, Todd. Yeah? I heard some talk around town before we left Fort Smith. There's some kind of a missionary hombre up here now. Missionary? Oh, you mean the Bible, Tony? I know all about him. I'll break open one of them cases of whiskey. I'm going over to see Black Horse. I'll take a bottle along. I bring message. Message on paper. Who's it from, Little Bear? Let me see. So, I might have known. What is it, David? Listen to this. By end of hockey or medicine dance, missionary must go away. Cheyenne's no longer want white man who reads from book. If he's not going by end of hockey, I'm Chinese. Signed by Black Horse. How can that be a note from Black Horse when he... Can't read or write a word of English? Of course it isn't from him. Who gave you this message, Little Bear? It come from hand of Chief Black Horse. He not write it, though. White men who sell fire water write message. I thought so. I'm going to see Black Horse. Talk to him. They're great danger. You go to campground now. Plenty braves wear war paint. They drink plenty whiskey. That's all the more reason why I should go. David, not if it's dangerous. Please don't. I've got to talk to Black Horse. The medicine dance itself is bad enough. And if several hundred Indians mix it with liquor, they'll tell him what will happen. If Mr. Russell go to Cheyenne camp, Little Bear go with him. All right, come on. Please be careful, David. Don't worry, Dad. I won't be going with him. Here. This tepee of Black Horse. Black Horse. White teacher and Mr. Russell won't make talk. Me bring him. I got your note, Black Horse. I've come to ask why the great chief Black Horse has written these words to the white man who is his friend. Black Horse may talk on paper. I know, but I can't... The house's clear, ain't it, Sky Pilot? What? Oh, he must be Todd Billings. I didn't expect to find you so soon. Why don't you take your hymn book and clear out of this country? Nobody wants to listen to your mealy-mouthed gab. I came here to talk to Black Horse alone. And you're talking to me because the chief wants it that way. And he wants you to pack all your junk and clear out, you understand? I'll never leave the territory as long as you and your whiskey are here to bedevil the Indians. Yeah. Look here, preacher. Black Horse and the Cheyennes have a different idea. They figure that one bottle of good drinking whiskey is worth a dozen song-singing critters like you. Why, you filthy... No lily-fingered Bible-tuner is going to punch me and get away with it. No. No use gun. Black Horse, no like. What do you mean, Chief? You saw him punch me. Black Horse, think best. White man, leave now. Let's teepee, big chief. If we do what he say. Yes, little bear, I know. There's nothing more we can do now anyway. Come on. Returning from a long trip to the far west, the Lone Ranger and Tonto made camp not far from Cheyenne village. Oh, it's good to get back to the plains again, Tonto. Ah, me like it. Me think... Horses, coming up to the trail below us. Let's bother that fire, Tonto. Ah, me think. Did you see that, Tonto? Ah, me see. Plenty Cheyenne brave, then wear war paint. We near Cheyenne camp, and this full moon. Time they dance, hockey a.m. Yes, I know, but... Here, Silver, scout. What's wrong, Kimo Sabe? There were two white men riding at the head of those Cheyennes. That generally means trouble. Oh, that's right. We'll follow them. Come on, Silver. Hand them up, scout. David, what makes you think that the Indians will cause trouble? They're our friends, and for two years now... They're our friends when they're sober, Ruth. Whiskey changes all men. Indians, most of all. Now, if we could... Oh, little bear. Let me ride fast from camp. Is anything wrong? At sundown, menace men on brave start hockey a.m. and Billings and other white men ask ten, maybe twelve braves ride with them. They come this way. Todd Billings. Oh, Billings. David, listen. That must be them now. Open the door, little bear. Oh, no, David, don't. Hey, Carson, come on out here. What do you want? You'll find out. If you're man enough, you'd better come out and shoot. No, David, no. 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. When David Russell walked out onto the porch of his mission house, he was confronted by a half-circle of mounted Cheyenne braves. He noticed that some of them held blazing pine-knot torches high above their heads. They were grouped around two white men on pent-o-ponies. You hear that style, pilot? I said if you're man enough, you'd better come out shooting. I have no gun, Billings. You know that. Good thing for you. You haven't. How about that book you're always packing around? Will that stop a .45 slug? What do you want, Billings? Some of the chief's boys and me just dropped by to remind you that you'd better be out of here before the war dances over. Pull out of here prano. You understand? I suppose we don't pull out. Then this will give you an idea of what to expect. All right, boys, throw some of those things. But dangerous. Those torches, they'll set the house on fire. Look, the roof of our hospital is already... Oh, I'm going to... No, Ruth. He has a gun turned on us. Don't move. Now you're talking sense, pussy. Just burn one of them this time. If you don't pack your junk and clear our house... Oh, the hospital and everything in it will be... Leave that water from well. Throw it on fire. Burn, kid. You make a move toward that well, I'll drill you. Little bear, no afraid of you. Me go! You devil ass. No, you won't. Oh! Oh, silver. Oh, boy. Oh, boy. Hey, look, Todd. It's an owl hoops. A masked outlaw and an Indian. Hey, he shot my gun away. Hey, that kind of lead slinging ain't healthy. Come on, boys. Let's buy a move. Get out of here. Why you let him get away? Gunfire might have hit some of those braves. We don't want to start a war if we can help it. Steady. Come on. Let's help put out the fire. Ah, me help. I don't know who you are, stranger, but... The mask. That Indian. Are you the same too many? Well, I'll help you. Ruth! Oh, Ruth! That's right, Mr. Russell. Been quite a while since that day by the Canadian River. Over two years ago. But I... Oh, Ruth. Look who chased Billings away. The man with the man. Seems I always find you folks in the middle of some excitement. Well, thank heaven you find us. Fire well out now. Not burnt. Oh, that's good. You were a brave boy, little bear. Oh, me glad to help. Who was the white man who tried to shoot this boy? Todd Billings. He and his partner came here to sell whiskey to the Indians. I see. And I'm afraid he sold most of it. You saw the braves that were with him. Yes. Why was he here threatening you folks? Well, isn't it natural for a liquor peddler to resent a missionary? Well, if you've been here for some time, you must know the chief of the Cheyennes. Can't you go to him? Chief is named Blackhorse. We were very friendly until Billings came a few days ago. And now they say we'll be killed unless we leave the territory before the end of the Hockey Aeum. Go on. It's a ceremonial dance that begins tonight and lasts for three days. Listen, you can hear the drums now. Oh. The fact that Blackhorse is in Billings' power makes the situation bad. I know it. Maybe Todd and I can help if you'll give me some more information. Oh, if only you could. If there was just some way to be... Come into the house. I'll tell you everything I can. Up to the Parsons' house and started blasting. How do I know who the Sky Pilots outlaw friends are? Got in a lucky shot, that's all. Well, what are we going to do? But I ain't taking any chances with either one of them. I'm going to break open a few more cases of fire water for Blackhorse and his braids. Now, you double back to that Parsons' house and see what you can find out. Me? Well, can I... Keep out of sight and keep your eyes and ears open. All right, get going. All right, but I... Get up. Come. All right, you shy and buckaroos. Let's have a drink. That's everything that's happened right up to this minute. It's a hard problem. This territory belongs to the Indians. If Blackhorse orders you to leave... It is Blackhorse. If he wasn't influenced by Todd Billings... Then you can't afford to antagonize almost a thousand Cheyenne braves. I don't know. I've never felt this way before. But right now, I wish I wasn't a missionary. That I wasn't bound by a code that says return good for evil. Why, David... If I was just an ordinary man, a man with a gun who could hunt down Todd Billings and... David, we possess something stronger than guns. It's faith. Remember the words of the Bible. Faith overcometh the world. I... I want to believe it. What good is faith against a gun and a pack of whiskey soaked shy in Indians? If I could only... Your wife is right, Mr. Russell. You have something greater than guns. Todd and I will see what we can do. Maybe we can talk to Black Horse. Not in the middle of their ceremonial dance. We can try. Come on, Toto. Uh-huh. We'll be close by. For the next two days, it might be a good idea for you to stay indoors as much as possible. We will. Adios. What'd you find out? Nothing. Saw the preacher and his wife talking to that Max Gentney engine inside their house. That's all. They still there? Oh, the owl hoot and the redskin pulled out. Couldn't trail them with horses like they're riding. Ah. Now, we'll wait till the last night of the dance when all the whiskey's inside the braids instead of the bottle. And all you have to do is put on a black mask like that fancy lead slinger and ride over to the missionary's house. Put on a black? Now, listen, Todd. I don't think... Of course you don't think. I'll take care of that. You just do what you're told. The next two days and nights, the frenzied ceremonial dance of the Cheyennes gained in spirit and momentum. Hundreds of half-naked Indian braves danced in relays to the throb of tom-toms and the wild yells of their medicine men. The lone ranger and Todd who had tried in vain to see Chief Blackhorse. Failing in this, they kept close watch on the mission house. There'd been no sign of Todd Billings. But on the last night of the hockey a.m. Somebody come. Me open the door. Wait a minute, little bear. Look through the window first. The tall men who wear masks. That's all right, little bear. I'll open it. We've been expecting you, but... Reach, Parson, and get him high. I thought you were not... I haven't got much time, Parson, so a gun weapon will be as good as a bullet. David! Stop squawking. He ain't hurt. I'm just gonna borrow your old man for a couple of hours. Now drag him outside. I'm warning you, keep your distance. Just gonna take the Sky Pilot over to see his friend Blackhorse. Are you not, too? Little bear, say no one. Listen, Redskin, I'm... All right! Little varmint asked for it. I'll get out of my way. Oh, David! David! Oh, David! Oh, hold some of the... Easy. The Russells are expecting us, Tonto. There's no sign of... Ah, what matter? Sounds like a woman crying, come on. Mrs. Russell. Oh, you... Oh, it's you. Where's your husband? A masked man with a gun. We thought it was you. We opened the door and... He wasabi. Little bear, Indian boy. Him, sharp. Just a minute. It's just a scalp wound. He'll be all right. Who did this, Mrs. Russell? Where's your husband? The man said he was taking David to see Blackhorse. Todd Billings? No, it wasn't Billings. But I think it was the man who was with him the other night. That means a shy in camp, Tonto. That right. Tonto and I'll ride over there. We'll find Mr. Russell. Oh, will you? I'm sorry. Oh, never mind. You wait here. Come on, Tonto. There's no time to lose. Come on, Silver. Get him up, Scout. Blackhorse. Come on, Tonto. Let's get to him before they stop us. Ah. Great Chief Blackhorse, my friend and I come to you in peace. By next day. Who, white man, wear a mask. Him, plenty good friend to red man in all nations. Him, friend of Chief Thundercloud in far north. Speak. You know the missionary who came in peace to your land? Ah. He brought good teachings to your braves, your squaws and your children. He brought white man's medicine to cure sickness. Oh. But another man who sells fire water hates a missionary. Hates him because he teaches peace, not war. Don't pay any attention to that owl hoots gab, Blackhorse. I expected to find you, Billings. Where's your partner, the one who shot an Indian boy at the mission house? He's here and so is a Bible toter. Tied up in one of the teepees. There's nothing you can do about it. Maybe. Chief Blackhorse, the missionary brought the best teachings of the white man. He brought the truth. Now don't listen to him, chief. He's trying to trick you and your people. Come on. Come on. Speak. Now this man who sells fire water has captured the missionary. He's a prisoner here in your camp. Ah. I ask you to release him because he has brought only good to you and to your people. No, it's a trick, chief. Blackhorse, there's no trick to the Hockey Aeum, the sacred dance of your people. You have faith in that, don't you? Ah. So it is in this dance that I would ask you now for the life of my friend, the missionary. Let the Hockey Aeum be the judge. Hey, what do you mean? How can you know which of these white men to trust? Unless the Hockey Aeum tells you which is bad and which is good. Ah. Then put Todd Billings and me to the test. Hang around our necks with fine strands of horse hair, the heavy buffalo skulls that weigh a hundred pounds apiece. Put us in the center of the ring and let us wrestle in shy and fashion to prove our faith. No. No, no, chief. Don't listen to him. That's good. Hawawa! Within a few minutes, the protesting Todd Billings was stripped to the waist as was the Lone Ranger. Then heavily weighted buffalo skulls were suspended from their necks by a fine hauler of horse hair. They faced each other in a ring with the toes of their right feet touching. This was the severest test of strength and endurance known to the Cheyenne Indians. It was the finale of the Hockey Ale. At Black Horse's signal, they grasped hands and began the silent struggle of sheer strength. Each man trying to push the other off his feet. It didn't last for suddenly Todd Billings cried out, No, I can't stand it. Now let me go. Let me go. Indian guards will take you and your murdering partner to the nearest United States Marshal. You'll both stand trial. All right, all right. Anything you say. Just let me go. Please. There. You heard what he said, Black Horse? Stay here. Man with mask plenty brave. Missionary must teach truth. Black Horse and Cheyenne believe. Thank you, Black Horse. Come on, Toto. Let's find Mr. Russell and take him home. It was a miracle, David. Truly a miracle. I don't think our friend would call it that, Ruth. We've won back the trust of the Cheyennes. Yes, we've regained that in our lives. All because of an object lessening faith. The faith of a masked man whose name we don't even know. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger, Incorporated. Thank you. Thank you.
