companion Toto, 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 The soldiers permitted to keep their horses were on their way back to their homes. Randy Brady and his comrades were one of the many small units that had gone to war as a group. Randy's raiders, fearless young men, were in camp at sunrise. Who is it, Hank? Who's the pilgrim? What's your name? Dan Reed. That's the name's Dan Reed. Glad to meet up with you, Dan. My name's Brady. Yes, so I was told. I'm glad to know you. Uh, Lieutenant Brady. I guess we can drop the lieutenant, Hank. The war's over. Well, me and Dan got to talking at the waterhole. He was in Morgan's Gap last week. Is that so? Well, that's where we came from. All of you? Well, all 12 of us had, uh, 16 when we started out. Oh. Two of our outfit were killed at Shiloh and two at Vicksburg. You went to war as a unit, huh? Yes. I'll never forget the send-off the folks that Morgan's Gap gave us. You remember that last night, Randy? I sure do. Torchlight parades, everyone singing and everyone giving presents to us. Say, Dan, is Morgan's Gap the same as it was three years ago? Golly, I don't know. I wasn't there three years ago. Well, is Pete Hayden still around the cafe and is Pop Kennedy still sitting in his chair in front of the livery stable? Well, I did see a fat man sitting in a chair. Pop Kennedy, he's still there. Did you meet a man named Josh Potter? No. Or a pretty girl? Prettiest girl alive named Sally Potter? No, Lieutenant. But you see, I was only in town a couple of hours. Randy's eager for word of his sweetheart. Ah, go on with you, Hank. Hey, you must think we're local, huh, Dan? Not at all. Fact is, we've all been away from home for three years. We're just hungry for news of the folks in Morgan's Gap. You'll be there in a couple of days, won't you? I sure will. I can just see the reception we'll get. Send off will be nothing at all compared to the way they'll welcome us back home. Sit down, Dan. Sit down and share our breakfast while you tell us about Morgan's Gap. Hey, boys. Yeah? Come here and talk to someone fresh from Morgan's Gap. Come on, fellas! Come on! It was afternoon when Dan Reed rode into the camp of the Lone Ranger. The masked man listened as Dan told about the meeting with the 12 young soldiers and their eagerness to get back to Morgan's Gap. I sure hope they get the reception they expect. Dan, I'm afraid those boys are going to be disappointed. Oh, golly. The people are tired of the war. Now that it's over, they want to... But they've got to be grateful. Those fellas put their lives on the line. It isn't that the people aren't grateful, Dan. But the people who stayed home have had hardships, too, especially in the cattle country. The people in Morgan's Gap have suffered. They're still suffering. Problems will continue long after the soldiers' work is done. Yes, I suppose so. I hope Randy Brady and his friends are near when... When what? No. No. Was there a message from him? He's been scouting certain Indians. Yes, I know that. The Indians in this section have just realized that the best fighters have gone to war. It took them a long time to realize it. Yes, but now that they're aware of the fact, they're making the most of it. Raids? Yes. Golly. Do you think they'll hit Morgan's Gap? Yeah. There's no more when we get further word from Tonto. They do attack Morgan's Gap. They're sure a fine bunch of men. I hope they're not let down by their friends in the Gap. They're counting on a great welcome. There's Morgan's Gap. There it is, boys. I've got to get to the cafe. Leave for a shave and a haircut. Come on, boys. Let's ride down on the liver stable as if we were charging an enemy hill. Get up there. How's things in the Gap? What's the matter, Pop? You ailing? Too lazy to get off his chair. Pop, I should have drove. Hey, Pop, what's the matter? Don't you know us? I'm Randy Brady. I know you. And I'm Hank. You remember? Ain't forgot. It's the idea of riding into town like a pack of Comanches. But, Pop... I know. Been riding all over the country, having high adventure. Well, us folks had to sit at home and worry. Now you figure yourselves as heroes. Not at all. Oh, we figured you'd be a little glad to see us. You aiming to settle down and go to work? Why, sure. Then get to it. And don't figure that folks will tolerate all kinds of noisy rough riding and grousing. Well, if you ain't a cussed one. Here comes Pete Hawkins. Hi there, Pete. Hi, Pete. Hi, Pete. How's everything in the general store? Just this minute. Sam Easley's boy got killed, didn't he? Uh, yes. Uh, at Vicksburg. Sam's pretty bitter about that. Well, it... I've got to get over to my store. I've got some new wool shirts in. Be better for working on them beautiful wool. Drop in and see me. Hey, we're a matter of... Oh, my God. Well, you'd think we'd been away overnight instead of for three years. I'm going to the cafe. Me too. That's a good idea. Maybe Baldy Jackson will be glad to see you. Glad to see you boys back home again. Well, it's doggone nice to find someone that's glad. Baldy, what's the matter with everyone? You'd think we were coming back from a term in jail instead of from the army. Well, how's that, Randy? Well, the way people are. Well, some of them resent the traveling high adventure you boys had. Do they think it was fun to sleep in mud and face Grant's grave shot? Do they think we went to wool for the pleasure of it? Well, I guess folks don't stop to think. Some are holding jobs they wouldn't have if you younger boys had been home. They figure you'll take their job. Oh, we do. Others have to let the ranches go to see. Gab, we can darn soon get. I'm thinking of doing that same. Well, I'd sooner go hunt and break wild horses and stay here if we ain't wanted. You boys want drinks? Sure we do. That's why we're here. I reckon our credit is good, ain't it, Baldy? Credit? We're broke, Baldy. Well, that's too bad, Randy. I'm close to being the same way. Is our credit no good? Hank, you still owe $10 from before you went away. Well, I ain't forgot. I'll pay it when I get working. Jobs ain't easy to get. All right. Never mind the drinks. I'm sorry, Randy. Maybe it's a good idea to go hunt wild horses. Maybe it'd be a good idea to get practice for busting them wild horses. Maybe it'd be a good idea to do a little rough riding on Baldy. Don't talk tough to me, tin soldier. Oh, say that again, Baldy, and I'll ram it down your gullet. Tin soldier. By thunder, I got all I can take. Hank, let me at that, Jughead. Hey. Here comes his pal. I'll take this place apart. Boys are guilty of assault and battery, disturbing the peace and willful destruction of property. Judge, let me speak for the rest of the boys. We just got back after three years in the army. And you figured you could do what you pleased. Is that it? No, sir. We just thought that we would. Morgan's Gap might find a place for calm, level-headed young men who are willing to work hard. Sure. That's what we... But we don't want fighting harum-scarum critters that crave a lot of excitement. You all don't want us. Is that it? That's not what I said. Well, it's what you meant. It's what everyone in town means. I guess we know where we ain't wanted. And I, for one, am clear now. I'm going north and hunt wild horses. And I'll go with you. We'll all go. Now, boys, wait. You all can stay if you want, Randy. We're leaving. Come with us, Randy. We got to stick together. Fine. I'll go with you. Good. Come on, then. Let's start. Well, before I leave, I want to call on Sally. Oh, Randy, I heard all about you and your friends, and I know exactly how you feel. But please don't be bitter. Who wouldn't be bitter? For three years, we've been facing everything the enemy could fire at us. We've been half-starved. We'd gone for weeks without rest. We slept in mud and rain. I know. Sally, we've been fighting a war. The bloodiest war the country ever knew. We do have been fighting a war, Randy. But you don't have. Father and all the other ranchers have seen their life savings melt away. They've seen their livestock die for lack of feed. They've seen the value of beef fall until the herds aren't worth the food they eat. But that's not what. Father's done the work of five men trying to carry on. His work isn't ended, Randy. He and the ones who stayed home, they have to keep on with their share in the nation's welfare. It hasn't been easy for us. For every night you slept in mud and rain. We went without sleep for worry over you. Well, that's no reason for everyone to treat us like, like scapegoats. Everyone was waiting, Randy. Wondering how you boys had returned. Well, we just came. You came in as if you were set for the time of your lives. You didn't come as if you were ready to pitch in and help us. It was more like, well... Like what? Well, as if you figured your work was finished. As if you expected to, to rest on what you had done. That wasn't it at all. The people here don't want us. The judge practically told us that. The people do want you, Randy. I don't believe it. Give us a chance to prove it. I can't. We're pulling out. We're going to hunt wild horses. I'm leaving this afternoon. Your mind is made up. Yes. I'll miss you, Randy. Try to understand. I understand that you'll not give Morgan's Gap a chance. I've got to stick with the boys. Good luck to you, Randy. Sally, I... Good luck. In the two weeks that followed, Randy Brady and his friends rode the planes north of the gap, matching their daring horsemanship and roping skill against the savage strength of untamed horses. In the meantime, the lone ranger had gone south to meet Tonto. He returned to the camp where Dan was waiting. Oh, hold up. Oh, steady big fella. Did you see Tonto? Yes, Dan. He's influenced the raiding Indians. How do you mean? They're going to attack Morgan's Gap. Oh, golly. Is that what you wanted? Those Indians must be defeated, Dan. They've already gone too far. See, they've made successful raids on a half a dozen small communities. Yes, but to have... Now that Brady needs Morgan's Gap, meet it. Good. We can reach him through Josh Potter. That's the father of his girl. Right. Now call on Potter. Come on, Silver. Now never mind the mask, Potter. I came with a message for you. Oh, Dan. They already gutted a couple of... Prepare to defend yourself. I guess you're telling me the truth. He and his men... Why do you mention Brady? They can beat the Indians. Hmm. I finally can. What? Oh, Dan. If Randy were only here, this is the time he's needed. Brady isn't here. He and all his men left two weeks ago. They did? Where'd they go? I don't know. Harum, scarum critters. They went hunting wild horses. The country north of the Gap? Yes. I'll try to find them. That's no use. They wouldn't come back. We'll see. Steady big fella. Come on, Silver. Exciting scene. What he thought would be a trap for the renegade Indians. The Long Ranger learned that Randy's raiders had left Morgan's heart. Hold, Silver. Hold. Did you see, Mr. Potter? Is everything set to meet the Indians? No, Dan. Nothing is set. Nothing? Brady and his men have left Morgan's Gap. Oh, golly. And the Indians are due to strike. Worst of all, they'll strike because of me. I thought Brady's men were in the Gap. I hope they'd end for all time the threat of the outlaw Indians. What can we do? Here's your saddle. All right. Send shop. I am. We're riding north of the wild horse country. Is that where Brady is? Yes. Think we can find him? Oh, I'm sure we'll find him. The question is whether or not we can persuade him to return in time. Victor's ready. Then mount up. Steady big fella. Steady, boy. Come on, Silver. Come on, Victor. Ranger and Dan set out for the wild horse country to the north of Morgan's Gap. They rode continually and said very little. But even Dan, young as he was, could sense that the Lone Ranger was thinking about the Indian raid upon Morgan's Gap, which was primarily instigated by him in order to teach the raiding Indians a lesson. A lesson that Brady and his men could readily give. After many long hours of riding, the Lone Ranger and Dan sighted Brady's camp. They reined in a short distance away. Brady's camp, Dan. Yeah, I see it. Wait in the woods to the east. I didn't tell Brady the situation. Right. Come on, Victor. Well, if the Gap needs you, Lieutenant. Indians, huh? Yes. Now, ain't that too bad. When they need fighting, man, they fend for us. And after we lick the redskins, they'll treat us the same as before. They had their chance to treat us decent. Now, wait a minute. Hank, if our friends are going to be attacked by Indians, we... Whose friends? I got no friends in the Gap. Now, right. Maybe if we loved a girl there like you do, Randy, we'd feel different. But as far as I'm concerned, the Indians can have the Gap and all that's in. Listen, Dan. How soon is this attack expected? Maybe tonight. Boys, we've got to go. Not in your lives. We've got a good string of horses in the rope corral, and I don't aim to leave them. We can leave them here. They'll be here when we come back. If we come back, I won't go. Me neither. Count me out. The town will be wiped out if you don't go there. Well, that's too bad. Boys, I hate to run out on you, but I'm going. You'll go alone, Randy. Then I'll go alone. Come on, Dan. You going with me? Well, part of the way. We'll head through the woods. Steady, boy. Nina, come on, man. As Dan and Randy left the group, Dan took the lead heading for the woods in which the Lone Ranger waited. Randy didn't look back. He rode with set face and a hard, resentful look in his eyes. Resentful because the town which had practically told him and his men they were not wanted was depending upon their fighting ability to protect Morgan's gap from Indians. Also, Randy resented the fact that for the first time his men had failed to stick with him. It was with these thoughts in mind that he suddenly became aware of the masked figure on a white stallion that blocked their trail. Just a minute. Who, who, Victor? It's all right, Randy. This is my friend. Masked? What about the others? They wouldn't come. And I can't say that I blame them. Well, you can't do very much without them, Brady. I can at least fight at the side of my girl and her father. It's a losing fight. Well? With your friends, it would be a winning fight. They won't come. But they must. But how'll we get them here? We'll wait in this woods until it's dark. Then we'll start for Morgan's gap. How can you work that? Well, the Lone Ranger, Dan, and Randy Brady waited in the woods. Dust gathered over the town of Morgan's gap. Potter, like all others, prepared for the Indian attack. Now, Sally, the door is barred. I reckon we're as ready as we'll ever be. There's a hired man inside. In the back room, Dad. Did you get plenty of water inside the house? Everything that'll hold, water's holding that same. Got plenty of swabs tied to long sticks? Yep. I've made some too, Dad. Better spread them around. Put pails of water and swabs near every window. Carry some to the roof. You all set for the Redskins? I guess so. I thought I might help out more by coming here. I can't defend my house alone. Let them burn that one. We'll fight to save you. Did you hear that? They're coming. Close that door, quick. I'll get the bar. Dad, look out the window. One house is already in flames. I think it's Pop's place. Pop Kennedy. Now, the buzzers ain't wasting time. They're near the cafe. They'll get fire water, and they'll be wilder never. The door. Hey, Potter, let me in. Pop Kennedy. Let me in. My place is gone. I'll help fight for yours. We ain't a chance to lick them. All we can do is fight them to the end. I see some of them. There's an arrow. Play them. Put water on it. Let those critters have it. When darkness came, Randy Brady moved out of the woods with the lone ranger and Dan. Be very quiet in the movement when these horses start out. That's what we're after. Those friends of mine catch up with you. You'll have to make sure that doesn't happen. To me, there's undue movement of our wild horses. I hadn't noticed anything, Hank. Well, I've been listening. If Indians come after him, we'll have to get... Hear that? Indians. Hey, let me get them. No use waiting lead. You can't see them. They're firing back out. Well, get after them. How'll they get here? Maybe bypass the gap. Come here, boy. Come out up and get those critters. They're making off. We got to take them. How many years there? How do I move? All right. Come on. In a few seconds, the soldiers were in the saddle, furious at the ones who had made off with their captured horses. They sat out at a mad pace, firing blindly at the big shadows far ahead. Lone Ranger, Randy, and Dan Reed maintained their lead. It was a mad race through the night. We're holding the lead. In prison. Get up there. Faster, boy. Hold silver. Presently, a red glow could be seen in the distance. The glow that came from buildings in flames. The Indians have come. We're too late. Hold silver. Several buildings in the gap were in flames. Others have been struck by many fire arrows. Defenders divided their time between firing and attacking savages and beating at flames with water-soaked swabs. Several homes were doomed. They'd hurried to the houses of their friends to aid the defense. Potter and his daughter were surrounded by half a dozen neighbors, fighting to the very end. I just got rid of the fire on the road. Jay, there's another fire over there. That corner. Well, give me a hand. I'll stay with a gun, you honorary critic. Take the swabs, Judge. I know. Beat it to flames. Better pour water on it. This can't go on. Not much longer. Jason. I've got no more. Don't tell me we're out of cartridges. Dad's firing the light. Kennedy, you got any more cartridges? No, I fired the last. Anyone else got ammunition? Oh, Dad. Dad, this is the end. Sally, don't stand by that window. They'll get you. They'll get us all. We've no chance now with it. What's the matter? Look out there. What's going on? The Indians are trying to get to their horses. Look, there's help coming. Look, horses, lots of them. We're getting help. Great day. Maybe we ain't licked after all. The ones that stole our horses must have joined up with. We'll show them. Hey, boys, you came. Randy, we take our horses. Never mind why you're here. Let's show them what we learned about fighting against us. Right. Hey, Randy, take charge like you did at Virginia. All right. Charge them. Give it to them. After the battle was over, Randy became the center of a small, admiring group of Morgan Gap citizens. A new light was in their eyes as they looked at the boys who'd saved their lives and their homes. At first, not much was said. It took a little time to reassemble their thoughts after their emphatic words of a short time ago that had driven Braden and his boys away. Then, Potter and Sally broke the ice by expressing their feelings to Randy. Randy, we saw the whole thing from the house. Oh, Randy, it was the most wonderful thing I've ever seen. Oh, Sally, it was... Oh, here comes Hank. Well, Randy, reckon those redskins are through raiding civilized places. Did you get back the horses, Hank? Yeah, the boys are getting them together. Good. You men saved Morgan's Gap. They sure did. I shall have a lot to say about it if you'll stay long enough to listen to me. Morgan's Gap needs you men. If you critters would fight to help in peace like you fight in war, buy a thunder nothing, good stop us. Well, that's a lot coming from you, Pop. I mean it. Dad Raditz, stick around. Hey! Can't you see him? Listen to me, you mavericks. I called you ten soldiers. You have a fool a chance to show he appreciated what you've done. Will you? Baldy! That coming from you? Yes, sir. We didn't know what it was like to face gunfire and sudden death, like you boys had to do. Stay with us, boys. Well, we've been capturing wild horses. Hank, after you've got a wild horse, how do you hold it? Well, first we have to tame it. How do you do that? Oh, by good treatment and by understanding it. Maybe if we, all of us in Morgan's Gap, try to understand you, fellas. Oh, you ain't. Oh, gone and all, Hank. I don't want to leave the Gap. Boys, I'm going to stay here. Good for you, Randy. We're home now. Let's stay here. Well, now, by thunder, it seems like home. We'll call you, Baldy. Start making your plans for that Cindy. It is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.
