speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty high-oil silver, the Lone Ranger. Writer of the trains read the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. Some out of the past come the thundering hoof streets of the great horse silver. The Lone Ranger drives again, baby. Who had tried in vain to capture the elusive outlaw, Billy Be Hung. Freeing from Moodock City after an attempt to free two other crooks, known as Horseface and Big Nose, Billy Be Hung had headed toward the hole-in-the-wall country in Wyoming territory but soon managed to cover his trail. The fifth week of the manhunt found the masked man and Indian camped on the Wynn River. At a nearby stage station, Tuttle had picked up some fairly recent copies of the Moodock City Sentinel, which the Lone Ranger read with interest. Scanning the first page of one newspaper, he chuckled. I know, I think that Uncle Homer Park is safe now, much as Billy Be Hung may want to kill him. He's recovered from his bullet wound. We'll marry our old friend, Mar-Hank, in a few days. Mar-Hank, take good care of him. Oh, this is strange. What do you see? Here's a notice in the Lost and Sound column which reads, found one link. Will L.R. get in touch with me? Signed, Marshal Jim Fraser. Jim, you know you'll know Langer. Maybe L.R. mean you. I'm sure it does. What do you mean by link? Marshal Jim made clever use of the word. To other reasons, it was implied that he'd found an initial cuff link. I take it to me that he's found a link between Billy Be Hung and some personal town whom he hadn't suspected of being a member of the gang. What do we do, Kimisabe? Great camp when I settle the horses. We're going back to Moodock City. It was a couple days later when Uncle Homer's niece, Sandy Powers, helped Marhank with a final fitting of her wedding dress. The bulky landlady was saying, See me, this is mighty pretty cloth, but it don't make me look a mite smaller. Oh, Marhank, you look stunning. Yeah, I know. Almost knocked me out to see myself in this here looking glass. Now, let me see who it is. Is it for the feet of my house, boy? It isn't, it's Uncle Homer. Well, Marhank, is that really you? It sure is, but I feel like a covered wagon. Why, that's perhaps become of you. I know what'll become of it after we're hit. I give it to the Army for a sibly tent. Marshal Jim Fraser was summoned to the back door of the Moodock City Jail by a knock-knock. Cautiously opening a peephole, he looked out. Who is it? You, sir. Howdy, mister. Howdy, Tonto. Howdy. I thought I recognized you, but I wanted to hear your voice after once mistaking Billy Behan for you. We're glad to be with you again, Marshal. I reckon you saw my head in the paper. Yes, we did, and came to town as soon as possible. Billy Behan escaped us again, but I gather that you've learned something that may lead to his capture. I sure have. When I took Horseface and Big Nose to the territorial prison, the warden told me they'd served a stretch there once before. Billy Behan was in prison at the same time. So was another fellow, Red Jack Mason, who now runs the gambling casino right here in Mordock City. I see. I've been checking up on Red Jack, and I found evidence that he's been helping Billy Behan right along. I figure that owl hoot will come back to him for more help. That's possible. Are you watching Ed Jack in his place? Well, I can while taking care of other duties. And I found out that he's been buying some mighty peculiar stuff at different stores here in another town. Oh, peculiar in what way? Well, he says he's going hunting. And his purchases add up to three linen dust coats, three pairs of blue spectacles, and three Henry rifles. No one in Mose or West ever buys a Henry rifle for hunting when sharps and wind gestures are available. I never had one, but I know they're 16-shot repeaters and can be fired as fast as you move the trigger guards back and forth. And what in tarnation are they good for? Killing men at close quarters. And Red Jack is up to something. But how do the dusters and blue spectacles see, Ernest? Well, they can be used as disguises. I'll bet my bottom dollar that Billy Behong has picked up two rude partners and Red Jack is going to outskip them for murder and robbery. Whether or not that's the case, Red Jack should be kept under constant surveillance. I don't know if you'll take turns watching his casino day and night. You'll be doing me a big favor. But where will you stay? With, uh, Morehank's permission, you'll use your stables. Later that night, the Lone Ranger and Tuttle found Morehank alone in the hotel kitchen. After congratulating her on her approaching marriage, the masked man told her how she could help him and his Indian friend. Her response was emphatic. Why, sure you may use the stable and I'll provide to his bidders. Well, but there is a drawback. Three of my lodgers keep their nags there. I don't want to be seen. Any talk of the present of the masked man in town might put Red Jack on the alert. Well, if you're careful, you'll be able to keep our sight. The lodgers don't go to the stable often because my houseboy looks after their horses. Thank you, Morehank. One of us will be close at hand if you need help. I'm sure they're glad of that. Now, I'll start the watch on Red Jack's place. Tonner, you better get some sleep. Oh, wait, Tonner. There's a big padlock on the stable door. Here's the key. What do we do about horses, Kimmerphobie? Put them in the stable. Silver's been seen by a number of people here and would be recognized. Well, adios, Mrs. Henry. It'll be Mrs. Potts, come find out. As the room ranger and Toto stepped out of Morehank's kitchen, Red Jack Mason led three roughly-dressed, beautiful men into the casino cellar. One of the trio was Billy Behon. He was named. He just got in for a train, Red Jack. These fellas with me are Wind River Charlie and his brother Jake. Yeah, howdy. I hid out with him for a spell. Well, this is where you'll have to hide now. Billy, I don't like this person. One of these days you'll get me mixed up and something I'll swing for. Not me. I've been out foxing the lawmen right along. What about the masked man and engine who were on your tail? I gave them the Dodge on Wind River. I reckon they're still up there. Good. Now, you got the stuff you said you wanted in your letters. Dusters, spectacles, and Henry rifles. What are you figuring out doing? Well, Jake here used to work on the railroad. He says that the Modoc City Bank has around $75,000 shipped it from Denver. The last day of each month in order to meet the mine payrolls. The money will be on the train that pulls in here at 8 o'clock Friday night. It's shipped in a Wells Fargo stone box that's too tough to be tracked without using up a lot of getaway time and too heavy to be carried off without a wagon. Then how are you going to pull the job? They'll have to take it out of the express company box and put it in the bank's vault, won't they? Well, as soon as they get the box open, we'll hold up the bank. Hey, that's a smart play, Billy. But, uh, what do I get out of it? Quarter cut. Same as I promised you when you helped me before. Friday night, huh? That's tomorrow night. Hey, fellas, you couldn't have picked a better time for the job. Huh? Well, yeah. It's when Ma Hank and that little Easterner of Homer Potts are going to get married. The whole town's fixing the bellies. And the marshal's going to be the best man. That's him, then. Yeah, sure is. With all that shooting, yelling, and bell ringing going on, nobody will notice it if we have to cut loose with those Henry Rival tricks. Just one more thing and the setup would be perfect. I'd like to have that pot sell in the bank. You just forget him. We're out for money, nothing else. Have you got some of the horses lined up for us? No, but it won't be hard for you to pick all you need just before the holdup. You can't risk stealing horses off in the street? You won't have to do that. The table back of the Henry house is always full of good riding stock. Likely there won't be anybody around on the wedding night. We're all set. You fellas bed down, and don't show yourselves until it's time to act. While the Oswald settled down to wait, Uncle Homer and J.C. Holcomb, the banker, conferred in the office of the Henry house. The little Easterner who had gone wild and woolly only to be tamed by the mighty landlady was asking, How many people live in this town, J.C.? Around 2,000. Then I want to withdraw 2,000 brand new dollars. Oh, may I inquire? I'm worth 200 times that month. Yes, certainly, certainly, Mr. Potts. This is a strange transaction. This has been a mighty wonderful year for me, and I aim to give everyone who celebrates the wedding one of this year's dollars for keepsake. I see. Well, I haven't anything like that number of new dollars on hand, but I'll wire Denver and have them shipped out with the mine payrolls which arrive here at 8 o'clock Friday night. Excellent. I mean swell. Yes, yes. At the time, the moon rainmaker had stationed himself at a point from which he could observe the back door of Red Jack's Casino. He was unaware that Billy B. Hung and two Wind River bandits had entered the place only a few minutes before. Remaining at his post throughout the night, he neither saw nor heard anything suspicious. As day broke, Tom relieved him, and he slipped back to the hotel's stable for some much-needed rest. It was a day of hectic activity in the Henry house. Ma Hank was everywhere, doing everything but acting like a conventional bride-to-be. Toward 7 o'clock that evening, Cindy caught up with her for a moment. I didn't know. So late when they say it's going to be the biggest celebration the town ever had. Oh, the cafes and the stores are going to close down for three hours. Hello, my stars. I'm here. Tom will enter the hotel's stable. Finding the moon and you're prepared to take another turn at watching Red Jack's place, he remarked, No need for a hurry, Kimasabi. Casino closed. Looks like everything closed for weddings. So where's Red Jack? Him leaves, joined crowd going to courthouse. Nobody used back door all day. Maybe Marshal Jim wrong about him. As Matt Jan and Indian continue their talk. Billy DeHong and the outlaw brothers from Wind River crawled out of a third window at the casino. He swore blue spectacles and a duster. To meet which he hugged one of the murderous rifles that were forerunners of a modern submachine gun. Stealing along an alley, they were soon behind the Henry house. There they paused as Billy DeHong said, Jake, please scout around the stable while Charlie and I watch the hotel. The closest clear saddles four horses and bring them out. We'll meet next to one. Maybe the third was bad luck. Use your rifle barrel to pry off the half. Now get going. What's going on in front of the hotel? That's the wedding party coming out. Tell me, did you hear that? I sure did. The Matt seller's in the stable. He may get Jake, but we'll get him. Come on. The curtain falls on the first act of our lone ranger adventure. Before the next exciting scene, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. For the tongue, Billy DeHong and Wind River Charlie cautiously advanced on the hotel's stable. Meanwhile, the third outlawed Jake was inside the shed saddling horses. We needed him to be one of the hotel guests. The lone ranger and Tonto had concealed themselves. Then a shaft of moonlight had penetrated one of the small openings in the siding. It revealed a man who wore blue spectacles and a duster. The last man touched Tonto's arm. He may be wearing one of red jacks. Horses. In peace. Take the other two in power. Red jacks wore three spectacles. In right, James. Get out of their horse. Now we go to the back store who's had a silver inch count. In order to reach the rear stalls from their place of concealment, the lone ranger and Tonto had a path through the moonlight which poured in through the still open door. As they did so, Billy BeHong and Wind River Charlie would reach the stable while Jake was bringing out the second pair of horses. Saw them. Charlie threw up his Henry rifle. Hey, I don't shoot. I'll handle this. Whirling, the masked man and Indian drew their guns. But before they could shoot, the stable door slammed shut. The heavy padlock which had hung open on the outside half closed with a snap. We're locked in. One of those men was Billy BeHong. I knew his voice. How'll we get out? I'll test the starting for looser rotten boards while you saddle the horses. Me get them ready in front of us. A few minutes later, as Tonto finished saddling Silver and Scout, Billy BeHong and his Confederates rode away from the stable. Strange that they waited so long. We're way out. Well, not yet. What's wrong, Silver? Tim, smell smoke. Look back there. We see fire through Kraken Wall. The outlaws piled shore against the paddy and sent it a fire. That's dark stable burning. Look, sighting can catch fire. Send in the horses. I'll try some more boards. In the meantime, the wedding party had reached the courtroom of Judge Phineas Todd, commonly known as rope from the severity of his sentences. Oh, Hank, I've been on this here bench for now under 20 years and never married anyone to get my principal. I got a right kind heart. But seeing as how the farson's gone, I hereby sentence you to live together till you're dead, dead, dead. Marshal, take them away. Come on, Homer. Instantly, the courthouse square became a bedlam with war hoops and rebel yells, mingling with a clash of skin wear, ringing of cowbells and roar of guns. No one paid any attention to it or to the retining 's rule behind the Henry House, for bonfires were grazing everywhere. Uncle Homer looked out of a courtroom window and shouted to his bride, All right, better go to the bank for that money. Inside the smoke-filled stable, the lone ranger and Tonto had tied neckerchiefs over their mouths and noses after soaking the clods in water from their canteens. As the flames came headway, the Indian found it increasingly difficult to control scouting silver, splendidly trained though the horses were. I'll soon get the roof. Better me let horses loose. Maybe then kick down tidings. Wait, I think I found something that will help. Yes, this is it. Quick, double my marriott and tie the ends to my saddle horn. Let me do that. What's your burning? A warped piece of tidings. There's a space between it and the study that I can pass the rope through and make a hit. You got M's tied. Pass the rest of the rope. Here. Ready silver? You can still get out of here. There. I made a hit around this cutting. I'll be telling it's up to you. Taking the Greek stallion's reins, the masked man led him back until the double's rope was caught. Who's here? Who had it before? A mighty horse threw his weight against the rope and lunged. The stable like most such buildings in the southwest have been flimsily constructed. Age and climate have made the hand forged nails and spikes so brittle that they snapped. The bottom of the studding to which the lariat was a cat started to give way. The masked man shouted to Tato. Use the barrel of your rifle to bury them. This is the North Eagle Falls. Do you, Charlie? As silver continued to scream, the Indian used his rifle barrel to loosen additional pieces of siding and studding. The dry pine lumber bowed only a little before it splintered and broke. A joint that had been supported by the two-by-fours fell, bringing down enough of the upright siding board to create an opening as large as the door. As the hot air in the stable poured out of the hole, it touched flame from the burning wall on the other side. Silver's mane was thin. Then the lone ranger cut the rope and leaped into his saddle. Seeing the Tato had already mounted, he wheeled his great stallion and called, Follow me. The Indian following the host behind, the last man urged Silver through the hole in the siding and headed for Main Street, no longer concerned over keeping his presence a secret. Halfway to the courthouse, they encountered a long parade of noisy merrymakers who were bound for the Henry House with Marshal Jim in the lead. The lone ranger and Tato pulled up, signaling for the Marshal to halt the procession. Billy behind his back. The hotel's table is burdened. Get the fire wagging some of you. You with horses and guns make me here. Will patrol the streets and raid red jacks? Uncle Homer may be in danger. Where is he, Marshal? He and Ma went to the bank. Why is it open tonight? This is the night when the mine payrolls come in. To the bank, Tato. Mountain! Well, Ma, Hank, and Uncle Homer had reached the bank in time to watch the Wells Fargo Express agents deliver the money chest. Using a key which he kept in the bank, J.C. Holcomb opened one of the locks while the agents opened a second lock on the reinforced box with a key which they retained for purposes of security. Obtaining a receipt, the express men left. Banker Holcomb lifted the lid of the strong box. Now, there's the silver money you wanted, Mr. Potts. You just let me take those bags, Homer. They're mighty heavy and, well, you're not all over your wound. Oh, now, look here, boy. I'm not going to open your hands, will you? Get him up. Get him up. There's just the one. Opening fire with his murderous Henry repeater. Jake sprayed the wall above Banker Holcomb's head. The banker was shouting, Don't shoot us! Take the money! I'll be hung if we don't! You're Billy behind! Well, if it isn't, pop! This makes it perfect! Jake, watch the street door. Charlie, grab the money. I've got something else to attend to. Yeah, this box is just full of greenbacks. As Wind River Charlie whipped the gunny sack from under his ducture, Billy Be Hung advanced on Uncle Homer. His rifle leveled. You're hard to kill, you runt. But I'd like to see you live with the 16 slugs I'm going to pump into your carcass. Oh, no, you don't! Stepping in front of her diminutive husband, Ma Hank gave him the complete shelter of her massive form. Get away from him or I'll kill you, too. If you shoot her, it's the last man who'll see that you pay. He won't see anything again. Him and the engine burned in the hotel stable. Now, take it! As Billy Be Hung's finger tightened on his rifle trigger, Jake yelled from the front door. The engine's out front! You dropped guns! Let's get out the back way. Grab that money, Charlie. Yeah. Drop your rifles. Oh, the masked man covered it from the back door. Whirling, Billy Be Hung tried to bring his heavy rifle to bear on the armed man behind him. With a sweep of one mighty arm, he dropped the repeater from the outlaw's draft. Before he could recover from her attack, Uncle Homer had snatched up the fallen rifle and both Tonto and the moon ring drew her well inside the bank. Jake was shouting, Oh, excuse me, I dropped my rifle. Hey, sure did I! Get your hands up! Sure, sure! How'd you fellas get out of that statement? Never mind that. Stand still. I'll pick up those other two lifers before they try any trick. They may be carrying revolvers under their dust as certain sort of... As Maughank moved to pick up the repeaters which Jake and Wind River Charlie had let fall, she placed herself between Billy Be Hung and both the lone ranger and Tonto. The masked man saw the danger and called a warning. Back! This is Puck! The newly married landlady straightened, but before she could take a step, Billy Be Hung was behind her. Here, here, here, here, here, here! Catching a stick shooter from under his dust coat, he shoved the muscle against her back. We're going out of here, mess men. If you want this woman to live, don't try to stop her. Hold your fire, Tonto. Uncle Homer, who had been wounded in his tracks by surprise, found himself behind the outlaws as they started to move toward the door. Pick up your rifles, boys, and get mine, too. Reminded that he still held Billy Be Hung's rifle, Uncle Homer brought it to his shoulder and aimed at Jake. Stop, you poor cats! Don't touch those rivals! Tell them, Homer, don't you mind me! The little man pulled the trigger, but the cartridge missed fire. Unfamiliar with the repeating mechanism of a Henry rifle, Uncle Homer fumbled with the trigger. Jake was yelling, Shoot him, Billy! The outlaw leader snapped a shot at the bridegroom of a half hour. The bullet cut a flower from Uncle Homer's lapel. Then there was another shot. Billy Be Hung spun, dropping his revolver. The rifle went off! I shot him! With Ma Hank out of danger, the lone ranger and Tonto closed with the Wind River Outlaws, who had not managed to retrieve their rifles. The fight was furious but brief. Tonto subdued Jake with an Indian wrestling hold while the masked man pulled a knockout punch to the jaw of Wind River Charlie. Charlie reeled back into the arms of Ma Hank, immediately deposited him in the money chest and brushed her hands. Mr. Hugh, and you got the whole darn outfit this time. Say, did you see how Homer drilled Billy Be Hung? Yes, I saw him. I reckon I don't have to explain that. No, Uncle Homer. You're a very fortunate man in many ways. Billy Be Hung, not dead. Bullet only, Gray Skull. We captured Red Jack, what happened here? Mr. and Mrs. Potts and the banker can explain. Here's a prisoner for you. Otto has another. Him yours, Marshal. Oh, Marshal, save this. What happened, Marshal? What is it for? You're wet and hurting your dresses already. Oh, Homer and I have had a wonderful time right here. Do you know that your stable burned? We've Puddin' Foot in it. No, Mrs. Potts. The Oslo's still Puddin' Foot before trying to burn Tonto and me. You'll find him outside with the other horses they took. Well, then it don't matter. A common handle. Well, then Billy B. Hung is coming too. But I'll get you for shooting me. I'll get that masked man through. You'll sure have to wait a long time. Even if you haven't murdered anyone, you'll get a life sentence from Judge Phineas Todd. Mrs. Potts, I hope that you and Uncle Homer enjoyed many happy years together. Why, thank you, mister. Say, are you leaving? Yes. I don't know where I need it elsewhere. Adios, adios. Uncle Homer, did you actually shoot Billy B. Hung? Yep, but it was an accident. The cartridge in the barrel of that Henry rifle wouldn't explode. The second time I tried it, I got so excited I pulled on the trigger guard before I pulled on the trigger. and I'll be burned if it didn't shoot me. Uncle Homer, you reloaded the rifle when you pulled on the trigger guard. That's how a Henry repeater works. Well, now, don't you ever tell more I didn't know that. She thinks I'm a hero like the masked man. Mrs. Potts, sir. I met the masked man once at your hotel, but you didn't tell me anything about him. Who is he, anyhow? Every banker ought to know who protects them from the worst crooks in the West. So I'll tell you, Ranger... Incorporated. Created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Enterprises, directed by Charles D. Livingston, and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of The Lone Ranger is played by Bray Streamer.
