A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty hi-o-silver, the Lone Ranger. With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains led 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. From out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again! Come Silver! Let's go, big fellow! I'm Silver! Hooray! Tom Safford and old Ned rode the trail toward Stockton at a leisurely pace. Tom was about 22 years of age. His father had owned a small ranch near Pecos, and at first had prospered. But a gang of outlaws had continually rustled his cattle, and finally, on their last raid, they had killed Mr. Safford. Tom swore to take up their trail until he found them and avenged the death of his father. Old Ned, his father's foreman, had begged to go with him. As the two men rode along, Ned was saying, Why, Jiminy Tom, I still think you should have left things to the law. We're sure now that the head of that murdering gang is Burley Hodge. That's just it, Ned. Because Burley Hodge is big and tough, even the law seems to be afraid of him. I can't sit around and wait for them to act. I'm going to get Burley if it's the last thing I ever do. Now, now, son, I wouldn't go so far as to say the law was afraid of Burley. It's just that they haven't been able to catch up with him. Well, they gave up mighty easy, seems to me. But doggone if I'll give up till I find him. Ah, look, Tom, I know how you feel. I'm sticking with you no matter what. But even if you came face to face with Burley without his gang, you'd be no match for him. He'd gun you down just like he did your poor. I'll take that chance, Ned. We know he and his gang of gunslingers headed towards Stockton. They may have holed up in that vicinity, and then again, they may not. But no matter how far they go, I'm going after them. You can turn back whenever you want. No, sir, I'm not too old to handle a gun, so I'm sticking with you, son. Good for you, Ned. We'll stop in Stockton tonight, and maybe we'll get some news of Burley and his gang. Now, let's get a move on. Get up, get up now. That night in their camp in a secluded hollow near Stockton, Burley Hodge and two of his men were making plans in a shack Burley used as his headquarters. I tell you, boys, there's mighty good pickings around Stockton. We'll rustle some cattle down in and pull a few hole-ups before we move on. That depends on how long it takes to lower around here to get on our trail, Burley. We might have to hit the trail sooner than we expect. Yeah, that's right. Of course, the sheriff they have in town doesn't look any too bright to me, Stumpy. Why don't you leave the worry into me? So far, we've made out all right, haven't we? Yeah, only now we're wanted for murder, Burley, since you plugged that rancher up near Pickers. If we get caught now, we'll all hang for that. That's the first killing they can really pin on this gang, Burley. Look, Slim, you're not telling me anything new. I'm not aiming to get caught anymore than the rest of you. Uh, here's Buck. He can tell us what's doing in town. Yeah, that's right, I can. Somebody's in town looking for us, Burley. Well, that's not news. Lots of hombres are looking for us. Yeah, yeah, I know. But the hombre I mean is somebody who trailed us from Pecos. Old man Safford, son. Safford? Hey, that's the name of the rancher you shot a couple of weeks ago, Burley. Yeah. So that son of his has trailed us down this way, huh? Yeah, that's gonna be just too bad for him. What's he look like, Buck? Uh, tall and rangy. Must be in his early 20s. He brought an old coot along with him. That gabby old fellow who worked for the Saffords. So we're supposed to get worried about a young maverick and an old cow puncher like those two, huh? The Safford's sworn to get you, Burley, for killing his old man. He means business, or he wouldn't have followed us down this way. That's right. He does. Any other news in town? Well, the sheriff's away until tomorrow, if that's news. Yeah, it is news. I suppose you saw Safford and the old geezer in the cafe. That's right. Get outside and tell the others to get ready to ride. Where are we going? Yeah, what are we gonna do? We're gonna hold up the cafe in town tonight. What's more, we're gonna grab young Safford and bring him out here with us. Later that night, Tom Safford and Ned were still at the cafe. While Tom stood by silently, old Ned, who always became talkative in a crowd, was telling of his earlier days in the far west. Yes, sir. Why, I can remember when Pecos was just a small settlement of few log cabins. Redskins was always whooping up round about. It was all your life was worth to stick your nose outside. Of course, they didn't scare me, any. I'll bet they were scared of you, old-timer. Yeah, reckon you was a regular Billy the Kid. Go ahead and laugh, doggone it, but you can bet your boots I had quite a reputation in my day. Fact is, even today, an hombre most of you have heard about, the Lone Ranger, calls on me when he needs help. Yes, sir. You don't say. Gosh, he helps the Lone Ranger. Now, hold on, Ned. It's about time you stopped telling those tall stories. You don't know the Lone Ranger any more than I do. Now, Tom, don't tell me you don't believe me. I don't mind these hombres laughing if they want to act ignorant. Hey, hold up. Tell your gang of outlaws. All right, preach, hold on. First hombre to make a move for a gun gets a bullet. Light them up, boys. Take their cash. Clem, you get the dough from the cafe safe. Tom, that's Burley Hodge and his gang. My thunder at last, we've caught up with him. You hear that, fellas? This old codger says at last they caught up with him. I reckon you're Tom Safford. What if I am? Well, now that you've caught up with me, like your weather-beaten old sidekick says, you ought to have the chance to have your say. Who's weather-beaten? Shut up, Ned. Get all that guns, boys. I'll take yours, Safford. I heard you were here looking for me. I thought I'd save you the trouble. We'll meet again, Hodge. Now, you don't think we're going to part company right away, do you? After the trip you made down here? You're coming right along with me, so as we can be together. Hey, if you think we'd go anyplace with a murdering coyote like you, you'd... Shut up! If I had my gun, Hodge, I'd... But you haven't. Ready to leave, boys? Yeah. All right, Safford. Come on. We're taking you to our camp. Get moving. The Lone Ranger and Tonto had arrived in the hills that night, not far from Stockton. They made camp, started a campfire, and prepared a late supper. As they sat in the glow of the fire having coffee, the Lone Ranger was saying, How do we know that Burley Hodge and his gang came down this way? Well, it's possible that they went on without stopping nearby. That's right. And now, them wanted for murder. Maybe them hide out somewhere closer to border, in a place like Eagle Pass. We'll try to pick up their trail from here in the morning. After you get a few supplies from town, I... Silver's giving a warning, Tonto. Ah. Maybe someone near camp. Get up. We may have to use our guns. Reach, both of you! I've got you covered! He's behind us, Tonto. Sounds like an old man. All right, mister. We're reaching. Show yourself. By thunder, you must be a couple of the gang campin' here to stop anyone who might try to follow them to their hideout. We not outlaws? That's right. We're not. I see that mask you're wearing, mister. That's proof enough that you are. Him shaken, came as I be. Him old man. Yes, I know. You'd better put away that gun and talk this over. Nope, nope. I'm keeping you covered. You'd better stop edging my way or I'll shoot. We're two against one, mister, and you seem to be alone. I said stand still. By thunder, I'll show you. I'll take that gun. Hey, let go. Hey. I have it, Tonto. Me figure him not shoot straight. Now, now, hold on. Maybe I am a bit shaky when I try to aim a gun, but if you hadn't moved so fast, I'd have plugged you. Maybe. But why is an old man like you going around at night shooting at people? Just take me to the head man if you want me to answer your questions. Maybe I'm old and my aim ain't what it used to be, but by Jiminy, if Burley Hodge does harm, does Tom Safford... Now, wait a minute, wait a minute and relax. We aren't going to hurt you. You just mentioned Burley Hodge. Sure I did. And what's more, I know you and the Redskin are members of his gang. I tried to trail all of you from town after you went off with Tom. Now, let's get this straight. Come sit down near the fire and have a cup of coffee. Yes, I'll sit down, mister, but you can keep your dratted coffee. Long as you're holding young Tom prisoner, I won't rest easy... We told you we're not outlaws. Now, sit down a moment. I'm sitting, sitting. Like I said, if you take me to your... Stop the jabbering and give us a chance to say something, will you? Him, him wag tongue at both ends, seem like... First you want me to talk, then you tell me to shut up. I didn't mean to be terse with you, but we may be able to help you if we get the facts. Help me? Yes, but you must trust us. Trust you? Yes. Here's your gun. I don't want it. Hey, you mean you're taking the chance of giving back my gun? Well, we not take much chance. You just listen to me, Injun. When I was a young'un, I was plenty fast with a shooting iron. Why, one time when I was helping the Lone Ranger, he says to me, says, Ned, he says... The Lone Ranger wasn't around when you were a young'un, my friend. Oh, I meant I was helping him just a few years ago. But I was still a crack shark then, and he says to me... I suppose he carried bullets like these. Yep, yep, this is a silver bullet, and that's just the kind, my friend, the Lone Ranger... Holy smoke. Where'd you get this? From my belt. Look, I have many more like it right here. Then you must... Him, him, Lone Ranger. Oh, great day. After me saying that I... Forget it, Ned. We'll be friends from now on. Now, tell us about Burley Hodge and about that fellow Tom Safford you mentioned. In his own rambling fashion, Ned told the Lone Ranger and Tonto about Tom's father... ...and about what happened that night in town at the cafe. When he finally finished, the Lone Ranger said... Ned, uh, Tonto and I came down here to find Burley Hodge and his gang. Was that right? You did? Well, by thunder, now he'll get what's coming to him. It won't be as easy as all that, Ned. At least we know he and his gang are hiding out nearby. Yep, and I'm worried about them having Tom. Frankly, that's something to worry about. Why didn't you go to the sheriff? Has he formed a posse to hunt the outlaws? Nope, the sheriff's out of town. And when the men found out that was Burley Hodge, they just sort of gave up about formula posse. Nobody wanted to go hunting them outlaws. I see. I, uh, I hear the sheriff and his deputies will be back tomorrow. It's too dark to pick up the trail now. We'll start at dawn. Maybe we'll be able to find their hideout, Tonto. But what about me? By, Jiminy, you can't just ride off at daybreak and leave me behind. Fact is, men around town was kidding me about why didn't I get in touch with my friend, the Lone Ranger, to help me find Tom. Well, that's what I get for telling all them tall tales to folks. Even Tom said I ought to... It's always better to stick to the truth, Ned, if you want to avoid trouble. Isn't that right? We'll take you with us at dawn. Oh, fine. Maybe after this you can tell a story that will be the truth. We'll not give up until we find Burley Hodge and his gang. The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger adventure. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue. At dawn, the Lone Ranger and Tonto with Ned rode to the edge of town to pick up the outlaw's trail. As they approached the outskirts of Stockton, a horseman who was riding toward them suddenly swung around and galloped back into town. My mask scared that fellow. Look at him go. Lickety-split back into town. He must have thought we're outlaws, sure enough. Isn't that right? Maybe we're able to pick up Prale, our gang here, Kemosabe. Sure. They rode out of town right along here. You can see the hoof marks they left. Good. We'll follow them and hope they lead us to the hideout. Monsenly. Monsenly. Get out of there. Come on. Meantime, the man who had ridden back into town stopped in front of the sheriff's home. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Lane Seeks, what are you coming here this early for, mister? Has the sheriff come back yet? No, not yet. But he told me he'd be back soon after daybreak. I'm expecting him most any time now. That's why I'm up this early. Say, what's wrong now? You heard about the cafe hold up last night? Why, of course I have. Half a dozen or more people have come pounding on my board to tell me about it. Even though they all know the sheriff went out of town. Well, I just saw three of the outlaws riding toward town. One of them is masked. Great day. Maybe they came back to commit another robbery. Where'd you see them, mister? Just beyond the edge of town to the south. Well, now, as soon as my husband and his deputies get here, I'll tell them about it. Then they can go hunt for them. I'll go round up some men to form a posse and be ready to ride with the sheriff when he gets here. All right. You tell them to meet in front of the sheriff's office. I'll send my husband right up there as soon as he arrives. All right, ma'am. Thank you. Get up there. The Lone Ranger with Tonto and Ned followed the outlaws' trail to the bank of a creek. There they drew rain. Oh, Scott. Oh, yeah. Easy titty, big fella. Well, they covered their trail by riding in the shallow water, Tonto. Tarn, they shouldn't take it. Now we're stumped ashore. I might have known that Aubrey Hodge would be smart enough to see he couldn't be followed. We're not giving up, Ned. It will take time. We'll try to find the place where they left the water. Which way you think them go, Kemosabe? The logical way would be toward the hills. If they double back in the creek toward town, someone would be sure to see such a large gang. That's right. I'll follow one bank. You and Ned follow the other. Look for any sign that might indicate they left the water. All right, let's go. Come on, Silver. Get him up, Scott. Get on. Slowly, the three men rode along the creek banks, gazing intently at the ground. They had gone about a mile when Tonto called out to the Lone Ranger, who was on the opposite bank. Who's got home, fella? Oh, there. Kemosabe. Me find sign here. Those are where we are. Tonto says he sees signs, but dagnabbit, all I can see is smooth rock along there. Well, what do you see, Tonto? Look there, Kemosabe. Me see faint scratchin' rock. It lighter than resta rock. Look, that mean it new. Me think scratch made by horseshoe. Yes, I think you're right. Would be the smart thing to do to leave the creek here where this flat, rocky surface runs along the bank. Ah. Flat rock surface go back only short way. We go look, maybe find tracks where earth joins rock. All right, let's go look. Come, Scouts. Come, fella. Here it is. Look. There are plenty of hope marks now. Yes, we've found their trail again. Come on, Silver. Get him up, Scout. Come on, fella. Come on. A short time after the masked man and his friends had been seen near the outskirts of town, the sheriff and his deputies arrived home. When he learned the news, the sheriff immediately started out with a posse, trailing the lone ranger, Tonto, and Ned. Meanwhile, the trail the three men were following ran along a dried-up creek bed. As they approached a bend, the great horse, Silver, suddenly lifted his head, then gave a low whinny. Then the big stallion stopped of his own accord. Silver's giving us warning. Oh, Scout. Oh, fella. Silver must have caught the scent of men and horses. Weezy, steady, big fella. You two wait here. I'll do a bit of scouting. The lone ranger cautiously made his way to a high point from which he could look ahead. Soon he returned to the others. A short distance beyond the bend are two big boulders, forming a small pass through which the trail runs. You think maybe someone there on guard? Yes, I do. Ned, I have a plan. Would you be afraid to take a risk? Not if it'll help get Tom back. No, sir. Good enough. Ride on along the trail, Ned. Ned, I feel sure they'll challenge you instead of shooting first. Give up immediately and act scared. I'm hoping the guard will take you to Burley Hodge for questioning. That will give Tonto and me a chance to get through that pass. Then we'll follow to Burley's hideout. Golly, mister, I'll do it. Knowing that you and Tonto are around will help me from really being scared. Now, whatever you do, don't let them know anyone came with you. Now, go ahead, Ned. It's all right. Get up there. Get up. At the big rock, the outlaw Buck had taken over his lookout alone as soon as day had broken. He heard the hoofbeats of Ned's horse and looked around the rock. Hey, that's the old kudos with Sefford in the cafe. How in thunder did he find our trail? All right, stop where you are and reach, mister. I'm reaching as high as I can get, mister. Don't shoot. Get off that horse and walk over here. Yep. Oh, sure thing now. I might have known there'd be a lookout someplace. I'll take that gun. Now, I want to ask some questions, you old weasel. What do you want to ask, mister? Who's with you? Speak up. Well, now, if that ain't a silly question to ask. Here I am standing all alone. You want to know who's with me? Seems like you could see for yourself that I... Shut up. What I want to know is how an old coyote like you picked up our trail after we covered it by riding in the creek. Now, come on. Tell me. Great day you just told me to shut up and then you asked me more questions. You got me so confused, mister. I can't think straight. That's a fact. I was a fool to come hunting for Tom alone, I reckon. But like I always... Ah, try it. I always... You must be so old your mind's wandering. We'll get our horses and I'll take you to Burley. He'll get the right answers from you one way or another. Burley and Tom Safford both looked up in surprise when Buck brought Ned into the shack. Ned? Why'd he bring you here? Buck, you don't mean to tell me that old windbag picked up our trail all the way to the big rock. He sure did, Burley. I tried to question him, but I gave up. He rambles too much in his answers. Sit down. Yeah, sure. Thanks. It's mighty good to see you again, Tom. Ned, you shouldn't have tried to trail him. What I want to know is how he did it. Speak up, you. Anyone ride with you? Well, now, like Tom can tell you, I always aim to tell the truth, Mr. Hodge. Funny thing, before you held up the cafe last night, I was telling the boys there at the cafe... Ned, this is serious. Don't start those tall tales about that mask man you used to know. Tom, it hurts me bad to have you doubt me when I say I know that mask man. Of course, maybe at times... Shut up. You weren't brought here to talk to Safford. I ask you a direct question, I want a direct answer, Sebby. Stumpy and I saw Buck bringing someone in here. Hey, is that who you caught, Buck? He must have put up quite a fight. Yeah, it's been shaking like a leak ever since I stopped him. Hey, wait a minute, fellas. I'm trying to get this mangy geezer to answer a question. Now, answer me. Did you come alone? Now, let me think a minute. Yep, I rode out of town all alone, Mr. Hodge, and so help me, that's the truth. Are you trying to tell us a weak-eyed old fool like you picked up our trail at the place where we left the creek? Tell me the truth. Well, oh, say, that hurt. Speak up or I'll give you... Wait, wait, hold on. I'll tell you. Ned, acting frightened, had looked all around. He had caught a glimpse of Tonto at one of the windows, and to hold the outlaw's attention, he began talking rapidly. See, it was like this. I was wishing for the help of my friend, that masked man I talked about. Well, what do you think happened? After I left town and rode a couple of miles, I ran plum into him and a friend of his. Yes, sir. Well, they heard all about you being around and taking Tom prisoner and all, so they said they'd help me to trail you. Ned, don't start those stories again. Tell him you managed to find the trail and be done with it. I think the old coot's local. Tom, I'm... I'm plum surprised that you want me to lie about it. Yes, sir, like I said... Hold or not, I'm not going to let him make a fool out of me. I'll put a bullet in him right now. Oh, he... Someone shot through the window. Burley shot in the leg. Gun staff on the old man. He's shot on you. Hey, look, the masked man, like he said... Drop your guns. Not me, I'll fix you. Quiet! Ow! My arm! Hey, there's a redskin at the window. We better drop our guns, Liam. Yeah. The others will be here in a minute. Then it'll be our turn. Looks like the others are busy with the sheriff and the posse. Me, untie a young fella. I'll pick up their guns. There. Gosh. And all this time, I thought Ned was telling tall tales about a mask. Now, Tom, however could you think such a thing? He told the truth this time, as you see, Tom. Ned's a brave man. Keep your guns out of them, Ned. Drop your guns, masked man. No, no, wait. Wait, wait. Wait a minute. He isn't one of them, Sheriff. He and the engine helped me capture Burley Hodge and his others here, who were holding Tom Safford. That's right, Sheriff. Sheriff, we did help Ned. You helped Ned? That's a good one. He risked his life coming here to their hideout alone. We followed him here, but we purposely left a clear trail for the sheriff and the posse to follow. The masked man and the Indian are friends, Sheriff. They saved both our lives. That's Burley Hodge there on the floor. He was about to kill Ned, and I know I would have been next. I reckon if they did that, they're friends all right. I wondered why they were so careless leaving such a clear trail, too. But I sure don't save me that mask. Oh, forget the mask. My friend Tonto and I came here to Stockton purposely to trail Burley's gang. A lot of the credit goes to Ned. Burley and his men are wanted for murder in Pecos. That's right. They killed my father. They'll hang for that, and the West will be far better off without him. You're right about that, Sheriff. There's no place in the West for vicious men like them. Well, Tonto and I'll leave now. We'll follow the trail from here to Pecos. Adios. Adios. Goodbye, my friends. Maybe we'll be together again sometime. Goodbye, Ned. And take care of Tom. Well, you hear that, son? He said for me to take care of you. Yes, sir, you can't beat friends like that. Hey, look, old man. Would you mind telling us just who these friends of yours are? Why, great day. I thought all of you knew right off that the mask man is the one I was telling about last night. Sure, that hombre's the Lone Ranger. This is a feature of the Lone 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 Brace Beamer. How dare you? How dare you? I know what you can do. How dare you? How dare you? How dare you turn that up?
