The Lone Ranger! A hairy horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty high-oil silver! The Lone Ranger! Before this exciting adventure, a word from our sponsor. I'd like to read you something. The label on a loaf of Merida Old-Fashioned Enriched White Bread. And I quote, Enriched means that eight ounces of this bread supplies the following percentages of minimum daily requirement for these essential food substances. Ciamin, vitamin B1, 90%. Riboflavin, vitamin B2, 66%. Niacin, another B vitamin, 75%. Iron, 62.5%. Calcium, 20%. But that's just the outside story. What goes into Merida Old-Fashioned White Bread is another story. A story of a rich old recipe. A recipe that produces an old-fashioned bread that's rounded at the top with a crust that's golden brown. Firm, yet tender. Moist. And very delicious. So when you buy a Merida Old-Fashioned Enriched White Bread, read what's on it. And remember what's in it. With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the daring and resourceful mask 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 on, Silver. Let's go, big fellow. I'm Silver. Mr. Martin, the former mule skinner, worked as top hand on Clarabelle Hornblow's ranch, located several miles south of Rock City in the mountainous part of western Texas. In a woods on the opposite side of Rock City, the Lone Ranger and Tonto, two good friends of Thunder and Clarabelle, had made camp. Tonto had ridden to the express office at the railroad station in town to send a package to the Lone Ranger's nephew, Dan Reed, who was attending school. Here you are, Angel. This package will leave here on the train tomorrow morning. I wish I could say the same with the dynamite that's on the station platform. Do you know what dynamite is? Ah, me hear of it. It's a newfangled explosive, about ten times as powerful as blasting powder. And there's a thousand pounds of the stuff on that platform. Twenty cases. Enough to blow Rock City clean off the map. I'll sure be glad when it's moved. Say it, he's done. Howdy, Thunder. Thunder Martin. Tonto, well, take the lives. You're a cypressor ride, huh? Where's your partner? Him camp north of town. Him say we visit Hornblow Ranch. Well, that'll be fine. Say, Pete, shake hands with my friend, Tonto. Tonto, this is Pete Booker. Oh, we already did business. Glad to know you, Tonto. Clarabelle will sure be glad to see you on your part. She's in town right now getting supplies and mail. Well, I drove her in from the ranch. How, Clarabelle? Well, she's all right. Big and sassy as ever, but she's in trouble up to where he is. Oh? What's wrong? Mortgage trouble. The bank's holding a pass-through mortgage on the ranch, and if it's not paid this week, well, she stands to lose the property. Oh, that's bad. Only $500. But it might as well be $5,000. Oh, golly. Beating you, Tonto, I got sidetracked and most forgot why I came here. Why did you come here, Thunder? I'm looking for John Gregg. Banker Hop said I might find him here. Maybe he'd buy my mule so I could help Clarabelle. Come to think of it, maybe he would. Say, who is John Gregg? I never heard of the jet. Well, he's the engineer in charge of building that tunnel through Sawtooth Mountain. Why, that's near the far end of the Gopher Canyon. That's a day's travel from here. Yeah, but Gregg's been in town for the past week. Seems he ran into trouble on the tunnel job. Ran into more hard rock than he calculated, and ran out of dynamite. Find out that there's 20 cases of the stuff on your platform. Yeah, that's Gregg. He ordered it by telegraph, and the railroad rushed it this far. But this is as close to the tunnel as a railroad can take it. Yeah. Gregg spent a week trying to find someone to freight the cases to his tunnel. What about Freighter Finch? He and Gregg had a run-in. Yeah. It's easy to fight with Finch. He's an ornery bull guy. He knew Gregg was paying a lot of men who couldn't do a lick of work until they got the dynamite. Yeah, Finch would make the most of that. He did. He told Gregg what it had cost to freight the stuff. Gregg called him a thieving bandit. Said he'd be hanged before he paid such a price. Uncle, why the whole shipment could be hauled in one strong wagon? That's how Gregg figured, but he can't find anyone who'll tackle the job. Well, is everyone scared of dynamite? Everyone's scared of Freighter Finch. Is that weasel-faced little sidewinder? Finch has a monopoly on Freight and Thunder. He hires some mighty self-armies to keep everyone else from cutting into his business. Well, my 10 mules could carry those cases. That's probably what Banker Hobbs had in mind when he told you to look up John Gregg. Oh, Mr. Gregg. Say, are you John Gregg? Yes. You must be Thunder Martin. You hit the nail right on the head. I met Banker Hobbs on the street just after you talked to him. Yeah? He told me about you. Said you had a string of mules. Uh-huh. What's your price to move that dynamite to short his mountain? Uh, well, uh, maybe the banker didn't tell you, but, uh, I need $500. $500? Well, that's more than Finch. Now, hold on, Gregg. I've got to have that much cash. Anything less won't help me at all. Now, if you want to buy my mules at that price, uh, I'll sell them and you can move your own Freight. Then I could use them on the job. They could haul rocks. Where are they now? At the Hornblow Ranch. Now, if you want to see them... Oh, that's not necessary. Hobbs told me about them, so I'll buy them. Gregg grew up a simple agreement. Paid Thunder $100 and promised to pay the balance when the mules were delivered. As Thunder finished signing the agreement, Farabell Hornblow entered the station. Thunder, I've been looking for you. My condo. Oh, well, I'm glad to see you. You two, Pete. Howdy, man. Hey, Farabell. This is Mr. Gregg. How do you do, man? Howdy. Tonto, where's your friend? Him in camp. Farabell, he and Tonto are going to stop at the ranch. Well, that's good. That's first-rate. I'll dish up a fancy meal to celebrate paying off the mortgage. Did you hear that, Thunder? What? I'm paying off the mortgage. You are? Yep. But we don't... With what? With money, you adult brain galoo. Huh? I wrote to the cattle buyer in Chicago asking for a cash advance on the stock I'll sell this season. And he sent it to me. He... He did? Yep. Here's his. A bank draft. It came by today's mail. Now I'll pay the bank and burn that mortgage. Oh, no. Say, what's the matter with you? You... Greg, our deal is off. You accepted my money inside an agreement. But I... I'm sorry, but I've got to hold you to it. Hey, what's he talking about? You and your mortgages, right? Why in tarnation didn't you tell me you had rent for a cash advance? But, Thunder, I sold my mules to save that stove-in-run-down rat to yours. Your what? I sold the ten poor critters into a life of misery, toting dynamite and hauling rocks. Say, Greg, listen to me. I'm sorry, Martin, but I have a big payroll. My men are idle until they get the dynamite. But, I... I hate to do it, but I need those mules, so I must hold you to the agreement. But, you know, maybe that agreement's not legal. It'll hold up in court. Remember, I have witnesses. But, my mules... Martin, I don't care about keeping your mules, but I must have that dynamite. What? What do you mean? If you freight the cases to my office at the tunnel, I'll tear up the agreement. You... You mean you'll let me keep the long-ears? Yes, and also the hundred dollars I've already handed to. That's a deal. I'll handle your freight. I... I'm wondering what Frater Finch will do. If he starts anything, he'll wish he hadn't. Word of Thunder Martin's plan spread quickly throughout the town and soon reached Frater Finch. The ruthless owner of the Star Freight Company immediately called two hard-faced men into his office. They were gunmen, known as Bull and Rook. Bull said... Well, Thunder Martin's got his nerve. Boys, you know I'll not tolerate competition. We'll take care of Thunder Martin. That's your job. But it may not be as easy as the dry door shooting of those two wagon drivers. Martin is tough. A bullet will stop the toughest man alive. John Gray plans to accompany Thunder Martin and the mules through the canyon. You know what that means? We'll have to kill Greg as well as Martin. Yes. You better take a third man with you. We'll take Lefty. He's been wanting a chance to earn some boneless money. Hey, Will. You want us to handle things the same as we did before? How's that? Leave footprints while we're wearing moccasins and ride unshot horses. Those that killings will look like the work of renegade Indians. Yes. And I want you to start as soon as possible. What's the hurry? Martin isn't going to leave town till midnight. They won't reach the entrance to the canyon before daybreak. I know that. I want you men to ride through the hills on the north side of the canyon as far as Dog Leg Bender. I know where that is. Now, at that point, the walls are only about 20 feet high. You'll have no trouble getting into the canyon. Wait and ambush behind some boulders. Are we sad because... We get Lefty and be on our way within a half hour. Meanwhile, Tonto rejoined the Lone Ranger in camp and told all that had happened at the railroad station. The Lone Ranger listened attentively to the details of the monopoly of Freighter Finch. The suspicion that the freighter was responsible for the murder of two wagon drivers and the deal that Thunder Martin had made. When Tonto finished his report, the masked man said... I've heard about Finch and his monopoly. Him plenty powerful. Plenty dangerous. Only because he has gunmen working for him. You think him try to stop Thunder Martin? Yes, Tonto. Unless he stops Thunder, he'll lose his monopoly. Then Thunder in danger. Both Thunder and John Gregg. That's right. And another thing. If Finch prevents the delivery of the dynamite, he'll hold up work on the tunnel. And that tunnel is necessary to the expansion of the railroad. Then Finch block railroad. Yes. When are Thunder and Greg leaving Rock City? Tonight. Midnight. Him start then to reach Gopher Canyon by daybreak. Then him have daylight for a trip through canyon. That's a desolate canyon. It's a logical place for an ambush. Now, it's time for Silver. What do we do? I'm going to ride to the canyon entrance. If it's over. I'll hide near there and watch to see if any man who might be ambushed has entered the gap ahead of Thunder. Can he go with you? Ride with me as far as Rock City. You go into town and keep your eye on Finch. If you learn that he's planning something, come to the canyon and tell me. Otherwise, join Thunder Martin and travel with him. Me savvy. I'll be at the canyon when you get there. Ready to start? Uh-huh. All right, let's go. You just got a big pull-up. Come on. We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in Jockamore. Ah, the good old days. Back when people were old-fashioned and the things your grandmother used to bake were fresh and piping hot. Well, at the Marita Bakeries, things haven't changed much over the years. Like Marita Old-Fashioned Enriched White Bread. There's a seal on every loaf that says, Marita guarantees freshness and is sold fresh through day shown on the twist tie. Maintain freshness by storing at room temperature. And when Marita says old-fashioned, it means it's made from a rich, old-fashioned recipe. And that means it's fresh. The idea of fresh anything, especially fresh bread, has been around for a long time. But folks forget what really old-fashioned freshness tastes like. That's why there's Marita. Marita Enriched White Bread. It has a freshness and taste that hasn't been around for a long time. That's a fresh idea that's very old-fashioned. Now to continue. It was after dark when the Lone Ranger drew rain near the canyon entrance, found dense underbrush to conceal himself in silver, and began his vigil. At dawn, the mule train arrived. The masked man greeted Thunder Martin and met John Gregg. Then he reported, So far, no one's gone into the canyon. Then we didn't be looking for an amboy. The killers might ride after us. I don't know if they're here to watch. Anyone who starts at the gap will have some explaining to do. The Lone Ranger and Tonto waited for some time. Then the masked man looked at his watch and said, I thought gunman would be here by this time. Maybe pinch, not try, stop Thunder. I won't believe he'd let anyone challenge his monopoly. Let's see if anyone's in sight. Much brushwood here. Come this way. The Lone Ranger and Tonto headed north along the base of the steep slope. When they'd walked about 50 yards, the masked man said, When we reach the end of the brushwood, we'll have a clear view of the open plain between here and town. Ah. Anyone come? We see him long way off. This'll do. I don't see. Tonto. Come from direction of town. Three horses. It was before I started watching. Otherwise, I'd have heard them. Them go up slope. The horses were unshod. That's right. Maybe owned by Indians. Or by white men who wanted Indians to be blamed for murder. Remember the wagon driver who was shot? He must have been. Yes. Maybe killers right through hills. Reach Canyon ahead of you train waiting ambush. Back to the horses. Ah. We go after Thunder? Give him warning? I'll try to overtake him in time. He ran to town for the sheriff. Me do that. Tell him what we've found. And tell him there's a chance to catch the men who killed two wagon drivers. Me savvy. Easy scout. Easy plumber. And tell him to hurry. Get him up. Easy steady big plumber. Come on. The floor of the canyon was rocky and uneven, but the sure-footed Silver raced ahead, as if he knew that human lives depended on his speed. Come on, Silver. After riding at a grueling pace for some time, the lone ranger rounded a bend and saw the slow-moving mule train. At the sound of Silver's hoofbeat, Thunder Martin turned, and the masked man shouted, Stop those mules! Thunder, stop the mules! Silver, ho! What's up? Are gunmen coming your way? I think three gunmen are waiting in ambush. I'll right ahead of you. If I'm wrong, there'll be nothing lost. Now, follow me. And if you hear gunfire, you'll know what it means. Come on. Well, the three gunmen had left their horses at the top of the canyon and descended by using projecting rocks as steps and handholds. They sat on the ground close to a boulder, large enough to conceal them from the view of anyone approaching from the east. When they heard the sound of an approaching horse, Bull peered past the side of the boulder and drew back quickly. Come on, Bull. Yeah. The man just came around dog-legged then. I don't know who he is, but I think he's wearing a mask. Now, whoever he is, he's sure to see us when he comes abreast of this rock. Yeah, and later if he hears about the ambush, he'll remember it. You think he'll go to the law? I don't know, but we can't take chances. I'll give him time to get closer, then I'll plug him. Thunder Martin might hear the shot and suspect an ambush. Can't be helped. The lone ranger had never been more alert. After making the sharp turn at dog-legged bend, he thought he saw a slight movement at the edge of a boulder some distance ahead. He watched that point closely while he threw a gun and held it ready. When Bull's hand and gun appeared, the masked man fired. This way, Silver. Quickly turning his horse, the lone ranger fired again. Come on, Silver. He fired several more shots over his shoulder while retreating at top speed. His bullets glanced off the rock, kept the gunmen from exposing themselves to shoot back. Hold, Silver. Hold. The lone ranger drew rain beyond the dog-legged bend, where he could not be seen by the men in ambush. Easy, steady, big fella. In the distance, he saw Thunder Martin, who had heard the gunfire, altered the mule train, and ridden ahead to investigate. In a moment, the big man brought his horse to a halt at the lone ranger's side. Oh, oh, oh, I heard shooting. They took for an ambush about a hundred yards beyond the bend. Let me add the pole carriage. Wait, Thunder. You can't hit them. They're behind the boulder. We've got to shoot it out if we expect to reach the tunnel. I know a way to capture those men. We can't be bothered with prisoners. Now listen to me, Thunder. The canyon wall is only about 20 feet high. I can easily climb to the top. Come up there, I'll be able to... Oh, some crime had elapsed since the shooting. Bull still grumbled about the destruction of his gun. I'll kill that masked man if it's the last thing I do. I never saw such shooting. The way he fired from the saddle and hit your gun... Luck, that's all it was. Well, you'd better forget your gun and decide what we're going to do now. Wait right here for the mule train. What do you think we're going to do? Maybe the masked man warned Martin. Maybe the mule train won't come fast here. It's got it. They can't reach the tunnel without passing here. I just hope I get another chance to drill that mask, hombre. Well, make sure you shoot first. You've only got one gun left if he smashes that... We roll. Hey, look out. There behind us, something blew up. Look at the smoke. It's in a hole in the ground. That was dynamite. Hey, what the... He's above us up there. Looking up, the ambusher saw the Lone Ranger on the rim of the canyon. He held dynamite in one hand and a gun in the other. This time I'll kill you. No! Oh, you blame fool. Get it again. Smash my other gun. Anyone else want gun flight? Don't shoot me. Please, mister. Stop your guns. Raise your hands and get out from behind that boulder. Listen, gun slick. I'll make a deal with you. If you're not out from behind that boulder within three seconds, I'll light the fuse on this dynamite and remove the boulder. No, not that. I'll do what you say. Yeah, I'm moving. Come on, fool. You're through, same as we are. We can't fight dynamite. The Lone Ranger held his guns on the three men until Thunder and Greg rode from beyond the bend and tied the prisoner's hand. The masked man then descended to the canyon floor and called to Silver as they joined the group. Silver! Silver! There! These crooks are wearing moccasins. Yes, and the horses they left up above are unshod. You crooks plan to murder us just as you did the wagon drivers. Have the Indians blame for the crime. The marks of your horse's hoof and your own feet will tie you into the murder of the wagon drivers. You three are going to hang. No, no, not me. I wasn't with Rook and Bull on those jobs. Shut up, Effie. Why should I hang with you two? I'm telling the truth. That's the only way you'll save your neck. Did Finch hire you to ambush Martin and Greg? Yeah. Finch hired us for this job, but he hired only Bull and Rook for the murder of the wagon drivers. I'll tell everything. I'll sign a statement. I'll testify in court. I'll do anything you see, but don't let them hang me. You Wheeling Kyle. The sheriff will be here. He'll take his statement. He's a good little. I'll go to meet him and tell him the killer's a captain. But wait. We'll meet again, Greg. Thunder, I'll see you soon. Adios, mister. Adios. Come on, Phil. That masked man saved our lives. Yep, and he saved your tunnel, Greg. Now you've seen to yourself that there's no one. Like some old rain. Remember way back when? When you were a kid growing up, you always found time to make a side trip to the little grocery store down the block. That's where you'd find the big display of Mickey snack cakes. Remember? Didn't it make you happy to pick up a devil delight and take a whiff? What a chocolatey smell. And remember the coconut-sprinkled Jim Jams or the cream-filled banana flips? Well, today, Merida bakeries still make the Mickey snack cakes you used to love as a kid. That's why Mickey snack cakes are called smile food. The bakers know they're spreading smiles and sunshine wherever Mickey snack cakes are sold. Find a little neighborhood grocery store today or a big modern supermarket. Look for the display of Mickey snack cakes. They're all there like you used to remember. The devil delights, the Jim Jams, the banana flips. Treat yourself to some fresh memories. Treat yourself to a Mickey snack cake. Have a smile on us. Listen to the Lone Ranger. Well, it's up to us to take precautions in case Jake gets out of that jail. Late that afternoon, Sheriff Dale sat at his desk waiting for the guard to return from the cafe with the prisoner's food. His office was a large one-room building with two cells facing a corridor that led to a rear door. The sheriff glanced at Jake sitting sullenly on the cell bunk. Then the guard entered. Well, Sheriff, here's the tray for the prisoner. Good. We'll feed him early and get it over with. Now that you're back, I'm going to the cafe. When the deputy comes in, tell him to stable our horses that are still at the hitch rack behind the office. We won't need him anymore this evening. All right, Sheriff. I'll see you later. Right? Well, I might as well give you your supper, mister. Balancing the tray on one hand, the guard, following instructions, used his other hand to unlock the cell door. As he opened the cell door, he dropped the keys. Oh, doggone it. Here, you take the tray where I... You take this! No! Oh! Listen to The Lone Ranger, brought to you by special recording at this same time. The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of The Lone Ranger, Incorporated, is produced by Trandall Campbell Muir, Incorporated. The part of The Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer. Your announcer, Fred Foy. The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of The Lone Ranger.
