Fiery 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. General Mills, makers of Cheerios, the oat cereal that's ready to eat, Betty Crocker Mixes, and Wheaties, the breakfast of champions, present by special recording, the Lone Ranger. Sometimes you just don't realize what a good buddy one of your friends is until he's away for a while. Maybe he's home from school with a cold or something. You look at his empty desk in class and, gee, you really miss him. Well, here's something real nice you can do for him. Take over a big, cheery Betty Crocker yellow cake, the kind that says, hurry back soon, we think you're great. A cake like this, of course, just has to be perfect. And you can be sure it will be when it's made with Betty Crocker's yellow cake mix. Your mom will love to bake it. Or you can be a chef and bake it yourself. Any guy can turn on a perfect cake with this mix. All the special things are right in the package. You just add water and two fresh eggs for a perfect cake every time you bake. Cake after cake after cake. It's guaranteed perfect by Betty Crocker of General Mills, Minneapolis. And wait till he tastes that first slice. Mmm, a real he-man every crumbs delectable Betty Crocker yellow cake. Bake one. It's fun. 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 fella. I'm Silver. Hank Martin and his wife looked stunned as they sat in the living room of their home in the Oklahoma panhandle country. Facing them sat Lem Garner, president of the bank in the nearby town of Batesville, and Jim West, the sheriff. Hank said, I knew this day was coming. Oh, I'm sorry, Hank. I don't like to foreclose a mortgage on your ranch. It's not Hank's fault that he couldn't pay you, Mr. Garner. He drove all his cattle to Cimarron to get the cash, and he had the cash. But it was stolen from him on the way home. I'm sorry, Mary, but... The banker has no choice, Mrs. Martin. He's got to protect the bank's cash and investment. We understand, Sheriff. How soon do we have to vacate? Oh, well, there's no hurry. I'll list the property for sale. You might as well stay here until there's a new owner who wants possessions. Thanks, Mr. Garner. During the next week, Hank and Mary made preparations for moving. They carefully selected the things they would take with them and studied maps and pamphlets, trying to decide where they would go to make a new start. Then, about 10 o'clock one night, Sig Desmond and Whitey Fox rode toward the ranch house. The house is lighted, Whitey. I reckon Hank is still up. Good. Well, we've got to talk to him where his wife can't hear our plans. That's right. Oh, oh, oh, oh. Steady. I'll wrap on the door. Whitey. Where's Mary? Is she home? She's asleep in the next room. I'll step outside, then she won't hear us talking. Is that Sig over there with the horses? Yeah, come on over there. That'd be less likelihood of your wife hearing it. I'll never forget the way she laced into us when Sig and I said we were going to rustle cattle. She still feel the same way? Yes. Hello, Hank. Glad to see you. Hello, Sig. We heard that the bank had taken away your ranch. Is that true? It's true. We've been packing things, getting ready to leave. Now you know how Sig and I felt when we lost our ranch three years ago. Yeah. Maybe now you're savvy why we felt justified and turned cattle thieves to square accounts. Have you two gotten rich by stealing cattle? No, but we've had plenty of money to spend on good time and without much work. We've lived a lot better than you have for the past three years. Maybe so. But my name is not on hand bills in the sheriff's office. Oh, and you know the law's got a price on our heads. Yes. Listen, Hank. I'll tell you why we came here. We got a big deal lined up. One that'll give us enough cash to clear out of the country and set up ranching in Mexico. We want you in on it with us. You want me to turn crook? Now don't fly off the handle, Hank. We know you've got straight-laced ideas. But you've likewise got a wife to think about. Now listen. She's giving you the best of her life for what? Do old Mary something, Hank. What sort of a job do you fellas have in mind? We'll tell you all about it when the time comes. But you'll have to decide right now if you're going to throw in with it. And come with us tonight. But, Mary... Leave a note saying that you're going away for a couple of days on a business deal. Tell you you'll be back as soon as it's complete. The following morning, Mary read the note with mixed feelings of wonderment, uncertainty, and apprehension. She thought about it while she went about her daily chores. In mid-morning, she heard riders stop in front of the house and hurried to the door. She saw a masked man and an Indian dismounted and examining the ground. Who are you? What do you want? I'd like to talk to you. If you've come to steal, you've made a mistake. We've nothing. I'm not a thief. But that mask... My friend and I have been trailing two crooks for a long time. They're cattle thieves. But we don't... They came here. You must be mistaken. No, the tracks are very clear. Both of the men dismounted in front of this house. They must have come here during the night while I was sleeping. You must have... Yes, Tonto. What about the tracks? A man from house stand near crooks. Oh, let me talk. Send them to corral, get horse, ride north with Sig and Whitey. With whom did he say Sig and Whitey? Yes, they're the cattle thieves we're trying to find. Sig Desmond and Whitey Fox. And my... My husband has gone away with them. Oh, no. You seem to know Sig and Whitey. Yes, I do know them. And now I know what my husband meant by the note he left. Did he leave a note to... Who are you? You wouldn't be masked if you were a lawman. Why are you trailing those crooks? Who are you? I'm called the Lone Ranger. Well, the Lone Ranger. I wish I could be sure of that. Why? Because I know you'd find my husband before it's too late. And convince him that it's far better to lose our ranch than to become a thief. Do you expect to lose your ranch? We've already lost it, mister. The bank owns it now. I'm sorry. Hank left a note saying he'd return with money to buy it back. But I don't want him to become a thief. I'd rather see him dead. If I find your husband, Mrs. Martin, I'll tell him what you said. You know my name? I saw it on the gate post. Oh. We'll try to find your husband before it's too late. All right, let's go, fellas. You ready? Come on. I'll hit you, fellas. Come on. Come on. From the ranch, the trail of the three men continues north toward rugged, rock-covered hills. The tracks became increasingly hard to follow, and the Lone Ranger and Tonto made slow progress. Meanwhile, Hank Martin and the cattle thieves were camped on the flat crest of one of the hills. Since morning, when the outlaws had disclosed their plans, Hank had been quiet and thoughtful. He watched Sig and Whitey pass the time by playing cards until mid-afternoon. Then Sig said, No, that's enough, Whitey. Put away the cards. Is it time to start towards town? Yeah. But first, we'll go over the plans once more to be sure Hank understands them. Sig, I've been thinking it over. I don't like the idea of robbing the bank. Whether you like it or not, that's what we're going to do. But last night, when I agreed to throw in with you, I thought you were going to rustle cattle. With the law looking for Whitey and me, it'd be too hard to sell stolen cattle. Too much risk. Besides, we'd get a lot more cash by robbing the bank. But there might be gunplay. That's why we took you in. We figured we might need three men. Someone might be killed. Yeah, that could happen if anyone gets in our way. Now, here's the setup. We'll leave our horses near that landmark. Castle Rock. It's about five miles from town. Yeah, we'll walk to town. It'll be dark by the time we get there, so no one's likely to recognize us. We'll pick three fast-looking horses from those that are tied to hitch rails near the bank. The bank stays open till 10 o'clock, so we'll have plenty of time. Right. After the stick-up, we hightail on the borrowed horses to Castle Rock. There, we'll take our own horses. They'll be fresh, so we'll have no trouble out riding anyone who's chasing us. Is it all clear? Fig, I didn't figure on robbing the bank or shooting anyone. I don't care what you figured on, Hank. The plans are set. And we're going through with it. Not me. What did you say? I'm not mixing into a deal where someone might be killed. Why, you yellow. You joined up with us. You can't back out. I'm not going with you. You've got to. You know our plans. We're not giving you a chance to squeal. Now, you go with us or go for your gun. What? My gun? That's what I said. I don't want to shoot you without giving you the chance to draw. But, Sig, I'm no gunslinger. For your gun. All right. The gun barked before Hank Martin's weapon. Cleared the holster. The impact of the bullet sent the rancher staggering backward over the edge of the level hilltop. He fell on the steep eastern slope and slid downhill with a mass of shale and small stones. While Sig and Whitey watched. We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment. All over the country in every direction. How you, how you're doing is a question. And here's what the happy people have to say. Doing okay. Okay. Doing okay? You bet the champs in good old New York are. Listen. Now, in New York, we wait for days to see a guy called Willie Mays. Because Wheaties keeps him leaping high to grab those line drives on the fly. And Yogi Berra's the Wheaties lad whose batting style makes pitchers sad. No matter how they throw the ball, that Yogi belts it through the wall. And look, both Willie Mays and Yogi Berra turned to Wheaties for extra energy because there's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. Wheaties, breakfast of champions. Keep on eating your Wheaties. Then you'll be due, due, due, due, an awful case. Now, to continue. Sometime after the outlaws rode down the western side of the hill on their way to Castle Rock, Hank Martin regained consciousness. He saw an Indian and a masked man. The Indian was bathing a wound in his left side. Who are you? Steady. Take it easy. You're wounded and bruised, but you've escaped serious injury. You're, uh, Hank Martin, aren't you? Yes. How'd you know? We trailed two outlaws to your home. Your wife told us about you. Your mask. Another outlaw. No, Hank. Your wife knows we're friends. And she knows you rode away with Sig and Whitey. Oh, she... She knows. Yes. And she said she'd rather see you dead. She'd been crooked. I knew she'd feel that way. Who shot you? Sig Desmond. I intended to turn crook. So as I could get back to my ranch and a bank took it. I know about that. When it came to the showdown, I... Oh! Me, he's sorry. He tried not to hurt you. I hope you know what you're doing. I was good at treating wounds. Now, what were you about to say? I couldn't go along with Sig and Whitey. I told them so. But they wouldn't let me back out because I knew their plans. They were afraid I'd talk. So Sig shot me. You're lucky to be alive. I want to stop those crooks. If they rob the bank, people will think I was in cahoots. Hank, tell me what you know about their plans. By the time Tonto finished dressing the wound, the Lone Ranger knew how Sig and Whitey planned to escape from town on stolen horses, changing to their own fresh mounts at the landmark known as Castle Rock. He said, Maybe we'll surprise those crooks with some plans of our own. What do you mean? I'll tell you before I leave. But first, we'll carry you to a more comfortable place. I'll stay with you while I go after Sig and Whitey. Sig and Whitey reached town after dark just as they had planned. They were pleased to find the main street practically deserted. At the hitch rail in front of the cafe next door to the bank, they loosened the tie ropes of two saddled horses and then went to the bank. This is a stick-up. Please. We'll shoot anyone who makes a fast move. No, no, don't shoot. Please, don't shoot. Then move over against that wall, all of you. Face the wall and keep your hands up. Garner, a clerk, and two fighting depositors obeyed Sig's grim command and remained motionless while Whitey collected all the paper money he could see and stuffed it into a gunny sack. We're all set. Let's go. Anyone who comes after us will stop our bullet. We made it big. We're not in the clear yet. We've got to reach Castle Rock ahead of everyone who's chasing us. That banker... Never mind him. Teddy. He's shooting at us. Let's go. Get up there. Come on. Sig and Whitey raced across the moonlit plain. The pursuers were nowhere in sight when the two crooks came within view of a rock about 20 feet in height. The peculiar shape of the rock landmark was like a castle. A moment later, the men drew rain. These horses, they sure wore out. That's why it was smart to have fresh ones waiting on the other side of the rock. Too bad we had to pick a moonlight night. Our tracks show up mighty clear. That don't matter. Oh, we'll catch it. Got the money? Yeah. Come on, then. We'll get our own horses and get out. Let's go past. Hey, Matt. And armed. You're both covered. Where'd you come from? The other side of Castle Rock. I've been waiting for you. Drop that money and raise your hand. Now, hold on, mister. Drop it. All right. That's it. Now, lower one hand slowly and unbuckle your gun belt. If you're riding the owl hoot... The gun belt. Let them drop and don't make a fast move. Whoever you are, mister, I'm telling you... Gun belt. I'm unbuckling mine. There. Come dropping mine. I just wanted to tell you there'll be a lot of townsmen heading this way. We'll all be caught in the... I don't intend to be caught. I don't care what happens to you. Step backwards. What are you going to do? First, I'll throw your gun as far as possible. Now, I'll try to throw your pal's gun farther. By the time you get those weapons, I'll be out of range. You're taking that money? Yes, of course. Listen, mister. I'll hoot like us. Got to stick together. You're yourselves lucky that I'm leaving your guns and horses. Our horses? Where you left them. I left mine with them. Adios. Whitey, come on. We'll get our guns. That ornery sidewinder. Hold on. There he goes. I see my gun. Mine's just beyond it. We got wrecked horses. We'll go after that masked polecat. Try it. Try it. Try it. No use. He's too far away. Let's get the horses. Hey, Sig, look. Come. Our horses can outrun him. Maybe so, but can our horses catch that white one the masked man's riding? We'll soon find out. Eddie Morton, get us. The old ranger set a steady pace that kept him within view of the bank robbers, yet far enough ahead to be out of range of gunshots. He headed toward the hills and the camp where he had left Tonto and the wounded rancher. Monty! Hank and Tonto sat on the ground near the foot of a steep hill. They were nearly surrounded by a number of massive boulders, high enough to conceal both the men and their horses. Hank had recovered much of his strength and was wide awake and alert. When Tonto heard the sound of an approaching horde, he peered between two of the rocks. What do you see, Tonto? Masked friend comes. Who's shooting? Two fellers who chased friends. Who are they? Can you see? Not these faces. Them too far away. Well, let me look. Them fellow too far behind masked friend to use guns. Them waste bullets. Sagan Whitey, I can tell by the way they ride. They're trying to shoot the man who saved my life. I'd like to get a... Now, you not used gun yet. Leaning low in the saddle and holding the money-filled sack, the lone ranger guided the great horse Silver past the boulders, then drew rain sharply. Ho, ho, ho. He swung the stallion through an opening between two of the rocks and dismounted beside Hank and Tonto. Easy, silly big fella. The bank robbers are coming. Then they did rob the bank. Yes. Here's the cash they stole. I took it away from them. No wonder they were shooting at you. I'll return their fire. Now, here place the shoot came with hubby. Between rocks. Good. I'll do the shooting. No, Hank. I want to place the bullets carefully. The masked man's first shot drilled the hats of Sagan Whitey. His next ones brushed their shoulders. As the surprised outlaws, less than a hundred feet away, drew rain and dismounted in the hope of finding cover, the lone ranger's guns barked repeatedly. In the moonlight, Sagan Whitey saw the bullets kick up dirt close to their feet and knew they were at the mercy of the unseen gunman. I can drill you both. Wait a minute. Drop your guns and hold up your hands. With no protection nearby, the outlaws had no choice but to obey. Now, walk this way slowly and be careful. All right, all right, Mr. Elizabeth, we'll do as you say. We know where my legs are. A short time later, the sheriff, Banker Garner, and a number of townsmen who had followed the outlaws' clearly defined trail, drew rain at the cluster of rocks. Hank sat on the ground with his gun pointed at Sagan Whitey, whose hands and feet were tightly bound. Hank Martin, where did you come from? That's a long story, Mr. Garner. I reckon this sack holds your stolen money. Well, I'll find out. Garner, are these two the men who stole it? Yes, yes, I'm sure of that. I recognize the clothes. Now, hold on. I recognize the boy. He's one of the crooks. I know these two. Zig Desmond and Whitey Fox. They're wanted for cattle stealing. Ah, this is the bank's money, all right, Sheriff. Some of it is still in the bank reference. But they can't prove we stole it. There was a mask, man. I'm jailing the two of you for cattle stealing. We'll take up the bank robbery later. Hank, did you capture these men? No, Mr. Garner, there was a mask, man. Just as Zig told you. Hank, Hank, you're hurt. Not seriously, Sheriff. Zig tried to kill me when I wouldn't go along in the bank robbery. I might have died if it hadn't been for the mask, man. Where is the mask, man? He and Tonto rode away when they saw you gents coming through the valley. He said it was my deal for men on. I don't know what he meant. Well, I do. He meant that he wanted you to be credited with the capture of these crooks and the recovery of the money. Well, if Hank's credited with the capture of the crooks, he's entitled to the reward for them. I am? Sure thing, Hank. Enough so you can buy back your ranch. Great day. You hear that, Mr. Garner? Yes, Hank. And you'll be in line for another reward. Another reward? That's right. The insurance company has a standard reward for the recovery of stolen money. Hey, I'm sure it'll be enough for you to buy cattle and make a new start. Wait till Mary hears this. Oh, golly. And as for me, Hank, I want you to know I greatly appreciate what you've done. But I didn't do much. I don't deserve this. The mask man thought you deserved the rewards, and I respect his judgment. Garner, you seem to know the mask man. Hank mentioned his friend and an Indian called Tonto. That's right. And he called his horse Silver. As far as I'm concerned, that identifies the mask man as 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. Listen to the Lone Ranger, brought to you by special recording Mondays through Fridays at this same time.
