The daring and resourceful mass 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. Late one afternoon, the Lone Ranger's Indian friend, Tonto, entered Marshal Jack Forbes' office in Copper City in northern Texas. How, Marshal Forbes? Who is that? Well, I'll be a two-toed grasshopper. Tonto, how in the world are you? Oh, me, fine. What? Where's the Lone Ranger? Oh, him in hills north of town. I reckon the two of you have come to this part of the country to see your old friends, Clarabelle Hornblow and Thunder Martin. No, we not come to see Clarabelle Thunder this time. Oh? We come this way, look for crook named Dave Shelby. Shelby? Ah. Shelby, I never heard of the critter. Well, him wandered for murder in Kansas. We trail him long time. You must have if you've followed him this far. We lose trail two day ago. Masked man, hope fine killer's trail in hills. Him send me here to tell you, be on lookout for a fella with big scar cross forehead. Where'd you lose his trail, Tonto? On north side of Sunflower River. Haven't been able to pick it up since, huh? No. Well, if he's a killer, the sooner he's captured, the better. Isn't that right? I'll tell my deputies to be on the lookout for this Shelby fella. Then I'll ride to the Lone Ranger's camp with you. All three of us will look for the rat's trail. Isn't that good? Just give me time enough to talk to the boys and I'll be right with you. Meanwhile, Thunder Martin drew rain at Claribel Hornblow's kitchen door and hurried inside. The ex-mule Skinner's face was flushed with excitement. Hey, Claribel. Claribel. I'm rich. I'm stuck in rich. What'd you say? I found gold, Claribel. My luck's changed. I'm through working for wages. I'm going to be a millionaire. Hold on, Thunder. Now, take it easy. It's the greatest thing that ever happened to me. When I saw that gold, I... Leave you quiet down, you mutton-headed idiot. What's wrong? A fella named Dade Shelby came to the door a little while ago asking for a place to rest and a meal. Yeah. He lost his horse and gear crossing Sunflower River. Where is he? In the next room, you big-mouthed jughead. I bet he heard every word you said. Well, doggone. You should have warned me. I would have if I had a chance. Now, where'd you find the gold, Thunder? Down by the creek about five miles from here. You don't know a doggone thing about prospect. Huh? But if you're right about this, if you really have found gold, you'd better keep quiet about it. Don't worry. I'm not going to risk losing the strike to a claim jumper. I'll put my horse in the crowd. Good. I'll go inside and put supper on the table. When the food was on the table, Thunder roused Dade Shelby. The killer came to the table and whooped his meal in silence. Then when Thunder left the house to take care of chores outside, and Clarabelle cleared the kitchen table, the killer drew his gun. Hey, what's the idea? Don't make a sound or I'll shoot. Have you gone, Loco? Sit down in that chair beside the table and be quick about it. Do as you're told. And don't try to call for help. Because if Thunder Martin walks in here, I'll shoot him. Why, you no good ornery skunk. This is the thanks I get for taking you in and feeding you. Sit down. Now put your hands behind the chair or I'll tie him. You won't get away with this. You'll help my arm. Keep quiet. There. Now I'll gag you with this toe. Oh, no, you don't. I told you to shut up. That'll keep you quiet. Now I'll tie your feet. Hold still. Well, whether you like it or not, you're here to stay. Well, that joys are all done, Clarabelle. Get your hands up, Thunder. Get your hands up or I'll shoot the woman. All right. Don't hurt Clarabelle. Keep your hands idle. I'll get your gun. The gold you found today. Huh? You're going to show me where it is. Sit. Then you overheard me when I came into the kitchen. That's right. I needed a meal, so I decided to wait a while before pulling a gun. You'll never get away with this. If you lead me to the gold, you won't get hurt. If you don't, you'll stop lead. Get going. Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger, Tonto, and Marshal Forbes found Dave Shelby's runaway horse quietly nibbling grass a short distance from Sunflower River. After examining the animals' tracks, the masked man and Tonto realized what had happened. Soon afterwards, they found Dave Shelby's trail heading south on foot. Darkness was falling when they set out to follow it. Come on, Shelby. Get him up, Scout. Some distance south of the Manhunters, Thunder Martin tried desperately to think of a way to escape Dave Shelby. The creek where he accidentally discovered gold was west of the ranch. But Thunder headed east, hoping to meet a rancher or friend who could help him. After nearly two hours' travel, Dave exclaimed, That gold can't be this far from the ranch. How do you know where it is? I think you're stolen. Or what's worse, maybe trying to lead me into a trap. You wanted me to lead you to the gold? I know a sure way to find out where it is. We're going back to the ranch. For what? You and Clarabelle Hornblow stepped out of the kitchen so you could tell her more about the gold without being overheard. You must have told her where you found it. No, Clarabelle don't know where it is. I think she does. She'll talk, too, to save your hide. Turn that critter around. We're going back to the house. Get her out. Come on, round, boy. Get her. In the ranch house, Clarabelle had been struggling with the ropes that held her. By rocking her chair back and forth, she managed to move it close to the stove. Twice she burned her wrists painfully against the hot metal. But at last the singed rope broke as she strained at it. With her hands free, she took the gag from her mouth. I reckon I'm on time of feet. As soon as her feet were free, she hurried to the corral. Her favorite horse was gone. Why, there's no good feeding polecat must have it. Clarabelle quickly saddled another horse. The sooner I get to Marshall Forbes, the better. Clarabelle traveled cross-country to save time and more than once regretted being without her palomino. This critter's as skittish as a two-week-old calf. As she neared the main trail, it was necessary to descend a steep slope. Easy, easy there, easy. The sleek black horse balked. Clarabelle coaxed, cajoled, and scolded. Finally, the horse started downhill. Then, without warning, the animal lost its footing. Oh, easy, easy, easy. On the saddle, Clarabelle pitched headlong to the bottom of the rocky slope, where she struck her head against a small boulder and lay still. A short distance away, the lone ranger signaled a halt and spoke to Marshall Jack Forbes and Todd. Jack, did you hear someone call for help? I thought I did. Me hear it. It sounds like woman. Come on, we'll investigate. Come on, send her. Two minutes later, the lone ranger, Tonto, and the marshal approach the still figure lying at the bottom of the slope. Oh, easy. Let me see. Tonto, it's Clarabelle. I'm like unconscious. Looks like she took a header down the slope. She must have struck her head when she fell. That cut on the forehead. The masked man reached for Clarabelle's wrist to take her pulse. He saw the burn she had suffered, freeing herself of the ropes. How bad she hurt, mister? I don't know, marshal. Her wrists have been burned. It looks as though they'd been tied. She could have fractured her skull. I don't think so. But she may have suffered a concussion. You need bandage cut and head. Bandage her wrist, too. Uh-huh. You fix them. I don't, Sandy, what she's doing out at this hour of the night. Traveling cross-country over places you ought to have more sense in the tackle. Tonto, she's not as young as she used to be. She must have been. Maybe it better her doctor come. Him know how bad Clarabelle hurt. I think you're right, Tonto. Well, the Rafter H isn't far from here. I'll go there and ask Thunder Martin to bring a wagon here so she can be moved. Good idea, Jack. Steady there. Easy. What about the doctor? Tonto will ride to town for the doctor. I'll be back soon with Thunder. Get up there. Come on. Easy. Get up. Clarabelle not hurt that. I'll stay with her till you return, Tonto. That's good. Get on. Let's come. While Tonto hurried toward town and Marshal Jack Forbes rode toward the Raptor H, Thunder Martin and Dave Shelby approached the ranch from the opposite direction. The scar-faced killer kept Thunder covered and watched him closely. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Easy. They dismounted at the back door and entered the kitchen. Inside. Yeah. Don't try a fast move, Thunder. Don't worry. The ropes I tied her with. Somehow she managed to burn them off. Well, I'll bet she's gone for help. That means your scheme to get my gold won't work. You'll be in real trouble. Hey, I hear a rider. Heading this way. They'll win for help. Maybe that's Marshal Forbes coming to get you. I'm not caught yet. As Dave spoke, he swung his gun barrel to the side of Thunder Martin's head. The big man slumped to the floor unconscious. I can't watch you and that rider, too, so I'll tie your feet and gag you. That way you'll not make trouble. Dave Shelby worked fast. He tied and gagged Thunder and dragged him into the next room. Seconds before Marshal Forbes threw rain in the moonlit yard. From a place near the open door, Dave watched the lawman dismount. Suddenly, the moonlight glinted on the star pinned to the Marshal's vest. Thinking Clarabelle had told the law about him, the killer cursed softly. As the Marshal hurried to the kitchen door, he fired. At the bottom of the slope where the Lone Ranger waited with Clarabelle Hornblow, the buxom ranch owner groaned softly. Clarabelle. Where is he? We found you here a short time ago. I thought I was dreaming. I saw who Marshal Forbes and I found you. What happened to your wrist? I burned him trying to get the ropes off. Oh, you sure turned up at the right time, Mr. Thunder. And I need your help bad. Who tied you? A scar-faced critter who came to my place afoot asking for me. I didn't want to turn a fellow away who's down on his luck, so I... A scar-faced man. Is the scar across his forehead? Say, how'd you know? He's wanted for murder. Oh, great sakes alive. How don't I have been following him for some time? He's at my place now. Or somewhere around the place. He captured Thunder and me. And if he's a killer... Oh, poor Thunder. Tell me, did he rob you? He wants to steal Thunder's gold claim. Mister, you gotta do something, please. Please save poor Thunder. Marshal Forbes is on his way to the ranch now. Oh, this critter's smart. He might be able to fool the marshal. Fool him long enough to get the drop on him, then kill him. Clarabelle, I... I don't want to leave you. Connor went to town to get Dr. Simpson. I'm not feeling first rate, but I'll be a whole lot better if I know you're on your way to the ranch to help Thunder. I'll be all right here. Do you have a gun? No. I have a spare one in my saddlebag. I'll leave it with you. Then you'll go to the ranch? Yes. Connor will return to the doctor soon. By the time the Lone Ranger reached the Rafter H, Marshal Forbes managed to free Thunder Martin. The big mule skinner was bandaging the lawman's wound when the masked man dismounted at the back door. As briefly as possible, Thunder explained what happened. I planned to go after that rattler as soon as I finished fixing the Marshal's wound, mister. Shelby gunned me and rode away from here as if the devil himself were after him. He has good reason to hurry away. He'll hang at his court. He's trying to reach the border. I'll go after him. He's riding Clarabelle's Palomino. That takes care of your wound, Marshal. I'll go with the Lone Ranger. I don't think he'll need help, but Clarabelle does, Thunder. She's been hurt, thrown from her horse. We'll have to take a wagon to the bottom of Dead Man's Slope to get her. Torn between his loyalty to Clarabelle and his desire to see Dade Shelby captured, Thunder reluctantly agreed to harness a team to a buckboard. A few minutes later, he and the wounded lawman left the ranch. Get that back! Miles to the south. The Lone Ranger's great white horse raced across the plains after Dade Shelby. The outlaw's trail was clear and easy to follow in the brilliant moonlight. Hold, Henry! The powerful stallion responded with a sustained burst of speed, maintaining a pace that brought him closer and closer to the fleeing killer. Presently, the masked man saw Dade ahead. The mighty silver began to close the gap, separating them. Dade heard the thundering hoofbeats and turned to look over his shoulder. You're finished, Dade! Dade recognized the masked man as the Lone Ranger. In sudden panic, he snatched his gun from his holster. Turn back or I'll kill you! I've followed you all the way from Kansas. Do ask for it! The frightened killer fired hastily. His shot was wide. I'll catch you! Not unless you stop to take it! The Lone Ranger caught at the shots. When the killer's gun was empty, he brought the racing silver close to the Palomino and he grabbed Shelby. Come here, you! Both men hit the ground as silver and the well-trained Palomino slowed to a halt. The Lone Ranger leaped to his feet. On your feet, Dade! Don't shoot me! I'm not armed! I'm out of ammunition! I have a new score to settle with you, killer! What are you talking about? Parabelle Hornblow and Thunder Martin are friends of mine. Friends? Yes, that's right. Parabelle's wrists are burned. She suffered a fall. Oh, wait a minute, mister. I didn't know... You're due for a beating! But no... The killer's mouth gaped. He stepped back as the Lone Ranger stepped forward. His fist hit the point of Dade's chin. That's the beginning. A minute ago, you were going to kill me. I've got no gun. Use your fist! Forced to fight, Dade swung. The blow missed the masked man's chin and struck his shoulder. The killer followed it with a hard jab that hit its mark. Then, before he knew what happened... Take it! The Lone Ranger drove a fist into his stomach. As Dade slumped forward... Now, then... Now, another blow hooked his chin. The killer went down. Now, while you're unconscious, now tie your hands and make sure you're disarmed. Then we're going back to the rafter race. It was nearly daybreak when the Lone Ranger reached the ranch with his prisoner. Doc Simpson was there with Clarabelle, Marshal Forbes, Thunder Martin, and Tonto. The masked man offered to help the wounded lawman take Dade to jail. I could sure use the help, mister. Doc's going with me, and if you'll travel as far as the edge of town with him... I'll be glad to, Marshal. Clarabelle, I'm sorry you had all this trouble. I hope you'll soon be well enough to bake some of those fine apple pies you always serve, Tonto and me. Say, now that that rattler's been caught, mister, I feel good enough to start a couple of pies right now. They'll be ready by the time you get back from town. I'll hurry back. See you later, Tonto. Will you wait here, Kimotabi? All right, get going, man. I'm going. I hope they hang that skunk. Clarabelle say him try to steal gold from you. That's right, Tonto. I stuck it rich. Say, I have a little gift for you and the Lone Ranger. Oh, what's that? Gold I took for my claim. I've got some right here in my pocket. I didn't show it to Clarabelle because I wanted to give it to you and the mask, ma'am. Isn't that plenty nice, Thunder? Well, here you are. This is for you and the other is for our mask friends. Gold? Of course it's gold. It's not gold. Huh? Me see this stuff plenty times. Lone Ranger say it iron or copper, pyrites. Pyrites? Oh, Thunder. Thunderation? Me sorry, Thunder. You may be not one take my word for it. Why, you know a doggone sight more about it than he does, Tonto. Fool's gold. Oh, no, I don't feel so bad, Thunder. That killer was a bigger fool about it than you were. Huh? He was planning to jump a worthless claim and all he got for his trouble was a trip to the gallows thanks to the Lone Ranger. I don't see it! 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.
