MUSIC:
OPENING THEME
SFX:
HORSE GALLOPING IN BG
RANGER:
Hi-Yo Silver!!!
SFX:
MANY GUNSHOTS
ANNCR:
A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty Hi-Yo Silver!!! The Lone Ranger!
MUSIC:
BRIDGE
ANNCR:
Before this exciting adventure, a word from our sponsor . . .
(INSERT SPOT HERE)
MUSIC:
BRIDGE
ANNCR:
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!
SFX:
THUNDERING HOOFBEATS
ANNCR:
The Lone Ranger rides again!
MUSIC:
BRIDGE
ANNOUNCER:
It was early Saturday evening when Dr. Harvey Preston arrived in Canyon City. A few curious eyes noted the progress of the spring wagon driven by the young doctor as he came to a stop in front of the town's only hotel.
BIZ:
HORSES HOOVES AND CART GROW IN VOLUME AND STOP.
ANNOUNCER:
Entering the two story frame building, Preston was aware of the sudden hush in conversation in the lobby of the hotel.
BIZ:
FOOTSTEPS, SWINGING DOOR, WALK UP TO DESK AND STOP.
PRESTON:
I'd like to get a room, please.
HOTELKEEPER:
(SUSPICIOUS) Yeah? For how long?
PRESTON:
Well, that depends. Until I can find a house....
HOTELKEEPER:
Well...Plenty of houses in Canyon City - Ain't many of 'em fit to live in, though. Here. Sign your name.
PRESTON:
Alright.
BIZ:
SCRATCHING OF PEN ON PAPER.
HOTELKEEPER:
There... That'll be a dollar, mister. In advance.
PRESTON:
In adv-?(chuckles )Alright...here you are.
HOTELKEEPER:
Yeah....Any other night you could sleep here on credit. But Saturday night, that's when some fellas get a touch 'a lead poisoning in this town.
PRESTON:
Hmmm, so I've heard.
HOTELKEEPER:
Let's see now, what's your name...Preston, eh? Doctor Harvey Preston..(VOICE TRAILS OFF)..Say! Are you a doctor?
PRESTON:
Don't I look like one?
HOTELKEEPER:
(LAUGHS) Well, what do ya know about that? You sure look mighty young to be a sawbones, mister.
PRESTON:
I hope that won't be against me. You sere - I'm going to work here.
HOTELKEEPER:
Ya' don't say.
PRESTON:
By the way, can I get someone to take care of the team?
HOTELKEEPER:
Sure, doc, I reckon we can fix ya up all right.
PRESTON:
Thanks. I'll be glad to pay you ??" (for your trouble)
TAGGERT:
(INTERRUPTS) You the new sawbones, sonny?
PRESTON:
(COOLY) My name is Preston.
TAGGERT:
Ehhh...Pretty fair doctor?
PRSSTON:
What's your trouble?
TAGGERT:
I'd, uh, like to have you look at a... .a.. .sick mule I got over at the stables.
BIZ:
MEN IN LOBBY OF HOTEL LAUGH AT THE LITTLE JOKE TAGGERT IS PLAYING.
PRESTON:
Um...What seems to wrong with the animal?
TAGGERT:
Why, I don't rightly know, sonny. She might be just.uh..just lonesome, maybe!
BIZ:
MEN IN THE LOBBY HOOT SOME MORE AT THIS, OBVIOUSLY THE BEST JOKE EVER PULLED IN THE PAST MONTH IN THIS LITTLE TOWN.
PRESTON:
Say...There's only one remedy for a case like that, mister!
TAGGERT:
(SUSPICIOUS AND A BIT ANGRY AT PRESTON'S CONFIDENCE) Yeah? ... What?
PRESTON:
Go sit in the stall with her and keep her company!
BIZ:
MEN IN THE HOTEL ROAR WITH LAUGHTER AT SEEING THE TABLES TURNED. KEEP THEM LAUGHING WHILE TAGGERT SPEAKS.
TAGGERT:
Why you fresh young upstart! I have a good mind to -- (deck ya!)
PRESTON; Keep your hands off me!
TAGGER:
Lissen ya pipsqueak! My name's Taggert, see? BIG Taggert, that's me. I say ya gotta go look at my sick mule, ya gotta go!
PRESTON:
In the first place, my friend, I'm not a horse doctor. Second place, you haven't got a sick mule. In the third place, I don't take orders from any man in your condition...
TAGGERT:
Doggone yer hide, I'll bust ya IN TWO...!
BIZ:
SOUNDS OF A SCUFFLE BEGIN. AFTER A BEAT THERE IS A CLIP ON PRESTON'S CHIN.
TAGGERT:
That ought' a teach you some manners!
BIZ:
Scuffle continues. MEN IN HOTEL MUTTER EXCITEDLY.
PRESTON:
Maybe we can both learn something, Taggert!
BIZ:
SOCK ON JAW.
TAGGERT:
OWWW! Why I'll kill ya for that! Nobody ever hit Big Taggert and lived to brag about itil'll show you! (SCUFFLE GROWS AS THEY START TO HIT FURNITURE) Let me get my hands on you an' I'll crush the daylights out of ya'!
HOTELKKEPER:
(IN BG) Watch it kid! Don't let him get his hands on you!
PRESTON:
Don't worry about that! (MORE FIST HITS) Got enough, Taggert?
TAGGERT:
I'm gonna blow yer brains out!
HOTELKEEPER:
(IN BG) Look out! He's got a gun!.
PRESTON:
No-You-Don't!(STRUGGLING) Not??"Today!
BIZ:
BIG CRASH OF GLASS AS TAGGERT GOES OVER THE BAR. BIG BODY THUMP AS HE HITS THE FLOOR.
HOTELKEEPER:
Well, I declare! Big Taggert sure must be slippin'!
ANOTHER MAN:
Yeah, he slipped, partner, and fell!
HOTELKEEPER:
Looks- like the Doc already found himself a patient to work on!
2ND MAN:
Yeah, you gotta.. nice job of patchin' to do there, Doc!
PRESTON; Sorry...! don't like workin' on ki-yotes any more than I do workin' on jugheads.
EVERYBODY CHCCKLES APPRECIATIVELY.
HOTELKEEPER:
(WALKING AWAY) Yeah.. An' me, I was just asking the kid if he ain't never had no experience!
PRESTON:
Say young fellow, you want to earn a dollar?
DAN RIED:
(SURPRISED) Huh? Why..yeah, I guess so!
PRESTON:
Fine! Come along to give me a hand to carry some luggage up to my room.(WALKS A FEW FEET) Here we are. You take that suitcase and the small bag there. I'll handle this big one.
DAN:
(STRAININS AS HE PICKS THEK UP) Yes sir.
PRESTON:
(SUDDENLY SWITCHES TO A LOW, CONSPIRATORIAL VOICE) Where's the Lone Ranger, Dan,?
DAN:
(ALSO WHISPERS) He and Tonto are camped about six miles west. Just outside of Stony Ridge.
PRESTON:
Good. Soon as we get this stuff upstairs ride out and tell them I'm here.
DAN:
Yes sir.
PRESTON:
Tell them I've already had a run-in with Big Taggert.
DAN:
I sure will!
PRESTON:
Tell the Lone Ranger I'll be waiting for him in my room-- tonight. (RETURNS TO FULL VOICE) C'mon boy! Let's up with those bags!
BIZ:
MUSIC SWELLS TO FULL AND HOLDS FOR A MOMENT OR TWO TO FINISH THE SCENE.
ANNOUNCER:
The folks at Canyon City were asleep when the Masked Rider of The Plains drew his great white stallion to a halt at the rear of the small hotel. At his side, like a grim figure carved in the pale moonlight, sat the stalwart Indian companion, Tonto.
BIZ:
IN BG, SOUNDS OF THE TWO HORSES SHUFFLING, AND OUTDOOR BG.
LONE RANGER:
According to Dan, that should be r-reston's room just above us.
TCNTO:
Unnhh. Me stay here. Watch horses.
Ranger:
Yes, Tonto. And if you see anything suspicious, make the signal.
TONTO:
Ummm. Tonto keep close watch.
BIZ:
SHUFFLING SOUNDS AS LR CLIMBS ON TO HIS HORSE AND STANDS ON THE SADDLE.
Ranger:
(EXERTION) Hope this is the right room --should be able to make it by standing in the saddle -- Steady, Silver --
BIZ:
LOTS OF HOOVES AS SILVER TRIES TO STAY BALNCED. THUD AS LONE RANGER DROPS INTO ROOM.
PRESTON:
The Masked Man! Glad to see ya!
Ranger:
Good to know you got here safely, Preston.
PRESTON:
Tell me what's going on here.
Ranger:
I can only tell you part of it. The rest remains to be learned.
PRESTON:
I suppose Dan told you about the incident with Taggert... --
Ranger:
Yes...and with his influence, you'll very likely find that you have several enemies in town already.
PRESTON:
Fine. The sooner I learn who those enemies are. the sooner I'll know whom I'm after.
Ranger:
You'll have to be careful - if they get at all suspicious you're a dead man, Preston.
PRESTON:
That's the chance we have to take in this business.
Ranger:
Yes..I know.
PRESTON:
(AFTER A BEAT) What do you know about Taggert?
Ranger:
Only that he operates the stage and freight lines. He has a virtual monopoly on transportation in the Big Bend Country.
PRESTON:
There... have been competitors, though?
Ranger:
Yes, but none ever lasted very long...It seems that Taggert isn't fond of, uh...competition.
PRESTON:
What about this government stuff he's been hauling?
Ranger:
Well, six months ago Taggert got a contract to haul government supplies from the railroad at Natchez Point to the Army outpost up on Wolf River.
PRESTON:
Yes?
Ranger:
Last week one of Taggert's wagons left the railroad with a store of new army rifles & a couple of dozen cases of ammunition. Those rifles and cartridges never reached the Wolf River outpost.
PRESTON:
Hmmmm.
Ranger:
The guard and the wagon-driver were found dead. The horses were gone, the wagon burned to ashes.
PRESTON:
Whoever pulled that job wasn't taking any chances.
Ranger:
Every outlaw has to take a chance.- sooner or later.
PRESTON:
Yes, you're right. (BEAT) Frankly, though, I was surprised when you sent for me. Usually, you don't call for help.
Ranger:
I sent for you because of your medical training. You see Preston, the guard and driver on that freight wagon put up a fight before they died. And I have reason to believe that some of the outlaws may have been wounded. There's no doctor here in Canyon City, so --- (I thought that you)
PRESTON:
(INTEERUPTS) I get it! So as soon as the word gets around there's a doctor in town, I'm likely to have visitors, eh?
Ranger:
Exactly.
PRESTON:
Well, well. It'll be something of a novelty for Dr. Harvey Preston to be giving out aid and comfort to a bunch of outlaws.
Ranger:
Don't take this thing to lightly, Preston. The men we're up against are cold blooded killers. We've got to catch them, understand?
PRESTON:
Yessss, I know that.
Ranger:
When they raided that freight wagon they secured enough arms and ammunition to fight an army. Our job is to break up this gang before they can organize and sell those rifles, or do whatever they are now planning.
PRESTON:
You're right. If this thing isn't smashed now, we'll be up against the worst band of outlaws the West has ever known.
Ranger:
I'm going now. But I'm leaving Tonto to watch this hotel. He'll be around in case you want to get in touch with me. And if you should leave town, Tonto will follow your trail. wherever you go.
PRESTON:
I'm glad to know that.
Ranger:
Just remember this -- if you do have visitors, and they find out who you really are, you're a dead man.
BIZ:
MUSIC UP FULL VOLUME. HOLD 15 SECONDS THEN UNDER.
ANNOUNCE:
Big Taggert suffered many painful bruises from his fistic encounter with Harvey Preston. But what was most embarrassing was the thought that he had actually been whipped in a fistfight, and by a man much smaller than himself.
BIZ UNDER:
HORSE HOOVES TO MATCH.
ANNOUNCER:
Leaving the hotel, Taggert got his horse and rode furiously for the hills. An hour's ride brought him to a well-hidden rendezvous. Here he reigned the sweating horse to a halt, dismounted, and ran into the frame shack.
BIZ:
GENERAL GREETINGS FROM MEN IN THE SHACK.
SLICK:
Holy mackerel, chief, what happened to you?
KRAMER:
You look like you been sortin' wildcats!
TAGGERT:
Never mind that! You gents listen to me!
SLICK:
What's up, Boss? Anything wrong?
TAGGERT:
No-o-o-o! Somethin' lucky for Shorty, and Vance, and Kramer there.
SHORTY:
Huh? What 'you mean, somethin' lucky?
TAGGERT:
Slick - there's a young sawbones in town; name of Harvey Preston.
SLICK:
A doctor, ehh? Well that's fine! I reckon now we can get you jaspers patched up right!
TAGGERT; Yeah. Although ya' don't deserve nuthin. Bein' so careless that ya let them birds on that freight wagon shoot ya full of holes....
SHORTY:
We already explained that, Big. Those fellows saw us just before we got ready to crack down on em!
TAGGERT:
I know, I know! Only next time, don't let the same mistake happen again! (BEAT) Slick - I want you to saddle up 'n go fetch that sawbones out here. See that he gets these boys patched up good, and then see that he stays here... Understand?
SLICK:
Sure, Boss. I know what you mean.
TAGGERT:
I got a personal score to settle with that smart-aleck.
SLICK:
Ya' mean the doc's the one that made ya' look like that?
TAGGERT; (BIG AND ANGRY) Never mind what I mean! Slick, you better get started.
SLICK:
Yeah, sure.I'11 go right now.
BIZ:
WALKS AWAY TO THE DOOR. DISTANT LARGE HOOFBEATS BEGIN IN BG.
SLICK:
(BACK FROK MIKE) (URGENT) Hey Boss! Come here, quick!
TAGGERt:
What is it, Nellis?
SLICK:
A bunch of riders, Boss! they're comin' this way, fast.
KRAMER:
Riders?!
SLICK:
Yeah - they...they're Injuns, Boss!
TAGGART:
Its that bunch of Apaches, Slick! The ones we got them guns fer.
SLICK:
Must be 40 or 50 in that bunch! And that's ole' Red Fox himself.
TAGGERT:
Hmmmmm....Don't know what's on his mind but keep your eyes peeled.
RED FOX:
IN DISTANCE) Red Fox make Pow-wow with Big Taggert!
TAGGERT:
Hiya, Red Fox! Light, and loose yer saddle a spell!
BIZ:
ALL HORSES COME TO A STOP.
RED FOX:
Red Fox wait many moon for guns white man promise. No get gun. Why?
TAGGERT:
Uhhh, I had a little trouble there, Red Fox. Some of my men got shot at. That's why I ain't been able to deliver 'em to ya.
RED FOX:
Red Fox not like white man tell lie...
TAGGERT:
Now listen here. Chief or no chief, don't you come ridin' into my place and start callin' names. You w ant -those guns so blamed fast, lay down the money an' take 'em yourself.
RED FOX:
Where gun now, Taggert?
TAGGERT:
Ehhh, they're alright - don't worry about that.(PAUSE) You got the money?
RED FOX:
Red Fox give money - when white man give gun.
TAGGERT:
Ahhhh...how do I know I can trust you': That's quite a bunch of men you got there.
RED FOX:
Red Fox got many more men, close by.
TAGGERT:
More men? You mean ya broaught -- heyyyy, you ridin' with a war party. Red Fox?
RED FOX:
Red Fox have five hundred braves hid in hills.
SLICK:
What's that? (ALL MEN REACT WITH SURPRISE)
TAGGERT:
Five Hundred...Say, you must be plannin' somethin' plenty big!
RED FOX:
Indian will own many fine cattle; horse. Apache be powerful tribe again. But first, warrior ride against paleface soldier.
TAGGERT:
Ya' mean ya got five hundred redskins ready to ride against the Wolf River outpost?
RED FOX:
Ummmm. Now where you hide rifle and bullet?
BIZ:
MUSIC UP FULL . HOLD FOR A BIT AND THE UNDER.
ANNOUNCER:
We'll be back to the Lone Ranger's exciting adventure in just a moment. But First -----
(COMERCIAL COPY NEXT PAGE)
BIZ:
MUSIC UP FULL FOR 15 SECONDS THEN UNDER.
ANNOUNCER:
Now...to continue our story. After the Lone Ranger had left the hotel in Canyon City, Harvey Preston checked over his medical kit. Finally, satisfied with the contents, he straightened up and snapped the bag shut.
BIZ:
SOUND OF BAG CLOSING.
PRESTON:
There.... that's a pretty complete kit. even to the six-shooter in the bottom with 45 caliber pills.
BIZ:
THERE IS A KNOCK OK THE DOOR.
PRESTON; Who's there??
SLICK:
(OFF MIKE) Open up. doc. Someone's been hurt!
PRESTON:
Just a minute....(WALKS TO DOOR)....(OPENS DOOR) C'mon in, What's happened?
SLICK:
(UP TO MIKE) Uhhhh...my name's Nellis, Slick Nellis. (DOOR CLOSES.) A fellow out at our place's gotten hurt.
PRESTON:
Hurt? ... What with?... How?
SLICK:
You'd....better come out and take a look at him, Doc.
PRESTON:
Well certainly Mr. Nellis. But surely you can tell me what's wrong with the man...
SLICK:
You'd better bring plenty of medicine or...whatever ya' need - there's....more than one.
PRESTON:
Oh. (TAKES AT GUESS AT THE. WOUNDS) Should I bring some sort of treatment for...gunshot wounds?
SLICK:
(ANNOYED) You're a smart boy, doc. Now hustle up an' lets be goin'.
PRESTON:
Wellllll, I'm not so sure. I don't want to g get mixed up ??" (with no gunfighter...)
SLICK:
(INTERRUPTS) Maybe this will help you make up your mind.
PRESTON:
Hmmmm. That gun doesn't leave me very much choice in the matter. By the way, how far is it to this place?
SLICK:
Never mind askin' so many questions. Just get your stuff an' come on.
PRESTON:
Sure. My bag's all packed. (STARTS OFF MIKE TO WINDOW) Just a second - I'd better close this window - in case it rains.
SLICK:
(STILL UPSET) Why bother with that? Hurry up!
BIZ:
WINDOW CLOSES OFF
SLICK:
C'mon, let's go!
PRESTON:
--right with you...
SLICK:
And don't try anything goin' cut of the hotel. Just act natural.
BIZ:
WALKS TO DOOR. OPENS IT, CLOSES IT, TURNS KEY IN LOCK, ETC. WALKING THROUGH LOBBY OF HOTEL. SWINGING LOBBY DOORS.
SLICK:
Here -- I've got two horses over here.
PRESTON:
You...think of everything, my friend.
SLICK:
Yeah,...
BIZ:
MEN MOUNT SADDLES WITH GRUNTS. HORSES SHUFFLE A BIT.
SLICK:
All set? Let's go, doc!
PRESTON:
Right. Giddap!
BIZ:
BOTH MEN SPUR THEIR HORSES AND THEY BREAK INTO A GALLOP AND FADE OUT. AFER A MOMENT OF SILENCE, A SINGLE HORSE WALKS QUIETLY UP AND STOPS.
TONTO:
(TO HIMSELF) Hmmmm. Young doctor fella have visitor plenty sudden, Get-em up. Scout!
BIZ:
HORSE GALLOPS AWAY FULL. MUSIC FOLLOWS AFTER TWO BEATS. HOLD FOR 15 SECONDS THEN DOWN AND OUT.
BIZ:
HORSES OF PRESTON AND SLICK COME IN TO MIKE AND HALT. BOTH MEN CALL GENERAL WHOAH, EASY FELLA, ETC.
SLICK:
You can take that blindfold off now if you want to.
FRESTON:
(SARCASTIC) Thanks very much.
SLICK:
There's some pretty riled-up hombres in here, so I wouldn't advise you to try any tricks.
PRESTON:
Don't worry about me --
BIZ:
DOOR OPENS AND WE HEAR THE MUMBLINGS OF THE MEN INSIDE.
KRAMER:
'Bout time you got here, Slick!
SHORTY:
Looks pretty young to be a sawbones - ya' reckon he knows his business?
SLICK:
He'd better know his business, that's all I gotta say!
PRESTON; If you men'll stop talking an' get out of the way, I'll go to work.(MEN MUMBLE) Here. Get this man's shirt off. (CALLING OUT) Somebody get busy and boil some water! Lots of it!
KRAMER:
Heyyyy, who's this bird think he is, s^i1'1' orders so free an' easy?
SLICK:
Shut up an' do like the doc says! Go on!
PRESTON:
Nellis! You've got two or three pretty bad cases here. These bandages are filthy dirty. There's real danger of infection.
SHORTY:
You're gonna fix me up all right, aint'cha Doc?
PRESTON:
I'll do the best I can. Now -- (BOTH MEN GRUNT AS PRESTON HAULS.HIS PATIENT INTO A BETTER POSITION..) Be still, and I'll have to sterilize this wound before it can be bandaged. (PAUSE AS HE WORKS) I don't suppose it would be smart to ask how this happened --
SLICK:
Just don't get too curious, Preston; you'll stay healthy.
PRESTON; Mmmmm. Tell the man to hurry up with -- Nellis! Why in the world didn't you tell me these men were -- (very sick)
SLICK:
Huh? (BEAT - NELLIS MOVES IN CLOSER) What's the matter, Doc?
PRESTON:
(SLOWLY AND MEASURED) Do you know what thrombosis of the uh,..perompterosis is?
SLICK:
Huh?
PRESTON:
(URGENT) Where's my bag? Quick! I only hope I brought some of those tablets along....
BIZ:
NELLIS GOES AWAY FROM MIKE AS HE SHUFFLES TO GET THE BAG
SLICK:
Here.... here's your satchel, doc. What's wrong?
PRESTON:
Nellis, this is a disease I've only encountered once before in my career.
SLICK:
Yeah? What happened, doc?
PRESTON:
The patient died. Yes, a horrible death, too. Within six hours. And within four hours more, three of his friends died.
SHORTY:
Hey, uh...what are you talking about? (PANICKED)
PRESTON:
This man has contracted a very fatal disease, uh...resulting, from shock. Here, mister. Open your mouth and swallow these tablets.
SHORTY:
Well, uh, I..(GULP GULP)
SLICK:
Shorty, you feelin' that bad?
SHORTY:
I feel terrible. Slick. That disease....
PRESTON:
(BACK FROM.. MIKE) here. You swallow some of these too. And you!
KRAMER:
Sure Doc. Did ya' bring plenty of them pills?
PRESTON:
Well we'll soon find out, my friend. (BEAT) Nellis.
SLICK:
Yeah?
PRESTON:
It'd be a good idea for you to take some of these tablets yourself.
SLICK:
Huh? Well, I ain't been hurt none!
PRESTON:
I know, but you've been exposed to every man here.
SLICK:
You - You mean it's catching?
PRESTON:
Yes, it certainly is. Here. Swallow these, just to be or the safe side.
SLICK:
Oh, I don't know - I might take one...
PRESTON:
(IMPATIENT) One wouldn't be enough. Take three or four.
BIZ:
DISTANT RUMBLE OF A GALLOPING HORSE CAN BE HEARD
SLICK:
I guess if you say so...
PRESTON:
Yes. Here, take them, quickly.
SLICK:
Wait. Somebody's comin'.
BIZ:
HORSE PULLS UP TO A HALT OUTSIDE. DOOR OPENS,
SLICK:
Why, Bog! What are you doin' out here this time of night? 'What's the gun for?
TAGGERT:
Well, I brung you some news, Slick - some real news. This cannon is for yer friend
here, the doctor.
SHORTY:
(WEAKLY) Slick.... I...Slick....
SLICK:
Hey! (THUD OF A BODY) What in the...Shorty just keeled over! Doc - what was in them pills you was handin' out?
PRESTON:
Those were steeping tablets, Nellis. Your boys won't bother anybody for quite a spell.
SLICK:
Whv you low-down ki-yote! What kind of a sawbones are you? Whats the idea ?---
TAGGERT:
I kin answer that fer ya. Slick. Our friend the doctor here, happens to be a Texas Ranger!
SLICK:
Texas Ranger?!
TAGCERT:
Yeah, an' that ain't all! This jasper's in cahoots with a masked man that calls himself the Lone Ranger!
SLICK:
You mean that hombre that owns the big white stallion?
TAGGERT:
Yeah, that's him. You see, Preston - if that's your name- that clerk down at the hotel happens to be on my payroll.
PRESTON:
Some people will take any kind of money, won't they?
TAGGART:
It didn't take much to make him go through your luggage up there. (BEAT) And what he found made him real. curious. An' he was right outside your door when that masked man came a'callin'!
SLICK:
Hey -- look at Kramer, boss! He's gone to sleep with the rest of 'em!
TAGGERT:
You got somethin' in that satchel to bring 'em out of it?
PRESTON:
Yes. Since you've got me, I suppose it makes no difference if they do wake up now.
TAGGERT:
Well then get busy with it! Whatever it is...
PRESTON:
(WALKING INTO BG) I've got some special pills here... somewhere in the bottom of my bag.
SLICK:
This hadn't better be another one of your tricks, Preston. Because if these pills don't work -- (you're a dead man)
PRESTON:
(IN COMMAND) These pills always work, Nellis. They're 45 Pills. Good medicine for bad men.
SLICK:
Look Out!
BIZ:
TWO GUNSHOTS RING OUT, FROM PRESTON.
TAGGERT; You double-cross in' tin star!
TONTO:
(BACK FROM MIKE) You drop gun!
BIZ:
TWO MORE SHOTS...FROM TONTO THIS TIME.
TONTO:
Drop Gun! Or me drop you!
PRESTON:
Good work, Tonto!
SLICK:
Tonto?! That's the Lone Ranger's Injun pardner!
TAGGERT:
Doggon' your schemin' hide, Preston - you like to shot my arm off!
PRESTON:
Too bad I didn't! Tonto! Let's get these men hog-tied!
TONTO:
Ummm. Got to tie 'em plenty good. Them not move for long time.
PRESTON:
And these others, on the bunk over here, we'll wrap them up for safekeeping, too.
TONTO:
Ungh. Me fix 'em.
PRESTON:
(STILL STRAINING) This, I guess, cleans up a bad job. For once, the job is finished without help from the Lone Ranger.
TONTO:
No-o-o-o, you plenty wrong. We need Lone Ranger bad now!
PRESTON:
But - how?
TONTO:
Hmmm. Tonto scout back from camp here. Find big war party of Apache.
PRESTON:
Apaches!?
TONTO:
Ummmm.
PRESTON:
Way down here?
TONTO:
Them have many new rifles, much ammunition. Me get close to camp, here-um talk war talk. Them ride into soldier camp on Wolf River.
PRESTON:
Wait a minute. Taggert - you sold those rifles to the Indians!
TAGGERT:
I never - You can't prove nothin' --
PFESTON:
Tonto, you're right! We do need the Lone Ranger! And 'We'd better hurry!!
BIZ:
MUSIC COMES UP , HOLDS, AND THEN DOWN UNDER AND EVENTUALLY OUT.
ANNOUNCER:
Leaving the outlaws securely bound in their own shack, Tonto and Preston rode like the wind to the Lone Ranger's camp. (HOOFBEATS UNDER) Within a matter of moments, the masked rider of the plains saddled the great horse Silver and was ready to ride....
RANGER:
Dan, do you think you'll find that trail to the outlaws' camp from Tonto's description?
DAN:
I'm sure I can, sir.
Ranger:
Good. Take Victor and ride as fast as you can for the sheriff. Tell him to get some men together and bring those killers into jail!
DAN:
Alright. Anything else?
Ranger:
Yesss. Tell the sheriff that Captain Harvey Preston of the Texas Rangers will be in, to take charge of the prisoners.
DAN:
Yessir! C'mon, Victor!
BIZ:
DAN RIED RIDES OFF.
Ranger:
Tonto - the Captain and I are going to try and stop those Indians when they start for the garrison. But we may not be able to....
TONTO:
Unnngh. Heap many warriors in that party.
Ranger:
I know, but it's a chance -
PRESTON:
What's your plan, sir?
Ranger:
I'll explain it on the way. Tonto - ride to the garrison. Tell the officer in charge that this war party is on the way; to get his men out of the stockade. They'll never have a chance if they're caught in there.
TONTO:
Ahh. Get-um up. Scout!
BIZ:
TONTO'S HORSE GALLOPS AWAY (WITH TONTO. OF COURSE)
PRESTON:
Might be a good idea if the soldiers were to ride out on the trail and catch the Indians unawares.
Ranger:
If my plan works, they'll never reach the garrison. Come on. Captain, let's ride!
BIZ:
HORSES HOOVES AND MUSIC SPLIT THE AIR
ANNOUNCER:
The Lone Ranger and Captain Preston raced their horses along the canyon road, then up through the scattered sagebrush along the slope leading to the summit of Stony Pledge. The first faint streaks of dawn found the two men laboriously prying with long poles (GRUNTING AND SCRAPING) at the great pile of rocks and boulders.
Ranger:
Its getting daylight, captain. We haven't made much progress --
PRESTON:
If we could only get a couple of these biggest ones started, it would bring an avalanche of stones down onto that trail.
Ranger:
The path leading out of the canyon is just narrow enough.
PRESTON:
Let's both get on this pole and try to start one of these big boulders.
Ranger:
Right!
BIZ:
MUCH GRUNTING, GROANING, AND SCRATCHING, BUT TO NO AVAIL. VERY FAINTLY, THE SOUND OF AN INDIAN WAR PARTY BEGINS TO BE HEARD IN THE BACKGROUND. BOTH MEN SIGH AND CATCH THEIR BREATH.
PRESTON:
It's too big. Can't even budge it.
Ranger:
(ALERT) Preston! Listen! (BEAT)
PRESTON:
Yes, they're coming! Those Indians will be through the canyon before we can stop them!
Ranger:
Heaven help those soldiers if we don't stop them!
PRESTON:
We haven't been able to move enough rock to block even part of the trail....
Ranger:
Wait. Give me your saddle rope. (CALLING OUT) here Silver! Come on, boy!
BIZ:
SILVER GALOPS UP QUICKLY AS THE LONE RAHGEK SAYS:
Ranger:
We'll tie our two ropes together, throw a loop over that biggest boulder, and let Silver pull while we pry with the pole.
PRESTON:
If it works, we'll start a regular landslide!
Ranger:
Hurry - they're coming up to the canyon now! Here... (HCOFBEATS CONTINUE) There! Ready Preston? Its our last chance!
PRESTON:
I'm ready. . . .
Ranger:
Silver! Go, boy! (BIG HOOVES) Pull Hard! Now Captain, heave! Pull Silver! Harder!! Pull Harder!!
BIZ:
SILVER'S HOOVES, SCRAPING OF POLE AND ROCK, AND INDIANS IN THE FAR BG.
PRESTON:
Look Out!....There it goes!
Ranger:
Cut those ropes off - go on, Silver! Move Out!
BIZ:
THE SOUNDS OF A ROCKSLIDE BEGIN QUIETLY, BUT GROW AND GROW AND GROW, CUTTING OFF THE INDIANS' PASSAGE. AFTER A MOMENT THE AVALANCHE SLOWS TO A STOP.
Ranger:
We made it, Captain - they're blocked.
PRESTON:
Yes... Thanks to that magnificent horse. I hate to think what would have happened if they'd gotten through the pass...There are enough redskins down there to massacre the garrison.
Ranger:
Look down the slope, Preston! Here comes Tonto and the soldiers from Wolf River!
BIZ:
IN THE DISTANCE, A CAVALRY BUGLE CAN BE HEARD TO BLOW. GUNS BEGIN FIRING
PRESTON:
They're just in time to block the exit at the other end of the canyon!
BIZ:
SOUNDS OF BIG BATTLE IN THE CANYON BELOW.
MUSIC COMES UP STRONG OVER BATTLE SOUNDS.
MUSIC FALLS DOWN AFTER SEVEN SECONDS OR SO...
OFFICER:
You fellas turned a mighty good trick. I think we owe our lives to you. So you're the Lone Ranger. I'm proud to meet you.
Ranger:
Thank you, sir. This is Captain Harvey Preston, on special duty with the Texas Rangers.
OFFICER:
How do you do, sir.
PRESTON:
How do you do?
OFFICER:
We'll keep those varmints pinned up down there 'till they get ready to throw down their rifles.
Ranger:
Your rifles, colonel. Big Taggert made a deal with Chief Red Fox.
OFFICER:
Taggert? Why, that theivin' pole-cat!
Ranger:
He's more than a thief, sir. He murdered his own guard and driver to get those rifles to the Indians.
OFFICER:
So that's what your Injun friend was trying to tell me, about the Lone Ranger bein' out here tryin' to stop a bunch of Indians on. the warpath. I figured our best bet was to ride out and meet them. We started right then.
PRESTON:
Colonel. I've got Taggert and his men prisoners. I wonder if you could arrange an escort to help me get them to San Antone.
OFFICER:
Sure, Captain, it'd be a pleasure to get that scoundrel into prison.(BEAT) And 1 want to say it's a blame good thing for all of us that the masked man here found the --- where on earth did they go to?
PRESTON:
Why...he was just here a second ago...
OFFICER:
Well, no matter. He's probably started off on some new trail. After all, that's his job; he's... the Lone Ranger!
TONTO, Ranger:
(IN, DISTANCE) Get-em up, Scout! Hi-yo, Silver, awayyyy!
BIZ:
THEME MUSIC UP FULL
(INSERT SPOT HERE)
MUSIC:
UP
ANNCR:
The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, is produced by Trendle-Campbell-Muir incorporated. The Lone Ranger wasy played by _____ . Announcer, ___________
MUSIC:
CLOSE