C (4:38)

Bernie Winkle.

B (4:46)

The three ragged veterans named Bernie Ladner, Rex Quinn and Waco drew rein. Separated since the start of the war. They dismounted, shook hands, slapped each other on the back and exchanged warm greetings.

C (4:57)

Gone it, Ross. You've changed considerable. So you wake up. Where'd you get all that gray hair, Ross? The Yankees gave it to me. Yeah, they gave me a bullet at Chancellorville. But I was lucky. It hit me in the shoulder where it didn't do any permanent damage. There's been plenty of permanent damage done around here. Things are bad in Texas, Ross. It could be worse, Rex. What do you mean, worse? I talked to a lot of people on my way here. They told me what the situation is. I came back because this is an ideal base of operation. What kind of operations? Fighting operations. We're surrendered, Roy. I look at the surrender as a temporary truce. Truce? Thunderation. We were beaten into the ground. We were outnumbered, out supplied, but we weren't out generaled or out fought. Even with better weapons and ammunition than we had. The Yanks didn't put up a better fight, man for man. We could have whipped them if we'd had the food to keep going. Well, it's over now. Not for me, it isn't. What do you mean? No, For a lot of other veterans I've talked to on the way here. We'll fight again. With what? A guerrilla force to harass the Federals. When we build up an army large enough to do some real damage, we'll go to one of our generals and ask him to take command. But you'll need weapons, ammunition, horses, food. You can't get those without money. Rex, do you know what a steer's worth in Northern markets?

D (6:21)

No.

C (6:22)

It'll bring $40 in hard American cash. $40? $40 a head? That's right. And the people in the north will buy as much beef as we can deliver. I aim to deliver that beef. I'll use all the cash I can accumulate to buy what we need. Are you boys willing to throw in with me? Well, I'm game, Ross. So am I. Count on me.

D (6:43)

Good.

C (6:44)

We've a lot of hard work ahead of us, boys, but we'll be working for the South. For the Confederacy.

B (6:52)

Ross and his friends found other young veterans to help round up cattle, enough to begin the ambitious drive to the north. At length, they were ready to start. The drive progressed without interruption until it reached Kansas. There the Texans were stopped by the fences of farmers who refused to let the cattle cross their land. It was late at night and a full moon shone brightly on the campfire where Ross, Rex, Quinn, Bernie Ladner and Waco sat making plans.

C (7:30)

Hey. Two riders heading this way. Probably a couple of the boys coming to see if we figured a way to get past those fences. They're not our boys, Rex. They're coming from that homestead. They're riding good horses. Great day, horse. One of those fellows is mad. Away.

B (7:46)

Go.

C (7:46)

Cover them, boys.

B (7:47)

The Texans didn't know that the last man was the Lone Ranger. Expecting trouble, they held their guns steady as the tall stranger and his Indian companion drew rein at the edge of the fire lit clearing.

C (7:59)

You're coming, mister?

D (8:01)

It is customary for men from Texas to draw guns without cause.

C (8:04)

That mask is cause enough. How'd you know we were from Texas?

D (8:07)

A homesteader named Ned Morgan told me. He also asked me to tell you that you may drive your cattle across his land.

C (8:14)

What did you say?

D (8:15)

If you come with Hollow me, we'll take you to Morgan.

B (8:20)

A short time later, Ross, Rex, Bernie and Waco were in Ned Morgan's small cabin. With Morgan were two other homesteaders who agreed to let the Texans cross their land. Ross Colburn thanked them and said, there's.

C (8:32)

Just one thing I don't savvy, Morgan. You and every homesteader around here were dead set against letting us through. What changed your mind? The masked man who brought you here. He found out that your drive was stopped. Pointed out the fact that Hank and Mark and I didn't have any crops planted. He talked us into taking down our fences and letting you through our land. We're downright obliged to you, Morgan. Yeah. If there's any way we can repay you, don't thank me and my friends thank the masked man. But why did he want to help us? I don't know. The next time you meet the Lone Ranger, ask him.

B (9:08)

The Lone Ranger? That was the first time the Texans met the masked man. But they were destined to meet again. The drive was Completed, and on the return trip, Ross and his friends reached an agreement with the homesteaders, an agreement that would permit them to cross the farmland at a later date. They used the profits from the drive to buy guns, ammunition, horses and supplies and concentrated on accumulating more with which to finance their plans. After several other drives, their activities finally came to the attention of federal authorities. Messages concerning them were flashed to Washington. Agents were sent to investigate the situation, and when they returned to the capital, they reported directly to the President. The result was an immediate summons to the governor of Texas. The governor hurried to Washington, and on his return home, he stopped briefly at the ranch of Clarabelle Hornblow. When he left, Clarabelle and Thunder both knew that the governor wanted to see the Lone Ranger. Several days later, the masked man and his Indian companions stopped at the ranch. As soon as they entered the house, Clarabelle told them of the governor's visit. The Lone Ranger and Toto swung to the saddle and headed for the governor's residence. After two days and nights of steady travel, they drew rein and dismounted in the darkness a short distance from the official mansion. Keeping to the shadows to avoid being seen, the Lone Ranger made his way to the French doors of the governor's office. Looking inside, he saw that the official was alone. He tapped on the glass softly. A moment later, the door opened.

C (10:56)

It's you.

D (10:56)

Good evening, Governor.

C (10:57)

Come inside, please.

B (10:59)

I must talk to. The governor drew the office curtains, then took a number of papers and maps from his desk.

C (11:07)

These came from Washington. The president himself entrusted them to me.

D (11:12)

Then you've been to Washington?

C (11:13)

Yes. I was sent for because a group of veterans here in Texas are organizing an army to continue the struggle against federal authority.

D (11:23)

Who's leading the army?

C (11:24)

Four Confederate soldiers.

D (11:27)

Errars.

C (11:28)

Colburn seems to be the leader. He was with Colonel Mosby's Virginia Cavalry during the war.

D (11:34)

Mosby's Rangers, huh?

C (11:35)

Yes. Was an artilleryman in the army of Northern Virginia. Rex Quinn is one of the few survivors of Jackson's famous Stonewall Brigade. And a man named Waco ruled with Jeb Stuart's cavalry. Government agents investigated all of them.

D (11:55)

Here are the reports. Colburn, Ladner, Gwynne and Waco.

C (12:01)

You know them?

D (12:02)

Yes, sir. We met some time ago when they were driving cattle through Kansas. If the president is aware of the situation, why doesn't he send troops to disband the army?

C (12:13)

To disband them by force would accomplish the immediate purpose. But it would do nothing to erase the hatreds that resulted in war. Unless those men voluntarily accept our flag. As their flag, we can never hope for real peace and unity.

B (12:40)

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger adventure before the next exciting themes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments. This is Mel Allen, sports announcer.

C (13:00)

And I've been in this business long enough to know that champions are made, not born. Isn't that the way it should be? Gives every youngster a chance.

B (13:08)

Take Betty Shallow, figure skating beauty with the famous Ship Stads and Johnson Ice Follies.

C (13:12)

Why, she was learning to cut figure eights years ago.

B (13:15)

Been eating Wheaties since she was only chin high to her breakfast bowl.

C (13:19)

Twenty years ago, that was. Or Otto Graham of the Cleveland Browns, who can thread a needle with a forward pass. Otto made himself a champion.

B (13:27)

Practiced hours, every chance he had and been really going for that wheaties breakfast for 23 seasons. There's a doggone much honest energy packed into Wheaties.

C (13:37)

Nothing you pick at and push aside.

B (13:39)

For Wheaties are downright goblin good.

C (13:43)

Let me say again what champions know. There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties plate. And don't you lose track of this fact for a minute. Champions are made, not born.

B (13:54)

Get on your way with Wheaties breakfast of champions.

C (14:15)

Now.

B (14:15)

To continue, the Lone Ranger listened soberly to the governor's account of the problem that might result in the resumption of hostilities between the north and South.

C (14:24)

Those armed veterans must disband willingly disarm and return to their homes.

D (14:30)

What can I do to help, sir?

C (14:31)

I'm authorized to ask you to act unofficially for the government. If you are acquainted with Colburn and his friends, you may be able to persuade them to give up their plan.

D (14:41)

I don't think that's possible, sir.

C (14:43)

What?

D (14:44)

I haven't got much influence with them.

C (14:47)

You could reason with them.

D (14:49)

You think that would change their loyalties?

C (14:51)

But confound it, there must be a way short of bloodshed to stop him. I told the president you were the only man who could do it.

D (15:00)

Only one man could do it.

C (15:02)

But if you can do it, who can?

D (15:05)

Robert E. Lee.

C (15:07)

Commanding general of the Confederate forces?

D (15:10)

Yes, sir.

C (15:11)

You expect him to persuade Confederate soldiers to abandon their plans?

D (15:15)

Yes, sir.

C (15:16)

But he represents everything they fought for. He's the greatest rebel of them all.

D (15:21)

He's a great man. I think he's a great American.

C (15:24)

He's a paroled prisoner of war, sir.

D (15:27)

Governor, would you give me a letter of introduction to General Lee?

C (15:31)

You counting on his help?

D (15:33)

I'm going to ask for it.

C (15:36)

I'll give you the letter, but I should be Sorry to report to the President that we have failed.

D (15:42)

Save your report until you hear from me, sir.

B (15:48)

It was mid afternoon of the next day when a sentry halted the Lone Ranger and Tonto at the entrance to a valley near Mule Jaw Mountain.

C (15:56)

Don't try reaching for your gun.

D (15:57)

Where's Ross Colburn? In camp. Will you take me to him?

C (16:01)

All right. But I'll have to fire a warning shot to alert the camp that you're coming.

D (16:04)

Go ahead.

C (16:06)

There. Now then, mister, follow me.

D (16:09)

Come on.

B (16:09)

The sentry led the way through the valley entrance. Rounding a bend in the trail, they saw a group of armed men coming toward them. Colburn and his three friends were in the lead.

D (16:24)

Colburn, I'm here to see you and your three friends.

C (16:28)

You're the Lone Ranger?

D (16:29)

That's right.

C (16:30)

Back to your test, Mayor. This man is in a prey.

D (16:33)

Colborn, let's go into your tent. We have a lot to talk about.

B (16:38)

Cockburn and his friends led the way to an army tent. Tonto stood guard outside while the Lone Ranger told the four veterans that the authorities were aware of their activities.

D (16:48)

They know the location of this headquarters and they know your plans.

C (16:52)

Thanks for the warning, mister. Now that we know they're wise to us, we'll move carefully.

D (16:56)

You intend to. Go ahead.

C (16:57)

Your door. Go right.

D (16:59)

Who'll need you?

C (17:00)

If Jeb Stuart were alive, he'd map strategies that'd drive the Yankees clean out of the Southwest. Stuart's dead. There's Mosby. Maybe he.

D (17:07)

You're talking about subordinate officers. You're entirely forgetting the greatest general of them all. Why, the man who led the Confederate Army.

C (17:16)

You mean.

D (17:17)

I mean Robert E. Lee.

C (17:18)

Great day. If General Lee would take command, why.

D (17:22)

Not ask him what he thinks of your plan?

C (17:24)

Where would we find him?

D (17:26)

I'll take you to him. Will your men remain here until we return?

C (17:29)

Well, they'll stay here till doomsday if they think the general's coming back to lead him.

B (17:40)

Eager for the sight of their old commander, the four veterans quickly prepared for the long journey with a masked man and Toto leaving orders with the men who were to remain in the valley.

C (17:49)

Ross asked, are you fellas all set? Travel.

B (17:59)

The writers traveled at a ground covering load. And during the long trip, the Lone Ranger and Toto found the ex soldiers good companions. Avoiding towns and settlements where the Lone Ranger's mask would be questioned. They rolled steadily as they moved into the state of Virginia. The men became grim and silent. They were not far from the battlefield fields where many of their comrades had fallen.

D (18:20)

We'll reach Lexington tonight.

C (18:22)

That's where we'll find General Lee. Yes.

B (18:35)

It was after 9 o' clock that evening when they reached the vicinity of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia. They drew rain a short distance from.

D (18:43)

The college building.

B (18:46)

While the four veterans studied the moonlit landscape. The Lone Ranger took the governor's letter from his pocket and handed it to Toto.

D (18:52)

Toto, will you take this letter to General Lee and ask him if you'll meet us here?

B (18:57)

Where may find him?

D (18:58)

He'll be in the college president's house. You'll have to ask directions to it.

C (19:06)

Do you think you'll come to meet us, mister?

D (19:08)

We'll have to wait and see.

B (19:13)

The men dismounted and stood beside their horses waiting for Toto to return. Five minutes passed. Ten minutes, and then the sound of hoops broke the quiet of the college surroundings. At length, two riders came into view. They recognized Toto, but the hat brim obscured the face of the other horseman. There was something familiar about the gait of the handsome gray horse and an unmistakable dignity about the man in the saddle. Suddenly, Ross Colburn reached for his hat. As he removed it, he murmured.

C (19:51)

Boys, it's Master Robert.

B (19:55)

Uncle Bob.

A (19:56)

General.

C (19:57)

General Lee.

B (20:02)

The rider who brought the beloved war horse traveler to a halt in the moonlit clearing was no ordinary man. For no ordinary man could have inspired the blind loyalty of men like Stonewall Jackson, Jeb Stewart, AP Hill, and countless other brave soldiers. Robert E. Lee was a great man, and as the Lone Ranger met him for the second time in his career, he knew that he had made no mistake in reuniting before four veterans with their old commander. The general's voice was warm and friendly when he spoke to the masked man.

C (20:34)

We've met before, sir.

D (20:36)

I wasn't sure you'd remember the meeting. General Lee. I do remember him.

C (20:41)

He did me a great service in.

D (20:42)

The west years ago.

C (20:44)

I'm glad to see you again.

D (20:45)

Thank you, sir.

C (20:47)

Well, gentlemen, what may I do for you? Captain Ross Colburn, 43rd Battalion, Virginia Cavalry, reporting for duty. General duty, Captain Colville? That's right, sir. Our friends and I are here to offer our services. We've accumulated guns, ammunition, supplies and a hundred ex soldiers who are ready to go on with the fight.

B (21:07)

Ross spoke eagerly, but the general listened in silence.

C (21:11)

We've only a hundred men now, but if we can go back to Texas and say that you'll lead us, we'll be able to muster an army of thousands. So that's why you're here. We've come all the way from Texas to ask you to lead us again. We weren't out fought the last time, General Lee. And with luck, sir, no, we weren't out fought. Captain, no men ever fought better than those who stood by me. We'll lick the Yankees for sure this time. Gentlemen, the disputed matters between the north and south were decided by war. We must abide by that decision. I gave my word, gentlemen. But, sir, we won every battle the south fort what came. Oh, you were good soldiers, loyal soldiers. But your duty now is to unite in an honest effort to obliterate the effects of war and restore the blessings of peace to our land. Peace, sir? Yes. Promote harmony and good feeling. Qualify yourselves to vote and then elect to the state and general legislatures wise and patriotic men who devote their abilities to the individual interests of the country and the healing of dissensions. I have invariably recommended this course since the cessation of hostilities and I've endeavored to practice it myself.

D (22:29)

But.

C (22:30)

But what about us? We've worked to build up an armed force. We've got supplies and men all ready to fight. We're waiting for orders. Gentlemen, I earnestly hope that you will abandon your animosity is and make your sons American.

B (23:02)

Later that night, the four veterans were traveling west. They had been silent and thoughtful until Ross suddenly missed the masked man who had been traveling with them.

C (23:12)

Where's the Lone Ranger? He said he had to send a telegram to the governor of Texas. He and Taro will join us later. Well, boys, we have a lot to do. When we get home, we'll have to disband the men, divide the weapons and the food and head back to our ranches to try to build them up again. Never expected things to turn out this way. I think the mask man knew how they'd turn out. What do you mean, Ro? I don't think General Lee's advice was any surprise to the Lone Ranger. Diving Doris is 13 and she is a diving queen. She can do a flip feet cause she knows she's got gold power from Cheerios. Yes, she's got gold power. There she goes. She's feeling her Cheerios. Cheerios. Cheerios.

B (24:28)

Kids, every delicious spoonful of Cheerios and milk is real muscle building food. Each spoonful contains vitamins, minerals and proteins your body needs. Yes, the good things in a Cheerios breakfast do good things for your body. Help you have healthy nerves, good red.

C (24:43)

Blood, strong bones and muscles.

B (24:45)

Cheerios, remember is made from oats yet needs no cooking. Eat Cheerios the cereal shaped like little letter O's.

C (24:53)

Then you'll hear people say she's feeling her Cheerios.

B (25:11)

The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, is created by George W. Trendle, produced by Twindle Campbell, Muir Incorporated, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer, your announcer, Fred Foy. The Lone Ranger is brought to you by General Mills every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at this same time. Be sure to listen this recorded program.

C (25:47)

Has come to you from Detroit.

B (25:49)

This is ABC Radio Network.

A (26:06)

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

C (27:03)

Sam.