Missing Pardon

Originally Aired: December 12, 1938The Lone Ranger #917, "Missing Pardon," finds the masked rider and Tonto confronted by Vern Jackson, an escaped convict bent on revenge. Vern accuses the Lone Ranger of murdering his brother Walt and believes he has proof—a mask found beside Walt's body. Despite the deadly confrontation, the Lone Ranger subdues the hot-headed young man and hears his story. Vern reveals how Jake Fowler framed him for theft to steal his gold claim, then had Walt killed before he could file the claim himself. Though Vern remains convinced the Lone Ranger is working with Fowler, the masked man suspects a deeper conspiracy.Rather than turn Vern over to the law immediately, the Lone Ranger strikes an unusual bargain: he gives Vern three days before they meet at a cabin near Crow Creek for a showdown. The Lone Ranger believes Vern is no thief and recognizes that only by uncovering the truth about Walt's murder and the missing mask can he clear his own name and bring the real killer to justice. With Tonto's help, he plans to investigate Jake Fowler before their fateful appointment.