BILLY STEELE: KID RANGER, IRON HORSE VS. IRON GIANTS

A squad of ghostly warriors, adorned in war paint and riding wild stallions, howled their anguish cries of injustice and rage—sounds that chilled the soldier’s spine.

The ghost warriors then disappeared, but were quickly replaced by images of fantastic creatures. A ferocious bear like animal and a demonic cougar beast, both looked like avenging animals clawed their way through the tiny cave.

Instead of gasping in fear, White Eagle smiled, for he knew his magic was reaching the evil spirits surrounding the boy. "Here, I need your help," the Indian pleaded to the white Col. White Eagle handed Col. Tim an ancient, enchanted drum.

"Beat this and do not stop no matter what horrors befall your eyes," White Eagle instructed. With his only thought being the saving of his adopted son’s life, Col. Tim agreed and banged on the enchanted instrument with military precision all through the night as White Eagle unleashed more of his magic. Both silently prayed to their respective gods to bring Billy back to life.

Meanwhile, miles away, the slimy Sheriff Whipjaw, always scrounging for an easy dollar, saw Iron Hand working at Lupe’s farm. He remembered how the President offered a reward for information about the mechanical creatures who destroyed the joining of the railroad. After spying in the underbrush to get the details, Whipjaw galloped to Paradise Valley’s telegraph office and sent a message to the chief executive himself.

In near record time, a sea of blue US troops converged on Lupe’s tiny farm. Federal troops, too many to count fixed their bayonets on their rifles, loaded their cannons and machine guns and prepared to attack the lone robot Iron Hand. The troops were led by an elaborately attired cavalry officer nicknamed "Yellow hair," George Armstrong Custer wanted to make himself famous and by destroying this robot enemy of America, he would find his name in newspapers both east and west of St. Louis.

Lupe and her family were frightened into a quivering mass upon seeing so many soldiers descend on their tiny home. They clutched each other for protection and prayed for forgiveness while making the sign of the sacred cross as US troops loaded their carbine rifles and mighty cannons.

Gen. Custer’s saber reflected the golden sun as "Yellow Hair" tossed back his mane with pompous authority as he interrogated the helpless family.

"Well, little lady," Custer said condescendingly," where is that magic machine you have? This thing caused a lot of damage o the railroad and the nation. And that thing stole the golden spike; the whole country is looking for it. The President wants the robot destroyed. Now you taco benders want to help the government that lets you stay. Don’t you? Just point it out and we’ll do the rest. Better do it now before it turns on you."

Lupe had earlier sent Iron Hand to a field to gather crops so she knew he would be safe for a while. "He’s not a killing machine," the plucky tomboy yelled with defiance in the General’s face. "He saved our farm. It may be a machine but it has a heart. Our family needs him. He’s innocent until proven guilty. That’s what Miss Cartright, my teacher taught me…"

Suddenly, Iron hand’s clank could be heard in the distance. The robot had brought basketfuls of crops for the family to sell. The approach of his victim was a trumpet upon Custer’s ear. Upon the General’s order, the battery of troops turned and targeted their fury at Iron Hand.

"NO, please don’t….," cried Lupe in a tearful rage.

Then without warning, an enormous golden cannon ball demolished a squad of Custer’s soldiers.