Ranger Bill 54-04-14 ep109 VIPs Visit Knotty Pine aka The Disappearing Buffalo Herd

Summary

Podcast Summary: Ranger Bill 54-04-14 ep109 VIPs Visit Knotty Pine aka The Disappearing Buffalo Herd

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Ranger Bill 54-04-14 ep109 VIPs Visit Knotty Pine aka The Disappearing Buffalo Herd
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Release Date: May 7, 2025
• Description: Relive the Golden Age of Radio with captivating stories that hark back to a time before television, where families gathered around the radio to enjoy beloved shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet.

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Introduction

The episode titled "VIPs Visit Knotty Pine aka The Disappearing Buffalo Herd" immerses listeners into an adventurous tale featuring Ranger Bill and his dedicated team. Set against the backdrop of the lush woodland, the story unfolds with a mysterious disappearance that threatens both the pride of the Forestry Service and the upcoming visit of several VIPs.

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Arrival of Colonel Anders and the Special Inspection

The episode kicks off with Ranger Bill introducing himself and his role as the guardian of the forest, battling natural adversities like bears, rattlesnakes, and mountain lions (00:08). Ranger Bill’s commitment is evident when he states, “All this in exchange for the satisfaction and pride of a job well done” (00:41).

The tranquility is soon disrupted by the arrival of Colonel Anders aboard the Milkland Special train, intended for a thorough inspection of the Forestry Service operations. Gray Wolf humorously remarks, “A train for Colonel Anders to take to Knotty Pine. Stops at every calf crossing and hitching post along the way” (01:27), highlighting the slow pace of the journey.

Colonel Anders reveals the purpose of his visit: “I didn’t get a chance to tell you before. Colonel's here to make a very thorough inspection of our operations” (02:22). The inspection gains urgency when Henry mentions, “There are some very important people who are going to pay you a visit” (02:46), setting the stage for the ensuing mystery.

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The Missing Buffalo Herd

Governor Jones discovers that the local buffalo herd has vanished, a baffling occurrence given that such a large group of animals wouldn't simply disappear without a trace. At 03:20, Governor Jones exclaims, “Why didn’t you tell me it was just this old burglar alarm?” reflecting his initial confusion.

As the team investigates, Stumpy confirms the alarming news: “I said the buffalo not here” (04:14). The situation intensifies when Governor Jones remarks, “The buffalo not here” (04:43), underscoring the severity of the missing herd.

Colonel Anders remains skeptical yet composed: “They always been around the feeding barns… till the grass gets good out in the range” (04:37), indicating that environmental factors are unlikely the cause. The mystery deepens as Henry adds, “We’ve got to produce them when they visit here” (09:25), emphasizing the critical need to resolve the disappearance before the VIPs arrive.

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VIPs' Visit and Added Pressure

The urgency escalates with the impending visit of three VIPs: the governor, a senator, and the secretary of the Department of Interior. The narrative introduces these characters through a conversation between the governor and his aides (12:26), highlighting their anticipation to witness the renowned buffalo herd in person.

At 18:21, Henry reveals the gravity of the situation: “They're coming here to see the herd. That's the main purpose of their visit, Bill. In a way, the honor of the Forestry Service is at stake.” This comment underscores the high stakes involved, as failure to present the herd could result in embarrassment and potential reprimand from higher authorities.

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The Investigation and Breakthrough

Ranger Bill, determined to solve the mystery, collaborates with his team to trace the buffalo's disappearance. Colonel Anders proposes, “Well, first thing after we saddle up, let’s follow the Herd's trail to where it ends” (10:40), initiating a methodical search.

Despite initial setbacks, including unremarkable leads and dead-end trails, the team's persistence begins to pay off. At 24:34, Colonel Anders makes a significant discovery: “That's where buffalo are, Henry. That arroyo is large enough to hold the entire herd and a lot more.” This revelation points to a hidden arroyo where the buffalo have taken refuge.

The breakthrough occurs when Colonel Anders decides to investigate further by taking a swim in the Shady River, a move that leads him to uncover the hidden ledge where the buffalo have been sheltered (25:11). Ranger Bill’s unconventional method proves crucial: “I just went for a swim, Colonel, and, well, there they were” (27:37), showcasing his resourcefulness and determination.

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Conclusion and Wrap-Up

With the buffalo herd successfully located, Ranger Bill and Colonel Anders prepare to present the recovered animals to the VIPs. Governor Jones acknowledges the team’s effort: “I'll have to apologize, young feller. Next time he goes swimming at the wrong time, I’m going with you” (26:48), illustrating his appreciation and recognition of Bill’s dedication.

The episode concludes on a high note with all concerns resolved just in time for the VIPs' visit. Governor Jones humorously reflects on the narrow escape: “What a relief when I saw the herd as we pulled up in the car” (27:24). The narrator sums up the adventure by commending the team’s perseverance: “Well, Stumpy, all's well that ends well, they say” (28:35), leaving listeners with a satisfying conclusion to the mystery.

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Notable Quotes

• Ranger Bill: “All this in exchange for the satisfaction and pride of a job well done.” (00:41)
• Governor Jones: “The buffalo not here.” (04:43)
• Henry: “They’re coming here to see the herd. That’s the main purpose of their visit, Bill.” (18:21)
• Colonel Anders: “I just went for a swim, Colonel, and, well, there they were.” (27:37)
• Narrator: “Well, Stumpy, all's well that ends well, they say.” (28:35)

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Key Characters

• Ranger Bill: The steadfast guardian of the forest, leading the investigation to find the missing buffalo herd.
• Henry: Ranger Bill’s trusty assistant, instrumental in coordinating the search efforts.
• Gray Wolf: A member of the ranger team, providing both support and comic relief.
• Stumpy: Another ranger, contributing to the team’s dynamics and problem-solving.
• Colonel Anders: The visitor conducting a special inspection, whose investigation methods prove pivotal.
• Governor Jones: The state governor, concerned about the missing herd and the upcoming VIP visit.
• Mr. Secretary & Senator Rand: High-profile guests visiting Knotty Pine to witness the buffalo herd.

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Overall Insights

This episode masterfully blends suspense, mystery, and camaraderie, capturing the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. Through engaging dialogue and strategic plot developments, listeners are kept on the edge of their seats as Ranger Bill and his team race against time to resolve the disappearance of the buffalo herd. The inclusion of notable quotes and character interactions enriches the narrative, making it a memorable addition to the Harold's Old Time Radio series.

Transcript

[Ranger Bill]

Ranger Bill, warrior of the woodland. Ranger Bill, warrior of the woodland. Struggling against extreme odds. Traveling dangerous trails. Fighting the many enemies of nature. This is the job of the guardian of the forest. Ranger Bill. Pouring rain, freezing cold, blistering heat. Snow, floods, bears, rattlesnakes, mountain lions.

[Henry]

Yes.

[Ranger Bill]

All this in exchange for the satisfaction and pride of a job well done.

[Narrator]

Say, boys and girls, have you ever heard of big things disappearing right out from under your nose? Oh, like a building or a car or a mountain.

[Stumpy]

Right.

[Narrator]

Now you're saying. Don't be foolish. You can't lose anything as big as that. Well, you can. And in today's adventure with Bill and his Rangers, we're going to find out what it is and how it all happened. Right now, Bill and Henry are waiting for Colonel Anders to arrive on the noon train.

[Gray Wolf]

Here comes the Milkland Special, Bill. What? A train for Colonel Anders to take to Knotty Pine. Stops at every calf crossing and hitching post along the way.

[Colonel Anders]

You're right, pal. I wouldn't dare to ride it. But the colonel has a reason.

[Gray Wolf]

What reason would anyone have to ride that slow boat to China unless they just wanted to look at the scenery.

[Colonel Anders]

Well, that's what he's doing, huh?

[Gray Wolf]

You mean the colonel's out looking at the scenery?

[Colonel Anders]

Yeah.

[Gray Wolf]

Well, why, he's been looking at this kind of country most of his life, hasn't he?

[Colonel Anders]

Ask me later. Henry, here comes the colonel now. Let's give him a hand with his bag.

[Gray Wolf]

Oh, sure, Bill.

[Henry]

Hello, Bill. Henry.

[Colonel Anders]

Hello, Colonel Anders. How are you, sir?

[Henry]

Fine, and you?

[Colonel Anders]

Same, thank you.

[Gray Wolf]

Hiya, Colonel. Here, let me take your bag.

[Henry]

Thank you, Henry. Well, Bill, are you all set?

[Colonel Anders]

Yes, we are, sir.

[Gray Wolf]

All set. Why? Something going on around here I don't know anything about?

[Colonel Anders]

That's right, pal. I didn't get a chance to tell you before. Colonel's here to make a very thorough inspection of our operations.

[Gray Wolf]

Something special?

[Henry]

Why, yes, Henry. Some very important people are going to pay you a visit.

[Gray Wolf]

Oh, so that's why you took the milk train, huh, Colonel? Sort of looking things over as you went along?

[Henry]

That's right.

[Colonel Anders]

You.

[Henry]

Yes, Henry.

[Gray Wolf]

May I ask who the very important people are?

[Henry]

Why, yes. The governor of our state, one of our senators in Washington and the secretary of the Department of Interior.

[Governor Jones]

Here comes the red skin. Don't shoot those on her fingers.

[Stumpy]

Quiet, Stumpy. Shut off alarm.

[Governor Jones]

Why didn't you tell me it was just this old burglar alarm? Gray wolf sound to me like the 400 was going by.

[Stumpy]

You must have plenty of good sleep. You Heap Woody this morning.

[Governor Jones]

You talk about morning. Let's take a peek, see what kind of a day it is.

[Stumpy]

Also see if everything all right with buffalo herd.

[Colonel Anders]

They'll be all right.

[Governor Jones]

Last night, the whole shooting match home was close to the feeding barns. Sure is a beautiful day. Breathe in that morning air, would ya?

[Stumpy]

Say, where's hurt, Stumpy? They nowhere in sight.

[Governor Jones]

Huh? What'd you say, young feller?

[Stumpy]

I said the buffalo not here.

[Governor Jones]

But they gotta be here.

[Stumpy]

They gotta be here. But they're not.

[Governor Jones]

Great day in the morning. Yeah, you're right, Gray Wolf.

[Gray Wolf]

No.

[Colonel Anders]

Ain't that peculiar?

[Governor Jones]

They always been around the feeding barns. That is, till the grass gets good out in the range.

[Stumpy]

Grass not good on range yet. They should be here.

[Governor Jones]

It's mighty odd looking to me, Gray Wolf. I think we'd better saddle up and find that.

[Colonel Anders]

Oh, Storm.

[Henry]

Boy, oh, boy.

[Colonel Anders]

Well, you all set for the inspection tour, Colonel?

[Henry]

Yes, Bill. There's a fine mount you've given me. Easy there, Dusty.

[Colonel Anders]

You ready, Henry?

[Gray Wolf]

Sure. Best quiet down, girl. Quiet down.

[Colonel Anders]

Now, where do you want to go first, Colonel Anders?

[Henry]

I'd like to take a look at the herd first, Bill. That's what the governor seems most interested in. You know, largest herd in the country and all that.

[Colonel Anders]

All right, Colonel. Get up there, Storm.

[Gray Wolf]

Get up. S. Come on.

[Governor Jones]

Green Wolf, this whole thing is crazy. Let's put up a while and talk this situation over.

[Stumpy]

Oh, that's good idea.

[Governor Jones]

Well, Gray Wolf, I don't savvy these at all. We've been all over the range, ain't seen nary a critter.

[Stumpy]

Whole herd missing that. Impossible.

[Governor Jones]

Impossible is right. But I seen it with my own eyes.

[Stumpy]

And there only one conclusion.

[Governor Jones]

Yep, only one. That there herd of nickel faces has just plumb up and vanished into thin air.

[Stumpy]

Stumpy, I not worried so much about what Bill say is what Colonel Anders say when he comes.

[Governor Jones]

Colonel Anders. Great horn toads. I clean forgot about him being here for inspection.

[Stumpy]

Well, it been nice working for forestry service, Gray Wolf.

[Governor Jones]

Well, we can face the music better on a full stomach, Grey Wolf. So what do you say we wrassle up some grub for breakfast?

[Gray Wolf]

And there are some feed barns in the cabin up ahead.

[Henry]

Looks very familiar, fellas. Stumpy's told many a good yarn in that cabin. Say, Bill, where's the herd? They're usually around the barns this early in spring, aren't they?

[Colonel Anders]

Huh? I don't know where they are, Colonel. Oh, perhaps the fellows draw them to the other end of the range just to give them exercise.

[Gray Wolf]

Hey, Bill, there's Stumpy and Gray Wolf in front of the cabin now.

[Henry]

Good. Be nice to see them again.

[Gray Wolf]

Maybe the fellows will have the coffee on, Colonel and we can have a nice friendly chat over a cup of coffee.

[Henry]

Sounds good to me. Maybe Stuffy's got a story for us, huh? It's really nice to be out here at the old cabin again, fellas. Just like old times.

[Governor Jones]

Mighty nice to have you with us again, Colonel. Sorry I don't have the fixings for some flapjacks. Gray Wolf kind of effed me out of house and home.

[Gray Wolf]

And you're still living. Gray Wolf.

[Governor Jones]

Now, see here, sonny.

[Gray Wolf]

Oh, I mean because you make them so good, Stumpy.

[Henry]

I can see things haven't changed much. Well, Stumpy, how about spinning one of your famous yarns just for old times sake, huh?

[Gray Wolf]

Well.

[Colonel Anders]

Well.

[Governor Jones]

Sure, Colonel. Only the one I'm gonna tell. I can hardly believe myself.

[Gray Wolf]

This one must be good.

[Henry]

What do you mean, Stubby?

[Governor Jones]

Well, it's this way, Colonel Anders. You see, last night. I mean, this morning. No, it was last night. Something happened.

[Gray Wolf]

Oh, now we'll have it quiet, Henry.

[Henry]

Something happened. What was it?

[Governor Jones]

The buffalo herd's plum disappeared.

[Henry]

The buffalo herd's disappeared?

[Governor Jones]

Yes, sir. Old Kitten caboodle right into thin air.

[Colonel Anders]

But that's impossible, Stumpy.

[Stumpy]

No, Bill, not impossible. It true. We get on horses, ride range from one end to other. Buffalo not anywhere.

[Gray Wolf]

But how can a whole herd of buffalo just vanish?

[Stumpy]

That's plenty good question, Henry. I wish I could answer it.

[Henry]

Well, you fellows will have to find an answer soon.

[Governor Jones]

What's that?

[Stumpy]

What you mean, Colonel?

[Henry]

I mean there's some very important people who are interested in these buffalo. We've got to produce them when they visit here. Bill, you have a report ready on your progress by noon, will you? I'll go back to Knotty Pond and wait at headquarters. There's some other matters I have to attend to there.

[Colonel Anders]

All right, Colonel. Come on, boys. We've got a job to do. Find that herd.

[Gray Wolf]

The colonel took it rather calmly, didn't he, Bill? You think he would have blown his top when Stumpy gave him manure.

[Colonel Anders]

Colonel Anders is a Christian gentleman pal. Tries to understand people and their problems. However, I wouldn't want to stretch his patience and understanding too far. It'll limit, you know.

[Stumpy]

Oh, not quite, Bill. Me hope him not reach limit before we find buffalo.

[Governor Jones]

You and me? Likewise, Grey Wolf. What do you think we should do to find these missing critters, Bill?

[Colonel Anders]

Well, first thing after we saddle up, let's follow the Herd's trail to where it ends.

[Stumpy]

That easy, Bill? It's and a shady river after that. Poof. Nothing.

[Gray Wolf]

Hiya, Bess. Are you ready for some exercise?

[Colonel Anders]

Hold it, fellas.

[Gray Wolf]

What's the matter, Bill? You see something?

[Colonel Anders]

Yes, Henry. Stumpy. Gray wolf. I thought you said all the buffalo were missing.

[Stumpy]

That right, Bill? Whole herd gone?

[Governor Jones]

Yep. They all up and get clean as a whistle.

[Colonel Anders]

Well, what do you call those two animals walking around in the feedlot on the other side of this corral?

[Gray Wolf]

Man, Al, there's two buffalo in the feedlot.

[Governor Jones]

It can't be. It can't be. It's a mirage. And their critters ain't real.

[Stumpy]

If I not see with my own eyes. I say you're right, Stumpy. But those real live buffalo all right.

[Governor Jones]

But where'd it come from? There wasn't area critter here before. And where's the rest of the herd? How'd these two happen to get away from the main group?

[Colonel Anders]

Well, that's the question. How did they.

[Governor Jones]

This is crazy. I tell you. Heard something was crazy. Maybe it's me, but there wasn't any buffalo here a while ago. There's something mighty peculiar going on around here.

[Gray Wolf]

Hey, Stompy.

[Colonel Anders]

Take it easy now, old timer, slow down. You'll burst a blood vessel.

[Governor Jones]

But how do you explain it?

[Colonel Anders]

Well, I can't.

[Gray Wolf]

Looks like this is developing into a real mystery.

[Colonel Anders]

Yes, pal. And it's up to us to solve it or have our heads chopped off. Now, let's saddle up, boys and get.

[Henry]

Well.

[Mr. Secretary]

Mr. Secretary, Senator Rand. It's a genuine pleasure to have you two gentlemen here at my home.

[Narrator]

Thank you, Governor, for your hospitality. I've been impressed by the beauty of your home and your state as well.

[Senator Rand]

I agree, Mr. Secretary. Everything in this state is well maintained and a real pleasure to see. Now, Governor, how about that buffalo herd? You brag so much about it that the Secretary says he's just got to see those buffaloes.

[Mr. Secretary]

Don't worry, Mr. Secretary. You'll see the herd all right. We'll take a motor trip across the state, be in Knotty Pine Saturday morning.

[Narrator]

That's fine, Governor. I'm certainly looking forward to it.

[Senator Rand]

You know, Mr. Secretary, we've got the largest herd in the world there at Nutty Pine. The rangers have raised some beautiful animals just as majestic as they ever were back in the old western days.

[Narrator]

You'd better not describe them any further to me or I'll want to see them first thing in the morning.

[Mr. Secretary]

Well, I've arranged all the details with Colonel Anderson and Arranger Bill Jefferson. Mr. Secretary.

[Narrator]

Oh, yes. Bill's been on several special assignments for me. He and the Colonel are very competent men. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing both of them and those wonderful buffalo.

[Colonel Anders]

Well, I guess I'll have to admit this is a real puzzler, fellas.

[Gray Wolf]

And how. Say, maybe we've got flying buffalo.

[Governor Jones]

We got some kind of special buffalo. Just what you'd call them. I don't know. You can see yourself. It's no different what Gray Wolf and I found. The trail leads to the river and that's the end of it.

[Stumpy]

What make it worse is those two buffalo who showed up at feed barns. Not plenty strange to figure.

[Colonel Anders]

Yeah, I don't see any trail signs across on the other riverbank. It'd be easy to spot where they came out of the river if they swam across.

[Governor Jones]

Bill, what do you geniuses propose we do now?

[Colonel Anders]

There's only one thing to do, fellas.

[Gray Wolf]

Huh, what's that, Bill? I thought we'd looked the place over thoroughly already.

[Colonel Anders]

We have, pal. Now let's split up and search the riverbank carefully. Maybe we'll find something that way.

[Gray Wolf]

Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.

[Colonel Anders]

Greywolf and I will go downstream and Stumpy, you and Henry go upstream. You'll meet back here in two hours.

[Governor Jones]

There'll be a bandy eyed pole. Gadget, we've come all the way up to the headwaters of the Shady river and there is sign of them disappearing. Critters, Henry.

[Gray Wolf]

Yeah, it's pretty discouraging, isn't it, Stumpy?

[Governor Jones]

Worse than that Sonny Plum Exasperatin' who ever heard a flying buffalo? Maybe they turned into fish and swum.

[Colonel Anders]

Away when they hit the river.

[Gray Wolf]

Aw, Stumpy, now don't be ridiculous.

[Governor Jones]

Ridiculous, huh? Maybe you can tell me where they went to.

[Gray Wolf]

Well, they must have gone up in the air, maybe an airplane or into the river or we'd have picked up their trail by now.

[Governor Jones]

Yep, that's what I mean. Now let's go back and meet Bill and Gray Wolf and see how they made out.

[Gray Wolf]

I don't think they found any more than we did.

[Governor Jones]

How do you know? Maybe they're dragging the whole herd back on the end of a rope.

[Colonel Anders]

Well fellas, I give up. This one has me buffaloed.

[Gray Wolf]

You mean we'll have buffalo? Itis if we don't find them.

[Governor Jones]

Well, we might as well go back and face the music. The Colonel's waiting for a report.

[Stumpy]

What a report this be.

[Colonel Anders]

Might just as well get it over with, I guess. Getting dark now, anyhow, you fellas stay here and keep an eye on things. I'll make my report alone.

[Gray Wolf]

Can I go along with you, Bill?

[Colonel Anders]

No, Henry. You stay with Stumpy and Dray Wolf. I'll be back out in the morning about sunup.

[Gray Wolf]

Okay.

[Governor Jones]

Now, your report will be some encouraging, Bill.

[Colonel Anders]

What do you mean, old timer? The herd's still missing, isn't it?

[Governor Jones]

Not all of them. Bill remembered two of them came back.

[Henry]

So that's your report, eh, Bill?

[Colonel Anders]

Yes, sir, that's my report, Colonel. I'm rather ashamed, sir, but that's the truth of it.

[Henry]

And this is the best you can do?

[Colonel Anders]

I. Well, this is only a momentary failure, Colonel Anders. There has to be a logical answer as to where the buffalo went. Right now the answer is eluding us.

[Henry]

You can say that again. Well, I'll give you one more day, Bill, to find that herd.

[Colonel Anders]

Is that an ultimatum, sir?

[Henry]

Bill, don't you understand? We're being visited Saturday morning by three very important people.

[Colonel Anders]

Colonel, can't you stall them off for a while?

[Henry]

I should stall off the Secretary of the Interior and the Governor and the Senator of our state.

[Colonel Anders]

Oh, I guess not. You couldn't stall them off any more than you could a tornado. Why are they coming here, if I may ask?

[Henry]

They're coming here to see the herd. That's the main purpose of their visit, Bill. In a way, the honor of the Forestry Service is at stake. Imagine me telling the Governor that a.

[Colonel Anders]

Whole herd of his buffalo disappeared. Yeah. Does make a pretty embarrassing situation, doesn't it? Now get it, Colonel. Ranger headquarters, Bill Jefferson speaking.

[Mr. Secretary]

This is Governor Jones. I understand Colonel Anders is at your office now, Bill. May I speak to him, please?

[Colonel Anders]

You certainly can, Governor. The Governor wants to talk to you, sir.

[Henry]

Thanks, Bill. Hello? Colonel Anders speaking.

[Mr. Secretary]

Colonel, this is the Governor. I'm just making a last minute check to be sure everything's set for our visit.

[Henry]

Oh, why, yes, Governor. We're expecting you, you and the senator and the secretary first thing Saturday morning.

[Mr. Secretary]

Fine, fine. No, you'll have the buffalo herd in closely so the Secretary can take a good look at.

[Henry]

Oh, yes, sir. They'll. They'll be right around the feed barn so you gentlemen can take a look at them.

[Mr. Secretary]

Excellent.

[Governor Jones]

Colonel.

[Mr. Secretary]

You and Bill have handled this matter in an extremely competent way. I just want to be sure our guests aren't disappointed. We'll see you bright and early Saturday morning then. Goodbye.

[Governor Jones]

Goodbye.

[Colonel Anders]

Excuse me, Colonel, but haven't you stuck your neck way out, sir? How can you be sure we'll have the herd back Here by Saturday morning.

[Henry]

Well, Bill, I do have my neck stuck out pretty far, but I'm counting on you to save the day.

[Colonel Anders]

What's that, sir?

[Henry]

Yes, Bill, you've never failed me yet, and I can't believe you're going to start now.

[Colonel Anders]

But, sir, wouldn't it have been better to delay their visit another week?

[Henry]

Impossible. Two of those VIPs have come here all the way from Washington. I don't think they'd appreciate making their trip for nothing.

[Colonel Anders]

Yeah, that's right, sir. But won't they be more angry if they come here and we don't have the buffalo? Wouldn't it be better to openly admit the whole situation?

[Henry]

And how would you explain to the governor and the other gentlemen that 50 head of Buffalo have dropped right off the edge of the world? Should I tell them they all fell in the river and drowned? Oh, Belle, this is a situation for which there's no explanation. If somebody rustled the buffalo, that'd be something else again. But Whoever heard of 48 Buffalo weighing on the average 1,000 pounds per head just vanishing into thin air? Answer me that, will you?

[Colonel Anders]

If you had the answer to that question, sir, I'd gladly pay a year's wages for it. That this is a nasty situation. We did tell the governor he'd be on the spot, too. And so would the secretary and the senator if the word ever got back to Washington.

[Henry]

Yes, there might even be a Senate investigation. No, there's only one answer, Bill, and you know what that is.

[Colonel Anders]

Yes, sir. We've got to find that herd by Saturday morning.

[Gray Wolf]

More coffee, Bill?

[Colonel Anders]

Please, Henry. Sure hits the spot after the fast ride out here this morning.

[Gray Wolf]

Stumpy. Gray Wolf, how about another cup of mud?

[Governor Jones]

No, thanks, Henry.

[Colonel Anders]

I've had enough.

[Stumpy]

Me have enough for now, Henry.

[Colonel Anders]

What's the matter, fellas? This is like having breakfast before a funeral.

[Stumpy]

Maybe not as funny as it sounds, Bill. Maybe this our funeral. As for strangers.

[Governor Jones]

That's right, Dray Wolf. I'm worried, just plum worried. Here we got all the bigwigs coming and there ain't no buffalo herd to see.

[Gray Wolf]

Yeah, and if we don't have that herd here by Saturday morning, we'll all be in the soup but good.

[Governor Jones]

What are we gonna do, Bill?

[Colonel Anders]

I don't know about you fellas, but I'm going to take a swim in the Shady River.

[Governor Jones]

Huh. I guess I'll have to wash my ears out again. I ain't hearin so good today.

[Stumpy]

You hear right, Stumpy. Bill just sick and head.

[Gray Wolf]

Let me feel your forehead, Bill. You must be running a fever.

[Governor Jones]

So, young fellow, you're going swimming? Don't you know you're supposed to be looking for the missing buffalo, not swimming in the shady river? Personally, I think your roof is leaking just a bit.

[Gray Wolf]

Bill, are you serious about going swimming?

[Colonel Anders]

Why, yes. Want to come along, fellas?

[Gray Wolf]

Yeah, just for curiosity. I don't believe you're going to do it.

[Colonel Anders]

Let's go.

[Gray Wolf]

I guess he means it, fellas.

[Governor Jones]

Yeah. Too bad such a nice young fellow like Bill had to crack up early in life.

[Stumpy]

That right, Stumpy? I think he really flipped lid.

[Colonel Anders]

After I have a good swim, fellas, we'll look again for the missing buffalo. Okay.

[Gray Wolf]

After you have a good swim, Bill, we're going to take you to town where you can have a nice rest. They've got a swimming pool there.

[Governor Jones]

I don't know. Maybe we're the ones that are bomby and the rest of the world's all right. But I don't get it. It's bad enough with the buffalo missing, but now Bill's taking a swim in water so cold it would freeze an iceberg.

[Gray Wolf]

He's out in the middle of the river.

[Mr. Secretary]

Now.

[Gray Wolf]

Look at him. He must be looking for something. What's he doing anyhow?

[Stumpy]

That's plenty good question, Henry.

[Gray Wolf]

Oh. Hey, now what? He must have bumped into something in the water.

[Stumpy]

Now me going crazy, too. Look at Bill. Standing in foot of water out in middle of river.

[Governor Jones]

Great jumping jackrabbit. You know what Bill found, Johnny?

[Gray Wolf]

No, Stumpy. What?

[Governor Jones]

He's walking on a ledge of rock across the river.

[Gray Wolf]

Man alive. You're right, Stumpy. He's walked all the way across the river in only about a foot of water.

[Stumpy]

Maybe this big news we wait for.

[Colonel Anders]

Hey, fellas, I found the answer to the disappearing buffalo. Come on, storm.

[Henry]

Walk along, boy.

[Colonel Anders]

There's nothing to be afraid of.

[Gray Wolf]

You can't see where he's stepping and that scares him some.

[Colonel Anders]

Yeah, the ledge is covered with water all the way up to the headwaters of the river.

[Gray Wolf]

Easy, Bess. Easy, girl. Follow storm. Now, that's a girl. Bill.

[Colonel Anders]

Yes, Henry?

[Gray Wolf]

You think this ledge goes all along the side of the river?

[Colonel Anders]

Sure does.

[Gray Wolf]

Well, how come we didn't see it before?

[Colonel Anders]

Well, the shadows from the shady Mountains fell across the river in such a way that you wouldn't see the ledge.

[Gray Wolf]

Oh, I see.

[Colonel Anders]

I think she hidden it for long. Fellas. We haven't got too much time before the sun goes down.

[Gray Wolf]

Hey, look ahead there, fellas.

[Governor Jones]

Listen. What I see.

[Henry]

Oh, yes.

[Stumpy]

They're opening inside O cannon wall. It must be arroyo.

[Gray Wolf]

It has to be.

[Governor Jones]

Sure.

[Gray Wolf]

The water's carved out a small chasm in the soft drop of the canyon wall. We wouldn't have seen that from the other side of the river if we looked all year.

[Colonel Anders]

That's where buffalo are, Henry. That arroyo is large enough to hold the entire herd and a lot more.

[Stumpy]

Look there.

[Narrator]

Buffalo sign.

[Stumpy]

Now trail planers nose on face.

[Colonel Anders]

Let's hold up, fellas.

[Governor Jones]

Oh, that's.

[Colonel Anders]

Oh, boy. Well, there they are, boys. Our missing buffaloes. If you count noses, you'll find 48 of them, all present and accounted for.

[Gray Wolf]

Oh, this is wonderful, Bill. Hey, how did you figure this one out?

[Colonel Anders]

Well, after our careful search, all that was left was the river. Oh, I figured the river held a secret. There's only one way to find out. That was to take a swim. As soon as I bumped into the ledge, I knew what the answer was.

[Stumpy]

Plenty good think on your part, Bill.

[Governor Jones]

I'll have to apologize, young feller. Next time he goes swimming at the wrong time, I'm going with you. Maybe I can get smart, too.

[Colonel Anders]

Well, there's no use taking the herd back down to the range now. It's too late. Remove them at the crack of dawn so they're back in time for the VIPs to see. VIP sure seem pleased with the herd, Colonel Anders.

[Henry]

Oh, they're very pleased, Bill. I surely didn't know whether to have a heart attack or not this morning when I started out for here. What a relief when I saw the herd as we pulled up in the car. Tell me how you did it, Bill.

[Colonel Anders]

Oh, I just went for a swim, Colonel, and, well, there they were.

[Henry]

What? Surely you must be fooling.

[Governor Jones]

It's all right, Colonel. Don't worry. We thought he was off his trolley too, but he sure showed us a thing or two.

[Henry]

Well, you'll have to tell me all about it as soon as our guests leave. I was plenty scared you mightn't be able to produce that herd.

[Governor Jones]

You were scared? How do you think me and Gray Wolf felt?

[Henry]

Well, I don't know, Stumpy. How did you feel?

[Governor Jones]

Why, we was.

[Colonel Anders]

Yes, Stumpy.

[Governor Jones]

Well, we was.

[Gray Wolf]

Well, let's have it, Stumpy.

[Governor Jones]

We was plum petrified.

[Narrator]

Well, Stumpy, all's well that ends well, they say. And it was a pretty narrow squeak at that. What? If Bill hadn't taken a swim in the shady river, the colonel's face sure would have been red. And how about the governor's face? Well, we'll see you next week for more adventure with Ranger Bill.

[Governor Jones]

Sam.