Ranger Bill 54-08-11 ep180 The Fire Bug

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Ranger Bill – "The Fire Bug"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode: Ranger Bill 54-08-11 ep180 "The Fire Bug"
Air Date (Podcast): August 30, 2025
Original Broadcast Date: August 11, 1954

---

Episode Overview

In this classic radio episode from the Golden Age of Radio, Ranger Bill and his crew face a dire threat to the Giant Pine National Park: a relentless series of forest fires. With drought and heat turning the forest into tinder, Bill investigates the cause—discovering that old steam locomotives, run by the obstinate railroad owner Randolph Thompson, are sparking the fires. The story highlights the tension between industrial interests and environmental stewardship, culminating in action, peril, and ultimately, a lesson in cooperation.

---

Key Discussion Points and Story Progression

1. Setting the Stage: Fire Danger Looms

[01:08–02:33]

• The episode opens with a dramatic narration emphasizing the dangers of forest fires during dry, hot weather.
• Ranger Bill and his crew are on high alert, knowing that disaster could strike at any moment.

“Hot weather, little rain, dry forest. All this put together adds up to terrible danger. Forest fire. Scavenger of forests. A roaring, hungry monster consuming everything in its path.” — Narrator (01:37)

---

2. Outbreak of Fires and Initial Investigation

[02:33–04:14]

• The team responds to another fire near the South Forks, extinguishing it just in time.
• They realize this is the fifth fire in three weeks along the same railroad tracks, increasing their suspicions.

“I am too. Grey Wolf, this is the fifth fire in three weeks.” — Bill (04:16)

• They decide to camp and watch for the source of the fires, suspecting the trains.

---

3. The Railroad Company’s Reluctance

[05:00–08:21]

• Randolph Thompson, the railroad owner, refuses to invest in safety measures for his aging steam locomotives, arguing his imminent switch to diesel engines.
• Scotty, his cautious employee, warns Thompson about crossing the rangers.

“If Bill Jefferson comes to see you, you'll know you've tangled with somebody… and take a tip from me, don't rub his fur the wrong way.” — Scotty (08:17)

---

4. Proof and Confrontation

[08:43–13:32]

• Bill and Grey Wolf witness sparks coming from a locomotive, confirming their hunch.
• The rangers split up: some to check the engines, Bill and Grey Wolf to confront Thompson.
• Thompson is dismissive, refusing to spend money on spark arrestors, despite the rangers’ pleas about forest safety.

“You want me to spend a lot of time and money putting spark arrestors on some old locomotives that will be junked as soon as we get our diesels.” — Thompson (12:38)

• Bill warns Thompson that continued inaction will have consequences.

---

5. Legal Measures

[14:45–16:20]

• Frustrated, Bill seeks a court order to force Thompson’s compliance.
• Judge Deems issues an order: no trains south without spark arrestors, and violators can be arrested on the spot.

“The court order reads that during the dry spell, not one train is to move south unless it has a spark arrestor on its deck. Any person or persons who break the order may be arrested on the spot.” — Judge Deems (15:14)

• The rangers organize round-the-clock patrols to minimize risk in the meantime.

---

6. Thompson Attempts to Defy the Order

[16:52–18:59]

• Thompson tries to avoid being served the court order by riding south in a train personally. Bill serves the order to Scotty; no more trains can operate south without safety measures.

“I'll let Randolph get away with the train he's running through now, but no more. You understand, Bill, believe me, there won't be another drive wheeled turn until this whole thing is settled.” — Scotty (18:56)

---

7. The Fire Breaks Out Again

[21:12–23:22]

• Another fire is reported along the railroad tracks as Thompson attempts to return, and the rangers race to the scene.
• Bill orders dynamiting of burning treetops to create a firebreak, and more men are brought in to help.

---

8. Train Disaster and Thompson’s Change of Heart

[24:05–28:54]

• Thompson’s train, with mechanical difficulties, loses control and crashes near the fire lines but not before Bill and the others clear the tracks.
• Thompson survives with a head injury; realizing the gravity of his actions, he admits his mistake and submits to the court order.

“Oh, well, Bill. Bill, go ahead and serve it. I deserve it and more.” — Thompson (28:20)

“Randolph, I'm going to tell Judge Deems I didn't need it. I think the Lord sort of allowed circumstances to serve their own court order on you.” — Bill (28:29)

• The fire is extinguished, and Thompson promises to cooperate.

---

Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Responsibility:

  “Maybe you’d care to explain. The firebugs we’re talking about are the ancient steam locomotives you’re using on the southbound line. They throw sparks like a welder’s torch.”
  — Bill (11:39)

• On Authorities’ Frustrations:

  “He in for big fall? Maybe sooner than he thinks. He come down from High Horse.”
  — Grey Wolf (14:07)

• On Judicial Authority:

  “Well, we got a big jail here in Knotty Pine, Bill.”
  — Judge Deems (15:07)

• On Realization and Redemption:

  “Yes. That bump on the head knocks some cooperative spirit into me. And I appreciate your spirit, Bill. Thanks. Believe me, I’ll do all I can to make restitution.”
  — Thompson (28:41)

• On Victory:

  “Yippee. The giant pines is safe from them there fire bugs.”
  — Stumpy (28:54)

---

Important Timestamps

• [01:08] – Narrator details the severe fire danger
• [04:16] – Bill acknowledges repeated fires along railroad
• [08:17] – Scotty warns Thompson about crossing Bill
• [10:19] – First confrontation between Bill and Thompson
• [14:45] – Judge signs court order to stop dangerous trains
• [18:56] – Scotty promises to comply with court order
• [22:59] – Bill and crew respond to new fire outbreak
• [27:06] – After wreck, Thompson admits his mistake
• [28:29] – Bill reflects on the lesson learned

---

Concluding Reflection

The story ends with the Rangers and townsfolk safe, the Giant Pines preserved, and a once-stubborn railroad owner learning the value of civic cooperation and responsibility. A touch of humor and camaraderie between the radio cast closes out this classic Ranger Bill adventure.

---

Notable Character Dynamics

• Bill Jefferson (Ranger Bill): Steadfast, diplomatic leader who balances patience with decisive action.
• Grey Wolf: Wise and observant, often succinct and philosophical.
• Stumpy: Provides comic relief but is quick-witted and earnest.
• Randolph Thompson: Initially stubborn and commercially minded, learns humility and responsibility by episode’s end.
• Scotty: Loyal railroad employee, voicing reason and respect for law.

---

Final Thoughts

A tale of man versus nature and man versus himself, "The Fire Bug" is a timeless reminder of the consequences of neglecting caution—and the importance of teamwork, law, and community values in facing environmental threats.

---

Transcript

[A]

Hey there. Are you sitting down?

[B]

Good.

[A]

Cause Wayfair's end of season sale is here and you can shop it from your couch. It's Wayfair's Labor Day clearance. And it's on now. Right now you can score up to 70% off everything home at Wayfair. Like up to 50% off outdoor furniture and decor and up to 70% off area rugs. Plus amazing doorbuster deals. And 24 hour surprise flash deals on Wayfair home finds in every style. And get it all. With fast shipping on everything right to your door. From furniture to faucet. This is your last chance of the season to score huge deals at Wayfair. Don't let the final days of summer pass you by without shopping these end of season savings. So don't wait. Like summer, these savings won't last. Head to Wayfair.com today to score up to 70% off everything home. Celebrate your holiday weekend with can't miss savings before they run out. Shop Wayfair's Labor Day clearance now through September 2nd at Wayfair.com Wayfair Every style, every home.

[C]

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. Yes. All this in exchange for the satisfaction and pride of a job well done. Hot weather, little rain, dry forest. All this put together adds up to terrible danger. Forest fire. Scavenger of forests. A roaring, hungry monster consuming everything in its path. Bill has sounded the alert. The forest around Knotty Pine is tinder dry. All fire towers are carefully watching for the slightest wisp of smoke to curl up from the millions of acres of treetops. All eyes are watching. Watching. By day and by night, they're watching for fire. Listen to the story of the firebug.

[D]

Stumpy, have you seen our copy of the Rangers magazine around here?

[B]

Nope.

[E]

Ain't no comics in it nohow.

[D]

Sonny, I'll give you comics. Gray Wolf, have you seen it?

[F]

I not see it, Bill. There are plenty good article in there on new diseases of trees.

[D]

Yeah, that's why I want to find it. Wonder where it went. I'll answer it, fellas. Bill Jefferson speaking. What's that? Yes, yes, we're on our way. Goodbye, fire. Right, let's go, boys.

[F]

Where Fire Bill?

[D]

South Forks.

[B]

It ain't along the Red Valley freight.

[E]

Tracks again, is it?

[D]

Hell, that's where it Is Stumpy, you're closest to the driver's seat. Hop in.

[B]

Yep.

[C]

Let her roll, NATO.

[D]

Step on it, Stumpy. Maybe we can nip this one in the.

[B]

Okay. It's under control. And off the water. Off with the water. Well, the fire's out. But we got here just in the nick of time.

[C]

Another five minutes and woof.

[F]

Getting tired putting fire out along trucks.

[D]

I am too. Grey Wolf, this is the fifth fire in three weeks.

[C]

Randolph Thompson's gotta do something about those spark throwing locomotives of his.

[D]

Yeah, we've gotta get proof that his engines are throwing the sparks.

[F]

How do you plan to get proof, Bill?

[D]

I'll tell you how. Grey Wolf, you and I are going to camp out here and watch the iron firebugs throw sparks with our own eyes.

[C]

As good way as any, Bill.

[D]

All right, let's pick up our gear and go back to town. Right then Grey Wolf and I'll get the horses and come back.

[G]

I'm telling you, Randolph, we've got to do something about the stacks on our engines. They're throwing sparks like a torch.

[H]

Listen to me, Scotty, I'm not spending one red cent on those steam locos. Couple of months we'll have our diesel engines and then we can junk the iron horses.

[G]

Yeah, but the Rangers are going to get pretty sore when they find out how the fires are starting.

[H]

Oh, that's all I've heard since the first fire. Rangers. Rangers. Look out for the Rangers. I'm getting sick of hearing about them.

[G]

They're federal officers, boss. You stick your neck out far enough and the Rangers will wrap a court order around it.

[H]

Is that so? Let them try it. I'll run my freight trains when I want to and how I want to. Your job is to see that my trains stay on schedule.

[G]

Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you.

[F]

This easiest job I have for a long time, Bill.

[D]

I'll agree with that, Gray Wolf. And we'll stay camped here until one of Thompson's spark throwing locomotives comes spouting along.

[F]

How you plan stop these fires?

[D]

I'll ask Randolph Thompson to put spark arrestors on his steam locomotives.

[F]

I understand him plenty hard man to talk with.

[D]

Yeah, I've heard that too. Grey Wolf. I know Thompson by sight only. I know he took over the Red Valley Freight line from bankruptcy and made a going business of it. So he's plenty good. Sometimes these self made men are hard to handle because they've had to work so hard to get where they are. Here comes the afternoon freight now.

[F]

Maybe we Hide. Back off. Right away.

[D]

No gray wolf. We'll stay right here. This right away is leased on government property. Look, Bill.

[F]

Engine throw plenty spark.

[H]

Wow.

[D]

I'll say. That's what I was hoping to see. Greywolf. That's our firebox.

[H]

Back here again, Scotty. What is it now?

[G]

I've got hot news for you, boss.

[H]

I suppose you saw some rangers in your sleep last night.

[G]

No, but the engineer on the three o' clock southbound saw them.

[H]

What? Where?

[G]

Along the right of way.

[H]

You sure?

[G]

Sure as I'm a foot high. Not only that, but the conductor watched them from the caboose.

[H]

So?

[G]

And they followed them on horseback. They know what's causing the fires now, Randolph.

[H]

All right, so they know. Let them make the first move.

[B]

What?

[H]

You heard what I said. Let them make the first move.

[G]

Well, what you do about this is your business. But I know one thing for sure.

[H]

What's that?

[G]

If Bill Jefferson comes to see you, you'll know you've tangled with somebody.

[H]

Yeah?

[G]

Yeah, and take a tip from me, don't rub his fur the wrong way.

[E]

Say, this feller Thompson's got a lot of equipment in his freight yard.

[D]

And no wonder. He does quite a freight business, Stumpy. His line moves a terrific volume of freight both north and south. On his north runs. He has to use double headers to get over the mountains.

[C]

Bill, I checked up on his schedule. He runs from six to eight trains in 24 hours both ways.

[F]

That make plenty tight schedule for one track.

[D]

Yeah, his engineers have to push the throttle pretty hard. That's why the old locomotives throw so many sparks.

[C]

Now, this looks like the General Office building right here.

[E]

That's what the sign says, if you can read, sonny.

[C]

Well, if it was alive, I guess it'd bite me, huh?

[B]

Hey, what's the plan of attack, Bill?

[D]

Well, Stumpy, you and Ralph find out how many old steam locomotives he's got. Those are the ones that throw so many sparks. The newer steam jobs don't do that. Gray Wolf and I will go see Thompson. We'll meet you back here at the car.

[C]

Okay, Bill. Come on, Stumpy, let's go count iron horses.

[B]

Look out one of them don't rear up and kick your teeth out.

[F]

Stumpy, he sees something funny in everything.

[D]

Maybe we should have taken him into the lion's den with us. Now let's go pay an official visit on Randolph Thompson.

[H]

Good afternoon, gentlemen. It is never a railroad man who has a visit from the forest rangers.

[D]

We're not here on a social call, Mr. Thompson. We're asking your cooperation in preventing a disastrous forest fire.

[H]

I'll be glad to help as much as I can.

[D]

Thank you. Now, I'll get straight to the point. We've had five fires in the last three weeks along your right of way that runs through the giant pines.

[H]

Yeah. And did you pull them out?

[F]

Only quick action save whole forest from burning down.

[H]

That would have been most unfortunate. To lose the giant pines. How does this affect me?

[D]

This affects you directly, Mr. Thompson, since you own the firebugs.

[H]

What do you mean I own the firebugs? You'd better be careful who you accuse, Bill Jefferson.

[D]

I am being careful. Very careful. That's why Grey Wolf and I camped along the right of way after the fire to get absolute proof.

[H]

You camped on my right of way without permission? That's private property. In case you don't know it.

[D]

It's private property leased from Uncle Sam. In case you've forgotten.

[F]

You already forget. You and Colonel Anders signed papers that gave you permission to build railroad through giant pines.

[H]

I built my road according to specifications. I don't know how you can accuse me of owning firebugs. Maybe you'd care to explain.

[D]

The firebugs we're talking about are the ancient steam locomotives you're using on the southbound line. They throw sparks like a welder's torch.

[H]

Those ancient locos have always thrown sparks. How come they're so suddenly dangerous?

[D]

Simple. The forests have become tinder dry because of the heat and drought.

[H]

That my fault?

[F]

No. But it's everybody's job to be careful when so forest very dry.

[H]

I suppose you want me to stop my freight trains until we get some rain.

[D]

Thompson, all we're asking is your cooperation. Until we get rain. These evasive tactics only convince me that you know exactly what we're talking about. Isn't that so?

[F]

Well, we know engineer on train see us standing alongside track. He must tell you by now.

[H]

All right. What do you want me to do?

[D]

I want you to put spark arrestors on those old clunkers.

[H]

Spark arrestors? You want me to spend a lot of time and money putting spark arrestors on some old locomotives that will be junked as soon as we get our diesels.

[D]

Thompson, surely you're not comparing the cost of installing spark arrestor equipment with the value of the Giant Pine National Park? If you are, you're not the businessman I thought you were.

[H]

Now look here, Jefferson. I don't intend to put money on those old locomotives. Why can't you put your rangers on guard along the track until the dry spell Ends.

[D]

That's impossible. One fire needs all the men I have available. The rest of the men are busy watching the other forts.

[H]

Well, gentlemen, I. I'll think it over. That's the most I can promise you.

[D]

I want something more than a promise to think it over, Thompson. I want action. Your firebugs kindle another forest fire, I won't be so pleasant to deal with. That's a warning.

[H]

I said I'd think it over, and that's the most I'll promise. Good day, gentlemen.

[C]

So your visit with Randolph Thompson didn't bring much in the way of results, huh, Bill?

[D]

No, Ralph. He was polite in a cold sort of way, but definitely uncooperative.

[F]

He in for big fall? Maybe sooner than he thinks. He come down from High Horse.

[E]

It seems to me we ought to teach that ornery critter a lesson.

[D]

Yeah, that's what I'm going to do, Stimpy.

[C]

What do you mean, Bill?

[D]

I'm going to ask for a court order from Judge Deans. If the judge comes through, as I think he will, Thompson won't be able to move a single train south until it's equipped with a spark arrestor.

[F]

Here's your court order, Bill. All signed and sealed.

[D]

Thanks, Judge Deems. I appreciate your cooperation.

[F]

It's a matter of conscience with me. Randolph Thompson ought to be ashamed of himself for disregarding the safety of our national forest.

[D]

What recourse do I have if he ignores this court order? Your Honor.

[F]

Well, we got a big jail here. Knotty Pine, Bill.

[D]

What I mean, Judge, is, is this court order binding on his employees as well as the owner?

[F]

That's right, Bill. The court order reads that during the dry spell, not one train is to move south unless it has a spark arrestor on its deck. Any person or persons who break the order may be arrested on the spot.

[D]

Thanks, Judge. I won't serve this unless I have to. But I've made up my mind that Randolph Thompson isn't going to burn down the giant pines. Fellas, here's the situation. Until we get this thing straightened out, you'll have to patrol a railroad track constantly. That's the only way a disaster can be avoided.

[C]

We'll keep our eyes open, Bill.

[F]

We do.

[D]

Now, I realize you're not Superman, of course. So I've alerted towers 3, 4, and 5 to keep a special watch, too. If a fire starts, send for help at once.

[E]

We'll take care of things, sonny.

[B]

There ain't no fire going to eat.

[E]

Up the giant pines if we can help it.

[D]

That's good old timer. Now, you fellas had better get going. It's almost time for the early morning southbound to take off. I'm going to have a talk with Thompson again.

[F]

Okay, Bill, get him up.

[D]

King.

[H]

Scotty, I'm depending on you to take care of things while I'm gone. I'll be back this evening on this freight.

[G]

I'll keep an eye on the whole operation. Randolph, maybe you're convinced that Bill Jefferson means what he says, huh?

[H]

Why do you think I'm riding this caboose on the south run?

[G]

Because you're afraid of Bill.

[H]

Don't be ridiculous, Scotty. But I think he may have gone after a court order, so I'm leaving. You can't serve it on me if I'm not here.

[G]

That won't stop him. He'll serve it on you. Don't worry about that.

[H]

Maybe so, but this shipment of perishables and machinery has to go through. And I'm going with it to make sure it does.

[G]

Boss, you'd better get going pronto because here comes a Ranger car down the road now.

[H]

Thanks for telling me. Here's the engineer's signal and I'm on my way. Give the Ranger my regards, will you? Scouter.

[G]

Goodbye, boss. Hello, Bill.

[D]

Hello, Shoddy. Where's Randolph?

[G]

You just missed him, Bill. He's in the caboose of the morning southbound.

[D]

He is, huh? Well, that's the last train. He's going to move south.

[G]

What do you mean?

[D]

This is a court order, Scotty. Judge Deem says it's binding on all employees of the Red Valley lion as well as the owner.

[G]

But you have to serve it in person, don't you?

[D]

No, I don't. Not the way it's worded. I'll leave the order with you, Scotty. I'll let Randolph get away with the train he's running through now, but no more. You understand, Bill, believe me, there won't.

[G]

Be another drive wheeled turn until this whole thing is settled.

[D]

Good, Scotty, I wish your boss had the same cooperative spirit. When will he be back?

[G]

Oh, probably around midnight. Why?

[D]

I want to see him. Whoa, storm. Whoa, big boy.

[H]

Oh.

[C]

Well, I guess the court order did the trick. Bill Thompson hasn't let another train leave the yard since this morning.

[D]

That's good news, Ralph. I didn't like to take such drastic action, but the man wouldn't listen to reason.

[B]

If he ain't gonna run no more.

[E]

Firebug trains, we might as well go home.

[D]

Yeah, that's why he came out here. Let's Call it a day and head for town.

[F]

That's plenty. A good idea. It's plenty hot and muggy out here.

[H]

All right, engineer, let's get rolling back to Knotty Pine.

[G]

Wouldn't advise it, Mr. Thompson. Like the looks of the crack in.

[C]

That left main piston rod.

[H]

Oh, won't it hold?

[G]

Well, possibly. Hard to tell, I'd say.

[H]

No, we'll chance it anyway. Just reduce your speed going back.

[G]

But, sir, it's nice.

[H]

I said get the train underway. Do you hear me? That's an order.

[C]

Okay, you're the boss. Give me the high sign when they get in the cab, will you?

[H]

You bet it.

[B]

Bill.

[G]

Hey, Bill.

[D]

Hello, Scotty. What's the matter?

[G]

I'm glad I ran into you. I was on my way over to your office.

[D]

Yeah. Why are you so excited?

[G]

I couldn't get a hold of Randolph at the other end of the south run. What do we do now?

[D]

Just wait until he returns. That's all you can do. You think you'll bring the freight back here or return the other way?

[G]

You said it was bringing the freight back okay.

[D]

You'll just have to wait and be ready in case of trouble. Sit still, fellas. I'll get it.

[C]

Okay, Bill.

[D]

Ranger headquarters, Bill speaking.

[G]

Bill, this is Tom. I'm reporting a fire starting along the Red Valley tracks.

[D]

Along the red Valley tracks?

[G]

3 miles below the pass.

[D]

Thompson ran another train back from the south. Did you notice it?

[G]

Couldn't tell, Bill.

[D]

The trees are too high and it's getting dark. Okay, Tom. We're on our way again. Yeah, we got a fire to fight. Let's roll, boys. We'll take care of Thompson this time.

[F]

Fire.

[G]

Get good.

[F]

Start it on both sides of track.

[D]

Ralph, call for bulldozers and men. I'm not taking a chance on this getting away from us.

[C]

Run away, Bill.

[D]

It's a treetop fire. Our best attack is to knock down the burning trees on the railroad tracks. Let's get dynamite in the safety cases and stuff it under those trees.

[B]

Right away, sonny.

[F]

I give you hands, Dumpy.

[G]

As soon as you can.

[H]

That's it. That's right.

[C]

Bulldozers.

[D]

Fix.

[B]

I got the dynamite, old Trip Bill.

[D]

Fine, Stumpy. Ralph, set up flares on the tracks. Grey Wolf, let's get after those big trees and blow them down.

[G]

I ready to go. We get going.

[F]

Good thing they're not much wind.

[B]

Waste. Fight the fuses, fellas. Let's get out of here.

[H]

Okay.

[B]

Come on, Stumpy. Light it and get going.

[D]

Let's go.

[B]

Faster. Any I'm stepping On your heels, Dynamite blow anytime now.

[D]

Come on. Behind this big tree fell. Good job, fellas. It's a good thing. We can use the railroad right away as a fire lane.

[B]

Yeah, them trees fell right across the railroad tracks. And now Ralph's got the flares up now. Hey, here comes Ralph like he's got a hot foot.

[D]

Bill. Bill, look what's coming up the track. Great Scott. It's one of Thompson's big locomotives. Pulling flat cars loaded with men.

[C]

Now here comes the fella.

[G]

And it isn't Thompson.

[D]

No, that's Scotty.

[G]

I got here as quickly as I could. About all the men I could get my hands on, including the yard crew.

[D]

Oh, that's fine, Scotty. We'll need them. Gray Wolf, Stompy, Ralph. Divide the men and get after that fire. More help is on the way. I'll be right here in a minute.

[G]

I'm terribly sorry about this. I knew Randolph would get into trouble by not doing what he should.

[D]

What do you mean, Scotty?

[G]

His train standing on the sideway at the 10 mile grade. He and the boys were looking at the drive wheels on the engine. Something's wrong with the old clunker, but I didn't take time to find out.

[D]

Well, now we've got real proof on Randolph.

[G]

That's why I kept going and trying to offset some of the damage he's done.

[D]

How'd you know there was a fire?

[G]

I could see it from the dispatcher's tower.

[D]

Well, I better general this fire. Come on, Scotty, we'll get to work. We got to save the giant pines.

[B]

You better hold off on the dynamite, Stuffy. All the big trees are down now. Okay, Bill. Bulldozers are coming in. They'll clean out the small stuff.

[D]

Little more hard work and fire will be out. Ralph, you better take some fresh men to replace your tired crew. Pass the word to Gray Wolf.

[G]

Okay, Bill.

[B]

Look.

[G]

Carson's train is backing down on us out of control.

[B]

Here I am. My train.

[G]

The caboose on his cradle.

[B]

Smash into the black cars. Get the men back from the tracks. Pass the right. The trains are gonna crash. Pass the right. Get back on the track. Get back on the track. Going back, Bill?

[D]

Yeah, just in time, Stumpy. Here comes the plate.

[B]

And she's gonna smash.

[G]

Bill, the boss must be in the caboose.

[B]

Then let's get him.

[C]

How's Thompson feeling now, Bill?

[D]

Pretty good, Ralph. Me and the crew jumped from the caboose just before the trains crashed. Good. He got a nasty crack on the head, but the doc Says he'll be okay.

[G]

Well, I'm glad for that. There's been enough damage done. Look, he's waking up.

[D]

What happened, Randolph? You able to tell us?

[H]

Yeah. The piston rod broke climbing the 10 mile grade. The rod damaged the air brakes, but we managed to back down the hill onto the siding and hold the train with handbrakes. But the handbrakes gave out. Then I decided to roll back down the valley and let the train stop by itself.

[D]

But didn't you think about the fire?

[H]

I'm afraid I didn't do much thinking. I didn't expect the tracks to be blocked. What a mess. Did you get the fire out?

[D]

Yes, the fire's out, Randall. Scotty, have you got the piece of paper I gave you?

[G]

Sure. Write him a jumper pocket.

[H]

What piece of paper is that, Scotty?

[G]

The court order Bill served.

[H]

Oh, well, Bill. Bill, go ahead and serve it. I deserve it and more.

[D]

Randolph, I'm going to tell Judge Deems I didn't need it. I think the Lord sort of allowed circumstances to serve their own court order on you.

[H]

Yes. That bump on the head knocks some cooperative spirit into me. And I appreciate your spirit, Bill. Thanks. Believe me, I'll do all I can to make restitution.

[B]

Yippee. The giant pines is safe from them there fire bugs.

[C]

Well, Bill and the boys, with the Lord's help, finally got Randolph into a cooperative mood, even though it took a bump on the head. Some folks do have to learn the hard way, don't they? We'll see you next week for more adventure with Ranger Bill.

[E]

Howdy. This is Stumpy Jenkins, Ranger Bill's old sidekick, as I guess you all know. Just adding a little extra word of thanks for getting yourself in on the program today. Always glad to have you along. And I hope you invite your friends too, for we sure got lots of adventures to tell you about. And we don't want you to miss any of them. So you make sure to be there by your radio every week. Don't lose out on our next story.