Fossil Canyon | Ranger Bill (09-28-55)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Fossil Canyon | Ranger Bill (09-28-55)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Air Date: April 11, 2026
Original Broadcast Date: September 28, 1955
Featured Drama: Ranger Bill – "Fossil Canyon"

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns presents a digitally restored version of “Fossil Canyon,” an installment of the classic radio drama Ranger Bill. Host Andrew Rhynes introduces the episode, which centers on themes of survival, the dangers of overconfidence in the wilderness, and the importance of knowledge and preparation—a lesson aimed at college students venturing into wild terrain. The plot unfolds as Ranger Bill Jefferson delivers a lecture recounting a true story about a disastrous student expedition into Fossil Canyon, emphasizing that even well-educated individuals can fall prey to nature’s perils if they’re not careful.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage at State University

• Ranger Bill Jefferson is invited to deliver his annual lecture on wilderness survival, targeted specifically at geology and anthropology students who often venture into the wild for fieldwork.
  • Quote: “What Bill is trying to do is prevent the isolated adventurers from going out into the wild country and becoming casualties because they haven’t the knowledge of survival.” (03:08 – Narrator)

2. Debate with the Students (05:39–07:19)

• Bob Jefferson, a student, questions the implication that college students lack the skills to survive in the wild.
  • Quote: Bob: “Are you making that inference, Mr. Jefferson?”
    Bill: “Yes, Bob, I am.” (06:20)
• Bill argues that students often “let [their] zest for scientific data run away with [their] common sense,” leading to a high rate of accidents. (06:55)
  • Quote: “It's been my experience that college students are the hardest to convince that they should keep out of the wild country. Also, it's a statistical fact that college students are highest on the casualty list…” (06:31 – Bill Jefferson)

3. The Cautionary Tale: The Fossil Canyon Tragedy (07:26–11:25)

• Bill relays the story of Virgil Adams and Stanley Grimshaw—two students who entered Fossil Canyon unprepared.
  • They encounter extreme heat, become dehydrated and exhausted, and are unable to find adequate shade or water.
  • Stanley, disoriented, collapses behind a rock and falls into quicksand, never to be seen again.
  • Quote: “Virgil and Stanley made many mistakes…Stanley had also fallen into quicksand. Real quicksand. He was never seen again.” (11:25 – Bill Jefferson)
  • Memorable moment: The depiction of mounting peril—heat exhaustion, lack of air, and quicksand—drives home the episode's core message.

4. Error Analysis and Search (11:45–15:42)

• Bill outlines critical mistakes made by Virgil and Stanley:
  • Entering the canyon during the hottest part of the day.
  • Failing to prepare with proper supplies.
• Transition to the rangers’ search and rescue operation after being alerted by Dean Sands at the university.
• Use of teamwork and wilderness skills (scanning for vultures as clues, managing horses' health in the canyon).
  • Quote: Stumpy: “No man in his right mind would go in…” (14:11)
  • Quote: “Scan the canyon floor with your glasses. It might save Virgil and save time.” (14:36 – Bill Jefferson)

5. Survival Tactics and Rescue (17:45–24:36)

• Detailed checklist of preparations for the rescue:
  • Four canteens per man (for themselves and horses)
  • Monitoring horses’ perspiration and wellbeing
  • Sun protection (shirts buttoned, sunglasses, helmets)
    • Quote: “We kept our sun helmets pulled down... shirts buttoned up to the neck to keep the sun’s rays off…” (17:52 – Bill Jefferson)
• The rangers split up to search both ends of the canyon and eventually find Virgil alive but in critical condition.
• Dramatic quicksand incident during the rescue, echoing Stanley's fate, but this time the team manages to pull the trapped rescuer to safety.
  • Quote: Stumpy: “Help, Phil. I’m stuck in quicksand. Quicksand!” (22:41)
  • Quote: “My lungs would burst before Henry Hollardy was free.” (23:57 – Bill Jefferson)

6. Aftermath and Accountability (24:27–32:08)

• Discovery that Stanley is still missing; further investigation finds his notebook and confirms his identity.
  • Quote: “Here’s a notebook with a name in it. Stanley Grimshaw.” (31:46 – Bill Jefferson)
• The canyon is eventually fenced off, with warning signs installed.
  • Quote: “On each gate is a sign. It reads: keep out of Fossil Canyon unless you want to become a fossil yourself.” (32:09 – Bill Jefferson)

7. Reflecting on the Lesson (32:08–35:10)

• Bob, having initially doubted Ranger Bill's warnings, concedes the validity of the cautionary tale.
  • Quote: “I’m thoroughly convinced. I’m glad to hear that. I’ve driven my point home.” (32:08 – Bob & Bill Jefferson)
• Dean Sands laments that students rarely learn from others' mistakes, marking the tragedy as a stern warning for future adventurers.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Overconfidence:
  “Because you let your zest for scientific data run away with your common sense.”
  — Bill Jefferson (06:55)

• On Nature’s Deadliness:
  “No man in his right mind would go in [Fossil Canyon].”
  — Stumpy (14:11)

• Dramatic Life-or-Death Moment:
  “Help, Phil. I’m stuck in quicksand. Quicksand!”
  — Stumpy (22:41)

• Ultimate Warning:
  “Keep out of Fossil Canyon unless you want to become a fossil yourself.”
  — Bill Jefferson (32:09)

• Lesson Sinks In:
  “You’re right, Mr. Jefferson. I’m thoroughly convinced.”
  — Bob Jefferson (32:08)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Host Intro: 01:46
• Ranger Bill’s Survival Lecture Begins: 04:46
• Debate with Students: 05:39–07:19
• Tragic Tale of the Students in Fossil Canyon: 07:26–11:25
• Error Analysis & Ranger Preparation: 11:45–18:52
• Rescue and Quicksand Drama: 22:08–24:27
• Investigation Wrap-up & Lesson Learned: 27:36–32:09
• Final Reflection and Farewell: 35:10

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Tone & Style

• Warm, educational, and earnest, with a classic radio drama flair.
• Blends suspenseful action sequences with practical advice and moral instruction.
• Language is direct, occasionally humorous (Ranger Bill’s “windmill” joke), and rich with frontier wisdom.

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Takeaway

"Fossil Canyon" teaches that academic knowledge is no substitute for real-world experience and preparation—especially in the unforgiving wilderness. Ranger Bill’s tale, punctuated by harrowing moments and sobering outcomes, ultimately persuades even the most skeptical that respect for nature’s dangers is paramount. The episode closes with a resolution: better precautions and stern warnings for future explorers, and a lasting lesson for both fictional students and real listeners.

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For more classic Western radio adventures, visit otrwesterns.com.

Transcript

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[Dean Sands]

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[Stumpy]

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[Stumpy]

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[Stumpy]

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[Stumpy]

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[VRBO Spokesperson]

Classic radio from MBN, Ranger Bill.

[Bob Jefferson]

It's the Sugar Creek Gang.

[Bill Jefferson]

Tables of Faith Radio drama, a hallmark

[VRBO Spokesperson]

of moody broadcasting for over 60 years. Join us now as we take you back to another classic in NBN radio history.

[Stumpy]

Ranger Bill, Warrior of the woodland.

[Bob Jefferson]

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.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yes.

[Bob Jefferson]

All this in exchange for the satisfaction and pride of a job well done. Every year at this time, Bill goes to the State University to lecture. Bill's lecture is given to the student body as a whole, but it's directed toward those studying geology and anthropology. The lecture is on the science of staying alive. In the mountains and forests. You see many of the Students go into the mountains and forests to gather material firsthand under the leadership of competent guides and with the rangers constantly checking on their well being. What Bill is trying to do is prevent the isolated adventurers from going out into the wild country and becoming casualties because they haven't the knowledge of survival. Say, we'd better perhaps get into our story. This one is called Fossil Canyon.

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[Dean Sands]

We're ready to begin the second hour of your lecture, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's fine, Dean Sands.

[Dean Sands]

How's your voice holding out?

[Bill Jefferson]

As long as this picture of water holds out, I'll be able to keep my windmill running. All right.

[Dean Sands]

Whoever heard of a have a windmill run with one?

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, you're looking at one, sir.

[Dean Sands]

I hardly think that, but I'm enjoying your sense of humor. I never tire of hearing you talk about survival in the outdoors. I'll never forget your first lecture three years ago. My little did I realize how much knowledge and experience a man must have to to stay alive when meeting nature face to face. But. Well, we're not here to. Listen to me. I'll make a few introductory remarks and turn the rostrum over to you.

[Bill Jefferson]

That'll be fine with me. Perhaps they have some questions first.

[Dean Sands]

Attention, please. Thank you. Mr. Jefferson suggested that you may have some questions before he begins this second half of the lecture. If you have, then you can ask them now.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, I have a question, Dean Sands.

[Dean Sands]

I'll yield The Rossman to Mr. Jefferson, Bob. Then he can answer you. Direct. Bill, if you please.

[Bill Jefferson]

Thank you, Dean. Now, Bob, fire your question.

[Bob Jefferson]

Your first hour lecture was interesting, but

[Bill Jefferson]

I object to the inference you make that we're not able to take care of ourselves.

[Bob Jefferson]

Are you making that inference, Mr. Jefferson?

[Bill Jefferson]

Yes, Bob, I am.

[Bob Jefferson]

Mr. Jefferson, I think you're underestimating our ability. We're adults.

[Bill Jefferson]

It's been my experience that college students are the hardest to convince that they should keep out of the wild country. Also, it's a statistical fact that college students are highest on the casualty list and I might add, on the mortality list. I can't swallow that, Mr. Jefferson, why

[Bob Jefferson]

should we be the highest on the casualty list?

[Bill Jefferson]

Because you let your zest for scientific data run away with your common sense. You wander into places that even experienced guides and rangers avoid, if at all possible.

[Bob Jefferson]

You mean to tell me that I couldn't go out into the boondocks and survive?

[Bill Jefferson]

You've hit the nail right on the head, Bob. Let me illustrate what I'm talking about. Perhaps a true story will convince you.

[Bob Jefferson]

It'll have to be a good one to convince me that I, or any student couldn't go out into the wild country and come back alive.

[Bill Jefferson]

I'm sure you'll be convinced, Bob. Members of the faculty and student body, the story I'm about to tell you is true. It illustrates to perfection what I've been telling you. Dean Sands remembers this tragic story very well. Even though it happened several years ago. Virgil Adams and Stanley Grimshaw, both State University students, decided to go into Fossil Canyon. Virgil and Stanley didn't know that it's 115 degrees at the bottom of Fossil Canyon. And there were a lot of other things they didn't know about that death trap.

[Bob Jefferson]

I'd sure like to find a good fossil down here, Stan.

[Bill Jefferson]

So would I.

[Bob Jefferson]

They've been found here before. Only last year, as a matter of fact. Yeah. Professor Glomkin would give us a good boost toward our degree if we made a real find. I'll say, Woodward. I'm gonna make as good a collection of all the fossil I can find. Even if we don't stumble onto the big one. So am I. I'd rather find a good specimen. Prehistoric age. Hey, we're only halfway down to the bottom of the canyon. Let's step it up and get down there before it begins to get dark. Then we can do some work. Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Let's go. What's the matter, Stan? Guess it's the heat bird. I didn't think it was this hot down here. I didn't either. I'm beginning to feel the heat myself. Look at my shirt. It's wringing wet. Let's stop and rest a while. Yeah, sure. I could use a rest, too. Boy, there isn't a breath of air moving down here at all. You said it. We've still got another third of the way to go. Let's stop. I'm really getting sick. Yeah, well, let's try to make the bottom. Then we'll rest a long time. It isn't fire. I don't know if I can make it, but I'll Try. Man alive, it's miserably hot down here. I'm beginning to feel lightheaded. Let's stop and leave our packs and gear here. Maybe that'll help. Okay. Feel any better, Stan?

[Bill Jefferson]

No.

[Bob Jefferson]

You? No. Hey, Stan. Let's try to cross the canyon and get in the shade. This sun is terrific.

[Bill Jefferson]

Go ahead. I'll follow you if I can.

[Bob Jefferson]

Burge, I can't make it. I'm gonna faint. Burge, do you hear me? I hear you, Stamina. You gotta make a shade. I can't help you. Cause I can hardly stand on my feet myself. I can't see you.

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Burge.

[Bill Jefferson]

Burge, I can't make it. Help me.

[Bob Jefferson]

Don't leave me out here.

[Bill Jefferson]

The heat and sun.

[Stumpy]

Oh,

[Bob Jefferson]

Stan. Stan. Try to get up. You hear me? I'll try to help you. Where are you, Stan? Stan, I. I can't see you. Water. I gotta get water.

[Stumpy]

I.

[Bill Jefferson]

Virgil and Stanley made many mistakes on their trip to Fossil Canyon. The reason Virgil couldn't see Stanley was that Stanley had fallen behind a large rock, had also fallen into quicksand. Real quicksand. He was never seen again.

[Dean Sands]

Bill, will you point out the mistakes the two young men made?

[Bill Jefferson]

I'll be glad to, Dean Sands. First of all, Virgil and Stanley never should have entered the canyon in the heat of the day. They should have waited until sunset. Or early in the morning is even a better time. Dean, I think continuing the story will drive home the mistakes more strongly than if I were to talk on them now.

[Dean Sands]

Perhaps you're right, Bill. Do as you wish.

[Bill Jefferson]

Thank you. My, my. Rangers and I were at our headquarters when we found out about this whole thing.

[Bob Jefferson]

You want me to get the phone, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

Thanks, pal, but I'll take it.

[Bob Jefferson]

Okay. It's probably for you anyhow.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hello, Ranger Headquarters. Bill Jefferson speaking.

[Dean Sands]

Mr. Jefferson, this is Dean Sands over at State University.

[Bill Jefferson]

Oh, yes, Dean. How are you?

[Dean Sands]

Physically, I'm fine, Mr. Jefferson. Mentally, I'm worried.

[Bill Jefferson]

Oh, is that right? What's on your mind?

[Dean Sands]

One of our students, Virgil Adams, is missing. He hasn't returned as scheduled.

[Bill Jefferson]

When was he supposed to be back, Dean?

[Dean Sands]

Yesterday morning.

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, perhaps he'd been delayed somewhere and couldn't get word to you.

[Dean Sands]

You've spoken more truth than fiction, my friend.

[Bill Jefferson]

What do you mean?

[Dean Sands]

His classmates say that he told them he was going to Fossil Canyon.

[Bill Jefferson]

Fossil Canyon?

[Dean Sands]

What's the matter, Mr. Jefferson?

[Bill Jefferson]

Why, we just brought out the remains of a human being from Fossil Canyon three days ago. The week before that, we lugged out another.

[Dean Sands]

This could be tragic. I'm glad I called you. Will you please check the canyon for Virgil Adams?

[Bill Jefferson]

We most certainly will. I'll call you as soon as we know something. Definitely.

[Bob Jefferson]

Bill, you got an angry look on your face. I get scared when you get that gleam in your eye like you've got now.

[Bill Jefferson]

I am angry, pal. I'm going to get a letter off to Colonel Anders when we get back. A good strong letter.

[Bob Jefferson]

Will it be about Fossil Canyon? Yeah.

[Bill Jefferson]

Something's gotta be done about that place. What? I don't know, Stumpy. How many times have you been down there?

[Stumpy]

Well, not any more than I have to, sonny. The only time I go into that miserable hole is to bring out greenhorn tenderfeed lashed to the back of a horse. No man in his right mind would go in.

[Bill Jefferson]

Here's the canyon rim. Let's hold it up, fellas. Oh, so. Oh, boy. Now, scan the canyon floor with your glasses. It might save Virgil and save time. That's plenty of good idea.

[Bob Jefferson]

Yeah, there's lots of rocks and boulders down there that could hide him.

[Stumpy]

You said a mouthful there, sonny. But as big as the canyon is, we might spot something that'll tell us where he's at.

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, I don't see anything about the rest of you.

[Bob Jefferson]

I can't see anything but rocks and more rocks.

[Stumpy]

That goes for me, too. Lots of rocks, but no human being.

[Bill Jefferson]

You spotted something? Greywolf there. Vulture flying over top of canyon. Ah, yes, I see him too. Look to your rifles, fellas. We gotta keep these terrible birds off the ground. You see him dive, then open fire.

[Bob Jefferson]

Oh, boy, you sut it, Bill. Those birds give me the shivers.

[Stumpy]

They only fly around the dead. Let's go.

[Bill Jefferson]

Let's take it easy going down, fellas. When they get to the bottom, we'll stop and rest before going on. It's 115 degrees down there.

[Lingokids Parent]

Are you a parent who feels guilty about screen time? No, no, not you, sweetheart. But your mommy and daddy do. Because too many apps are filled with AI garbage, inappropriate videos and random content

[Stumpy]

like a dancing potato or worse.

[Lingokids Parent]

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[Dean Sands]

Bill, will you tell the student body what preparations you made before going down into that natural oven?

[Bill Jefferson]

Gladly, Dean Sands. First of all, each man had four canteens of water. Two for himself and two for his horse. If needed, a third one could also be used for his horse. The horse is doing all the work and needs the water. If the horse collapses, the man's in a bad way. We keep a close watch on the animals to be sure they perspire freely. That's a healthy condition and means that their bodies are cooling. On the trip into the canyon, we stopped frequently and rested the horses. Also, each man swabbed his animal's mouth to keep it moist. We kept our sun helmets pulled down, our sunglasses on and our shirts buttoned up to the neck to keep the sun's rays off our bodies, especially the backs of our necks. After about two hours, we reached the bottom of the canyon.

[Bob Jefferson]

It's hot.

[Bill Jefferson]

Here we go.

[Bob Jefferson]

West Heat is murderous.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's putting it mildly, pal. Let's hold up, fellas. Okay, easy. Boy, oh, boy. Loosen the cinch straps and give the horses a chance to relax a bit. Before we go on, you better give them a small amount of water, too. Okay,

[Stumpy]

You pour the water, Henry, and I'll hold this here bucket.

[Bob Jefferson]

All right, Stumpy?

[Stumpy]

Yeah, just a little bit now, Henry. They only need enough to wet their mouths and throats. We'll give them a good drink after dark.

[Bob Jefferson]

How's that?

[Stumpy]

Just dandy. I'll give Meech a mouthful and we can go on.

[Bill Jefferson]

Bill, I not see any signs of man here yet. I know. Been looking around, too. Actually, we're not sure Virgil's down here. Dean said it's only supposition. But we'll have to look thoroughly anyhow. Not right. All right, let's get ready to ride, fellas. Henry and I'll take the west end of the canyon, and you two take the east End. Give a yodel if you find anything. We do.

[Bob Jefferson]

Right at it.

[Bill Jefferson]

Oh, boy.

[Bob Jefferson]

Sure is hot down here. I'm really beginning to feel it.

[Bill Jefferson]

Take a drink of water, pal. Not too much. You'll get a waterlog. Feeling isn't good. Just enough to keep your body from dehydrating. Okay, Bill, let's ride a long way to the west end. There's another trail leading into here. Virgil may have come down it.

[Bob Jefferson]

Okay.

[Bill Jefferson]

How do you feel now?

[Bob Jefferson]

Oh, much better.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's fine. Keep a sharp eye out for anything that belongs to a man. We find nothing, old timer. I'm glad for that.

[Stumpy]

Yeah, me too, young feller. It's so hot down here that I could fry an egg on my saddle horn. If Bill and Henry don't find anything, that means his Virgil feller ain't down here.

[Bill Jefferson]

That'd make me happy.

[Stumpy]

Hello, Stumpy. Gray wolf.

[Dean Sands]

Hello.

[Stumpy]

We found him.

[Bill Jefferson]

Okay, Bill, we hear you.

[Stumpy]

Guess we talk too soon, gray wolf.

[Bill Jefferson]

Not what I'm afraid of. You better ride and join Bill and Henry.

[Bob Jefferson]

Ah, he in plenty bad shape.

[Stumpy]

Another hour it'd be all over.

[Bill Jefferson]

Let's get him into the shade and give him first aid, fellas. Henry, get a canteen on the first aid kit off a storm, will ya?

[Bob Jefferson]

Yeah, sure, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

Right away. All right, let's lift him together, fellas. Carry him over in the shade. Okay, Bill. I ready. Say when. You all set, Stumpy?

[Stumpy]

You sure am. On the count of three.

[Bill Jefferson]

Okay. One. Two.

[Stumpy]

Help, Phil. I'm stuck in quicksand. Quicksand.

[Bob Jefferson]

Let's go, fellas.

[Stumpy]

Oh. Oh. Quicksand. Go, fellas. Fellas. Oh.

[Bill Jefferson]

Henry, don't move. You'll go down faster. Gray Wolf. Stumpy, hold my feet. I'm gonna stretch myself out and grab him. Okay. Make it fast, Bill.

[Bob Jefferson]

Not real quicksand.

[Bill Jefferson]

Keep your arms up so I can grab him, Henry. He sink plenty quick. I'll start to sink myself soon. When I grab Henry's hands, you fellas pull away. I'll have to hold my breath because my face will be in the sand. We can do that.

[Stumpy]

Couple of inches more, Bill. There, you got him.

[Bob Jefferson]

Gotcha.

[Stumpy]

All right, we're gonna pull you out.

[Bill Jefferson]

Pull, Stumpy.

[Stumpy]

Pull, fellas. Pull harder. Hey, I'll.

[Bill Jefferson]

How your face feel now, Bill? You have it plenty far into quicksand. Feels okay, Grew. My lungs would burst before Henry Hollardy was free.

[Stumpy]

It was quite a scare, all right. How'd you get into that there st. Cole, young feller?

[Bob Jefferson]

Oh, I suddenly got awfully light headed. Must have staggered into It. Well, that was close. That's real quicksand.

[Stumpy]

Well, thank the Lord that you're safe.

[Bill Jefferson]

I know somebody that wasn't as fortunate as Henry was. Virgil fell. I'm not talking about Virgil, fellas.

[Bob Jefferson]

You mean there was another man and he fell into the quicksand?

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, that's what I mean, pal.

[Bob Jefferson]

Who this?

[Stumpy]

Well, how'd you find this out, young feller?

[Bob Jefferson]

Yeah, how come you didn't say something about it before?

[Bill Jefferson]

Yes, Bill. Well, I wasn't sure for a while. Both men wear the same size shoes. I thought that Virgil might have been doubling back on his own trail because he was delirious from the heat. Then I found definite trail signs that there were two men. Not very tragic.

[Bob Jefferson]

One of them die in quicksand.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yes, it is trancing Gray Wolf. He must have wandered into the death pit. But we can't worry about him right now. We've got to get Virgil out of here and get him to Knotty Pine Hospital.

[Bob Jefferson]

Boy, am I glad to get out of Fossil Canyon. That place gives me the creeps. It even smells like death.

[Stumpy]

You can say that again, youngster. That there hole in the ground reminds me of an open grave.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hold it up here, fellas. Whoa, storm. Henry, unpack the radio. I'll help Gray Wolf and Stampy lift Virgil off a storm. You not take Virgil out by horseback, Bill? No, Gray Wolf. I'm afraid the long ride might do him in. I'll have him picked up by helicopter.

[Dean Sands]

Hello, Dean sand speaking.

[Bill Jefferson]

Dean, this is Bill Jefferson.

[Dean Sands]

Yes, Mr. Jefferson. Have you found him?

[Bill Jefferson]

Yes, he's in Knotty Pine Hospital right now. We flew him back by helicopter. The doctor says we got to him just in time.

[Dean Sands]

Thank the Lord for that.

[Bill Jefferson]

Are you going to be at your office for an hour, Dean?

[Dean Sands]

Well, I was going home, but I can wait for you.

[Bill Jefferson]

Will you please? It's extremely important. While you're waiting for us, will you find out if anybody else went to Fossil Canyon with Virgil?

[Dean Sands]

I certainly will. I'll see you in an hour.

[Bob Jefferson]

Right.

[Bill Jefferson]

Goodbye. Let's pile into the car, fellas. We're going to Colle. That's the story up to date, Dean Sands, gruesome as it is.

[Dean Sands]

Oh, it's terrible. Why can't these young men learn by other people's experiences?

[Bill Jefferson]

We didn't take time to check for more evidence as to the identity of the other man because I was primarily concerned with saving Virgil's life.

[Dean Sands]

Yes, I understand, Bill. I began checking carefully after you called and I find that Stanley Grimshaw is missing. Oh, whether or not he went with Virgil. Can't be determined.

[Bill Jefferson]

Thanks, Dean. We'll check with the hospital and let you know what we find. Perhaps we can talk with Virgil. I'd like to talk with virtual Virgil, Doctor.

[Bob Jefferson]

I'm sorry, Bill. I can't allow it.

[Bill Jefferson]

But I thought you said we got to Virgil just in time.

[Bob Jefferson]

I'm sorry I made a misleading statement, Bill. What I meant was that life was just about gone and you found him before it was too late. He's suffering from shock exposure, heat exhaustion and sunstroke. I'm sorry, but you can't talk to him.

[Bill Jefferson]

This is extremely important, Doctor. We're sure that another man lost his life in the canyon, but we don't know who this man is.

[Bob Jefferson]

I'd like to help you, Bill, but I've got to think of my patient first. Perhaps in a day or so you can question him.

[Bill Jefferson]

Okay, Doc. I know you would if you thought it was all right. Let's go out and talk to the students, fellas.

[Stumpy]

Say, young feller, can you tell me if Stanley Grimshaw hung around with Virgil Thompson?

[Bob Jefferson]

They're friendly, Ranger. I'd say they palled around together. Did Stanley say anything to you about going to Fossil Canyon?

[Bill Jefferson]

No, he didn't. He's my roommate too. However, I went home over the weekend. Professor, you hear anything about Stanley and Virgil going to Fossil Canyon together? I don't recall hearing anything about that, Ranger.

[Bob Jefferson]

If I did, I would have warned

[Bill Jefferson]

them against going through with it.

[Bob Jefferson]

We're up a tree, Bill. Nobody knows a thing about those two. What now?

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, let's go back to the hospital, Henry. Perhaps we can talk to Virgil now.

[Bob Jefferson]

I'm sorry, Bill. Virgil's not restrained responding the way he should. I am afraid it'll be three days before he's out of the woods.

[Bill Jefferson]

Okay, Doc, but we can't wait three days, fellas. Let's saddle up and go out to the canyon and do our own sleuthing. Well, Virgil and Person X had horses when they got here, fellas.

[Stumpy]

That's right, sonny. But they let the horses get away. Those two fellers are real tenderfeet.

[Bill Jefferson]

Two men get off horses and walk down into canyon.

[Bob Jefferson]

I wonder why they did that. They should have ridden down into the canyon.

[Bill Jefferson]

Perhaps they weren't experienced enough to handle the horses on a steep down grade. Let's ride down and watch for some of their gear along the way.

[Stumpy]

There's plenty of trail sign along here. Shouldn't be hard to find some of the gear.

[Bob Jefferson]

Ah, you plenty right, Stumpy. Hey, look up ahead there. There's some gear alongside the trail.

[Stumpy]

Come on, cutie.

[Bob Jefferson]

Come on, Bo.

[Bill Jefferson]

Oh, boy. I'll take this pack. Stumpy, you take the other. Henry, Gray Wolf, look through the other gear. We do, Bill.

[Bob Jefferson]

Okay, we'll look through the.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hold it. I found something, I think.

[Bob Jefferson]

What is it, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

Here's a notebook with a name in it. Stanley Grimshaw. Bob, I hope you and your fellow students are now convinced that it takes knowledge and experience to survive out in the wild country.

[Bob Jefferson]

You're right, Mr. Jefferson.

[Bill Jefferson]

I'm thoroughly convinced. I'm glad to hear that. I've driven my point home. That's the sole purpose of this lecture. I can save your lives by talking to you and my time is well spent. One more question, please. Go right ahead, Bob. How'd you close off the canyon? Well, we put up a fence in the gate around both entrances to the canyon. On each gate is a sign. It reads, keep out of Fossil Canyon unless you want to become a fossil yourself.

[Lingokids Parent]

Are you a parent who feels guilty about screen time? No, no, not you, sweetheart, but your mommy and daddy do. Because too many apps are filled with AI garbage, inappropriate videos and random content

[Stumpy]

like a dancing potato or worse.

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That's what parents worry about. We're Lingokids, the number one entertainment platform for young kids because kids love it and parents can trust it. They want songs, videos and interactive games that are safe and fun. And fun.

[Stumpy]

Lingokids.

[Lingokids Parent]

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[Bob Jefferson]

That's really sound advice, Bill. Certainly the students of State U should learn from their classmates tragic experiences. I know that I wouldn't go into Fossil Canyon if I was paid to do it. See you next week for more adventure with Ranger Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hi there boys and girls. This is Ranger Bill. Back again for just a third of a minute with an extra word of thanks to you for joining us today. Hope you'll team up with the Rangers every week at this time when your local station gives us this chance to get together. See you then.

[Andrew Rines]

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 donate 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 Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

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[Bill Jefferson]

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[Stumpy]

Mom, look. I'm flying into space.

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I'm happy.

[Stumpy]

Bingo. Kids.

[Bob Jefferson]

Everything kids love.

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