Hidden Treasure | Ranger Bill (02-29-56)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: "Hidden Treasure | Ranger Bill" (Aired 02-29-56, Released 06-06-26)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Main Cast: Ranger Bill Jefferson, Stumpy Jenkins, Henry, Jay (the Banker), Les Winters, Gray Wolf
Note: Advertisements and introductions have been omitted for clarity.

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Main Theme

This episode of Ranger Bill centers around the aftermath of a local rancher’s death and the search for hidden treasure. When the passing of "Dad Winters" reveals unexpected financial hardship for his son Les, a suspected family legend of buried gold becomes a potential salvation. Themes of hardship, faith, community, and the value of neighborly support run throughout, set against the classic western backdrop.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. The Loss of “Dad Winters” & Hard Times for Les (03:58 — 06:35)

• Bill and Henry return from Dad Winters’ funeral and reflect on his long, accomplished life as a rancher.
  • Henry: "Old dad Winters won’t have to worry about ranching anymore. But he certainly lived to a ripe old age, didn’t he?" (04:24)
• Les Winters, Dad’s son, is now left to run the ranch.
  • Mention of Les’s difficult personality: “He was once interested in spiritual things… since Lester came back from the service, he’s been pretty cynical and ornery.” – Ranger Bill (04:58)
• The bank's president, Jay, confides in Bill about the need to foreclose on the Winters ranch mortgage, shattering assumptions that Dad Winters was financially secure.
  • "We’ve got to foreclose on the mortgage." – Jay (07:00)

2. Discovering the Cattle in the Canyon (08:25 — 13:15)

• Stumpy and Gray Wolf discover a hundred head of cattle trapped in a nearby canyon.
  • They identify the cattle by the “Flying Double Bar” brand, belonging to Dad Winters.
• Bill realizes this herd could help cover Les’s debt but acknowledges it won’t be enough.
  • “It might help a lot.” – Bill (12:46)

3. Les’s Despair and Hostility (13:15 — 15:37)

• Bill and Henry discuss Les’s reclusiveness and his reputation for driving people off his land with a rifle.
  • “I’ve been hearing some rumors about him keeping everybody off with rifle bullets.” – Ranger Bill (13:15)
• Bill attempts to reason with Les using a portable loudspeaker, promising news about money and cattle.
  • Bill: “If he nails me, Henry, remember I like purple dandelions.” (13:43)
  • Les eventually allows Bill inside, but remains wary.

4. The Legend of Buried Treasure (20:00 — 25:21)

• Ed Banker shares an old family story:
  • During Indian raids long ago, Les’s grandfather hid their savings “under the floor.” The boy who escaped was told, “Come back here after this is over and look under the floor. That's where I’ve hid our savings.” – Jay (23:37)
  • The original shack was destroyed; when rebuilt, presumably nothing was found.
• Bill and Ed wonder if the gold might still be hidden under the current house’s structure.

5. The Search for the Gold – Climax (26:00 — 31:46)

• Bill confronts Les with his findings, and they search together.
  • Bill asks: “What part of the old house was incorporated in this new house that your dad built seventy years ago?” (29:23)
  • Les reveals the fireplace is the only original feature. They look under the hearthstone and discover a box filled with gold dust.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Gold dust. Pounds of it. Les, my friend, the fairy tale is now a true story.” – Ranger Bill (31:25)

6. Resolution: Reconciliation and Gratitude (31:46 — 32:35)

• Les expresses gratitude for the friendship and support he’s received:
  • “How can I thank you fellas? ... How could you help out such a knucklehead as I am?” – Les (31:46)
• Ranger Bill offers wisdom about faith and the importance of facing reality.
  • “God was so interested in me that he sent along some Christian friends not only to straighten out my business, but my spiritual life, too.” – Les (32:17)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• "All things work together for good to those who love God." – Ranger Bill Jefferson (18:23)
• “It was just an inventory adjustment. I just had to take stock of things.” – Les Winters (32:09)
• “They're wonderful, understanding, ready to forgive and even to forget.” – Narrator, on Christian friends (32:35)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:58] – Rangers reflect after Dad Winters’ funeral; unlucky inheritance for Les
• [06:35] – Jay (banker) reveals the ranch’s foreclosure
• [08:25] – Cattle discovered in the canyon
• [13:15] – Les’s growing hostility, Bill’s risky attempt to reach him
• [20:00] – Ed Banker recounts the buried gold legend
• [26:00] – Bill’s confrontation; search for gold under the fireplace
• [31:25] – Gold discovered; Les’s attitude transforms

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Tone & Atmosphere

Classic western drama with earnest, neighborly dialogue, a message of faith, and a narrative driven by community and redemption. Comic touches—such as banter between Stumpy and Gray Wolf—provide warmth, balancing the tension of Les’s isolation and the urgent search for the ranch’s salvation.

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Conclusion

This episode delivers a heartfelt frontier mystery, woven with themes of hardship, hope, faith, and friendship. Through resourcefulness and persistence, the rangers help Les Winters recover both his inheritance and his standing, underscoring the spiritual and practical value of community support in the Old West.

Transcript

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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.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Ranger boom warrior of the woodland.

[Narrator]

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.

[Talkspace Announcer]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace.

[Talkspace User]

Last year I went through many different life changes. I needed to take a pause and examine how I was feeling in the inside to better show up for the ones who need me to be my best version of myself.

[Talkspace Announcer]

When you're navigating life's changes, Talkspace can help. TalkSpace is the number one rated online therapy bringing you professional support from licensed therapists and psychiatry providers that you can access anytime, anywhere.

[Talkspace User]

Living a busy life, navigating a long distance relationship, becoming a first stepfather, Talkspace made all of those journeys possible. I could speak with my therapist in the office. I could speak of my therapist in the comfort of my home. I was never alone.

[Talkspace Announcer]

Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off your first month with promo code space80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com send us save $80 with code [e-mail].

[Narrator]

All of us, once in a while are asked to attend the funeral of some departed friend or relative. It's anything but a happy occasion. But it's an obligation that has to be fulfilled. Bill and Henry, for example, are returning to Ranger headquarters after attending the funeral of one of the old time ranchers in the country surrounding Knotty Pine. They're just entering the office now.

[Henry]

Well, old dad Winters won't have to worry about ranching anymore. But he certainly lived to a ripe

[Stumpy]

old age, didn't he?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Yes, pal. If I live to be 91, I feel that I've stayed long enough here on Earth. His son Les will be able to carry on the ranching, however, and probably make this grow more than it has already. Dad Winters was a very good rancher.

[Henry]

Yeah, and how has the best spread in these parts?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, even in his old age, he kept up with all the new developments, ranching and agriculture.

[Henry]

And he was a fine Christian besides. Which is more than you can say for his son.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Well, he was once interested in spiritual things. Then he left home and I'm afraid since Lester came back from the service, he's been pretty cynical and ornery.

[Henry]

Yeah, I'll say so. But he's mighty smart. Sure knows ranching and farming.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

But he doesn't know how to get along with people, and that's more important. Can't live by yourself in this world, pal.

[Henry]

Well, I sure wish that Les would learn that.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

He will someday. Then it might be too late. I got it, pal. Hello, Ranger Headquarters?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

How are you, Jay? Sure, be glad to. What's on your mind? That's a good idea.

[Henry]

I'll be right over.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Yes, goodbye.

[Henry]

Was that the banker?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Yeah. He asked me to come right over. Henry. Sorry you can't come along. He has to see me alone.

[Henry]

Well, that's all right, Bill. I can find plenty to do. You know what's up?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

No, Jay didn't Want to talk over the phone. But his voice sounded worried to me. Well, Jay, what have you got on your mind?

[Jay (Banker)]

Bill, we've known each other a long time, haven't we?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Yes, we've had a fine friendship. What's this leading up to? Sound like you're in trouble.

[Jay (Banker)]

I'd like to have your help on a matter of utmost urgency.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Well, let's quit playing hang the butcher and spill it out. I can see that you're under some tension.

[Stumpy]

Yes.

[Jay (Banker)]

You know, Bill, a lot of people think bankers are mighty hard headed. And maybe some are. But I don't fit in under that category just now. I'm feeling pretty bad. Bill, you probably know that the ranch belonging to dad Winters is an investment of this bank.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Yes, I knew something to that effect.

[Les Winters]

Why?

[Jay (Banker)]

We've got to foreclose on the mortgage.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Mortgage? But Jay, I thought.

[Jay (Banker)]

Yes, so did everybody else.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

We all took it for granted that dad Winters had a lot of money. Not too much maybe, but certainly enough to be comfortably well off.

[Jay (Banker)]

Oh, he lived comfortably, all right. But he had all his funds tied up in his ranch. Very little cash on hand.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Well, how to get into this mess?

[Jay (Banker)]

Well, you know how the ranchers borrow from us to buy cattle to range and fatten that cattle act as security on our loans.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Yes, I'm well acquainted with that.

[Jay (Banker)]

You're also aware, of course, that there's been a considerable drop in the market price of beef.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Yes.

[Jay (Banker)]

Well, dad Winters borrowed from us as usual. And then he was hit by the drop in the market just like a good many other ranchers. But dad had no reserve. Now that he's dead, his estate will have to pay the difference between what the cattle will bring on the market and what we loaned them.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

How much is the difference?

[Jay (Banker)]

$10,000. But the real trouble is that I tried to serve notice on Les Winters and I couldn't get to the house. He kept me away with Rif.

[Stumpy]

We walk heap long way now. Maybe we rest some.

[Jay (Banker)]

What you say?

[Stumpy]

Stumping.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

About time you hoed up there, young feller. I thought you'd never stop. Maybe you're one of them there at Tomic Energy Machines.

[Stumpy]

No, I not.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Hot stuff.

[Stumpy]

Dust. Tired Indian like to get home someday soon now.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Yeah, if you're like a horse headed for home. You just can't stop until you get there and put your nose in the feed bag.

[Stumpy]

I eat oatmeal, if that what you mean.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Someday. I'll get ahead of you, Gray Wolf. But it had to be pretty early in the morning.

[Henry]

I'm a Thinking that right?

[Stumpy]

But you're not bad yourself, Stumpy.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Hey, I must be going around with calves on the brain because I keep hearing critters bawling.

[Stumpy]

Oh, I hear him too. That's strange for them to be here. We find out why. That's strange. Not much food in canyon.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

That's right, Great Wolf. I wonder what them dogies are doing in there.

[Stumpy]

I think we better look at Brand, then tell others.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Good idea.

[Stumpy]

Might know how cattle get in this canyon. Can't see any openings.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

I think it is here. Canyon has a crazy zigzag opening the other end. Kind of hard for them critters to navigate.

[Stumpy]

Then maybe I have right idea.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

What's that, young feller?

[Stumpy]

I think cat'll get trapped in here and can't get out.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Can you make out what that brand is? Gray wolf. Kind of fuzzy. I don't see things like that so good anymore.

[Henry]

A flying double bar.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Who owns the Flying double bar?

[Stumpy]

Sound familiar to me.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Yeah, I ain't getting moldy in the brain. My forgetter is working better than my rememberer. I know that brand as well as an old male.

[Stumpy]

You're not only one who having trouble with brain. I know that brand too.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Something grey Wolf. I got it. That there flying double bar belongs to old dad Winners.

[Stumpy]

That right? You better go tell that cattle trapped in Kenya.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Yeah, I think they'll be sort of looking for them critters.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

So that's the story, huh, James?

[Jay (Banker)]

That's it, Bill. Pretty sad, eh?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, it's a blow, but you can't help it. The bank has to make good on its loans, that's sure. After all, you're lending out the depositor's money.

[Jay (Banker)]

The thing I'm afraid of is what might happen to Lester when he gets the news. That's my chief worry right now.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

And you say you've already tried to see him?

[Les Winters]

Yes, but he drove me away.

[Jay (Banker)]

Couldn't talk to him anyway.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

We'll have to do something about that.

[Jay (Banker)]

You have anything in mind?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

No, not yet. You can never tell what'll happen.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Yes, sir, Bill. We saw them there. Cattle trapped in the canyon.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

You're sure they belong to Less Winters?

[Stumpy]

Not right.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

It's right, Brand.

[Stumpy]

All right.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

How many head of cattle are there?

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Oh, about a hundred, I'd say.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

That might fit in pretty well.

[Stumpy]

Have to get cattle out soon before something happened to them.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Yeah, that's right.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, know that, fellas.

[Stumpy]

It's not hard get them out right now.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Yeah. Well, suppose you fellas go after them and bring them in, huh? Less is short on Callahan since his dad died and left him broke.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

He doesn't have any cattle either. Had to sell a whole herd the other day to get some money. Of course, you didn't know about these hundred head, I guess.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Well, they wouldn't bring in enough money to cover the debt. But it might help a lot.

[Stumpy]

We go out canyon and bring cattle in. It'd not take long.

[Les Winters]

Fine.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

This will give me the excuse I need to go out and see Les Winters in.

[Henry]

You think Les will let you in, Bill?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

I don't know, Henry. I've been hearing some rumors about him keeping everybody off with rifle bullets.

[Henry]

Yeah, I've been hearing them too. I wonder if they're true.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

We'll soon find out.

[Henry]

You mean you're going in there anyhow, even if he shoots?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Yeah.

[Henry]

Yeah, but he's here to die in

[Narrator]

order to prove it.

[Henry]

I know this, that Les doesn't like anyone, not even himself.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

I know.

[Henry]

Probably so mad at himself he won't even look in a mirror.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Well, we'll soon find out what his attitude is. That's his place up ahead. Now, if he nails me, Henry, remember I like purple dandelions.

[Henry]

Don't joke like that, Bill. You're probably looking into the business end of a 3030 right now.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Come on, let's get on.

[Henry]

Now, Bill, I want you to be careful.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Oh, how about that?

[Henry]

Okay, smarty. Now do you believe it's more than a rumor?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Yes, Henry. Those little lead bees make me kind of nervous.

[Henry]

I shouldn't laugh, but you should have seen the look on your face when that rifle ball zinged right nearby.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

I can imagine.

[Henry]

Have you got any ideas?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

I think I have. Let's go back to town. We'll talk about it. I'm going to get a portable power speaker, Henry. You know, one of those kind you carry in your hand. Looks like a megaphone.

[Henry]

You going to talk to Lester with it?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

That's right. I'll talk to him a while before I go into the ranch house.

[Henry]

You mean you're going inside that house after the reception we got today?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Well, of course I'll have to talk with him long distance first.

[Henry]

And what if he isn't in a convincing mood?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Then I'll probably have a couple extra holes in me for the effort. But I think I can convince him.

[Henry]

What are you going to use for an argument?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Those cattle, Gray Wolf and Stumpy are bringing in. And anything else the Lord will send my.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

There they go, toward the far end of the canyon.

[Stumpy]

We have good horse. Not have trouble Bringing small herd to ranch.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

That's right, young hunter. Hey, I think them there cattle are might bit hungry.

[Stumpy]

Oh, not good. Help us bring them in. Hey, get them up, King.

[Henry]

Let's go.

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[Henry]

You got it put together, Phil?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Sure have, pal. Now let's test it out with this battery.

[Henry]

The battery better hold out. I don't want to be turning the hand generator.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Don't worry. I put a new battery in the power pack. Now hold on to your eardrums. Here goes.

[Henry]

Pipe all hands on deck. Hello, Henry, can you hear me?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Testing, testing. Hello, Henry.

[Henry]

Couldn't hear a word you said. Boy, if Les can't hear that, he's deaf.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

That's the way I figure it, pal. Now perhaps I can persuade him to talk to me for a while.

[Stumpy]

I sure wish we could make that

[Henry]

guy use his head. He's a wonderful fellow at heart. For all practical purposes, he's off his rocker.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

There are a lot of folks who are confused, pal. Even Christians get that way sometimes. Even though they have the greatest promise ever written. All things work together for good to those who love God.

[Henry]

And what more could you ask for than that?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Well, Henry, sometimes folks don't want to face reality. Sometimes they can't. They should learn when they're young to face an issue fair and square. That's the only way to overcome it.

[Henry]

Is that what's wrong With Les?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Basically, yes. He realizes for the first time that he's poor and he's not trying to help himself, even though he knows he's in trouble. But the simple fact of the matter is that no matter how he acts, he still owes the bank the money on the loan. And the bank has to take some of his property to replace the loan. Sure, it's a terrible blow to find out that your dad's died and left you penniless, but you can learn something worthwhile even from a situation like that.

[Henry]

Yeah, I remember I'd teach you in school talking about farming and ranching as being big business and that it took brains.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Right. Takes a smart man to make a success out of ranching, Farming or anything else. Well, let's get some sleep. We'll call on Les Winters again first thing in the morning.

[Henry]

I wonder if he'll give us another hot reception. Hot lead, I mean.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Somebody's at the door. I'll get it. All right, I'm coming.

[Stumpy]

Bill Jefferson?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Yes, I'm Bill Jefferson. Won't you step in, please?

[Stumpy]

Thank you.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Bill. Oh, Ed Banker, president of the 95 National Bank. Didn't recognize you in the dark yet. Come on in. Have a chair.

[Stumpy]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

What can I do for you, Bill?

[Stumpy]

I've talked to JD and he's informed me of the part you're playing in this Lester Winters affair.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Well, I'm not the only ranger in on this. Some of my men are helping out, too.

[Stumpy]

I see. Bill, do you have time to listen to a story? Course I know it's bedtime and I won't keep you up any later than necessary.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Sure, I'll be glad to listen. What kind of story?

[Stumpy]

It's one that may help keep the bank from foreclosing Les Winter's ranch. This story I got from my grandfather Bill. And he was quite aware of all the facts. Believe me, though it sounds strange. I've always been convinced the story I have to tell you has some basic truth in it.

[Henry]

Go right ahead.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

I'm listening.

[Stumpy]

Mr. Winter's grandfather, of course, settled here in the pioneer days. He and old dad Winters, his son, lived in a crude shack on their present ranch. Lester's dad was just a young stripling when this all happened. In those times, they were still having Indian trouble. This was even before this country became a territory.

[Narrator]

Wait. When do you think them Indians will attack? Do you think these nails will hold the shutters closed?

[Jay (Banker)]

Ah, don't fret none, son. Everything will be all right.

[Narrator]

I'm sure glad mom went to visit her cousin. This is no place for her.

[Jay (Banker)]

That's right, son. Now you get your rifle ready and keep a close watch on them trees.

[Narrator]

You think they'll try to come across the cleared land, dad?

[Jay (Banker)]

Them redskins will try anything.

[Narrator]

That's what's worrying me.

[Jay (Banker)]

Like I said, don't fret, son. We'll make this all right.

[Narrator]

I hope so, but I've got a feeling.

[Jay (Banker)]

You just keep your eye looking through those rifle sights of yours.

[Stumpy]

Stop talking.

[Henry]

We'll be all right.

[Narrator]

Have you seen anything yet, dad?

[Jay (Banker)]

Not a sign. Maybe it's just an idle rumor. Well, here, I'll make some lunch for both of us.

[Narrator]

Yes, I'm hungry, dad.

[Jay (Banker)]

Keep your eyes open. If you so much as see a

[Stumpy]

red skinned toe, shoot it off.

[Narrator]

I'll get them.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Hey, dad.

[Narrator]

Here comes the soldier. Now.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

There's two of them.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Hey, wait a minute.

[Narrator]

There's three.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

They're riding like anything and they keep looking back.

[Jay (Banker)]

The injured must be hard. After him.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

I'll unbar the front door.

[Jay (Banker)]

Keep watching from the way them soldiers come.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Come on in here, man.

[Henry]

Hurry, so I can get this door closed. Now wait a minute, wait a minute. You're so excited I can't make head or tail out of what you're saying. Was ambushed back in a rota piece. The only ones that got away. The Indians following you? Yeah.

[Jay (Banker)]

Then we have a fight on our hands. How many are there?

[Henry]

About 50.

[Jay (Banker)]

That means only one thing less. When we get help, none of us will get out of here alive.

[Henry]

I'm afraid not. We gotta get a reinforcement from the fort.

[Jay (Banker)]

I'm afraid they won't get here soon enough. Son, you take my horse and ride out of here.

[Narrator]

No, Dad, I want to stay here.

[Jay (Banker)]

I don't mind arguing with you. Now get moving. Get my horse.

[Stumpy]

I'll bring the saddle.

[Narrator]

Okay, dad, but I don't want to do it.

[Jay (Banker)]

You'd better do it fast before them redskins get here. Goodbye, son. Now be brave and ride fast. Try to get some help from the fort.

[Narrator]

I don't want to leave, dad. Honest I don't.

[Jay (Banker)]

I don't want you to either. But your mother will need you now. Give her my love.

[Henry]

Hey, mister.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Get that boy's way.

[Stumpy]

Here come the engine.

[Jay (Banker)]

Son, come back here after this is over and look under the floor. That's where I've hid our savings. Under the floor.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Do you hear?

[Jay (Banker)]

Now up with you.

[Henry]

Get going.

[Narrator]

It.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Well. So the lad got away from the Indians.

[Stumpy]

That's right. Bill Lester's dad got away. Unfortunately, however, the brave Little band in the shack was wiped out. Well, sir, after the Indian trouble cleared up, dad Winters mayor, the young lady of his choice couple went back to the burned out shack, rebuilt over it and started one of the biggest ranches in this part of the country.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

The young fellow never did look under the floor.

[Stumpy]

Yes, he did. But presumably he never found anything. But Bill, I wonder if that money isn't still there or whatever it was. Gold, possibly.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

I don't know, Ed, but I'm going to find out if it's the last thing I do.

[Henry]

Here's hoping Les is in a better mood today.

[Les Winters]

Nope.

[Henry]

He ain't feeling any kinder toward us now.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

I'll try the power megaphone, see if I can convince him.

[Henry]

You'll have to do some fancy talking if you ask me.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Lester, this is Ranger Bill Jefferson. I'm not here to take you off your property. I'm here to help you. I've got news for you. Let me come in and talk to you. I'll. Look, Les, don't do anything you'll be sorry for. I've got news about cattle and money for you. I'm leaving my gun and badge in the car. And whether you like it or not, I'm coming in to talk to you. Are you ready to listen?

[Henry]

All right, come on in. But one false move and you're a

[Les Winters]

dead range, you understand?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Well, do you mind if I sit down, Les?

[Les Winters]

Nah. What is it you want of me?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

I'd feel better if you wouldn't point that rifle my way. Less

[Les Winters]

there. Now talk.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Les, I've come to try to help you.

[Les Winters]

How?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

I happen to know all about the mortgage and I've kind of made it my business to get you out from under.

[Les Winters]

Why?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Because I happen to be a friend of your dad's, that's why.

[Les Winters]

How you figure on helping me out?

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Figure?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Well, for one thing, two of my rangers have discovered about a hundred head of your cattle trapped in the canyon off down.

[Les Winters]

Yeah.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Now that won't take care of all your debt, but at least it's something.

[Les Winters]

Yeah, it's something. Anything else?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Yes, there is. Do you happen to know of a story about buried gold in your house?

[Henry]

Sure.

[Les Winters]

Just a fairy tale, that's all.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

I'm not so sure, Les. I've heard the story just recently from mighty good authority.

[Les Winters]

Who?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Ed Benker. Ed? Yeah, you know Ed Benker is not given to telling tall tales.

[Les Winters]

No. No, he ain't. Well, go ahead. What's the story this time?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Nothing new. Same old story. But what if it's True.

[Les Winters]

If it is true, the ranch is still mine.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Exactly. Now, what I want to ask you is this. What part of the old house was incorporated in this new house that your dad built 70 years ago?

[Les Winters]

Are you. Are you trying to find out where under the floor that money might still be, Right. Well, Ranger, that's where that story broke down. You see, when dad built this house, he dug a cellar and naturally the whole floor of the old house was torn up because the old house had no cellar. If there was any gold underneath that floor, dad certainly found it.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

I see. Well, I guess that pretty well takes care of the story, doesn't it?

[Les Winters]

Ain't that what I told you? In the first place? I knew the whole thing was a fairy tale. See,

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

the old house, the one your grandfather built, where would that be in relation to this house?

[Les Winters]

Well, it was only a one room shack, really. And dad said when he built this house, he put the living room right where the old house was.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

And this room where we're standing is the spot, huh?

[Les Winters]

Yeah.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Now think less. Is there no place in this room that wasn't changed when your dad built the house?

[Les Winters]

Well, only the fireplace. Same one my grandfather built in the old days.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Fireplace. Come over here, Les. This stone right here in front of. Is that the same stone that was laid by your grandfather?

[Les Winters]

Why, yeah. You can see it's worn down from people standing on it. There's a hollow place.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Would you get me a big crowbar or something? I want to take a look under that stone.

[Stumpy]

Sure.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Wait a minute.

[Les Winters]

Going back here. Let's see now. Oh, here you are. You think it'll do any good? Go ahead.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Thanks.

[Les Winters]

It's coming. There.

[Narrator]

Now

[Jay (Banker)]

help me lift this.

[Les Winters]

Man, that must weigh 400 pounds.

[Stumpy]

Yep. There.

[Les Winters]

Over there.

[Stumpy]

Yep, yep.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

There.

[Stumpy]

Bill, look, a box.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Yeah. Open it, Les.

[Henry]

Bill. Bill, look at it.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Gold dust. Pounds of it. Les, my friend, the fairy tale is now a true story.

[Les Winters]

How can I thank you fellas? Two wonderful bankers and a terrific bunch of forest rangers. How could you help out such a knucklehead as I am?

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

Lest we knew that you'd act like a gentleman when the time came. Now, with the gold we found under your house and the cattle the fellas brought in, you're all set to go back in business.

[Henry]

Go back?

[Les Winters]

I never was out, shall we say. It was just an inventory adjustment. I just had to take stock of things.

[Ranger Bill Jefferson]

See that?

[Les Winters]

God was so interested in me that he sent along some Christian friends not only to straighten out my business, but my spiritual life, too.

[Narrator]

Yes, Lester, we all thank the Lord for Christian friends. They're wonderful, understanding, ready to forgive and even to forget. See you again next week, boys and

[Stumpy Jenkins]

girls, for more adventure with Ranger Bell.

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[Stumpy Jenkins]

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. Foreign.

[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.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Sam.