Hit and Run | Ranger Bill (04-13-55)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: “Hit and Run” | Ranger Bill (April 13, 1955)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: February 21, 2026
Episode Theme:
A powerful tale of justice, fear, and community, this episode of Ranger Bill explores the consequences of a tragic hit-and-run accident in a small Western town. Through suspenseful drama and a message of integrity, the story highlights the dangers of mob mentality, the importance of due process, and the value of courage under accusation.

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Main Theme and Purpose

In "Hit and Run," two teenage boys, Rube and Smitty, become the focus of a town’s fury after a beloved citizen, Sam Potter, is killed in a car accident involving their hot rod. Ranger Bill and his team must keep tempers in check, ensure a just investigation, and prevent vigilante justice, all while seeking the truth about what really occurred. The story addresses personal responsibility, fear-driven decisions, and the importance of letting the law—rather than a mob—determine guilt.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. Introduction & Setting the Stage (01:43–03:06)

• The show opens with a classic adventure setup, introducing Ranger Bill, the woodland guardian, and highlighting the rigors and dangers faced by rangers.
• The question is posed: “Never run away from the scene of an accident,” setting up the central conflict.

2. The Accident: Fear and Guilt (03:06–08:14)

• Rube and Smitty drive carefully, aware of town prejudice against hot rodders, but tragedy strikes when they hit a man who steps into the road unexpectedly.
• Panicked, they flee the scene.

  “We shouldn’t have run away.” — Smitty (07:38)

3. Investigation & Rising Tensions (08:14–14:10)

• Ranger Bill and his team arrive on the scene, struggle to control the crowd, and begin collecting evidence.
• Tire marks suggest the car was not speeding, but clues point to a hot rod’s involvement.
• The townspeople are furious, and rumors of their own brand of justice begin to spread.

  “There are some ugly rumors around that the citizens of Big Pine are going to take the law into their own hands.” — Constable Sid (08:42)

4. Mob Mentality & The Boys’ Arrest (14:10–17:20)

• News slips that hot rodders are suspected, triggering a mob to hunt down the boys.
• Smitty and Rube confess, and the crowd calls for vigilante justice, threatening tar and feathers.
• Ranger Bill and Stumpy intervene just in time:

  “Release those boys.” — Ranger Bill (15:58) “Don’t make me shoot. I can gouge the eye out of a June bug at a thousand yards.” — Stumpy (16:16)

5. Struggle for Due Process (17:20–20:53)

• Bill emphasizes justice through law, not mob rule.

  “These kids are going to get justice. If they’re guilty, they’ll be punished. If they’re not guilty, they’ll go free. That’s for the law to decide.” — Ranger Bill (16:27)

• The mob demands assurance of a fair investigation; Bill gives his word as both lawman and Christian.

  “You have my word for it... as an officer of the law, but as a Christian.” — Ranger Bill (20:53)

  • The mob backs down after this declaration.

6. Re-creation of the Accident & New Evidence (21:49–23:07)

• A reenactment at the scene suggests the accident was unavoidable.
• Bill seeks a post-mortem to answer lingering questions about Sam Potter's death.

7. The Inquest: Truth Revealed (24:06–28:40)

• Dr. Land, Sam’s doctor, reveals Sam died of a heart attack, not from injuries caused by the car:

  “He died from a heart attack.” — Dr. Land (25:20)

• Bill’s detailed analysis clears the boys of homicide, showing no evidence of excessive speed or malice.
• The boys are still criticized for fleeing, but Ranger Bill calls out the entire town’s behavior, including mob violence and illegal searches.

8. Final Resolution & Moral (28:40–29:59)

• The coroner exonerates the boys, waives further punishment, and closes the case.
• Rube and Smitty express gratitude and the lesson learned:

  “Never run when you’re in trouble. No matter how bad the circumstantial evidence, in this country, you’re innocent until you’re proved guilty.” — Ranger Bill (29:36)

• The episode closes with a reminder about seeking and standing up for the truth.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

[07:38] Smitty:

“We shouldn’t have run away.”

[08:42] Constable Sid:

“There are some ugly rumors around that the citizens of Big Pine are going to take the law into their own hands.”

[16:16] Stumpy:

“Don’t make me shoot. I can gouge the eye out of a June bug at a thousand yards. Don’t make me prove it.”

[20:53] Ranger Bill:

“You have my word for it... as an officer of the law, but as a Christian.”

[25:20] Dr. Land:

“He died from a heart attack.”

[29:36] Ranger Bill:

“Never run when you’re in trouble. No matter how bad the circumstantial evidence, in this country, you’re innocent until you’re proved guilty.”

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Main Conflict Introduced: 03:06
• Accident Happens: 04:02
• Mob Forms: 05:58–06:07, 12:09
• Rangers Intervene: 15:58
• Bill Restores Order: 16:27, 20:22
• Inquest and Final Truth: 24:06–29:36
• Moral & Farewells: 29:36–30:13

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Tone and Storytelling Style

The tone is earnest, urgent, and often tense—capturing both the danger of unchecked suspicion and the calming influence of principled authority. As in classic old-time radio tradition, characters express clear moral reasoning, and justice triumphs over prejudice and fear.

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Summary for First-Time Listeners:
This episode delivers a compelling Western drama with suspense, community strife, and a strong moral center. Through expert storytelling and colorful character performances, it encourages listeners to value fairness, trust the legal process, and never let fear drive disastrous decisions. Ranger Bill stands as the voice of integrity and reason, ensuring justice is done while teaching all—characters and listeners alike—a lasting lesson on truth and responsibility.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and 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.

[C]

Ring your bell.

[D]

Warrior of the woodland,

[E]

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. Say, have you ever been in an automobile accident? They can be pretty frightening. And on the spur of the moment, you might even get scared enough to want to run away. Never run away from the scene of an accident, no matter how bad the accident is. Why? Well, listen to the story of two boys, Reuben and Smitty, who had an accident with their hot rod. Only by hard work and fast thinking did Bill Jefferson save them from the angry citizens of Big Pine. That's a village about halfway between Knotty Pine and Canyon City. Here's the story. Hit and run.

[F]

Cut it down, Smitty. Gotta keep well within the limit.

[D]

Yeah, yeah. Okay, Rub. You know, I don't know where folks get the idea that hot rod drivers are always speed demons.

[F]

Oh, that's because a couple of smart alecks didn't use their heads. Going through town like a jet Plane the way they did and everybody's been sore ever since.

[D]

Well, I can't blame them exactly. Can you?

[C]

No.

[F]

Say, Smitty, we gotta put the strobe light on this thing when we get back to the garage. It must be out of time again.

[D]

Yeah, you're right. Seems to be missing at high speeds.

[F]

Watch out, the street's narrow here, Smitty.

[D]

What's the matter with you, Robe? Getting the jitters or something?

[F]

No, it's just that the folks in town are so dead set against us, we wouldn't stand a chance if anything should.

[C]

Look out. Look out for that man.

[D]

I think I hit him, Rube.

[C]

Yeah.

[F]

Let's get out of here quick.

[D]

You mean run?

[C]

Sure.

[D]

Okay, Here goes.

[F]

Cut around him wide.

[G]

That's right.

[D]

Now take off.

[E]

Oh, Bill, how much farther?

[G]

We got quite a ways, Ralph. Coming into Big Pine now.

[E]

That means we're halfway home.

[C]

Yep. Gray Wolf.

[E]

And Stumpy is still sleeping. Guess I'll do the same. Hey, Bill, what's going on up here in the center of town?

[G]

I'm just wondering myself. Better wake up Stumpy and Gray Wolf. We'll find out.

[D]

Okay.

[E]

Hey, Gray Wolf. Stumpy, come on, wake up.

[C]

Come on, wake up.

[H]

Where we stop here, Ralph?

[E]

Something's going on in the street. Bill says we should take a look.

[C]

Hey, look at all the people.

[E]

Sounds like a riot starting.

[G]

I'm not joking, Ralph. Lock the cars so no one can get our weapons. Come on, fellas. Let's find out what this is all about.

[I]

Hey, they're the Rangers. Let him through.

[G]

Thanks for letting us through, folks. Where's Constable Gorman?

[J]

Right here, Bill.

[G]

Is he dead, Sid? Yeah. How'd it happen?

[J]

I don't know, Bill. Some of the folks heard a car tearing down the street and then they found poor old Sam here.

[I]

Yeah, it was one of those dirty hot rodders, that's what it was.

[G]

Ralph, get a blanket out of the car and cover the body, will ya? Sure.

[E]

Let me through, please.

[I]

Blanket won't do Sam any good. Why don't you go after those rats that did this?

[C]

Look here, mister, we'll handle this our own way, if you don't mind.

[G]

Grey Wolf, Stumpy, let's clear the crowd off the straight.

[H]

Ah, not good idea. They only wipe out evidence when they walk around.

[I]

You haven't got enough Rangers to move us, mister.

[G]

There are three of us here and one at the radio car. That's enough. You seem to be the ringleader, mister, so I'm talking to you. You don't stop making trouble. I'LL arrest you for inciting mob violence and obstructing the work of law enforcement officers. I'll get a move on.

[F]

Back it in, Smitty, before somebody sees us.

[D]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. What do you think I'm trying to do, Rube? Just so scared I can't see straight. Look out now.

[G]

Yeah, okay.

[D]

Come on back. Well, that's that. Close the doors, Rube.

[F]

Yeah, right away, Smitty.

[D]

Now, why don't you go home, Rube? I hit the guy, not you.

[F]

Uh, we're in this mess together, aren't we?

[D]

Boy, I sure don't know where that fella came from. All I know is sudden he's right in front of the car and boom.

[F]

I know. Let's stay here for a while and think what we should do.

[D]

I know what we shouldn't have done.

[C]

Yeah?

[F]

What?

[D]

We shouldn't have run away.

[F]

Maybe you're right and I'm the guy that told you to do it. But we wouldn't have had a chance with some of those hot heads in town. But it's too late to think of that now.

[D]

Is it?

[F]

Sure it is. If I could only calm down and do some straight thinking.

[D]

We've got to think straight. It's our only chance.

[J]

The ambulance will be here shortly, Bill.

[G]

Thanks, Sid.

[J]

Did you find out anything?

[G]

Yeah, some very interesting things.

[J]

As soon as they take old Sam away, we can go into my office and talk this over.

[C]

Yeah, it's a good idea, Sonny. Something mighty fishy about this here accident, huh?

[J]

Well, it's a clear case of hit and run, ain't it?

[C]

Not the way we see it, ain't.

[J]

Is that right, Bill?

[G]

Well, there are some very peculiar factors in the case, Sid. You don't find in the ordinary hit and run.

[J]

I hope you can prove your point. There's some ugly rumors around that the citizens of Big Pine are going to take the law into their own hands.

[F]

Well, Smitty, I found out who the man was we hit.

[D]

Yeah?

[F]

Who is he? Sam Potter.

[D]

Sam Potter.

[F]

Oh, I found out something else.

[D]

What? He's dead. You mean. You mean it was our car?

[F]

Must have been. They found him dead on the street.

[D]

I can't figure it, Rube.

[F]

Neither can I, Smitty. But we killed him just the same.

[D]

Do you

[F]

think we better give ourselves up, Smitty? We can't do that. The town's people would lynch us.

[J]

Well, Bill, how does the evidence stack up?

[G]

Let's start with the tire marks, Sid. We measured the short skid marks, and they tell us the car was going between 20 and 25 miles an hour.

[J]

20 miles? How could there be skid marks at that speed?

[G]

Well, the brakes were in excellent condition and the driver slammed them on hard. The marks aren't prominent, but they're there just the same.

[H]

They're even more important. Point about skid. Tell him, Bill.

[G]

I'm just getting to that. Gray wolf. Another reason the car skidded as it did is that the tires were bald. Makes skidding easier.

[J]

What kind of a car would have bald tires? Tain't safe for a regular car to have em.

[H]

But hot rod have bald tires in some cases.

[J]

Hot rod? That would make matters worse for whoever hit Sam.

[G]

What do you mean, Sid?

[J]

Well, a large portion of the population of big pine is made up of only half a dozen families. Intermarriage and so forth. Sam Potter was recognized as the leader in the town.

[G]

I see. That's why the folks here were so angry. I sensed more than just the usual anger and disgust over a hit and run case.

[J]

Not only that, Bill, these folks are very prejudiced against hot rods.

[E]

Most people are, Sid. It's the hot rodders own fault.

[G]

Well, we just gotta keep ahead of them, that's all. And ask for patience.

[E]

How do we do that, Bill?

[G]

By finding the driver of that car before they do.

[H]

Where we start to find driver Bill?

[G]

Well, the first thing I want to do is take Sam's outer clothing to the lab and have him gone over for paint fragments. Gray wolf, you and Ralph get a list of all the lads who own or drive hot rods. And stumpy, you stay here and help Sid keep things under control.

[J]

Say, Stumpy, let's stop in here at Ben's store and have a cup of coffee. A lot of the folks just sit around there and talk.

[C]

Yeah, it's for us, Sid. Maybe we can get an idea what they're thinking about in this here accident. Yeah, Seems to be quite a crowd in the store.

[J]

Yeah, and I don't like it.

[C]

Well, sonny, go on in. Only one way to catch a polecat.

[G]

Go in after.

[I]

Hey, fellas, here's Sid.

[E]

Yeah, Got a ranger with him, I see.

[I]

He's just an old guy. He can't do any harm.

[C]

Oh, just a minute there, young sir. I was putting three cornered pants and grizzly bears before you were born. You step up here, I'll show you how old I am.

[I]

Okay, pop, I take it all back.

[D]

Hey, sir.

[E]

Find out who did it yet?

[J]

No, but the rangers think a hot rod may have hit him.

[D]

Hot rod?

[C]

No, you shouldn't have said that, sonny.

[J]

Well, you're telling me. Too late.

[E]

Now, let's grab those hot rodders and let's get them one by one.

[I]

Yeah, let's get started on this manhunt, boys. I know the first place to go.

[C]

All right, let's go.

[F]

Let's go out.

[C]

Let's go.

[J]

I guess I'm not the peace officer I ought to be and didn't even try and stop him.

[C]

Yeah, don't talk foolish, sonny. There's some things you can do and some things you can't. Let's get a shooting iron and follow those men.

[G]

Call Bill. While we're at it.

[C]

Listen, we'd have got beat up. We wouldn't have been able to help anybody.

[I]

Hello, University lab.

[J]

Bill Jefferson there.

[I]

Just a minute. Bill, it's for you.

[G]

Thanks, Pat. Hello, Bill Jefferson speaking.

[J]

Bill, this is Sid Gorman. You'd better get over here right away.

[G]

What's happened?

[J]

I let it slip out accidentally that you thought the hit and run driver was a hot rod. Now the men of the town have taken matters into their own hands. They're going after all the lads who own hot rods.

[G]

Mmm, that's bad. I'll get over there as fast as I can. Sid, you stay at the office. Now, Stumpy, follow the mob. Tell him to call in, let you know where he is.

[J]

Okay, Bill.

[G]

Oh, one more thing, Sid. Try and get hold of Gray Wolf and Ralph and any other rangers you can. I'll see you soon.

[I]

Something unexpected, Bill?

[G]

Not unexpected, Pat. This came sooner than I thought it would. Phone me at the constable's office in Big Pine when you get through going over the clothes, will you?

[I]

Quiet, you guys. Quiet.

[C]

Quiet.

[I]

Alan, we gotta find out some things. Is this your hot rod, kid?

[F]

Uh, yeah, it belongs to me and Smitty.

[I]

Have you been driving a car recently?

[E]

Hey, here's a piece of Sam's coat. Cut my license.

[G]

Quiet.

[C]

Quiet down.

[E]

Quiet.

[I]

Did you two kids run down Sam Potter? Answer me.

[E]

Did ya?

[D]

Yeah. Yeah, we did.

[I]

Who was driving?

[D]

Me.

[E]

So you're the guilty ones. You ran away, didn't you?

[I]

You did run away, didn't you? You dirty hit and run. That's right, sir.

[D]

Yeah, let's take them away before the law gets here. We didn't mean it, dude. It was an accident.

[I]

Accident, my eye. Let's get a barrel of tar and some feathers.

[E]

I got some.

[C]

We'll take care of these kids our way.

[I]

Okay, let's go. Come on, let's get them.

[J]

Let's.

[C]

Here's the rangers. All right, all right.

[G]

Release those boys.

[I]

We Ain't doing it, copper. They're guilty. This time we're doing things.

[G]

I appointed you as judge. How do you know they're guilty? Release them, I said. You make me. All right, I will.

[C]

Call it there, boys. Don't make me shoot. I can gouge the eye out of a June bug at a thousand yards. Don't make me prove it. I'm one of ya.

[G]

Thanks, Stumpy. Now listen, you people. These kids are going to get justice. If they're guilty, they'll be punished. If they're not guilty, they'll go free. That's for the law to decide. Tom, take these two boys over to the jail and lock them up for their own protection. And stay there with Shorty and Ned and guard the jail. We'll keep these men here until you're safely away. Okay, Bill.

[I]

Come on, Lance.

[E]

Let's go to the car. Hey, you in the back. Don't try and sneak off.

[G]

That's right. Everybody stays here until the car leaves. All right, you can disperse now.

[C]

You fellas go on home. Behave yourselves. One peep and we'll need a jail stretcher.

[G]

Phew.

[F]

Huh.

[E]

That was a close one, Bill. We got here just in the nick of time.

[G]

I'll say we did, Ralph. This isn't the end of it either.

[H]

Think you're right, Bill. Those men plenty mad. You think they try break into jail?

[E]

They wouldn't try that in this day and age, would they?

[G]

Sounds ridiculous, I know, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if they did.

[J]

Now let's go back to the jail and talk with the boys, see what's what.

[G]

First, let's take a look at the hot rod, Sid. We'll be back at the jail before the mob gets rebellious enough to try to break. Now, Rube, Smitty, suppose you tell us just how it happened.

[D]

I was driving, Bill. I'm the guilty one, not Rube.

[F]

But I told him to drive away. I'm the most obliged.

[G]

All right, take it easy, fellas. All I want to know is what happened. Don't worry about the mob. They won't get you, believe me.

[F]

Okay, Bill. All I can say is that we were driving down the street. Couldn't have been more than 25 miles an hour at the most. And suddenly the old man was in front of us. We couldn't stop, man.

[D]

We hit the brakes. It didn't do any good. I still can't figure where he came from. Only all of a sudden, he was right there. That's all there is to it, Bill. I know we did wrong by running away, but we were all right.

[G]

Timidi. That's what I wanted to know. And I believe you.

[D]

We wouldn't lie, Bill. Not even when we're in a jam.

[G]

Now, look, fellas, I want you to know that I didn't lock you up because I thought you were guilty of killing Sam Potter. I did it for your own protection.

[D]

They were going to tar and feather us.

[G]

Don't you worry about those men. I'll take care of them.

[D]

Bill.

[E]

Bill, you better come out front. We got Trou,

[C]

Tom, Shorty, Ned.

[G]

You fellas guard the reel of the jail, will ya?

[D]

Right. Come on, boys.

[J]

Bill, I'm sure glad you and your men are here. I've never seen anything like this.

[C]

Don't fret none, sonny. You're in good hands. They don't scare us none.

[J]

This has always been such a peaceful town.

[G]

Perhaps that's why they've let themselves get carried away.

[H]

They feel they have right to to meet out justice.

[E]

But they wrong. Here they come with a battering ram. It sounds like you said it, Ralph.

[J]

They mean business, and so do I.

[G]

Open the door, Sid.

[J]

Did you say open the door, Bill?

[G]

That's right.

[C]

I'll be in the doorway and let

[G]

him try to get past.

[J]

Okay, Bill, you're calling the signals.

[C]

Quiet.

[G]

Quiet, you people. Now, you men listen to me. Unless you go home and behave yourselves, I'm taking Rube and Smitty to the naughty pine jail.

[I]

You'll never make it, Ranger.

[G]

I'll make it all right, mister, even if I have to use a tank. Now, either you disperse and go home, or I'll take drastic steps to make you.

[E]

How do we know justice will be given? Those two hot.

[I]

Yeah, how do we know that?

[G]

You have my word for it.

[I]

His word. That's a good one.

[G]

Yes, it is a good one. Because it's a promise not only as an officer of the law, but as a Christian.

[I]

You're a Christian ranger?

[G]

That's right.

[J]

You can believe Bill Jefferson. He's never gone back on his word

[G]

in all the years I've known him.

[F]

All right. That's good enough for me. Let's go home, man.

[E]

When's the inquest gonna be held?

[G]

I haven't talked with the coroner yet. The day and time will be posted.

[E]

Okay. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm going home.

[D]

Okay, George.

[J]

Stumpy. For a minute, I thought we were going to have a shooting brawl on our hands.

[C]

Yeah, we can shoot if we have to, sonny, but we learned a Long time ago. That God is a lot more powerful than anything we can.

[H]

Bill, what you hope to prove by reenacting accident, I'm not sure yet.

[G]

Greywolf. I have a couple of points in mind. Well, they're coming in close. Now, you're ready to push that stuffed dummy in front of the car when I give you the word. Ah, hot round.

[H]

Almost here.

[G]

All right, now. Okay, Smitty. That was just what I wanted.

[D]

That's just how I started. Bill, it all happened so fast, but I'm sure that's just as near as I can come to what actually happened.

[G]

That's fine, Smitty. Thanks a lot. Gray Wolf, you escort the boys back to their garage and return them to jail. Ralph and I are going to Knotty Pine to see the corner.

[D]

Bill, what's your honest opinion about this case?

[G]

Not quite ready to make a statement yet, Rudy. I need one more piece to finish the jigsaw puzzle.

[C]

Mm.

[D]

What's that?

[G]

A court order for a post mortem on Sam Potter's body.

[D]

Do you think it will show something?

[G]

I don't know, Rudy. That's why I'm asking for it.

[D]

All right, Bill, now sign the order.

[G]

Well, here's the place, Ralph.

[E]

Bill, how'd you find out Jim Land was Sam Potter's doctor?

[G]

Sid told me. Hello, Jim.

[H]

Well, Bill Jefferson has a living breathe. And ralph Mitchell.

[E]

Hello, Dr. Land.

[H]

Come in. In. Don't just stand there.

[G]

I'm sorry, Jim, but I got a lot to do.

[H]

Busy, huh? Hey, what's that piece of paper you got there, Bill?

[G]

Court order for a post mortem on Sam Potter's body.

[H]

Oh, you won't need that.

[G]

You mean.

[H]

Yeah, I'll testify at the inquest. Gladly.

[G]

Oh, fine. I'll call you to the witness stand first thing. Thanks a lot, Jim.

[C]

Bye.

[G]

To determine the means by which Samuel Potter met his death, Coroner Rudolph Gordon

[C]

presiding for the county of Canyon in

[G]

the village of Big Pine. Spectators will not make comment, pro or con, as the principals involved are interrogated. Coroner Gordon.

[D]

As coroner, I'm setting aside the usual practice and I'm asking Ranger Bill Jefferson to present the salient facts in the case of. All right, go ahead, Bill.

[G]

Thank you, Coroner. First, I'd like Dr. James Land to take the stand, please. Doctor Land, you've been attending the deceased for some years because of a physical ailment, is that right?

[H]

That is correct.

[G]

What was the physical impairment?

[H]

Heart disease. Angina.

[G]

Jim, I served you with a court order to make a postmortem on the deceased, Sam Potter. Why did you say it wouldn't be necessary since the order was in conjunction with this inquest?

[H]

Because, Bill, I already knew how Sam Potter died.

[G]

How did Sam Potter die, Jim?

[H]

He died from a heart attack.

[C]

If the spectators will not come to order right now, I'll clear the inquiry room.

[D]

Well, this uproar occurs again, I'll have the rangers clear the room. All right. Proceed, Bill.

[G]

Thank you, Rudy. Dr. Land, how did you come to this conclusion?

[H]

I warned Sam to take it easy because his condition was getting worse. He wouldn't listen. When I heard about the accident, I went to the undertaker and looked at Sam's body. That was clear and positive. Symptoms of heart attack, despite the bruises.

[D]

Well, will you sign the death certificate as you've stated? Cause of death, heart attack, coronary insufficiency.

[H]

Certainly. That's what killed Sam.

[G]

And that's what I'll put on the certificate.

[D]

Thank you, Jim. You may leave the stand

[C]

now.

[D]

I call to the stand Ranger Bill Jefferson, the arresting officer. Bill, I want you to explain what you found out regarding this case.

[J]

All right.

[G]

As you can see, I have drawn on this blackboard a diagram of the scene of the accident. We know that the car was traveling between 20 and 25 miles an hour. That fact has been very carefully checked. The victim was here at the EX mark. The car didn't have time to stop and avoid hitting the victim. However, Smitty's reflexes are rapid. Upon seeing Sam in front of him, he applied the brakes instantly. It's a fact that the car was going only 5 miles an hour when it hit the victim. There's no dent in the fenders or grill of the car. Nor are there any paint fragments in the clothes. Sam was hit in midair by the car bumper as he toppled right into the path of the oncoming vehicle.

[D]

Now I remember, Phil. That's the way it was. He didn't exactly fall. He sort of toppled.

[G]

I've presented the evidence to an unbiased mind which proves beyond a reasonable doubt that Sam's death was accidental. This concludes my presentation then.

[I]

If Rube and Smitty didn't kill him, they ought to be punished for running from the scene of the accident.

[G]

I'm not making excuses for that, except that they're only boys and that they were frightened. How about you, mister? You should know better have been inciting riot and mob violence, obstructing justice and invading the right of privacy. Did you have a search warrant when you broke into Smitty's garage and examined his car?

[I]

No, I didn't I apologize. I made a mistake.

[G]

So did Rube and Smitty when they hit and ran. They've learned their lesson, and thanks to you, I'm sure they'll have nightmares about it for a long time.

[D]

Take it easy, Bill. As coroner of this county, I have heard the evidence and do now pronounce Sam Potter's death as being from natural causes, not because he was hit by the automobile driven by these two boys. I also waive any punishment recommendation to the court because the boys ran away. Since I'm sure they've learned their lesson, this inquiry is concluded and a judge.

[F]

We sure owe you a lot, Bill. You were great on the stand. I'll never forget you for the lesson we've learned.

[D]

I owe you the most thanks because I drove the car. Oh, boy, what a load you've lifted from my shoulders, Bill. I'll never forget the lesson you've taught us either.

[G]

What is that lesson, fellas? It's just this. Never run when you're in trouble. No matter how bad the circumstantial evidence in this country, you're innocent until you're proved guilty.

[E]

Well, I was just as startled as you were when Bill presented the truth. But it was the truth, and that's what really counts. We'll see you next week for more adventure with Ranger Bill.

[B]

Back in the old west, folks didn't run to the pharmacy every time trouble hit. They relied on the know how and natural remedies. Kind of like how Tonto always seems to have a special mixture ready for whatever came next. If you want to learn how to do that today, check out the Beginner's Guide to Herbal Remedies. Easy steps for teas, tinctures and salves. Even if you've never tried herbs before, visit otrwesterns.com herbs to learn more again. Otrwesterns.com herbs.

[C]

Sam. Foreign.

[B]

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 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 707-98-68739 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.

[C]

Sam.