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Narrator/Advertiser
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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.
Narrator/Storyteller
Ranger Bill, warrior of the woodland. Ranger Bill, warrior of the woodland. Struggling against extreme odds. Traveling dangerous trails. Fighting the many enemies of nature. This is the job of the guardian of the forest, Ranger Bill. Pouring rain, freezing cold. Blistering heat. Snow, floods. Bears, rattlesnakes. Mountain lions. Yes. All this in exchange for the satisfaction and pride of a job. Well, There are two schools of thought on how to handle the teenage gang problem. One group says, use the strong arm of the law. The other group maintains that the Christian approach is best. We'll find out which works best in Knotty Pine, where there are two gangs of teenage lads who are waging war on each other. Here's the story. Mrs. Cain wins a war.
Jake Stauch
I'm Jake Stauch, co founder and CEO of Cervel. We built Serval to automate the IT work that slows companies down. Onboarding password resets, access to applications. My laptop stopped working. While employees wait for help, their real work is put on hold. It desperately wants to automate this work, and that's why they need Servil. You just tell Servil what you want to automate in plain English, and it's built. No drag and drop workflows, no expensive consultants. Employees get unblocked, and IT teams go from drowning in tickets to building what actually matters. With Cervel, it becomes the AI engine powering the entire company this is a new way to run it. We guarantee you'll automate 50% of all tickets. And we'll prove it to you in a free four week pilot. Go to cervel.com tickets that's S E R-V-A-L.com tickets.
Narrator/Storyteller
Let's go to the back of Mrs. Kane's large home on the outskirts of Knotty Pine. This lady's house is on the front of a 10 acre plot of ground. The back area is covered with trees, rocks, bushes and darkness. For some strange reason, the two teenage gangs have picked this area to wage their frequent battles. Right now, another fight is in the making as the two gangs of boys creep toward each other across the back of Mrs. Kane's property. The moon is up and the snow on the ground makes the battleground pretty well illuminated. Art and Phil of the River Gang take the lead as they advance against the Hill Mobile.
Art
Hey, I can see the Hill Gang now, Phil.
Bill Jefferson
Yeah.
Phil
Moose is leading the way. Let's set a trap for him, Art.
Art
Okay, what'll we do?
Phil
We'll get alongside the back of Mrs. Keane's chicken house. When Moose and the rest of the guys pass by, we'll jump from the rear.
Art
Yeah, that should work. Keen, let's get going. Hey, you guys, follow us. Here they come. Let them walk by and then we'll jump them.
Phil
Pass the word. You guys don't jump till we tell you.
Narrator/Storyteller
Here they are.
Art
Quiet now.
Narrator/Storyteller
Yeah.
Bill Jefferson
I wonder where that river gang is. Get him.
Narrator/Storyteller
Come on, hit him. Come on.
Art
Get this guy. Get this guy. Get up.
Narrator/Storyteller
It's A good thing Mrs. Kane called us when she first saw the kids. They're battling each other's ears off back there. Rourke, take your men and cut around behind them. Okay, count. We're going on the double. The rest of you men, come with me. You gotta stop this before somebody gets seriously hurt or even killed.
Art
Hit him again, son. Once more.
Narrator/Storyteller
Come on. We got knocked out.
Mrs. Kane
Beat it.
Narrator/Storyteller
The cop.
Art
Let's get out of here. Come on, let's go.
Narrator/Storyteller
All right, let's quiet down or I'll take you all in.
Phil
Hey, you, stop squirming around like a worm on a fish hook and behave.
Narrator/Storyteller
Make him behave, o'. Rourke.
Phil
Don't you be worrying about that Calm. I've got five of my own just like these scalawags. I know how to make them toe the mark.
Narrator/Storyteller
I'm not going to ask you tough guys what you're doing because you'll only double talk me to death. But listen and listen hard. I'm running out of patience. And the next time this happens, you're going to jail. Next time, I start biting instead of barking.
Phil
Hey, you guys, pipe down.
Art
We ain't gonna let the cops scare
Narrator/Storyteller
us, are we, fellas?
Art
Yeah, nor that old lady either. She's the one that turned us in. Sorry shootin'.
Phil
We'll get even with old Mrs. Kane for calling the cops. Let's do it the same time we get the Hill gang.
Art
Yeah. How about tomorrow night? Keep it under your hat so the cops won't find out.
Phil
I'll challenge Moose in school tomorrow. If the Hill gang ain't turned yellow by now, they might show up.
Art
Hey, Moose.
Moose
Yeah, what do you want?
Art
We're inviting you and your gang to finish what we started last night.
Moose
Is that right? What about the cops?
Phil
What's the matter, Moose? Don't tell me you're chicken.
Moose
Don't you call me a chicken, Phil. I'll clean up the hall with you right now.
Phil
Yeah, you and what army? Don't forget, there's two of us.
Art
That's right. Where's your gang? Or are they scared too?
Moose
You'll be there tonight, and I'll show you who's yellow. You'll have a mouth full of floating molars and a couple of fat eyes. We're going to take care of that old lady too. At the same time we take care of you guys.
Jack
Bill, are you busy right now?
Bill Jefferson
Ever see the time? I wasn't. Come on in, Jack. Grab a chair.
Jack
Peace and quiet at last.
Bill Jefferson
I'm glad I'm not a school teacher, Jack. My job's a pushover compared to yours.
Jack
Oh, it's not that bad. This has been one of those days when it would have been better to have stayed in bed.
Bill Jefferson
That so? What's wrong?
Jack
Well, I don't know exactly. I heard rumors that the Hill and the river gangs might battle it out soon on the back of Mrs. Kane's property.
Bill Jefferson
Oh, those young fellows aren't gonna be satisfied. Until somebody gets seriously hurt. And they'll be in trouble. Are you able to find out when this scrap is gonna take place? No.
Jack
No, I wasn't. I only overheard snatches of conversation and a few disconnected remarks here and there. But adding them up, they spell trouble. There's a lot of bad blood running between those two gangs. So far, we've been able to keep it from spilling over inside of school.
Bill Jefferson
Yeah, I know. You and the rest of the teachers have done a fine job of keeping the warring tribes under control during school hours.
Jack
Bill, I must Be on my way. Exams come up tomorrow and I have a lot of work to do. I surely wish you could do something to put an end to this nonsense before those lads live a lifetime of regret.
Bill Jefferson
I'll have a talk with Cal. Perhaps he knows more about this.
Jack
Well, do whatever you think best. I came to you because you seem to have a knack for working these problems out for everybody's good.
Bill Jefferson
Thanks for your confidence. I'll follow this through and see what can be done with the young fellows.
Jack
Thanks, Bill. Let me know how things turn out. If I can help. Just tell me what to do.
Bill Jefferson
I'll do that, Jack. Bye, Bill.
Jack
Wait a minute.
Bill Jefferson
What is it, Jack?
Jack
There's one thing I forgot to mention.
Bill Jefferson
Oh, what?
Jack
I also have good reason to believe that the lads may take revenge on Mrs. Kane for calling the police.
Bill Jefferson
That is.
Jack
They seem to think she did.
Bill Jefferson
I'm glad you told me that. This makes a horse of another color. I'll get the sheriff on it right away. That's as much as I can tell you, Cal. I don't imagine it's much helpful.
Narrator/Storyteller
It sure is, Bill. My men and I broke up their fight last night. I sure would give $10 to know when the next one's coming off.
Bill Jefferson
Yeah, I can imagine.
Narrator/Storyteller
Bill, I'd appreciate your help. You have a great knack for coming up with the answer to this sort of thing. How about it?
Bill Jefferson
Well, I'd be glad to help, Gal.
Narrator/Storyteller
I think we ought to go out and see Mrs. Kane and tell her of the possible danger she's in.
Bill Jefferson
That's good for a starter. Get going. Time's running out.
Narrator/Storyteller
Imagine those young toughs threatening revenge on a nice elderly lady.
Mrs. Kane
Now, gentlemen, I appreciate your concern for me, but I really. I can take care of myself.
Narrator/Storyteller
I wish I were sure of that, Mrs. Kane. I'd be glad to station a couple of men out here until this blows over.
Bill Jefferson
You'd better listen to him, ma'.
Phil
Am.
Bill Jefferson
Those lads get pretty rough.
Mrs. Kane
I'm listening, Bill. But I'm not going to pay any heed to the sheriff. I think he's an old worrywart.
Narrator/Storyteller
Now, Mrs. Kane, it'll be too late for me to protect you and your property after something happens. Now, please, please listen to reason, Sheriff.
Mrs. Kane
What those young men need is love and attention. Why, I've even thought of inviting them in for tea and cookies.
Bill Jefferson
You what?
Mrs. Kane
You heard me, Calvin, you aren't deaf. I've raised boys of my own, you know. They were just as rough and tumble as the lad you had to fight on My back lot last evening. I've called you because I didn't want them to hurt each other.
Narrator/Storyteller
But. But, Mrs. Kane, I.
Mrs. Kane
Now, don't you but me. You just march right out of here and take care of enforcing the law. I'll take care of those young lads. You see, when I show you that I'm right.
Narrator/Storyteller
All right, Mrs. Kane, you win. But don't say I didn't warn you if anything happens. Let's go, Bill.
Bill Jefferson
Right. Good day, Mrs. Kane.
Narrator/Storyteller
Goodbye, Mrs. Kane. I hope you'll be safe.
Bill Jefferson
You kind of took a beating, old boy.
Narrator/Storyteller
What do you mean? You didn't see you making any home runs or even stealing third base.
Bill Jefferson
Right? But at least I admit it. Come on, Cal, cheer up. Perhaps we're bucking up the wrong tree.
Narrator/Storyteller
Yeah, I hope so, Bill. She's a fine lady. I'd hate to see her get hurt.
Art
I don't see the law around, do you, Phil?
Phil
They're not around. Tub and Lefty been watching since after supper. They haven't seen hiding her hair of the cops. It's safe.
Art
Good. Let's get over to the chicken house and fix those windows. We'll show that old lady she can't rat on us and get away with it.
Phil
Yeah. Pick up rocks on the way. We gotta hurry before Moose and his gang get to the joint first.
Art
I don't see the Hill gang. We got plenty of time to take care of those windows.
Phil
Yeah, Send a couple of the guys to take care of the house windows. Not all of them, just a couple of small ones. We got to scare this old lady good.
Art
Hey, Tub, Lefty, go take care of the house. Just a couple of small windows.
Phil
Okay, you guys, this is far enough.
Art
Get ready with the rocks, you guys.
Bill Jefferson
Let them go.
Narrator/Storyteller
Make it good.
Moose
Hey, the river rats beat us to it.
Art
Let's get them. Use your rocks on them.
Mrs. Kane
Boys. Boys, stop this fighting. Stop this instant.
Art
Do you?
Narrator/Storyteller
Let's get out of here.
Moose
The old lady's been here.
Art
Let's go.
Moose
Let's get going.
Bill Jefferson
Come on.
Jack
Come on.
Phil
Come on.
Art
Phil, hold it up.
Phil
What are you stopping for? We gotta get out of here.
Art
Phil, we can't leave Mrs. Kane lying on the ground.
Phil
Why not? If we go back there, we'll be in real trouble.
Art
You mean we'll be in a lot more trouble if we don't. She might be hurt bad. We can't just leave her there.
Phil
Yeah, I guess you're right. Let's go back.
Art
There she is on the crown.
Phil
Boy, she must be hurt bad to be still Laying there.
Art
She's been hit on the head with a rock.
Phil
Yeah, and she's bleeding.
Art
You go in the house and call the sheriff. Tell him to get a doctor.
Narrator/Advertiser
The sheriff?
Art
Yeah. I ain't afraid of him. Hurry up. If this old lady dies, we'll be in more trouble than we know what to do with. Hey, over here.
Phil
I live and breathe. It's Mrs. Kane lying on the ground.
Narrator/Storyteller
Take a look at her, Doc. You two lads stay right where you are. Keep an eye on him, o'. Rourke. Sure.
Phil
No, they won't be getting away from o'. Rourke. She hurt bad, Doc?
Narrator/Storyteller
I don't know yet, son.
Bill Jefferson
Let's get her into the house before she freezes to death.
Narrator/Storyteller
Now that's Bill. Let's wait a minute and then we can use a three man lift. I want to rock free so these two toughs don't get away. Warned Mrs. Kane that she might get hurt. Now you smart Alex will pay for this.
Narrator/Advertiser
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Jake Stauch
Amazon.com I'm Jake Stauch, co founder and CEO of Cerval. We built Servl to automate the IT work that slows companies down. Onboarding password resets, access to applications. My laptop stopped working. While employees wait for help, their real work is put on hold. IT desperately wants to automate this work. And that's why they need Serval. You just tell Servil what you want to automate in plain English and it's built. No drag and drop workflows, no expensive consultants. Employees get unblocked and IT teams go from drowning in tickets to building what actually matters. With Cerval, it becomes the AI engine powering the entire company. This is a new way to run it. We guarantee you'll automate 50% of all tickets. And we'll prove it to you in a free four week pilot. Go to cerval.comtickets that's S E R V A L.com tickets.
Art
How do you feel now, Mrs. Kane?
Mrs. Kane
I feel fine, Doctor. My head aches a little, but outside of that, I. I feel all right.
Narrator/Storyteller
Well, that's good news, Mrs. Kane. I've got two of the hoodlums right here. I'll lock Them up and then get the rest and haul them in too.
Mrs. Kane
You'll do no such thing, Calvin.
Art
We didn't hit you on purpose, Mrs. Kane. You must have walked into the rock.
Phil
Yeah. We didn't know who threw the rock that hit you. Believe me, we didn't mean to hurt you.
Narrator/Storyteller
We know that you planned to get even with Mrs. Kane.
Phil
Yeah, but all we were gonna do is break some windows, not hurt her.
Narrator/Storyteller
I don't believe your story. I'm taking you two tough guys in just the same. You can tell your story to the judge.
Mrs. Kane
Don't you dare do that. Sheriff. I'll not press charges. And you'll look awfully foolish trying to hold these boys without a charge. Besides, Art and Phil are the only ones who stayed to help me. Certainly that means that they're not all bad.
Narrator/Storyteller
Well, I didn't know about that.
Bill Jefferson
She has a strong point, Cal. She won't press charges. You'll be up a tree.
Narrator/Storyteller
Well, all right. I'll bide my time. But I'll get them Sooner or later.
Bill Jefferson
Mrs. Kane, why do you refuse to press charges against these lands? They and their gang have committed assault and battery.
Mrs. Kane
Bill, do you see the pictures on the mantel?
Bill Jefferson
Yes, ma', am, I do.
Mrs. Kane
The older man is my husband. The two younger men are my sons. My husband died after World War I because of his wounds and also from the effects of gas. My sons were killed in World War II. Gentlemen, the men in my family died because of violence and fighting. Perhaps they'd be alive today if the world had more love and kindness in it.
Narrator/Storyteller
You're right there, Mrs. Cain. I'm sorry to hear about your husband and sons, but what's this got to do with these lads?
Mrs. Kane
Bill, will you hand me my Bible, please?
Bill Jefferson
Be glad to, Mrs. Kane.
Mrs. Kane
Thank you. The Beatitudes tells what I mean. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father, which is in heaven. Gentlemen, this is my plan for showing these lads where they should walk. Our Lord is the very essence of love and kindness. He came to bring joy and peace and love to all men. What these two young men need is some of the very things the Lord brought into this world. Let me try The Lord's way with these young men. I know it'll work.
Narrator/Storyteller
I see your point, Mrs. Kane, and it's well taken. I'll admit I'm a tough cop, but I guess I have a heart that beats under this badge.
Art
Mrs. Kane. Thanks. We won't forget this.
Phil
That's right, ma'. Am. We'll talk to the other guys and tell them to lay off. You've been very kind to us. Thank you.
Narrator/Storyteller
I've never seen such a change come over anybody as what's come over these two lads.
Phil
Aye, Carolyn, that's a miracle you're watching. When a person radiates love like Mrs. Kane does some of it's bound to be rubbing off on those who stick around.
Art
So now you know the whole story, guys. I say we ought to lay off fighting and leave Mrs. Kane alone.
Phil
Yeah, I say that too. And anybody that doesn't agree will get a mouth full of floating molars. Mrs. Kane is a fine old lady.
Art
You say that none of us is in trouble, Phil.
Phil
That's right. Mrs. Kane even talked the sheriff out of taking us in.
Art
I think we should tell Moose and his gang to lay off too. And no more fighting on Mrs. Kane's property.
Phil
I'll tell Moose and his bunch in school tomorrow. If he don't like it, we'll make him.
Moose
What a bunch of sissies you guys turned out to be. An old lady says a couple of sweet words to you and you fall all over yourselves.
Phil
I'm just telling you, Moose. Lay off.
Moose
Yeah, and who's gonna make me? I still gotta get even for that old lady calling the cops.
Art
Yeah, you just try it and see what happens.
Moose
Well, I'm gonna try it and you won't stop me.
Phil
That's what you think. We'll be watching Mrs. Kane's place. If you guys come near, you'll go away a bloody mess.
Moose
You guys are turning chicken. You wouldn't start anything because you'd be in the doghouse of that old lady. But you can be sure we're gonna get even.
Art
You'll get even, all right. Even with the top of the ground. Stay away, Moose. I'm warning you. Stay. You guys be quiet so Mrs. Kane doesn't know we're out here. She might be worried if she finds
Narrator/Storyteller
out why we're here.
Art
Okay, Art.
Phil
I'll pass the word.
Art
I don't see any signs of the Hill Gang yet.
Phil
We better not see them. But Moose isn't chicken either.
Art
Yeah, I know, but he'll wish he was so he can fly out of here. If he tries to hurt Mrs. Kane. Shh.
Phil
Here they come. Through the trees.
Art
Where?
Phil
I see him. To your left, Art.
Bill Jefferson
Oh, yeah.
Art
So Moose can't take advice. Let's go after him and catch him way out back.
Bill Jefferson
Yeah.
Phil
Come on, let's move out.
Bill Jefferson
Come on.
Moose
Look here.
Narrator/Storyteller
Hey, the cops.
Moose
Let's get out of here.
Art
Hold it. That ain't the cops. It's an ambulance. Listen to the siren. It's different. You're right.
Phil
Come on, let's find out what's going on.
Art
Hey, it's Mrs. Kane. And she's out like a light.
Phil
What's wrong with her, Doc?
Narrator/Storyteller
I'm not sure yet.
Bill Jefferson
Looks like a brain hemorrhage.
Art
You mean she's bleeding inside her head from that rock?
Narrator/Storyteller
I'm not sure, son, but the blow
Art
from the rock could cause this.
Moose
Why,
Narrator/Storyteller
we're all set, Doc. Let's go.
Phil
Boy, I wonder what's going to happen.
Art
Yeah, I wonder what you're taking into the hospital. Pipe down, you guys.
Narrator/Storyteller
What's the matter with the old lady?
Art
Yeah, what do you care, Moose? She's bleeding inside her head.
Phil
Yeah, from the suck on the noggin she got from the rock.
Moose
Do you think she's gonna die?
Art
We ain't no doc. But if she does, you guys are in as deep as we are. We'd better go over to the hospital and see how she makes out.
Moose
I ain't going to no hospital. We can't help the doc now.
Art
No, no, but we could show that we want her to get better, Mon.
Moose
Me, I'm lamming out of here.
Phil
You're yellow, Moose. You're as yellow as a banana.
Narrator/Storyteller
Oh, yeah?
Moose
I'll show you guys. Come on, gang. Let's go to the hospital.
Bill Jefferson
Hello, Bill Jefferson.
Narrator/Storyteller
Bill, this is Cal.
Bill Jefferson
Oh, yes, California. What's up?
Narrator/Storyteller
The doc just called me and said he's going to do emergency surgery on Mrs. Kane. Brain hemorrhage?
Bill Jefferson
Yeah.
Narrator/Storyteller
Also told me all the kids from both gangs are in the waiting room. I'm going over there. If she dies, I'll have those smart alecks in the clink before they know what hit them.
Bill Jefferson
I'll be right over. See you at the hospital.
Narrator/Storyteller
Don't any of you monkeys try to leave this room. I'll be sitting right here by the door.
Art
Bill, what's going to happen to us if she dies?
Phil
Yeah, we didn't do it on purpose.
Moose
How are we going to find out who's to blame? Or will we all have to go to jail?
Art
When are we going to know Whether she's going to pull through.
Bill Jefferson
Whoa, there, fellas. Whoa, there. One question at a time. If Mrs. Kane dies, the sheriff will arrest all of you. And then it'll be up to the judge to decide the outcome. Now, I know you fellas didn't do this on purpose. But you'll have to admit that you were warned by the sheriff and told to stop your fights. I've asked the doctor to tell us one way or the other what's happened.
Art
How are we gonna stay here with nothing to do? The opera operation might take hours and hours.
Bill Jefferson
I'm sure it won't take longer than four hours, Art. Four hours.
Phil
Man alive. That's. That's a long time.
Art
What do we do?
Bill Jefferson
All of you fellas have gone to church or Sunday school at one time or another, haven't you?
Narrator/Storyteller
Oh, yeah, sure.
Moose
What's that got to do with this?
Bill Jefferson
You fellas can help Mrs. Kane by praying. And while you're praying, you can ask the Lord to save you from your sins and make clean cut lads out of you.
Art
How long's it been since Doc started operating?
Phil
Half an hour.
Art
Boy, it seems like half a day,
Jack
Bill.
Narrator/Storyteller
I'd never believe it if I didn't see it. Who would ever think these roughnecks could pray like they've been doing?
Bill Jefferson
Perhaps we're seeing a miracle, Cal. This is the only way the Lord could get them to hold still long enough to deal with them.
Narrator/Storyteller
They've been here for two and a half hours.
Art
We've been waiting for three and a half hours. Now, how much longer is it going to take? I don't know.
Phil
I think we lost. Maybe all the praying we did ain't no good.
Moose
Yeah. Maybe it's because we ain't been the right kind of guys.
Art
Hey, it's a doc. Hey, Doc. What's the word, Doc?
Bill Jefferson
How's she gonna be, Doc?
Narrator/Storyteller
You can go home, fellas. Mrs. K will gonna be all right.
Mrs. Kane
It's so nice of you two to escort me home, gentlemen.
Bill Jefferson
We're glad to do it, Mrs. Kane. My mother's got the house already and she's gonna stay with you until you're on your feet again.
Mrs. Kane
How nice. Oh, my. The place looks different.
Narrator/Storyteller
In what respect, Mrs. Kane?
Mrs. Kane
Why, the walks are shoveled and the firewood stacked. My, the old place looks neat and clean now. Who went all the trouble to do this for me? What's this all about?
Art
We just want to show you that we. We think you're wonderful, Mrs. Kane. We're sure glad you're coming home. From the hospital for good.
Mrs. Kane
Well, isn't this nice?
Bill Jefferson
These are the lads who fixed up around here, Mrs. Kane.
Mrs. Kane
Well, thank you so much. It looks fine. But what are you doing all this for?
Art
Because you did so much for us, Mrs. Kane. You were kind to us when we should have been punished. You spoke nice to us when we should have been yelled at.
Phil
Yes, ma'. Am. We've talked with Moose and his gang, and we've decided to quit fighting and join gangs so we can do good help, folks, just like you helped us.
Mrs. Kane
Praise the Lord. And now abideth faith, hope and love. These three. But the greatest of these is love.
Narrator/Storyteller
Boys and girls, I don't think that there's anything I can say that will add to Mrs. Cain's quotation from the Bible. We'll see you next week for more adventure with Ranger Bill.
Bill Jefferson
Hi again. Our program today gives me, Ranger Bill, just a little time to talk to you moms and dads and about our adventure stories and why we're on the air. We all know that every time a boy or girl listens to one of our programs, he gets some impression of the Christian life and the character of the people involved. So we must be constantly alert to guard the image that's presented to make it realistic and truthful. Neither setting up false ivory tower heroes for fellas and gals to aspire to, or creating the impression that Christianity is an impossible goal in this day and age. We also try to present Christians as people, something which they are. The faults of a Christian don't have to be glossed over. He's human too. So we try to present to you, the listener, a story that from your point of view is a factual photograph of a way of life, namely the Christian way and showing individuals living, seeing, understanding this way of life or maybe missing it completely. Let's all be honest before God so that truth can survive. Now young people will turn out to be the good citizens and real Christians that we want them to be.
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.
Art
Sam.
Air Date: January 4, 1956 (Podcast Release: May 23, 2026)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
This classic episode of Ranger Bill explores the problem of teenage gang violence on the outskirts of Knotty Pine and contrasts two approaches: strict law enforcement versus compassion, specifically the Christian principle of mercy. The story centers on Mrs. Kane, an elderly woman whose property serves as the battleground for two rival gangs. When she’s caught in the crossfire, the community is forced to reconsider how best to reach these troubled youths. The episode’s highlight is the transformative power of kindness and forgiveness, as embodied by Mrs. Kane’s refusal to seek retribution.
[03:52–05:45]
"We ain't gonna let the cops scare us, are we, fellas? …We’ll get even with old Mrs. Kane for calling the cops."
— Art & Phil, instigating further violence ([06:39])
[08:02–12:37]
"Those young fellows aren't gonna be satisfied until somebody gets seriously hurt. And they'll be in trouble."
— Bill Jefferson ([08:37])
[11:20–12:30]
"What those young men need is love and attention. Why, I've even thought of inviting them in for tea and cookies."
— Mrs. Kane ([11:53])
[13:26–15:28]
"Phil, we can't leave Mrs. Kane lying on the ground… She might be hurt bad. We can't just leave her there."
— Art, beginning to feel remorse ([14:54])
[17:12–21:36]
"The men in my family died because of violence and fighting. Perhaps they'd be alive today if the world had more love and kindness in it."
— Mrs. Kane ([19:38])
"Let me try the Lord's way with these young men. I know it'll work."
— Mrs. Kane ([21:32])
[22:31–24:11]
[24:29–29:18]
"You fellas can help Mrs. Kane by praying. And while you're praying, you can ask the Lord to save you from your sins and make clean cut lads out of you."
— Bill Jefferson, encouraging redemption through prayer ([27:45])
[29:11–30:49]
"And now abideth faith, hope, and love, these three. But the greatest of these is love."
— Mrs. Kane ([30:49])
| Timestamp | Segment | Description | |----------------|-------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | 03:52–05:45 | Initial gang fight | The gangs clash; police intervene. | | 08:02–09:50 | Teachers & law weigh in | The adult community discusses how to handle the crisis. | | 11:20–12:30 | Mrs. Kane’s philosophy | She declines police protection; advocates for kindness. | | 13:26–15:28 | The attack and injury | Gangs target Mrs. Kane; she’s accidentally hurt. | | 17:12–21:36 | Mercy over retribution | Mrs. Kane refuses to press charges; talks about love. | | 24:29–25:44 | Hospital & suspense | Mrs. Kane hospitalized; the boys show concern. | | 27:45 | Call to prayer | Bill encourages the boys to pray for Mrs. Kane. | | 30:11–30:49 | Restitution & unity | Boys restore Mrs. Kane’s home and commit to good works. | | 30:49 | Mrs. Kane’s final words | Culminating in the message of love and faith. |
The story blends tension and action (the gang fights and police interventions) with moments of deep humanity. Mrs. Kane’s wisdom and refusal to give in to anger or fear become contagious, inspiring real change in the boys. The resolution—where the ex-gang members join forces for good—demonstrates the episode’s central message: forgiveness and compassion can break even the toughest cycles of violence.
Staying true to Ranger Bill’s trademark earnest, folksy tone, the story is direct, sincere, and rooted in its 1950s Christian values. The dialogue is sprinkled with wholesome humor, tough-guy bravado, and heartfelt appeals for understanding.
For listeners seeking a classic Western tale with an uplifting moral, this episode is a shining example of the Old Time Radio era’s ability to combine drama, action, and profound lessons.