Next In Line | Ranger Bill (05-11-55)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns — "Next In Line | Ranger Bill" (05-11-55)

Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: May 11, 1955
Podcast Air Date: February 28, 2026
Episode Summary by AI

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Episode Overview

In this episode of Ranger Bill, titled "Next in Line", listeners are taken on a compelling journey into the inner workings of the Forest Service. The story centers on Ranger Ralph’s disappointment and frustration when he is unexpectedly passed over for a promotion, sparking a wave of resentment and unrest among the crew. Through the arrival of an outsider, Gil Zadkin, and a series of personal and professional challenges, the episode explores themes of ambition, fairness, leadership, and the destructive power of bitterness—ultimately arriving at a message of forgiveness, personal growth, and faith.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The Promotion Announcement and Initial Tensions

Timestamps: 02:53 – 07:59

• Ranger Bill receives a letter informing the team that Andy Thompson is retiring and that Gil Zadkin, an outsider from the Eastern District, will be taking over, despite Ralph being "next in line."
• The rangers express disappointment, anger, and frustration at what they see as an unfair bypassing of the seniority system.
• The internal dialogue and morale of the group suffer:
  • "This looks to me like a fellow doesn't have a chance to get ahead by hard work. Well, it's who you know, not what you know...either I get it or I quit." — Ralph (06:58)
  • Bill urges calm and patience, asking his men to wait for more information.

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2. Arrival of Gil Zadkin & Escalating Resentment

Timestamps: 10:10 – 14:10

• Gil Zadkin arrives, and Bill introduces him to the crew, instructing everyone to treat Gil’s directives as if they were his own.
• The senior rangers, led by Ralph, are cold and unwelcoming to Gil despite his courteous efforts.
• Plans are quietly hatched to "initiate" Gil by subtly undermining him on the job:
  • "What I mean is, heckle Gil in little ways. He'll only be here for a short while. Bill wants him to get experience, so that's just what we'll give him, eh, Ralph?" — Henry Scott (16:56)
  • Ralph positions himself as the unofficial ringleader of this resistance.

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3. Challenges of Leadership and Testing the New Boss

Timestamps: 17:21 – 21:32

• Gil struggles to gain the cooperation of the men, who engage in slowdowns, incomplete work, and noncompliance.
• He is criticized for missed deadlines and mistakes, compounding his feelings of inadequacy.
• Bill mentors Gil, emphasizing leadership under adversity:
  • "My men are testing you just as they did me...Call their bluff. Don't let them push you around. Meet them face to face and talk straight from the shoulder." — Bill Jefferson (21:23)
• Gil decides to confront the crew with candor about shirking duties and asserts the expectation that work will be done right.

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4. Resolution and Personal Growth

Timestamps: 22:13 – 31:16

• Gil calls out the team, halting their efforts to undermine him:
  • "I know you're giving me the business. Call it testing. What if we are? Can't you take it? — 'As long as your testing doesn't interfere with the job...all these little errors have got to stop and stop right now.'" — Gil Zadkin (22:13)
• The crew relents, deciding to give Gil a fair chance.
• Bill has a heart-to-heart with Ralph, pointing out the destructive nature of bitterness:
  • "You're filled with bitterness and resentment. Things haven't gone just the way you wanted it. So you're spunking." — Bill Jefferson (25:21)
• Ralph resists at first, saying, "I don't think my spiritual life is any of your business," but later, overcome with guilt, seeks Bill out in the middle of the night to apologize and pray for forgiveness and patience:
  • "God has been giving me a terrible whipping. I'm terribly sorry for what I've done and the way I've acted." — Ralph (27:49)

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5. Team Reconciliation and Fitting Endings

Timestamps: 28:50 – 31:16

• Ralph gathers the team to publicly apologize to Gil:
  • "I'm ashamed to admit it, but I'm the one who's been ringleading the special treatment you've been getting...please accept my apologies for the rest of your stay with us." — Ralph (29:03)
• Gil graciously accepts:
  • "I appreciate what you've just done. Took a lot of courage." — Gil Zadkin (29:36)
• Bill informs Ralph of his well-earned, delayed promotion to the Southern District, reinforcing the episode’s main lesson about patience, faith, and humility:
  • "See, you really are next in line..." — Bill Jefferson (31:16)

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Memorable Quotes

• Bill Jefferson:
  • "All things work together for good to those who love God..." (03:07)
  • "Resentment can eat in a man's spirit like a cancer. He hardly realizes it. Yeah, but other people realize it plenty quick." (23:23)
• Ralph:
  • "By all right, you should have gotten it. But somehow it was the other fellow who was given the break." (02:53)
  • "God has been giving me a terrible whipping. I'm terribly sorry for what I've done and the way I've acted." (27:49)
• Gil Zadkin:
  • "Test me all you want. That's all right with me. As long as we get the job done." (22:13)

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Key Segment Timestamps

• [03:39] — Bill introduces the promotion disappointment
• [06:58] — Ralph issues ultimatum ("...I get it or I quit")
• [14:04] — Ralph greets Gil with resentment ("So you're the new boss Ranger, huh?")
• [17:21] — The plan to undermine Gil is set
• [22:13] — Gil’s confrontation with the team
• [25:21] — Bill’s heart-to-heart with Ralph about bitterness
• [27:49] — Ralph’s late-night apology
• [29:03] — Ralph’s public apology to Gil and the crew
• [31:03] — Ralph’s well-deserved promotion

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Themes and Tone

• The episode is earnest and moralistic, with a blend of camaraderie, conflict, and Christian value teaching.
• Dialogue is straightforward, occasionally humorous, and rooted in the real emotional stakes of workplace fairness and personal pride.
• The tone shifts from tense and sullen to gracious and redemptive by the end, offering hope and closure on both professional and spiritual levels.

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Conclusion

"Next In Line" delivers a relatable and timeless story about trusting the process, persevering through setbacks, and the rewards of forgiveness, humility, and hard work. Through Ranger Ralph’s journey, listeners are reminded that true professional and personal advancement comes not just from ambition, but from character and faith in the bigger picture.

Transcript

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[Bill Jefferson]

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[Bill Jefferson]

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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.

[Ralph]

Ranger Bill, warrior of the wetland. 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.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hello boys and girls, this is Ranger Bill. Have you ever had your heart set on getting something and then was disappointed because Someone else received it. By all right, you should have gotten it. But somehow it was the other fellow who was given the break. How did you act in that situation? Did you take it gracefully, realizing that all things work together for good to those who love God? Or did you spunk up and act as though you never knew what Christian behavior really was? This is exactly what happened to Ranger Ralph, who was due for a promotion when the next opening came along. But wait a minute. First thing you know, I'll be telling you the whole story. Here it is.

[Henry Scott]

Next in line. Hi, Ralph, how are you?

[Bill Jefferson]

Anything of earth shaking importance take place while we were gone, Ralph?

[Ralph]

No, nothing happened, Stumpy. Everything quiet. Oh, Bill, a letter came for you from Colonel Anders. Put it on your desk, Potter. I thought it might be important.

[Bill Jefferson]

Thanks, Ralph.

[Henry Scott]

Mm.

[Ralph]

Well, now that you fellows are back, I'll run along home.

[Bill Jefferson]

Okay. See you in the morning.

[Ralph]

Right. So long, fellows.

[Henry Scott]

Bye, Ralph.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hello, Ralph.

[Henry Scott]

From the size of that, looks like the colonel threw the book at you. Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

Mel, what's it say?

[Ralph]

Shh.

[Henry Scott]

Everybody quiet. Genius at work, Henry.

[Gil Zodkin]

You full of monkey business today.

[Bill Jefferson]

Okay. It's probably a good thing Ralph left when he did.

[Henry Scott]

What do you mean, want me?

[Bill Jefferson]

Andy Thompson from the Mid Central District is retiring the first of June, and Gil Zodkin from the Pennsylvania Eastern District is coming out here to fill the vacancy. Gil Zodkin?

[Henry Scott]

Uh oh, Ralph's gonna be mad about that. By whose orders, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

The man in Washington, I assume. Colonel Andrews says his hands are tied by a top level directive on both transfer and promotion. Woo. Ralph's liable to blow a fuse over this. He's next in line, isn't he, Bill? Yes he is, old timer.

[Henry Scott]

Well, how do you like that? We're being invaded by a new boss Ranger. There's gonna be some fancy fireworks when this gets out.

[Bill Jefferson]

One thing, you fellas keep this under your hat until I have a talk with all our men in the morning. Okay fellas, let's quiet down. I have just received a letter from Colonel Anders relative to some personnel changes. As most of you know, Andy Thompson is close to retirement. Date is June 1st. There's a ranger from the Pennsylvania Eastern District assigned to take Andy's place. This man's name is Gil Zadkin. Now Colonel Anders wants him to visit us for a while to get an idea how we work out here. As you know, our method of operation is somewhat different. The colonel would like Gil to actually run things for a while under my supervision. This will be like a training course for him. He'll Arrive day after tomorrow. That's it. Men,

[Henry Scott]

I wish I were a mind reader right now. Stumpy.

[Bill Jefferson]

You and me both, honey. Boys. You're unhappy.

[Gil Zodkin]

Bill, may I ask a question?

[Bill Jefferson]

Sure, go ahead.

[Henry Scott]

Tom, what's happened to the rule of promotion by seniority? Has it been junked?

[Bill Jefferson]

Not as far as I know, Tom.

[Gil Zodkin]

Then whose bright idea is this? Colonel Anders.

[Bill Jefferson]

No, Ed, it isn't his idea. The orders came from him. But he wrote and told me that he's guided by a top level directive.

[Ralph]

Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yes, Ralph?

[Ralph]

This looks to me like a fellow doesn't have a chance to get ahead by hard work. Well, it's who you know, not what you know. I was to get the next promotion. Everyone knows it. And either I get it or I quit.

[Gil Zodkin]

I thought the Forest Service was one place where influence didn't come.

[Henry Scott]

Why should we train this new boss?

[Gil Zodkin]

Let him fight out for himself. Yeah, like all of us did. Including yourself, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

Fellas, fellas. I can understand how you feel about this. However, I'm just following orders, like you. Yes, I have a few questions myself on this issue and I intend to find out the facts. When I do, those facts will be passed down to you. In the meantime, I think the less said the better. Till we've all had time to settle down and think this whole thing over and cool off.

[Ralph]

There isn't gonna be any cooling off as far as I'm concerned. Bill, you'd better tell those big wheels they're gonna be missing some Rangers unless this is straightened out.

[Andrew Rines]

Prano.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's right.

[Andrew Rines]

Back in.

[Bill Jefferson]

You got that report finished, Henry?

[Henry Scott]

Right now, Bill. You know, Bill, I can't get over the strong reaction that news from the colonel got out of the fellas. I've never seen them act that way before. Ralph didn't even come in after lunch and he always does.

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, I sent him out on the trail for today at least. Henry, maybe you'll think differently about things out there. Yeah. Take it from me, fellers, there's a lot to this thing. More than meets the eye.

[Ralph]

But plenty.

[Gil Zodkin]

Right, Stumpy? More than just facts that Ralph not get promotion.

[Henry Scott]

I don't follow you. I was under the impression that all the fellows are angry because Ralph didn't get promoted since he's the next in line.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's all very true, pal. The hidden part of it is that all the rest of the men put themselves in Ralph's shoes.

[Henry Scott]

Oh, you mean they're all saying to themselves, why should we work hard for so many years only to lose out in the end?

[Bill Jefferson]

Exactly. There's some reason why the central office is doing this. I don't think they should hold it back. It's not good psychology, you know. This is the sort of thing that shatters a man's dreams. Ambition. We all work for more than dollar wages. We work for prestige, importance, authority, reputation. Take those away and dollar wages don't mean much because a man's unhappy.

[Gil Zodkin]

What do you think can be done about this? Maybe Colonel Andrews cleared up what you plan to do, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

I can't do a thing right at the moment. I'm as much in the dark as you fellows. And from Colonel Anders letter, it's plain that he's in the same boat. I think the best thing to do is wait and see what happens.

[Henry Scott]

There's a Ranger standing over there, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

That must be the fella, Henry. Let's walk over and meet him. Help him with his bangs.

[Gil Zodkin]

Ah, he fine looking man. Clean cut. Yep.

[Bill Jefferson]

Looks like he's got something under his hat besides hair.

[Henry Scott]

Hey, Jesus.

[Gil Zodkin]

Hello there.

[Bill Jefferson]

You Gil Zatkin?

[Gil Zodkin]

Yes, I am. You're Bill Jefferson?

[Bill Jefferson]

That's right, Gil. Shake. Now, these are my assistants, Gray Wolf and Stumpy Jenkins. My friend Henry Scott.

[Gil Zodkin]

Hi, fellows.

[Henry Scott]

How do you do, Mrs. Zakkin?

[Bill Jefferson]

Let us help you with your bags, Gil. We'll get over to headquarters.

[Gil Zodkin]

That'll be fine. I appreciate your meeting me, Bill. It always helps in a strange place.

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, it won't be strange for long, Gail. Know your way around? In a couple of weeks.

[Ralph]

Mark that 10 and 6, Ed.

[Gil Zodkin]

Okay, Ralph.

[Henry Scott]

Well, a new boss Ranger must be here. There goes a 9. 5.

[Gil Zodkin]

Hey, there's the train. We got visitors. Visitors?

[Henry Scott]

I just as soon punch that guy in the nose is looking.

[Ralph]

Now wait a minute, Tom. That won't get us anywhere. Remember, we've got to behave ourselves. If only out of respect to Bill.

[Gil Zodkin]

That's right, Tom. Bill's the best boss ranger on two feet. We don't want to hurt him if

[Bill Jefferson]

we can help it.

[Henry Scott]

Yeah. What I'd like to know is how are you gonna fight this, Ralph? All the fellows are pulling for you, you know, 100%.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's right.

[Gil Zodkin]

What you say goes, Ralph. Nobody in a big fat office a long ways from here is gonna jip you of your rights. If they do it to you, they'll do it to all of us.

[Ralph]

I know that. Let's bide our time, fellas. Wait and see what happens.

[Bill Jefferson]

This ends the guided tour of headquarters, Gill. No charge, of course.

[Gil Zodkin]

Well, this should be the way you took me around you fellas Have a very impressive layout here. I should think you're ready for everything and anything. This largest district in country. Plenty ground to cover. I'm glad you said that, Gray Wolf. Bill, may I have a look at your maps?

[Bill Jefferson]

You beat me to the draw, Gil. That's next on the list.

[Gil Zodkin]

Let's see, how many maps have you got here on your rack, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

10 altogether.

[Gil Zodkin]

You use them all?

[Bill Jefferson]

You see, we carry all the maps. So if we get lost following one, we can use the other than I and hope to find a way again.

[Henry Scott]

Yeah.

[Gil Zodkin]

Stumpy, you have quite a sense of humor. Quite enjoyable.

[Henry Scott]

Oh, you shouldn't have said that, Gilbert. He'll drive you to distraction now with his corny jokes.

[Bill Jefferson]

You see here, Henry, you laugh almost as hard as I do at my own jokes. You know it better. Take it easy, fellas. I'd like to get through showing Gil around so he can meet the men in the morning and start working on the trail with. Lets have it quiet, fellas. There's no need for me to point out to you who Gil Zadkin is, since that's very obvious. Now, Gil isn't going to remember all your names first anyway. So I'll just introduce him to the three senior men. Then he'll meet the rest of you as he works along. Come on along, Gil. Gil, this is Tom Allen.

[Henry Scott]

Hello.

[Gil Zodkin]

Hello, Tom.

[Bill Jefferson]

And Gil, this is Ed Freberg.

[Gil Zodkin]

Howdy. I'm glad to meet you, Ed.

[Bill Jefferson]

And this big hulking fellow is Ralph.

[Ralph]

So you're the new boss Ranger, huh?

[Gil Zodkin]

Well, not exactly yet, Ralph.

[Bill Jefferson]

You can meet the rest of the fellows in a few minutes, Gil. Men, I want you to extend every courtesy to Gil as you would to me. In a few days he'll be out on the trail working with you as your boss. This is only temporary, of course. It's kind of training ground for Gil so he can find out our problems firsthand and benefit from experiences with us when he leaves for his new post. But when Gil gives an order, it's the same as though I gave it. Is that understood? Fine. Now, I want you fellas to get acquainted with Gill. They'll be making a trail inspection first thing Monday morning.

[Gil Zodkin]

You've got a fine group of Rangers under your command, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

Thanks, Gil. You'll find that they're well seasoned veterans. Cool as cucumbers in the face of any emergency.

[Gil Zodkin]

I could feel that. It's the impression you get from men who've been through a lot. Well, now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to mail some Letters also take a stroll around town on my own. So long, fellas.

[Henry Scott]

Yeah, I see you. Boy, talk about a refrigerator. Ralph, Ed and Tom really were cold, weren't they?

[Bill Jefferson]

You said it, young feller. The ice was a foot thick. The rest of the men weren't so bad, though.

[Gil Zodkin]

I think whole thing come off better than expected. In spite of bad feelings.

[Henry Scott]

Yeah, I agree. Grey Wolf. No comment, though.

[Bill Jefferson]

Oh, I don't know what to say, fellas. I'm a little angry with our senior men. They know better than to act that way. I'm sure Gil felt it. That's why he wanted to take a walk, sort of think things over.

[Gil Zodkin]

Can you blame fellows too much, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

Oh, no, Gray Wolf. I can't. I have a point, all right. That still doesn't excuse them for not acting more friendly to Gil.

[Gil Zodkin]

Well, what do you think of him, Ralph?

[Henry Scott]

Oh, I don't know.

[Ralph]

Seems like a nice enough fella. I don't know. Think he's got any more on the ball than anybody else? Why should he get my promotion?

[Gil Zodkin]

You're right, Ralph. I can't understand why they're breaking the seniority system in the Western Division. Personally, I think we ought to give

[Bill Jefferson]

the guy a bad time.

[Gil Zodkin]

Let the higher ups know where we stand.

[Henry Scott]

Yeah, well, what about Bill's orders?

[Gil Zodkin]

We don't want to hurt him if

[Henry Scott]

we can help it.

[Gil Zodkin]

We don't have to stage a rebellion or anything like that. What I mean is, heck all Gil in little ways. He'll only be here for a short while. Bill wants him to get experience, so that's just what we'll give him, eh, Ralph?

[Ralph]

Yeah, that's a general idea. Let him know just how we operate. You fellas follow my cues. Pass the word of the boys to sort of goof things up for Gil. You know, nothing drastic, but good. Understand?

[Bill Jefferson]

Sure.

[Gil Zodkin]

We'll call it his initiation into the Western Division.

[Bill Jefferson]

Ye. Henry will take you out to where Ralph's working with the trail crews, Gil.

[Gil Zodkin]

Good idea, Bill. I'd probably end up 10 miles off base myself. This will save time.

[Bill Jefferson]

Got everything you need?

[Gil Zodkin]

I think so.

[Bill Jefferson]

If you want anything from here, have one of the fire tower boys call in. Or else use the trail crew radio.

[Gil Zodkin]

I'll do that. Bill should be back in three days.

[Bill Jefferson]

Right. Don't forget to make out your daily reports. Okay. Better get going.

[Ralph]

Yeah.

[Gil Zodkin]

So long.

[Bill Jefferson]

How long, Gail?

[Henry Scott]

I'll be back as soon as I can. Bill.

[Ralph]

Ed.

[Gil Zodkin]

What's the matter with the men? Those stumps aren't regulation.

[Henry Scott]

What do you mean?

[Gil Zodkin]

They're not regulation. Men are cutting them off two feet from the ground, aren't they? Two foot stumps aren't regulation, Ed, and you know it. We have trees back east, you know. Tell the men to get back over there and cut them over. Stop wasting the government's time. A foot and a half this time. And be sure they keep them all that long. Foot and a half? What are we making, a lawn? Hey, lefty.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, what's the matter, Gil?

[Gil Zodkin]

How wide are you plowing this fire lane? Well, 75ft. Why? Why? What do you mean, why? You should know. It's 90ft.

[Bill Jefferson]

Huh?

[Gil Zodkin]

Okay, so I made a mistake. I'll make it as wide as you want it. Ralph, when are the grazing permits report due in?

[Ralph]

I think they're supposed to be in now. Gil.

[Bill Jefferson]

What?

[Gil Zodkin]

Let me look at the schedule again. Haven't got it all down yet.

[Bill Jefferson]

Let's see.

[Gil Zodkin]

Tree planting, wildlife diseases, front control. Here it is. You're right, Ralph. They're doing today.

[Ralph]

Well, they won't be.

[Gil Zodkin]

You mean you haven't got them ready?

[Henry Scott]

Nope.

[Gil Zodkin]

Well, why? You knew they were due, didn't you?

[Ralph]

I've got other things to do than make out reports.

[Gil Zodkin]

How soon do you think you'll have them finished? Couple of days. Couple of days? Can't you understand?

[Ralph]

If that doesn't satisfy you, you can do them yourself.

[Gil Zodkin]

You want to see me, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

Yes, Gil. Sit down, will you, Gil? I've just got the grazing permits report this morning. Some things I wanted to ask you about. Footbridge over Otter Creek had to be torn down and rebuilt. Fire lanes are plowed wrong. Had to be corrected. Signs warning tourists not to pester. The bears aren't up yet. Guardrail and the trail. Dead Man's Gorge only half completed. So on. How about it?

[Gil Zodkin]

I guess I'm not cut out to be a boss ranger, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

Nonsense, Gil. You wouldn't have been sent here for training if somebody didn't think you had it in you.

[Gil Zodkin]

Why didn't Washington wait until Andy Thompson retired and then sent me right into my new job?

[Bill Jefferson]

That might be disastrous for you and the Forest Guild if I would transfer to the Eastern Division. I'd want them to train me the way they're training you.

[Gil Zodkin]

Oh, you're right. But running a forest out here is different in lots of ways than it is in the East. Have different problems here. Believe me, I've learned a lot this past week.

[Bill Jefferson]

Glad to hear that, Gilbert. However, you haven't learned how to handle men. Gil, how would you handle this personnel problem if it happened when you take over Andy's district. That's why you're here. To give you training as a boss, not as a Ranger, necessarily. When you go to your new assignment, you got to be ready for anything.

[Gil Zodkin]

What do you suggest I do, Gil?

[Bill Jefferson]

My men are testing you just as they did me when I first took over. Call their bluff. Don't let them push you around. Meet them face to face and talk straight from the shoulder. You'll have seen your men in your new command.

[Gil Zodkin]

All right, I'll take your advice. Thanks, Bill. Fellas, I've called you together to tell you that I've just been raked over the coals for not getting the job done either right or on time.

[Ralph]

What's that got to do with us, Gil?

[Gil Zodkin]

Plenty, Ralph, I know you're giving me the business. Let's calling testing. What if we are? Can't you take it? Yeah, Tom, I can take it. As long as your testing doesn't interfere with the job. We're here to get certain things done. And from now on, they're going to be done. Or I'll know the reason why. Test me all you want. That's all right with me. As long as we get the job done. All these little errors and failures have got to stop and stop right now. Okay, it's your turn to talk. Okay, Gil. We'll take the heat off. Let's give Gil a break, fellas. All right.

[Bill Jefferson]

Say, sonny, have you noticed something by the way of things? Gil's got the boys moving right along? Yes, old timer. Then Gil's finally got the man under control. They pushed him around for a while, but they've been called on it. Maybe the battle's over.

[Henry Scott]

You think Ralph and the fellas have gotten over their resentment?

[Bill Jefferson]

I hope so, pal. Resentment can eat in a man's spirit like a cancer. He hardly realizes it. Yeah, but other people realize it plenty quick.

[Gil Zodkin]

Not true. Enough time will tell if fellows get over this.

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, Gil's called their bluff. He has the control. Chances are that now they'll try and get that control away from him. Henry, have those reports arrived yet?

[Henry Scott]

No, Bill, they haven't.

[Bill Jefferson]

Just what I thought.

[Henry Scott]

What do you mean? How would you know? You took Storm out for a fast run early this morning.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's right. And I did that for a reason, pal.

[Henry Scott]

Hey, you're angry.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yes, I am. Get Ralph on the radio, will you? Tell him I want to see him at once. Hello, Ralph.

[Ralph]

Hello, Bill. Wanted to see me?

[Bill Jefferson]

Ralph, what's wrong?

[Ralph]

What do you mean, what's wrong? Look, you know as well, as I do, the fella hasn't got what it takes.

[Bill Jefferson]

That isn't what I'm talking about, Ralph. I want to know what's wrong with you.

[Ralph]

Me?

[Bill Jefferson]

Yes, you. I mean deep inside, Ralph. We've been friends going on five years. You're not only a Ranger under my supervision, but a personal friend. I know you like a book. You're not acting like your old self, Ralph. You're a strong Christian, but it's my guess you've fallen into the trap of Satan.

[Ralph]

I don't think my spiritual life is any of your business, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

But what you do for the US Government is my business. You're next in line for promotion, Ralph.

[Ralph]

You mean I was next in line for promotion.

[Bill Jefferson]

However, with your present attitude, if an opening did come up, I wouldn't even recommend you for promotion.

[Ralph]

You wouldn't, eh? Showing your friendship. I suppose.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's just why I wouldn't recommend you. Because I am your friend. Ralph, let's face it. You're filled with bitterness and resentment. Things haven't gone just the way you wanted it. So you're spunking.

[Ralph]

Is that so? What is this? You're giving me a sermon?

[Bill Jefferson]

No, Ralph, I'm not giving you a sermon. I'm talking straight from the shoulder about the terrific change for the worst that's come over you since Gil arrived. You've got to realize that we can't always have things our own way. Remember the lesson God taught Job. Job,

[Ralph]

There's a lesson you and the big guns over. You need to be taught. You can't push senior men around. God.

[Bill Jefferson]

He belongs to you. Deal with him as you would a son in Jesus name. Amen.

[Henry Scott]

Hey, Bill. Bill. Phone's ringing.

[Gil Zodkin]

Huh?

[Bill Jefferson]

Oh, I'll get it, Henry.

[Henry Scott]

Boy, the way it's ringing, something must have happened.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hello. Bill Jefferson speaking.

[Ralph]

Bill. Bill, this is Ralph. I'm sorry I woke you up.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's all right. What's wrong, Will?

[Ralph]

Me? I know it's an unearthly hour, but can I talk to you? I mean, as soon as I can get to your house.

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, of course, Ralph. Right over. I'll be waiting for you. Bye.

[Ralph]

Bill, I. I had to come to see you. God has been giving me a terrible whipping. I'm terribly sorry for what I've done and the way I've acted. Everything you said to me is true. I knew I was guilty. That's why I was so mean. The Lord wouldn't let me sleep until I came over here and apologized.

[Bill Jefferson]

I accept your apologies, Ralph. Believe me, I understand. How you feel. Maybe I would have felt the same way if I'd been in your shoes.

[Ralph]

Thanks, Bill. You're a real friend in every sense of the word.

[Bill Jefferson]

Thanks, Ralph.

[Ralph]

And you can still help me, Bill, if you will.

[Bill Jefferson]

Gladly. Just name it.

[Ralph]

I'd like you to pray with me. Ask the Lord to take the resentment out of my heart and put love and patience there. I want the Lord to give the patience that job had.

[Gil Zodkin]

Ralph, why are the fellas gathered around? They're supposed to be out working.

[Ralph]

I called them in. Gil, there's something I want to say to you in front of them, if you'll let me.

[Henry Scott]

Okay.

[Gil Zodkin]

What is it?

[Ralph]

Well, Gil, the first thing I want to do is apologize for the things I've done to you and the way I've acted since you came on the job. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I'm the one who's been ringleading the special treatment you've been getting. I don't expect you to forgive me, but I must say anyway that I'm terribly sorry. And please accept my apologies for the rest of your stay with us. You'll have my wholehearted cooperation, and I'll help you as much as I can.

[Gil Zodkin]

Ralph, I appreciate what you've just done. More than you know. Took a lot of courage. I most certainly will forgive you and accept your apology.

[Ralph]

Thanks, Gil. Okay, fellas, let's get with it.

[Gil Zodkin]

Do the job we're supposed to do.

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, Gil, I must say you done a fine job. Won a tough battle.

[Ralph]

Good for you.

[Gil Zodkin]

Thanks, Bill. It's been a terrific experience. I've learned a whale of a lot about supervising men to give credit where credit is due. Ralph, Tom, Nate and all the rest of the men have been an invaluable help in showing me the special problems you have out here.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's fine. Very happy it turned out the way it did.

[Gil Zodkin]

You leave us in the morning for a new job. That right, Gil? Yes, Gray Wolf, that's right. I'm sorry to have to leave you fellas, but, well, orders are orders.

[Henry Scott]

Well, you won't be so far away, Gil.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's right, sonny. We'll be working together.

[Henry Scott]

Oh, hi, Ralph.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hi, Ralph.

[Ralph]

Hi, fellas. I'm sorry you have to leave us, Gil.

[Gil Zodkin]

Thanks, Ralph. I'll be around to see you as often as I can.

[Bill Jefferson]

I'm afraid Ralph won't be here then, Gil.

[Henry Scott]

What's that, Bill?

[Ralph]

What do you mean, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

Ralph, here are new orders for you.

[Ralph]

What kind of orders?

[Bill Jefferson]

Read them. I just came through,

[Ralph]

Fellas. I'VE been promoted to take over the Southern District. Louis Hampton's going to division headquarters, and I'm taking his place. It sounds almost too good to be true.

[Bill Jefferson]

It is true, Ralph. So you see, you really are next in. Well, you can see, boys and girls, it never pays to jump to conclusions and think you've got all the answers. And in being bitter and resentful because things don't happen the way you'd like them to, you're only hurting yourself because the Lord may have bigger and better things planned for you. Well, see you next week for more adventure with Ranger Bill.

[Andrew Rines]

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. 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, Click go to otrwesterns.com Copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Bill Jefferson]

Sam.