Overflow | Ranger Bill (09-21-56)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – “Overflow” | Ranger Bill (09-21-56)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Overflow | Ranger Bill (09-21-56)
Release Date: August 1, 2026

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Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a digitally restored classic “Ranger Bill” adventure titled “Overflow.” Set in the Golden Age of Radio, the story immerses listeners in the suspense and drama surrounding a threatened catastrophe: torrential rains and melting snows push Big Ridge Dam to the brink, putting the whole valley at risk of devastating floods. Ranger Bill and his resilient team must organize urgent rescue and prevention efforts to save lives and property downstream.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage

[02:12–02:52]

• Heavy rains and melting snow have created sustained flooding in Knotty Pine.
• Routine work halts as attention pivots to the Big Ridge Dam, an integral part of local irrigation and community safety.

Ranger Bill: “Rain, rain and more rain. That’s what we’ve been having at Knotty Pine the past few days... It’s a perfect setting for today’s story.” (02:12)

2. Realization of Pending Disaster

[03:24–06:18]

• Frank Manson at the dam notices pressure levels rising dangerously.
• Bill, Gray Wolf, and their team muse on the monotony of rainy days—until Bill grows suddenly preoccupied with the dam’s condition.

Frank Manson: “I thought all this rain and melting would give us some trouble.” (03:35)

• The team debates the potential for disaster if the dam is overtaxed; a decision is made to investigate immediately.

3. Assessing the Dam and Decision Making

[06:48–10:49]

• Bill and the team arrive at Big Ridge Dam and receive a frank briefing from Frank Manson.
• Water is rising at an alarming inch-per-hour rate; spillways can't tamp down the surge.
• Difficult choices: open the gates early (risking property in the valley) or risk the dam breaking altogether.

Frank Manson: “If we open the floodgates, we’ll swamp a lot of people down there in the valley.” (07:03)
Ranger Bill: “But we gotta get a warning out to the folks before we open the gates.” (07:15)

• Plan formulated: open gates in three hours, after valley gets warning.

4. Coordinating the Community Response

[11:49–15:02]

• Bill delegates tasks—Gray Wolf and Stumpy each take a side of the river and lead sandbagging crews.
• Valley-wide alerts sent via radio, telephone, and television.
• Volunteer runners, “Paul Revere Corps,” organized to warn outlying areas and ranches.

Ranger Bill: “We’ll alert the hospital and rescue units in case of some folks getting trapped... Everybody understand now what to do? Okay, let’s go.” (11:49)

5. Tension Mounts: Race to Beat the Flood

[15:02–18:49]

• Rain intensifies, timeline shortens as water rises faster than predicted.
• Emergency broadcast warnings interrupt regular radio and television programming.

Radio Announcer: “All persons living in Big Ridge Valley are warned to leave their homes at once and flee to higher ground.” (16:05)

• Attention shifts to reinforcing critical infrastructure like the hospital and railroad bridge, using loaded gondolas to weigh it down.

6. Flood Prevention Efforts and Team Dynamics

[18:49–24:32]

• Bill works with local train operator Tony to secure the railroad bridge with thousands of tons of freight.
• Sandbag operations expand; teams are rotated for rest; outside volunteers arrive.
• Bill confronts logistical challenges, ensuring all available trucks are dispatched for sandbagging.

Ranger Bill (to trucking company): “The need is desperate... Now, you get all those trucks out as fast as you can.” (23:04)

• Coffee and food ordered for the exhausted sandbag crews; medical personnel on standby.

7. Decision Point: To Open or Not to Open?

[24:32–28:08]

• Last-minute deliberation at the dam: should the gates be opened incrementally to buy time or is it too dangerous?
• The team tries opening the floodgates a “wee bit” to slow the rise and relieve pressure, monitoring for signs of structural strain.

Frank Manson: “Raise the floodgate a wee bit. We’ll see what happens... Another couple of minutes will tell. Take it easy.” (20:53–21:17)

8. Climactic Moment: The Flood Released

[28:08–29:18]

• Final countdown is tense; every second matters as the dam reaches critical load.
• With only seconds left on the agreed-upon timetable, the order is given to open the floodgates.

Frank Manson: “10 seconds. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. 0. Let it go slow.” (28:20)

• Torrent of water is unleashed; the sandbag walls barely hold—everyone watches in suspense.

9. Resolution and Reflection

[29:18–29:44]

• Disaster is narrowly averted as the dam holds and the valley is saved.
• The community’s quick action and leadership are praised.
• Comic relief and camaraderie among the exhausted but triumphant crew.

Gray Wolf: “Now I can laugh, but I ain’t been so scared in 30 years. I sure thought that wall was going.” (29:28–29:44)
Ranger Bill: “But it didn’t. And it’s all over, fellas. Another good job well done.” (29:44)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ranger Bill: “What we need is a week or two of bright sunshine to dry us off. Instead, we’re getting rain. And it’s a perfect setting for today’s story.” (02:12)
• Frank Manson: “If we open the floodgates, we’ll swamp a lot of people down there in the valley.” (07:03)
• Ranger Bill: “Boy, there’s a lot more standing in Big Ridge Lake. It’s only staying there because of a big piece of steel and concrete. Yeah, even that has its limitations.” (07:47)
• Frank Manson: “There’s a hundred million gallons of water... held back by this dam.” (09:27)
• Radio Announcer: “All persons living in Big Ridge Valley are warned to leave their homes at once and flee to higher ground.” (16:05)
• Gray Wolf: “Now I can laugh, but I ain’t been so scared in 30 years. I sure thought that wall was going.” (29:28–29:44)
• Ranger Bill: “Another good job. Well done.” (29:44)

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment / Event | |------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:12 | Rainy setting and introduction to problem | | 03:35 | First signs of dam pressure rising | | 06:18 | Decision to visit Big Ridge Dam | | 07:03 | Discussion of spillway limitations and evacuation | | 11:49 | Bill issues action plan | | 16:05 | Urgent public flood warnings issued | | 18:10 | Securing the railroad bridge with heavy gondolas | | 23:04 | Logistics and trucking challenge | | 24:32 | Debate over incremental gate opening | | 28:20 | Final countdown and floodgate opening | | 29:44 | Resolution and team reflection |

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Episode Tone and Style

“Overflow” delivers a rich sense of camaraderie, duty, suspense, and the community’s rapid response. The dialogue balances technical details, tension, and bits of humor, demonstrating the heroes’ humility and pragmatism in the face of disaster. Ranger Bill’s leadership is calm and decisive, supporting a theme of collective action and emergency preparedness.

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This summary provides a complete, engaging overview of the Old Time Radio Westerns episode “Overflow,” capturing its suspense, teamwork, and timeless depiction of Wild West heroism. Perfect for new listeners or those revisiting a classic adventure!

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

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

[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.

[Frank Manson]

Floods. Bears.

[Ranger Bill]

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[Ranger Bill]

Rain, rain and more rain. That's what we've been having at Knotty Pine the past few days. It's so wet, most everything in town has slowed down. There's no danger of fire, and it's far too damp to get out and do our routine work in the forests. So the crews have been pulled in from the trails. What we need is a week or two of bright sunshine to dry us off. Instead, we're getting rain. And it's a perfect setting for today's story.

[Frank Manson]

Overflow.

[Ranger Bill]

High up in the mountains, sandwiched in between two jagged walls of a canyon stands the Big Ridge Dam. This dam holds in place the blue waters of Big Ridge Lake. It's the collecting point for the water flowing from the melting snows of the shady mountains. This water is held for irrigation use in the lower part of the state. It's here that our story begins.

[Frank Manson]

Hey, it's Lynn. Emergency. Take that pressure gauge right Frank, how's she read?

[Ranger Bill]

Not so good.

[Frank Manson]

Yeah. I thought all this rain and melting would give us some trouble.

[Ranger Bill]

That's not the word for it.

[Frank Manson]

What do we do? Oh, got a bit of time yet. That's only the first sign that we're getting close to the danger point. The trouble is that I stick my head out to see if it's clearing and all I can see is rain.

[Ranger Bill]

What a day for doing nothing. Absolutely nothing. Oh, yeah. Could I catch a 40? With pleasure. I think I go to sleep and wake up two days from now.

[Gray Wolf]

You fellers sound like Rip Van Winkle. Boring snoozers.

[Ranger Bill]

A whole lot of you.

[Gray Wolf]

But there's no sense in being sleepy. Something always happens anyway.

[Ranger Bill]

I'd die of monotony if nothing did happen.

[Gray Wolf]

Okay, young feller. What could happen now? Everybody's holed up waiting for the rain to quit.

[Ranger Bill]

Not bad time, people. Not watchful. Good point, Gray wolf.

[Frank Manson]

Hmm.

[Ranger Bill]

I wonder how that. Oh, no, couldn't be. Not yet.

[Gray Wolf]

Any.

[Ranger Bill]

What's the matter with Bill? He's talking to himself like a lonesome trapper.

[Gray Wolf]

It's okay, as long as he don't give any answers, huh?

[Ranger Bill]

Oh, excuse me, fellas. I didn't mean to cut you out.

[Gray Wolf]

Okay, young feller, let's hear it.

[Ranger Bill]

Hear what? Whatever's on your mind. What are you talking about? Well, lookit, I started the Bill a minute ago. You talked to Self.

[Frank Manson]

By the look on face, you're many miles away.

[Ranger Bill]

Where are you living? Here or there, I catch it. Well, I was at a spot not too far from here and just now it's collecting a lot of water.

[Gray Wolf]

Yeah, Big Ridge Dam.

[Ranger Bill]

That's it. And you know why? Not only is the melting snow pouring millions of gallons of water into the lake from the mountains, but also we've had two days of hard, steady rain. A real downpour. Maybe danger building up at Big Ridge Dam.

[Gray Wolf]

Now there's something to think about. Maybe things ain't as quiet as we thought they were.

[Ranger Bill]

Fellas, let's take a ride up there and have a look, huh?

[Gray Wolf]

I knew something would.

[Frank Manson]

What do you think, Frank?

[Ranger Bill]

How much more will the dam take before it gets risky?

[Frank Manson]

I don't know, Slim, but the water is getting close to the maximum mark. We're violating safety rules even now, letting the water rise higher. The spillways can't take it away fast enough.

[Ranger Bill]

What do you plan to do? If we open the floodgates, we'll swamp a lot of people down there in the valley.

[Frank Manson]

That's better than waiting till the Dam cracks open, then the big lake we're holding back here will really do some damage.

[Ranger Bill]

Yeah, you're right. But we gotta get a warning out to the folks before we open the gates.

[Frank Manson]

Yes, and I know who to call, too.

[Ranger Bill]

Ranger Bill.

[Frank Manson]

Yep, we'll call him right away. He's one man who always has the right answer at the right time.

[Gray Wolf]

Boy, there's water standing everywhere you look.

[Ranger Bill]

Yeah, there's a lot more standing in Big Ridge Lake. It's only staying there because of a big piece of steel and concrete. Yeah, even that has its limitations. Ah, damn break. And we have big trouble on our hands.

[Gray Wolf]

I should say so, young feller. There'd be a wall of water coming down the valley a hundred feet high. Well, at least 75 anyway.

[Ranger Bill]

And that's no exaggeration, for it changed, I think.

[Gray Wolf]

Hey, Bill. The red light of a radio telephone's flashing.

[Ranger Bill]

Huh? Somebody's trying to call us. Hello, Bill Jefferson.

[Frank Manson]

Bill, this is Frank Manson up at the dam.

[Ranger Bill]

Oh, what can I do for you, Frank?

[Frank Manson]

I've got bad news for you.

[Ranger Bill]

Yeah?

[Frank Manson]

Water, lots of it. You've got to let some of it go, and it's get any higher.

[Ranger Bill]

We're on our way up to see you right now, Frank. I'm talking from our car phone.

[Frank Manson]

How wonderful. Bill, can you make it fast? We need you badly.

[Ranger Bill]

We'll be there in 20 minutes, Frank. See you.

[Frank Manson]

Okay, Bill. Bye.

[Ranger Bill]

Henry, step on it to Big Ridge Dam and don't spare the horses. Boy, there's a power plant. Yeah, pretty wonderful. All right, it's a long way to the bottom of the valley, but we're not here to admire the scenery, Henry. We've got a job on our hands.

[Frank Manson]

Yes, Bill, There's a hundred million gallons of water in Big Ridge Lake held back by this dam.

[Ranger Bill]

How fast is the water rising, Frank?

[Frank Manson]

Oh, about an inch an hour just now, even with the spillways in full operation. That's fast, Bill. Too fast. That spells trouble. Unless we do something about it.

[Ranger Bill]

Of course, you'll have to open the

[Frank Manson]

gates, but those people in the valley are going to suffer.

[Ranger Bill]

How much more water can the dam without straining the wall to the breaking point?

[Frank Manson]

Not any more than four more inches. That's the absolute maximum amount we can hold back before we have to open the gates.

[Ranger Bill]

All right. How about opening the floodgates wide three hours from now, right on the head. Then we'll have a timetable to work on.

[Frank Manson]

Okay, it's a go. And you'll sound the alarm to all the valley for.

[Ranger Bill]

Right, you go Ahead, Frank. We'll be ready. Come on, fellas. There's a lot of work to do and we've only got three.

[Gray Wolf]

Hey, Val, take it easy.

[Ranger Bill]

The road's already standing in water. I'm watching, Val. Don't worry. Right now we've got to risk a little personal safety. There are a lot of other lives in danger. I'll need three hours to get ready. Well, won't be anywhere near as bad as it would be if the dam broke. Yeah, I'll say not.

[Gray Wolf]

Yes siree. Hey, we've got a tough job ahead of us, young feller.

[Ranger Bill]

Hey, Bill, have you got your plans all set? It's okay with you, Henry. I'd rather concentrate on our getting there right now. As soon as we get to town, I'll give you the whole plan of operation, okay? I guess it is better if we get to town in one piece first though.

[Gray Wolf]

At the rate we're going. I'm beginning to wonder.

[Ranger Bill]

All right, man, here's the plan. Grey Wolf and Stumpy, each of you fellas will have command of one side of the river. Sound the community alarm siren. Then take your crews down to the river and start piling sandbag walls up and down the riverbank. Henry, you'll stay with me. We'll spread the alarm all along the river by radio, telephone, television and so forth. Also, we'll get the railroad bridge anchored down so it won't wash out. Al and Tom will form Paul Revere Corps to drive along the valley and warn everybody to get out. They can make it from here to Death Gorge before the water does. Sounds good to me. That ought to do it, Bill. Also, we'll alert the hospital and rescue units in case of some folks getting trapped because they didn't make it out in time. Everybody understand now what to do? Okay, let's go.

[Gray Wolf]

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[Ranger Bill]

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[Gray Wolf]

Down to the river.

[Ranger Bill]

Yeah, those men are really working together. Everybody just pitches in. No grumbling.

[Gray Wolf]

They've got two good leaders, haven't they, Bill?

[Ranger Bill]

Right. Gray Wolf and Stumpy are veterans of many battles with the floodwaters. I know them. They'll give Old Man River a tough fight. Yeah. Al and Tom have loaded the cars with extra gas.

[Frank Manson]

I see.

[Ranger Bill]

That reminds me. I've asked them to come over and see me before they go. I'm all set out of here, Bill. Any further orders? Only this, Al. Be sure you and your bunch don't miss a single ranch down the valley. We'll try not to, Bill. Paul Revere won't have a thing on us. You all set, Tom? Yeah, Bill, I'm on my way right now. Okay, fellas, drive safely, but don't waste any time.

[Gray Wolf]

Hey, this must be raining harder again.

[Ranger Bill]

I'm afraid so, Henry. Well, let's get started. We've got an alarm to spread ourselves.

[Frank Manson]

I don't know about this rain, Slim. Looks to me like it's getting worse.

[Ranger Bill]

You think the wall can hold out for three hours, Frank?

[Frank Manson]

I doubt it, Slim. It's rising faster than I expected. Bill's been gone only an hour and a half. The water's risen, let's see, almost an inch and a half.

[Ranger Bill]

Where's it all coming from?

[Frank Manson]

You mean, where isn't it coming from?

[Ranger Bill]

You know, just the other Sunday, we were reading about the flood in Noah's time. The Bible talks about the windows of heaven and the wells of the deep pouring out water. But anything worse than this must be awful.

[Frank Manson]

Yeah, it's bad, all right.

[Ranger Bill]

You think we can wait the full three hours before opening the gates?

[Frank Manson]

I don't know yet. It's going to be touch and go from here on. We certainly can't overstrain this dam. If it bursts, the whole valley will be wiped out.

[Ranger Bill]

It even put the town of Knotty Pine about four feet under. Ladies and gentlemen, we must interrupt this program. We've just been handed a special bulletin from the forest ranger, Bill Jefferson. All persons living in Big Ridge Valley are warned to leave their homes at once and flee to higher ground. The dam is being dangerously overtaxed and the floodgates will be opened in two hours to relieve the pressure that is now building up. I repeat, all persons living in Big Ridge Valley are warned to leave their homes at once and flee to higher ground. Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt this telecast of the Symphonic Hour to give you a flood warning Received just now from the forest ranger headquarters at Knotty Pine. All persons living in Big Ridge Valley must abandon their homes at once and flee to higher ground. The floodgates of Big Ridge Dam will be open in one hour to relieve the dangerous situation now developing. All citizens of this area are urged to join the ranger crews in helping to build sandbags and buggies to protect the.

[Gray Wolf]

Well. Not about covers, radio and television.

[Ranger Bill]

Telephone company's calling all those in the valley who have phones. Ralph and Tom are warning the people in person. Can we do anything more? Yeah, we can. We'll stop at the hospital for a minute and get some of the ladies in town to supply food for the fellows working on the levees. That's not easy work. You may need those men there a long time. So we've got to see that they get dead, right? Right now it's the hospital.

[Frank Manson]

Yeah.

[Ranger Bill]

After that we gotta anchor down the railroad bridge. Oh, boy. If that goes, then we are in a tough spot. Only the Lord willing, we'll fix it so it doesn't wash. So you have the picture, don't you, Tony? Yeah, sure, Bill. Now, how many loaded gondolas have you got standing here in the freight yard?

[Frank Manson]

Let's see.

[Ranger Bill]

I think I got a 40 gondolas coal and 25 Santa gravel. Wonderful. Can you back them onto the railroad bridge? Right away, boss. I could back them up to the moon if you want me to. Just down to the bridge will be fine, Tony. I'd like to see that bridge go somewhere with all that weight, eh? I'm hoping it'll do the trick. Well, I gotta start.

[Frank Manson]

So long.

[Ranger Bill]

So long, Tony. Boy, I'm sure that bridge won't go anywhere. What is one of those loaders gondola's way? Oh, about 50 to 75 tons, I imagine.

[Frank Manson]

Let me see here.

[Gray Wolf]

About 10,000 tons ought to do the job, eh?

[Frank Manson]

Yeah,

[Ranger Bill]

well, that takes care of that. Come on, pal. Let's go see how Gray Wolf and Stumpy are making out. The water's over the three inch mark, Frank, and still going up. Reached the peak before we expected it.

[Frank Manson]

I know it. Frank. I don't like this extra flow into the reservoir.

[Ranger Bill]

You think we can hold out the full three hours like we agreed with Bill?

[Frank Manson]

That's what I'm battling with right now. What to do?

[Ranger Bill]

How close to the breaking point do you think the dam is right now?

[Frank Manson]

Pretty close. There's 27 minutes to go before the three hours are up. How? Operation Rescue is going on down in the valley.

[Ranger Bill]

Why can't we open the floodgates just a little? Just slow down the Rise.

[Frank Manson]

That's dangerous, Slim. Good way to start. A sedimentary current which is liable to tear the floodgates right off.

[Ranger Bill]

But at least we'd eliminate the possibility of the damn busting at the same time. It'd give the people in the valley more chance to get to high ground, protect themselves.

[Frank Manson]

You might have something there, Slim.

[Ranger Bill]

Let's give it a try, Frank.

[Frank Manson]

All right, take over those control buttons. Raise the floodgate a wee bit. We'll see what happens. Right. Shows any sign of strain will lower it right away. Steady now. Showing up.

[Gray Wolf]

Is it going to work?

[Frank Manson]

I don't know yet. I think so.

[Ranger Bill]

I hope so.

[Frank Manson]

Another couple of minutes will tell. Take it easy.

[Ranger Bill]

There are thousands of lives at sake. How's it going, Stumpy?

[Gray Wolf]

Okay, Umpre. How is it where you're sitting?

[Ranger Bill]

Oh, pretty good in the way those sandbags are piled along the riverbank.

[Gray Wolf]

These fellers are working geniuses. Boy, this is one time you're not joking.

[Ranger Bill]

Stumpy, are those trucks coming fast enough with their loads?

[Gray Wolf]

Well, they could be a mite faster. Sometimes they just make it by the skin of their teeth.

[Ranger Bill]

Is that right? I'll take care of that.

[Gray Wolf]

Henry.

[Ranger Bill]

Get me the trucking company on the radio phone.

[Gray Wolf]

Right.

[Ranger Bill]

I've ordered food for your men, Stumpy, and coffee.

[Gray Wolf]

That's good news, young feller. A man can't work without crowd, that's for sure. A full stomach makes a strong heart.

[Ranger Bill]

Yeah, you're right there, Stubby. Say, watch your men for exhaustion. A good many of them aren't used to this sort of work.

[Gray Wolf]

Okay, I'll watch them.

[Ranger Bill]

There are some relief crews on the way. Volunteers from outside the valley. Spell your crews off when these other fellas arrive.

[Gray Wolf]

Now. Do that, Bill. Well, maybe I better be getting on back to the job now.

[Ranger Bill]

Right. Hey, Bill, I got the trucking company on the phone. Thanks, pal. Hello, this is Bill Jefferson. How many trucks are you using in this sand hauling job?

[Gray Wolf]

What? Why are you holding those trucks back? Nonsense.

[Ranger Bill]

The need is desperate. They've got only 20 minutes before they open the floodgates. Now, you get all those trucks out as fast as you can. We'll need a good reserve supply of sand once the water's released.

[Gray Wolf]

That's an order. That guy holding the trucks back?

[Ranger Bill]

Yeah, five of them. Just in case some broke down. Boy, this is no time to be conservative. Now, let's get back across the river. I want to talk to Gray Wolf. Well, Drew Wolf, how's it going? Oh, good, Bill, but men get tired.

[Gray Wolf]

Bot.

[Ranger Bill]

Now there are relief crews on the Way.

[Gray Wolf]

Look at the way those fellas are building those walls.

[Ranger Bill]

Do Good job. Brave men. Strong too. Those bags weigh hundred pounds each, Gray Wolf. I've ordered coffee and grub. Ought to be here pretty soon. Not fine. You can rest your men a bit when the relief crews arrive. I do, Bill. And if anyone gets hurt or drops over from exhaustion, carry them to the ambulances. Nurses and doctors are standing by. Watch your men for signs of heart attack, too. A lot of these boys aren't used to this kind of work. Men very brave. They fight to save home. Right. Well, I'm going to check further down the river a bit and I'll be back.

[Frank Manson]

Okay.

[Gray Wolf]

Hey, Bill.

[Ranger Bill]

Yeah, Henry?

[Gray Wolf]

Didn't that river rise off as fast? Look at it.

[Ranger Bill]

What do you think? Greywolf? Henry Wright Current faster too. They probably opened floodgates a little. And that can only mean one thing.

[Frank Manson]

Yeah?

[Ranger Bill]

They're getting more water than they expected.

[Gray Wolf]

How much longer do we have before

[Ranger Bill]

the three hours are up? 12 minutes. Oh, sure isn't very long. No, but it might be for the fellas at the dam. I hope it isn't too long.

[Frank Manson]

It isn't helping much, is it? What do you think?

[Ranger Bill]

We just gained another inch.

[Frank Manson]

That's fine.

[Ranger Bill]

Yeah, we gotta let her go.

[Frank Manson]

Let's wait till she reaches 5.

[Gray Wolf]

What if the dam gives way?

[Frank Manson]

All we can say is we've tried to give them a fair chance down in the valley. Three hours time is little enough to do the job Bill has to do.

[Ranger Bill]

Look, can't we open the floodgate a little more?

[Frank Manson]

Well, all right. Try it, Slim. Let's hope it doesn't tear out the gate. Okay, Watch it.

[Ranger Bill]

Here goes.

[Frank Manson]

That's enough sling.

[Ranger Bill]

We've just picked up another quarter of an inch. And how long?

[Frank Manson]

Five more minutes.

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[Ranger Bill]

Everything all right, Gray Wolf? We got more sandbags on wall all along, Bill. Well, I'd say that's enough for now. Let it put the rest in reserve. Good. But what I have men do. And keep your bulldozers right handy, Gray Wolf. They can sometimes hold a wall until you can reinforce it. I got good plan for plugging. Break in wall that and sandbag many times. Do good job. Okay, we're going over now and check with Stumpy. You better get over and hurry. Water coming down fast. It'll be faster after a while. The boys at the dam must be in a tight spot right now. They should be.

[Gray Wolf]

How long now, Bill?

[Ranger Bill]

Let's see. Three minutes. Let's get across the river right now, Henry, or we'll never make it.

[Frank Manson]

Two minutes.

[Ranger Bill]

Too much water. I hope it holds.

[Frank Manson]

1:45.

[Ranger Bill]

We've taken an awful chance.

[Frank Manson]

1:30.

[Ranger Bill]

Come on, Frank. Give the word. I'm getting scared. What's a minute one way or the other?

[Frank Manson]

Save a lot of lives. Maybe. One minute,

[Gray Wolf]

Frank.

[Ranger Bill]

This dam just won't hold any more water.

[Frank Manson]

Bite your tongue, Slim. It won't be long.

[Ranger Bill]

Maybe too long. All we'll hear is a crack on a concrete and it'll be all over.

[Frank Manson]

10 seconds. 5, 4, 3. 2. 1. 0. Let it go slow.

[Gray Wolf]

Here comes the water, man. Watch it. Here's open at home, Phil. Better hold after all the work we put into it. Here she comes.

[Ranger Bill]

Boy, that was close. Five pounds more of pressure and that wall would have cracked like glass.

[Gray Wolf]

Boy, did you see those bags sway

[Ranger Bill]

and shake when that wall of water hit them?

[Gray Wolf]

Yes, sir, I sure did. Now I can laugh, but I ain't been so scared in 30 years. I sure thought that wall was going.

[Ranger Bill]

But it didn't. And it's all over. Fellas. Another good job. Well done. Well, boys and girls, we'll see you next week for more adventure with Ranger Bill. Hi, fellas and gals. Ranger Bill again stepping in here for less than a minute to invite all of you out there to another half hour of adventure next week at this special spot on your radio dial. We've gathered a pile of stories for you with mystery and adventure and all kinds of excitement, and we don't want you to miss a single one. So next time, call up your friends or get together with them and join all of us rangers for a session of fighting forest fires, grappling with grizzly bears, or just plain trying to help somebody out. We're sure you'll enjoy the story and you might just learn something that'll be a real help to you in later life. So next week, be sure to listen. Sam foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com Become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands Steve and Tom who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

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