River of Fire | Ranger Bill (03-02-55)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: “River of Fire” | Ranger Bill (03-02-55)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Series: Ranger Bill
Original Broadcast: March 2, 1955
Remastered Release Date: February 7, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, hosted by Andrew Rhynes, presents a digitally restored version of “River of Fire,” a suspenseful installment of Ranger Bill. The story plunges listeners into a tense environmental crisis threatening the town of Knotty Pine: a major oil pipeline leak infuses the river with fuel, endangering the valley and imperiling countless lives. The episode showcases teamwork, leadership, and resourcefulness in the face of impending disaster, all delivered with the immersive soundscape and warmth of classic radio drama.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene: Night Patrol in Knotty Pine

• [03:19] The story begins with local policemen O’Rourke and Ryan patrolling a quiet bridge at night in Knotty Pine.
• They engage in lighthearted banter, establishing their camaraderie and responsible approach to their duties.
• Memorable Exchange:
  • Ranger Bill: "Come on, Patrick, me boy. You can make it if you try."
  • Patrick Ryan: "I'm sure glad you never made sergeant." (04:49)

2. Detecting Danger: The Smell of Trouble

• Both officers detect a strong smell of fuel oil and notice an oily sheen on the river’s surface.
• Upon investigation, they realize the oil isn’t coming from docked barges but likely from a pipeline upstream.
• Patrick Ryan: "Let's sound the alarm. One spark and this will be a river of fire." (07:35)

3. Alarm Raised and Initial Response

• [07:52] The officers promptly alert authorities, and Ranger Bill, along with his team (Stumpy, Gray Wolf, Henry), is called in.

• The sheriff orders town-wide precautions; citizens are warned to stay home, and the fire department begins flooding the river to disperse the oil.

• Public Announcement:

  • Ranger Bill (as sheriff): "The river is covered with fuel oil and the situation is very dangerous... If you refuse to cooperate, I'll have to ask the governor to establish martial law and to send troops into town to keep you home." (09:38)

4. Understanding the Pipeline Threat

• The team identifies the pipeline as a “freight line”—it transports various flammable liquids, including gasoline.
• Pipeline Operations Explained:
  • Narrator: "In pipeline they put a mass of radioactive substance in between each load. And by using Geiger counters, they can tell when a load begins and ends." (11:47)
• An even greater threat looms: after the current fuel oil, a load of aviation gasoline—much more volatile—is poised to reach the breach.

5. Escalation: Storm Approaches, Repairs Needed

• A fierce storm approaches, increasing the risk of lightning igniting the river.
• Malcolm Gray, the company’s pipeline supervisor, arrives by helicopter but is overcome with stress and unable to direct his crew.
• Malcolm Gray's Breakdown:
  • Sweeney (crew foreman): "We can't repair that leak now. It's 500ft to the bottom of that door." (19:05)
  • Malcolm Gray: "What kind of man are you? Get out there or I'll know the reason why." (19:14)

6. Tension and Leadership

• A tense confrontation arises between Gray and his crew, but Ranger Bill intervenes and asserts command, focusing on saving lives rather than assigning blame.

• The immediate task: prevent the aviation gasoline from entering the river.

• Critical Revelation:

  • Narrator: "What's in the pipeline behind the fuel oil?"
  • Malcolm Gray: "The next load is aviation gasoline... 50,000 gallons of it." (21:51–22:00)
  • Narrator: "If the lightning hits that stuff, the whole county's going up." (22:00)

7. Dramatic Rescue Operation

• The only way to stop the disaster is to open the pipeline on the opposite bank and let the gasoline run harmlessly onto the ground before reaching the river.

• Against howling wind and raging lightning, Ranger Bill leads the repair crew across the dangerously swaying catwalk atop the bridge.

• Gripping sound design amplifies the peril and heroism of their crawl over the tempestuous river.

• Encouragement Amidst Crisis:

  • Henry Scott: "Hang on. It isn't far now. Go slow. Man, you're doing fine." (25:18)

8. Climax: Risk Versus Reward

• Overcome with guilt and fear, Malcolm Gray nearly attempts a self-sacrificial rescue but is stopped by Ranger Bill.
• Malcolm Gray: "They won't make it, I tell you. Why did I ever let them go? ... They'll die screaming with pain." (25:57)
• The crew attempts to cut the pipe, but time runs out. Bill spearheads an alternative: dislodge rocks from a cliff to crush the pipeline, stopping the flow just in time.
• Listeners are left holding their breath as Bill risks being caught in an explosion.

9. Resolution: Disaster Averted

• The rocks succeed in rupturing the line seconds before the aviation gas arrives. The gas spills safely onto the ground, and an inferno is averted.
• Final moments highlight relief, camaraderie, and a grateful nod to teamwork and Providence.
• Grey Wolf: "Thank the Lord there won't be a river of fire." (30:42)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "One spark and this will be a river of fire."
  – Patrick Ryan (07:35)

• "The line is split open on the bridge."
  – Patrick Ryan, reporting the critical breach (16:54)

• "If the lightning hits that stuff [aviation gas], the whole county's going up."
  – Narrator (22:00)

• "Every last one of us was in extreme danger crossing the pipeline bridge over the shady river. One misstep on the narrow catwalk—that would be all over."
  – Narrator, on the harrowing crossing (24:30)

• "Thank the Lord, there won't be a river of fire."
  – Grey Wolf, after the disaster is narrowly avoided (30:42)

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Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• Police Detect Trouble: 04:49–07:35
• Alarm & Initial Response: 07:52–09:38
• Pipeline Details/Threat Discussed: 11:01–12:30
• Crisis Escalates (Storm/Repairs): 14:01–19:29
• Confrontation & Plan Formed: 20:30–23:13
• Bridge Crossing Sequence: 24:30–25:57
• Cliffside Solution & Relief: 28:00–30:42
• Final Reflection: 33:13 (Narrator's closing remarks)

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Tone and Atmosphere

The episode blends urgent tension with grounded optimism typical of classic Westerns. Dialogue is laced with humor, camaraderie, and the regional charm of its Irish-American police characters, while the respectful, calm authority of Ranger Bill and his team underscores the story’s high stakes. Dramatic natural soundscapes (howling wind, crackling thunder, swirling river) heighten the immersive tension.

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Conclusion

“River of Fire” exemplifies the Old Time Radio Westerns' strength in suspenseful, character-driven storytelling. It delivers an edge-of-your-seat environmental drama, interwoven with memorable personalities, risk, sacrifice, and the ultimate triumph of skill, courage, and community in the face of peril. The episode’s digital restoration allows the vibrant nuances of its sound design and voice acting to shine for a modern audience.

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For more remastered classic Western radio episodes, visit otrwesterns.com.

Transcript

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[Ranger Bill]

Ranger Bill, Warrior of the woodland. Ranger Bill, warrior of the woodland. Struggling against extreme odds. Traveling dangerous trails, Showing rare courage in the face of disaster, in the air, On horseback, Or in a screaming squad car. Ranger Bill, his mind alert, a ready smile unswerving, loyal to his mission. And all this in exchange for the satisfaction and pride of a job well done.

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[Narrator]

There's something about a police officer pounding a beat at night. It gives everyone a real sense of security. He walks along in the dark with his lead weighted nightstick dangling readily from his hand while he stops here and there to check locked doors to make sure they're doing their job. Every once in a while he flashes his light into some dark corner to make sure that only the dark of night is there. The officer on the beat also watches Holmes to make sure there's no suspicious smoke coming out or people trying to break in. And then he's an awfully nice fellow to meet if you're walking home late at night. Now, in Knotty Pine, there isn't much in the way of excitement on the night beat. But officers o' Rourke and Ryan walk their beats just as carefully. Let's find out what happens on this night in the story river of Fire.

[Ranger Bill]

Come on, Patrick. This is the halfway mark on the bridge, me boy. And the rulebook says you gotta walk to the half mark.

[Patrick Ryan]

Ryan, you're a hard man. It's too bad you ever learned to read. You'll drive me to retiring by reciting that rule book every time you look me squarely in the eye.

[Ranger Bill]

Come on, Patrick, me boy. You can make it if you try.

[Patrick Ryan]

All right. Are you happy now? I'm sure glad you never made sergeant.

[Ranger Bill]

Say, Anne, what's the matter with your nose? It's jumping around like a rabbit.

[Patrick Ryan]

Don't you smell it?

[Ranger Bill]

Smell what?

[Patrick Ryan]

Fuel oil.

[Ranger Bill]

Certainly I smell it. You think me nose is stopped up? It's coming from one of them barges tied along the dock upstream.

[Patrick Ryan]

I tell you, that smells strong.

[Ranger Bill]

Sure, and so's the breeze. Flatfoot, you're standing downwind of the barge.

[Patrick Ryan]

Mmm. Maybe you're right for once in your life.

[Ranger Bill]

Did you ever know the time I wasn't. Take it easy, Patrick, me boy. On your next round.

[Patrick Ryan]

You too, Ryan. And don't try to be a hero. If you spot something, use your whistle or phone for a squad.

[Ranger Bill]

Remember that for yourself. And stop smelling so good.

[Patrick Ryan]

Sure, now me aching feet give me more trouble than me nose.

[Narrator]

Two warm hearted Irish policemen having a bit of chin music at the end of their beat. Before they start back, let's follow Pat as he slowly walks along, giving everything the once over. Wait a minute. Pat stopped. Has he seen something he doesn't like? No, he's just standing there now he's turning back. Pat's walking quickly now back toward the river. Something's on his mind. Something's disturbing him. He's not letting it go by as a passing thought. Let's follow Pat as he heads back toward the bridge.

[Patrick Ryan]

Ryan, what are you doing back here?

[Ranger Bill]

I might be asking you the same thing. Orark.

[Patrick Ryan]

You got the river on your mind too?

[Ranger Bill]

Aye, that I have. Let's go down and have a look.

[Henry Scott]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Here I watch it.

[Henry Scott]

Careful.

[Patrick Ryan]

Flash your light on the water. The fuel isle smell is as strong as day old fish.

[Ranger Bill]

I'll have to agree with that. What? The river's covered With Isle Ay, and that it is, my lad. The whole thing is covered. One of those barges must be leaking.

[Patrick Ryan]

Let's have a look.

[Ranger Bill]

Oh, Rourke, these aren't oil barges. Where's the stuff coming from?

[Patrick Ryan]

Now, if I knew the answer to that, I'd be worth a million dollars right now. It's coming from up the river, sure as I'm standing here.

[Ranger Bill]

The pipelines over the river.

[Patrick Ryan]

You don't suppose it sprung a leak, do you?

[Ranger Bill]

Where else could it come from? Let's pull the box over there and get the boys hot on it.

[Patrick Ryan]

Come on, Ryan, we've got to sound the alarm. One spark and this will be a river of fire.

[Ranger Bill]

Hello, Bill.

[Narrator]

Hello, Cal. What's all the excitement about?

[Henry Scott]

Yeah, this is a fine time to.

[Ranger Bill]

Be getting people out of bed. That's the way I felt until Pat and Ryan showed me that river.

[Narrator]

Well, let's take a look.

[Patrick Ryan]

It's about time the top ranger got here.

[Narrator]

Hello, Pat. Hello, Ryan.

[Ranger Bill]

Top of the morning to you, Bill. That's what it is. The top of the morning or the bottom of the night. I'm not sure which.

[Patrick Ryan]

Now, there's your youngster for you. Full of fire, no matter how little sleep. Say, Bill, can you smell it?

[Narrator]

I'll say I can. Fuel oil. How bad is it?

[Patrick Ryan]

Now, take a look across the river. You follow the beam of me flashlight. There's a regular blanket of the stuff floating on top of the water.

[Ranger Bill]

Must be a couple of inches thick.

[Narrator]

You said it, pal. Have you found out where it's coming from?

[Ranger Bill]

No, not yet. Pat and Ryan think it might be coming from the pipeline where it's bridged across the river. It isn't leaking in town.

[Narrator]

You're probably right. Come on, pal. Let's pick up Stumpy and Gray Wolf and take a look at the pipeline.

[Ranger Bill]

Yes, sir. I'll have the fire engines flood the river with water and try to disperse this stuff down rapidly.

[Narrator]

Right. Better send cars around informing the people of the danger. Even though you'll wake them out of a sound sleep. Make sure there isn't any fire of any kind nearby.

[Ranger Bill]

What are you gonna do about that fire way over yonder, huh? Where the lightning looks like a storm coming on?

[Narrator]

And how. We gotta try and get that leak stopped before the storm gets here. All right, let's go.

[Ranger Bill]

Attention, please. Attention, please. The river is covered with fuel oil and the situation is very dangerous. You can help by staying in your homes until this emergency is over. Please do not go down to the river to sightsee. It's too Dangerous. And you'll only be in the way of the firemen who are trying to disperse the oil downstream. This is the sheriff speaking. If you refuse to cooperate, I'll have to ask the governor to establish martial law and to send troops into town to keep you home. Please cooperate and this won't be necessary. Thank you. Knotty Pine Dispatcher calling Junction City. Knotty Pine dispatcher calling Junction City. Come in. Over.

[Sweeney]

Junction City Police. What's up, naughty Pine?

[Ranger Bill]

We've got a river covered with fuel oil and it's moving your way. Knotty Pine. Sheriff wishes you to notify Central City.

[Sweeney]

Say, you fellas got your hands full. What's leaking?

[Ranger Bill]

We think it's the pipeline.

[Sweeney]

Man, that's not good. I'll pass the word of the Central City Police. Thanks for the warning.

[Henry Scott]

I reckon there's more than just a leak in that pipeline, sonny. Must be a pretty good sized hole in it for all that oil to.

[Narrator]

Get out, I think.

[Ranger Bill]

Same thing.

[Narrator]

I guess we all are thinking the same thing, fellas. What bothers me is what they've got in that line.

[Ranger Bill]

What do you mean what they've got? Isn't it all oil?

[Narrator]

Not this pipeline, pal. This is a freight line.

[Henry Scott]

You mean.

[Ranger Bill]

You mean they send batches of different stuff through that line instead of only one kind of fluid?

[Narrator]

Right.

[Henry Scott]

How do they pull off that stunt?

[Narrator]

It's a matter of chemistry. They know which liquids won't mix. Like they can put a load of ethyl gas between two loads of regular gas.

[Ranger Bill]

Suffering catfish. You mean they pump automobile gas through that line?

[Narrator]

Yep, they sure do, pal. That's smart trick how they know where one kind begin and end. In pipeline they put a mass of radioactive substance in between each load. And by using Geiger counters, they can tell when a load begins and ends.

[Henry Scott]

Well, how do you like that for a fancy dangle contraption?

[Narrator]

You speak Truth and Company can send a lot of different liquids through line. That's what has me worried. What's next in line after the fuel oil?

[Ranger Bill]

Scotty? 10 seconds and you're on.

[Patrick Ryan]

Good morning, everyone.

[Narrator]

This is Scotty Logan with the five o' clock news. This early morning I'm sure there are.

[Patrick Ryan]

More listeners than usual.

[Narrator]

And this isn't the cheery morning we'd like it to be. Here is our sheriff to speak to you about the emergency situation of the flood of fuel oil on the river. Here's Sheriff Hopper.

[Ranger Bill]

Thank you, Scotty. Ladies and gentlemen, Bill Jefferson and the rangers are trying to locate the source of this fuel leak. I haven't Heard from them yet? But I expect to at any time. I want everyone to be calm and to stay at home, just as you've been doing. Those of you who have to cross the river to get to your jobs will have to do it on foot and only across the Main Street Bridge. And only if conditions permit. If we feel dangers increase, the bridge will have to be closed. To everyone, I wish to thank you for your wonderful cooperation. By staying at home, it's made our job much easier. And again, I urge you not to become panicky even in the face of the oncoming storm. The fire department is rapidly dispersing the oil as it comes downstream. And our fire chief feels that the danger point has been reduced considerably. Thank you.

[Narrator]

Henry. Throw the spotlight along the bridge.

[Henry Scott]

Right. There it is. Look at the oil spilling out there.

[Narrator]

A big hole in pipe.

[Patrick Ryan]

All right. Maybe a bridge sway too much from wind.

[Narrator]

I don't know. But I'm calling the pipeline company right now. Look at Malcolm Gray and his men up here on the double.

[Patrick Ryan]

Keep your shirt on. Malcolm Gray speaking.

[Narrator]

Amal. Bill. Jefferson. You got a busted pipeline?

[Patrick Ryan]

No. Now.

[Henry Scott]

Where?

[Narrator]

I'm at the bridge over the shady river watching the fuel oil spill out by the hundreds of gallons.

[Patrick Ryan]

Is there room to land a helicopter close by?

[Narrator]

Yeah, plenty of room.

[Patrick Ryan]

Well, I'll be there with a crew in 20 minutes.

[Narrator]

Cal, the company man are in the air now. Flying here from Canyon City. That's about all I can tell you right now. Except the stuff is spilling out like crazy.

[Ranger Bill]

That's fast work, Vail.

[Narrator]

How are things in Naughty Pine?

[Ranger Bill]

Wonderfully quiet. Everyone's doing his best to stay cool and calm the fire boys are pumping water into the river as fast as they can.

[Narrator]

Fine, Cal. It's fine. I'll call you as soon as I know more. Over and out.

[Patrick Ryan]

Here come pipeline men.

[Ranger Bill]

Now.

[Henry Scott]

Yes, sir. None too soon. That storm's beginning to kick up an awful fuss.

[Narrator]

Wind.

[Ranger Bill]

You're tossing that copter around.

[Patrick Ryan]

Sweeney, get your men out there fast. There isn't a minute to lose.

[Sweeney]

Yes, sir. Let's go, boys.

[Henry Scott]

Hello, men.

[Narrator]

Hello, Male.

[Henry Scott]

Howdy. Hey. Sure looks like a kind of a risky business out there.

[Patrick Ryan]

You're right there, old timer. Bill, may I use your radio?

[Narrator]

Sure. Help yourself.

[Patrick Ryan]

Thanks. Qxbc3, this is jmnx1. Qxbc, this is jmnx1. Over.

[Ranger Bill]

This is qxbc. Come in, boss.

[Patrick Ryan]

Cut off the line immediately, Fritz.

[Ranger Bill]

Sure, boss. What's up?

[Patrick Ryan]

I'll tell you after you close the valve. Do it now. I'll wait.

[Henry Scott]

Right.

[Ranger Bill]

Be Back in a minute.

[Patrick Ryan]

Come on.

[Henry Scott]

Come on.

[Patrick Ryan]

Hurry up.

[Henry Scott]

Come on.

[Ranger Bill]

Hello? Mal, are you there? Mal? The valve's closed.

[Narrator]

What's up?

[Patrick Ryan]

The line is split open on the bridge.

[Ranger Bill]

Oh no. That's bad.

[Patrick Ryan]

I'm afraid to ask you, but I've got to know. What's the load behind the fuel oil?

[Ranger Bill]

I think I know, but let me check the manifest to make sure. I don't want to scare the pants off you for nothing.

[Patrick Ryan]

Hurry up.

[Ranger Bill]

Mal. It's mixture coded 107. No.

[Patrick Ryan]

Are you positive?

[Ranger Bill]

I'm looking right at the manifest. Male. If it were cow's milk, I might joke about it. But not 107.

[Patrick Ryan]

Okay? Fritz. Don't open that valve for anyone or anything, you understand?

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[Patrick Ryan]

Sweeney, what are you doing back here? Get out there and fix that hole.

[Sweeney]

Boss, we can't work out there. The wind's too strong.

[Patrick Ryan]

Get out there. Don't tell me what you can and can't do.

[Sweeney]

But Mel, we've got all we can do to hang on. We can't repair that leak now. It's 500ft to the bottom of that door.

[Patrick Ryan]

What kind of man are you? Get out there or I'll know the reason why.

[Sweeney]

What's the matter with you? We might get killed.

[Patrick Ryan]

That's too bad. But it's part of your job. Or maybe you figure the Rangers should do your work, huh? Now get out on that bridge and fix that leak.

[Sweeney]

All right.

[Narrator]

We'll try it.

[Sweeney]

But I'm not making Any promise?

[Patrick Ryan]

Get out there, do you hear? Stop blabbing and get out there. Bill, I'm going to talk to Fritz again.

[Narrator]

Okay, Mal. Use the radio all you want.

[Patrick Ryan]

Thanks.

[Ranger Bill]

Boy, is he a puddle of nerves.

[Henry Scott]

All of a sudden. Like you said it, sonny. I smell a rat in the wood pile, I think.

[Ranger Bill]

Same thing.

[Narrator]

He changed like wind after he talked to Valve Station. You fellas are pretty sharp. Pretty sharp.

[Ranger Bill]

What do you think's wrong?

[Narrator]

I don't know. I'm waiting for Mal to tell us.

[Henry Scott]

Maybe he'll wait until it's too late.

[Narrator]

I hope not. Here comes Suye's men crawling back on bridge.

[Henry Scott]

And they're hanging on for dear life.

[Sweeney]

We ain't going back out there till this thing blows over. Trying to plug that hole in this storm is like. Like trying to walk a tidewire on a one wheel bike.

[Patrick Ryan]

Are you telling me what you're going to do?

[Andrew Rines]

Yes.

[Sweeney]

And if you don't like it, you can jump in the river.

[Patrick Ryan]

I ought to punch you in the nose, you coward. And that goes for your men, too. Let's make him go out there if he's so smart, huh?

[Sweeney]

Well, I think we ought to throw him in the river. Come on, start swinging if you think you're man enough to lick me. He used to be a good boss until just a few minutes ago. And this thing's got you scared stiff.

[Patrick Ryan]

You mind your own business. You get out there or you're fired.

[Narrator]

Wait a minute, Mal.

[Patrick Ryan]

How you keep your nose out of this, Bill, it's none of your business.

[Narrator]

That's where you're wrong. I'm top man here. This is government property, remember? Come on in the car. I want to talk to you.

[Patrick Ryan]

You aren't telling me what to do.

[Narrator]

Get in the car and make it snappy. We haven't got time to stand around and argue.

[Patrick Ryan]

Sweeney, you and your men take it easy.

[Narrator]

There's something wrong here.

[Sweeney]

You can say that again, Ranger. I ain't looking for no fight. But I ain't taking any more abuse either.

[Patrick Ryan]

He'll get Mal straightened.

[Narrator]

All right, let's have it.

[Patrick Ryan]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Narrator]

Listen, Mal, don't play ring around the rosie with me. You change like night from day. Right after you talk to the valve station. What's in the pipeline behind the fuel oil?

[Patrick Ryan]

The next load is aviation gasoline.

[Narrator]

Aviation gas?

[Patrick Ryan]

Yes, 50,000 gallons of it.

[Narrator]

If the lightning hits that stuff, the whole county's going up.

[Patrick Ryan]

Bill, I'm almost to the point of nervous collapse. That pipeline comes down to the river in a long incline. I don't know how to stop that stuff. It just keeps draining out.

[Narrator]

I do.

[Henry Scott]

How?

[Narrator]

We've got to cut the pipe open on the other side of the bridge and let the gas run on the ground.

[Patrick Ryan]

Yeah.

[Henry Scott]

Yeah.

[Patrick Ryan]

Now, that would do it.

[Narrator]

Come on, we got work to do.

[Patrick Ryan]

You talk to Sweeney. I'm ready to jump out of my skin. Just thinking what could happen if that stuff spills into the river.

[Narrator]

Okay, Sweeney, gather your boys around.

[Sweeney]

Okay, come on, boys.

[Henry Scott]

Let's go.

[Patrick Ryan]

Let's get this thing out of way.

[Narrator]

Your boss is on the point of nervous collapsed, so I'm taking over. Mal called the valve station and found out there's a load of aviation gas in the line behind the fuel aisle.

[Sweeney]

Aviation gas?

[Narrator]

That's right. Now, there's only one thing to do to save us from a catastrophe. You've got to open the pipe on the other side and let the stuff run out on the ground.

[Sweeney]

That means we gotta cross the river.

[Narrator]

That's right. Can we go around? It'll take too long to go around. Come on now. I'll lead the way. Henry, you stay here and man the radio.

[Henry Scott]

But. That's an order.

[Ranger Bill]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

Inform the sheriff what's going on. You and the copter pilot keep a close eye on us. You may have to pull us out if the lightning touches off the gas.

[Sweeney]

Why can't we use the copter to cross?

[Narrator]

Too many dangerous wind currents over there in those canyons. We'll save the copter for emergency. Real emergency. Let's go. Every last one of us was in extreme danger crossing the pipeline bridge over the shady river. One misstep on the narrow catwalk. That would be all over. They might find our bodies down in Dead Man's Gorge. Or they might never find us. The wind howled an angry gale and tried to tear each man off the catwalk and throw him into the river. I wasn't worried about the bridge itself going out. Even though it swayed like a rope, it was engineered for that. My big worry was getting the men across. And the electrical part of the storm hit us. The lightning played about us wickedly, one flash after another. So that I could have read a newspaper by it. I decided to hang onto a brace cable and let the men pass me so I could bring up the rear. That would leave me on the bridge longer. I didn't want anyone to panic and lose his life. I tried to encourage them as they itched their way along. Keep going.

[Henry Scott]

Hang on. It isn't far now. Go slow. Man, You're doing fine.

[Narrator]

It was a grim sight watching the men crawl across the bridge in the eerie lightning flashes. I pray that all would make it safe and sound.

[Patrick Ryan]

See, if they won't make it, they'll be killed. Look at that lightning. They won't make it, I tell you. Oh, why did I ever let them go? That gas will catch fire and kill them all. Burn him to a crisp, Al.

[Narrator]

Keep quiet.

[Patrick Ryan]

Can't you see him now? Screaming and yelling and burning gas. Nobody to help him. I'm gonna rescue them. I'm going to rescue them. They'll die. They'll die screaming with pain.

[Henry Scott]

Al, come back here.

[Narrator]

Okay, boy.

[Patrick Ryan]

You asked for it.

[Ranger Bill]

Sorry, Mal. Sorry I had to tackle you. I couldn't let you kill yourself either. Henry Scott to sheriff. Wanted Naughty Pine. Henry Scott to sheriff, wanted Naughty Pine. Come in.

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Over.

[Ranger Bill]

Sheriff 1 to Henry Scott, over. Cal, send an ambulance right away. I just had to tackle Mal, throw.

[Henry Scott]

Him on the ground.

[Ranger Bill]

Knocked him out. He was going off his rocker with worry. He was gonna go out there on the bridge. Is it that bad up there? Yeah, it's pretty bad. What about the pipeline? Where's Bill? Bill's leading the men across the bridge to try and cut that pipe open on the other side. Let the gas run out on the ground. Gas? Yes, aviation gas. We'd better get together on this end and pray for those guys. They'll need all the help they can get.

[Sweeney]

Charlie, get that corpse away from here. Wanna kill us?

[Narrator]

How long, Sweeney?

[Sweeney]

There's a small hole now, Bill. Maybe 10 minutes. We'll have it split in two.

[Narrator]

Can't wait that long.

[Sweeney]

You have to. We ain't miracle men, you know. It's time to cut through steel. Like opening a can of soup, you know.

[Narrator]

Get your men out and get back.

[Sweeney]

Are you cracking too? Heard you say cut faster and now you say stop cutting.

[Narrator]

You see those rocks up on that ledge?

[Ranger Bill]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Will they open the pipe if they're.

[Sweeney]

Dropped on it like a watermelon drop off a truck?

[Narrator]

Okay, get your men out. Your toes, dumpy, gray wolf.

[Sweeney]

But if the gas is coming through the line when the rocks hit, we won't find you after it's over.

[Narrator]

I'm not asking you to risk your life, am I?

[Sweeney]

No, sir. I get you. Come on, boys, clear out.

[Narrator]

I go with you, Bill. You heard me, and that's an order. Get out of here. Scrap. I climbed rapidly up the top of the ridge. That is, as rapidly as I could in the early morning darkness. Now I was glad for the savage lightning because it helped me see where I was going. I thought of all the people and property along the river for a hundred miles would be in danger if the gas got loose on the river. What a blazing inferno that would be. Finally I made it to the top of the ridge. I stopped for a second, looked the rocks over with the help of the lightning. And I saw the key rock that would start the slide to crush the pipe. Put my muscle to work. The rock began to move. Finally I pushed it over. It went crashing down taking more and more rocks with it. Now I went to where's the gasoline in the pipeline. Suddenly I realized I was holding my breath waiting for the explosion of the deadly gas. But it didn't come. Then I smelled it. The gas that is the rocks had smashed the pipe seconds before the first of the gas got there. I was still alive.

[Henry Scott]

There sure is a pretty sound. Look at the rocks in the ground. Soak up that gas.

[Sweeney]

We never have made it if it hadn't gotten the push to them rocks down. Bill, you got a lot of courage man.

[Patrick Ryan]

Now we all wait for explosion and.

[Narrator]

Breathe again after it's not come. I did too. Greywolf. Thank the Lord there won't be a river of fire.

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[Ranger Bill]

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[Ranger Bill]

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[Ranger Bill]

Feel good on a GLP1.

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[Patrick Ryan]

I can't imagine doing a GLP1 without Weight Watchers.

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[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 Revenues, 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 Little did O' Rourke and.

[Narrator]

Ryan realize how important their keen sense of impending danger was. The whole Shady River Valley was saved from a most disastrous holocaust. Well see you next week for more adventure with Ranger Bill.

[Henry Scott]

Sam.

[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.

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