Standing Firm For What’s Right | Ranger Bill (04-25-54)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: "Standing Firm For What’s Right" | Ranger Bill (04-25-54)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: December 20, 2025 (original episode: April 25, 1954)
Series: Ranger Bill

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Episode Overview

This episode of Ranger Bill, presented on the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, centers around the themes of personal integrity, peer pressure, forgiveness, and redemption in a small Western town. The story follows a young boy named Mike, who risks ostracization from his gang by refusing to participate in a plot to vandalize Tony’s fruit store—an act planned out of spite after Tony won’t donate to the gang’s baseball uniform fund. The episode weaves together lessons of standing up for what is right, the strength required to go against group wrongdoing, and the transformative power of forgiveness.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The Set-Up: Introducing Tony and the Community

• [02:57-06:35]
  • Bill Jefferson visits Tony’s Fruit and Vegetable Market, providing a warm look at Tony's family, humor, and everyday life.
  • Exposition on Tony’s good-natured character—a hardworking immigrant, proud father, and community member.

“My little bambino said they grow just like a weeds. Mommy, she's a feed them so good they grow like crazy...Almost Tony thinking they race each other to see who can grow up first.” —Tony [03:48]

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2. The Gang's Discontent and Bad Decisions

• [06:35-08:41]
  • Mike’s gang asks Tony for money for uniforms. When refused, several boys, emboldened by the ringleader Ed Blake, steal apples and insult Tony’s heritage.
  • Mike refuses to participate but doesn’t prevent the act.

“Tony's a tightwad. He wouldn't give us some money anyway. Yeah, but first let's help ourselves with some apples.” —Gang Member [07:24]

• The gang plans to take revenge by wrecking Tony’s store for not giving them money.

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3. Mike’s Moral Stand

• [08:41-11:20]
  • Mike stands firm, declaring he won’t participate in vandalism.

"What's right is right and what's wrong is wrong. And this would be wrong." —Mike [08:53]

• He is threatened with expulsion from the gang and possible violence, but nonetheless chooses principle over peer approval.

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4. Seeking Wisdom: Bill and Henry Intervene

• [11:20-12:29]
  • Mike seeks guidance from Ranger Bill, who praises his courage and decides to intervene with Henry.
  • The boys plan to confront the gang's plot directly.

“Mike, I want to commend you. It's not always easy to stand up for what's right, but it's the sign of a real man.” —Bill Jefferson [11:43]

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5. Confrontation and Conflict Resolution

• [12:29-15:32]
  • Bill and Henry stop the gang at their meeting spot. Bill offers a peaceful solution—work for uniforms rather than resorting to crime.
  • Ed and Mike nearly come to blows, but Bill suggests a regulated boxing match if it must proceed.
  • The gang sides with gloves over bare fists; Ed refuses, feeling cornered, and storms out.

"Let the best man win. After it's over, let the fellas choose who they want as leader, Ed or Mike." —Bill Jefferson [14:40]

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6. Restoring Community Ties & Forgiveness

• [16:07-18:20]
  • Bill encourages Tony to see the value in supporting youth, despite past conflicts. Tony, moved by Bill’s conviction, agrees to reconsider helping the boys.
  • The episode draws a parallel to the biblical Prodigal Son, emphasizing patience and forgiveness.

“There's no greater investment in the world than to help in the development of these young fellas. We never know what great things will come from it.” —Bill Jefferson [16:29]

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7. A Setback: Ed’s Destructive Act

• [20:34-22:05]
  • News breaks that Ed Blake, alone, has vandalized Tony’s store. Officer Pat O’Rourke, showing compassion, seeks Bill’s advice before arresting Ed.

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8. Restitution and Redemption

• [22:25-26:06]
  • Bill persuades Tony and the gang to clean up the store together as an act of good faith, regardless of their chances for new uniforms.
  • Tony, impressed by their efforts and goodwill, rewards the whole gang with uniforms—demonstrating trust and community spirit.

“Because Tony's a friend and neighbor. Because it's the Christian and the American thing to do.” —Bill Jefferson [27:11]

• Tony asks the boys to consider letting Ed back into the club if he makes amends.

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9. Reacceptance and Reconciliation

• [28:53-32:53]
  • Ed apologizes and wants to rejoin; the gang resists, but Tony intercedes and advocates forgiveness.
  • Ed promises to repay Tony for the damage.
  • Mike and Ed finally settle their conflict—by boxing with gloves, under fair conditions—symbolizing true reconciliation. They patch up their friendship after the bout.

“Maybe you'll take Ed back if Tony ask you nice.” —Tony [30:03]

“I guess I needed a good beating to sort of square things up. I want you and me to be buddies, Mike. How about it, Ed? From here on in, we're buddies.” —Ed & Mike [32:05]

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Memorable Quotes and Moments

• Standing Up Alone:

  "What's right is right and what's wrong is wrong. And this would be wrong." —Mike [08:53]

• Bill’s Commendation:

  “Mike, I want to commend you. It's not always easy to stand up for what's right, but it's the sign of a real man.” —Bill Jefferson [11:43]

• On Youth and Forgiveness:

  “We never know what great things will come from it. Sure, today they're roughnecks. Tomorrow they'll be fine young men and great citizens.” —Bill Jefferson [16:29]

• Pat’s Compassion:

  “I don't believe that Ed's a bad boy at heart. He's just got a chip on his shoulder, that's all. Somebody's got to knock it off. Now I can do that all right, but it wouldn't straighten the lad out.” —Pat O’Rourke [21:38]

• Tony as a Model of Forgiveness:

  "Maybe Tony buy all of the uniforms. If somebody take a charge and see that my money's another waste." —Tony [17:40]
  “He's the one to show he's a real American and what's more, he's a forgive. He's also forget like a good Christ.” —Tony [18:20]

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Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:48 — Tony’s anecdote about his kids and humor in the family store
• 07:24 — The gang’s impulsive theft and xenophobic remark
• 08:53 — Mike stands up to the group
• 11:43 — Bill commends Mike’s courage
• 14:40 — Bill suggests gloves and peaceful conflict resolution
• 16:29 — Bill’s speech on youth and community investment
• 20:34 — Pat O’Rourke informs Bill about the store’s vandalism
• 27:11 — The boys accept responsibility to clean up Tony’s store
• 30:03 — Tony requests the gang forgive and readmit Ed
• 32:05 — Mike and Ed reconcile after their boxing match

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Episode Tone and Style

The episode is marked by gentle moral guidance, warm humor (especially from Tony and Pat), and an old-fashioned, earnest tone. The writing emphasizes the fundamental values of honesty, responsibility, and forgiveness—a tone that’s kind, community-oriented, and optimistic about youth.

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Conclusion

"Standing Firm For What’s Right" delivers a timeless message relevant for all ages: it’s not easy to go against the crowd, but standing up for what’s right matters. The strength to forgive, as Tony exemplifies, is as important as the courage to do right, as Mike shows. Through community effort and support, even wayward youth like Ed can find redemption—a powerful and heartwarming Western tale.

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Transcript

[Martha Stewart]

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[Andrew Rhinestone]

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

[Pat O'Rourke]

Ranger Bill, warrior of the woodland.

[Bill Jefferson]

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.

[Andrew Rhinestone]

A new phone for Billy. A necklace for Sam. All the while on the lookout for scams. A swipe here and tap there. Better make it go far. Turns out mom didn't know she needs.

[Bill Jefferson]

A new car this year.

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[Bill Jefferson]

Fellas and girls, have you ever had to stand firm for what was right when the friends you palled around with all turned their backs on you and there you were, alone. Well, this is a story about a young lad named Mike who stood for what was right. He stuck by his guns when all of his pals were against him. Let's find out how it happened. Now, as our story Opens Bill is down at Tony's Fruit and vegetable market. Tony's an Italian, a fine man in every respect. But when his patience is tried to the limit, he gets angry like most of the rest of us. Let's drop in at Tony's store just as Bill enters. Ah, good morning, Bill. Morning, Tony. How's the town's leading fruit and vegetable man this fine morning? Tony's just a fine. Bill, you like some fresh fruit? The vegetables this morning? Yes, Tony. Here's the order mom gave me. Half a dozen items on it. That's a fine, Tony have them for you in a gif. Okay, let me see. Three pounds of apple. Aha. There she is. How's the family joining? Oh, they're just the finer, thanks. My little bambino said they grow just like a weeds. Mommy, she's a feed them so good they grow like crazy. Almost Tony thinking they race each other to see who can grow up first. I guess there's plenty of excitement at home with all five of the youngsters down to Louis, huh? There's a 3lb apples. Tony throwing the one more. Just the case. The one. And she's a bad. Now, let's see. Dozen orange. Yeah, there's a plenty of excitement in the Tony's house when all the five bambinos are cut loose. But Tony's alike of children that orange. She's got a black eye like my little Tony. Little Tony's got a black eye, you say? Not three green peppers. Yes, Little Tony's got a black guy in a school and a black eye in school, huh? Fighting? He's not to fight the teacher. She's asking him to name three collective nouns. Guess what? He's a teller to teach. I haven't the least idea. What did he tell her? Well, a little Tony's a teller to teach. Three collective nouns are a waste basket, a vacuum cleaner and a flypaper. What's that got to do with the black eye, Tony? Well, everybody, she's alive. Even the teach. Tony's alive for two. Only he overdo it. Double up. And as he double up with a laugh, he banged his eye on the corner of his desk. Oh, that's true. Too bad. I tell a little Tony that that's what he's a get for, laughing at his own joke. Okay, Bill, here's your stuff. Thanks a lot. How much is it? For you, bill, it's a $1 even. There we are. Thank you very much. You come back often now, Bill? Maybe next time. Little Tony, he's a black on the other Eye.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Boys.

[Bill Jefferson]

What son of your mind. Tony, sell you some nice apples. They're good for the health.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Tony, we'd like to know if you'd give us a couple of bucks for baseball uniforms.

[Bill Jefferson]

A couple of bucks, huh? Well, Tony's not new about that couple of bucks. Who want to buy much of a baseball suit? Who's the makeup of the team?

[Pat O'Rourke]

All of us guys in the gang. If you give us a couple of bucks, then we can get a couple of bucks from each of the other stores we have. So then we'll have enough to buy our suits.

[Bill Jefferson]

I'm a hefty to talk to your dad first. That's a lot of money.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Oh, come on, Tony. You got lots of money hid in the sock. You won't miss a couple of bucks.

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, that's another the point. Tony thinks a grown up person should ahold of the money till you buy the suits. Then he give.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Why don't you say you don't want to give us the money? Come on, fellas, let's get out of here. Tony's a tightwad. He wouldn't give us some money anyway. Yeah, but first let's help ourselves with some apples.

[Bill Jefferson]

You kind of have no apples without it to pay.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Here's a good one. Grab some, fellas. Don't show this guy he can't make a monkey out of us. He's a foreigner. Ass.

[Bill Jefferson]

You can't deliver that fruit alone. Are you taking my fruit?

[Pat O'Rourke]

I call it the cop. Go ahead and cop.

[Bill Jefferson]

Bright. Call attorney a foreigner. You come back into this store and you break your neck.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Okay, knock it off. You guy. Now you got something to say, fatso? Yeah, Ed. We ought to fix Tony for not chipping in for our uniform. That's right, fatso. I say let's wreck his storm. Hey, when's a good time? When's a good time? How about Wednesday afternoon after school? You all be there. Yeah, I'll be there.

[Bill Jefferson]

We'll show that foreigner who's boss in this town. When we want something, we're gonna get it.

[Pat O'Rourke]

What's the matter with you, Mike? You ain't said a word. Ain't you in favor? No, I'm not. Why not? I don't like the idea of wrecking Tony's store. Okay, come on, knock it off. What's the matter, Mike, you turn soft or something? I'm not turning soft, Ed. But what's right is right and what's wrong is wrong. And this would be wrong. Another thing, you guys shouldn't have taken any fruit from Tony's. Store today. Now we'll never get our suits. No, that's what you think. We'll get them, all right. I take it you ain't gonna help us wreck Tony's store. You've got the idea, Ed. I'm not helping. Count me out. I don't think it's a job I can take any part in. What's going on, pretty boy? What's the matter? You ain't chickened out on us before? What's more, I'm the boss of this gang. And I say you ain't backing out, see? No. Says who? I'm leaving. And you nor nobody else had better try to stop me. You rat us, buddy, we'll beat you up. You can't make me do something I don't want to. I said I'm leaving. Okay, Mike, but I'm telling. If you go out that door, you're out of the gang for good. Well, what's your answer? And that's the whole story. Henry, I'd like you to help straighten the gang out. They're not so bad, but since Ed's been the leader, they followed him the wrong way. Well, I'm sure we can find a way to solve the problem. Mike, tell me, is Ed really a bad fellow, or is he just a bully? Oh, I don't know, Henry. He's always got a chip on his shoulder, especially with me. I don't know why, but I guess he's not all bad. I see. Say, Mike, aren't you afraid of being seen on the street with me since the gang threatened to beat you up if you talked? Nah, I can outrun all of them. I'm not afraid of them one or two at a time. But I can't fight the whole gang. Anyway, I'm not worried. They gotta catch me first. That's the spirit, Mike. Always stick up for what's right, no matter what it costs. I'll see what I can do to help. How?

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, I don't know yet.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Let's go talk to Bill Jefferson. He's good at figuring out things.

[Bill Jefferson]

Mike, I want to commend you. It's not always easy to stand up for what's right, but it's the sign of a real man.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Well, it was worth it, Bill, just to hear you say that. What do you think we should do about all this, Bill? You got any ideas kicking around?

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, I think so. Mike, you say the gang's going to meet in the old barn Wednesday after school, huh?

[Pat O'Rourke]

Yeah, that's right. They're going to Set up their plan to wreck Tony's store.

[Bill Jefferson]

All right, let's the three of us be there to meet them.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Let's show you guys. Hey, look, it's the Rangers. Let's get out of here.

[Bill Jefferson]

You get that door closed, Henry.

[Pat O'Rourke]

I'll take care of the windows.

[Bill Jefferson]

Quiet down, fellas.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Quiet down. Now, nobody here is going to get.

[Bill Jefferson]

Into trouble as long as he behaves.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Himself, you hear me? Okay, now, quiet down. Quiet down. We're not here to arrest anybody. Are you sure about that, Ranger?

[Bill Jefferson]

That's right. Just want to talk to you, that's all.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Come on, Ed, knock off the noise and listen, won't ya? Okay, you guys, listen. Let's listen to what they have to say.

[Bill Jefferson]

Okay, we'll listen. Let's start off with a question. How badly do you fellows want those baseball uniforms? Now, what do you think is the best way to get them?

[Pat O'Rourke]

Work maybe?

[Bill Jefferson]

That's right.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Work hard.

[Bill Jefferson]

Honest work. Is that what you fellows are planning to do? What's the matter, Lost your tongues? I take it that you were meeting here this afternoon to plan various ways you could get your uniforms. Such as odd jobs and after school jobs. That right?

[Pat O'Rourke]

Come on, speak up. Ed, you're the leader. Okay. You know why we're meeting here. Mike told you all about what we're gonna do and why. Because he's a stool pigeon, that's why. Don't you call me a stool pigeonette, Blake? Why not? You ratted on us, didn't you? I told you we'd beat you up if you did. We'll get you for it, too. I'm not afraid of any one of you alone. But I can't fight the whole bunch at once. And you, Ed, you're the leader. I'll take you on anytime you want. Or are you scared? Scared? Who's scared of you? Yeah. You won't fight me by yourself. Yeah, we'll see about that. Come on, I'll fight you right here. Come on, step out and fight. Okay, Ed, you're asking. Wait a minute, fellas.

[Bill Jefferson]

There'll be no bare fist fighting. Henry, you jump in the car and bring the boxing gloves from the gym.

[Pat O'Rourke]

But Bill, do you think you ought to let him fight?

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, Henry, I do. That's the best way to settle this argument. I'll referee. There'll be three 2 minute rounds and let the best man win. After it's over, let the fellas choose who they want as leader, Ed or Mike.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Okay, Bill, I'll get the gloves. Wait a minute. I ain't fighting Unless it's bare fist. No sissy fighting for me.

[Bill Jefferson]

All right, we'll let the gang decide. What'll it be, boys? Bare fists or gloves?

[Pat O'Rourke]

Gloves.

[Bill Jefferson]

I guess it's gloves, Bill. Well, Ed, all the fellows have voted that you and Mike should use gloves. What do you say?

[Pat O'Rourke]

I say I ain't fighting unless it's bare fist, and that's final. I'm leaving.

[Bill Jefferson]

What do we do now, fellas? Let me ask you something. You still want to wreck Tony's store? All right, let's forget about this whole thing. Meanwhile, I'll do all I can to help you get your uniforms that agreeable.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Come on then, fellas. Let's go home. We'll find out a better way to get our uniforms. Okay, Mike. Come on, you guys. What now, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

I think I'll go over and have a talk with Tony. I'll meet you back at headquarters after I seen him. Hello, Bill. I guess it's a time for Tony to close up at the shop. She's been a pretty good a day today. Making lots of money for Rosie the Little Bambinos. Glad to hear it, Tony. Go right ahead and count your cash. I can wait. Oh, no, no. Tony can do that later. Maybe you want to talk to me, huh? Yeah. Tony, I would like to have a chat with you for a few minutes. What she's about, Bill? The Boys club. Yes, and their baseball uniforms. Oh, Tony, you've taken a lot from this gang. But believe me, there's no greater investment in the world than to help in the development of these young fellas. We never know what great things will come from it. Sure, today they're roughnecks. Tomorrow they'll be fine young men and great citizens. What do you say, Tony? Tony, he's not to decide. Go ahead and talk some more, Bill. Oh, I know they gave you a bad time, made some very unkind remarks. But I've talked with them about this, a whole bunch of them, and they're sorry, Tony. It won't happen again. How you found out about what happened. Mike told me all about it. I don't have no thing against these boys.

[Pat O'Rourke]

I like them.

[Bill Jefferson]

And maybe Tony buy all of the uniforms. If somebody take a charge and see that my money's another waste. Oh, no, Tony. You wouldn't have to buy all the uniforms. I want to do it, Bill. All right. Maybe I can get one of the boys fathers to take charge. Mike's dad, for instance. How would that be, Tony like it the better if you do the Bill. Okay, Tony. Ah, yes. Well, well, Tony, he's understanding the boys. He's the one to show he's a real American and what's more, he's a forgive. He's also forget like a good Christ.

[Andrew Rhinestone]

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[Bill Jefferson]

7.

[Andrew Rhinestone]

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[Martha Stewart]

I'm Martha Stewart and I believe the best gifts are not only beautiful, but useful every single day. And Lenox has brought timeless beauty and lasting quality to our tables for generations. And their Lenox Spice Village is the perfect holiday gift for someone you love or for yourself. Spice Village transforms everyday spices into inspired memories filled with warmth and joy all year long. Give a gift that lasts beyond the holidays. Discover the [e-mail] SpiceVillage the holidays are about giving something truly special. I'm Martha Stewart and I believe the best gifts aren't just beautiful, they're useful every single day. Lennox has brought timeless beauty and lasting quality to our tables for generations, and their Lenox Spice Village is the perfect holiday gift for someone you love or for yourself. It's more than a spice rack. It's a charming collection of hand painted houses that turn ordinary spices into extraordinary experiences. Imagine cinnamon from a tiny Victorian cottage or oregano from a pastel townhouse. Suddenly, a simple meal becomes a moment to savor. Because spices can be more than ingredients. They can inspire memories, warmth and joy all year long. Give a gift that lasts beyond the holidays. Discover the [e-mail] SpiceVillage.

[Bill Jefferson]

Patty o' Rourke, As I live and breathe.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Come on in the top of the evening Till you build me boy. How are you?

[Bill Jefferson]

Just fine, Pat. Now pull up a chair, will ya?

[Pat O'Rourke]

Yankin feet ain't what they used to be. Pound of the beak gets to be a bit of a chore these days.

[Bill Jefferson]

What do you mean, Pat? You're in good physical condition, aren't you?

[Pat O'Rourke]

That I am. Fit is a fiddle all but these feet of mine I bring you bad news. Bill, me boy.

[Bill Jefferson]

Oh, what's going on? Now, Pat, don't get your blood pressure.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Up now till I tell you this. Tony Storr was wrecked this afternoon after school.

[Bill Jefferson]

Tony Storr. Who did it?

[Pat O'Rourke]

Young Ed Blake, the leader of the Richmond Hill gang.

[Bill Jefferson]

You mean he wrecked the store all by himself?

[Pat O'Rourke]

Ay, that's right, Bill. And he did a mighty fine job of it too. And it's me bount on duty to pick up the lad and take him in.

[Bill Jefferson]

Ah, it's too bad. Looks like he's spoiled it for the rest of the lads in the gang.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Now that's what I'm wondering about. And that's why I stopped in here to see you, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

What do you mean, Ben?

[Pat O'Rourke]

Bill, you know me pretty well. I think I'm just a soft hearted cop. I don't believe that. Ed's a bad boy at heart. He's just got a chip on his shoulder, that's all. Somebody's got to knock it off. Now I can do that all right, but it wouldn't straighten the lad out. Now I thought that maybe you could step into the picture and show the lad what he's wrong. Would you do that for old Irish friend?

[Bill Jefferson]

Okay, Pat. And I think I've got an idea how we can help young Ed Blake. Don't arrest him till I give you the word.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Hey Bill, wait a minute.

[Bill Jefferson]

Okay fellas.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Hi, Phil. Henry and I want to talk to you.

[Bill Jefferson]

Sure, Mike. What's on your mind?

[Pat O'Rourke]

All right. You better. Tom. Henry. Bill, Ed Blake's wrecked Tony's store this afternoon.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, I know. You know?

[Pat O'Rourke]

Who told you?

[Bill Jefferson]

Patty o' Rourke was on his way to Ed's house to take him in.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Ah, that's tough. Are they going to arrest him?

[Bill Jefferson]

No, Mike, not yet. Pat asked me to help Ed. I said I would.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Huh? How are you gonna do that, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

Got an idea. You fellas get the gang together in the old barn at 7:30 this evening and wait for me. Right now I'm going over and talk to Tony.

[Pat O'Rourke]

I don't think it'll do much good. Tony saw it.

[Bill Jefferson]

You can't blame him. I guess I would be too. Anyway, we'll see what we can do. See you at 7:30.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Okay. Bye Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

No change his mind. I would have put not one red cent in the baseball uniforms. Are those boys are no good and here's the proof. Look at this. I know I don't have much talking point right now, Tony, but I'd like to change your mind for you if you'll let me. Now what do you mean about it, Tony? It wasn't a gang, it was Ed. Why should all the lads have to suffer because of one. This is hard for you to take, I know, but I don't think that Ed's essentially a bad boy either. Just got a chip on his shoulder. He's got a chip, all right. Now, look, Tony, I'd like you to stop working and go home for the evening. Stop work? That's what Tony like it to do, too. But who's gonna clean up this mess? Leave that to me, will you, Tony? It'll be cleaned up. That's a promise. And the damage will be paid for. That's another promise. You mean that's a promise the like of your makin? Before you tell Tony you fix it all up. And the boys are. They're sorry. Now look what's happened. Yeah, I know, Tony. My promises don't look so good in the light of what's happened. But give the gang one more chance, will you, Tony? Okay. Tony's to do that. You know, Bill, Tony's a try to be American.

[Pat O'Rourke]

He's a try to be a Christian.

[Bill Jefferson]

I'm a try to forgive and forget. But he said he's not letting me do it. Why? Why? Tell me why. I don't know, Tony. That's something I've got to find out. Sometimes it takes a lot of love and patience to win a boy like that. It's like the Bible story of the love of a father for his prodigal son. It took love and patience and prayer over a period of many years when there wasn't one soul in the world who cared a rap whether he lived or died. The boy knew his father still loved him. That's what finally saved him. You know, Bill, you always make a Tony feel better. Since your talk to me, Tony does not feel so bad. You got a lot of love and patience. We'll see.

[Pat O'Rourke]

All right, you guys, knock it off. Bill wants to talk to you fellas.

[Bill Jefferson]

I don't have to talk tell you by now what's happened because Ed did what he did. Your baseball uniforms are probably out.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Okay, but we didn't wreck Tony's store. Why should Tony take it out on us?

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, Tony figures that Ed's a part of the gang. Anyway, I figured out a way to change Tony's mind. Okay, if you quiet down, I'll tell you what it is. First thing is this. Tomorrow's Saturday. What do you say we all go over to Tony's store first thing and clean up that mess that went over.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Like a lead balloon? Bill, why should we?

[Bill Jefferson]

We didn't do it. That's true. Two fellas were in on the first visit to Tony's store, weren't you? Tony's mine. The whole gang's involved.

[Pat O'Rourke]

He's right, you guys. I guess we ought to do it. But Bill will help us get our uniforms if we do.

[Bill Jefferson]

I don't know. Right now, Tony is against helping at all. But we're not doing this for the uniforms. We're doing this because Tony's a friend and neighbor. Because it's the Christian and the American thing to do.

[Pat O'Rourke]

I don't know.

[Bill Jefferson]

It's an awful mess to have to clean up.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Listen, you guys. Bill's promised Tony the store be cleaned up. And if we don't do it, Bill will have to do it himself. Now, how about that? Okay, I'll be there. I'll work hard too. Count me in. Me too, boy. How about the rest of you guys? Are you in?

[Bill Jefferson]

The boys that they got at the store looking like a brand new. They work hard too. Tony's a liking that very much. I'm glad you do, Tony. Maybe it'll make up for some of the things that have been done. I tell you, you call the boys together. There's something I want to tell them.

[Pat O'Rourke]

All right. Hey, gang, Stop work and gather around.

[Bill Jefferson]

Tony's got something to tell you. I want to say thank you for a good work. And because you're such a good nice kids. I'm going to buy your baseball uniforms all by myself.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Boy, these sure are keen suits. Tony must have put out a lot of money for these. I hope we can play as good as we look. Yeah, even fatso here looks good. Oh, it's Ed. Probably looking for trouble.

[Bill Jefferson]

Maybe not. Don't interfere, Henry. This had to come sooner or later.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Whoa, Ed. Want something? Yeah.

[Bill Jefferson]

You're not in the gang, Ed. Now that we've got our uniforms, you want back, huh? Uh oh.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Party's getting rough, Belle.

[Bill Jefferson]

Quiet, Henry. Let them blow off steam.

[Pat O'Rourke]

This is our clubhouse, Ed. What do you want? Well, I'd like to come back into the club. I'm afraid not, Ed. Not only for what you did to us, but. But most of all for what you did to Tony's store. Yeah, that's right. I'm sorry about that. Sorry, all right. Does that change anything? No, we don't want ya.

[Bill Jefferson]

Please, the kids. Wait a minute.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Hey, it's Tony.

[Bill Jefferson]

Maybe you'll take Ed back if Tony ask you nice.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Please take him back. Tony, you want us to let Ed back in after what he did to you?

[Bill Jefferson]

Yes, Mike. He's coming to see me. He says he's Gonna work for me and pay it all back.

[Pat O'Rourke]

So let him back in the club, Tony.

[Bill Jefferson]

He's even a bad baseball uniform for him if you let him in. Sure, you boys can forgive and forget if Tony can do it, huh?

[Pat O'Rourke]

Yeah, yeah, sure, Tony. If you can do it, so can we. Ain't that right, gang? So, Ed, you're back in the gang. Thanks, Mike. Now, one more thing. Yeah? You and I've got to settle things between us. Settle it? Yeah, with gloves. What for? Because I want it. Well, I don't want to fight you, Ed, but if you want it. All right, Bill. You want a referee for us.

[Bill Jefferson]

All right, fellas, you're about even so far. Now, this is the last round of the three. Come out.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Back to your corner, Mike. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. That's all. Fight's over.

[Bill Jefferson]

Here, Ed, let me help you out. Well, that was a hard punch, that last one, wasn't it?

[Pat O'Rourke]

It sure was.

[Bill Jefferson]

How you feeling now?

[Pat O'Rourke]

Okay. Now, Bill, that last one really made me see stars. I'm sorry, Ed. I didn't want to fight you, but you forced me into it, so. That's all right, Mike. I didn't want to fight you either, but Tony wanted me to do it. Another thing, I. I guess I needed a good beating to sort of square things up. I want you and me to be buddies, Mike. How about it, Ed? From here on in, we're buddies. I can't even hear myself think with all the record card out in here. That looks like I missed the party.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yes, Pat, you missed the party, but you can stay for the refreshment. Yes, and Pat did stay for the refreshments. And they all had a wonderful time indeed. It was like the celebration the father in the Bible story gave when his son came back from a far country. As the Irishman, the Italian, the Rangers, the boys welcomed Ed Blake back to the gang. We'll see you next week for more.

[Pat O'Rourke]

Adventure with Ranger Bill.

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Foreign.

[Andrew Rhinestone]

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 and Ron W. 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 Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

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