The Fire Bug | Ranger Bill (08-11-54)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: The Fire Bug | Ranger Bill (08-11-54)

Host: Andrew Rhynes | Release Date: January 17, 2026

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Episode Overview

The Fire Bug is an action-packed episode of the classic Ranger Bill series, preserved and digitally restored for today’s listeners. Set in the tinder-dry forests around Knotty Pine, Ranger Bill Jefferson and his crew face the relentless threat of fire—made worse by outdated steam locomotives spewing sparks along the Red Valley Freight Line. The story centers on the Rangers' efforts to prevent disaster and confront a stubborn railway owner whose negligence threatens a national treasure.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Segments

The Forest at Risk (01:23–02:38)

• Narration sets the stage: Describes the perilous dryness of the forest and the constant threat of fire.
• Quote:
  "Forest fire, scavenger of forests. A roaring, hungry monster consuming everything in its path.” — Ralph (01:23)

The First Fire & Repeated Danger (02:38–03:59)

• Fire outbreak at South Forks:
  Rangers rush to contain the fifth fire in three weeks, again traced along the freight tracks.
• Frustration among Rangers:
  “Getting tired putting fire out along tracks." — Gray Wolf (04:19)

Seeking Proof and Confronting Responsibility (04:25–06:19)

• Bill’s observation:
  Locomotives are suspected as the culprits. He decides to investigate firsthand.
• Plan set:
  "Gray Wolf, you and I are going to camp out here and watch the iron firebugs throw sparks with our own eyes.” — Bill Jefferson (04:35)

Inside the Railroad: Thompson’s Reluctance (05:05–06:35)

• Railroad owner’s stance:
  Randolph Thompson refuses to invest in spark arrestors, citing imminent diesel upgrade.
• Quote:
  "I'm not spending one red cent on those steam locos..." — Randolph Thompson (05:14)
• Warning from Scotty:
  "You stick your neck out far enough and the Rangers will wrap a court order around it." — Scotty (05:36)

The Rangers Gather Evidence (06:16–07:13)

• Camping by the tracks:
  Bill and Gray Wolf witness the steam engine spouting dangerous sparks.
• Moment of confirmation:
  "Look, Bill, engine throw plenty spark." — Gray Wolf (07:08)
  "That's our firebug." — Bill Jefferson (07:11)

Direct Appeal to Thompson (10:24–13:37)

• Attempt at diplomacy:
  Rangers meet with Thompson, seeking cooperation to prevent disaster.
• Thompson’s evasiveness:
  "You'd better be careful who you accuse, Bill Jefferson.” — Randolph Thompson (11:08)
• Emphasis on civic duty:
  "It's everybody's job to be careful when so far forest very dry." — Gray Wolf (12:08)

Legal Action: Court Order (14:22–15:31)

• Bill seeks a court injunction:
  With Judge Deems’ support, trains without spark arrestors are officially grounded.
• Notable exchange:
  “Your fire bugs kindle another forest fire. I won't be so pleasant to deal with.” — Bill Jefferson (13:26)
• Quote:
  "The court order reads that... not one train is to move south unless it has a spark arrestor..." — Judge Deems (15:19)

Escalation and Fire Outbreak (17:03–22:15)

• Thompson attempts to evade order:
  Leaves with a southbound train, risking safety and legal boundaries.
• Fire breaks out:
  “Fire starting along the Red Valley tracks… 3 miles below the pass.” — Tom (22:05)

Major Firefighting Operation (22:43–24:47)

• Bulldozers, flares, and dynamite:
  Bill leads a coordinated response; Rangers work fast to create a firebreak.
• Notable teamwork:
  "Let's get dynamite in the safety cases." — Stumpy Jenkins (22:53)
• Memorable moment:
  "Fellas, let's get out of here… Dang, dynamite'll blow anytime now.” — Stumpy Jenkins (23:47)

Runaway Train and the Reckoning (26:12–27:20)

• Train brakes fail:
  Thompson’s pride leads to critical failure—a runaway engine, a crash narrowly averted.
• Rescue and fallout:
  "He and the crew jumped from the caboose just before the trains crashed." — Bill Jefferson (27:11)

Resolution and Lessons Learned (27:30–28:59)

• Thompson’s admission:
  Humbled and injured, Thompson finally concedes fault.
• Redemption:
  “Bill, go ahead and serve it. I deserve it and more.” — Randolph Thompson (28:25)
• Philosophical close:
  "I think the Lord sort of allowed circumstances to serve their own court order on you." — Bill Jefferson (28:33)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the threat:
  "Forest fire, scavenger of forests. A roaring, hungry monster consuming everything in its path." — Ralph (01:23)
• On responsibility:
  "It's everybody's job to be careful when so far forest very dry." — Gray Wolf (12:08)
• On stubbornness:
  “Some folks do have to learn the hard way, don’t they?” — Ralph (29:16)
• On redemption:
  "I appreciate your spirit, Bill. Thanks. Believe me, I'll do all I can to make restitution." — Randolph Thompson (28:46)
• Comic relief:
  “Ain’t no comics in it.” — Stumpy Jenkins (02:42)

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Important Timestamps

• Start of Fire Bug story: 01:13
• Initial fire response: 03:10
• Rangers’ reconnaissance efforts: 06:16–07:13
• First meeting with Thompson: 10:24–13:37
• Court order obtained: 14:22–15:31
• Major fire breaks out: 22:05–22:50
• Dynamite operation to stop fire: 23:00–24:00
• Train crash and aftermath: 26:12–27:20
• Thompson’s admission and resolution: 28:25–28:59
• Final wrap-up: 29:16

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Episode Tone, Style & Legacy

Deliberately dramatic, laced with suspense and the camaraderie of the old West, The Fire Bug exemplifies the Ranger Bill series' commitment to instilling values of responsibility, teamwork, and respect for nature. The dialogue is peppered with the era’s humor (especially from Stumpy), the authenticity of frontier logic, and a strong sense of duty.

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For more classic radio adventures, tune in to Old Time Radio Westerns at otrwesterns.com.

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Transcript

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[Andrew Rines (Host)]

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. From your enjoyment, you can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Scotty]

Ranger Bill, warrior of the woodland.

[Ralph]

Ranger Bill, warrior of the woodland. Struggling against extreme odds. Traveling dangerous trails. Fighting the many enemies of nature. This is the job of the guardian of the forest. Ranger Bill. Pouring rain, freezing cold. Blistering heat. Snow, floods. Bears, rattlesnakes, mountain lions. Yes. All this in exchange for the satisfaction and pride of a job well done. Hot weather, little rain, dry forest. All this put together adds up to terrible danger. Forest fire, scavenger of forests. A roaring, hungry monster consuming everything in its path. Bill has sounded the alert. The forest around Knotty Pine is tinder dry. All fire towers are carefully watching for the slightest wisp of smoke to curl up from the millions of acres of treetops. All eyes are watching. Watching by day and by night, they're watching for fire. Listen to the story of the fire bug.

[Bill Jefferson]

Stumpy, have you seen our copy of the Rangers Magazine around here?

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Nope. Ain't no comics in it.

[Bill Jefferson]

No house, honey. I'll give you comics. Gray Wolf, have you seen it?

[Gray Wolf]

Might not see it, Bill. There's plenty good article in there on new diseases of trees.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, that's why I want to find it. Wonder where it went. I'll answer it. Fellas. Bill Jefferson speaking. What's that? Yes. Yes. We're on our way. Goodbye.

[Ralph]

Fire.

[Bill Jefferson]

Right. Let's go, boys.

[Gray Wolf]

Where Fire, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

South Forks.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

It ain't along the Red Valley freight tracks again, is it?

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, that's where it is. Stumpy, you're closest to the driver's seat. Hop in.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Yep.

[Ralph]

Let her roll, NATO.

[Bill Jefferson]

Step on it, Stumpy. Maybe we can nip this one in the.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Okay, it's under control. But off the water.

[Scotty]

Off with the water.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Mill fires out. But we got here just in the nick of time.

[Ralph]

And how. Another five minutes and woof.

[Gray Wolf]

Getting tired putting fire out along tracks.

[Bill Jefferson]

I am too. Gray Wolf, this is the fifth fire in three weeks.

[Ralph]

Randolph Thompson's got to do something about those spark throwing locomotives of his.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, we've got to get proof that his engines are throwing the sparks.

[Gray Wolf]

How do you plan to get proof, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

I'll tell you how. Gray Wolf, you and I are going to camp out here and watch the iron firebugs throw sparks with our own eyes.

[Ralph]

As good way as any, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

All right, let's pick up our gear and go back to town. Right. Then Grey Wolf and I will get the horses and come back.

[Scotty]

I'm telling you, Randolph, we've got to do something about the stacks on our engines. They're throwing sparks like a torch.

[Randolph Thompson]

Listen to me, Scotty. I'm not spending one red cent on those steam locos. In a couple of months we'll have our diesel engines and then we can junk the iron horses.

[Scotty]

Yeah, but the Rangers are going to get pretty sore when they find out how the fires are starting.

[Randolph Thompson]

Oh, that's all I've heard since the first fire. Rangers. Rangers. Look out for the Rangers. I'm getting sick of hearing about them.

[Scotty]

They're federal officers, Boss. You stick your neck out far enough and the Rangers will wrap a court order around it.

[Randolph Thompson]

Is that so? Let them try it. I'll run my freight trains when I want to and how I want to. Your job is to see that my trains stay on schedule.

[Scotty]

Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you.

[Gray Wolf]

This easiest job I have for a long time, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

I'll agree with that, Gray Wolf. And we'll stay camped here until one of Thompson's spark throwing locomotives comes spouting along.

[Gray Wolf]

How you plan stop these fires?

[Bill Jefferson]

I'll ask Randolph Thompson to put spark arrestors on his steam locomotives.

[Gray Wolf]

I understand him plenty hard man to talk with.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, I've heard that too, Grey Wolf. I know Thompson by sight only. I know he took over the Red Valley Freight Line from bankruptcy and made a going business of it. So he's plenty good. Sometimes these self made men are hard to handle because they've had to work so hard to get where they are. Here comes the afternoon freight now.

[Gray Wolf]

Maybe we hide. Back off right away.

[Bill Jefferson]

No, Gray Wolf, we'll stay right here. Miss, right away is leased on government property.

[Gray Wolf]

Look, Bill, engine throw plenty spark.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Wow.

[Bill Jefferson]

I'll say. That's what I was hoping to see. Greywolf. That's our firebug.

[Randolph Thompson]

Back here again. Scotty. What is it now?

[Scotty]

I've Got hot news for you, boss.

[Randolph Thompson]

Huh? I suppose you saw some rangers in your sleep last night.

[Scotty]

No, but the engineer on the three o' clock southbound saw them.

[Randolph Thompson]

What? Where?

[Scotty]

Along the right of way.

[Randolph Thompson]

You sure?

[Scotty]

Sure as I'm a foot high. Not only that, but the conductor watched them from the caboose.

[Randolph Thompson]

So?

[Scotty]

And they followed them on horseback. They know what's causing the fires now, Randolph.

[Randolph Thompson]

All right, so they know. Let them make the first move.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

What?

[Randolph Thompson]

You heard what I said. Let them make the first move.

[Scotty]

Well, what you do about this is your business. But I know one thing for sure.

[Randolph Thompson]

What's that?

[Scotty]

If Bill Jefferson comes to see, you'll know you've tangled with somebody.

[Randolph Thompson]

Yeah?

[Scotty]

Yeah, and take a tip from me, don't rub his fur the wrong way.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Say, this feller Thompson's got a lot of equipment in his freight yard.

[Bill Jefferson]

And no wonder. He does quite a freight business. Tempy. His line moves a terrific volume of freight both north and south. On his north runs. He has to use double headers to get over the mountains.

[Ralph]

Bill, I checked up on his schedule. He runs from six to eight trains in 24 hours both ways.

[Gray Wolf]

That make plenty tight schedule for one track.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, his engineers have to push the throttle pretty hard. That's why the old locomotives throw so many sparks.

[Ralph]

Now, this looks like the General Office building right here.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

That's what the sign says, if you can read, sonny.

[Ralph]

Well, if it was alive, I guess it'd bite me, huh?

[Stumpy Jenkins]

What's the plan of attack, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, Stumpy, you and Ralph find out how many old steam locomotives he's got. Those are the ones that throw so many sparks. The newer steam jobs don't do that. Gray Wolf and I'll go see Thompson. We'll meet you back here at the car.

[Ralph]

Okay, Bill. Come on, Stumpy, let's go count iron horses.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Look out one of them don't rear up and kick your teeth out.

[Gray Wolf]

Stumpy. He sees something funny in everything.

[Bill Jefferson]

Maybe we should have taken him into the lion's den with us. Now let's go pay an official visit on Randolph Thompson.

[Randolph Thompson]

Good afternoon, gentlemen. It isn't every railroad man who has a visit from the forest rangers.

[Bill Jefferson]

We're not here on a social call, Mr. Thompson. We're asking your cooperation in preventing a disastrous forest fire.

[Randolph Thompson]

I'll be glad to help as much as I can.

[Bill Jefferson]

Thank you. Now, I'll get straight to the point. We've had five fires in the last three weeks along your right of way. It runs through the giant pines.

[Randolph Thompson]

Yeah, and did you pull them Out.

[Gray Wolf]

Only quick action save whole forest from burning down.

[Randolph Thompson]

That would have been most unfortunate to lose the giant pines. How does this affect me?

[Bill Jefferson]

This affects you directly, Mr. Thompson, since you own the firebugs.

[Randolph Thompson]

What do you mean I own the firebugs? You'd better be careful who you accuse, Bill Jefferson.

[Bill Jefferson]

I am being careful. Very careful. That's why Grey Wolf and I camped along the right of way after the fire to get absolute proof.

[Randolph Thompson]

You camped on my right of way without permission? That's private property, in case you don't know it.

[Bill Jefferson]

It's private property leased from Uncle Sam. In case you've forgotten.

[Gray Wolf]

You already forget. You and Colonel Anders signed papers that gave you permission to build railroad through giant pines.

[Randolph Thompson]

I built my road according to specifications. I don't know how you can accuse me of owning firebugs. Maybe you'd care to explain.

[Bill Jefferson]

The firebugs we're talking about are the ancient steam locomotives you're using on the southbound line. They throw sparks like a welder's torch.

[Randolph Thompson]

Those ancient locos have always thrown sparks. How come they're so suddenly dangerous?

[Bill Jefferson]

Simple. The forests have become tinder dry because of the heat and drought.

[Randolph Thompson]

That my fault?

[Ralph]

No.

[Gray Wolf]

But it's everybody's job to be careful when so far forest very dry.

[Randolph Thompson]

I suppose you want me to stop my freight trains until we get some rain.

[Bill Jefferson]

Thompson, all we're asking is your cooperation. Until we get rain. These evasive tactics only convince me that you know exactly what we're talking about. Isn't that so? Well, we know.

[Gray Wolf]

Engineer on trains see us standing alongside track. He must tell you by now.

[Randolph Thompson]

All right. What do you want me to do?

[Bill Jefferson]

I want you to put spark arrestors on those old clunkers.

[Randolph Thompson]

Spark arrestors? You want me to spend a lot of time and money putting spark arrestors on some old locomotives that will be junked as soon as we get our diesels.

[Bill Jefferson]

Thompson, surely you're not comparing the cost of installing spark arrestor equipment with the value of the giant Pine National Park. If you are, you're not the businessman I thought you were.

[Randolph Thompson]

Now look here, Jefferson. I don't intend to put money on those old locomotives. Why can't you put your rangers on guard along the track until the dry spell ends?

[Bill Jefferson]

That's impossible. One fire needs all the men I have available. The rest of the men are busy watching the other forts.

[Randolph Thompson]

Well, gentlemen, I'll think it over. That's the most I can promise you.

[Bill Jefferson]

I want something more than a promise to think it over, Thompson. I want action. Your fire bugs Kindle. Another forest fire. I won't be so pleasant to deal with. That's a warning.

[Randolph Thompson]

I said I'd think it over, and that's the most I'll promise. Good day, gentlemen.

[Ralph]

So your visit with Randolph Thompson didn't bring much in the way of results, huh, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

No, Ralph. He was polite in a cold sort of way, but definitely uncooperative.

[Gray Wolf]

Ah, he in for big fall? Maybe sooner than he thinks. He come down from High Horse.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

It seems to me we ought to teach that ornery critter a lesson.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, that's what I'm going to do, Stimpy.

[Ralph]

What do you mean, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

I'm going to ask for a court order from Judge Deans. If the judge comes through, as I think he will, Thompson won't be able to move a single train south until it's equipped with a spark arrestor.

[Gray Wolf]

Here's your court order, Bill, all signed and sealed.

[Bill Jefferson]

Thanks, Judge Deems. I appreciate your cooperation.

[Gray Wolf]

It's a matter of conscience with me. Randolph Thompson ought to be ashamed of himself for disregarding the safety of our national forest.

[Bill Jefferson]

What recourse do I have if he ignores this court order, your Honor?

[Gray Wolf]

Well, we got a big jail here. Knotty pine, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

What I mean, Judge, is, is this court order binding on his employees as well as the owner?

[Gray Wolf]

That's right, Bill. The court order reads that during the dry spell, not one train is to move south unless it has a spark arrestor on its deck. Any person or persons who break the order may be arrested on the spot.

[Bill Jefferson]

Thanks, Judge. I won't serve this unless I have to. But I have made up my mind that Randolph Thompson isn't going to burn down the giant p. Fellas, here's the situation. Until we get this thing straightened out, you'll have to patrol the railroad track constantly. That's the only way a disaster can be avoided.

[Ralph]

We'll keep our eyes open, Bill.

[Gray Wolf]

We do.

[Bill Jefferson]

Now, I realize you're not Superman, of course. So I've alerted towers 3, 4 and 5 to keep a special watch, too. If a fire starts, send for help at once.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

We'll take care of things, sonny. There ain't no fire going to eat up the giant pines if we can help it.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's good, old Timer. Now, you fellas had better get going. It's almost time for the early morning southbound to take off. I'm going to have a talk with Thompson again.

[Gray Wolf]

Okay, Bill. Get him up, King.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Get him up.

[Randolph Thompson]

Scotty, I'm depending on you to take care of things while I'm Gone. I'll be back this evening on this freight.

[Scotty]

Keep an eye on the whole operation. Randolph, maybe you're convinced that Bill Jefferson means what he says, huh?

[Randolph Thompson]

Why do you think I'm riding this caboose on the south run?

[Scotty]

Because you're afraid of Bill.

[Randolph Thompson]

Don't be ridiculous, Scotty. But I think he may have gone after a court order, so I'm leaving. He can't serve it on me if I'm not here.

[Scotty]

That won't stop him. He'll serve it on you. Don't worry about that.

[Randolph Thompson]

Maybe so, but this shipment of perishables and machinery has to go through. And I'm going with it to make sure it does.

[Scotty]

Boss, you'd better get going pronto because here comes a Ranger car down the road now.

[Randolph Thompson]

Thanks for telling me. Here's the engineer's signal and I'm on my way. Give the Ranger my regards, will you? Scout him.

[Scotty]

Bye, boss.

[Ralph]

Hello, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hello, Scotty. Where's Randolph?

[Scotty]

You just missed him, Bill. He's in the caboose of the morning southbound.

[Bill Jefferson]

He is, huh? Well, that's the last train. He's going to move south.

[Scotty]

What do you mean?

[Bill Jefferson]

This is a court order, Scotty. Judge Deem says it's binding on all employees of the Red Valley Line as well as the owner.

[Scotty]

But you have to serve it in person, don't you?

[Bill Jefferson]

No, I don't. Not the way it's worded. I'll leave the order with you, Scotty. I'll let Randolph get away with the train he's running through now. But no more. You understand, Bill, believe me, there won't.

[Scotty]

Be another drive wheel turn until this whole thing is settled.

[Bill Jefferson]

Good, Scotty, I wish your boss had the same cooperative spirit. When will he be back?

[Scotty]

Oh, probably around midnight. Why?

[Bill Jefferson]

I want to see him. Oh, storm. Oh, big boy. Oh.

[Ralph]

Well, I guess the court order did the trick. Bill Thompson hasn't let another train leave the yard since this morning.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's good news, Ralph. I didn't like to take such drastic action, but the man wouldn't listen to reason.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

If he ain't gonna run no more firebug trains, we might as well go home.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, that's why I came out here. Let's call it a day and head for town.

[Gray Wolf]

That's plenty good idea. It's plenty hot and muggy out here.

[Randolph Thompson]

All right, Engineer, let's get rolling back to Knotty Pine.

[Scotty]

Wouldn't advise it, Mr. Thompson. Don't like the looks of the crack.

[Ralph]

In that left main piston rod.

[Randolph Thompson]

Oh, won't it hold?

[Ralph]

Well, possibly.

[Scotty]

Hard to tell, I'd say.

[Randolph Thompson]

No, we'll chance it anyway. Just reduce your speed going back.

[Scotty]

But, sir, it's nice.

[Randolph Thompson]

I said get the train underway. Do you hear me? That's an order.

[Ralph]

Okay, you're the boss. Give me the high sign when they get in the cab, will you?

[Randolph Thompson]

You bet.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

It. Bill.

[Scotty]

Hey, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hello, Scotty. What's the matter?

[Scotty]

I'm glad I ran into you. I was on my way over to your office.

[Randolph Thompson]

Yeah.

[Bill Jefferson]

Why are you so excited?

[Scotty]

I couldn't get a hold of Randolph at the other end of the south run. What do we do now?

[Bill Jefferson]

Just wait until he returns. That's all you can do. Do you think you'll bring the freight back here or return the other way?

[Scotty]

You said it was bringing the freight back okay.

[Bill Jefferson]

You'll just have to wait and be ready in case of trouble. Sit still, fellas. I'll get it.

[Ralph]

Okay, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

Ranger headquarters, Bill speaking. Bill, this is Tom.

[Randolph Thompson]

I'm reporting a fire starting along the Red Valley tracks.

[Bill Jefferson]

Along the red Valley tracks?

[Randolph Thompson]

3 miles below the pass.

[Bill Jefferson]

Thompson ran another train back from the south. Did you notice it?

[Scotty]

Couldn't tell, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

The trees are too high and it's getting dark. Okay, Tom, we're on our way again. Yeah, we got a fire to fight. Let's roll, boys. We'll take care of Thompson. This time. Fire get good.

[Gray Wolf]

Start it on both sides of track.

[Bill Jefferson]

Ralph, call for bulldozers. And man, I'm not taking a chance on this getting away from us.

[Ralph]

Run away, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

The treetop fire.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Our best attack is to knock down the burning trees on the railroad tracks. Let's get dynamite in the safety cases.

[Bill Jefferson]

Stuffing under those trees right away.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Sh.

[Gray Wolf]

I give you hands dumpy.

[Scotty]

Tree top tile.

[Randolph Thompson]

That's right.

[Bill Jefferson]

As soon as you can.

[Ralph]

That's it.

[Andrew Rines (Host)]

That's right.

[Ralph]

Bulldozers fix.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

I got the dynamite. All trip, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

Fine, Stumpy, Ralph, set up flares on the tracks. Grey Wolf, let's get after those big trees and blow them down.

[Scotty]

I ready to go. We get going.

[Bill Jefferson]

Good thing they're not much wind. No time to waste.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Fight the fuses, fellas. Let's get out of here.

[Randolph Thompson]

Okay.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Come on, Stumpy, light it. Get going.

[Bill Jefferson]

Let's go.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

And step it on your heels.

[Scotty]

Dang, I might blow anytime now.

[Bill Jefferson]

Come on.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Behind this big tree fell.

[Bill Jefferson]

Good job, fellas. It's a good thing. We can use the railroad right away as a fire lane.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Yeah, them trees fell right across the railroad tracks. I know. Ralph's got the flares up now. Hey, here comes Ralph like he's got a hot foot.

[Ralph]

Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

Bill, look what's coming up the track. Great Scott. It's one of Thompson's big locomotives.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Pulling flat cars loaded with men.

[Ralph]

Now here comes the fella.

[Bill Jefferson]

And it isn't Thompson. No, that's Scotty.

[Scotty]

I got here as quickly as I could. About all the men I could get my hands on, including the yard crew.

[Bill Jefferson]

Oh, that's fine, Scotty. We'll need them. Gray Wolf, Stompy. Ralph, divide the men and get after that fire. More help is on the way. I'll be right here in a minute.

[Scotty]

Okay. I'm terribly sorry about this. I knew Randolph would get into trouble by not doing what he should.

[Bill Jefferson]

What do you mean, Scotty?

[Scotty]

His train standing on the sideway at the 10 mile grade. He and the boys were looking at the drive wheels on the engine. Something's wrong with the old clunker, but I didn't take time to find out.

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, now we've got real proof on Randolph.

[Scotty]

That's why I kept going and trying to offset some of the damage he's done.

[Bill Jefferson]

How'd you know there was a fire?

[Scotty]

I could see from the dispatchers tower.

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, I better general this fire. Come on, Scotty, better get to work. We've got to save the giant pines.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

You better hold off on the dynamite, Stuffy. All the big trees are down now. Okay, Bill, Bulldozers are coming in. They'll clean out the small stuff.

[Bill Jefferson]

Little more hard work and fire will be out.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Ralph, you better take some fresh men.

[Bill Jefferson]

To replace your tired crew. Pass the word to Greywolf.

[Scotty]

Okay.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Bill, Look.

[Scotty]

Cross's train is backing down on us out of control. Here I am.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

My train.

[Scotty]

The caboose on his radar smashing with a black guard.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Get the men back from the tracks. Pass the road. The trains are going to crash past the right. Get back on the track. Get back on the track.

[Bill Jefferson]

Where are they going?

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Back here.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah. Just in time, Stuffy. Here comes the plate.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

And she's going to smash.

[Scotty]

Bill, the boss must be in the caboose.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Then let's get him out.

[Ralph]

How's Thompson feeling now, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

Pretty good, Ralph. He and the crew jumped from the caboose just before the trains crashed. Good. He got a nasty crack in the head, but the doc says he'll be okay.

[Scotty]

Well, I'm glad for that. There's been enough damage done. Look, he's waking up.

[Bill Jefferson]

What happened, Randolph, you able to tell us?

[Randolph Thompson]

Yeah, the piston rod broke climbing the 10 mile grade. The rod damaged the air brakes but we managed to back down the hill onto the siding and hold the train with handbrakes. But the handbrakes gave out. Then I decided to roll back down the valley and let the train stop by itself.

[Bill Jefferson]

But didn't you think about the fire?

[Randolph Thompson]

I'm afraid I didn't do much thinking. I didn't expect the tracks to be blocked. What a mess. Did you get the fire out?

[Bill Jefferson]

Yes, the fire's out, Randall. Scotty, have you got the piece of paper I gave you?

[Scotty]

Sure. Write him a jumper pocket.

[Randolph Thompson]

What piece of paper is that, Scotty?

[Scotty]

The court order Bill served.

[Randolph Thompson]

Oh, well, Bill. Bill, go ahead and serve it. I deserve it and more.

[Bill Jefferson]

Randolph, I'm going to tell Judge Deems I didn't need it. I think the Lord sort of allowed circumstances to serve their own court order on you.

[Randolph Thompson]

Yes, that bump on the head knocks some cooperative spirit into me. And I appreciate your spirit, Bill. Thanks. Believe me, I'll do all I can to make restitution.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Yippee. The giant pines is safe from them there firebugs.

[Ralph]

Well, Bill and the boys, with the Lord's help, finally got Randolph into a cooperative mood, even though it took a bump on the head. Some folks do have to learn the hard way, don't they? We'll see you next week for more adventure with Ranger Bill. Howdy.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

This is Stumpy Jenkins, Ranger Bill's old sidekick, as I guess you all know. Just adding a little extra word of thanks for getting yourself in on the program today. Always glad to have you along. And I hope you invite your friends too, for we sure got lots of adventures to tell you about and we don't want you to miss any of them. So you make sure to be there by your radio every week. Don't lose out on our next story. Foreign.

[Andrew Rines (Host)]

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 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 alike. Copyright for more information, go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Sam.