The Shortage | Ranger Bill (11-30-55)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns – “The Shortage” (Ranger Bill, 11-30-55)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: May 9, 2026
Original Air Date: November 30, 1955
Restored and presented by OTRWesterns

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Episode Overview

This episode of Ranger Bill, titled “The Shortage,” is a classic morality mystery set in the forest service. It explores themes of integrity, faith, and perseverance as Ranger Bill and his team rally around John Patterson, a trusted accountant who finds himself under suspicion due to a mysterious shortage in the forest service’s accounts. The episode is a mixture of family drama, procedural investigation, and spiritual encouragement, underscoring the importance of trust in both people and divine promises.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

Introduction to the Problem (01:13–04:33)

• Setting the Scene: The episode opens at John Patterson’s home. Tension is clear: John is irritable, snapping at his family during supper, and is uncharacteristically cold to his children and wife, Janet.
• Character Insight: Janet expresses concern over John’s odd behavior in recent months, hinting at a deeper, unresolved problem.
  • Notable Quote:

    “John, what's come over you the last two months? ...You've always been fair before, but not anymore. I think you're sick.”
    — Janet Patterson (04:02)

John's Disappearance & Growing Concern (06:06–08:12)

• Midnight Phone Call: Janet calls Ranger Bill late at night, worried that John has gone missing after dinner.
• The Search Begins: Bill mobilizes his team (Stumpy, Gray Wolf, Henry) to search for John and hints at the seriousness with discreet urgency.
  • Notable Quote:

    “It's imperative that we find John as quickly as we can. If I remember correctly, the auditors will be here in two days.”
    — Bill Jefferson (08:12)

Discovery at the Office (08:12–11:42)

• Clues Gathered: Bill and Henry examine John’s office. Piles of adding machine tape and failed worksheets suggest a desperate attempt to solve an accounting error.
• The Shortage: They find John’s last worksheet, out of balance by $5,893.14.
  • Notable Quote:

    “He's out of balance here by $5,893.14 ...Be careful what you say, pal. Can read your mind. Now, don't you breathe a word to anyone but Stumpy and Gray Wolf.”
    — Bill Jefferson (08:12–08:45)

• Community Discretion: The local sheriff, aware something is amiss, shows his trust by keeping things confidential.

Bill Finds John (13:11–16:18)

• Riverside Confession: Bill finds John walking alone by the river, deeply dejected.
• Revelations: John admits the ledgers are short, and he fears shame and ruin for his family.
• Spiritual Encouragement: Bill comforts John with scripture and reassures him.
  • Notable Quotes:

    “What kind of Christian are you anyway? …Don't the Lord’s promises mean anything to you? He's promised to be with us all through life. The Lord didn't promise a smooth and easy road.”
    — Bill Jefferson (14:00)
    “Thanks, Bill. I guess I'm not like Job or the apostle Paul. I'm not a very strong Christian.”
    — John Patterson (15:52)

Investigative Teamwork (17:06–20:07)

• Family Reconciliation: The team shares a meal at John’s house. Janet laments that John didn’t confide earlier but expresses her faith in him.
• Auditors Approaching: The urgency grows as audit day nears.
  • Notable Quote:

    "Sometimes the truth is an awful bitter pill. But it's better to swallow it as it comes.”
    — Bill Jefferson (17:47)

Accounting Sleuthing and Mounting Pressure (20:44–24:43)

• Search for the Error: Despite multiple checks, the shortage persists; even the investigators come up short.
• Hopelessness: John fears his career is over as external auditors and eventually the Secret Service get involved.
  • Notable Quote:

    “I'm going to inform Colonel Anders of this problem.”
    — Bill Jefferson (21:29)

  • Bill’s strategy is to notify superiors himself, preempting a worse situation and demonstrating loyalty.

New Hopes and the Secret Service (26:19–28:30)

• Secret Service on Site: Inspector Anderson arrives, prepared to arrest John if evidence points to guilt, but willing to give Bill’s friend and accounting expert, Dr. Clifton, a chance to review the ledgers.
• The Stakes: Inspector Anderson is direct but fair:
  • Notable Quote:

    “Patterson, you're in a bad spot. My boys and I are going to have a go at your books... I have a warrant for your arrest in my pocket.”
    — Inspector Anderson (26:36–26:50)

Resolution: The Real Source of the Shortage (28:30–31:33)

• Breakthrough: With Dr. Clifton’s help, they painstakingly go through old ledgers and spot a counterbalancing error stemming from a voided invoice years earlier.
  • Notable Quote:

    “Let's see now… We've found it. Bill, your theory is right. The adjusting entry to offset the voided check is wrong. This makes a counterbalancing error, and John's innocent.”
    — Dr. Clifton (29:34)

• Relief and Gratitude: The whole team is elated. Inspector Anderson and others praise Bill’s persistence and faith in John.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • “I'll never cease to praise the Lord for this. This miracle.”
      — John Patterson (30:58)
    • “Never again will my faith in the Lord be shaken. The only shortage that actually exists is in my faith.”
      — John Patterson (31:16)

Epilogue and Moral (31:33–32:18)

• Inspector Anderson offers a closing moral for listeners, emphasizing staying true to one’s Christian convictions, with a distinct biblical bent.
  • Notable Quote:

    “The Lord's promises never fall short. It's just that we don't make full use of them. It's a good thing that Bill had the courage to stand his ground.” — Inspector Anderson (31:33)

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Memorable Moments & Turning Points

• John’s confession by the river: Deep emotional openness blended with scriptural encouragement (13:11–16:18).
• Bill’s unwavering support: Both professionally and spiritually, holding faith when others begin to doubt (multiple occurrences).
• Dr. Clifton’s audit breakthrough: Pinpointing the obscure ledger error (29:00–30:00).
• The oxygen of hope: The moment John’s innocence is proven and the real “shortage” is revealed as a test of faith.

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Important Timestamps

• 01:13 – Opening narration and character introduction
• 04:33 – John storms out, worried wife left behind
• 06:06 – Janet calls Bill for help
• 08:12 – Bill and team begin their search in the night
• 13:11 – Bill finds John by the river; pivotal heart-to-heart
• 16:47 – Family reconciles over breakfast
• 20:44 – Team reports on intensive audit of the books
• 21:29 – Bill calls Colonel Anders, takes charge
• 26:19 – Inspector Anderson arrives (Secret Service)
• 28:30–31:33 – Dr. Clifton and Bill crack the case
• 31:33 – Moral lesson and closing remarks

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Tone and Language

The language is straightforward, heartfelt, and laced with Christian morality consistent with mid-century American radio drama. The tone throughout is encouraging, compassionate, and gently didactic, ending with a clear call to faith and personal integrity.

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Conclusion

“The Shortage” is a strong example of Ranger Bill both as a detective story and as a delivery vehicle for moral instruction. The tension is authentic, the friendships strong, and the spiritual lessons explicit. Ranger Bill’s unwavering support for John—rooted in both personal loyalty and faith—ultimately leads to a resolution that restores honor and underscores the value of standing by one’s convictions in times of trial. The episode would resonate with listeners who appreciate classic Western drama and stories of faith under fire.

Transcript

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

And, Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Anyways, get a'@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.

[Andrew Rines]

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

[Bill Jefferson]

Ranger Bill, warrior of the woodland.

[Inspector Anderson]

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. Say, have you ever been forced into a difficult position by someone's mistake? It's hard to prove that you're not guilty when the facts say you are. Today's story is about John Patterson, the ranger in charge of the Forest Service Accounting and Purchasing Office, which is located at Junction City. All purchases and all disbursements for ranger payrolls and equipment are made through this office. John has a lot of responsibility because he handles the books for the whole Northwest Ranger District. Let's drop in on John as he and his family sit down around the supper table and we'll find out what happens in the story. The shortage

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

and Doug. There's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together, we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Bill Jefferson]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[John Patterson]

Jan, what's the matter with these biscuits?

[Janet Patterson]

They're no different than any other time I've made them. John.

[John Patterson]

Jerry, how many times have I told you not to slurp your milk? Leave the table Go to your room and stay there until you can learn to eat like a human being.

[Inspector Anderson]

I'm sorry, dad. It was an accident.

[John Patterson]

Accident nothing. You've been told a thousand times about this. Go to your room.

[Bill Jefferson]

Oh, Daddy, it was an accident. The glass slipped in Jerry's hand.

[John Patterson]

April, children are to be seen and not heard. Who made you Jerry's defender?

[Bill Jefferson]

Oh, Daddy, you're getting to be such a grouch. We can't even talk to you anymore.

[Janet Patterson]

Go to the playroom, children.

[John Patterson]

I said Jerry's to go to his room, not the playroom.

[Janet Patterson]

John, leave the children alone. When a man's children can't even apologize, then things are getting be pretty sad state of affairs.

[John Patterson]

Is that so?

[Janet Patterson]

Yes. John. John, what's come over you the last two months? You never acted like this before. You've always been kind and loving. Before you punish the children, you always let them have their say and then make your decision as to whether they deserve punishment or not. You've always been fair before, but not anymore. I think you're sick.

[John Patterson]

I don't have to stay around here and take insults from you.

[Janet Patterson]

Where are you going? You haven't even finished your supper.

[John Patterson]

I'm going out.

[Bill Jefferson]

Where?

[John Patterson]

I said I'm going out. O U T.

[Bill Jefferson]

Sam. It. Hello, Bill Jefferson speaking.

[Janet Patterson]

Bill, this is Janet Patterson.

[Bill Jefferson]

Oh, hello, Jan. What's wrong?

[Janet Patterson]

It's John.

[Bill Jefferson]

What about John? Must be pretty serious to be calling at midnight.

[Janet Patterson]

Bill, there's something wrong with John.

[Bill Jefferson]

Oh, I haven't seen him in several months, so this comes as quite a surprise. What's the trouble?

[Janet Patterson]

I don't know. He won't tell me. He's been missing since right after supper time this evening.

[Bill Jefferson]

Is that right? Do you have any idea where he might be?

[Janet Patterson]

Oh, no. I wish I did. Bill, please help him.

[Bill Jefferson]

Sure I will. I'll get the boys. We'll be over to your place in about half an hour.

[Janet Patterson]

Oh, thank you. See you then.

[Bill Jefferson]

Keep the gas pedal down to the floor, Henry. If I get any closer to the floor, my foot will be dragging on the road. I wonder what kind of trouble John's in. Maybe I ought to see it another way. How could John get into trouble? That's what I think. He fine Christian man, good family man and top ranger. I agree. Fellas. How can he be in trouble? He's managing the account purchasing office with ability for the last five years. Never had a bit of trouble since he's been the boss there. Junction City. Turn your large headlights off, Henry. We'll wake people up with them. Okay, Bill. We'll be at the home in a couple of minutes. Now I'll turn the emergency light. Want to make this as quiet as possible. Cut the speed of your car and coast up to the house. We'll get out quietly and walk in plenty. Good idea. No use advertising there's something wrong. Easy does it, fellas. Say, Jim's waiting for us. Boy, it's 1:40 and still no sign of John. Hello, Jan. Hello, Bill.

[Janet Patterson]

Stumpy, Gray Wolf, Henry. Howdy, Jan. Bill, he still is missing. Where could he be? What could have happened to him?

[Bill Jefferson]

Take it easy, Jan. We'll find him. We'll call you as soon as we know something definite. If he comes home in the meantime, just tell the operator to call us on the radio telephone. She'll know what to do. All right. Let's go, fellas, and quietly. The office is dark black. Why, there isn't any sign of light in the building. Stumpy, Gray, Wolf, you fellas cruise around, see if you can spot John Henry and I'll take a look inside the office. Perhaps we can find a clue. We take careful look. Pick you up half an hour. Okay. See you later. Hey, Bill, how are you going to get into the office without breaking in? I got a key, Henry. This office in my district under my jurisdiction? That's right. I'd almost forgotten about this place belonging to the Forest Service. Since John's been handling this office, we haven't had any problems. I get regular reports and the books are audited once a year. Everything looks normal. All the desks are neat except John's. Yeah. Wonder why he left the ledgers on top of his desk. Must have worked late. Perhaps he's running his trial balances so he can have them in tip top shape before the audit. Boy, I'll say. He's been working on the ledgers. Look at the adding machine tape in the wastebasket. Hey, don't touch anything, pal. John left things the way he wanted them. And we could cause him hours of work by messing things up for him. What do you make of it, Bill? I don't know. Like you said, he sure used a pile of adding machine tape. Look here on the wastebasket. Discarded trial balance worksheets. Hey, Bill, look at this worksheet. He's out of balance here by $5,893.14. Made so many corrections on this one, he threw it out because it wasn't legible any longer. Bill, you don't think John's having trouble with. Be careful what you say, pal. Can read Your mind. Now, don't you breathe a word to anyone but Stumpy and Gray Wolf. What we've seen. Okay, Bill, we can't jump to conclusions right after seeing these books. It's imperative that we find John as quickly as we can. If I remember correctly, the auditors will be here in two days. Well, we've honeycombed this here town at Junction City until we're blue in the face and no John, but right, we look every place but along riverfront. That's where we're heading now, fellas. Hey, a sheriff's car is pulling alongside. I wondered how long it would take before their curiosity got the best of them. Yeah, they're pretty sharp boys, all right. Anything that gets by them isn't worth talking about. Lol. Your curiosity got the best of you. Hello, Bill. Henry.

[Inspector Anderson]

Ray.

[Bill Jefferson]

Wolf.

[John Patterson]

Stumpy.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hi. Howdy. How you doing? We've been watching you guys since the minute you come roaring into town at 1:38 this morning. You fellas are really on the job. We gotta be with Rangers prowling around in the wee hours of the morning. Only joking, of course. Anything we can do to help? Not yet, Al. Please keep this under your hat or a ranger might get hurt wrongly. Joe and I haven't seen a thing that's illegal. Thanks, Al. I always consider a man innocent until I can prove him guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt. John Patterson. You haven't seen him, have you? Yeah, he's been walking along the riverfront for hours. Must have plenty on his mind. Go straight down this street and you'll find him. There he is, sitting on the wharf. Stumpy, you call Jan and tell her we found him. We'll bring him home in an hour or so. I'm going out on the dock and talk to him. You fellas stay here, at least for a while. Okay, Bill. We understand. Fine. I'll see you later. Hello, John.

[John Patterson]

Bill, what on earth are you doing here?

[Bill Jefferson]

Looking for you.

[John Patterson]

Oh, Jan called you?

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah. Didn't come home at midnight, so she called me. We're radioing that we found you.

[John Patterson]

That's nice of you.

[Bill Jefferson]

Man must have an awful lot on his mind to spend the whole night thinking about it along the river.

[John Patterson]

Now, don't get any ideas about me being here except to think I'm not a coward, nor am I insane. It's just that I like to walk along the river and think.

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, every man has his own liking as to where he wants to spend his time. In reflection. John, you're in trouble.

[John Patterson]

How do you know?

[Bill Jefferson]

Jan, Says you've been different the past two months.

[John Patterson]

Yes, I. I guess I have.

[Bill Jefferson]

Want to tell me about it?

[John Patterson]

Yes. I've got to tell someone before I burst a blood vessel. The. Well, the purchasing dispersing ledgers are out of balance by $5,800.

[Bill Jefferson]

$5,893.14.

[John Patterson]

How do you know?

[Bill Jefferson]

We started our search at the office. I pulled some of your worksheets out of the waste basket.

[John Patterson]

You do know him.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, so will the auditors by the end of the week.

[John Patterson]

Yeah, and then my family will be covered with disgrace like a. Like a dripping mop. My family won't be able to hold their heads up in church or in school or anywhere.

[Bill Jefferson]

Listen, John. What kind of a Christian are you anyway?

[John Patterson]

What do you mean by that?

[Bill Jefferson]

Don't the Lord's promises mean anything to you? He's promised to be with us all through life. The Lord didn't promise a smooth and easy road.

[John Patterson]

Yeah, but. Well, I've never had it like this before.

[Bill Jefferson]

Know in Deuteronomy, the Lord speaks to the children of Israel. He finds it necessary to refresh their memories by saying, and thou shalt remember all the way the Lord thy God led thee these 40 years in the wilderness to humble thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldst keep his commandments or no.

[John Patterson]

I will never leave thee or forsake thee. Mm.

[Bill Jefferson]

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help and trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.

[John Patterson]

Thanks, Bill. I. I guess I'm not like Job or the apostle Paul. I'm not a very strong Christian.

[Bill Jefferson]

Oh, I wouldn't say that. John. You've forgotten to let the Lord carry your problems. I think we've all done that at one time or another. Until we've learned that the Lord's promises are as good today as the day he gave them to us.

[John Patterson]

Say, it's 4:30. I'd like to get a couple of hours of sleep before I go back to the office.

[Bill Jefferson]

We're all going to get some sleep. But you're going to sleep yourself out. The boys and I will open the office in the morning. Jan, you shouldn't fix breakfast for us. You're dead.

[Janet Patterson]

Yes, I'm tired, Bill, but I couldn't think of letting you go to a restaurant to eat. You fellas worked so hard last night.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hey, that first batch of bacon and eggs will fit just fine on my plate. If anybody else reaches for it, they draw Back a short aisle.

[Janet Patterson]

All right. All right, Stumpy. Here you are. Oh, it's good to hear laughter in this house again. Two months. Seems such a long time to be without it.

[Bill Jefferson]

How John sleep?

[Janet Patterson]

Like a baby. He needs good, sound sleep so badly.

[Bill Jefferson]

I hope you understand why he's acted the way he has.

[Janet Patterson]

Oh, I do. If only he had let me in on his problem. But I guess a good man will do anything before he'll shame his family.

[Bill Jefferson]

I'm glad you understand. It's the way men act when in a tight spot.

[Janet Patterson]

But I wouldn't have been ashamed. There's something radically wrong with the books. I know that.

[Bill Jefferson]

So do we all. Now, our job is to prove it.

[Janet Patterson]

How long will it take to do that?

[Bill Jefferson]

Who knows? John's a good accountant. If he can't find the error, then it's going to be rough. Couldn't you delay the auditors? Yes, pal, I could. But I think that would be unwise. Sometimes the truth is an awful bitter pill. But it's better to swallow it as it comes. Might look worse for John if I tried to hold back the audit. I don't have a good plausible reason to do so. This office has been running smoothly for five years. I see your point. We wouldn't want to do anything that would hurt John or make the problem appear worse than it is.

[Janet Patterson]

What will the auditors do when they find the shortage?

[Bill Jefferson]

They'll make a second audit which will also include your personal bank account. If John can't properly explain the shortage and show them a reasonable error, they'll report it to our superiors all the way back to Washington.

[Janet Patterson]

What'll happen after that?

[Bill Jefferson]

The Secret Service will be here to make their own audit. A secret audit. If they find the charges factual, they'll arrest John.

[Janet Patterson]

Oh, no, Bill. You know John didn't steal any money or any material purchased through the office. Please, can't you help him?

[Bill Jefferson]

Jan, I'm John's boss. Nobody's going to tromp all over my men without good reason. Our job is to find the reason why they can't. Right now we don't have one. I'd rather fight a dozen forest fires and have to do this job. I've always been taught that figures don't lie. Yeah. Looks like we're wasting our time, sonny. John, figures check with ours right down the line. Yeah, I know. I've been going on the theory that John might have gotten excited when he found the difference the first time and has been making the same error ever since. Not possible. Men can work on Figures in ledger till they have no meaning. Do not find mistake no matter how hard you try. What do we do now, though? Let's each take a set of ledgers and check for reversed entries. What's post as the credit might actually be a debit and vice versa. Carefully examine each voucher or invoice.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

And, Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Bill Jefferson]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Hello, John. You have good rest?

[John Patterson]

Yes, thanks to you fellows. Did you find anything?

[Bill Jefferson]

No, sorry to say, we find your figures perfect. It looks bad, John. We come to the exact difference you show.

[John Patterson]

I was afraid of that. I've checked and rechecked my figures so often I can recite the ledgers to you page by page.

[Bill Jefferson]

When are them auditor fellers supposed to show up?

[John Patterson]

Around noon tomorrow. Then my goose will be cooked.

[Bill Jefferson]

Will you stop seeing jail bars in your eyeballs? We ain't done with this yet. Hey, Bill, you're making with an idea. I can tell by that look on your face. John, I'm going to inform colonel Anders of this problem.

[John Patterson]

What? Are you for me or against me? He'll fire me right on the spot.

[Bill Jefferson]

Simmer down, sonny. Would you rather the auditors inform their superior and he calls colonel Anders and tells him? That'd be mighty embarrassing for the colonel. Yeah, that's right. The colonel says he's been told. It'll take the punch out of the auditor's report and save him a red face. This is Bill Jefferson, operator. Yes. Hello, Colonel. Well, not so good right now. I'm sitting at John Patterson's desk right now. I thought I had better let you know that his books are short $5,800 in round figures. Yes, that's correct, sir. Yes, the boys and I have substantiated this fact, right? Yes, I think you're wise in doing that, sir. All right, I'll keep you informed. Goodbye. All right, let's have it. You look like you just ate all the frosting off the cake.

[John Patterson]

Bill, you're smiling. What's he have to say?

[Bill Jefferson]

He expressed appreciation for being told by us rather than the Auditors, John. He's also certain that something with the books beyond your control. He's going to call the chief auditor himself, tell him to get his men here pronto. And he's also going to raise the question at the right time as to why this shortage didn't come to light sooner. Why not?

[John Patterson]

But the Colonel's going on the supposition that this shortage goes back before my time in this office.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's right. Colonel wasn't born yesterday, you know, John, your book's balanced to a T. Except for the one amount that could indicate an old auditing error. However, as the Colonel said, we've got to wait until the right time to pop the question.

[John Patterson]

Well, this new hope you've given me is only a slim threat. But right now it's like a like a rope ladder to me. Now, I'm anxious for the auditors to come.

[Bill Jefferson]

Boy, one of those guys gonna be finished just 9:00'. Clock. I'm getting tired of doing nothing. You're not. Only one, you won't have to wait much longer. Here comes the auditor now.

[John Patterson]

Here it comes, fellas.

[Bill Jefferson]

Get that jailbird look out of your eyes, honey. How much are you out of balance, Felix? I do know the bookstone balance. John told me. I see. I'll have to report to this at once, you know. Are you sure you can't find it? Positive. Looks like your friend here is in real trouble. Let's not jump to conclusions. The books are off. $5,893.14. Is that jumping to conclusions? Well, you have a point there, Oren. I gotta send a wire to my boss. We'll take this up in the morning.

[John Patterson]

Well, the funeral march will be played in the morning for the John Patterson. My career in the forest service will die a miserable death.

[Bill Jefferson]

John. I ought to punch you right in the nose for saying that. Why?

[John Patterson]

I just spoke the truth, didn't I?

[Bill Jefferson]

No, you didn't. I thought you were going to trust the Lord to carry your burden for you.

[John Patterson]

I forgot myself for the moment.

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, you better not forget again. If you think you can carry this load without the Lord's help, you're sadly mistaken. You'll never make it. Now let's go home and sleep like Christians who believe the Lord's promises. You know, I've never seen the day when Bill could sleep as late as he's sleeping this morning.

[Janet Patterson]

Bill isn't sleeping, Stumpy. He left here an hour ago.

[John Patterson]

What?

[Bill Jefferson]

He gone now?

[John Patterson]

Jan. What's it? Did he say where he's going?

[Janet Patterson]

No, Johnny. Didn't he? Had a light breakfast and slipped quietly out of the house. Then I noticed the car was gone.

[John Patterson]

Why, I. Why did it? I mean, at a time like this, when I.

[Bill Jefferson]

Take it easy, John. Take it easy, Sonny, Bill ain't ever let anybody down and he won't start now.

[Janet Patterson]

John, don't you have more faith in the Lord and in Bill than to doubt them?

[John Patterson]

Yeah, sure, Jan, I do. Let's go to the office, fellows.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hey, here's Inspector Anderson.

[John Patterson]

Inspector Anderson?

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, he's with the Secret Service.

[John Patterson]

The Secret Service?

[Inspector Anderson]

Stumpy. Grey Wolf.

[Bill Jefferson]

Henry.

[Inspector Anderson]

How are you, fellas? It's been a long time since we've talked.

[Bill Jefferson]

I didn't. How you doing, Inspector?

[Inspector Anderson]

Good to see you.

[Bill Jefferson]

Andy. This is John Patterson.

[John Patterson]

How do you do?

[Inspector Anderson]

Patterson, you're in a bad spot. My boys and I are going to have a go at your books and

[Bill Jefferson]

see if we can help you.

[John Patterson]

Oh, I appreciate your cooperation, Inspector. What'll happen if you can't help me?

[Inspector Anderson]

I have a warrant for your arrest in my pocket.

[John Patterson]

Where's Bill? Why doesn't he show up? I thought he was my friend. It looks like he ran out on me when I needed him the most.

[Bill Jefferson]

Take it easy, John. Bill not desert you? Uh oh, here comes Andy. Does it still look as bad as before, sonny?

[Inspector Anderson]

Yep, it sure does, stumpy. Mr. Patterson, I'm sorry, I have to put.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hold it, Andy.

[Inspector Anderson]

Hello, Bill. Good to see you again, but not under these circumstances.

[Bill Jefferson]

Good to see you too, Andy. However, I think you're reading into this. Factors that are only circumstantial.

[Inspector Anderson]

I disagree. I know you fight for your men, but this time you lose. I have a warrant here and I'm taking him in.

[Bill Jefferson]

If John is guilty, he'll go to jail. I'm not through trying to prove that he isn't. This gentleman with me is Dr. Cornelius Clifton.

[John Patterson]

You're the professor of accounting at State U.T.

[Bill Jefferson]

that's right, Mr. Patterson. Dr. Clifton is the outstanding accountant in this part of the country. With your permission, he'd like to look at the book. Sandy.

[Inspector Anderson]

Bill, why aren't you satisfied with your findings so far?

[Bill Jefferson]

Because I know John. He's a fine Christian man and he wouldn't lie.

[Inspector Anderson]

This is a bit unusual. All right, I'll go along with it. I'll give you until noon tomorrow to find the trouble. If you can't find it, then I'll have to arrest John and take him in. You've put a doubt in my mind that John is guilty. I want to be sure he's guilty beyond A shadow of a doubt before I arrest him. I hope you find him innocent.

[Bill Jefferson]

Thanks, Andy. You fellows keep the coffee and sandwiches coming. Dr. Clifton and I are going to stick with these books until we find the trouble. Henry, bring up all the old ledgers from the basement vault. This audit is going to be from the day this office opened. I'm going to work from last year's ledgers and go back each year till we find the error. You call the entries, I'll check the ledgers. All right, I'm ready when you are. $501.62 credit, $2 debit. $3,076 debit. $80. Reversing entry. Check voided. I'd finish the 1952 books. These are the 1950 invoices and vouchers. Hey, look at this. An invoice for $2,046.57. This invoice was voided. What's the ledger say? Double. That is 5093.14. Let's see now. We've found it. Bill, your theory is right. The adjusting entry to offset the voided check is wrong. This makes a counterbalancing error, and John's innocent.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Anyways, get a'. @libertymutual.com or with your local agent.

[Bill Jefferson]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Dr. Clifton, I'd never believe this if I didn't see it with my own eyes.

[Inspector Anderson]

Nor would I. It's incredible, but true, nevertheless.

[Bill Jefferson]

Are both of you gentlemen satisfied? Have I satisfactorily traced this counterbalancing error through the ledgers to its discovery by John? Indeed. Of course, John didn't know what hit him. I'm glad we found it. We all are. Especially John.

[John Patterson]

I'll never cease to praise the Lord for this. This miracle.

[Inspector Anderson]

Thanks to you, Bill Jefferson, for not letting me condemn an innocent man.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah. We can all thank the Lord that Bill stuck to his guns. If he hadn't been so firm in his belief of John's innocence, we all would have made a mistake.

[John Patterson]

Right, Stumpy? Never again will my faith in the Lord be shaken. The only shortage that actually exists is. Is in my faith.

[Inspector Anderson]

How right you are, John. The Lord's promises never fall short. It's just that we don't make full use of them. It's a good thing that Bill had the courage to stand his ground. Boys and girls, let this be a lesson to you. Stand firm on your Christian convictions. That's what the Lord wants us to do. See you next week for more adventure with Ranger Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com 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.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy in his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Bill Jefferson]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.