Twelve Feet of Danger | Ranger Bill (05-12-55)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: “Twelve Feet of Danger” | Ranger Bill (05-12-55)

Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes

Episode Date: March 7, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this classic “Ranger Bill” radio drama, “Twelve Feet of Danger,” listeners are transported inside the Logan County Zoological Gardens, where a deadly twelve-foot king cobra escapes from its cage. The episode explores escalating tension as the zoo’s staff, led by Chief Ranger Bill, races against time to recapture the cobra, unraveling a web of suspicion, fear, and ultimately, a surprising solution. With the zoo's safety and reputations at stake, the story balances thrilling action with heartfelt moments and a twist that only old-time radio can deliver.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene: At the Zoo’s Snakehouse

• [04:45-06:59]
  • Paul Pearson, son of zoo director Thad Pearson, is found playing with a baby boa constrictor—a habit which George, the head snake keeper, warns is dangerous.
  • George shares his own experience with snake bites, reinforcing the dangers:

    “It's only by the Lord's power that I ever pulled through.” — George ([05:25])

  • Thad and Paul’s father-son dialogue highlights Paul’s yearning to participate more fully in the snakehouse, setting up later conflict.

2. The First Escape: The Cobra is Loose

• [08:14-11:10]
  • Pedro the monkey’s panic signals trouble, leading Thad Pearson and George to discover the king cobra has escaped its cage.
  • They manage a tense and skillful recapture. Thad instructs:

    “I'm watching him and he's watching me. I'm going to try to get this loop around his neck before he hoods.” — Thad Pearson ([09:46])

  • The group wonders how the cage got unlocked—was it an oversight or sabotage?

3. Suspicion & Security Concerns

• [11:42-13:04]
  • George is questioned, and suspicion momentarily falls on young Paul, who is known to visit early.
  • Tensions flair:

    “Well, I think I'm a better judge of that than you, George. He's becoming quite a herpetologist. He won't make any mistakes… I've given him specific instructions to stay away from the poisonous reptiles.” — Thad Pearson ([12:42])

4. A Pattern of Unlocked Cages

• [13:29-15:08]
  • More cages are discovered unlocked. George suspects Paul, but the boy insists he’s innocent.
  • Listeners see mounting concern and hint of mystery:

    “Did you unlock these cages?”
    “Of course not, George. I didn’t. I’d tell you if I did.”
    — George and Paul ([14:39–14:50])

5. Second Escape & Public Panic

• [16:20-18:31]
  • The cobra escapes again in front of the public, prompting immediate evacuation of visitors and a coordinated response by Bill, Stumpy, Gray Wolf, and Henry.

    “Don't take any chances with that there killer, sonny. If he tries to get out, fill his head full of fortified sludge.” — Old Timer ([16:36])

  • George maintains he locked everything, heightening the mystery.

6. Escalating Crisis: The Cobra Gets Out of the Building

• [21:35-24:03]
  • The next day, George is confronted by the cobra and is knocked unconscious during its third escape—this time, the snake makes it outside.
  • Zoo security mobilizes, gates are locked, and local authorities are summoned.

7. The Chase: Tracking the King Cobra

• [24:16-27:19]
  • Bill strategizes, seeking a mongoose from a neighboring zoo as the only natural predator of a cobra.

    “No, Gray Wolf. Let's let the mongoose do that trick. We wouldn't stand a chance against that killer if he caught us off guard. But a mongoose is made for that kind of work.” — Bill ([25:35])

  • The rangers locate the cobra in a nearby barn and set plans to unleash the mongoose.

8. Showdown: Cobra Versus Mongoose

• [28:01-29:44]
  • The barn is illuminated and the mongoose released, resulting in a fierce but controlled contest.

    “The cobra's getting woozy, Bill. He must have struck at the mongoose about two dozen times by now.” — Henry ([29:28])

  • The rangers intervene before the mongoose delivers a fatal bite, successfully capturing both animals.

9. The Mystery Solved: The True Culprit Revealed

• [30:12-32:32]
  • Suspicion is finally laid to rest as Bill conducts a hands-on experiment:

    “There, my friends, is your mysterious cage opener sitting right on my shoulders,”
    — Bill, revealing Pedro the monkey as the culprit ([31:25])

  • Bill observed Pedro mimicking humans unlocking the cages, and proves it to everyone’s amazement.
  • Apologies are exchanged:

    “Well, please accept my sincere apologies for ever questioning your integrity.” — Thad Pearson ([32:04]) “Paul, I want to tell you how sorry I am for misjudging you. Will you forgive a cranky old man like me?” — George ([32:21])

10. Memorable Closing

• [33:16-33:45]
  • The narrator wraps up with a note of relief and reflection on the dangers narrowly averted:

    “I'm sure glad that neither George or Paul were guilty of opening up those cage doors, aren't you?” ([33:16])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the tension of recapturing the cobra:

  “Just raise your head up now, big boy, and don't hood out or your goose is cooked.” — Thad Pearson ([10:04])

• On suspicion and loyalty:

  “I'm not questioning your integrity. Anybody can make a mistake… But this, well, it's frightful.” — Thad Pearson to George ([11:55])

• Veteran humor about animals:

  “The only critter that isn't afraid of a cobra is mongeese.” — Old Timer ([15:41])

• The twist revelation:

  “There, my friends, is your mysterious cage opener sitting right on my shoulders.” — Bill ([31:25])

• On forgiveness and understanding:

  “Paul, I want to tell you how sorry I am for misjudging you. Will you forgive a cranky old man like me?” — George ([32:21]) “They're hugging each other.” — Henry ([32:32])

• On Pedro’s fate:

  “Maybe we'd better put him over on Monkey island and retire him for the rest of his natural life.” — Thad Pearson ([32:54])

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Key Segment Timestamps

• 04:45 – First appearance of the king cobra and setting up characters.
• 08:14 – Discovery of the cobra’s first escape.
• 14:30 – Unlocked cages are found; suspicions rise.
• 16:20 – Public drama as the cobra escapes again.
• 21:35 – The cobra gets outside the snakehouse, intensifying the crisis.
• 25:35 – Tracking the snake and decision to use a mongoose.
• 28:01 – Cobra and mongoose showdown—barn is prepared.
• 30:12 – Post-capture: Bill sets up the demonstration.
• 31:25 – Pedro (monkey) revealed as the cage opener.
• 32:21 – George and Paul reconcile.
• 33:16 – Narrator’s conclusion and reflection.

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Tone & Style

The episode uses the fast-paced, dramatic storytelling and old-time radio charm, blending thrilling danger with humor and warm-hearted exchanges between characters. The suspicion, fear, and teamwork echo the values of trust, accountability, and family.

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Summary for New Listeners

This “Ranger Bill” episode showcases a classic zoo escape drama full of suspense and misdirection, ultimately revealing that the true saboteur wasn’t who anyone expected. With strong character interplay, sound effects, and a surprise twist, “Twelve Feet of Danger” is both a nail-biter and a testament to the power of observation, forgiveness, and working together—even if the most cunning character is, in the end, a mischievous monkey named Pedro.

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Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

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[Old Timer]

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[Narrator]

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[Narrator]

boys and girls. What would you do if a king cobra got out of its cage and escaped and you were responsible? How would you go about capturing this deadly reptile, a bite from whose fangs mean sure death? More deadly than the fur de lance or the bushmaster of South America? A king cobra has enough poison in one injection of venom to kill 500 men. Listen for the story as Bill and his rangers go looking for 12ft of danger. Our story opens as Paul Pearson, young son of Thad Pearson, director of the Logan County Zoological Gardens, amuses himself by playing idly with a baby boa constrictor. He watches, fascinated, as the writhing creature slithers across the floor of the snakehouse. Just as the door opens, George Hill, a longtime head keeper of the zoo, enters.

[George]

Good morning, Paul.

[Paul]

Good morning, George.

[George]

I see you're playing with a baby boy again. You better be careful, son. That fella's gonna gain strength pretty fast in the next couple of months.

[Paul]

I'll watch him. If I feel he's getting too strong for me, I'll quit playing with him.

[George]

Well, I don't like you to play with snakes at all. Someday you might make a mistake and it would be too late.

[Paul]

Oh, I'll be all right. Besides, dad says it's all right as long as I don't go near the dangerous ones.

[George]

I know what your dad said, but you know how I got this crippled left hand of mine?

[Paul]

Sure. He got it from snake bites. Four of them.

[George]

That's right. It's only by the Lord's power that I ever pulled through. Now, you go on, Paul. I've got to feed those killers today and I don't want you here when I open the cages up.

[Paul]

All right, George, but I'd like to help feed them if you let me.

[George]

When you get a little older, son. I can't take any chances now. Be too late after you got bit.

[Thad Pearson]

Hello there, son. Back so soon from the snake house?

[Paul]

Yeah, dad.

[Thad Pearson]

What's the matter, Paul? You're acting rather down in the mouth.

[Paul]

Oh, nothing. George says that Baby Bo is going to Be too strong for me to play with pretty soon.

[Thad Pearson]

That's right, Paul. That what's bothering you?

[Paul]

No, not exactly.

[Thad Pearson]

Uh huh. Something is bothering you, son. Come on, out with it.

[Paul]

Oh, it's nothing really, honest.

[Thad Pearson]

Oh, come on now, Paul. We've had. We've talked over lots of problems before and ironed them out, haven't we?

[Paul]

Let's forget it, huh, Dad, I don't want to complain. It's nothing really.

[Thad Pearson]

I see. Well, the first opportunity I have, I'll talk to George about letting you in the snake house.

[Paul]

How do you know, dad?

[Thad Pearson]

Oh, just a Dad's understanding, I guess. I was a boy once, you know.

[Paul]

Yeah. Well, thanks.

[Thad Pearson]

Just one thing, Paul.

[Paul]

Yeah?

[Thad Pearson]

Remember, George has big responsibilities and he takes pride in seeing that they're well taken care of. Stay away from the poisonous snakes. They're dangerous. Morning, George.

[George]

Good morning. Got to clean this cage out. If this monkey would stay away from the broom.

[Thad Pearson]

Hello there, Pedro. How's the chief snake keeper's helper this morning?

[Bill]

He's a lot of help.

[George]

All he does is run off at the mouth and eat bananas and get into monkey business like most monkeys do, I guess.

[Thad Pearson]

I guess that's what monkeys are made for, eh, Pedro?

[George]

Dear Pedro, don't take on so. Stop that racket.

[Thad Pearson]

What's the matter with him, George? He acts like he's afraid of something. Look, the king cobra's out.

[Old Timer]

No, it can't be.

[George]

The cage is locked.

[Thad Pearson]

Turn around and look, man. There isn't a hose crawling out of that cage door.

[George]

Oh, we've got to stop him.

[Narrator]

12 long feet of danger slithers slowly out of its cage. King cobra, deadliest of all poisonous reptiles. Quick as greased lightning, cunning as a fox and ruthless. For a frightening moment, the two men stand paralyzed with awe as the killer moves soundlessly out of the cage onto the service floor. Suddenly, the director springs into action.

[Thad Pearson]

George, throw the door locks. Make sure nobody's in the building.

[George]

Run away. The sticks are behind the door.

[Thad Pearson]

Get out of here, Pedro, before you get killed. Here are the sticks pulled. Now, Mr. Cobra, we'll see if we can't talk you into going back into your cage.

[George]

The building's locked. Thad, I've got a shotgun here.

[Thad Pearson]

That's fine. Stand back on me, George. I'll need plenty of room to make this character.

[George]

Let me take the risk that it's my responsibility.

[Thad Pearson]

You just stand ready with a shotgun. If the snake gets me, then it's your job to kill him.

[George]

Okay, chief, he's all yours.

[Thad Pearson]

I don't Want to lose him? Unless it's absolutely necessary. He's a valuable specimen.

[George]

Watch him, Chief. He sees you Now.

[Thad Pearson]

I'm watching him and he's watching me. I'm going to try to get this. This loop around his neck before he hoods.

[George]

Maybe you'll be able to get him before he suspects a scrap.

[Thad Pearson]

Is this his eating day?

[George]

Yes. He's fed. He should be rather lazy.

[Thad Pearson]

Just raise your head up now, big boy, and don't hug out or your goose is cooked.

[George]

Now, Thad, he isn't hooding.

[Thad Pearson]

I've got him, George.

[Bill]

Good work, Thad.

[Thad Pearson]

Get a hold on his body and we'll. We'll put him into the cage before I choke him to there.

[George]

Right.

[Thad Pearson]

Have you got him all in?

[George]

Yes, all 12ft.

[Thad Pearson]

Wedge his body down with a pole so I can take the loop off his neck.

[George]

Okay, I got him. Take the loop off now.

[Paul]

There.

[Thad Pearson]

Release the pole and we'll slam the cage door.

[George]

No.

[Thad Pearson]

Phew. We were very fortunate this time. That fellow's fast. Half a second more. Need to pile right out of here again.

[George]

You said it, Thad. We better go around and look at him through the glass and see if

[Thad Pearson]

we heard him all right. And then I want to find out how that cage door got unlocked.

[George]

I guess he didn't hurt himself. He seems to be all right.

[Thad Pearson]

Yes, he's all right. George, you'd better put some sedative in his water supply to cool him down. It isn't good for him to get too excited.

[George]

Okay, I'll do that, Thad.

[Thad Pearson]

Now, one question. How'd that door get unlocked, George?

[George]

Thad, I don't know. It beats me. I always check the cages carefully. You know that.

[Thad Pearson]

George, I'm not questioning your integrity. Anybody can make a mistake. I make more of them than anybody else does. But this, well, it's. It's frightful. Just be careful. George, do you hear?

[George]

Thad, I know you think I did it, but there were others in the snake house beside me this morning.

[Thad Pearson]

Others? Who, for instance?

[George]

Well, Paul.

[Thad Pearson]

Are you intimating that Paul left the cobra's cage door open?

[George]

I don't know, Thad, but. Well, I just worry about the boy's making mistake, that's all. Very fond of the boy. Watch him grow up from a baby to a fine lad. But I don't think he should be in the snake house at least alone.

[Thad Pearson]

Well, I think I'm a better judge of that than you, George. He's becoming quite a herpetologist. He won't make any mistakes. I'm sure. Anyway, I've given him specific instructions to stay away from the poisonous reptiles.

[George]

Dad, I don't like having anybody in the snake house, even Paul. That is, before and after visiting ours.

[Thad Pearson]

Well, now, let's not argue about it, George. Just be sure you give the cobra a sedative. I'll see you later,

[George]

Paul.

[Paul]

Hello, George.

[George]

Paul, what are you doing in the snake house? I thought I told you I didn't want anybody in here before I arrived in the morning.

[Paul]

My dad says I can come here and just wanted to exercise my black snake.

[George]

You're not going to exercise any snakes until after I get here. And I don't intend to get up at 4 o' clock just so I can be here before you. I suppose you know all about what happened yesterday.

[Paul]

Yeah, my dad told me. Boy, what a close call that was. Sure must have been some job to put that cobra back into its cage, huh?

[George]

It wasn't easy. We had to wrestle him around a bit.

[Paul]

I should say. 12ft is a lot of snake to handle.

[George]

Well, I've got work to do. I can't stand here and talk all morning.

[Paul]

Okay, George. I'll put the black snake in its cage in a little while.

[George]

You remember what I said about coming in here before I do. Enough, Paul.

[Henry]

Come here.

[Paul]

What's the matter, George?

[George]

Plenty's the matter. How did these cages get unlocked? Three of them.

[Paul]

Three cages unlocked. How'd that happen?

[George]

That's what I'm asking you, Paul. Did you unlock these cages?

[Paul]

Of course not, George. I didn't. I'd tell you if I did.

[George]

Well, if you didn't. All right, just the same, I don't want you in here before I get here in the morning. And that's an order. Do you understand?

[Paul]

Sure, George. If that's the way you want it. I'll put the black snake back and leave right now.

[Henry]

Hey, look, Bill. Here's a king cobra. The card says he's 12ft long.

[Bill]

That's a lot of snake, isn't it, pal?

[Henry]

Oh, I'll say it is. Hey, look how he moves. Very little effort, too. Boy, what a smooth operation.

[Old Timer]

It sure is. You know, the only critter that isn't afraid of a cobra is mongeese.

[Henry]

Mongeese? The animals call a mongoose stumpy.

[Bill]

Stumpy? Talk about more than one. Maybe he think they come in flocks like Canadian geese.

[Old Timer]

Okay, so one of them critters is called a mongoose. When you're talking about a whole bunch, you call them either mongooses or mon. Geeses now, which one of them words do you use?

[Henry]

Oh, Stumpy, are you murdering the king's English?

[Bill]

Take it easy, fellas. Stumpy, the plural for mongoose is mongooses. Don't let these fellows look at the cobra.

[Henry]

Look at him.

[Bill]

Great Scott. He's getting out of the cage. Henry, find the keeper.

[Henry]

He'll ran away.

[Bill]

Stumpy, gray Wolf, start herding the people out of the building through the other door and keep them quiet. I'll guard the service ally so the

[Narrator]

snake can't get out.

[Bill]

We get people out plenty quick.

[Old Timer]

Don't take any chances with that there killer, sonny. If he tries to get out, fill his head full of fortified sludge.

[George]

Bill, Henry tells me the cobra's out again. Is that right?

[Bill]

Take a look, George.

[George]

Yes, it's a cobra, all right, and he's hooding. That means he's feeling ornery. I'll sound the alarm and get some.

[Thad Pearson]

The escape alarm. It's the snake house. Don't tell me another one's gotten out.

[Old Timer]

Howie, Dick, John, grab shotguns and let's go.

[Bill]

Do you think the cobra's out again, Fred?

[Thad Pearson]

Oh, I don't know, Holly. Let's get in the car, boys, and get there as fast as we can. Well, George, I wonder how many more times we'll have to put Mr. King Cobra back into his cage.

[George]

I certainly hope this is the last escape he makes, Chief.

[Henry]

Yeah, me too.

[Bill]

That's for sure.

[Thad Pearson]

It had better be.

[George]

I. I know what you mean, Thad, but I did not leave those doors open. Moreover, Paul was here before. I was here this morning again after I'd forbidden him. I found three cages unlocked and I told Paul I didn't want him in the snake house anymore unless I'm here.

[Thad Pearson]

It's your duty and responsibility to see that the cages are all checked and locked before visitors are allowed in the building. Isn't that right?

[George]

But I did that, Thad. I always make a security check before opening my doors to visitors. And when I made my routine check this morning, the cages were all locked. And I'll verify before anyone that I'm telling the truth.

[Thad Pearson]

All right, George, let's not argue about it. But there's something mighty peculiar going on around here. I wish I could put my finger on what it is. Bill, Henry, Stumpy, Gray wolf. Let's go over to my office. I want to have a talk with you fellows. Access to affordable credit helps me pay my employees, but I don't really need it. Infliction is killing me, but who cares?

[Old Timer]

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[Thad Pearson]

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[Old Timer]

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[Narrator]

Well, it's the next morning now, and George, the keeper of the snakehouse, walks briskly to get about his early morning chores of caring for the reptiles. George seems to be in a happier frame of mind than he's been for several days. And he hums as he walks up the short stairs to the main doors of the building. He finds the door locked and congratulates himself that Paul is at last listening to reason. He takes out his keys, selects the right one, fits it into the lock and opens the door. Suddenly, he stops short.

[Old Timer]

Oh, the cobra's loose.

[Narrator]

He jumps back to escape the cobra. His feet stumble and he falls while the cobra moves rapidly by there on the concrete steps of the snakehouse, George lies for a moment, stunned, while the cobra, with hardly an effort, makes him his getaway. The slithering ribbon of death moves out of the building, across the road and vanishes into the underbrush. Then George rouses from his unconsciousness, seeking to pierce the mental fog.

[Bill]

Oh, my head. What happened?

[George]

Oh, I felt the cobra.

[Old Timer]

The door's over.

[George]

The cobra's gone.

[Thad Pearson]

Hello, Gate one.

[George]

This is Gate one, Chief.

[Henry]

We're closing the gates now.

[Thad Pearson]

Good. Break out your rifles and stand by. The alarm means that whatever's escaped is now out of the building and onto the grounds. Don't let anybody in. Gate 2, this is Thad Piercing. You get that alarm? Yeah, Chief.

[Bill]

We've got the gates locked and the rifle's broken out.

[Thad Pearson]

Good. I'm going to the snake house. Holly, call the rangers and the sheriff's men. If that cobra escapes out of the building, we're going to need help.

[Bill]

Right away, Chief. How's the head feeling now, George?

[George]

Mighty tender. Where? I struck it on the stair rail. Bill, that concrete's awfully hard.

[Bill]

Yeah, I can imagine. You better stay here while we track the snake. Thad, how much of a start does the cobra have on us?

[Thad Pearson]

Oh, about an hour and a half, Bill.

[Bill]

That's a good. He could get plenty far by this time, especially if he kept in high gear. How about a mongoose, Thad? You have any here?

[Thad Pearson]

No, Bill, we don't have a mongoose. The zoo at Silver City has one, though.

[Bill]

It's 50 miles. Thad, would you take my car and get that mongoose?

[Thad Pearson]

All right, Bill. I'll make it as quickly as I can.

[Henry]

Well, this thing gives me the creeps, Bill. Any second I expect to see the cobra's head pop up under my nose.

[Bill]

It could happen that way, pal. You just stay behind me and keep your shotgun ready. Ah, snake leaves plenty good trailing ground. It's good for us. There not be rain for many days now. Dust helped make snake trails easy to find.

[Old Timer]

That there cobra feller weren't much interested in covering his trail. All he cared about was getting for the far away places.

[Bill]

That's right, old timer. I'd say offhand that the far away place could be that barn over on the other side of the road.

[Henry]

Yeah, I think you're right, Bill. The trail's heading straight for the road.

[Old Timer]

Yep, sure as I'm a foot high. That there reptiles in that barn.

[Bill]

We go in barn after cobra and kill him. No, gray wolf. Let's let the mongoose do that trick. We wouldn't stand a chance against that killer if he caught us off guard. But a mongoose is made for that kind of work.

[Old Timer]

You said it, sonny. Only one thing faster than a cobra and that's a mongoose. Only one thing faster than a mongoose and that's grease lightning.

[Bill]

You fellas keep circling the barn and make sure the cobra stays inside. I'll send the sheriff and his boys over to help you keep him in the barn.

[Henry]

Where are you going, Bill?

[Bill]

Back to the snakehouse to make sure everything's all.

[George]

You never met Pedro before, have you, Bill?

[Bill]

No, I haven't, Jordan.

[George]

Talk to the man, Pedro.

[Bill]

He's quite a guy, isn't he? How you feeling after your fall, Jordan?

[George]

Well, had goose egg on my head's gone down to a pigeon size by now. I'll be all right.

[Bill]

Good. Well, I gotta be getting back now. I've got the cobra trapped in an old barn on the other side of the highway. By the way, George, see that the locks and all the doors are set, will ya? For a while. I don't think it's enough just to have the latch on.

[George]

Okay, Bill, will do.

[Bill]

See you later, George.

[Thad Pearson]

Hello, Paul.

[Bill]

Your dad back yet?

[Paul]

He just drove up, Bill. Here he comes now. He's got the mongoose in a cage.

[Thad Pearson]

Well set, Bill. All we've got to do now is get on the scene and open the cage. The mongoose will do the rest.

[Bill]

Fine. I'll have the squad cars brought up. Their spotlights can be used to light up the inside of the barn.

[Thad Pearson]

Good idea. Now remember, I don't want the mongoose to kill our cobra. I just want him to tire him out. Then we'll step in and stop the fight. I've got the equipment for it with me.

[Bill]

Okay, I'll get the cars in position, then we can get started.

[Narrator]

Hurriedly. The way is prepared for the duel between two mortality enemies. King cobra and mongoose. Bill turns the spotlight on to illuminate the inside of the barn. By beaming the lights through the large center door. Then Thad and Bill walk toward the barn. Thad is ready to release the mongoose in an instant. Bill's ready with his shotgun in case the cobra attacks before they're ready. The mongoose becomes frantic with excitement.

[Thad Pearson]

He's got sent up the cobra, Bill.

[Paul]

Good.

[Bill]

Let him go, Thad.

[Thad Pearson]

Look at him go for the bond.

[Henry]

Hey, he stopped dead.

[Bill]

No wonder. Look where that big snake is. Just inside the door. Boy, it's a good thing we didn't try to go in after him. He'd have nailed one of us for sure. Look, the battle's on.

[Thad Pearson]

This'll be short. The cobra's on unfamiliar ground. He can't put up a good fight. Did you see that? The cobra missed the little animal only by a fraction of an inch.

[Bill]

That's the way he fights. Close range. A hair's breadth, distance. Boy, what perfect coordination. Wow.

[Henry]

The mongoose raked the cobra's neck that time with his teeth. Boy, how that little fella can weave. And dodge. Back and forth, back and forth. Back there. He's teaching the cobra.

[Thad Pearson]

Got him. No, he didn't. He just missed the mongoose by a hair again.

[Henry]

The cobra's getting woozy, Bill. He must have struck at the mongoose about two dozen times by now.

[Bill]

I'll get him when you give the word, Thad.

[Thad Pearson]

My main concern is that the mongoose doesn't close in for the fatal bite.

[Henry]

You mean where he grabs a snake by the back of the head and breaks a cobra's neck?

[Thad Pearson]

That's it, Henry.

[Bill]

I think we'd better close in now, Thad. Snake's getting pretty tired.

[Paul]

Yes.

[Thad Pearson]

Take both of them.

[Paul]

No.

[Narrator]

There we are.

[Thad Pearson]

There we are. We've got both of them caged and ready to go back. Thanks to you, Bill, the stumpy gray wolf and Henry.

[Bill]

That's all right, then. Say, would you be interested in finding out who's been unlocking the cages in the snake house?

[Thad Pearson]

Would I be interested? I should say so. Who is it?

[Henry]

Yeah, who is it?

[Bill]

Well, I'd rather it was demonstrated to you just who it is than tell you. Let's all go over to the snakehouse, shall we? Quiet, Pedro. George, let me have your keys, will you? I want to try an experiment.

[George]

Sure, Bill. Here you are.

[Bill]

Thanks.

[Old Timer]

Now, how in the world is using them keys gonna show who let the cage doors open?

[Henry]

Quiet, Stumpy. Let Bill finish what he started.

[Paul]

What are you going to do now, Bill?

[Thad Pearson]

Yeah, that's a good question. My curiosity is Sticking out a mile.

[Bill]

Okay, Pedro, you can go along if you want. Now, fellas, just watch as I go along and check the locks on the cage doors. Uh oh, there's one on the bottom I didn't check.

[Henry]

Hey, Bill, look above you. Pedro's opening the cage door.

[Bill]

There, my friends, is your mysterious cage opener sitting right on my shoulders,

[Thad Pearson]

Pedro. But how in the world did you discover that, Bill?

[Bill]

Well, Thad, in watching George opening the cages, I noticed each time how intently interested Pedro was and the way George was handling the latches on the doors. Of course, we all know the disconcerting habit monkeys have in mimicking human beings. So I got an idea and thought I'd test it out. And as you see, it worked.

[Thad Pearson]

Well, that throws me for a loop, George. Well, please accept my sincere apologies for ever questioning your integrity.

[George]

That's all right, chief. You're not the only one at fault. Paul?

[Thad Pearson]

Yeah?

[George]

I want to tell you how sorry I am for misjudging you. Will you forgive a crappy old man like me? Oh, there, there, lad.

[Henry]

Hey, look, they're hugging each other.

[Thad Pearson]

I guess this thing had us all on attention, but thanks to you, Bill, and your rangers, the mess is straightened out.

[Bill]

It's all in the day's work, Thad. By the way, what are you going to do with Pedro now that his monkey shines have been exposed?

[Thad Pearson]

Maybe we'd better put him over on Monkey island and retire him for the rest of his natural life.

[Paul]

Hey, dad, just think what would have happened if he'd opened the cages in the lion house.

[Narrator]

That's right, Paul. Only I don't know that a corporate is any less dangerous than a lion. But at least he's not so loud. However, I'm sure glad that neither George or Paul were guilty of opening up those cage doors, aren't you? We'll see you next week for more adventure with Ranger Bill.

[Thad Pearson]

Sam.

[Bill]

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

[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.

[Thad Pearson]

Sam.