Twenty Fathoms Under the Sea | Ranger Bill (05-26-54)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: “Twenty Fathoms Under the Sea” | Ranger Bill (05-26-54)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: January 3, 2026

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Overview

In this episode, host Andrew Rhynes presents a digitally restored classic “Ranger Bill” radio drama, “Twenty Fathoms Under the Sea.” The episode weaves together adventure, camaraderie, personal redemption, and the tension of a race-against-time rescue. As Ranger Bill and his team head to the coast for a fishing trip, they become unexpectedly involved in a dangerous undersea rescue when an old Navy submarine is trapped at the ocean floor, putting its crew in grave danger. Central to the story is Ben Benson, a retired salvage expert haunted by a tragic accident, who must find the courage to help save the trapped men, sparking a moving journey of second chances and overcoming fear.

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Key Discussion Points & Dramatic Highlights

1. Setting the Scene: Adventure & Introduction

• Opening Dialogue: The team—Ranger Bill, Henry Scott, Gray Wolf, and Stumpy Jenkins—embark on a fishing trip, setting a camaraderie-filled and humorous tone.

  • Notable quote:

    “Yep, just a little faster than I can run at high speed. Oh, yeah?”
    — Stumpy Jenkins (02:29)

• Ben Benson’s Backstory: Bill introduces “old salvage man” Ben Benson, revealing his expertise as well as his emotional scars following his son’s tragic death during a salvage job.

  • Quote:

    “He has times when he’s very quiet, though, and he looks out to sea. I feel sorry for old Ben.”
    — Bill Jefferson (04:10)

  • The group’s banter with Ben sets up his blend of gruffness and warmth.

[05:48–06:56] Meeting Ben Benson

• Ben and Stumpy exchange playful jabs about age and maritime experience, underscoring Ben’s likability:
  • Quote:

    “Stumpy’s got quite a bit of moss on his at north side.”
    — Ben Benson (06:22)

2. Disaster Under the Sea: Submarine in Distress

• Switch to the Submarine: The narrative pivots to a Navy training submarine where a catastrophic pump failure traps the vessel and crew underwater.

  • Captain Nagel’s leadership emerges as calm and commanding amidst the growing panic.
  • Quote:

    “He who loses his head may lose his life.”
    — Captain Nagel (09:00)

• Technical Tension: The failed pumps, lack of spare parts, and the ominous potential of chlorine gas ramp up the urgency.

3. Ben’s Sixth Sense & Foreboding

• Ben grows unsettled during the fishing trip, sensing something is amiss beneath the waves.
  • Quote:

    “I just have the feeling that there’s something going on under these waters.”
    — Ben Benson (14:55)

  • Bill trusts Ben’s intuition; the group decides to cruise and look for trouble.

4. Discovery & Unfolding Crisis

• [17:05] Plane Spots Submarine Distress: Two pilots spot oil slicks and a distress float, raising the alarm.

  • Quote:

    “There’s a sub distress float down there. And there’s some debris down there, too.”
    — Red (17:28)

• The fishing party hears the news bulletin and realizes they were fishing just above the disaster.

5. Race Against Time: The Need for Salvage Expertise

• Bill’s Realization: Knowing that official Navy salvage help will not reach the submarine in time, Bill pushes to help, recognizing Ben’s unique skills are critical.
  • Quote (Bill to Commander):

    “Maybe I can help the lads trapped in the sub… You know Ben Benson? … He’s a fine old man. Used to be a great salvage engineer and sub rescue man.”
    — Bill Jefferson (21:15–21:42)

6. Personal Redemption: Ben’s Struggle & Turning Point

• Emotional Conflict: Ben initially refuses to help due to guilt over his son’s accidental death, considering himself unfit.

  • Quote:

    “How can men put confidence in a salvage man who let his own son die under the water?”
    — Ben Benson (12:43)

• Bill challenges Ben directly, combining compassion and tough love:

  • Quote:

    “There are 20 men facing certain death. Because you haven’t buried the dead, Ben Benson.”
    — Bill Jefferson (23:22)

  • Ben finally relents to help after Bill offers to risk his own life and calls out Ben's courage—or seeming lack thereof.
  • Quote:

    “Them’s harsh words, Bill. They cut pretty deep.”
    — Ben Benson (24:40)

  • Ben agrees:

    “I’ll be ready to begin rescue work in two hours.”
    — Ben Benson (25:07)

7. The Rescue Mission

• Preparation & Descent: Bill dons a diving suit under Ben’s direction, ready for dangerous underwater repair and rescue.

  • Quote (Stumpy):

    “Say hello to Davy Jones, Bill. Tell him I ain’t heard a word from him for so long that I thought he moved.”
    — Stumpy Jenkins (26:10)

• Communication and tension are high as Bill descends and connects the oxygen supply to the submarine, giving the crew the life-saving air they need.

  • Quote (Ben):

    “Be careful, Bill. If you get into trouble, holler and we’ll pull you right up.”
    — Ben Benson (25:59)

  • The crew inside the sub hears Bill working:

    “It’s the rescue diver. All right, Captain, it’s happened. We’re being rescued.”
    — Crew member (28:00)

8. Resolution & Transformation

• The trapped crew is saved, brought out one at a time (“In about five hours, we’ll have the whole crew out of the sub.” (28:44)).

• Ben acknowledges Bill’s bravery, but Bill insists it’s Ben’s knowledge and leadership that made success possible.

• Ben’s Redemption: Moved and finally unburdened, Ben is free from his guilt and fear.

  • Quote:

    “I mean I’m not afraid anymore… When I saw the top of your headpiece sink under the water, Bill, then I… I knew I would never be afraid.”
    — Ben Benson (29:20–29:28)

• Closing Moral: The narrator encapsulates the episode’s lesson about courage in the face of failure and the power of redemption.

  • Quote:

    “And so once again, we see that one last ounce of courage is all that it takes to turn defeat into victory.”
    — Bill Jefferson (29:50)

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|----------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:29 | Stumpy Jenkins | “Yep, just a little faster than I can run at high speed. Oh, yeah?” | | 04:10 | Bill Jefferson | “He has times when he’s very quiet, though, and he looks out to sea. I feel sorry for old Ben.” | | 06:22 | Ben Benson | “Stumpy’s got quite a bit of moss on his at north side.” | | 09:00 | Captain Nagel | “He who loses his head may lose his life.” | | 12:43 | Ben Benson | “How can men put confidence in a salvage man who let his own son die under the water?” | | 14:55 | Ben Benson | “I just have the feeling that there’s something going on under these waters.” | | 21:15 | Bill Jefferson | “Maybe I can help the lads trapped in the sub… You know Ben Benson? … He’s a fine old man. Used to be a great salvage engineer and sub rescue man.” | | 23:22 | Bill Jefferson | “There are 20 men facing certain death. Because you haven’t buried the dead, Ben Benson.” | | 24:40 | Ben Benson | “Them’s harsh words, Bill. They cut pretty deep.” | | 25:07 | Ben Benson | “I’ll be ready to begin rescue work in two hours.” | | 26:10 | Stumpy Jenkins | “Say hello to Davy Jones, Bill. Tell him I ain’t heard a word from him for so long that I thought he moved.” | | 28:00 | Crew Member | “It’s the rescue driver. All right, Captain, it’s happened. We’re being rescued.” | | 29:20 | Ben Benson | “I mean I’m not afraid anymore.” |

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Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• [02:14–03:15] Lighthearted banter between Rangers about fishing and brain food.
• [14:55] Ben’s mysterious premonition of underwater trouble sets an eerie tone.
• [23:22–25:07] Emotional standoff between Bill and Ben, culminating in Ben’s decision to help.
• [26:10–27:13] Tension as Bill prepares to enter the water, with friends’ humorous and heartfelt encouragement.
• [28:00–29:28] Rescue is successful, Ben’s fear is finally conquered.

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Episode Flow & Tone

The episode masterfully combines tension, emotion, and humor. Playful exchanges lighten the drama, while moments of suspense (submarine scenes, rescue operation) build urgency. The themes of duty, redemption, and friendship come through in both dialogue and action, ultimately championing the courage to confront the past and step up in times of need.

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For Listeners:

This episode is a gripping story of second chances, bravery, and community, wrapped in the golden warmth, wit, and action that define “Ranger Bill.” Even if you missed the broadcast, you’ll carry its message about the power of redemption and teamwork.

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Transcript

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Foreign.

[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.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Ranger Bill, warrior of the woodland.

[Bill Jefferson]

Ranger Bill, warrior of the woodland. Struggling against extreme odds. Traveling dangerous trails. Fighting the many enemies of nature. This is the job of the guardian of the forest, Ranger Bill. Pouring rain, freezing cold, blistering heat, snow, floods, bears, rattlesnakes, mountain lions. Yes. All this in exchange for the satisfaction and pride of a job well done. Boys and girls, have you ever been in a submarine? Or have you ever gotten inside a diver suit and gone down into the depths of the sea? I suppose not. After all, most of us are landlubbers. Lake sailors at the best. But what would you do if you knew that a submarine was stuck at the bottom of the ocean and meanwhile the crew was suffocating? Why, you'd try to get them out, of course, but the big question would be how to do it. Well, let's find out what Bill and the rangers did in such a situation as that. Keep your ears glued to the radio for the story of 20 fathoms under the sea.

[Ben Benson]

Man, this blue oil really burns up the rails. I wonder how fast we're going, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

I don't know, Henry. There's a stretch of track ahead where the engineer pushes her up to 93.

[Ben Benson]

Wow, 93 miles an hour.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's plenty fast in any man's book.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Yep, just a little faster than I can run at high speed. Oh, yeah?

[Ben Benson]

Hey, say, Bill, do we have to eat the fish we catch on this trip?

[Bill Jefferson]

That all depends on what kind of fish we catch, pal. Some ocean fish aren't edible, of course. Probably eat some of them.

[Ben Benson]

Aw, I don't like fish that much. Not ocean fish, brook trout. Yeah, but not even too much of them.

[Bill Jefferson]

You don't know what's good for you, Henry. Fish. Good brain food make you plenty smart.

[Ben Benson]

Aw, I don't believe that, Gray wolf. Besides, even if it is true, there must be other kinds of brain food.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

There sure is, honey.

[Ben Benson]

Huh? What other kind?

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Stumpy Noodle soup.

[Bill Jefferson]

Oh, Stumpy, you walked right into that one, pal. With both eyes open mouth, too.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

I just wanted to show you young fellers that I'm still perkin.

[Bill Jefferson]

Bill, you seem to know Ben Benson pretty well. How come? Well, Ben's an old salvage man. Gray wolf. He's Brought up some historic wrecks from the bottom of the sea in his time, including several maroon submarines. I got to know him when I was in the navy.

[Ben Benson]

Is he retired now, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, yes, sort of forced retire, you might say, Henry.

[Ben Benson]

What do you mean by that?

[Bill Jefferson]

You see, Ben's son was accidentally killed during a salvage operation. Ben always felt he himself was responsible. So he quit the salvage game and bought himself a power launch to take fishing parties out on.

[Ben Benson]

Rather a sad ending for the old gent. Does he show his sorrow, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

No, not as a rule. He has times when he's very quiet, though, and he looks out to sea. I feel sorry for old Ben. Dinner served in the dining car. First call for dinner. Dining car for call.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Hey, that's what I've been waiting to hear all day. Let's go before my stomach leaves my body and goes by itself.

[Bill Jefferson]

Come on, fellas. Let's head for the chuck wagon before they run out of food. Then we can get ready to get off. The train stops on this side of the bay at Harbor City. Then it crosses over to the main station. Let us out right at the sign that says Ben Benson. Gabby chair, mister.

[Ben Benson]

Anywhere, you said, miss. Waterfront. Sure looks quaint, Bill. All the line skippers along here must be old sea dogs, huh?

[Bill Jefferson]

That's right, pal. Most of these men are retired seamen.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

I guess there's some mighty tall sea yarns spun around these wharfs.

[Ben Benson]

That'll be 250, mister.

[Bill Jefferson]

All right. You your friend? No, that's all right.

[Ben Benson]

Oh, thanks, mister.

[Bill Jefferson]

Come on, Fell, let's go. Don't want to keep the cab standing any longer than necessary.

[Ben Benson]

Sure, Bill. Sure. I got my big feet hanging around the bag there. Now I'm able to.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hey, there's old Ben coming down the dock now.

[Ben Benson]

He look like real sea dog. Him still walk with roller ship.

[Bill Jefferson]

You and he'll make good friends. Greywolf. Hello, Ben. Good to see you again.

[Ben Benson]

Well, Bill, how are you? It does my Sally eyes good to see you again.

[Bill Jefferson]

Thanks, Ben. The same to you. Ben, I want you to meet three of my rangers. They're also my closest friends. Henry Scott, Gray wolf and Stumpy Jenkins. Fellas, I'd like you to meet Ben Benson.

[Ben Benson]

Oh, hi, Ben.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Howdy there, Ben.

[Ben Benson]

It's mighty fine to meet you fellas. I see you have old men of the woods in your service, too, Bill. Stumpy's got quite a bit of moss on his at north side.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Sure, we got old men in the woods. What do you see? Dogs. Think you ain't got no lease on old age just because you're preserved in salt water. I noticed quite a few barnacles in your holly old Wallace.

[Ben Benson]

Oh. Hey, Bill, maybe we better go home.

[Bill Jefferson]

It's all right, pal. They got a twinkle in their eyes. They're talking to each other like ducks to water.

[Ben Benson]

Glad they have your boy, the old musgr. I don't suppose you've ever been in anything larger than Robo.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

No, and I stay out of them as much as I can. I get all the water I want in the bathtub.

[Ben Benson]

Oh, you're all right. St.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

He ain't so bad yourself, Ben.

[Ben Benson]

Well, come on aboard the Swordfish, fellas. Ain't no sense standing on the dock when you can stand on the decks of the best seagull and launcher.

[Bill Jefferson]

Float when we shove off for fishing grounds, Ben.

[Ben Benson]

Right at sundown, Grey Wolf. We'll be where the big fish are at dawn.

[Bill Jefferson]

Mr. Jones, I gave the order to surface this craft. What are we waiting for? The engine room isn't responding, Captain Nagel. We've sounded the surfacing signal twice. Well, are they sleeping back there? I'll get them on the intercom. Let me have your headphones, Santa. Hello, engine room. What's the trouble down there? Can't you hear the signals? Well, what do they say? Mr. Jones? What? Are you sure?

[Ben Benson]

No, no.

[Bill Jefferson]

Stand by while I tell the captain. Skipper, the ballast tank pumps have broken down and refused to work. Avast servicing and standby. I'm going aft. Keep those headphones on for my orders, Jones. Aye, aye, sir. Well, Mr. Antonio, what's it look like inside the pump?

[Ben Benson]

It looks bad, sir. The main rod's broken clean in two, and it tore the cylinder to shreds. Mmm.

[Bill Jefferson]

Can you fix it?

[Ben Benson]

I sure can, skipper, but with those gouges in the cylinder wall, I. I doubt if I can get enough compression to handle the ballast tanks.

[Bill Jefferson]

What caused the break, Mr. Antonio? Weren't these pumps inspected before we put to?

[Ben Benson]

They certainly were, sir. I inspected them myself. I'll see what I can do with the pumps.

[Bill Jefferson]

Very well. Report to me on the bridge when they're repaired.

[Ben Benson]

Aye, aye, sir.

[Bill Jefferson]

Now hear this. Attention, all hands. Now hear this. The captain's going to speak to the crew. All right, men, put your fears in your sea bags and listen to me. Most of you are green submariners, but I've gone through this before, and so have your trainers. Jones, McLaughlin, Antonio, Savage, Boyd, Prince and the torpedo men. They've gone through this same experience, and they're still alive. Let's not get panicky. Remember an old axiom. He who loses his head may lose his life. Stand by for further announcement from the boatswain. Now hear this, men. The captain will inspect the ship at 1400. Mr. Jones, I want you to keep the crew busy. Keep them working so hard they won't have time to get panicky. That's a direct order. After you inspect the ship, what should I have them do, sir? Clean it again? That's right, Mr. Jones. Even if they have to do it with toothbrushes. Your job is to keep the men busy. Let Mr. Antonio and his men worry about the pumps. Mind if I join you, Ben?

[Ben Benson]

Huh? Oh, Lord. Of course not.

[Bill Jefferson]

Bill.

[Ben Benson]

I didn't hear you come on deck.

[Bill Jefferson]

Saw you sitting out here from my cabin window. But I joined your fellowship with the sea and the quiet of the night.

[Ben Benson]

Oh, a fella can do a heap of thinking from this. Just the sea and himself. But he's a good listener, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

He has been. The sea never tells any secrets either.

[Ben Benson]

Just listens.

[Bill Jefferson]

Heats the confidence of her sailors and hides their thoughts in the deepest waters.

[Ben Benson]

I guess it's the sea that's kept me on an even keel since Frank died. Whenever I get depressed, I put out to sea and have a long talk with the Lord. I don't know if I'm right, but the Lord seems so much near out here.

[Bill Jefferson]

Ben, when are you going to stop beating yourself for Frank's death?

[Ben Benson]

I don't know, Bill. I keep hearing his last words. He kept. Kept calling for oxygen. Just can't seem to get them last few moments out of my mind.

[Bill Jefferson]

But it was an accident, Ben. You couldn't help it. If his lion's fouled and a sunken wreck. Why put yourself on a shelf away from everybody? The world needs some good salvage men like you.

[Ben Benson]

That's the way I want it, Bill. How can men put confidence in a salvage man who let his own son die under the water? I just couldn't have men depending on me for advice and guidance. Below the water, 10 fathoms down is an awful place to be trapped by. By an old fool who doesn't know what he's been doing. Bill, 15 Fathoms is an intolerable place for it to happen.

[Bill Jefferson]

I'm sorry, Ben. I didn't intend to get you all riled up. I guess I'll turn into.

[Ben Benson]

Wait. Wait a minute. Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yes, Ben?

[Ben Benson]

It's done me good to get some of the this off my chest. I know you understand.

[Bill Jefferson]

Sure, Ben. I understand.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Hey, I got one. Hey. About your wh.

[Bill Jefferson]

Grab him. Gray, before he falls overboard. We got him.

[Ben Benson]

No. Sent for us to fish for fish and Henry Crew.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Knock your eel. Now, sonny, before you run out of line.

[Ben Benson]

Take a couple of turns on your reel every time he gives you slack. Henry.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Hey, there's a fish. He just jumped out of the water. Boy, what a whale. Kind of small for a whale, sonny. Maybe his mother didn't feed him when he was young.

[Bill Jefferson]

You fellas help Henry get his fish aboard. Old Ben's upset about something. Want to find out what it is. You go ahead, Bill. Henry got this pretty well in hand.

[Ben Benson]

Now.

[Bill Jefferson]

Ben, you and I.

[Ben Benson]

Sure. Why, do I look sickly?

[Bill Jefferson]

No, but you're acting strangely. What's wrong?

[Ben Benson]

I don't know, Bill. I just have the feeling that there's something going on under these waters. Huh?

[Bill Jefferson]

What do you mean, then?

[Ben Benson]

I can't explain it, Bill. I just got a feeling that there's trouble under this part of the sea. What? You say we stop fishing for a while and cruise around? Perhaps we can spot something wrong.

[Bill Jefferson]

Sure. I'll tell the fellas to haul in their lines and you can get underway. Now hear this. All hands, man your stations. The captain's going to try to surface the ship again. Quartermaster, sound the surfacing signals. Mr. Jones, tell the chief engineer to report continuously what happens in the engine room. Aye, aye, skipper. Captain Nagle, Mr. Antonio wants to talk to you. Use my headphones, sir.

[Ben Benson]

Very well.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yes, Antonio, what's wrong?

[Ben Benson]

It's no use, Captain. I can't get enough pressure in the pump because of the damaged cylinder.

[Bill Jefferson]

Can't you replace the cylinder?

[Ben Benson]

I don't have an extra cylinder, sir. If I get out of this one alive, I will have no.

[Bill Jefferson]

Captain, the ship's listing to the port side. If she lays over anymore, we'll get chlorine. Cut your engines, Mr. Antonio. Cut them now.

[Ben Benson]

I better check the storage batteries to make sure they didn't spill. We can't have any chlorine gas now.

[Bill Jefferson]

Very well. Let me know how you make out. Mr. Jones, release the distress float. Force some oil and debris out of a torpedo tube. We'll have to hope and pray that somebody sees our cry for help.

[Ben Benson]

Well, Red, it won't be long before We've completed our 500th flight across the Pacific.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's right, Bob. We've flown everything from the King of Siam to a planeload of penguins. Hey, Bob, what's that oil slick down there? Where?

[Ben Benson]

I don't see it.

[Bill Jefferson]

Just a minute. I'll circle around, cut down our speed.

[Ben Benson]

I see it, Red. There's a sub distress float down there. And there's some debris down there, too.

[Bill Jefferson]

Sub distress float? That means there.

[Ben Benson]

Yeah, a pig boat's down there and it's in trouble. Ahead for the field. And I'll radio the naval base.

[Bill Jefferson]

Right.

[Ben Benson]

Boy, Ben, you sure know how to cook. This is a wonderful breakfast.

[Bill Jefferson]

I'll second the motion, pal. Ben, you do the job of brown. Too bad me can't eat more. Me willing my stomach say it had enough.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Yes, sir. If anything, I like more than good food.

[Bill Jefferson]

It's more of it. We interrupt this program to bring you an important news bulletin. A transoceanic passenger plane reported sighted a navy sub, distressed, float 25 miles off the coast. About opposite the famous Ten Fathom Shallows. Fishing ground. Swordfish.

[Ben Benson]

They ain't very far from where we was fishing.

[Bill Jefferson]

Keep tuned to this station for more news about the distressed sub. We'll interrupt this program as soon as we find out more from the Navy. Ben, you were right when you had that feeling of trouble under the sea.

[Ben Benson]

Ben had that feeling. I sure did, son. That's why we stopped fishing and cruised around a while. They must have released the distressed boy after we left.

[Bill Jefferson]

We think Navy can handle this. Well, they have plenty good salvage equipment. That's right, Gray Wolf. They've got specialists for that kind of work. We've also got the latest submarine rescue gear.

[Ben Benson]

They can handle it all right. Sort of gives you a queer feeling when you find out that we were having a good time. While right under us a tough situation was developing.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

How deep is it out there, Ben?

[Ben Benson]

20 fathoms, Stumpy. The ocean bed suddenly drops after the 10 fathom showers.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

120Ft of water, eh? I'm sure glad I'm not stuck down there in that.

[Bill Jefferson]

How much more oxygen have we got, Mr. Antonio?

[Ben Benson]

About 10 hours supply, skipper. That's all. You stop the men from working, we might be able to stretch it at 12 hours.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's right, Skipper. The men would need so much oxygen if they were resting. I appreciate your counsel, gentlemen, but I'm the captain of the ship. Don't want to see. Sub full of maniacs will keep them busy. I feel sure that help will come. The fishing boat or plane will see our distressed boy in that oil slick. What do we do if they don't see our distress signaler or they don't recognize what it means? Mr. Jones, we've got 10 hours to think up an answer to that.

[Ben Benson]

I wonder when they're going to broadcast more news of the sub.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Well, be patient, Sonny, things like news take time.

[Bill Jefferson]

Maybe so, but just the same, it.

[Ben Benson]

Would be good to hear news.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hey, quiet, fellas. The music stopped. Camps have got another bulletin. We interrupt this program again to bring you more news about the sunken submarine. Navy spokesmen are rushing salvage ships to the scene of the disaster. The ships won't arrive until tomorrow morning as they're with the fleet on maneuver. The submarine that's distressed is an old type ship used only for training purposes. Stay tuned to this station for more news on the submarine disaster. Turn that noise box off, Henry.

[Ben Benson]

Sure, Bill. What's eating you?

[Bill Jefferson]

Plenty. Those salvage ships aren't going to arrive in time. The old style subs haven't that much supply of oxygen. I'm going ashore and find a telephone. Ben wants to know where I'm at. Tell him anything. Anything but what I'm actually doing. Commander, Bill speaking. Commander, this is Bill Jefferson. I'm a forest ranger. Oh, yes, Mr. Jefferson. I've read about you from time to time. What can I do for you, Commander? Your salvage ships aren't going to arrive in time to help the men trapped in the sub, are they? Well, I don't exactly know about that. This is off the record, Commander. Maybe I can help the lads trapped in the sub. You're sure I'm not going on record? Positive. That's a promise. All right. For obvious reasons, we couldn't tell the newsmen that the rescue ships wouldn't get there in time. A mistake was made in letting all the salvage ships go with the fleet whenever the training sub is operating. There's supposed to be a salvage ship here for the simple reason it's an old sub. You say you can help, but how? You know Ben Benson? Yes, I know him. He's a fine old man. Used to be a great salvage engineer and sub rescue man. Say now I get what you're driving at. Then you approve? Well, by all means. I'll give you all the cooperation and men you need. When can you and old Ben start working this up? I wish we could right now, Commander, but it isn't that simple. I've got to talk Ben into it. He's lost self confidence since the death of his son. Yes, I know. I'm going to talk with him right now. I'll let you know how I make out. And your answer is still no, Ben?

[Ben Benson]

Yes, Bill, it's still no.

[Bill Jefferson]

But why? Give me one good reason why.

[Ben Benson]

Because I. You know why. Ain't that a good enough reason?

[Bill Jefferson]

No, it isn't. There are 20 men facing certain Death. Because you haven't buried the dead, Ben Benson.

[Ben Benson]

What do you mean I haven't buried the dead?

[Bill Jefferson]

Your son's gone. All the worry and fretting and self accusation won't bring him back. Besides, it was an accident. But you can do something for 20 men who are still living. Do this for Frank's sake, Ben. It's what he'd want you to do if he were right here beside you.

[Ben Benson]

No, Bill, it's no use. Who could trust a man who would.

[Bill Jefferson]

Stop beating yourself, Ben. I trust you. I'll put on a diving suit and go down and work on the sub if you'll tell me what to do. You?

[Ben Benson]

You trust your life in my hands, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

Yes. Even in 120ft of water. What do you say now, Ben?

[Ben Benson]

No, Bill. I won't do it.

[Bill Jefferson]

Ben. I always understood that men of the sea had guts and determination. Ben, you're a jellyfish. A disgrace to the memory of your son.

[Ben Benson]

Them's harsh words, Bill. They cut pretty deep.

[Bill Jefferson]

I'm sorry I had to say them, Ben. I'm thinking of the 20 men more than I'm thinking of you. All right, let's drop it. I'll call the commander and tell him. No.

[Ben Benson]

Bill. Bill, wait a minute.

[Bill Jefferson]

I've said all I'm going to say. Ben.

[Ben Benson]

You're going to call the commander now?

[Bill Jefferson]

Yes.

[Ben Benson]

Well, tell him then. I hate it with all that's in me, but I'll be ready to begin rescue work in two hours. Once this job is over, they nobody will ever get me on a salvage mission again. The tide's running out, Bill. You'll drift over to the south delays about 100 yards to our stern.

[Bill Jefferson]

Okay, Ben. Put the diving helmet on and I'm ready to go.

[Ben Benson]

Good boy. The escape hatch is rigged to on the winches. When you're ready for it, we'll lower away.

[Bill Jefferson]

As soon as you get the helmet on, let's test the inner comp.

[Ben Benson]

Be careful, Bill. If you get into trouble, holler and we'll pull you right up.

[Bill Jefferson]

I will, pal. Don't worry about me. You sure you not come up too fast or you get bends from changing water pressure. Bill.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Say hello to Davy Jones, Bill. Tell him I ain't heard a word from him for so long that I thought he moved.

[Bill Jefferson]

Ben, put the helmet on. These guys will keep me here all day.

[Ben Benson]

Here goes. How's that, Ben? Yeah. Lower the platform into the water. I'll talk to Bill as he's going down. Hello, Bill. Can you hear me?

[Bill Jefferson]

Yes, Ben. The intercom's working fine. We're getting a good supply of air.

[Ben Benson]

Fine. Let us know when you feel the buoyancy of the water some, and we'll stop the platform. Or you can ride it all the way to the bottom.

[Bill Jefferson]

I think I'll ride the platform all the way to the bottom. The oxygen's getting a little thin now, Ben.

[Ben Benson]

Okay, we'll step up the p.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's just right, Ben. Pass the oxygen hose down and I'll put it along with me over to the sun.

[Ben Benson]

Okay, Bill, you'll find a coupling on the port side of the conning tower. Fasten the hose on, and we'll force the valve open with air pressure and give the boys some clean air.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Cabin.

[Bill Jefferson]

Captain, you hear that? Somebody's outside the sub. You're right, Mr. Jones. It's a rescue diver working on the outside. Take the hammer and answer signals. Right.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Foreign.

[Bill Jefferson]

It'S the rescue driver. All right, Captain, it's happened. We're being rescued. Yes, Mr. Jones. Thank the Lord that somebody's on distress signals. Inform the crew as to what's going on. Oxygen. They're pumping oxygen into the sub. Wait, Mr. Jones, do that for half an hour. Then we'll lower the escape hatch. We'll begin to leave the ship. Ben, you did a great job. In about five hours, we'll have the.

[Ben Benson]

Whole crew out of the cell. Very easy bringing them out one at a time. But it gets finished eventually. Don't thank me though, Commander. Thank Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

Nonsense, Ben. You're the one who has the technical knowledge to make this operation a success. I only did what you told me to do, Ben. What are you going to do now after this is over? Don't ask him, Commander. You're sore point with him. Rather not talk about it. I'm sorry.

[Ben Benson]

On the contrary, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

What do you mean, Ben?

[Ben Benson]

I mean I'm not afraid anymore.

[Bill Jefferson]

Oh, that's wonderful, Ben. When did you get free of that fear?

[Ben Benson]

When I saw the top of your headpiece sink under the water, Bill, Then I. I knew I would never be afraid.

[Bill Jefferson]

And so once again, we see that one last ounce of courage is all that it takes to turn defeat into victory. Well, we'll see you next week for.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

More adventure with Ranger Bell. Sam. 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 and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Stumpy Jenkins]

Sa.