Ranger Bill xx-xx-xx (207) The Reckless Driver

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"Ranger Bill" is a classic Christian radio program from the 1950s, produced by Moody Radio.
The show features over 200 episodes and stars Miron Canaday as Ranger Bill, a forest ranger in the fictional town of Knotty Pine, located in the Rocky Mountains. Alongside his friends Stumpy Jenkins and Grey Wolf, Ranger Bill tackles various adventures and moral dilemmas, often with a strong Christian message.

The show remains a beloved piece of old-time radio history and is still enjoyed by many fans today.

Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio
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Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio
Transcript
00:00Snow, floods, bears, rattlesnakes, mountain lions, yes, all this in exchange for the satisfaction and pride of a job well done.
00:16Say, have you ever known people who somehow were always in hot water?
00:21Oh, nothing serious, but, well, they're just a little bit on the daring side.
00:26They think after it's too late.
00:29Some folks call them foolhardy, others call them a nuisance.
00:33Nevertheless, it seems that this type of individual pulls one harebrained stunt after another.
00:40And that's a perfect description of Norman Marks.
00:43He never took anything serious, never had an ounce of responsibility in his blood.
00:49Then suddenly, Norm got into more trouble than a barrel of monkeys.
00:53And here's how it happened.
00:55Listen to the story of The Reckless Driver.
01:01Two young fellows, Norman Marks and his friend Jack Sanders, are just about to leave for Canyon City.
01:07Jack is a quiet fellow, much more conservative than Norm.
01:11And as they stand talking, it's plain to see that Jack is a little worried.
01:17Norm, do you really think we ought to drive to Canyon City tonight?
01:20Oh, sure, why not?
01:22Why, it's darker than the inside of a closet.
01:24I've got good lights on the car. What more do we want?
01:28Oh, but these, these mountain roads, they're hard to drive at night.
01:31What's the matter, Jack? You scared or something?
01:34Oh, no, but, along the way you drive, I...
01:37Now you're talking like my folks.
01:40You don't have to go if you don't want to.
01:42Oh, it's not that, but...
01:43Okay, then, jump in and we'll be on our way.
01:46All right, but I wish you'd keep this crate down to driving speed for a change.
01:51You think we're going to take off and fly, huh?
01:53Sometimes I think so.
01:55Don't worry, everything's under control.
02:13Come on, Henry, let's go.
02:15I'm coming, Bill, just a sec.
02:17What's keeping you?
02:18Oh, the zipper in my jacket's stuck.
02:20Well, fix it in the car.
02:22What are you in such a big rush to get to Canyon City for?
02:24Mitch Freeman's there, Henry. I've got to talk to him before he goes east again.
02:28Well, you pick a nice, dark night to go over the mountains.
02:31So you don't trust me.
02:33He's an old classmate of yours, isn't he?
02:35Old? How old do you think I am?
02:38Get in the car with him.
02:39Okay.
02:40Got your zipper fixed yet?
02:42Nope, now my shirt's stuck in it, too.
02:44Oh, Henry, a fine mechanic you are.
02:47Oh, don't be picky-oony.
02:49All I need now is a left-handed screwdriver.
03:07Hey, Norm, take it easy, fella.
03:09You're not on the salt flats.
03:11Ah, there you go, worrying again.
03:13I've got the car under control, haven't I?
03:16I hope so.
03:17Hang onto your seat. I'm going to take the short cut.
03:20It's all right with me if you keep that heavy foot off the gas.
03:23I'm going to slow down on this road, Jack.
03:26Honest?
03:27Honest.
03:28Too many sharp turns?
03:29Yeah.
03:30Man, believe it or not, I'm not going out of my way to meet an accident.
03:35Hey, you really did slow down, didn't you?
03:37You said it first, Jack. We're not on the salt flats.
03:47Hey, Bill, are you taking the short cut to Canyon City?
03:50Yeah, not a bad road if you take it easy, Henry.
03:53No, and it knocks off about ten miles.
03:55Right.
03:56It's only an hour's drive this way.
03:59Well, wake me up when we get there, will you?
04:03Sure, if we don't hit a bump first.
04:16So, there's the situation.
04:18Two young fellas, easing along at a moderate speed, without a care in the world.
04:23And two rangers on an errand of business, taking the short cut through the mountains.
04:29Unknown to any of them, about half a mile along the Canyon City road, there's been a rock slide.
04:35And two state troopers, Neil Crown and Harry McCormick, have set up a barricade 300 feet in front of the slide.
04:42The two troopers are standing a lonesome night watch nearby.
04:49Ah, this fire feels good, Henry.
04:54Yes, it does.
04:57I wouldn't be surprised if we got snow sometime tonight.
05:01It certainly feels like it, doesn't it?
05:03Well, the moon will be up in a couple hours. It'll be a little more cheerful.
05:07Yeah, if it weren't for the fire, you can hardly see your hand in front of your face.
05:12That's for sure.
05:14Say, I wonder how many cars ever take this road at night.
05:18You know, I've been thinking the same thing.
05:22Pretty dangerous, if you ask me.
05:24Yeah, sure is. Swinging around these hairpin turns, your headlights don't do you much good.
05:30Hey, what do you know? A customer.
05:32Yeah. Maybe we'll have somebody to talk to.
05:36We'll have to go back, that's sure.
05:39Oh, I'd better check the lantern.
05:42Oh, be careful of that thing, Neil. It might blow up on you.
05:45That'll be one way to get warm, huh?
05:47Yeah. Now let me walk out there with you. Nothing else to do.
05:52The lantern's okay. You should be able to...
05:55Neil! Neil, look out! Neil!
06:02Norm, you hit somebody!
06:04Hey, what's he talking about? He's a band-aid!
06:07No, no. You hit a state trooper. There he is on the ground.
06:18Hey, Bill. There's a car ahead of us.
06:21I just saw his lights hit the rocks as he went around the bend.
06:24Yeah, I saw him too, pal. About half a mile ahead.
06:27Traveling at a pretty safe speed, I'd say.
06:30Oh, well, wake me up when we get to Canyon City.
06:33Don't tell me that, Henry. You're too nosy to sleep, and you know it.
06:37Yeah, I guess you're right.
06:40Say, what hotel did Mitch put up at?
06:42What hotel? I didn't know there was more than one in Canyon City.
06:46Well, there are two of them now.
06:48Since when?
06:49Boy, I see you don't keep up on the latest news. It was in the paper.
06:53Where?
06:55Down at the bottom of the third page, about three lights.
06:58I only read the big print.
07:00Oh, I see. Well, here's that bend I saw that car go around.
07:04It's probably gone around six more since then.
07:07Yeah, I suppose so. Hey, Bill, look out!
07:12Get out, pal. There's something wrong up there.
07:15Yeah, it looks like an accident.
07:22Hey, Bill, there's a man lying on the ground. That car must have run over him.
07:26Great Scott. It's a trooper.
07:29Hey, will you fellas give me a hand? My partner, he's hurt badly.
07:33Sure. Hey, it's Harry McCormick.
07:36Bill Jefferson. Boy, am I glad to see you.
07:39Who is it on the ground, Harry?
07:40Neil Crown.
07:41Uh-oh. You give Neil first aid, Harry. Henry and I'll rig a stretcher.
07:46Okay. Keep your eye on those two roughnecks, will you?
07:49That tall one is the fellow that ran Neil down.
08:00Just a little bit more. That's it.
08:04That's good, fellas.
08:06Be sure the stretcher is resting squarely in back.
08:09Boy, that wasn't easy, putting it over the top of the seats.
08:13Yeah, Neil's pretty heavy.
08:16Oh, where are those two lads?
08:18They're standing by their car, waiting.
08:20Hey, you two. Come over here.
08:22Yes, sir.
08:23Get in the front seat of the ranger's car.
08:26What do you want us to do?
08:28You fellow are under arrest.
08:30Reckless driving.
08:32Your friend is a material witness.
08:34Under arrest?
08:36I didn't even see the other trooper on the barricade, either.
08:39Ah, yeah. The judge will like that story.
08:41He's right, officer. I didn't see him, either.
08:43Norm wasn't driving fast.
08:45Oh, you two have your story all set, haven't you?
08:47Harry, you better save this for later.
08:49Neil needs to be taken to a hospital.
08:51Right. Let's go.
08:53You and Henry sit in the back seat.
08:55Keep Neil from rolling off the stretcher.
08:57You two lads get in the front seat with me.
08:59Okay, hop to it.
09:09Those two young whippersnappers got themselves into deep water this time.
09:14Of course, you might know it would be with Norman around.
09:17Uh, Norman plenty careless.
09:19Never listened to advice. Always take chance.
09:22Now he wished maybe he listened.
09:24That's right, Werewolf.
09:26The funny part about it is that when we saw the...
09:28Hey, Bill. Here comes Harry.
09:35How's Neil, Harry?
09:37That's a good. Condition critical, they say.
09:40I'm sure it's sorry to hear that.
09:42Did they say what chance he has of making the grade?
09:45Well, doctor says he's got a 50-50 chance to pull through.
09:50Where is he injured the most, Harry?
09:52It's his chest, Bill.
09:54It's his chest, Bill. It's crushed.
09:58Man, that's serious.
10:00Yeah, you're telling me.
10:04You leaving, Harry?
10:06There's nothing I can do at the moment.
10:08I'm going to file my report.
10:10I'll be back in a little while.
10:12What are you charging Norman Marks with, Harry?
10:14Reckless driving.
10:17And if Neil dies, it's manslaughter.
10:25Oh.
10:33Well, it looks like Norm's in for it.
10:36The report that State Trooper Harry McCormick's going to file is pretty serious.
10:41Right now, let's visit Norm at the Knotty Pine jail
10:44where he's being held until the judge sets bond for his freedom.
10:48Norm's dad and the lawyer are talking to the lad.
10:51His friend Jack is there, too.
10:55Norman, this is Alfred Cassidy, lawyer.
10:58He's going to try to defend you in court.
11:00Hello, Mr. Cassidy.
11:02Hello, Norman.
11:04Dad, you talk like I'm guilty of this.
11:06I don't know whether you're guilty or not,
11:09but I do know that you've scoffed time and again
11:12at any advice I've given you about being more careful.
11:15Now here we are again.
11:17Honest, Dad, I didn't see the trooper or the barricade.
11:21Ask Jack.
11:22That's right, Mr. Marks.
11:24We were on top of him before we could see a thing.
11:26I'd like to believe that, but I just can't.
11:29Now listen, all three of you.
11:31I don't want any of you to talk to a soul about the accident
11:34until I'm ready for you to talk.
11:36I want to get all the facts first.
11:38You can talk about anything else, but not about the accident, understand?
11:42We want Norman to be protected as fully as the law allows.
11:46Okay, Mr. Cassidy.
11:48I'd like to have a word with you privately, Mr. Cassidy.
11:51Certainly. We can talk in the sheriff's office.
11:54See you in the morning, Norman. You too, Jack.
11:57Okay, good night.
11:58Good night, sir.
12:08Tell me, uh, what's your candid opinion, Mr. Cassidy?
12:12Well, uh, without all the facts at hand,
12:15I can't give you a straight answer, Mr. Marks.
12:18However, I have read the report of the arresting officer.
12:21Yes?
12:22Circumstantial evidence is all against your boy.
12:34Whoa, Storm. Take it easy, big boy.
12:37We'll hit the trail soon.
12:39You fellas about ready?
12:41Easy does it, miss.
12:42Stand still.
12:43I'll be ready in a second, Bill.
12:45Say, I'm wondering how Norm's making out.
12:47I don't know.
12:48I talked with the sheriff last night.
12:50Looks like Norm's in a bad spot.
12:52Tildy! Stop pawing the ground!
12:55If you step on my foot, I'll give you a fat eye.
12:59That young fella didn't have a reputation
13:01for being such a reckless scallywag.
13:04He'd be a lot better off now.
13:06Folks are against him.
13:07Ah, you speak truth.
13:09Many people in town say he at last gets what he asks for.
13:13The question is, is he really guilty?
13:15Guilty? What else could he be, sonny?
13:18Harry's a good trooper, and he's so at all.
13:21You wouldn't lie about a thing like that.
13:23Yeah, I know, but do you think Harry might have
13:26stretched a point or two because his partner got hurt?
13:29Not Harry. He always fared.
13:31Well, it's too bad, but there's not much we can do about it.
13:35It's out of our hands.
13:37Let's go, fellas.
13:38Come on, Storm.
13:42Come on.
13:51Hello, Mr. Cassidy.
13:53Did you find out anything that will help me?
13:55Good morning, Norman, Jack, Mr. Marx.
13:58Good morning, sir.
14:00Norman, are you sure you've told me the truth?
14:05On my word of honor, Mr. Cassidy, I have.
14:08No, the reason I ask is because a lie won't do you a bit of good.
14:14What do you mean by that, Mr. Cassidy?
14:16Well, Mr. Marx, I've read and reread the arresting officer's report
14:20of the accident.
14:22And I myself went to the scene of the accident.
14:25What did you find out?
14:26Somebody's not telling the truth.
14:29You were telling the truth, Norman?
14:32Dad, I know I've been wrong in the past.
14:35I know I've told some wild stories, but this time I'm telling the truth.
14:40Even if I were standing before the Lord, I would say the same thing.
14:44I didn't see Officer Crown or the barricade.
14:47That's the truth.
14:48On my word of honor, I say the same thing.
14:51Yeah, all right, son.
14:53I believe you.
14:54Now, there's only one thing we can do,
14:56and that's to find some evidence that's been missed.
15:00I think I'll start at the hospital.
15:05♪♪
15:10You say it won't be possible to talk to Officer Crown for several days, Doctor.
15:15That's right, Mr. Cassidy.
15:18You see, his condition hasn't changed.
15:21He's hanging between life and death.
15:23We've got a 24-hour watch on him.
15:26I hope he pulls through for his family's sake and for Norman's.
15:30He still has only a 50-50 chance.
15:34Oh, um, here comes his partner, Trooper McCormick.
15:37Yes, I know, Harry.
15:39He's taking this pretty hard.
15:41Yes, the men have worked together for many years.
15:45Hello, Doc.
15:47Mr. Cassidy.
15:48Good morning, Harry.
15:49Hello, McCormick. How's Neil, Doc?
15:51Still the same, Harry.
15:53When's the crisis?
15:55Probably around noon tomorrow.
15:58All right, see you.
16:01Mr. Cassidy, I hear you're defending young Marks.
16:04That's right, Harry.
16:06Don't you think you're wasting your time?
16:08No, I don't think so, else I wouldn't be on the case.
16:11Well, I'm going to see to it that the judge throws a book at that young fella.
16:14And it's my job to see that he gets the protection of the law to the full.
16:18Yeah?
16:19Well, the evidence proves that he's guilty.
16:21Circumstantial evidence, yes, I'll admit to that.
16:24But somewhere an important piece of evidence has been missed.
16:27I believe Norman's telling the truth.
16:30You believe Norman Marks?
16:32You know what his reputation is?
16:34Yes, I do.
16:35And I also know that there comes a time when everybody does tell the truth, Harry.
16:41I'll see you before the judge in the morning.
16:43Right.
16:44I sure hope the judge refuses bail.
16:47I'll lock up that young fella and throw the key away.
16:58The next case...
17:00Your Honor, the next case is the State versus Norman Marks.
17:03Oh, yes.
17:04Is the attorney for the defense here?
17:07I'm the attorney for the defense, Your Honor.
17:09Oh, yes, Mr. Cassidy.
17:11Well, on looking over the evidence available,
17:14I'd say the State has an airtight case against this lad.
17:18I set his trial one week from Monday.
17:21What is the bail to be posted for my client's freedom until the trial, Your Honor?
17:25I'm sorry, there won't be any bail, Mr. Cassidy.
17:27If it pleases the court, I'd like to set the trial date sooner.
17:30I request denied.
17:32This court wants to wait until it is known whether Trooper Crown will live or die.
17:44It really looks like Norman's going to get the book thrown at him, doesn't it?
17:48Now let's catch up with Bill and the fellas.
17:50They're heading back to town after being out on the trail several days.
17:55Well, I'm glad we're going back home, Bill.
17:58I'm anxious to find out how Norman's making out.
18:01I've been thinking a lot about him.
18:03So have I, pal.
18:05The Lord's really put Norman on my mind.
18:07That must be right, because we head for a place where accidents take place.
18:11Hey, we're just going to see the same thing, young fella.
18:15Why are you heading for the Canyon City Road, Bill?
18:18I want to take a look at the scene of the accident.
18:21I want to take a look at the scene of the accident.
18:24You saw it before, didn't you?
18:26I want to look again, Henry.
18:28And Harry's report gives all the facts, doesn't it?
18:30Presumably, yeah, but I want to recheck them.
18:33You mean Harry may have stretched a point or two?
18:36I don't mean that at all, pal.
18:38Something has been bothering me.
18:41Now you tell us, maybe.
18:43Now we know something was on your mind by the way you acted.
18:47Do you think some important facts have been left out of the picture, Bill?
18:50Well, I don't know.
18:52Let's wait until we get there and take a look.
18:55And I'll be able to tell.
18:57Well, what's the one thing that keeps bothering you, Bill?
19:00Well, it's this.
19:02Harry, Norman, and Jack were all involved in the accident.
19:06They all seem to be telling the truth.
19:09And why does Norman and Jack's story differ so radically from Harry's?
19:14Ah, that's plenty hard to tell.
19:16Well, that's why I'm going there, to find out.
19:19After we stop at the scene of the accident, we'll head back home.
19:35It's sure good to be home again.
19:37The place looks the same.
19:39Yep, except for that fellow sitting over there in the corner.
19:42Him not here when we leave.
19:44Yeah.
19:45Hello, Mr. Cassidy.
19:47Howdy, Mr. Cassidy.
19:49Hello, Al.
19:50You can tell these fellows haven't been working very hard.
19:53They're full of monkey business.
19:56It seems that you fellows always seem to be able to laugh,
20:00no matter how serious the situation is.
20:03I wish I could do that.
20:05You can, Al.
20:06I can? What's the secret?
20:08No secret.
20:09You just put complete trust in the Lord and let Him work things out according to His plan.
20:14Ah, yes.
20:15Ahem.
20:16I see.
20:17Well, I hope this formula you have works out for what I'm about to ask you.
20:23Go ahead and ask, Al.
20:24I'll do the best I can.
20:25That's right, Al.
20:27We've got a motto around here.
20:29The difficult things we do ourselves.
20:32But only the Lord can do the impossible.
20:34So we give that to Him.
20:36Well, I'm afraid that I'm going to ask the impossible.
20:39Let's hear it, Al.
20:40Yeah, tell us, Al.
20:42Can you help me find evidence that will prove Norman Marks innocent of these charges?
20:47Uh-oh.
20:48Yes, Al.
20:50I can give you evidence that will clear Norman.
20:53Well, what the...
20:54Tell us.
20:55Hey, close your tater traps.
20:57Let Bill and Al talk.
20:59Oh, Bill, you wouldn't joke with an old friend on something as serious as this.
21:03Have I ever, Al?
21:04No, but...
21:05Well, are you sure?
21:06Don't build up our hopes unless you are.
21:09Will it stand up in court?
21:10It'll stand up in court.
21:12Only I want to get this over with before the trial.
21:15What can I do to help, Bill?
21:17Bring Norman, Mr. Marks, and Jack out at the scene of the accident right after dark this evening.
21:22I'll bring Harry McCormick and the rest of my boys.
21:25Okay, we'll be there, Bill.
21:40Maybe Harry's over at the hospital, Bill.
21:50He's there, Henry.
21:53McCormick speaking.
21:55Harry, this is Bill.
21:57Oh, how are you, Bill?
21:58Nice to hear your voice.
21:59How's Neil?
22:00Well, I'm glad to say he's improving.
22:03He passed the crisis.
22:05Doc said he'll be off the critical list in a day or two.
22:08Oh, that's wonderful.
22:10Harry, will you take a ride with me out to the scene of the accident right after dark?
22:15Why?
22:16Does Cassidy got you in on this, too?
22:19I told him he couldn't get Mark off this time.
22:22The judge will throw the book at him.
22:23You still haven't answered my question, old boy.
22:26I don't see why it's necessary to go through the whole thing again.
22:29What's the purpose, anyhow?
22:31To prove Norman innocent.
22:32What?
22:33Man, either you're joking or else you're out of your mind.
22:36Neither, Harry.
22:37What do you say?
22:38I don't think so, Bill.
22:40Just a waste of time.
22:42As a personal favor?
22:46Well, all right, Bill. I'll do it.
22:49Thanks, Harry.
22:50I'll pick you up in about 45 minutes.
22:52Okay, Bill. I'll see you then.
22:54See you then.
23:05Well, the barricade's set up just like it was the night of the accident, Bill.
23:09All right.
23:10The lantern's just like it was then?
23:12Uh, yeah.
23:13The barricade's in the same place, Harry?
23:16Exactly the same place, Cassidy.
23:18You sure?
23:19Positive.
23:20Norman, Jack, will you come here, please?
23:23Yeah, sure, Bill.
23:25How fast were you going down this road, Norman?
23:28About 35 miles an hour.
23:30Not any faster.
23:32You agree, Jack?
23:33Yes, Bill.
23:34I remember Norman and I talked about reducing speed on this road because of the bad turns.
23:39Harry, will you take my car and go back down the road about half a mile?
23:43And drive up to the barricade like you think Norman did?
23:46I'd be glad to, Bill.
23:48Hey, Bill, what are you up to?
23:50You'll see when Harry drives the car up to the barricade.
23:53Are you sure this is going to prove something, Bill?
23:56Just be patient.
24:21Harry drives the car a half mile down the road.
24:25He turns around and starts back toward the barricade.
24:37Harry watches the speedometer to be sure he's going the same speed that Norman did.
24:44Meanwhile, Bill hears the car approaching and he walks out in front of the barricade,
24:48stoops down over the ladder just as Neil did when Norman was driving.
24:54Suddenly, the car rounds the turn.
24:56Bill's still crouched over the ladder.
24:58Henry yells,
24:59Look out, Bill!
25:00Bill suddenly stands up right in front of the approaching car.
25:05Great Scott, Bill. I almost ran over you.
25:07What? Didn't you see me crouched over the light?
25:09No, I didn't see you or the light.
25:10Didn't you see the barricade?
25:11No.
25:12Well, neither did Norman.
25:14What?
25:16I...
25:19Bill, I...
25:21I've made a terrible mistake.
25:24Norman couldn't possibly have seen Neil.
25:26Why not, Harry?
25:27Well, the car was coming slightly upgrade around the turn,
25:30and Neil was covering the ladder with his body.
25:34Norman, I...
25:36I'm terribly sorry.
25:38I've done you a great injustice.
25:41I can see now this was purely an accident.
25:44You're innocent.
25:47I withdraw the charge.
25:58Well, I've learned a lot, Bill.
26:01This experience has knocked some seriousness into my head.
26:05You don't know how grateful I am for what you've done.
26:08And that goes for me too, Bill.
26:10Thanks so much for helping us.
26:13I'm the one who's more grateful than anybody.
26:16I unknowingly accused an innocent man.
26:20I wish I could make this up to you some way, Norman.
26:23I think you and Norm are even, Harry.
26:26How do you mean, Bill?
26:27Well, even though this has been a rugged experience,
26:31Norman's learned he's got to be responsible and protect his reputation.
26:37And you've learned that circumstantial evidence can be wrong.
26:41Well, you can say that again.
26:44Tell me, Bill.
26:46How did you figure this out?
26:48Well, the contradiction between your stories really disturbed me, Harry.
26:53Then I remembered that when Henry and I drove up,
26:56I had to slam on my brakes rather hard.
26:59And the taillights in Norm's car were on then.
27:03That started a chain reaction.
27:06Then Al came to see us, so I thought we would try out my idea.
27:11A great piece of deduction.
27:14I got to hand it to you, Bill.
27:17You must have some kind of a secret formula for this.
27:21No, no secret formula, Al.
27:24It's the Bible, which all men can read.
27:28Whenever I get a tough problem, I remember Proverbs 3.5.
27:32Yes, what's that?
27:33Trust in the Lord with all thine heart,
27:36and lean not unto thine own understanding.
27:52Bill certainly has a good formula, as Al Cassidy calls it.
27:56It's a verse of scripture that all of us should use more often.
27:59And certainly Bill proved that facts can give us the wrong picture
28:03unless we have all of them.
28:05We'll see you next week for more adventure with...
28:08Ranger Bill!

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