Ranger Bill, warrior of the woodland.
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.
Today have you ever known a fellow that had two left feet, or two left hands, or ten thumbs?
No, I don't mean that anybody actually has a peculiarity like this, but there is a certain
type of person who never seems able to do anything right.
It's really a terrible handicap, although it can be overcome.
Let's drop over to Ranger headquarters.
There's a young fellow there who fits right into this category, and we'll call this story
Timid Timothy.
Boy, talk about the luck of the Irish.
I must have been born at the wrong time.
Everything I do is wrong, and I mean everything.
Perhaps it just seems that way, Tim.
Ever try to analyze why you're not successful at things?
Sure, lots of times.
But always come out with the same answer.
Timothy Sullivan, you're just a flop, a fiasco, and a failure from the word-
Hey, hold up there, you raven maverick.
Keep calling yourself all those names, you'll end up by thinking you're no good at all.
The world ain't painted black all over, you know.
Well, if you don't mind, I'll disagree, Stumpy.
It's painted black wherever I set my miserable feet.
Now, Tim, don't be so pessimistic.
Suppose you and I sit down together sometime soon and make an analysis of your efforts
and why they failed.
Bill, that's an invitation I won't refuse.
You let me know the time and place and I'll be there.
Okay, Tim, how about a week from tonight at my house?
Well, that'll be swell.
Well, I've got to run along.
There's a hot deal cooking and, well, I sure hope it's a success.
Oh, poor Tim.
He sure gets himself into the most harebrained ventures, doesn't he?
I'll say he does.
No wonder he doesn't make a success.
When a man goes into business, he got to use head.
A man had to make profit or he'd go to a poor house in no time.
Remember the time he bought a hundred rabbits?
He was going to sell them to children as pets.
Only there wasn't any market, either here in Naughty Pond or anywhere else.
How about that time he opened up a bicycle shop?
Now, who wants to ride a bicycle in these hills, I ask you?
Well, that's why I asked him to come over to the house.
He needs a good dose of business education.
Maybe Tim is not kind who can be in business for himself.
Maybe he should get a job and work for someone else.
I don't think so, Gray Wolf.
The boy's smart, basically.
Has that certain sense that makes a go-getter out of him.
Only he needs training.
There's Officer Sullivan directing traffic.
One thing's sure, Tim have fine dad.
I'll say.
Got a heart of gold and yet he's always the strong arm of law.
Hey, Mike, wave in to us.
Wait!
Bill, fellas, wait!
Okay, Mike.
You're just the man I want to speak to, Bill.
Sure, what's on your mind?
Oh, it's about one of my five sons, Timothy.
Oh, yeah, I know him well.
Bill, I'm telling you.
He's a fine boy, but out of all my boys, he causes me the most worry.
Yeah?
How's that?
Oh, with his half-witted business schemes.
Now, he's in one up to his ears.
Oh, is that so?
What kind of a high-flying business deal has he gotten into now?
Well, he didn't get himself into this.
Exactly.
Well, sort of handed to him, I'd say.
Huh?
What are you talking about?
Well, his uncle, my brother, who lives in the East, asked him if he wanted to go into
business with him.
Well, that's not so bad.
At least he'd be in partnership with an experienced man.
No, Bill, it ain't that way.
His uncle will be in the East and Timothy will be here in 95.
That doesn't make sense.
You're telling me, Henry.
But let me tell you the rest of it.
We're listening, young feller.
Well, Timothy's uncle was out here about three years ago and bought some timberland for an
investment.
Well, now he says it's time to be working the timber and cutting it down and selling
it.
Well, something wrong with that?
Oh, wait a minute.
This is what takes the cake.
He asked Timothy to manage the business for him.
Oh, I see.
And Tim said yes, huh?
Yeah, but get this.
Now that he's made his promise, his uncle sent him a check for $10,000 to start with.
$10,000?
Wow.
It sounds like a lot, I know, but logging is an expensive operation, so $10,000 isn't
too much.
Now, one question, Mike.
Can't your boy back out of it?
Just admit that the job's too big for him and return the check?
Well, the crazy kid's given his word.
He ain't gonna break out of it this time or I'll strap him within an inch of his life.
This one time he's gonna make good or else.
Hey, you're putting it pretty strong.
Well, I got reason to.
It's about time he took his place in the world as a man.
Besides, I think this is a splendid opportunity for him.
This is one deal that I think's a good one, and it's the only one he's had so far that's
been worth anything.
But, well, here's the problem, Bill.
He ain't gonna make a success of it unless he has help.
I think you're right, and I'm sure Ed Banker would be only too glad to help him in his
business affairs.
Well, I know he would, Bill, but that ain't who I want to help him.
No?
Who do you want?
You.
Me?
No, wait a minute.
I've got all I can...
I know you're a busy man, but you're the one I want for Tim.
But why me?
Well, because I trust you.
You're a fine Christian gentleman besides.
Will you help him, Bill, for my sake?
All right, I'll be glad to, Mike.
I'll do all I can to help him make his logging business a success.
Oh, well, thanks, Bill.
If it's any comfort to you, you've eased the worrying of an old man's heart.
Hello, Bill.
I'm here.
Johnny on the spot.
Or should I say Timothy?
Come on in, Tim.
Yeah, let me have your coat.
Thanks, Bill.
Well, how are things, huh?
Pretty exciting right now, Bill.
Dad said he'd talk to you yesterday.
Yeah, he did.
Hope you picked a comfortable chair for yourself, Tim.
We got a lot of talking to do.
Right.
Well, what do you think of this whole proposition my uncle's made me for managing the cutting
of his timber?
I think it has good possibilities.
The main thing is, what do you think about it?
Frankly, Bill, I'm scared.
I've been such a failure at a date that I'm seriously thinking of calling the whole thing
off.
Why are you looking at me that way?
Timothy Sullivan, you ought to be ashamed of yourself.
What do you mean?
I mean, that would be the coward's way out.
Where's your backbone?
You made a promise, didn't you?
Well, sure, but $10,000 is a lot of money.
Oh, wait a minute.
Tell me something.
Yeah?
Is it the $10,000 that scares you or the possibility that you might make a failure of this too that's
made you squeamish?
Well, I...
Well, that is, you see...
Come on, man.
Give me a straight answer.
Oh, what's the use?
Bill, I'm just scared to death that I'm going to make a failure of this too.
Well, honestly, I could almost cry about it.
That's what I thought.
Now you open your ears, young fella, because I'm going to do some talking.
And I'm only going to say it once.
You're going to make a success out of this venture or I'll know the reason why.
Oh, hello, Bill, Tim.
Come right in.
Sit down.
Thank you, sir.
Well, Ed, have you got Tim's account all set up?
I sure have.
Here are the papers.
Can you sign here?
Sure.
Well, I mean, that is, if Bill says it's okay...
Go ahead.
Ed is the most honest banker in the world.
He's here to help you.
You can trust him.
Okay.
Where do I sign?
Right where the check marks are.
Sign in three places.
One is a receipt for the checkbook.
The other is our authorizations for us to open your account.
Thanks.
Thanks for all your help, Ed.
Don't mention it, Bill.
I'm more than happy to do it.
Well, there you are, all signed and sealed.
Now if you will endorse this check from your uncle, you'll be in business.
Thank you.
Let me tell you one thing, Tim.
Yes?
What's that?
It's handling another man's money.
Be careful.
Bankers don't like to be associated with failure.
Why did you take my account if you're pessimistic about the outcome of my managing this venture?
I'm not pessimistic.
I am realistic.
To answer your question, I am taking your account for one reason.
I should say two reasons.
One is that your father talked to me as he did Bill.
The second reason is that Bill is your advisor.
With him helping you, I don't see how you can fail.
I see.
Thank you.
So you see, Timothy Sullivan, you've got to come through this time.
Bill, I'm scared, really and truly.
Don't be.
There's too much to be done.
And you have one other friend you can count on.
Don't forget that.
You mean the Lord?
Yes, Tim.
If you use your head, work hard, and show some common sense, I know the Lord will help
you to be a success.
I'll try real hard, Bill.
Honestly, I will.
That's good enough for me.
Well thanks for everything, Ed.
Come on, Tim.
I want you to make a call on an old friend of mine, Frenchy Dussalle.
Oh, Frenchy, he glad to see you, Bill.
Frenchy glad to bring your friend, Timothy.
Frenchy, we'd like you to take a short trip with us.
Have a look at some timber Tim wants to log.
He needs your expert advice.
Oh, yeah.
Oh, Frenchy, he glad to go.
I will be back in a few minutes after I give orders to form him.
Okay, Frenchy, we'll be right here for you.
Boy, what a hunk of man he is.
He must be a Christian, too.
Yes, he is.
He's a wonderful fellow, Tim.
Been a Christian for over three years now.
How'd you ever get to know him?
Oh, he had a fight and we became good friends.
You had a fight and became friends?
Well, how'd you do that?
It's a long story.
Someday I'll tell it to you.
We haven't time now because Frenchy's coming back.
Go see this timber you're going to log.
Well, it looks pretty good to you, Frenchy.
Oh, yeah.
Frenchy thinks it's good, found the timber.
Yeah, that's why my uncle bought it three years ago.
He thought it would be a good investment.
If this stone she cut right, you can have second growth in 20 years.
Some good seed trees here.
Frenchy, do you know where Tim can get some good lumberjacks?
Oh, now you ask Frenchy for impossible.
What do you mean?
We can't log without lumberjacks.
Oh, we are, no, but good lumberjacks are working now.
Any who not work are lazy or no good.
Uh-oh.
You see, Bill, we're starting with two left feet already.
Now, take it easy, Tim.
Frenchy, you think this is good timber?
Oh, we, Frenchy says that for sure.
You agree, Billy?
You go with lumberman.
Yes, I agree.
Okay, Frenchy, we'll take you back to your camp, and Tim and I have a lot of work to
do.
Okay, fellas, hold it down.
What's cooking, Bill?
Yes, how come you called us in?
Not that I mind.
It's getting kind of dull and monotonous.
Go ahead, Tim, you're on your own now.
Ralph, Tom, Stumpy, Henry, Gray Wolf, Bill's called you fellas together so I could ask
you if you'll help me with my problem.
Well, thanks, fellas.
Now, I've never been very successful before, but...
Oh, see here, son, if you're gonna start out with them kind of discouraging words, you
can count me out.
You see, Tim, in the Rangers' code, there isn't any such word as impossible.
I'll go ahead and tell your plan.
Bill and I will get equipment and lumberjacks.
Henry, I want you to be part-time bookkeeper and timekeeper, because we're gonna have to
have a payroll to keep when we hire the jacks.
Sure, Tim, by the bookkeeping I've taken in high school will come in handy.
You'll also have other chores to do, such as getting supplies and so forth.
Stumpy, Gray Wolf, Ralph, Tom, I want you fellas to get started out at the timber stand
and clear snake roads for the logs and mark out trees to be cut and set up loading platforms
for the log trucks to take their loads from.
Understand?
Hey, you're catching on fast.
Fellas, I've released you from your duties.
Actually, you'll get an extra day off this week.
Well, let's get a move on, then.
Henry, see that the boys get all the supplies they need from the warehouse.
I've got credit there.
Rent a truck from Peter Sanders.
Sure thing, Tim.
Let's go, fellas.
Hey, sounds like Tim's got the bull by the horns now.
Tim, that was wonderful.
Keep it up, boy.
Thanks, Bill.
Now for the big question.
Where do we get the lumberjacks?
You'd do better if you'd worry about one thing at a time.
Better catch the next train for the lumber mills and get a contract signed to buy your
timber.
Right.
I'll catch the next one for Lumber Town.
Meanwhile, would you see if there are any lumberjacks available while I'm gone?
Sure thing.
Just get that contract, that's all.
Say, Jim, will you pass the word around that any lumberjacks looking for work should report
to Ranger headquarters in the morning?
Sure will, mister.
There's a lot of jacks that come in here at each.
Okay, what's your blige?
By the way, who do they see?
Tell them to see Tim Sullivan.
Hey, Ed.
Yeah?
Will you pass the word that any lumberjacks looking for work should report to Ranger headquarters
in the morning?
Okay, I'll do that.
Let them come in here to pass the time of day.
Thanks.
Yeah, Ranger, there's a lot of lumberjacks in this here boarding house.
Well, would you mind if I put this notice in your bulletin board?
Yeah.
Who's going to start logging?
Young Tim Sullivan.
Oh, is that so?
Well, go right ahead.
There ain't many jacks without work these days.
I know, but maybe there are a couple that are idle.
If Tim can get some from each place, he'll have a crew.
Oh, hello, Tim.
How'd you make out at the mill?
Oh, fine.
And you know, I think I got a good contract.
Here, take a look at it.
Mm-hmm.
What's wrong?
Not a thing.
I'd say that this is a good contract.
You mean it?
Sure.
It's a good piece of business on your part, I'd say.
This is a red-letter day.
For once in my life, I'm doing something right.
I told you it could be done.
You just got to use your head, that's all.
Say in about half an hour, some men should be here looking for jobs.
Timber!
All right, I hear you.
I ain't deaf, you know.
Well, there goes the first tree down, Timothy, my boy.
Yeah.
Sort of gives me a funny feeling, all these men working for me.
I just hope everything works out, that's all.
We got to meet those deadlines.
Now, don't you worry, young fellow.
You use your brains for thinking, not worrying, do you hear?
Sure, Stompy, I hear.
Say I'd better get busy and keep the ball rolling.
Listen, Sonny, we ain't rolling balls, we're rolling logs!
Okay, Tim, you'll give the orders.
All right.
Easy with that last log now.
All right, roll it over.
Now up.
No, no, no.
Bill, will you drag Grey Wolf on this?
All right, Tim.
Easy with that, Grey Wolf.
Now, easy down.
You got to set that log just right.
That's good.
Right there, she's down.
Nice work.
Yes, Tim, you just put the last log on the truck.
As soon as the chains are snubbed tight, we can roll.
This is fine, Bill.
Well, things are sure going better than I expected.
Truck's ready to roll.
Well, tell the driver to take off, Henry.
Okay, man, take her away.
Well, Tim, there goes your first load of logs to market.
You should be at the mill first thing in the morning.
How does it feel to be in business?
Well, to be honest, I don't know whether to cry or laugh.
I've just got that feeling inside, knowing I've really accomplished something for the
first time in my life.
Good, good.
Well, you're going to be a good driver, too.
You're going to be a good driver.
You're going to be a good driver.
You're going to be a good driver.
You're going to be a good driver.
You're going to be a good driver.
You're going to be a good driver.
You're going to be a good driver.
You're going to be a good driver.
You're going to be a good driver.
You're going to be a good driver.
paperwork. Well, he'll have to wait now, I guess. Let's go round up those employees of
yours.
Where could they be?
Hotels, boarding houses, restaurants.
What's the matter with them?
Too much weekend.
Oh.
These boys work hard and they play harder, I'm sorry to say. I think we made a mistake,
Tim.
Mistake? What do you mean?
They shouldn't have been paid until after the deadline on Wednesday.
Oh, yeah. Yeah, I see what you mean. And it was me that signed a contract with a middle
of the week clause. Oh, what a knucklehead I am.
Now, don't waste your time calling yourself names. Let's rouse those fellas out and get
them to work. Come on.
You only bring three men with you. What wrong with others?
Tell him, Tim.
Oh, great wolf. Fifteen of our lumberjacks are too sick to work. And it's all my fault.
I could kick myself for letting those men into town Saturday night with their paychecks.
Hey, where's my crew? Only a third of my jack showed up.
They're in town, Tom.
Oh, I see. But how are we going to cut timber with no men?
That's the big question.
Hey, you guys, how about some lumberjacks? These trees won't fall down by themselves,
you know.
Come on over, Ralph. Join the Misery Peddler Society, too, and hear the sad story.
What a predicament. We've got a deadline to meet and half a Monday's already gone.
Tim, how many board feed do we need to meet the deadline?
Five thousand.
And when does it have to be at the mill?
By Wednesday morning.
That's a lot of logs.
We can't do it in a day bill. The truck will have to leave here just after noon tomorrow
to make it. We'll lose a bonus and maybe the contract.
Well, what are you going to do about it?
Me?
Yeah, you. You're the boss of the shebang, aren't you?
Oh, yeah. I don't know yet. Hey, I've got it.
Got what?
You fellas start logging like beavers. I'm going to see a friend of mine. We're not
licked yet. And if my plan works...
Hey, Tim's taken over like he's been at it all his life.
Well, that's a story, Frenchy. Can you help us?
Oh, can't Frenchy help you? I will say here come. My whole crew will be there in half
an hour with power saws and bulldozers.
What did you say, Frenchy?
Sure, the whole crew.
I can't believe it. I only wanted a man or two and some extra equipment.
You must see, my boy, we are moving to a new standard timber. Now the bulldozers, they
move equipment. We not start work until next week. So we'll be down in half an hour. The
whole crew.
Oh, that's wonderful. Well, you don't know what this means.
Oh, never mind, Tim. The Lord, he times his right, no?
No, Frenchy. The Lord, he timed his right, yes.
Well, there goes the deadline load. Hope he makes it. I told the driver not to take any
chances by trying to make up time. Don't want an accident.
Good boy. Never risk the lives of your men.
Hey, you guys, come here quick. We've got more trouble.
What?
There's ice on the roads between here and Lumber Town. I just got a phone call here
in the shack.
Oh, that does it. Now we're finished. Well, that truck will never get there on time and
we'll lose out.
Now wait just a minute.
Yeah, what?
I want you to get one thing in your head and get it so you'll never forget it.
What's that?
Well, here's the thing. There comes a time in everybody's life when he's exhausted all
his ideas and every possibility of getting out of a jam is absolutely closed. Do you
know what to do in a case like that?
No. What do you do?
You pray, Tim, if you're a child of God and you find yourself up against the impossible.
You pray, I'll guarantee that one or two things will happen. Either God will clear the way
for you and answer to your prayer or He'll strengthen you so that you're able to bear
whatever happens. Do you believe that?
Yes.
All right, then. Let's pray.
Our Father, we come to Thee with a prayer on our lips.
Thanks for that prayer. I'm sure that whatever happens, I can bear it.
Don't sound so dismal, Tim. Now move over, pal. Tim's going to make a call.
Sure, Bill. Me?
Yes.
Well, who shall I call?
You're going to call Jim Barton at the mill.
What?
Never mind the butts, Tim. Take over. You're the boss.
Okay. I guess there couldn't be any harm in calling him.
Barton Mills, James Barton speaking.
Mr. Barton, this is Tim Sullivan at Naughty Pine. I'm calling because, well, I mean a
boss to you.
Save your breath, young man. We know all about the icy roads. You're not the only one affected.
We're extending deadline time half a day. We're making a deadline Wednesday noon this
week instead of the usual 8 a.m. Tell your driver to take it easy. We want him and the
load here safe.
Oh, boy, what a struggle. But we won, didn't we?
Yeah, we won.
Well, here's a payroll for your men, Francine. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. If it
hadn't have been for you, we'd have never...
Never mind, Timosie. Francine, the boys only get weeks exercise with pay. We only lay around
anyhow. We get far until the equipment sets up at new location.
What wonderful friends I've got. Bill, did you know that the bonus money was given to
me? My uncle said I could use it to buy him out and stay in the logging business. But
how am I going to repay you and your rangers for all your help?
Forget about it, Tim. The only reward I ask for I've got. And that is to see you take
hold of yourself and begin to manage things.
Yeah, you're right.
Well, thanks a lot, all of you. And I want to say that if I've learned one thing, if
I haven't learned anything else, when you trust God, He does things.
You're so right, Tim. God does things when you trust Him. And if you want to be on the
winning side, boys and girls, make sure you're on the Lord's side.
See you next week for more Adventure with Ranger Bill.