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. One time a man complained to his boss about a fellow employee. The man told the boss every time he went by the other man's office, he always found him staring out the window. The man wanted to know how the other fellow got away with it. The boss told him that if he came up with ideas like the man in question did, he'd get paid for staring out the window too. Ideas come from minds that do creative thinking. These ideas are what have given us the wonderful machines and gadgets we have today. In our story today we find a young man who has an idea. I like to call this one the tugboat cowboy. At Junction City, Bob Mitchel, usually called Unc, owns the Inland River Barge Company. Unc's nephew, Dick, works for his uncle, and it's more or less been the understanding that someday Dick would take over the business. But right now Unc is pacing the dock in a stew because both of his tugboats are laid up with engine trouble. What's the matter, Unc? What's your face all powdered up for? Oh, the otter's laid up with a busted engine now too. Of all the businesses in the world, I had to get mixed up in river barging. It's a dumb and stupid kind of work. One tug ain't laying down on the job, the other is. Or else a barge has got a leak in it, or else it's new houses to buy. It's always something to keep a man hopping, never a minute's peace. Well, Unc, that's business. I don't know what you're yapping about though. You made money. Sure, I made money, Barney. Well, I worked hard for it too. Every winter we spend from October to Christmas busting ice on the river just so we can get enough stuff in here to carry everybody over the hard, cold part of the winter. Then the big freeze comes and we haul everything out of the water and into the shed so we can get them ready for spring and floodwaters. I'm tired of it, Barney. I thought the general idea was to let Dick take over so as you could relax and take it easy. What's that tugboat cowboy know about this business? Zyde, things are slowing down up in the railroads and trucks working against us. You'd do better than getting something else. You know what I think I'm gonna do, Barney? Yeah, you're gonna quit this here business and go live where there ain't no water. You're not even in bathtubs. How'd you know that? Because you told me that at least two dozen times in the past year and a half. Oh, that's so. Well, this time I mean it. I made up my mind. I'm gonna sell out rock, stock and life jackets. Boy, I'm glad that meeting's over. You said it. We're not used to sitting for several hours in one shot. I'm sure glad to get out and stretch my legs. I feel like a pretzel. You look like a pretzel. You're not standing very straight. Give me time. You know, muscles of mine don't stretch so quick like yours. And you're so getting like old rubber, no give. Oh, Stumpy, you kill me. Come on, fellas, let's walk over to the Barts Company. Ain't you got that load of 50 gallon drums yet, Bill? I know. What's so funny about that? You ordered them nine to two months ago. I could make them myself, but now... You can say that again, Stumpy. That's why I want to stop over at the Barts Company office and find out what's holding up delivery. In a way, we'll kill two birds with one stone while we're here at Junction City. Yeah, that's a good idea. I ordered the drums in the factory in Central City and Unc was supposed to bring them here and then they'd be trucked to Naughty Pine. But we could have carried them one at a time at this rate of speed. Well, what are we waiting for? Let's find out. What do you mean I don't do things right? What do you mean by telling that to a man who's been in this business 40 years? Unc, I'm not trying to insult you, but simply to point out where you're slipping on... Where I'm slipping? Why, you young upstart. I was skipper of a tugboat before you wore out your first pair of three-cornered pants. And what's more, you're still not dry behind the ears, you river cowboy. You handle a tug like it was a kiddie car. And someday you're going to rip the bottom out of one of them, then we'll see how smart you are. You'll be laughed off the river. Will you let off the throttle long enough for me to explain? All right, go ahead and explain. Not that it'll do any good. Nobody can tell you a thing around here, but well, I'm going to tell you what your big problem is, and that's the plain and simple fact that you don't take care of your equipment. Says who? Says me. Your tugs are old, but they're good. And if you'd let me take them in one at a time, once a month for a routine checkup, these breakdowns wouldn't happen. But no, you've got to run them until they're gasping their last breath, and then you get sore because they stop dead and refuse to move. Uh-oh. I suppose because you went to diesel school. Ah, this will never do. You better speak up so they know we're here. I'm not through yet. I've been saving this for a long time. Hey, you two fellas. You're going to get high blood pressure if you keep this up. Bill, what are you fellas doing here? Hello, fellas. I didn't hear you come in. We waited for the intermission so we could break in. I've come after the 50-gallon drums I ordered two months ago. Ask him about the barrels. I'm not in business anymore. Huh. What's with him, Dick? Oh, the usual. Sit down, fellas. I'll fix some fresh coffee. Then I'll tell you all about it. Help yourself, fellas. There's some fresh sweet rolls under the cake cover. Thanks, Dick. And do you think Unk is serious this time, Dick? I wouldn't be surprised that he is, Bill. I know he's threatened to quit many times, but that only goes on for so long, and then it finally happens. Hey, is business that bad? Oh, it's dropped off some, but that's his own fault for the reasons you fellas heard as you came in. No doubt you did hear us. We were yelling loud enough to be heard a country mile. Yeah, we heard you all right. Sure, but it's normal, isn't it, to have a disagreement once in a while? Maybe it is, but I don't like it. I just got a little fed up with this perpetual grumbling when nine-tenths of it is his fault. I always heard that you were going to take over the business, and Unk was going to retire. Well, I guess Unk's changed his mind. He thinks I should be in a better business than this. Perhaps he's right, Dick. He's been in this game a long time, you know. Well, I appreciate his experience, but he's lost his fight. Well, there isn't any business that doesn't have its ups and downs, and the river barges are no exceptions. The thing we have to do is to inject new ideas into this job to meet the change in conditions. Have you got some ideas? Have I? Oh, man, that's all I've been doing for months, is thinking up ways to give this business a shot in the arm. Would you tell us your ideas? Sure, why not? I know you fellas can be trusted to keep quiet. My first idea is to haul truck trailers on barges. You know, the railroads do it with their piggyback service. Piggyback on barges? Sure, why not? Why not is right. You're using your head for something more than to keep your ears apart, sonny. That's a real idea you got there. I think it is too, Stumpy. I've carefully thought it out from all angles. Yeah, have you talked to Unk about this idea of yours? Sure, until I'm blue in the face. He tells me I'm daydreaming and says I should spend less time doing it and watch where I'm going when I'm on the river before I crack up a tug. That's why he calls me a tugboat cowboy, because I have fun when I'm on the river by dodging the sandbars instead of plowing the tugs through them at full speed, which, by the way, is pretty hard on the tugs. I can see that all right. You think your ideas will pay off? And how? Look at the map of the river. We can haul cargo on the barges up the river and save two days as against railroad time and three days against truck time. Well, if that's the case, I don't see why you've got any problem selling your idea. I don't think I would either, Bill, except to Unk. And he owns this outfit. Perhaps there's some way we can persuade the old fellow. Oh, I hope so. Well, I've got to get down to the dock and take a look at the tug's engines, find out why they won't go. You fellas want to come along? Sure, glad to. Dick, you sure know your business. That diesel's purring like a kitten. I guess I ought to. Went to school for three years to study diesel engines. This is a good point at hand, though. If we put these engines on a routine checkup program, these things would be caught. It was obvious what was wrong as soon as I began looking the engine over. Yep. Well, I guess we'll have to wait and see. I'm sure they'll be caught. I'm sure they'll be caught. It was obvious what was wrong as soon as I began looking the engine over. Yep. You got a strong point there, young fella. Now, look right here. This gauge tells me that the oil pressure fluctuates too much. I think there's a small leak in the line. If I didn't catch this now in a checkup, the engine would run until the line ruptured and then we'd be in a mess. So you can see the problem I'm up against. Yeah. I can understand now that you're beating your head against Unk, who is the same thing as a stone wall. You ever thought about leaving him and going into business for yourself? Oh, I've thought about it, Bill. Well, I like the old gent. He's raised me since I've been knee-high to a scupper, and he's like my own father. Oh, he's rough and he's tough, and he can still lick his weight in Wildcats. But on the other hand, he sent me through school and then to diesel school. And that cost a lot of money, because he wouldn't let me work while I was in school, said I needed all my time for studies. He's my family. I understand, Dick. But he's stubborn as a mule stuck in the mud, and that's what infuriates me. We could have it real nice, but it's one battle after the other. How would you like it if I talked to Unk? Would you? I've been trying to work up enough nerve to ask you for help. I'd be pleased if you would talk to him. Okay, I'll give it a try. Well, this seems like a good place to sit and think, huh? Oh, hello, Bill. Yes, it is. Sit down. Thanks. Yeah, I've done a lot of thinking. Here at the edge of the dock in years gone by. Don't you think you can do some more right now for Dick's sake? Oh, Bill, I'm tired. Tired of thinking, tired of working. Just plain tired and disgusted. Unk, have you ever thought of retiring and letting Dick run the business? Yeah. Why don't you? Oh, I'd rather die with my boots on. Don't try to pull a wool over my eyes, you old fox. What do you mean? I mean, I wasn't born yesterday. I know why you won't retire. Oh, that's all. Suppose you tell me. You don't want Dick to show you up. Also, you're afraid to grow old. Unk, you should be enjoying the retiring years of your life. Hunting, fishing, taking trips, or just plain loafing. You know, it's a real credit to the founder of a business if he can develop a younger man to take over and make the business hum after the founder steps aside. Oh, you could come around once in a while for old times sake, but just a visit. Why hold the young horses back? Let them do the work that they're supposed to do and let the old horses stand out in the past. You're under a shade tree and rest and watch the youngsters work like you did when you were young. Maybe you're right. I ain't made up my mind yet. Give Dick his chance, Unk. I know he thinks the world of you and he wants to build up your business is a tribute to you. Every day problems are a challenge to young men. Well, they're a burden to men who should retire. I know I think you will like Dick pretty well. You care for him all these years like you have. Yep, he is a good scrapper, ain't he? And he's got brains too. Yeah. Why not let him use them? Why know what his brains were diesel school? One of the smartest lads who ever took the range to an angel. You're right. And you're the man who's holding him back. If he keep this up long enough, he might leave you. Sure you think he might do that? Ply the ungrateful... Oh, oh, there, if he does leave you, it'll be your fault. He's like a horse chafing at the bit, Dunk. you do want to do things either break loose and run away or give up morning to do either like he's a bad man on the river but next to me you know i'm come off that method is better than you and if it's true the credit goes to you because you trained him and developed his skills you gave him the incentive to become as good as or better than his teacher be proud of him but not jealous never gave this that kind of thinking they are maybe i'm a problem and you know how to you know dick has some good ideas like the piggyback barge is clearing the river to not be part of the only amendment just as i was in the middle of the night and all my common sense well we're pretty word just all but uh... maybe you were but i mean i think that they are the problem is for a giant the only better than that i don't know what i'm saying uh... you get out of here i like the way things are going on and that's the way that goes to a long and i'm not through with you yet some money you'll wake up and they could be gone and you will be alone i'll be with you a little while bill just as soon as i think the cylinder head okay dick thank you time how'd you make out with on well i thought for a while i was getting somewhere with the old gent but i didn't still stubborn just won't get them which i know why you know what i said and great mysteries of the world you could be right about that old man c when you fell is going back to not be fine i want to stay here and see this thing through now that i'm in it up to my neck okay how we're doing to stand around let's go stopping right is wrong uh... okay i don't have much left to do not against the back in operation how'd you make out with them not too well i thought i was making headway but when i approached the subject about piggybacked by june opening up the river tonight if i had a block and that was all i was to and i was afraid of that who is a hard man to talk to believe me that's true but i know we can be reached we just gotta find the right way i guess my goose is cooked but i might as well give up i don't believe you so i guess i'll just have to stop thinking and let it go with that now wait a minute you stop thinking you'll become like stagnant water won't be good for anything when you go ahead and try to sell your idea get some subscribers talk to men in authority who can sign contracts for their companies see how you make out well it sounds good but why go to all that bother for nothing i think you'll be wasting your time dick who have you got another idea of this leave and have a look at that you never know what might come out of my sleeve beside my arm who gave them i'll get the ball rolling mister with his you and my uncle worked hand in glove for years even though you're competing carriers that's right dick we've done it not only because we're friends but the simple fact that many times our railroad's been hogtied by land and rock slides heavy snow flood well what have you i remember the time it was so hot here for two weeks running as some of the rails buckled yes dick out here competitors have to help each other out or both will be out of business sooner or later say it's true walks going to sell out honestly don't know if it means it or not mister withers i have a couple of ideas that will help us both on the time buyers are always open ideas piggyback truck trailers on barges enough that man's board to open up the river all the way to naughty pine except for the hard freeze of winter we can carry express cargo on the barges which in turn will free your flat cars for heavier loads of freight which in turn will bring your railroad more revenue will eventually move our exchange terminal from junction city to naughty pine we get the same fees as we get no on the split carrier basis how does that sound i think it sounds great dick i really do with his son a contract i'm most certainly would right now if you have the paper with you why this would increase our cargo ability to junction city and naughty pine by fifty percent i realize that i plan to increase the power of the terms for greater speed load limit i hope to be able to get to larger times in the not too distant future and more barges wonderful i know we'll be able to work out a very fine mutual agreement whenever you're ready one what the that's a good question sir i hope not too long good day today young man there was a and over here you well that's quite an idea yes indeed said rick so why what that's a fact that the football i'm going to have a talk with them and find out if he's serious about selling out and if he is then it would be our advantage to buy the barge company well that's my idea mister jones you think mountain states trucking would be interested in working out a mutual agreement i most certainly do i think your idea is brilliant our truck trailers can be piggyback to not a pile lot cheaper than we can haul them over the roads not only that but the river route will eliminate an awful lot of hazardous driving between central city and canyon city which is you know is our northern distribution terminal every truck driver in the central city naughty pine route is a bonus man we have to pay bonuses to get truck drivers to take the risk specially at the speed they must maintain to keep our express business this way we could slow down our non-perishable and non-express schedule which would be much easier on our drivers when do we sign a contract well i'm not sure yet i hope it'll be shortly good day mister jones and thank you so on dick yesterday being what did you want to wants to piggyback our trailers on barges from central city to naughty pine great idea you told him or for it yes sir how much do you think the barge companies were or not more than thirty thousand i've heard that i'm serious about selling out don't bother with rumors don't find out yes sir right away or one more thing jones yes jb tell on will give them a royalty of twenty dollars a trailer for the next two years he'll sell to us instead of the railroad i did it bill well that's fine dick we'll see of a little reverse psychology a work on it what do you mean and you'll see in a couple hours as well and one way to skin a cat you know who was skinning cats got to do with this is just a patient by a friend we don't think that was it's easier on the blood pressure okay but was to look at on the airplane did the gentleman you talked with ask you if i'm going to sell yes one did mister withers railroad yes one the truckers have heard the rumor to without a doubt they've heard your ideas and going to be some fancy dickering to get on this uh... yes alright and unless i miss my guess on being the seeds right now by two men with a fist full of money you know i can't let them out now listen to reason on i only came here to do a good turn out there are a lot of options where do you ever get the wild idea i'd sound on the road what's more than that your mind's gonna run this business make it was five thousand more at mcgillian before i thought it would not go out okay but if you change your mind i'll make it worth your while to let me buy it uh... evenoi put a spell this baricked company we worry better blah hyal well of have got a handful of cash in a real off joe will organisation ender Ahora and then had remembered why at any more you wanna self eaten cucumber Here comes cyclone. All right which one of you clowns sicked him on me. What's all fired for. You look like an English bulldog with a lot. To a team. Jokes on me. You better not joke around when you take a test file on that. Piggyback idea. You mean we can try it. We're loaded and ready to go. Each barge has two truck trailers left to it. Quite a side dick. So make history when you show it off right now. Thanks on for letting me try this out. I've got to get to the wheelhouse before we're adrift. Cast off the line. I wasn't joking on when I said this would make history and you're the one who let it come to pass. Maybe so but I told her yet. We get the junction city I believe he can do it. You make it and we'll help him won't we. I don't know about that. I made my first one by myself. I had only one barge. He's got three. Expect trouble. No but. Oh this is a very real river bill. Mercy no one can ever do tell what she is going to do. Well there's the halfway mark. The worst part of the river is yet to come. I'm not afraid of it. Say am I imagining things or is the river getting rougher. I told you the worst is yet to come. I'm waiting for the man. We've got the water something fierce at times. I've seen three foot waves in the narrows and there ain't much room to maneuver. You just have to take it. He's the man who knows. And we're coming into the narrows now. Hey boy. The last thing that one of the trailers come loose and it's crashing around. Uncle will you take the wheel. Nonsense I take the wheel. I'm going with him to help. Watch my hand signals. Aye aye. Come on. Good thing the tugs pushing these barges instead of pulling it. We'd never make it a number three without getting wet. I am much more pro in a house. Especially in cold weather. There's a loose trailer. Oh she's really sliding around. Take much to pitch the trailer over the side. I'll take care of it. What are you going to do. Well then he is this barge up on the river bank. So she'll stand standing. But if you don't hit the bank right she might listen throw the trailer out. Not with the wind pushing against the trailer like it is. Hang on. I've got my signal heading for the bank. We're going to hit. You did it. The trailer is standing up. Oh boy you have to be in this game 30 years before you learn all the tricks of the trade. Let's get this block and tackle rigged and slide the trailer into place and like I should firm this time. And there goes the last trailer of our first piggyback load. Yep. And this is. Look at all the folks watching. They sure couldn't figure out how you was going to get them out of the barge. They didn't figure you build a platform out of timbers and each barge so the tractors could load and unload the trailers themselves. Pretty smart I say. You really mean that Unc? I sure do some. Yep you did a good and proper. Now all for it 100 percent. But I thought all along that you were against me. Oh you see some. I figure anything worth getting is worth working for. You know what's easy to come by and appreciate it. Dick my boy you're the best tugboat cowboy this river's ever seen. In the business? No she's all yours. Well see you next week for more adventure with Ranger Bill.
