 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. This time of the year is always a dangerous time for young people who love to take chances, especially who live out in the country or in the suburbs of a city like Notty Pine. The great shady river flows swiftly by the city and it seldom, if ever, freezes over. It's too swift and powerful to allow ice to form, except along the edges. The river does carry huge chunks of ice rapidly downstream, however. The people of Notty Pine have long expressed a desire to have the river fenced off where young people could get into trouble with these ice flows. And our story today is about what happened while people were arguing who was going to pay for it. So we bring you the story of Prisoner on Ice Island. Right now the mayor of Notty Pine and the alderman in his council are in session over this very thing. Mr. Mayor, I hear a petition here signed by 50 residents of Forest Hills Park, demanding that the city of Notty Pine fence off the banks of the shady river adjacent to their properties. Gentlemen, please, let's wait until the floor is open for discussion to make comments. Go ahead, Bob. I have another petition signed by the 200 residents of Pine Hills requesting the same action. It's my opinion that these petitions should be given serious consideration at once, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Robert. Gentlemen, I agree with Bob that we should do as the steering committee suggests. The problem of fencing off the banks of the shady river to protect the children has come up several years running. And I think we should do something about it. Mr. Mayor, the alderman from the fourth ward. I move that the city ask for bids right away to fence off these areas before somebody's children drown. Can I demand immediate discussion of the problem before the chair asks for seconds for the motion Neil made? We can discuss the matter just as well after a second as before. Can't we, Fred? No, I'd like to stop this thing before it starts. Well, I must say that's a bit irregular. Seems to me you're putting a price on children's lives. That is not the question at hand, sir. Why should the whole city pay for fencing that'll benefit only a few? Well, we can't overstate that. Very well. If the alderman from the fourth ward is willing to hold his motion over, we'll put the question in special committee. I so do. Thank you. Fred, Neil and Hal, will you three gentlemen serve on my special committee to bring the solution of this problem before the council one week from today? Mr. Mayor, I object. You're out of order, Fred. The matter's in special committee. I want the facts one week from today. Hey, folks, and now the pine are getting kind of head up over this here fencing problem. You mean fencing off the river banks? Yep. That's what I mean, sonny. No, the kids won't fall in. Ah, that come up now for a third time. No, I'll say it has. Look here at this article in the paper. Boy, some of the people are sure getting excited. One alderman says, why should the whole city pay for fencing the river off when only certain sections are benefiting? Maybe he's got a point, and maybe he hasn't. Seems to me he'll do the whole city some good. How much would a fence like that cost, anyhow? I don't know. It will mean fencing off quite a piece of the river bank on both sides, though. Maybe Bill knows something about this when he comes back. He did mention something about making a turn along the river so as he could get a look at the ice flows. Well, that there ice is pretty dangerous stuff along the river bank. And up in the tributaries, too. That there are floating ice draws youngsters worse than a fire. Me too bad if one of them fell in. Mightn't find his body till spring. It's here. It looks solid. It's dangerous. Oh, what's the matter, Pat? Are you afraid? No, I'm not afraid. My dad says we should stay away from the river ice because it's dangerous. That's right, Rick. My pups is the same thing. You can't tell how strong the river ice is along the banks. You're scared he can't do, Slim. I'll show you guys. Don't do it, Rick. If you fall in, you'll never get out. What's the matter? You chicken? Don't do it, Rick. Look, it's hauling. I'll go out some more. Let's get him before he gets out any more, huh, Slim? Yeah, right around the back of him. Don't you guys try to get me? Come back, Rick! Look out! Ice is breaking right back over the edge of the ice and hang on, huh? I couldn't get him out. Ice keeps breaking off. I know. We'll make a human chain. I'll go first. Slim, you hold onto my ankles. Mark, you hang onto Slim's ankles. Sid, you hang onto Mark's ankles. You got it, okay? Keep swimming, Rick! Let's catch up with Bill Jefferson. Bill's just coming out of a shallow valley and heading across an open clearing. Suddenly, he spies Lefty and Sam running like scared rabbits. He senses that something might be wrong. Bill puts his fingers into his mouth and cuts loose with a piercing and shrill whistle. Lefty and Sam come to abrupt stop. Bill breaks into a run so he can find out what's up. What's wrong? Rick's in the river. I gotcha. One boy's in the river. The other boy's trying to pull him up, right? That's all right. He's running to the nearest house in town. Get him to take it and arrange your headquarters. Tell the fellas there what's happened. You understand? I'm getting near the edge of the ice. As soon as I grab, Rick starts pulling easy. If the ice gives way, pull back hard. I can't hold on anymore. The arms thresh rapidly through the freezing water. He not only has to keep an eye on the half-frozen boy, but also watch the large pieces of ice so he doesn't get hit in the head. Bill turns on all his 200 pounds of muscular power and he soon overtakes the drowning boy. He grabs a hold of Rick's hair and heads for shore. Meanwhile, Sam and Lefty are carrying out Bill's orders. They burst into ranger headquarters like frightened deer. Rick's in the water. Red hat. Tell what's wrong. Big home's fell in the river. Man, the river's colder than the North Pole. We take fire engine plenty quick. It got blankets and everything we need. Let's go boy! Stumpy, you get boys in cab. I drive. The blanket around me, Gray Wolf. It's heavier blanket and you plenty chill. I'll take I am. Right by the bone. Henry, how's Rick? He's coming around fine, Bill. Stumpy and I gave him a good going over with rough towel. Oh, sure we did! The way we rubbed him down was a circular... Rick, I want you to be quiet. No talk, you understand? Yeah. Let's get him into the truck and head for the hospital, fellas. The Sandy River lost its victim. Yeah. Thank the Lord. The winner isn't over. Mayor speaking. Wait till someone falls in the river and goes all the way down. You tell them they better get that fence up and get it... You tell that there's any council to get that fence up. I've lived here and I on to 50 years and I tell you the river's getting on every year. And that's what I've been trying to do for a week now, old timer. But I haven't gotten very far thanks to Fred Petrie. Sure I'm sorry to hear about the narrow escape Rick Holmes had. Who wouldn't? It doesn't change my feelings one particle about this fence, Fred. Agreed. I don't see why. We will live three miles from the river. Should have to pay for fencing off the residential areas along the river banks. It's absurd. Gentlemen, gentlemen. Will you please come to order? Gentlemen! Certainly you should be ready to vote on the question of fencing off the residential areas along the Shady River after the narrow escape Rick Holmes had. We could very well have lost a courageous and fine ranger, Bill Jefferson, by the same token. I have received literally dozens of phone calls voicing pro and con opinions on this subject. We can't ignore our responsibility any longer. And so at this point, I'll ask for the special committee appointed by me to report on this fencing problem. Fred, go ahead. You're the chairman. Mr. Mayor. Hal and I have secured bids for the fencing end of the proposed area along both banks of the Shady River. The bids were all very close to each other. Now the one we recommended is by the Simmons Company. Their bid is $10,000. And we've recommended it because it best meets the city engineer's specifications. You have heard the committee's report. Are there any questions before we put it to a vote? Mr. Mayor. The chair recognizes Ottoman Petri. I don't have a question right at the moment. We'll come later. I do, however, want to make a statement. Proceed. You have the floor. I want it clearly understood that the manner in which I gave the committee's report in no way reflects any change in opinion on my part over the problem at hand. I merely acted as appointed by the Mayor. And if this thing comes to a vote, I will most certainly vote against having the city as a whole pay for the project. I'll cage your conscience while you are working on the special committee. I agree with you. Because someone has a near tragedy, isn't there any reason to levy a special assessment against all the citizens of Nadi Pine? I don't believe in the taxation of money for the benefit of a few. You believe in the taxation of a few for the benefit of many? You know as well as I do that children from all over the city visit the river to play on the ice. My son doesn't. We live five miles from the river. Yeah? How do you know that he never will? Please gentlemen, if you wish to speak, address the chair. I move that we have an oral vote on this proposition. Now, second that motion. All right. You've heard the motion and the second. Are you ready for the question? Yes. Nothing on the question? You have anything to say, Fred? Go ahead. Put it to a vote. All those in favor of an oral vote say, I. I. Opposed? No. No. Well, it looks like everybody's... I am out of taking of ballots. Tellers, pass the ballots. The motion again is that the city build a protective fence on both sides of the shady river within the city limits that cost to be paid for out of city funds. Gentlemen, gentlemen, here's the result of the ballot. The teller is fine. There are five against, four in favor, and three ballots unmarked. The motion is lost. Meetings adjourned. I'd like to see Alderman Petrie in my office this afternoon. Be glad to, ma'am. I also wish to say I didn't fight the test vote because I wanted everyone to see for himself that the council is deadlocked on this issue. Hey, Gene, this ice here looks real thick. Yeah, it sure does. I'd say it's about six inches, huh? You're right, Gene. I'd say it's plenty safe. Oh, yeah, sure. This is solid ice. Not rubber ice like that stuff Ricky fell through. Those little kids don't know how to take care of themselves. You think we can go out a little farther? Oh, sure, it's okay. Look, I'll stamp my heel on it. See, it doesn't crack a bit. Little do the boys realize that when Gene stamped his heel down on the ice, it did crack. Not on the surface, but underneath. Now as Gene and Stan walk out on the ice, their weight weakens the already cracked joint. An island of ice glides out into the swiftly running river. Gene and Stan are prisoners on an ice island. Suddenly one of the boys on the riverbank yells, Hey, you guys! Once Larry yelling, Whoa! We're falling down. You never! Right on the middle. Hey, you guys! Let it get up! Go get my dad! And get Ranger Bill! Hurry! We don't want to go down to the rapids. We'll get help right away! Boy, what a mess we're in. Well, what'll we do? Well, let's try to paddle to our chair with our hands. Come on. No! Your hands will freeze. And don't get near the edge. Remember what happened to Rick. You're right, Stan. What can we do? There, there, there's just nothing we can do. Except stand still, so this cake of ice won't tip over. Fred, I guess you know of why I asked you to come to my office. Yes, mayor, I do. But I'm telling you, it's no use. But you're the leader of the opposition group. If you vote fencing off the river, the rest will go along. The ones who abstain from voting. It's no use, mayor. I won't do it. Why? You know why. The people in the wards away from the river don't benefit one mile to buy a fence. Their children don't play along the river. Are you sure they don't, Fred? Certainly, I'm sure. Do you think my son would travel five miles to play on the river ice? Ridiculous. Then your son doesn't have adventure in his blood like most boys do. Hey, hey, Fred. Hey, Neil, what's the matter? Fred, I just got a phone call about your son. What about him? He and another boy got onto the ice in the river. It broke off and they're floating down with the current. What? They'll drown. Neil, I'm going after Fred. He'll need help. Call the rangers, will you? Right. I'll be with you just as soon as I can. Right now. Will you all right when you last saw them? Yeah. You fellows stay here until the rangers get here, the police or anybody. I'm going after those boys. I'm getting awful cold. We should move around to keep warm. No. We've got to stand still. Moving around might crack the ice or tip it over. Yeah. And I forgot. I sure hope help comes soon. I'm getting scared. Me too, Stan. You know something? I think we're going faster all the time. Sure we are. Crout's faster here. Pretty soon we'll hit the big bend. And then we'll head right for the rapids. Yeah. Now after the rapids is dead man's gorge. Is that all, Larry? That's the whole story, Bill. How long ago did Mr. Patri leave you? About five minutes ago, I think. Sonny, that river ain't waiting for nobody. We're taking off after them right now in the trucks, zombie. Neil, you bring the mayor and these boys with you. All right, let's go, Grey Wolf. Hop in. Aye, ready. Head for the bridge. We ought to be able to spot him from there. Fred races along the highway to the bridge. Bill, Henry, Grey Wolf and Stumpy are about seven or eight minutes behind him. Fred has a million thoughts racing through his head. Thoughts mostly about the safety of his son. Then another thought enters Fred's mind. Who'd ever thought this would happen to Gene? If only that fence was up. Oh, there's the bridge ahead. Maybe I can spot him from there. Fred's car shoots up onto the long bridge and slows down. Fred looks up the river first and doesn't see the boys on the ice float. Then he looks down the river and his heart jumps with joy. There they are, about two blocks below the bridge. He steps on the gas and takes off across the bridge. Fred's car races to the other side of the bridge and down the road along the river. Soon he overtakes them and gets ahead. He slows, slams on the brakes, jumps out of the car and heads for the river. Gene and Stan find new hope as they watch the car stop and a man jump out. Quickly they glide opposite the place where the man's standing. Hey look Stan, that man sees us. Maybe we'll get rescued. You think so? I sure hope so. I'm so cold I don't know if I can stand up much longer. It's going to be hard. We're right out in the middle now. Gene, Gene, can you hear me? Hey, it's Dad. I wonder how he's going to get us out of here. Can't swim too well. He'll get tired out before he gets here. Push the gas pedal in the floor, Grey Wolf. Boys get around the bend before we get to him. It'll be a tougher job to get him off that ice float. Ah, not able to go much faster, but I'd try. What's Fred trying to do, Bill? Great Scott. I hope it's not what I think he's trying to do. He's not jumping in, is he? Oh no, he won't make it. That won't help matters anyway. He thinks he's lies across from the ice. First piece ice, alright? Larry goes to the second. He made it, standing up. It sure takes a lot of courage. He goes again. He made it too. No, it's too far. He'll never do it. He's going anyhow. He made it. There ain't no one look at him. Something's wrong. He lost his balance. That piece of ice is too small. He's in the river. Grey Wolf, race another half mile and stop the truck facing the river. Stumpy, Henry, climb out the back of the cab and get the long ropes ready. Grey Wolf and I will tie the ropes around our chest. You fellas tie the other end of the ropes to the front bumper. Then we'll try to get the three of them holding onto the ropes. The current will swing us ashore. It'll knock. I'll be sure to lock the brakes after the truck stops. It's likely to be fast if we're gonna make it. Oh, you're right. River bend just ahead. If we miss them, they go into dead man's guards plenty quick. Get a move on, fellas. Grey Wolf and I will have to be in the river and swing seconds after the truck stops. The truck to a sharp stop. Locks the brakes. Stumpy and Henry have tied bowling knots into the ends of the heavy ropes. Grey Wolf and Bill grab the ropes and put the loops under their arms as they run for the river bank. Two men draw the loops tight around their chests and into the river they go, clothes and all. Soon the two expert swimmers are in the middle of the freezing river. Grey Wolf grabs Fred and begins to swing ashore like a huge pendulum. Bill puts his body in front of a large piece of ice taking its full impact. With all his strength, he fights to rest it from the control of the river currents and headed toward shore with the boys on it. The rope tightens and strains. Can we help you do it? No. Just stand still. Bill, I hope you can do it. I can't do it, fellas. The river's too strong. Grab the rope. Jump in. Hang on. I'll help the hold. I'll keep you tight against it. Quickly the rope reaches the full length of the arc and strains. The rope holds and the fellas begin swinging toward the river bank. The boys against the rope and holding them, helping them to hold on. Finally Bill's feet strike shallow water and he pushes the boys ahead of him to safety. Henry and Stumpy wade into the river and give Bill a hand with the half frozen boys. It's okay now, young man. We've got you. It's more than easy. You're inside ground now. Let's get everybody into the cabin. Head for the hospital. All the members of the polar bear club today now we're recovering, Mayor. Boy, I'm sure glad we got out of that mess. Yeah. Bill, I guess you've had more than your share of swimming in refrigerated water, haven't you? I sure have, Mayor. If I knew this was gonna happen, I'd have paid for that fence myself. Which reminds me, there's something I gotta do. Mayor, I want to put a motion on the floor. You have the floor, Fred. That is, if the dock lets you get out of bed. All right, I'll make the motion from my bed. I move that we get the fencing project started at once. Tell the council all my objections have been overruled. I know what you mean, Fred, and I think we've got enough Alderman in this room to carry the motion. Are you ready for the question? Question. All in favor of Naughty Pines building a protection fence along Shady River and the city bearing the full expense, say aye. Aye. Contrary, no. Motions carried. We'll vote aye on that, too, Mayor. See you next week for more adventure with...