 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. Being the terrible sounds of someone wrecking a house, only the house isn't supposed to be wrecked, and there's going to be great anger when the owner finds it out. This isn't the only home that's been wrecked either by this vandal, nor will it be the last. You know, this is one vandal that can't be blamed for the damage he's done. You'll probably think I've got holes in my head when I say that, but it's true. This is not the fault of the wrecker, but it's the fault of the one who owns the place being wrecked. Well, enough riddles for now. Let's get on with the story, The Marauder of Goose Lake. Hello, Jesse. Give me Martin Herbinger's place in Naughty Pine. Yep. Why are you sure I'll wait? Don't have much choice, I guess. Thank you, Jesse. Hello. Yep, this old Abner. Hey, you'd better come out here and take a look at your place, Martin. What's wrong? Well, it looks like a cyclone hit it. I don't know. Yep, I'll see you later. Goodbye. I'd better look around here and see how many more places have been broken into and wrecked around Goose Lake. What a mess. What a miserable mess. It really is a mess, ain't it, Martin? That's the understatement of the year. Flower and sugar all over the floor. Can good spill out. Tired of a wall torn away. Whoever did this sure wanted to cause a lot of damage. Here, it looks like they were after food. Oh, maybe. But I'd say they wanted to destroy property and make work for me. How many other summer homes have been broken into? About half a dozen or so. We'd better notify the owners and then see what can be done about this. I've already called the others, Martin. They're on the way out here now. Fine. Let's go and meet them. What a job that house record did on my place. It looks like your place is the last one so far, Rudy. Yeah, but what's to stop more homes from being damaged? Nothing. Especially since we don't know who did it. I wouldn't say that your remark is exactly true, Rudy. You mean to tell us you know who did this? Well, sure. No, no, no. Don't get so all fired up about it. Well, who did it? Tell us so we can have him arrested. You aren't going to have this fellow, Western Sonny. That fellow in the director of homes is a bear. A bear? Maybe we can't have him arrested, but we sure can get the Rangers in on this. They got a lot of nerve letting bears run loose that will do this kind of damage. Let's go in town and tell Bill Jefferson a thing or two. Yeah, I'd like to give him a piece of my mind. Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get in our cars and head for town. Okay, let's go. Hundreds of dollars worth of damage done to our homes, and you sit there with, I told you so, look on your face. What kind of ranger are you anyhow? We pay taxes for protection, and all you do is sit there and smile. Well, maybe you don't know it, mister, but we pay your salary, and if you don't give us satisfaction, we'll go to your superiors. You got a lot of cross-letting bears run loose, close to civilized areas, and letting them do damage. I got half a mind to bring suit against the government for this. What's the matter with this ranger, fellas? He doesn't seem to be the least bit concerned. Maybe he hasn't got his hearing aid turned you in right. Well, the fella doesn't need a hearing aid the way you fellas beller. You sound like a couple of young bulls on spring pasture. Maybe you fellas would cool off and sit down like gentlemen and you might get some place with Bill. Are you gentlemen through running off at the mouth? Yeah, I've said all I want to see. All right, have a seat. Now, you fellas come in here and fly off the handle. I'll let you blow, because when a man's all worked up, it's good for him to get it off his chest, even if he's wrong. Are you saying we're wrong? I am. Oh, how do you figure that? Every year we put up signs telling you people not to leave food in your summer home. I'll say their signs while the letters are a foot high, black on white. Every year you folks suffer damage because you think you're smarter than the rangers and twice as wise as the bears. Ah, that bad thinking. We know bears smell food a mile off and they have many ways to break in house. That's right. Every year you fellas build stronger storage rooms because you're too lazy to haul your foodstuffs back to town. And each year you come to us and cry your eyes out because of your own stupidity. And frankly, I'm getting sick and tired of it. That's why I sit here with the I told you so attitude because you don't seem to be able to get it through your thick heads that bears are very capable housewreckers. I'm sick and tired of their annual complaints too especially when they won't cooperate with us. Good day gentlemen. Good day. You mean to sit there and tell us you're not going to do anything about this? What's going on? What do you want me to do? Take each bear by the hand and spank him? Because when he's hungry he goes out looking for food? All right, I'll admit we're wrong but the damage has never been as extensive as this year. Our places are shambles. Looks like a whole army of bears moved in. Say, now you've told me something worth listening to. What do you mean? Explain. We'll be out this afternoon. Then I'll be better able to tell you what I meant. That'll be fine. We appreciate your help. And I might add that we were wrong to come storming in here the way we did. You read us the riot act and... Well, we deserved it. Good day, sir. Good day, gentlemen. Oh boy, did you read them off, Bill? I'll say, did. But they got what they had coming. They pulled this same sort of thing for the last five years. We can't do it all. I was beginning to think they expected us to move their food for them. Maybe now they do something about this and follow advice. Well, I hope so. I'm always willing to do all I can and then some to help out but not if they don't want to help themselves. You know, a lot of Christians are like these folks. How do you mean? A lot of Christians expect the Lord to answer their prayers and work miracles when they won't even lift a finger themselves. The Lord will do the impossible, but he expects us to do all that we can. Well, I'm not right. Yep. That's like the fellow that was hungry and was offered the makings of a couple of sandwiches. They turned the fixings down because he himself had to make the sandwiches. So he went hungry. Well, fellas, we'd better get into the car and hop out to Goose Lake. The days are getting shorter and it'll be dark soon. I don't like what I think. I don't like what I'm thinking either, young fella. Yeah, those aren't black bear tracks. They're grizzly. You're right there, pal. If I follow Stumpy's and Grey Wolf's line of conversation correctly, they got a special grizzly in mind. I'm not old Joe. Yep. Well, how can you tell for sure? Look at Printer, right front paw. Oh, that's not a normal print. By that I mean a full print. It's sort of stubby, isn't it? Yeah, sure is. He got that mangled paw in a trap many years ago. Also, he's got a slightly deformed left rear paw. Yeah, that's old Joe, all right. He can't get away from that fact. Suffering catfish. Why, he's worked his way back here after he put him in exile out in the wilderness mountains two years ago. Yep, he sure did. He's a shrewd bear and a tough one, all right. I've never seen a grizzly as big as he is. Here come the goose-like wildcats. Then remind your tongue. Well, it's the truth anyway, sonny. Well, what you find out, Bill? Plenty. Well, is it one bear or more than one? It's only one, but he's the largest grizzly alive. Great day in the morning. No, I know we need protection. That's right. And we're going to give it to you. This particular bear is an old acquaintance. He means we know him from a long way off. You don't get close to a grizzly except at the zoo. Well, why didn't you shoot him before? Roy, that's the easy way out. We shoot animals only as a last resort. They have as much right to live as we do. Remember, this country was his home. The white men invaded and encroached on his privacy. That's why we exiled him two years ago. We didn't think he'd come back. But you can never underestimate the power of a grizzly or his intelligence. And that great truth, they have almost human mind. Well, then there's no match for us. I might tackle a black bear, fight a rifle, but not a grizzly. That's smart thinking. It's even smarter to leave bears to experience men. You can have him. He's too big for us. Let's beat it, men, and let the Rangers alone. I wish you success. Now what? Let's get to the car and break out our high-powered rifles. But you said we weren't going to shoot old Joe. We're not, but we're going to be ready in case he attacks us. Are we going to get that close? No, and as long as my legs are working right, we ain't. My rifle's ready for action. I've got 20 rounds in my belt. Good, Henry. The safety on? That. That's short for yes, in case you don't know it, young fella. Now, my rifle's set. Mine too. Now, stick to old Betsy here. He's handled grizzlies before and done a fine job. Okay, Stumpy. Now, here's the plan of action. We run as fast as we can and climb the nearest tree as soon as we spot old Joe. Not this time, pal. Stumpy, Grey Wolf, you two fellas patrol this half of the lake shore from Johnson's corners up to here. Henry and I'll take the other half of the shoreline on this side of the lake. What we do if we see Bear? Drive him off. Tomorrow we'll build a trap for the rascal and get him out of this part of the country. But it's too late for that today. That wise move. We go now. One more thing, fellas. What's that, Sonny? Don't hesitate to shoot to kill if the old warrior forces the issue. Old Joe wants to leave in a reasonably peaceful fashion and we'll go along. If he wants to fight it out to the bitter end then we'll see that he gets plenty of help. What I'm saying is that it's not worth anyone getting hurt or killed. Don't take any chances. Okay, let's get started. Waiter, fellas. Let's stop and park our bodies for a bit, huh? Okay. We've been walking for two hours now. Seems less than that. Don't keep so tense, Henry. If we run into Old Joe, he'll tell us. Boy, I hope so. I need to rub noses with him. I have a feeling that we won't see him tonight at all. I hope you're right. What makes you think so? Oh, I don't know. Just feel that way. Old Joe is nobody's fool, you know. You can say that again. Well, any bear who's lived as long as he has and has survived as many battles as that guy's come through ought to be wise as an owl. That's right. Well, come on. Let's patrol back to the starting point again. Flare, Burmao. Sound it off for her. You won't tell Old Joe to look out for us. That'd be far from the truth, would that? It looked like Old Joe would take vacation tonight. He probably got his tummy full from last night's plundering and he's sound asleep while we walk the feet off watching for him. At midnight, we not see him. I think he not come. Yep. I think you're right, sonny. Feet don't show up in a couple more hours and he ain't gonna show up at all. It's almost two o'clock. We're almost back at the beginning again. Right. You think it's gonna show up after this late? No, pal, I don't. We'll wait for Stompy and Greywolf to complete their patrol and we'll head for home. Oh, boy. The old battle feel mighty good. You say your place was ransacked last night, Horace? Not sure it was, Martin. I thought the rangers were patrolling the lakeshore last night. That's what they said they were gonna do. I think the rangers love the old grizzly. They said he was an old friend. Let's get our rifles and take care of that old buzzard ourselves. Time we go on to set trap for old Joe. We'll use the portable steel cage and I'd say we'll leave about three o'clock this afternoon. I'm Narrett. Hello, ranger headquarters. Henry Scott speaking. Henry, this is Abner. Sure, just a moment. Hey, Bill, it's for you, Abner. Thanks, pal. Hello, Abner. Hello, Bill. Yeah? Yes, mate. Oh, he didn't. Yep, sure. Where? What time? He said at Martin Harbinger's place. They leave from there. Well, thanks for calling, Abner. I'll be at the meeting at Martin's house tonight. All the men are here, Martin. We can start any time. Okay, man. Now, let's organize into groups before we start out. That's a good idea. Jefferson! Then you can shoot at each other. Where do you find out about this? I told the rangers so you think kids wouldn't shoot each other or get someone you killed by the bear. You were grown men, you old wallers. Why don't you mind your own business? Just a minute, Martin. That's not getting mouthy. Abner's right. You'd all go out there in the dark. Be jumpy as frogs on a hot stove. The first twig that moved or the first rabbit that ran, you'd all open up with your rifles. Somebody's going to get killed. Yep, they sure are. And once more, you might tangle with old Joe. He'd surprise you, and then you might wound him. And believe me, mister, I'd rather clean out a rattlesnake's den with one hand than face a wounded grizzly. This here, a part of the country, wouldn't be safe for man or beast until a wounded bear was killed. Well, you've heard the story from men who know what they're talking about. That's why I called him here. I didn't want any trantedies taking place. Why don't you fellas go home and stay inside until Bill and his rangers get this old Joe caged up and out of this neck of the woods? That's the sensible thing to do. Yeah, I guess you're right again, Bill. I'm sorry we're giving you such a bad time. Oh, forget it, Roy. I can understand how you feel. But give us a little time, and we'll get rid of old Joe for you. But don't take this into your own hands. Someone's going to get hurt or killed. He's right. Let's go home, man. You set it, Martin, and stay home and mind your own business so these rangers can do their work. The cage works just like a charm, Bill. Yeah, it's still in apple pie order. Ah, I set strong smelling bait inside, and then we ready for old Joe. I'm going over there and add scrub and sprinkle around some of this appetite powder so the rascal will be able to pick up the scent. Okay, old timber. Ah, you forget rifle. Ah, sure. Maybe. Now, I set bait in cages and all set. Good. You better erase our scent from around here, then go back to the truck and have a few sandwiches before we settle down to trap our friend. Boy, those sandwiches sound good. Ah, I erase scent in true Indian way. Grisly not know we here. Can I watch you? Oh, sure, Henry. Well, I've seen you do it before. This time I want to pay real close attention. Ah, we start by putting some... Hey, Stumpy, what's wrong with Stumpy? Hey, here he comes running like the wind. And old Joe's right behind him. Shoot the bear! No, not shoot. Get away. Get back and give the bear room. Stumpy will be all right in the cage. Hey, old Joe! Fire over him! Not an old bear, not an old walrus. Ah, good job. We had to move the cage. Oh, forget it, Stumpy. It was worth it to see you run into it. That's, I'm glad the cage was there. You might have been hurt. Yeah, you're going to say that again. I shouldn't have foolishly gone off without my rifle. That old grizzly jump mean. I had to take off like a scared rabbit. I know it really isn't funny, but still it is. I'll never forget you running down that trail full blast with old Joe hot on your heels. Another sight of seeing you inside that cage. Yeah, I guess it must have been a pretty comical sight, all right, but you know what they say about my running inside the cage. No, what? Any form! He's really looking the cage over. Yeah. Hope we got all the man sent off of it, but he won't go in. He interested in the bait. You look inside the cage now. Come on, big boy. Just walk in there five feet and your goose is cooked. He's going in. Now he's stopped again. He's trying to get man sent. He's a wise one, that bear. He's going in further. Another foot and he'll step on that gate trigger. What we do now, Bill? We'll take him to the North Timberidge country in Randy Sim C plane. Oh, boy. Old Joe's going to have the experience of his life. Old boy's taking it pretty good so far. Well, I hope he enjoys the plane ride all the way. Won't take us long to get there. Old Joe have plenty to talk grandchildren now. You said it. Not every grizzly gets a free plane ride to a new home. I don't know about him. He's beginning to place his cage. Maybe he's gotten over his fright. Well, you fellas keep an eye on him. I'm going out to talk with Randy and pick out a suitable lake to land on. Okay, Bill. We'll keep Old Joe company. Well, I think Glass Lake's about to bless places down. We can get into shallow water there all right and then you can let the bear out with comparative safety for us and him. That'll be fine, Randy. What's the matter with the plane? I don't know. It's never handled this way before. I'll take the air pockets. This is a new experience for me. Wow. Hey, Bill. Yeah? Old Joe's on the warm path. He's trying to break over his cage. Gray Wolf, fix some food and put plenty of sedative in it. Quick. Stop it. Get your rifle ready. Maybe we can get a rope on him to stop him from drawing the plane. Well, it might work. And again, it might only infuriate him. There's food. If it's all right, I can put it in the cage. No, I'll put it in. You and Henry driving back with poles. Why don't get my arm torn off? Get out of the cage. Get out of the cage. Come back. Okay. Okay, I got the food inside. Come on, man. Now, give me the sedative. See here, you. I'll put it in his water. What's your problem? He's got to work soon. You work bloody hard on weak corner of cage. Maybe we drive him back. No. You'll only get worse. He's getting that cage open. The sedatives got to work very soon. Maybe not soon enough. He's getting his head through the corner of that cage. No, Bill! I guess so. The sedatives working. Old Joe's going to sleep. Thank the Lord. We'll get down in the lake, wait until the sedative wears off. And we'll dump the old boy in shallow water and he'll be free again. The toughest passenger I ever had. But you know, I'm glad you didn't have to shoot him. Yeah, it was a lot of work. A couple of close calls. It was worth it to see the majestic beast run free again. He's king of this country. Yeah. And the marauder of Goose Lake escapes those men who would kill him. Just because he acted like a normal bear. You know, I meant what I said in the story. To see old Joe free again did my heart good. The Lord made every animal for a purpose. And he made some of them to be free and wild. Just because man invaded the Grizzlies' land is no reason he should be killed. Well, see you again next week, boys and girls, for more adventure with... Today gives me Ranger Bill just a little time to talk to you moms and dads about our adventure stories and why we're on the air. We all know that every time a boy or girl listens to one of our programs, he gets some impression of the Christian life and the character of the people involved. So we must be constantly alert to guard the image that's presented. To make it realistic and truthful. Neither setting up false ivory tower heroes or fellas and gals to aspire to or creating the impression that Christianity is an impossible goal in this day and age. We also try to present Christians as people. Something which they are. The faults of a Christian don't have to be glossed over. He's human too. So we try to present to you, the listener, a story that from your point of view is a factual photograph of a way of life. Namely, the Christian way. And showing individuals living, seeing, understanding this way of life. Or maybe missing it completely. Let's all be honest before God so that truth can survive. And our young people will turn out to be the good citizens and real Christians that we want them to be.