 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. The young fellow you just heard selling his papers is Tommy Woodruff. There's quite a story involved in his young life, a story of love, understanding, and a close walk with the Lord. Tommy set the whole town of naughty pine of fire with his problem. Everyone was interested in him because Tommy quite unconsciously lives a very real and practical Christian life. But say this isn't getting into our story, is it? This is the story, a lesson in love. Let's go over to the naughty pine grammar school and listen to a certain young man tell his classmates a story. This young fellow has the reputation of being the best storyteller in the school. And fight each other, God's people on one side and the Philistines on the other, and they stood there looking at each other and trying to decide how to get the jump on the other guy. And suddenly a great big man stepped forward from the enemy's army. You know who he was? The giant Goliath. He looked terrible and tough and he was covered from head to foot with armor and he carried a big sword that'd take two regular sized guys to swing it. And God's people shook with terror when they saw the giant. They didn't have anybody that could fight him until David stepped up and he says, I'll fight him. Well Goliath laughed and roared you could hear him for a while. But David wasn't scared. Not I bet. He knew the Lord was going to help him. The king offered to let David use his armor but he didn't even want it. Instead he picked five good stones for a slingshot and then he went out to meet Goliath. And the big man laughed when he saw him. He made fun of God's people for sending a boy out to fight him. But suddenly David began whirling the slingshot around over his head. He made it go faster and faster and faster until he let one of the straight go and then pow! The stone hit Goliath right between the eyes and he fell down dead in our doornail. The Philistines took off and retreat and God's people won the battle. Oh thank you Tommy for that wonderful story. I'm sure we all enjoyed it. Now we'll have to go back to our books. After school is out I'd like to see you Tommy. Yes ma'am. You needn't worry about it. Just want to ask you a few questions. This isn't discipline. All right class turn to your workbooks and we'll get started. You wanted to see me Miss Amy? Yes Tommy. Um where do you get your Bible stories? From my grandpa. You live with him don't you? Yes ma'am. Since my mother and father both dead. Your grandfather must be a wonderful man. Oh yes he is. I learned a lot of the Bible from him Miss Amy. He makes it terrific. When he tells me Bible stories it makes me wish I lived in the olden days. Old days. Not olden days Tommy. Yes sir. I um would like to meet your grandfather. He must be a wonderful man. He sure is Miss Amy. You could stop by anytime and he'll be glad to see you. Oh thank you. I will pay a visit someday soon. Um it's uh getting late and uh I have to deliver groceries from Mr. Bodkin and then sell my papers. Oh I'm sorry Tommy. You go right along. I hope I haven't kept you. No ma'am you haven't. I still got time to get to the grocery store. Bye. Goodbye Tommy. You're ten minutes late young man. Yes sir Mr. Bodkin. I'll make it up. Well you'd better. A fine business man you'd make not getting your work done on time. Yes sir. I'll try real hard to do better. Tommy don't you ever get angry at anybody for anything. No Mr. Bodkin. Jesus wouldn't like it if I did. Jesus wants me to be cheerful and polite always. I thought that's what you'd say. Now here are the orders to be delivered. You'd better run along so you can get back in time to sell your papers. All right Mr. Bodkin. I'll load up my bike and get going. What's the big idea of ringing the doorbell. Can't you read the sign that says I'm sleeping. I'm sorry sir. I don't see any sign. What. Oh I guess I didn't board it up. What do you want kid. Well here are the groceries from Gotkin's store. Landsakes. What kind of pork chops are these young man. Oh aren't they nice ma'am. Nice. I wouldn't feed them to my dog. Now you take them back and bring some more. So I'll have them in time for supper. You ought to know better. Yes ma'am. We'll try to do better next time. Are you still working at this hour Tom Woodruff. Yes ma'am I work this late every day Mrs. Bixby. And then you sell papers after you're through this job. Well yes ma'am I love to do it. It helps make grandpa's pension check last longer. Mr. how are you Officer O'Rourke. Oh Officer O'Rourke is it. Getting kind of farmer with your old pal aren't you my boy. Thank you Mr. I'm just joking Pat. What's wrong with you laddie. You're not smiling quite as big a smile as you usually do. It's all right. I'll be okay. Oh come on now Tommy boy. I have five stalwart lads of me own and they've always seemed fit to tell their problems to their old Irish father. Well it's it's Mrs. Bixby. Oh and what's wrong with that old bitty. I ought to call her that Pat. She's a nice elderly lady and I'm sure she means well. Means well about what son. Well she's always telling me I shouldn't be working like I do. She doesn't like my clothes and she keeps telling me she's gonna see to it that I get a good home. Well don't bother your smiling heart with the likes of her Tommy. She's mean and well and I'm sure she hasn't anything better to do than keep an eye on you. But you let me know if she gets out of hand. Well thanks Pat but I don't like to tell grandpa about this. He'd only worry you know. Sure and that's using your head. Do you feel better now. I sure do. I was feeling kind of bad but now I'm cheered up. Thanks a million Pat. Extra. So I hear Tommy. How was school. Oh fine. Miss Amy said she's coming over to see us someday. Well that'll be nice. You'd better wash up now or supper's about ready. Okay. I'll be back in a jiffy. What's the matter Tommy. Oh I've got a portion of the New Testament picked for tonight. Word tells about Jesus healing the sick and the blind and also when he talks with Nicodemus. Tom. Yes sir. You'll have to do your schoolwork too. Judge this is Mrs. Bixby. Oh yes. How are you today Mrs. Bixby. Well it all depends how a person looks at things Judge Harper. My health is good but my heart is heavy. Oh is that right. Oh it most certainly is. Every time I think of that poor woodruff child my heart is heavy. Working all hours of the day and night living in a shack not having any parental guidance. I think it's high time we stepped into the picture. In just a minute this is serious. Are you sure things are as you say they are. You think for one moment that I spend my day fabricating stories about overworked and ill kept children you're sadly mistaken Julius Harper. That boy is ten years old and I dare say that he hasn't had a day's happiness in his life. That's the boy. No not on the surface. He's always smiling and singing Sunday school songs and he's very pleasant and polite but that's only on the surface. All right Mrs. Bixby I'll drop by in the morning and we'll drive to the boys home and take a look. Goodbye. Mission sir made a clean scrub down from stem to stern put on clean PJs and my bed is ready. That's a fine report. Now make yourself comfortable here and we'll start our Bible reading in the third chapter of Mark the seventh verse. But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea and a great multitude followed out to the mission field today. You'd find that the missionaries not only bring in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ but they also teach the people how to farm and how to take care of the sick. Missionary nurses play two parts. They preach and teach the gospel and they help the doctors care for the sick. That was wonderful Gramps. I see the sand man's rapidly closing your eyes. Let's have our prayer before you fall asleep. Heavenly Father we thank thee for this day's blessings. We praise thee for the Lord Jesus Christ and his saving power. Bless Tommy make him a fine true Christian lad and Lord help me to mold his young life according to thy will. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Now son off to bed. I guess I am kind of tired. Night Gramps. Good night. Sleep tight little fella. Thy Lord watcheth over thee. Come in please the door's open. I judge Harper and Mrs. Bixby. Well won't you sit down please. Thank you Mr. Woodruff. I'm sorry I couldn't meet you at the door but my leg's been acting up today. I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you won't be laid up long. Thank you. It always passes over in a day or two. Who does the housework when you're in this condition Mr. Woodruff. Well Tommy does the leg work but I do the chores that can be done sitting down. I see. Judge Harper this just goes to show you that I'm right. Perhaps. Right about what Mrs. Bixby. Well. Well that you're not fit to give Tommy the kind of home he needs and deserves. What did you say. I said that you're not giving the boy what he should have. His clothes aren't good. The shack is worse and you're not able to take care of him. Instead you've got a ten year old boy taking care of you and working all hours of the day and night. Is this why you're here Judge Harper to see for yourself. Yes Mr. Woodruff. That's why I'm here. Well Tommy's clothes ain't the newest I'll agree but they're warm and clean and neat. This home of ours ain't the best as far as buildings go because it's old but it's a decent shelter. Yes I'm an old man too but my health is good except from a bad leg which acts up periodically. And Tommy's an ambitious boy and I believe that his business enterprise is doing more good than harm. He also gets in a fair share of boyish fun to boot. I'll also admit that the money he earns does help stretch out my modest monthly pension. However he'll be repaid when I pass on because I have a life insurance policy name in him is beneficiary. That may all be very good but the boy needs a normal home and good clothes and something he can be proud of. Now that your health is going bad you're not able to take care of the poor child. Well Judge aren't you going to say anything. Tell the man he's got to give up the boy for the boy's good. Where do you intend to find a home for Tommy Mrs. Bixby. Naughty pine orphanage. They raise fine children there and they get all the comforts of home. You'd take Tommy away from me and put him in an orphanage where he wouldn't get the love he gets from me. Love doesn't put food in his stomach and clothes on his back. Well Judge I think we have a good case. Will you order the boy away from this bad environment. Well it's not as easy as all that. Thank you Mr. Woodruff for letting us visit you. We must go now. It's all right Judge. I just hope you take everything into consideration. Good bye sir. Mrs. Bixby. Good day. You wash the dishes. You go sit down and rest your leg. No that's all right son I'll finish the dishes. You go along do your homework. What's wrong Gramps. What's wrong with you. I guess I'd better tell you before you hear it from other places. Hear what. Mrs. Bixby was here today with Judge Harper. She was. What did they want. Well it ain't good news. They want to take you away from me. I knew she was up to no good that old busybody. I won't go. They can't make me go. Now son calm down. Remember the Lord's still running the universe. He knows all about our problems. I'm sorry Gramps. Sure I I know everything will be okay. He won't let anybody break up our home. That's right. We'll pray about it. Tommy what's wrong. You're not the same boy you used to be. Oh I'm all right Miss Amy. I just got a problem. Tommy you delivered the orders wrong again today. What's wrong son. I'll try to do better Mr. Bartkin. Say now tell me my boy. What is your smile. I'm sorry Pat. I guess I shouldn't lose my smile. I wasn't widely in the law. Pat what's wrong. I'm sorry to give you a scare Mr. Bartkin. It's not true that's wrong. When I saw you go boy I got an idea flashed into my Irish brain. Pat what in the name of common sense are you talking about. Tommy Woodruff that's what. Also you've noticed it too. I and a man would have to be stone blind not to see the change that's come over the lad. What do you make of it. I don't know. It's kind of a terrible problem. He won't tell a living soul. You're telling me he keeps his mouth closed tighter than a sea clams jaws. I just wonder if all this extra work he does is too much for him. Perhaps his grandfather can't take care of him anymore and you might have something there. If it's true then the boy should be put into a good home. Are you busy. Always Miss Amy don't let that stop you from coming in. Please have a chair. Oh thanks. Now what brings naughty pines number one teacher to arrange your headquarters. You. Let's say this is unusual. Why me. What have I done. Nothing. Bill I've come to you for help. I'm listening. Tommy Woodruff's in trouble. Better I should say that both he and his grandfather have a tremendous problem. It all started when Tommy began to listen. Going to make good her threat and we don't know yet how Judge Harper feels about this. I visited Tommy and his grandfather this afternoon right after school. In fact I walked the boy home. Bill Mr Woodruff's a wonderful man. He's as close as I can imagine a real saint of God to be and and this thing is wrecking both of them absolutely ruining them. I can well understand that. Will you help please. I certainly will. I'll do everything I can to block Mrs Bixby. She's wrong. As wrong as a person can be. Oh thank you. I'm sick about this myself. If that busy body breaks up that home it'll be a crime. A terrible crime. Bill I got bad news. Tommy's in the hospital. Hospital. When Mr Woodruff. He went early this morning. What's wrong. What happened. After Miss Amy left Tommy complained that he had trouble with his left eye. I called the doctor and the boy was rushed to the hospital right in the doctor's car. He may lose the sight of one or both eyes. Oh no well what I have to say won't be much comfort to you now but I came to tell you that I'm on your side in this freakish with Mrs Bixby. Miss Amy talked to me early this evening. Oh thank you thank you thank you. But Bill Mrs Bixby seems to far removed now why I'd gladly give the boy up if only the lord would see fit to save his sight. You really love him that much. I don't count Bill. Do all you can for Tommy but forget about me. Mr Woodruff I'm going to do all I can for the boy and for you too. Let's get to the hospital. Good morning Mrs Bixby. What can I sell you today. Groceries aren't the most important thing at this moment Mr Bodkin. I suppose you know Tommy's in the hospital. Yes very sorry to hear it. I wonder what brought the sickness on. Neglect. Mr Bodkin criminal neglect of a child. You know Paddle Rourke and I were talking about that. Well the whole town's going to be talking about it before I'm through. It's a shame to neglect a boy the way that lads been treated. Can't he be put in a good home. Yes but it'll take the people of the town to do it. What do you mean. I mean we should get up a petition to judge Harper and get some action in this case. This is a private room Mr Woodruff. You can come and go as you please. A small bed will be brought in here for you to sleep on if you wish to do so. Tommy will be down from the examining room in half an hour or so. Oh well I'm very grateful for your kindness. You've given me a great deal of comfort. The Lord has strengthened me in this very trying time by your help. Bill may I see you please. Yes Henry I'll be right there. Excuse me Mr Woodruff. Sure Bill I'll see you later. What's wrong pal. Amy's got some bad news. Oh Bill everything's turning for the worse. What do you mean. Mrs Bixby's got the whole town in an uproar. She's getting petition signed and Tommy's sickness has been the oil she needed to pour on the fire. I'll say why even men like Paddlework and Mr Botkin believe her lies. This is serious. Henry get Stumpy and Greywolf. Tell them to guard Tommy's room. No one is to be let in there except the right people. I'll take full responsibility for this action. Okay are you going to see Judge Harper now. You said it. Now you have the other side of the story Judge Harper. Yes Bill you're well aware that I can't sign with either party in this fricasse. Yes sir I am but may I ask will you accept a wire recording in your court. Yes well I won't be able to enter it as legal evidence. Will you allow me to speak on behalf of the boy. Why sure Bill. Won't the attorney for the plaintiff object to this. I don't think so but let's cross that bridge when we come to it huh. See you at the hearing. Yes sir you most certainly will. I have read the petition is presented to this court and find them to be in good order. Now I'll hear the defense console Mr Bill Jefferson. Your honor I would like to ask you to listen to a wire recording of a conversation between Tommy and his grandfather. I object. Objection overruled. May I point out to the court that this is a most irregular proceeding. And this is the most irregular case my dear fellow. You may proceed Mr Jefferson. Thank you sir. Here is the recording. Tommy I wish with all my heart that I was in your place. Please don't become bitter about losing your eye. Don't blame the Lord. And look son. Don't be angry at Mrs Bixby. I'm not Gramps. You taught me better than that. After all if the Lord wants it that way then that's the way it'll have to be. I can see through you Gramps. If only they don't take you away. I don't care about my eyes so much as I do about losing you. Take you away from me. Nobody loves me like you do and takes care of me like you do. Don't don't let them take us apart. Please Gramps. No no don't worry about that. I've talked with the Lord and he's told me that everything's gonna be all right. What you've got to do is rest so the other eye don't go bad. You know maybe the doctor can transplant one of my eyes and then you can see all right. No you can't do that Gramps. I wouldn't let you. Who'd read the Bible to me and make Jesus so real? You're my eyes Gramps. Well that's all right. Now you rest. Your honor I would like to read a statement from the doctor to the court. Proceed. Tommy Woodruff's eye condition was precipitated by abnormally high emotional and nervous strain. It appears that there will be no improvement unless the boy is relieved of this intense emotional pressure. That's all I have your honor. May I speak? Yes Mrs. Bixby. I'm a foolish old woman and I want to say in front of these people that I shall be forever shamed of my sins and my deepest prayer is that God will forgive me and to show my sincere sorrow for my error should he need it. I'm going to offer one of my eyes to be transplanted to Tommy. Do you realize that you've just made a commitment and promise in front of all these people? You haven't any choice now but to give the lad one of your eyes or offend all of society and God. This is a serious and solemn pledge. I'm aware of all these things your honor. This is my way of repaying a debt to a certain boy who taught me the greatest lesson in love I've ever had. And that's our story for today boys and girls. See you next week when there'll be more adventure with Ranger-