 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. Have you ever come across someone with an I don't give a care attitude? Sure you have. Have you seen someone driving along a road deliberately swerved to hit an animal crossing the road? You know, these kind of people just don't care what they do. They haven't the slightest consideration for the other person, and an animal is just an animal. It was this kind of attitude that stirred up the folks at Three Forks. In fact, it stirred up the whole country around Three Forks, an area where the little beaver creek, big beaver creek, and cougar joined together to feed into the shady river. And this is where our story begins. The three-legged deer. Bart Keen and Jake Campbell have been out all day hunting deer. The two men haven't had one good shot, and they're pretty disgusted and tired. Well, Jake, we might as well call it a day. Yeah, seems that all the deer van moves straight out of the country. Something sure happens for sure. I know where we can get us a deer. Oh, yeah? Come on. Jake, I just recognized the landmark. I know exactly where we're at. Okay, Jake, lead the way. You're right. Why, that's a young buck. Sure. I knew he'd be there. Hey, wait a minute. That's a three-legged deer. That belongs to young Jerry White. Ah, what do we care? What's that different? It's a buck, isn't it? What do you mean, what do we care? That animal's a boy's pet. You can't shoot it. Can't I? Just watch. Hey, wait a minute. Wait. What for? All we have to say is that the critter was running loose and we took it for a wild one. Besides, what's the measly old animal? Well, what about the boy? Ah, he'll get over it. Well, yeah, I guess so. Go ahead, bag it. What do we care? As long as we get a buck. Now you're talking. Ha, ha, ha. Good shot, Jake. Come on, let's pick it up and get out of here. Right. Ha, this will not be real juicy It's been well fed. Yeah, my moss watering already. Leave my deer alone. You leave him alone. Go on, kid, beat it. You shot, you shot my deer. I'll get you for that. Ah, you better stay sitting down, boy. You'll get worse the next time. You hit him pretty hard. So what? Next time I'll knock his block off. Come on, let's take the buck and scram. Wait until my dad gets home. You just wait. That was a real treat, Steve. Thank you for taking me. Sure, honey, any time. Glad you enjoyed the trip. Any shopping money left? No, I must pour as a church mouse. I hope Jerry's all right. We've been gone most all day. Typical mother. Anxious to shuck him for a while. Then you start worrying about him five minutes after you've left. I know. Hey, what's the matter with Jerry? He's sitting on the stoop all hunched up and crying. What's wrong, son? They killed torpedo. They killed torpedo. Oh, no, who did, Jerry? Too bad. Come on and cry on my shoulder. How did you get so dirty? Why, there's blood on your face. Jerry, what happened? One of them hit me. Do you know who the men are? Yes. Come on, we'll fix that nose up. We're going to find them and settle the score. Let them try hitting someone in their size and see what happens. Shooting a pet deer and striking a boy. They must be real men. Steve, call Bill. You can't take revenge. Can't I? Please, Steve, for my sake. I'm worried enough now. Please, Jerry might get hurt more. Okay, honey. I'll do as you wish. I guess Bill will square things. Jerry, I know you're brokenhearted over a losing torpedo, but he's dead now. You've got to stop crying and talk clearly or I won't be able to help you. Understand? Yes, sir, Mr. Bill. Your father says that you know the two men. Can you tell me their names? No, sir. But I'd recognize them if I ever saw them again. Good boy. Stumpy, Grey Wolf, take Jerry and go over to the area around where the deer was shot and see what you can find. We'd do right away. Yep, we're coming on, young filler. Poor Jerry. He found torpedo in the forest caught in a trap. Steve had the veterinarian amputate torpedo smashed leg. Then Jerry cared for him and nursed him through the shock of the operation. They became great pals. Who could do such a horrible thing? Some people will stop at nothing. Was torpedo penned up? No, but he never wandered off the clearing and he had on a wide leather collar. Anyone would know a wild deer doesn't wear a leather collar. You're right there, sure enough. Against the law to shoot an animal so close to a farm or ranch buildings, too. The collar and the fact that the deer didn't bolt should be indication enough that the deer was a pet. The loss of the boy's pet, our pet, too, made me angry enough, but the fact that one of the men struck Jerry almost put me out of my mind. I'd like to get my hands on the one that hit the boy. I'd tear him limb from limb. Please, Steve. Nancy's afraid I'm going to take the law into my own hands, I guess. Well, men have done it on less provocation, Steve. But believe me, it's not the wise thing to do. Let us handle this. We'll say that these men get their just desserts, all right. You know, there are times when I'm sorry on the law. I feel as you do, Steve. I'd like to give these men the thrashing of their lives, but we just can't let ourselves be driven to that. I must keep law in order and let them meet our justice. Oh, I know it sometimes seems that we're slow to act, but we have to be sure that proof of guilt is established before punishment is prescribed. Those men break law. They shoot deer too close to buildings. They shot my pet, too. Yeah, now, young fella, I thought you were going to keep a stiff upper lip. I'm sorry, Mr. Bill. Is that all you can charge them with, Bill? Yes, as far as the deer is concerned. There isn't any cruelty to animals involved. As undoubtedly they killed torpedo with the first shot. Yep, that's what it looks like, Sonny. But now I'd like to get my paws on them varmints. They ought to be tart and feathered and rid out and real. I feel same way. I understand how you feel, but we just can't do it that way, as you well know. Now, the man that struck Jerry is in serious trouble. We can make him holler Uncle Good and Loud for that. Yeah, what do you got in mind, Sonny? First of all, Jerry must have a doctor's examination. Oh, I'm okay now. He didn't hurt me much. Just bash me one. I know, young fellow. But we need an official doctor's record of the extent of your injuries. Will he hurt me? Of course not, dear. We'll take him to the doctor tomorrow or even this evening if it isn't too late. Right. Jerry, I want you and your dad to meet me at Ranger Edquarters tomorrow evening right after supper, okay? Yes, sir, Mr. Bill. We'll be there, Bill. All right. We'll run along now so you folks can get squared away. Good night. Good night. Mr. Bill? Good night. Yeah, Jerry? What are we going to do tomorrow night? We're going to take you and your dad around town and see if you can point out the man that bashed you in the head. And shot torpedo. And I was out back at the hen house when I heard this bang. Boy, it sounded just like a shot. And then I remember torpedo was out there and I decided I'd check up. Then what did you do, Jerry? Well, I saw torpedo laying on the ground and I ran over. Then I saw blood. So I knew they'd shot him. And I started to hit this one guy. And then he bashed me in the nose. Then they took torpedo and scrammed. Wow. What's Ranger Bill going to do? Well, he says we're going out tonight to get the guys that got torpedo. Honest? Yeah, that's what Mr. Bill said. Wow. Would I be shaking if I was in them guy's shoes? Hello Steve, Jerry. Hi Mr. Bill, we're ready. I'll say he is. He wound up tighter than a clock. I shouldn't wonder that he is with all his excitement. Ah, why don't we start? In about an hour. Stumpy, Grey Wolf, you know what to do? Ah, that's right. We'll see you uptown, Jerry. Bye, Mr. Stumpy. If you don't mind my asking, what are they up to, Bill? Or are they working on something else? No, they're working on this case, Steve. Stumpy and Grey Wolf are going to check cars this evening. Well, how will that help? They never can tell. Men might leave something inside their car that'll tie them to torpedo's killing. I see. When do we start, Mr. Bill? What are we going to do tonight? In about an hour, we're going to let you look over the men in the different cafes in town, Jerry, and see if you can pick out the ones that shot your pet. Can't bash me one. Yeah. By the way, what did the doc say? Oh, he said I didn't have any more holes in my head than I needed. Don't be a wise guy, son. He said you didn't have any more holes in your head than should be there, and that your sound is atop, except for a little rocking up. Well, I'm glad to hear that. What do you say we walk down to Main Street to slow and easy, huh? That'll eat up most of the hour. Now, you're sure you know what you're to do, son? Mm-hmm. Maybe you'd better tell Bill once more, so he'll be sure you know. Okay, Dad. Well, I'm to walk alongside Dad and look at all the men. And then if I see the men that did it, I ain't going to get excited, but pull Dad on the side, and then we walk out, and then you go in and take over. Mm-hmm, good. And you remember that, too, Steve. I'll take over when you find them. It'll be hard to do, but I will. All right, here's the first café. Go ahead, I'll be right inside the door. All station wagons have rancho this and rancho that, and painted on. Yep, except this fella. Yeah, look what he's got, painted down the side of his ranch wagon. Ain't got no rancho. Pretty good, huh? At least he's honest about it. We look at a lot of cars, but we'll not find anything. Yep. Hey, here's one of them Dodge cars. They say this one can dodge pedestrians at J-Walk. Oh, it's tummy. You in gay mood tonight? Not too gay, sonny. Keep thinking about little Jerry. Hey, what's this? You'll find something. Maybe. Grewolf, look at this collar. It's wide and made of thin leather. Maybe this is the collar they had around torpedoes, Nick. We find Jerry and ask him. It'll break the boys' heart, but we gotta find those two men while this thing is hot. I think Jerry's getting a little tired, Bill. Yeah, it must be. How about it, son? Oh, well. Oh, no, dad. Come on. I want to keep looking for those men. How would a cup of hot chocolate and some cookies go while we're resting, huh? I want to look for those guys that shot torpedo. After we have the hot chocolate, okay? We'll look some more, as a promise. Okay, it's a deal. Jake, where have you been? You're getting back on the doorway out of sight. What else, you bunt? Listen, we gotta get out of town right now. What for? Listen, I've seen Steve White and the kid prowling through the cafes and they got Bill Jefferson with them. What? Yeah. You know who they're looking for. Yeah, you're right. Let's hit the road and stay out of town until this thing blows over. Yeah. Now, let's go. Come on, Jake, let's move. Don't run. That'll only arouse suspicion. I don't care. I want to get to the car and be gone. Wait! What? It's too late. They've seen us. Come on. What's wrong now? The ice cream parlor. It's crawling with rangers and the kids in there. That's Torpedo's collar, okay. Poor old Torpedo. He never hurt anybody. I'm sorry, sonny. It's all right, Sturby. You had to get an identification. Where's the car that you found this soon? Come on. Are you sure yet? There they are. There they are. Where, Jerry? Right outside there. Huh? Which way did they go? That way, right down the street. They'll head for the car. Gray Wolf, we'll chase them on foot. Stumpy, get a squad and follow. Head for their car. Try to shortcut them. I'll follow. I do. Stand right where you are. Right. I'll get them. All right. Don't talk to my boy that way. Well, push your face. Easy does it, young fella. Just relax. Which one hit you, son? That one. That one. Let me at him, Bill. Just five minutes right here in the parking lot. Just five minutes, Bill. And he'll never hit another child. I can guarantee that. Keep him away from me. Back off, Steve. I know how you feel. I like to push his face in myself. We can't let that happen. Sure he's crazy, Jake. He's a father who loves his son very much. How do you know my name, Cop? Oh, you've got quite a reputation around here. You're the kind of wise guy that nobody wants around. You just don't care what you do. Well, this time, Mr. Smart Guy, you're in trouble. Real trouble. Take him and his buddy away and lock him up. Come on. Don't try any funny stuff because I'm just in the right mood to let you have it. Just like you did to that boy. Big tough man. Come on, get going. This court finds you guilty of breaking the law that states you cannot shoot an animal within 100 yards of a corral, ranch, or farm building. You'll find $100 each. $100? Close your mouth, Jake. Bart is more sense than you do, Jake. A few more words than the fine would have been doubled. I wish the law would allow me to find you $1,000 each for shooting the boy's pet. You're a great man, Jake Campbell. I don't know what all the fuss is about. It's only an animal. Order in the court. Bart King, you can pay your fine and leave. Thank you, Your Honor. Bart, I find you because you stood by and let him shoot the boy's pet deer. And you knew it was a pet deer by your own admission. Is that right? Yes, sir. It is. Now, Jake Campbell, you are charged with assaulting a child with your fist with intent to do bodily harm. I hit him with the back of my hand. Now with my fist. I could give you a year in jail for this offense, but I'll be putting undue hardship on your fine wife. And she's already got enough of that with the likes of you. I'm suspending your sentence and paroling you to this court for one year. If you so much as bat an eyelash the wrong way, you'll go to the state penitentiary. Court is adjourned. Come on, Jake. We'll take you home. What for? I can take care of myself. I wouldn't be too sure of that considering the mood this town is in right now. You better listen, young fiddler. I heard talk of tar and fiddlers. Aren't you glad you didn't take the lawn to your own hand, Steve? Yeah. Bill and his men moved so fast to solve this thing. It still amazes me. Yeah, I'll see. Boy, that judge was tough today, Daddy, wasn't he? He has to be with men like Jake, son. I'm afraid Jake's incurable. What's that mean? It means that he'll never change beyond help. Not even Jesus could help him? Well, yes, the Lord can help him if Jake will let him. I hope the Lord does. We'll have to pray for Jake and ask the Lord to help him get over not caring what he does to others. Do you think Jake ever went to Sunday school, Daddy? I don't know, son. Why? Well, he mustn't have, because in Sunday school he would have learned to be kind to other folks. That's what Jesus did. Great day in the morning. What's that, Steve? I don't know. Sounds like a mob. Let's find out what's going on. Steve, those men are up to no good. I'll say they aren't. I saw a couple of barrels of tar. Oh, no, they're not going to tar. What are they going to do? Don't be frightened, son. They're not going to hurt you or us. They're after Jake. They're going to tar and feather him. I'm afraid so. All they hate these people have for them is come to a boil. Do something, Steve. Yeah, I am. I'm calling Bill right now. What's that, Steve? That's right, Bill. I know that's what they're going to do, just a shrew shooting. How many men? Oh, there must be about 30 or 40 of them. We'll be out there right away. You stay out of it. Don't try to stop them. You might get hurt. Let us do it. Okay, but hurry. You said it. Bad news. A mob is on the way to Jake's place to tar and feather him. Jumping toadstools! Get your shotguns and tear gas gear and get out there on the double. Ranger one to all cars. Converge on Campbell Place as quickly as possible. Be prepared to meet mob violence. That is all. The folks hereabouts were hit up about what Jake did to Jerry, but I didn't think they'd burst into flame. This thing played bad. We'll be there in five minutes. I'll get to Jake. Stumpy, you take the right flank of the crowd, lay wolf to left, and don't be afraid to get rough. I'll fight with you. Yes, you have. You're breaking the law. Oh, no, we're not. Jake's getting what's coming to him. We're tired of this tirade. Hidden kids, what's the payoff? Go on home, all of you. Use your hands. The judge punnies, Jake. The first guy who comes to this door gets it. You can't get us all, Jake, but we'll get you. Get out of there, Bill. It's your last warning. We're coming for Jake. I ain't never seen a mob as mad as this one. Somebody's going to get hurt. They got house surrounded. No chance to take him out back away. Get ready to retreat into the house. Reinforcements aren't far off. I see flashes on the highway. Jake, get into the house and get your wife and children under a bed. Okay, but I'm taking the first fire to come after me. You can count on that. They're getting ready to rush. They mean business, honey. Shoot the first man that moves out. Cut him across the lane. All right, let's get him, boys. What's happened? Everybody's standing like they were struck. Steve, get the boy and yourself out of here. There's going to be shooting. These men are mad as hornets. Jerry wanted to come and talk to the men. He might be able to help. Let him talk, Bill. Stumpy, gray wolf, get on either side of the boy and let him talk. Get Jerry and yourself out of there, Steve. Now we're doing what we come for. Wait, wait. Listen to what Jerry has to say. Please, listen. All right, son, speak your mind. Please don't hurt Mr. Jake. You'll get God mad at you if you do, and God won't like it. I'm not mad at it, Mr. Jake, honest. Not even after he shot torpedo. Who are you kidding, son? Get the boy out of here. Are you guys crazy? Get him out. If you hurt Mr. Jake, you'll have to hurt me, too, because I ain't going to go. Gray Scott, the boy's standing in front of Jake. They're protecting him. If the boy can forgive him, then who are we to interfere? This is an act of God, men, to keep us from doing something we'd be sorry for. Let's go home. Why'd you do this, boy, after what I'd done to you? Well, I got to thinking, Mr. Jake, that maybe you never went to sunny school and learned about Jesus teaching folks to be kind to each other and caring about folks. I figured that maybe you might begin caring for somebody if somebody cared about you. Yeah, yeah, that makes sense, boy. That makes a lot of sense. You know, in a way, shooting your three-legged deer might be the worst thing I've ever done. And then again, maybe it's the best. I'll never forget him or you as long as I live. Well, see you next week for more adventure with... This is Stumpy Jenkins, a Ranger-built old sidekick. As I guess you all know, just adding a little extra word of thanks for getting yourself in on the program today. Always glad to have you along. And I hope you invite your friends, too, for we sure got lots of adventures to tell you about. And we don't want you to miss any of them. So you make sure to be there by your radio every week. Don't lose out on our next story.