 Ranger Bill, warrior of the woodland, struggling against extreme odds, traveling dangerous trails, showing rare courage in the face of disaster, in the air, on horseback, or in a screaming squad car. Ranger Bill, his mind alert, a ready smile, unswerving, loyal to his mission. And all this in exchange for the satisfaction and pride of a job well done. That's us, Bill. Yeah, I know, pal. Come on, shake a leg. I'll get it. Hello? Nasty one going along Razorback Ridge, Bill, and heading east. All right, Sam, we're on our way. I'll pick you up in the car radio. You ready, pal? Yeah. One boot to go, and then we can roll. This is the life of the Forest Ranger, and in this case, all the men of the town aren't being roused out because, in the opinion of the Ranger on duty in Tower Seven, this is a bad one and must be contained and squelched as quickly as possible. So in the middle of the night, the butcher, the baker, the doctor, the lawyer, and all the men of the town have to leave their warm beds and have a nice sleep to fight a roaring monster. Now most of the men take this emergency call in fine spirit and out they come. That is, all except one man, and he isn't an ordinary Joe civilian either. He's a Ranger. Let's call this story The Last Fire Call. One o'clock in the morning they blow that ever screeching siren. An old man out of bed in the middle of the night. Old timer, are you ready? Of course, I ain't ready. You think I'm a young whippersnapper like you are? Come on, grumpy, we got fire to fight. All right, all right, keep your suspenders hitched up. I'll get there and the name is Stumpy. Just a minute, Stumpy. Slide over. You think you're gonna tell me? This is The Last Fire. This old man's gonna fight. Sector one, come in, sector one. Sector one, Ranger one, over. Make sure you contain the fire in your sector, Tom. I think we'll have it licked. We can contain it, no problem. Same, Bill. My men are dehydrating pretty fast. I know. There's a truck with ten crates of citrus fruit and a hundred gallons of milk on the way to you now. It should be there shortly. Make sure each man has all the milk he can drink and food he can eat so the dehydration is stopped. Yes, sir. I'll see to it personally. Over and out. Ranger one to sector two. Sector two, come in. This is sector two. Ray Wolf, back fire more strongly and watch the next crown. I expect a win switch shortly. It should help you hold the line. You've got the toughest front. Can you hold? Get hard, Frank. What do we hold? I yell if we need more men and equipment. How are your men? I'm hard again. We'll keep you busted. Good. Over and out. Bill, where's Stumpy? I don't know, Henry. I was gonna ask you the same thing. Have you seen him? No, I haven't. Isn't he supposed to be in command of the center sector? That's right. Oh, he's around here somewhere. Maybe up right on the line helping the men. No, I just came back from the center line and I didn't see him. Are you sure? Sure. I wanted to ask him a question. Well, show the why when I find him. Just keep a sharp eye and turn yourself out. Stumpers, where have you been? People looking all over for you. What do you mean? Where are they being? Except for sitting down for a spin to be right here on the line. Wow. Okay, but you better report to Bill and tell him I was looking for you when you were sitting down, I guess, and I asked Bill if he'd seen you. Now, he's in the act, too. Well, somebody got an old man sitting down for a spin when he's thumb-tuckered out. Huh? What did I do to bring on that out first? Well, I'll tell Bill you've been here all along. All right, youngster. I better stay right here and get this fire out. I'll explain when we're cleaning up. Okay, I better get back to Bill and you might need me back. You tell us why you're fighting sitting down just as well as standing it up. I'm sleeping straight. Chipper is a month old. Coat. Can you tell him one more thing? Well, hurry up. Well, yeah, I gotta get back. Bill, range you on that this is my life. I just want to hear it again. It sounded like you said you were quitting. That's the general idea, sonny. The general idea. There isn't anyone who could mess up dirty equipment so fast as so fairly as firefighters. You have a strong point there, pal. What asses? Mud. He's a slut and guck. Yeah. I don't mess. Oh, look at those trucks. My a-good back. Well, they got nice everything look when all clean and shine again. I'm already joking, fellas. I knew you'd say that after a while if we let you chin enough. Hey, any of you guys see my boots? Are you sure you lost them, Tom? Of course I'm sure. I wouldn't be asking if I weren't. You seen them? I'll say I have. I'm looking at them right now. Where? Look at your feet. You know, follow your legs. Tom, you'll get to your feet. Oh, no. It's a good thing my head's tied on or I'd be looking for that, too. Don't be embarrassed, Tom. We're all exhausted from firefighting. That was a tough one. Thanks for the comfort, boss. I'm sure a good night's sleep will restore me to normal. I'll see you fellas in the morning. Good night, John. Gray Wolf, you'd better head for home and bed, too. Henry and I'll close up. We'll clean the trucks in the morning. Oh, thanks, Bill. Good night. Good night, Gray Wolf. Well, let's call it a day, pal. That's a good idea, Bill. Yeah? I'm worried about stumping. So am I. What's wrong with him, do you think? Is it old age or is he worn out or tired or what? He didn't even show to clean up the equipment. I know it. What do you think's the answer? I wish I knew the answer right now, pal. I'm afraid we'll have to wait a few days and see what happens. But he said he was going to quit. Don't you believe him? Henry, a lot of men have threatened to quit many times while doing their last work. One man wrote over several dozen letters resigning his high position. Every time he'd tear up the letters after he got the pet pee is up. It's just... Yeah, perhaps the old time has got some pet pee if he's been storing up inside and has to air them. Then he'll be all right. This is his way of doing it. Boy, I sure hope you're right. I'd better be. We'll have one of the best rangers that ever walked retire right under our noses. Morning, Hiram. Morning, Soppy. Say, how come you're out sashaying around so early on a working day? Or is this your day off? You mind calling it that? Oh, is that so? What can I sell you for money? You got some time to spend on me. Of course I have. You're a customer, aren't ya? Yep, I have been. Say, what's selling you anyhow? Nothing, nothing at all. Say, how are you fixed for deep sea gear? Well, got a fair stock and can order it proud off, need be. Well, what would you be wanting with deep sea gear? That's my business, Hiram. Yep, I reckon. Deep sea gear is mighty expensive. Uh, cast your eyeballs on this. Soppy Jenkins, you didn't rob the bank, did ya? Nope, I just came from the bank, but what I took from it was legal and proper. His money is mine and has been for some time. Now, let's get busy looking at some deep sea fishing tackle and stuff. Why, yes, of course. Say, by the way, where do you plan to go fishing? What ocean? Oh, first off, I thought of mine try the Gulf of California. But the Florida kind of takes my fancy too. You old walrus, are you going to retire? You mind call it that, you old billy goat? Yep, indeed, you mind call it that. That's a mighty purdy car, Paul, but ain't it kind of sporty for an old man like me? Oh, perhaps you're right, Stumpier. Come over here and we'll look at a more conservative body color and style. Oh, that's more like it, young fella. I'm glad you like it. Say, Stumpier, how come you're buying a new car now? Not that I'm complaining, mind you, but I'm curious. You've driven that old one of yours for years. Oh, you might say I'm planning to take a trip. Well, good for you. I'm glad to hear it. I'm sure you'll have a lot of pleasure out of your new car. No, I think I will, sonny, I think I will. In fact, I know I will. What kind of place is this Bermuda Island, Miss Jean? Oh, I imagine it's wonderful, Mr. Jenkins. Warm sunshine and mild climate, ocean breezes. Ever been there? My goodness, no. You talk like maybe you had once or twice. No, I just read all these travel folders in green. I don't think I'll go to Bermuda Island. Why not? Don't you think you'd like it there? Oh, I reckon I'd like it, all right. I just don't like to get my feet off in solid ground. Oh, you mean the getting there? Yep. What happens if the engines on them merry planes gets all tuckered out and there ain't no dry land sit down on her if somebody pulls the cork in one of them there floating bathtubs? Oh, stumpy. Don't stumpy me, I'll tell you what happens. It's gurgle-gurgle all the way to the bottom of the ocean. Me, I don't walk so good on the bottom. My snorkel ain't long enough. Honestly, you're the funniest man I've ever known. You mind if I take some of these and look at the pictures? Of course, you may have them. But you can read, can't you? Reading makes me think. Thinking gets me stirred up. I'm too old for thinking. From now on, I'm just resting. Now I'll bring them back after spell. Thank you, Miss Dean. What a wonderful old gentleman. I don't know what he's up to. Shirley's not going to retire. Not after all the talking he's done about how much he loves the Forest Service. Do you think Mr. Jenkins is really going to retire? Sounds like he's getting ready to take an extended trip, doesn't it? I guess it does. You'll have to retire to do it. The old walrus has ordered about $200 worth of deep-sea fishing gear. Is that right, Hiram? Yep. I think he's going to retire, don't you? I don't know. He hasn't said a word to me about it. Paul, you must be joking. I wish I were, Bill, but there he was, and he bought a car. Maybe he isn't bluffing after all. Did you think he was? Yes, I did. I thought it was just a passing fancy. I guess I'd better go back to the office and get out some copies of Form 3366D. What kind of a form is that? That's the last form a ranger ever asked to sign, Paul. It's his retirement application. 42 years service. Oh, that's a plenty long time, Bill. I'll say this, Green Wolf. I remember the first time I met the old timer, 12 years ago. A fellow whose boss Ranger before me was killed in an unfortunate accident. I was ordered to report a naughty pine on the double. I walked into the office that first day. Well, Sonny, come on in the rest of the way and set a spell. Thank you for the invitation. So this is Ranger headquarters of the naughty pine district, huh? That's right, Mr. Jefferson. All too many acres of it. How'd you know my name, old timer? It turned hard. It's printed right on your travel bag. You're pretty sharp, very young fellow. Ain't so young, Sonny, but still mindy sharp. The name is Stumpy Jenkins. Stumpy Jenkins. I'm glad to meet you, Stumpy. Thank you, Sonny. Mr. Jefferson, that is. Oh, forget the misty stuff. The name is Bill. That's what I want to be called. Say, I've got my mother, and we need to find a house here in naughty pine. Do you know where there's one for sale? Yep, but sure do. Just the place, and I know you'll like it. Now come along, and I'll see to it that you and your mother get set up first-rate for living in this here town. Yes, Green Wolf, that was the old timer for you. Warm and kind-hearted right from the start. I detected the warm glow in his eyes behind that tough, bucking exterior. We bought the house, and Stumpy was a wonderful help all around. And he sure went for mom's good cooking. Now he's through with the Forest Service after 42 years. It just doesn't hardly seem fair that just when a man gets to be most valuable, he's forced to quit and retire. How do you mean forced to quit and retire? You don't think he would if he fell physically able to stay on, do you, Henry? Yeah, see what you mean. And now just when his long experience is paying off, he's going to bow out. Yeah, that's the hard part of it. Well, it sure isn't going to be the same. Well, everything I know about the outdoors and forestry and animals and camping, well, that is almost everything. He taught me. Forest Service and Stumpy Jenkins are one word around here. That is ever since I can remember an old Betsy, his rifle, and his old beat-up Ranger hat that he uses for everyday work. Yeah, it isn't going to be the same, not at all. An old timer in Grey Wolf ride same trail many years now. Going to be different, all right. Plenty different. I not like it. What? Losing Stumpy is worse than a fella having to... Well, having to... Ain't nobody sociable anymore. Maybe I got the seven spot itch or something. It's a seven day itch, Stumpy. Yeah, maybe so. What's ailing you, young whipper snappers? Now, if you was all like me, you'd have... That's all you talk about now is how old you are. Well, a month ago, what even that long? Ten days ago, you'd have beat my ears off by as much as hinted that you were old. How come you grew old so fast, Stumpy? Well, I hope you enjoy old age. I just hope you enjoy real well. I was all happy to come in and know this happens. Maybe you forgot about some of longtime friends who have great affection for you. Well, I ain't forgot about them really, but it's too late to back out now because I made up my mind to retire. Bill, I'd like to file my application for retirement. What's the matter, you bird? You gone deaf? No, I've been wondering how long it would be old time until you came to me and made this request. You getting that, sonny? Come on, spit it out, man-style. I'm only your boss, Stumpy, or have you forgotten that? Well, hey, that is a... The whole town knows, but until now no official word comes to me. For twelve years we've worked together, almost died together several times. Don't you think I deserve the courtesy of not being publicly embarrassed? Everyone knows about this, but me, I should have been the first one to hear it. Is that where you feel about it, Bill? Yes, sir. Those are my exact feelings on the subject. Now you listen to me, Mr. Boss Ranger Bill Jefferson. Six times I've tried to come in here and tell you I'm acquittin'. Six times I've tried and six times I've failed. Today I got myself all braved and encouraged up to come in here and face you and tell you I'm applying for retirement. Do you think it's easy for an old curry dog like me to come in here and tell you this? You've not only been the best boss I ever have, but the best friend all of you have. Where could an old goat like me find young friends who'd always consider him and their plans? Never once did you shove me aside because I was years old and you fellers. You made me feel young and mine and body. Now my old bag of bones is getting tired and now before I start blubbering like a female woman, do I get the forms to apply for retirement or don't I? Oh, that's not going well. Well, as I called you together so we can work out a surprise farewell party for the old timer. That's a good idea. Wonderful. What's your plan, Bill? Before I give you my ideas and you give me yours, I want to say that this must be top secret. I'll say so. Stumpy's skittery's enough right now as it is because of his retirement and if he gets wind of this, he minds skittery's right out of town. Okay, shoot, Bill. We're listening. Tom, Sam, your job is to get all the rangers lined up and their families. We'll meet here Friday night and all go over to the old timer's place in a group. That's a good idea. What do we do? Gray Wolf, you get the word around town. I'll pass the word to the rangers outside this area that knows Stumpy. Also, we'll make arrangements for the food and all that sort of thing. Everybody, everybody, wait here now, please. Henry and I will go up to the door and when we go in, we'll leave the door ajar and then you can come rushing in. All right, let's go, pal. Come on in, fellas. Thanks, Stumpy. We thought we'd come on over and see if you need a hand to bring up steaks in the mornings, Stumpy. Well, that's mighty nice of you. Hey, who left the door open? Surprise! Let's not do much, pal. If you please. Okay, Stumpy, we won't. Have a wonderful trip. Yeah, that goes for me, too. You have good rest and a lot of fun. We won't say goodbye, old timer. We'll just have a nice time. I won't say anything because if I do, I'll begin a blubbering. Thanks for everything and thank all those who gave me the party last night. So long! We'll come and see you off, too, Stumpy. Have a good retirement, you old walrus. Thank you, Jean. Yes, and I hope you change your mind and go to Bermuda Island. Even if you don't like it, I... Bruno, what's holding up the trail work in the east section? Is that right? When can you get back to the full work schedule? That's right. All right, I'll buy that this time, but next time you'd better have a reason and not an excuse. Yeah, that'll be fine. Goodbye. Bill, here are bids for supplying winter feed for wildlife herds. Thanks, very well. Oh, Henry. Henry? Did you call me? You don't have a brother by the same name, do you? Come on, snap out of it. I'm sorry. I guess I'm still blue about Stumpy leaving. Yeah, so are we all, but a range of work must go on. That's right. We've got a job to do. Yeah, I know. How long does it take to get over missing somebody? The answer to that, sonny! Never! When did you get back? Yes, now! You good sight for sore eyes, old timer. Welcome home, old friend. Did you decide to retire here instead of far away? Nope. I'm back to get reinstituted. You mean you've been reinstated? Stated or stewed, it'll make no difference. I'm tired of being retired already. So I come back to go to work right now. I even got my old work hat with me. Come on, let's get out on a trail. Boy, this is great. Oh, there, wait a minute, Henry. What's the matter? Mr. Jenkins, I'm sorry, but we haven't any openings in this district right now. And you're also a way overage to be rehired. Name a common censor you up to anyway. Well, I'll simmer down, Tom, and tell me what's got you so hot under the collar. You know what's got me so steamed, and you know very well. Let me tell you something, Mr. Boss Ranger. You take the old timer back, and you're going to get the biggest pile of transfer requests on your desk you ever saw in your life. There isn't a man in the district who isn't steamed plenty about this, and I mean steamed. You through now, Tom? Yeah, I'm through blowing my stack. Bill, why don't you take him back? Because I don't think it'll stick. That's why. Bill! Henry, don't argue with me. You've yapped at me half the night about this, and I'm tired of it. There are decisions a boss has to make that might not be popular, but they're right. But I'm convinced that Stumpy really wants to come back and stay. You don't reinstate him? I didn't say that, but I will give it serious consideration. Tom, that's a ray of hope. Let's find Stumpy and tell him. What's the use? How can I convince him if he already thinks I won't stick it out? Besides, he sent the papers to Washington anyhow. But you can try. So he has sent the papers to Washington. So what? He can send a letter recalling them. Come on, how about it? Sure, come on, Stumpy. Give it a whirl. The men want you back anyway. Tom's big truth. All I hear on trail today is when is old timer coming back to work. See? Now will you try? Well, maybe. You have to admit Bill has strong point. He played fair with you. Now you do the same, okay? Grey Wolf's right. Now that I've cooled off, I can see Bill's point. I don't like his decision, but it's sound. Stumpy, all he can say is no. Well, all right. Let's go to the lion's den and see what he's got to say. I've said all I'm gonna say now. If I haven't convinced you, then I never will. On your word of honor as a Christian gentleman, you will come back and stick it out until compulsory retirement age. Oh, my Christian gentleman, Bill. Here are your application for retirement papers back. What? You can destroy them at your leisure. Bill! You never sent them to Washington F! Wallers of ours sure can be a problem at times, but we love him just the same, and I'm sure you do too. See you next week for more adventure with...