Flaming Grass

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 thought about the water that comes out of the faucet in your house as you fill a glass for a drink?

I doubt that many of us have. We take the precious liquid for granted because every time we need it, it's there. And a good supply of it at that. But when there's a drought, the world seems to shrivel up.

That's just what's happened around Naughty Pine. There hasn't been more than a half a dozen drops of rain in three solid months. The forest and prairies are so dry that Bill has put out a warning to the farmers and ranchers.

There's danger of prairie fire, grave danger. Let's find out what happens as we hear the story of the flaming grass. Hal Nessel, the government agricultural agent for Nadi Pine County, visits with several of the key ranchers and farmers in his office.

Their topic of discussion is the same as it has been for weeks. When will the rains come? Luther Aiken, Rudy Nichols, and Jason Manners lead the conversation. Now the discussion is getting somewhat heated as Hal stands his ground and backs Bill's warning.

Well, I think you and the Rangers are all wet. I wish we were, Luther. Bill and I and the Prairies and Forests. I wish we were soaking wet from rain. That's not what Luther is talking about, Hal. I understand as much, Jason. But you fellas forget one thing.