The Hermit

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. while the winter is closing fast on the forest wilderness, and the rangers are making their last inspection of the wildlife and forest conditions before the Lord puts a clean white blanket of snow over the woodlands.

Today we find Bill and Ranger Tom on their way home and well on the last lap before they turn toward Nottipine and rest. And before you know it, they'll be into the story, the Hermit.

Easy big boy, easy now. I know you got lots of energy, but we still got quite a ways to go. Hey, Bill! Wait up! Close to him! Whoa, there big fella! Oh, mortal girl. Come on, take it easy now.

What's the matter, Tom? Oh, Maud's getting tired. He hasn't got the oomph that Storm has. Sometimes I think Storm has too much vim and vigor. More than he knows what to do with it. Not only that, he's five years younger than Maud.

Now we better arrest the horses here. Yeah, this sure is rough country. Tell what's wrong with this mountain walk a bit, eh? I'd like to stretch my legs. Okay. I don't know why they can't make settles out of foam rubber.

Well, this leather gets as hard as concrete after a day's riding. That's right. Say, Bill, wonder who's down in that old line shack. There's smoke coming out of the chimney. Mmm. Abandoned shack. Let's take a look when Ma gets rested a little.