Adventures Of Champion 1949-10-24 Mystery Of The Lost Treasure

Summary

---

Episode Overview

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Adventures Of Champion 1949-10-24 Mystery Of The Lost Treasure
Air Date: October 15, 2025

This episode transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, revisiting the thrilling world of "Adventures of Champion," the adventures of Ricky West, his uncle Smokey, their loyal German shepherd Rebel, and Champion, the world's wonder horse. The main storyline revolves around a mysterious lost treasure—purportedly Pancho Villa’s—an old prospector named Mr. Salvo, and the dangerous outlaws trying to claim it for themselves.

---

Key Discussion Points and Storyline Breakdown

Setting the Scene: Wild West Adventure

• [00:36-01:54] The episode opens with an evocative introduction—wild horses stampede across the plains led by Champion, setting a dramatic, adventurous tone.
• The narrator introduces the main characters (Ricky, Uncle Smokey, Rebel, and Champion), and brings the audience up to speed on the ongoing serial, specifically the storyline of "The Mystery of the Lost Treasure."

The Kidnapping of Mr. Salvo

• [01:54-03:00]

  • Uncle Smokey recaps that old Mr. Salvo claimed to know the location of Pancho Villa's buried treasure, but warned that dangerous men were after him.
  • The next morning, Ricky discovers Mr. Salvo is missing.
  • The group finds tracks—evidence that Mr. Salvo was kidnapped by two men, confirming his story.

  Quote:
  "Looks like Mr. Salvo's been kidnapped." - Uncle Smokey [02:50]

Following the Trail

• [03:00-04:08]

  • Ricky and Uncle Smokey analyze the tracks to deduce they can be followed, with Champion (the horse) leading the way.
  • The sense of urgency is clear—they must try to rescue Mr. Salvo before it’s too late.

  Quote:
  "Do you think Champ could follow him? He's the one who's going to have to do it." - Uncle Smokey [03:13]

Inside the Outlaws’ Camp

• [04:08-07:01]

  • The villains, Hasty and Loco, debate what to do as they hold Mr. Salvo captive.
  • They reveal their motives: obtaining the treasure and the elusive map.
  • Salvo resists their coercion, maintaining he will only reveal the treasure’s location to trustworthy people.
  • The stakes rise: Hasty threatens violence to force Salvo’s hand.

  Quote:
  "That treasure's mine. I've been looking for it for years. Not going to turn it over to a couple of polecats now." - Mr. Salvo [05:36]

A Grim Discovery

• [07:25-07:58]

  • Ricky and Uncle Smokey continue tracking. They find the horses’ trail leads into a stream (a classic trick to obscure tracks).
  • They make a chilling discovery: blood by a tree—suggesting Salvo may have been hurt or worse.

  Quote:
  "Ricky, look over there by that tree. It's blood." - Uncle Smokey [07:50]

Moment of Doubt and Determination

• [09:22-10:16]

  • Back at the ranch, the group despairs over Salvo’s fate but vows to bring the villains to justice, with Ricky expressing hope that Salvo is still alive.

  Quote:
  "Chuck, I got a funny feeling that Mr. Salvo is still alive." - Ricky [10:04]

The Villains’ Plan Evolves

• [10:36-11:49]

  • Hasty and Loco debate what to do next, deciding to keep Salvo alive (for now) in hopes of acquiring the treasure map.
  • Hasty speculates the map might have been left at Ricky and Smokey's ranch—the Flying A.
  • They plan to return at dusk, foreshadowing more danger for the protagonists.

  Quote:
  "If we find the map there, things aren't gonna go too well with the kid and his uncle." - Hasty [11:27]

Unexpected Discovery: The Treasure Map

• [11:49-13:14]

  • At the Flying A, Rebel the dog uncovers a tobacco pouch containing a map—a dramatic twist.
  • The map is confirmed as the treasure map—potentially verifying Salvo’s story and giving the heroes a new lead.
  • Realization dawns that the villains will likely return for the map, increasing the peril for Ricky and Smokey.

  Quote:
  "Uncle. Uncle Smokey, look what Rebel found—a map… a treasure map!" - Ricky [12:47]

  Quote:
  "This means Mr. Salvo probably left that there map here on purpose. And it also means those varmints probably haven't killed him for it." - Uncle Smokey [13:01]

Cliffhanger and Next Steps

• [13:30-14:14]

  • The episode concludes with the heroes in possession of the crucial treasure map and anticipation of the villains’ next move.
  • Uncle Smokey promises another thrilling chapter tomorrow, leaving listeners in suspense.

  Quote:
  "So till then. This is your old Uncle Smokey saying, so long, kids, and keep punching." - Uncle Smokey [13:30]

---

Notable Quotes & Moments

• "Looks like Mr. Salvo's been kidnapped." — Uncle Smokey [02:50]
• "That treasure's mine. I've been looking for it for years. Not going to turn it over to a couple of polecats now." — Mr. Salvo [05:36]
• "Ricky, look over there by that tree. It's blood." — Uncle Smokey [07:50]
• "If we find the map there, things aren't gonna go too well with the kid and his uncle." — Hasty [11:27]
• "Uncle Smokey, look what Rebel found—a map… a treasure map!" — Ricky [12:47]
• "This means Mr. Salvo probably left that there map here on purpose..." — Uncle Smokey [13:01]
• "So till then. This is your old Uncle Smokey saying, so long, kids, and keep punching." — Uncle Smokey [13:30]

---

Major Timestamps

• 00:36 – Opening narration and episode recap
• 01:54 – Uncle Smokey reviews the story so far and reveals Mr. Salvo's disappearance
• 03:13 – Decision to track the kidnappers with Champion
• 04:08 – Hasty and Loco interrogate Mr. Salvo
• 07:25 – Ricky and Uncle Smokey find the bloodstain
• 09:22 – Ricky expresses hope that Salvo is alive
• 11:08 – Hasty decides to search the Flying A ranch for the treasure map
• 12:18 – Rebel discovers the tobacco pouch and the treasure map
• 13:30 – Cliffhanger and sign-off

---

Tone and Style

The episode maintains a classic radio serial tone: dramatic, suspenseful, family-friendly, and rich with Western colloquialisms ("varmints," "no count coyotes"). Uncle Smokey’s narration is warm and engaging, addressing the audience directly as "kids" and encouraging participation and loyalty.

---

Summary

This episode delivers intrigue, danger, and twists characteristic of mid-century radio dramas. With vivid characters and a rolling mystery, it keeps listeners on edge—from the tense search for Mr. Salvo, to the unexpected discovery of the treasure map, and the looming threat of the villains’ return. “The Mystery of the Lost Treasure” is a nostalgic, gripping listen that leaves its young audience eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Transcript

[Lowes Announcer]

Member week is here at Lowes. That means it's time for Mylo's Rewards members to save big with up to 40% off hundreds of items like appliances, tools, home essentials and more. Plus, get free standard shipping shop these exclusive member only savings now through October 15th. Not a rewards member. Join for free today. Free Standard shipping not available in Alaskan Hawaii. Exclusions and more terms apply. Loyalty programs subject to terms and conditions. Details on Lowes.com Terms subject to change.

[Narrator]

A herd of wild horses blazing their way across the plains of the West. The sound of a thousand stampeding hooves. And leading them all is the king of them all. Do not breathe. Champion, the world's wonder horse. Yes, boys and girls, the Mutual Broadcasting System presents once again the transcribed adventures of the king of all wild horses. Champion, the world's Wonder Horse. A series of fast, exciting stories about a boy named Ricky West. Raised in the wilderness since childhood by his adopted uncle Smokey, a German shepherd dog named Rebel, and a stocking legged chestnut stallion you all know and love. Champion, the world's wonder horse. Right now though, boys and girls, here's your old Uncle Smokey. To continue this week's exciting story, the mystery of the lost treasure.

[Uncle Smokey]

Well, howdy there, kids.

[Hasty]

Yes, sir.

[Uncle Smokey]

Just like our friend Mr. Rustedge said, this here's your old Uncle Smokey once again. And I'm all set to tell you some more of them thrill packed happenings in the story of the mystery of the lost treasure. First off, you all recollect no doubt, that Ricky, Champ and Rebel found an old man named Mr. Salvo up by Mammoth Caves. Anyway, this old timer told us an amazing story of buried treasure. Pancho Villa's treasure. What's more though, he said he knowed where it was. But he also said that a couple of men was after him. Well, sir, the next morning when Ricky went into the back bedroom that Mr. Salvo was supposed to be sleeping in, he found the old timer was gone. And then when we looked out the.

[Ricky]

Winder, little Smokey look down there in the dirt. What friends?

[Uncle Smokey]

Three men. Mr. Salvo and two others. Dog gone, son.

[Narrator]

Looks like Mr.

[Uncle Smokey]

Salvo's been kidnapped.

[Ricky]

It sure does. You can even see where the tracks of the three men lead out to those trees.

[Uncle Smokey]

And one of the men's feet seems to be dragon like. He was being pulled along against his will.

[Ricky]

I guess Mr. Salvo was telling the truth after all when he said two men were after him.

[Uncle Smokey]

Seems that way, son.

[Ricky]

These footprints lead to that clump of trees over there. Uncle Smokey I bet we'll find horse tracks leading the way.

[Uncle Smokey]

I wouldn't be a bit surprised.

[Ricky]

Ricky. Think we could follow him?

[Uncle Smokey]

I should ask you that, son. Do you think Champ could follow him? He's the one who's going to have to do it.

[Ricky]

I'm sure Champ can.

[Uncle Smokey]

Good. I sure would like to know how much of a head start the environments have on us.

[Ricky]

I don't know how we could tell that Uncle Smokey.

[Uncle Smokey]

Freshness of the prince, maybe. Well, we can't just stand around here worrying about that. We better get started and hope that we can save Mr. Salvo. Well, kids, we started out Ricky and me riding Champ and Champ, following the tracks of them kidnappers. We know they were probably pretty desperate. And we know that Mr. Salvo, in his weakened condition, couldn't stand too much punishment. Anyway, up the trail, miles ahead of us, the two kidnappers, Hasty and Loco, was moving along with their captive. Mr. Salvo.

[Hasty]

How's the old man doing, Loco?

[Loco]

Oh, he's all right, boss.

[Hasty]

Kind of quiet. He isn't dead, is he?

[Loco]

Nah. Guess he's just trying to figure out a way to get away from us.

[Hasty]

Well, they'll have to figure a long time.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Loco]

Hi, boss.

[Hasty]

Yeah.

[Loco]

What if he's already told that kid and the old man about the lost treasure?

[Hasty]

What difference does it make? He told other people that story, too, and nobody believed him.

[Loco]

Yeah, but what if they believed?

[Hasty]

Even so, that doesn't mean a thing. Cause you'll never tell them where it is. Is. Sir, Loco, Old Man Salvo's only gonna tell two people where that treasure is. Those two people are gonna be you and me. Hold up your help. Yeah, looks like a good place. Oh, come on, help me take the old man off the horse.

[Loco]

Okay.

[Hasty]

Easy now. All right, Loco, Old man Salvo and I are gonna have a little talk. So why don't you take the horses over at that stream and give them some water.

[Loco]

Right, boss. Whatever you say.

[Ricky]

Come on. Come on, little boy.

[Hasty]

Okay, Salvo, you and I got some things to talk about.

[Loco]

I know what you want to know, but I'm not going to tell you, that's so.

[Hasty]

Well, I think. You just think you won't. When I get through with you, you'll tell. All right.

[Loco]

That treasure's mine. I've been looking for it for years. Not going to turn it over to a couple of polecats now.

[Hasty]

Oh, yeah? Well, I say. Now, come on, before I take this with me, there's a map. A map you picked up in El Paso from a half breed that tells the exact location of the treasure.

[Loco]

How'd you know that?

[Hasty]

Never mind how I know, that's all. That's why we didn't kill you a long time ago. We figured you'd lead us to the treasure following that map. Then it'd be the time to kill you. Or else we figured you'd die protecting it and we'd steal the map from you. But one way or the other, we'd have the map and the treasure.

[Loco]

Then I guess you'll just have to keep waiting till I die.

[Hasty]

We can speed that up for you, too. Fact, you'd have been dead by now from lack of food and water if it hadn't been for that kid and his horse.

[Loco]

Now, you look here. If I was to tell anybody where that treasure was, I'd tell it to them, not you.

[Hasty]

Oh, well, that's something I wanted to know. If you was to tell anybody the whereabouts of the treasure, you'd tell it to them if you was to tell. So you haven't told yet, and that makes my job easier. All right, Salvo.

[Narrator]

Now you let me go.

[Hasty]

Let me go until you tell me where that clamp to the treasure is.

[Loco]

I've told you a hundred times, you won't tell.

[Ricky]

Who?

[Loco]

Tell.

[Hasty]

Okay, then just let me show you what I'm gonna throw to you.

[Uncle Smokey]

Well, kids, neither Ricky nor me had any idea of what Hasty and Loco was planning to do with Mr. Salvo. Of course, we knew he wasn't going to get kind treatment, but we didn't know just how far them two varmints would go. Anyway, in the meantime, Champ kept right on afar in the trail the kidnapped horses had left. And a little while later.

[Ricky]

Look a little smokey. The horses stop here. Just before they got to that stream, the men got off. See the heel print?

[Uncle Smokey]

Yeah, son, now I do. Let's get off and look around.

[Ricky]

Right. Look, the horses tracks go right into the stream.

[Uncle Smokey]

Yeah, and I'll bet they went the rest of the way in the water. Maybe they figured they was being followed and we'd lose it. Ricky, look over there by that tree.

[Ricky]

It's blood.

[Uncle Smokey]

Well, in just a minute, kids, we'll return to the adventures of Champion. But right now, I want to ask each and every one of you a very important question. Have you written me that letter or postcard yet telling me how you like this program? Well, if you ain't, I wish you'd sit down just as soon as today's chapter's over and do it right away. You see, boys and girls, Ricky and me is sort of conducting a survey, you might say, just to see how many friends we have. So if you want to keep hearing the adventures of Champion, all you have to do is say so. Just write to me, Uncle Smokey. Box 2, 1 09, Hollywood, California. You got that, Uncle Smokey? Box 2, 109, Hollywood, California. And I sure thank you. And now back to our story. Well, I don't have to tell you how badly Ricky and me felt seeing that blood and imagining what had happened to Mr. Salvo. It sure seemed possible that those two no count coyotes had put an end to the old timer. Anyway, since there was nothing more we could do, Ricky, Champ and me headed back to the Flying A.

[Ricky]

But isn't there anything we can do, Uncle Smokey? You know, it's possible that Mr. Salvo isn't dead.

[Uncle Smokey]

It's possible, son, but it don't seem likely. He couldn't have stood much punishment, sick as he was. I know, but his death wasn't our fault. Son, the best we can hope for is to track down those low down lizards who killed them.

[Ricky]

We don't even know what the murders look like. All we know is that there's two of them.

[Uncle Smokey]

I know, son. There's not much to go on. But if all of us work together, the sheriff and the posse, you and me and Champ and Rebel, well, I just wouldn't want to be in those killer's shoes, that's all.

[Ricky]

We'll get them, Uncle Smokey. We'll get them, I know it. But still.

[Uncle Smokey]

Still what?

[Ricky]

Chuck, I got a funny feeling that Mr. Salvo is still alive.

[Uncle Smokey]

Well, kids, I don't know how you could ever explain Ricky's feeling that way. Maybe he was just hoping so much that Mr. Salvo wasn't dead that he believed it himself. Anyway, at the same time we was talking Mr. Hasty, and loco was up in the mountains having some trouble of their own.

[Hasty]

Yeah, the old man's stubborn. Loco. I've slapped him around a little, but he still won't talk.

[Loco]

Oh, let me hit him, puss. I'll make.

[Hasty]

Don't be stupid. You'd kill him? That'd ruin everything.

[Loco]

Yeah, but we can't let him live. Not after he knows who we are.

[Hasty]

Of course we can't let him live, but we can't kill him yet either. Not until he tells us where that treasure map is.

[Loco]

Well, then what are we gonna do?

[Hasty]

Well, tie him up and roll him in that cave. Put a little water by him so he stays alive. Then we've got some Traveling to do Loco.

[Loco]

Oh, where are we going?

[Hasty]

I've been thinking. Loco. The old man figures he's only got one set of friends in the whole world. The kid and that old guy the kid's living with. So since the map isn't on him, he may have left it back at the Flying A ranch for safekeeping.

[Loco]

Yeah, that's right. Let's go back to tear the place apart that we'd find.

[Hasty]

Relax, will ya? We're not gonna tear any place apart. Not yet anyway. But we are gonna get back to the Flying A come dusk and have a look around. And if we find the map there, things aren't gonna go too well with the kid and his uncle.

[Uncle Smokey]

Well, boys and girls, while this was going on, Ricky, me and Rebel was still back at the fly and a trying to cheer ourselves up. And the funny thing about this whole darn thing was that we didn't even know there was a treasure map. Mr. Salvo never told us anything about it. And I guess we wouldn't even have known about it at all if it weren't for Rebel. You see, we was setting there in the living room when all of a sudden. Hey, son. Son, what's that dog up to?

[Ricky]

I don't know, Uncle Smokey. Looks like he's playing with something.

[Uncle Smokey]

Sure making a racket.

[Ricky]

Here, Rebel. Here, boy. Look, he's got something in his mouth. Uncle Smokey. Here, boy. What do you got there, huh?

[Uncle Smokey]

Can you see what it is, son?

[Ricky]

Looks like a tobacco pouch to me, Uncle Smokey. Drop it, boy. Drop it there. Yeah, it's a tobacco pouch all right, Uncle Smokey.

[Uncle Smokey]

It's not mine. I wonder, Mr. Salvos.

[Ricky]

I bet he must have fallen out of his clothes or something. Hey, look.

[Uncle Smokey]

What, son?

[Ricky]

There's something in here. Golly. Well, it. Uncle. Uncle Smokey, look what Rebel found.

[Uncle Smokey]

A map.

[Ricky]

A treasure map, Uncle Smokey. There's the cross market up above. It says the treasure of PV.

[Uncle Smokey]

PV Pancho Villa. Doggone it, son. This means Mr. Salvo probably left that there map here on purpose. And it also means those varmints probably haven't killed him Force. It also means something else.

[Ricky]

I think I know what you mean, Uncle Smokey. It means that we haven't seen the last of those two men who kidnapped Mr. Salvo.

[Uncle Smokey]

Well, kids, there we was holding the treasure map that those two varmints would have killed anybody to get a hold of. Yes, sir, we were sore in a spot, but. Well, what? You know, time has run out on us again. But, boys and girls, tomorrow's another day. And that means another excitin chapter in the mystery of the lost treasure. So till then. This is your old Uncle Smokey saying, so long, kids, and keep punching.

[Narrator]

Be sure and listen in tomorrow, same time, same station, to learn more about Ricky Rebel and the king of the wild horses, G not Breeze Champion, the world's wonder horse. This transcribed program was produced by Gene Autry Productions, directed by William M. Burch, and came to you from Hollywood. And now stay tuned for Curly Bradley, which follows over most of these stations in just a moment. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.