Blair of the Mounties 38-02-07 02 Incident at Long Cooley

Summary

Detailed Summary of "Blair of the Mounties 38-02-07: Incident at Long Cooley"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Blair of the Mounties 38-02-07 02 Incident at Long Cooley
• Release Date: May 11, 2025

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1. Introduction

"Blair of the Mounties: Incident at Long Cooley" transports listeners to the rugged terrains of the Canadian Northwest during the Golden Age of Radio. Set against the backdrop of Fort McAllister, a relic from the days when the Hudson Bay Company dominated the region, the episode unfolds the classic tale of duty, betrayal, and justice upheld by the Royal Northwest Mounted Police.

2. Setting the Scene

The narrative commences in the heart of a fierce blizzard at Fort McAllister, painting a vivid picture of isolation and resilience. The narrator describes the fort as a remaining outpost from the era of the Hudson Bay Company, emphasizing its historical significance:

Narrator [00:20]: "Our scene opens at Fort McAllister in the Canadian Northwest. The fort is a survival of the old days when the great Hudson Bay Company held sway over that vast region..."

Inside the cozy confines of the company store’s police post, Sergeant Blair maintains order amidst the howling winds and crackling fire.

3. Arrival of Belle Latour

The calm is disrupted by the entrance of Angus Cameron, Sergeant Blair's trusted assistant, who brings news of an impending visitor:

Angus Cameron [01:05]: "Man, Sergeant Johan's a hard knecht. Listen to that wind, will you?"

Soon after, Belle Latour arrives, a determined woman braving the blizzard to deliver a shipment of fox furs to Edmonton. Her presence introduces a new dynamic to the fort:

Belle Latour [02:02]: "Hello there, Angus. Gosh, what a trail. Bucking that blizzard clear from Holy Cross Lake."

Belle's dedication is evident as she discusses her journey and the challenges posed by the harsh weather, setting the stage for impending conflict.

4. The Threat of Finger Smith

During their conversation, Belle brings unsettling news about Finger Smith, a notorious figure previously apprehended by Sergeant Blair:

Belle Latour [02:25]: "He's out of jail."

Sergeant Blair [02:30]: "Yes, so I heard. Up in Alaska, I believe."

However, Belle corrects the information, revealing that Finger Smith is closer than expected and poses a direct threat:

Belle Latour [02:33]: "No, he ain't, Sergeant. What now? He was up there on the landing last night and heading his way."

This revelation heightens the tension, indicating that Finger Smith may seek vengeance against Blair.

5. The Robbery at Long Coulee

Tragedy strikes when Belle returns in distress, reporting that her shipment has been robbed at Long Coulee. The incident is marred by violence and loss:

Belle Latour [04:22]: "I've been robbed. And all that good fur cleaned out."

Belle Latour [04:48]: "Well, I was right in the middle of Long Coulee. ... Antoine's leading dog went down and three men jumped it."

The brutal attack resulted in the death of Antoine, Blair's loyal dog, and significant emotional trauma for Belle. Her identification of Finger Smith among the assailants confirms the earlier fears:

Belle Latour [05:01]: "One of those men was Finger."

Sergeant Blair [05:02]: "Finger Smith. You sure?"

6. The Investigation and Pursuit

Determined to bring justice, Sergeant Blair mobilizes his team to track down the perpetrators. Key members include Joe the Man, a renowned Indian tracker, and Little Bear. Their collaboration is crucial in navigating the treacherous wilderness:

Sergeant Blair [05:43]: "Well, get Joe the man and Little Bear if you can. Get him out ahead of us."

The team meticulously follows the trail, analyzing footprints and environmental clues. Joe the Man's expertise proves invaluable as they interpret the signs left behind by the fugitives:

Joe the Man [06:37]: "Three men here, one man top in bush. Here by trail. One man, other side trail."

7. The Confrontation and Arrest

As the pursuit intensifies, the team identifies the suspects' movements and anticipates their next move. The arrival of a chinook wind—a sudden warm breeze—plays a pivotal role in the timing of their final approach:

Joe the Man [08:04]: "Maybe you go fast, you catch him tonight."

Seizing the opportunity, Sergeant Blair devises a strategic plan to apprehend Finger Smith and his accomplices. The operation is executed with precision, leading to the arrest of James Henry Smith for the murder of Antoine:

Sergeant Blair [10:57]: "James Henry Smith, I arrest you in the king's name for the murder of Antoine Leclerc at Long Coulee."

The successful capture underscores the effectiveness of teamwork and vigilance in law enforcement.

8. Conclusion

The episode culminates with the restoration of order and the fort's security, thanks to the diligent efforts of Sergeant Blair and his team. The loss of Antoine is mourned, highlighting the personal sacrifices inherent in their duty. The narrative closes by lauding Joe the Man’s exceptional tracking skills, setting the stage for future adventures:

Narrator [11:30]: "Joe the man, famous Indian tracker, has proved his worth. Tune in for our next episode in Blair of the Mounties entitled the Tr."

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Sergeant Blair [00:02:22]: "Finger Smith again, eh? No rest for the wicked."
• Belle Latour [05:05]: "I'd know his voice in a million."
• Joe the Man [08:11]: "Maybe you go fast, you catch him tonight."
• Sergeant Blair [10:57]: "James Henry Smith, I arrest you in the king's name for the murder of Antoine Leclerc at Long Couley."
• Narrator [11:30]: "Joe the man, famous Indian tracker, has proved his worth."

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Conclusion

"Blair of the Mounties: Incident at Long Cooley" masterfully blends suspense, character development, and the rugged charm of the Canadian wilderness. Through Sergeant Blair's unwavering commitment and the invaluable support of his team, the episode delivers a compelling narrative that captures the essence of the Mounties' valor and the challenges they face. For listeners who appreciate classic radio dramas filled with action and heart, this episode offers an engaging and memorable experience.

Transcript

[Sergeant Blair]

Lair of THE Mounties A story of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police.

[Narrator]

Our scene opens at Fort McAllister in the Canadian Northwest. The fort is a survival of the old days when the great Hudson Bay Company held sway over that vast region under the ancient title of the Gentlemen Adventurers of England Trading into Hudson Bay. The glory of the old days has departed, but the fort is still a company post. Here is the company store. Here too is the small Northwest Mounted Police post where we find Sergeant Blair. The big stove piled full of green birch logs is red hot. Outside, a blizzard rages. Entering the cabin as our story opens is Blair's trusted assistant, Angus Cameron.

[Sergeant Blair]

Oh, hello, Angus.

[Angus Cameron]

Man, man. Sergeant Johan's a hard knecht. Listen to that wind, will you?

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes, it's a bad night all right. Did you phone Marshal at Fort Douglas about that fur case?

[Angus Cameron]

Aye, I did that. He'll be out on it in the morning.

[Sergeant Blair]

Anything else doing?

[Angus Cameron]

Marshall said a dog team went by at 4 o' clock.

[Sergeant Blair]

What, in this weather? Who was it?

[Angus Cameron]

It's Bell Latour, heading this way.

[Sergeant Blair]

Bell Latour? Good Lord. Fancy a woman on the trail a night like this.

[Angus Cameron]

Ay, but what a woman yon is, Sergeant. Worth a million, they say, and yet she's no satisfied. Jess built a dance hall in the new tune at Dawson calls it the Circle.

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes. Hope she gets through all right. Yes, she will. She's got the best dogs in the Northwest. And Antoine's the finest driver from here to Hutton Bay. She'll be showing up soon.

[Angus Cameron]

Listen, will you? There's something new.

[Sergeant Blair]

Can't hear a thing for that wind. Angus.

[Angus Cameron]

It's a team, Sergeant. Listen.

[Sergeant Blair]

Oh, yes, I believe you're right. Open that door, Wheel. This is.

[Belle Latour]

Hello there, Angus.

[Angus Cameron]

Hello, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Blair]

Sergeant.

[Belle Latour]

Gee, what a nice.

[Sergeant Blair]

Hello there, Angus. Give a hand to the dog.

[Angus Cameron]

Aye, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Blair]

Sit down, Belle.

[Belle Latour]

Thanks, Sergeant. Gosh, what a trail. Bucking that blizzard clear from Holy Cross Lake.

[Sergeant Blair]

Where you heading, Belle?

[Belle Latour]

Oh, just going down to Edmonton. Got a load of fox furs. Got to make the Saturday strain. But this wind's too tough even for me. I'll lay up here till it quit.

[Sergeant Blair]

I see. Well, I got your word from Holy Cross. What's on your mind, Belle?

[Belle Latour]

Plenty. You ain't forgotten Finger Smith, have you?

[Sergeant Blair]

I know. What about him?

[Belle Latour]

He's out of jail.

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes, so I heard. Up in Alaska, I believe.

[Belle Latour]

No, he ain't, Sergeant. What now? He was up there on the landing last night and heading his way.

[Sergeant Blair]

Hmm, that's interesting.

[Belle Latour]

Too interesting to suit me. Sergeant Fingers never's forgiven you for picking him up at Battlesford that time. He's doing a lot of talking and said he was gonna get you.

[Sergeant Blair]

Oh. See here, Bill.

[Belle Latour]

Yeah, I know. But you better watch out, Sergeant. Fingers is bad medicine. And he's got a couple of tough birds with him.

[Sergeant Blair]

I see. Well, thanks for tipping me off. Coming back this way.

[Belle Latour]

Yeah, I guess so. Well, gotta be getting over the store.

[Sergeant Blair]

All right, Belle. Good luck.

[Belle Latour]

Thanks.

[Sergeant Blair]

Finger Smith again, eh? No rest for the wicked.

[Angus Cameron]

And the wind bells are ringing. All the voice was sing.

[Sergeant Blair]

Oh, Angus.

[Angus Cameron]

Ay, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Blair]

You hear about Fingersmith?

[Angus Cameron]

Aye. Antone was telling me. What do you think of it, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Blair]

Well, we'll have to watch he doesn't spoil that good record we have in this district. Oh. Sounds as if the wind's dropped.

[Angus Cameron]

Aye, it has that. And look at the northern left. Yon's a magnificent sex, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes. What's out of the fort?

[Angus Cameron]

Ah, it's the wee woman to start Newt on the trail again. Y a long trail, sister.

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes. Bell's trail will never end. Till that brave little heart of hers stops beating. Well, better bank that fire, Angus. I'll be turning in.

[Angus Cameron]

Aye, Sergeant. I'll do that. Get next year.

[Sergeant Blair]

Good night, Angus. Hello. What's that? Hey, wake up. Angus, man.

[Angus Cameron]

Man, I was having a fine sleep.

[Sergeant Blair]

I'll go. What? What? Good Lord, Bill. Are you back again?

[Belle Latour]

Yes, it's me, Sergeant. Quick. I've been robbed. And all that good fur cleaned out.

[Sergeant Blair]

What?

[Belle Latour]

Sure, they held me up in Long Coulee.

[Sergeant Blair]

Held up? Why, look here. They don't hold people up in this country.

[Belle Latour]

Oh, no. I tell you. It's the truth, Sergeant. Oh, for heaven's sake.

[Sergeant Blair]

Sit down, Belle. Take it easy. Sit down. Start the beginning. Come on, Angus. Hurry up. Hi.

[Angus Cameron]

I'm coming. Where in the world did I put my socks on my feet?

[Sergeant Blair]

All right, Bell. Let's have a story.

[Belle Latour]

Well, I was right in the middle of Long Coulee. And I was riding in pretty near asleep. And all of a sudden, there was a shot from the bush. Antoine's leading dog went down and three men jumped it.

[Sergeant Blair]

Recognize the men?

[Belle Latour]

No, not a chance.

[Sergeant Blair]

Too bad, Bell.

[Belle Latour]

But I tell you one thing. One of those men was Finger.

[Sergeant Blair]

Finger Smith. You sure?

[Belle Latour]

Sure, I'm dead certain. I'd know his voice in a million.

[Sergeant Blair]

What happened to Antoine?

[Belle Latour]

They shot him. And I got the dog's clear. Poor old Mishka is dead. Best lead dog I ever had. Gee, was I mad. Antoine dead sure never made a move. Gosh. 30 years in this country, and that's the first time anybody ever stole a nickel's worth from me. And as for losing Antoine. Poor old Mishka. Oh, Jesus.

[Sergeant Blair]

All right, Take a daisy bell. Got a lift of that fur?

[Belle Latour]

Yeah, sure. It's in my handbag.

[Sergeant Blair]

Oh, Angus.

[Angus Cameron]

Yes, Adams?

[Sergeant Blair]

We leave you in in trackers and wonder who's around the fort.

[Angus Cameron]

They're all here, I'm thinking.

[Sergeant Blair]

Well, get Joe the man and Little Bear if you can. Get him out ahead of us. And get Marshall to start for Long Coulee at once. All right, Angus, slip into it. We'll start in half an hour.

[Angus Cameron]

Aye, saddles.

[Belle Latour]

Gosh, I hope he'll get them guys. Tain't the money I mind so much. It's the idea of being held up at this cheap four flushing gang and losing old Mishka. Ah, gee, he was a grand dog, Sarge. I feel like murdering somebody.

[Sergeant Blair]

Oh, no. He was getting sore. Belle, I think we'll pick him up. Well, as we're getting along.

[Belle Latour]

Well, so long, Sergeant, and good luck to you.

[Sergeant Blair]

Thanks. So long, Bill.

[Angus Cameron]

Yon's the coolie. Just ahead, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes. There's Joe the man and marshall. All right. Leave the dogs here. Marsh. Angus.

[Joe the Man]

Oh, policeman. Chief, you home?

[Sergeant Blair]

Hello, Joe. Morning, Marshall. Morning, Sergeant. It's pretty bad business. Yes. Where's the place? Just ahead, under the high bank, Sergeant. Find anything? Not much, Sergeant. There's a lot of blood on the snow and the place is swarming with tracks. I see. Joe, what do you say?

[Joe the Man]

Three men here, one man top in bush. Here by trail. One man, other side trail. Another man on top big bank. Watch for sleigh.

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes, I know. I don't want that. What happened after the holdup, which way they go?

[Joe the Man]

Oh, no. Find them yet?

[Sergeant Blair]

Well, you and Little Bear chase up under that bank. Look for sleigh tracks. It's a getaway I'm interested in. You think they had the sleigh up there? I'm afraid so. Well, that might be it, but I couldn't get these Indians away from the main trail. That's an Indian all over. They have a sense of the dramatic. Always want to sit down and reenact the tragedy. Yes, that's right. Joe and Little Bear were having quite a powwow down here in the coulee. But what's your theory about this getaway, Sergeant? Well, they wouldn't keep the main trail. They're settled country north and south and east of us. Oh, you think they went west? Afraid so. If they head for the foothills, it's going to be tough. But they have to cash in on that fur. Oh, they might figure on laying up in the hills till things quiet down and make a break south.

[Joe the Man]

Oh, I see.

[Sergeant Blair]

Well, here's Joe again.

[Joe the Man]

Oh, this one, Blair.

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes, Joe.

[Joe the Man]

Huh? Joe. Him phantom sleigh track up top of bank.

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes. Which way they go, Joe?

[Joe the Man]

I think maybe head for Snake River.

[Sergeant Blair]

Yeah, that's nice. Five hours start, they'll be over Snake river by nightfall. We haven't a chance in the world. They'll be in the hills tomorrow.

[Joe the Man]

No, policeman chief. Maybe you go fast, you catch him tonight.

[Sergeant Blair]

What? Ah, you're crazy, Joe.

[Joe the Man]

No, I say you catch em tonight. Heavy sleigh, bad trail. You catch em.

[Sergeant Blair]

Hold on, Joe. Either they have to break trail. We never catch him this side Snake River.

[Joe the Man]

Pretty soon big Chinook, he come.

[Sergeant Blair]

Chinook here. Hold on, Joe.

[Joe the Man]

You sure show him. Never make mistake. Policeman chief.

[Sergeant Blair]

Well, that's different. Gosh, that's right. If a Chinook comes, we got him. See here, Sergeant, this is all Greek to me.

[Joe the Man]

What is this Chinook business?

[Sergeant Blair]

Oh, yes, I forgot. This is your first winter in the west, Marshall. Eh? You see a Chinook of a warm wind that comes suddenly in winter out here. But what difference does that make? Well, looks funny, I'll admit. But the chinook raises the temperature rapidly, melts snow like magic. If we get a real chinook, there'll be 10ft of water over the ice in Snake river by midnight. Oh, I see. Then they'd be stuck this side of the Snake River. That's it. That is, if Joe's guessed right.

[Joe the Man]

Me say big Chinook, he comes, you catch him.

[Sergeant Blair]

That's a chance. All right, Marshall, shake up your dogs. I'll get Angus and we'll shove on to Snake River. Light sleighs. We ought to gain on those fellows pretty fast.

[Joe the Man]

So that's why it's turned so warm.

[Sergeant Blair]

Anything doing, Sergeant? Not yet. It looks all right. Joe and Little Bear have gone to see if they can find the camp. Well, the river's in flood all right. And it's just as hot as a summer night. Where's Angus?

[Angus Cameron]

Here, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Blair]

Right. We're about 100 yards from the river. Wonder where those Indians have got to. They've been quite a time. Wonder what's the matter. Probably having a lot of pow.

[Joe the Man]

Wow.

[Sergeant Blair]

Good Lord, what's that? All right. Look out. That's Joe's signal. Stand by.

[Angus Cameron]

Look you, Sergeant. Yun's a man coming for the trio.

[Sergeant Blair]

Hold on. It's all right. It's Joe.

[Joe the Man]

Oh, this one, Chief.

[Sergeant Blair]

Well, Joe, what do you got?

[Joe the Man]

I hand them camp. Three men close by. River Wa Yukong.

[Sergeant Blair]

Huang Ban Sleep. Yes. We come. Angus. Marshal.

[Angus Cameron]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Blair]

All right, I can ride with you. This is the plan. Now, listen, Joe.

[Joe the Man]

No listen.

[Sergeant Blair]

Now, be careful with this. Now, you two follow Joe. Get round behind the camp, then work in close enough to jump these fellows. I'll go straight for the camp. When you get set, I'll walk straight in on them and make the arrest. Any idea? Yes. All right, sergeant. Right. Keep your guns handy. Don't shoot unless you have to. Move in quick and I challenge them. How about those dogs, Joe?

[Joe the Man]

Oh, dog. Him plenty tired. Bad trail. Heavy load. Him played out. No make noise.

[Sergeant Blair]

All right, you fells, keep close to Joe. Watch your step. Better shove off now.

[Joe the Man]

Hey, who's that?

[Sergeant Blair]

Come on. Marshall An. What is this? Get a. Hey, wake up, Bill. Hey. Hey, what is this? Look out. Pull away.

[Angus Cameron]

Hey, what's the idea?

[Sergeant Blair]

What do you mean? All right, stand him up, Marshal. That's it. James Henry Smith, I arrest you in the king's name for the murder of Antoine Leclerc at Long Couly. Anything you say will be used against you as evidence.

[Angus Cameron]

How sure is it?

[Sergeant Blair]

Of course.

[Angus Cameron]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Blair]

I won't have to run into you again. Too bad. Finger. What about that fur, Angus? Oh, here.

[Angus Cameron]

I'm thinking.

[Sergeant Blair]

Right. We'll bring up the dogs, camp here till daylight. Then we'll head back to the fort. Nice work, Joe.

[Joe the Man]

Policeman. Chief Zo. Him heap big fella.

[Angus Cameron]

Again.

[Narrator]

Joe the man, famous Indian tracker, has proved his worth. Tune in for our next episode in Blair of the Mounties entitled the Tr.

[Angus Cameron]

Sam.