Blair of the_ Mounties 38-02-28 05 The Murder at Haggets Landing - Part 1

Summary

Podcast Summary

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Title: Blair of the Mounties - Episode 38-02-28: The Murder at Haggets Landing - Part 1
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: June 14, 2025
Description: Dive into the thrilling world of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police during the Golden Age of Radio. Join Sergeant Blair as he unravels mysteries and tackles crime in the rugged terrains before the advent of television.

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Overview

In this gripping first part of The Murder at Haggets Landing, Sergeant Blair and his trusty Constable Marshall delve into a perplexing series of murders that have baffled Dawson City. With little evidence and eerie circumstances surrounding each crime, the duo must navigate through deception, hidden motives, and mysterious clues to uncover the truth behind the phantom sniper terrorizing the community.

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The Mysterious Murders

The episode opens with Sergeant Blair discussing a perplexing case with Constable Marshall in the Dawson City police barracks.

[00:50] Constable Marshall: "We present the fifth in our succession of dramatic episodes from the life of Sergeant Blair..."

They investigate the murders of two young men, including James Prout, a miner from Montana, who was shot head-to-toe by a high-powered, small-caliber rifle. The strangest aspect of these murders is the absence of any identifiable perpetrator, despite a recent snowfall.

[02:04] Constable Marshall: "Bear tracks?"

[02:05] Sergeant Blair: "Yes. It looked as if the bear went down to the main trail, met the man and went back with him to where he was killed."

Unraveling the Clues

As Sergeant Blair and Constable Marshall examine the scene, they find that only the victims' tracks are present, accompanied by what appear to be bear tracks. This anomaly suggests that the killer may not be acting alone or might be employing unconventional methods.

[02:15] Constable Marshall: "You got Joe the man on the job, didn't you?"

[02:17] Joe: "Yes, I see."

The team considers the possibility that a bear is involved, but Joe, their insightful colleague, proposes a different theory: the involvement of both a man and a woman using a decoy to mask their activities.

[03:05] Sergeant Blair: "Pon Joe. A woman or a boy? Yes. That's funny. What on earth does that mean?"

Introducing Key Characters

The investigation leads Sergeant Blair to Belle Latour, a key informant, and Hattie Smith, who was closely associated with the victim, Jimmy Prowse. Belle provides crucial information about Mamie Scott, a former employee of hers, who might be connected to the murders.

[07:03] Belle Latour: "She was a troublemaker. Always on the mate, too. I don't stand for that. So I threw her out."

Bella's description of Mamie Scott as a "tall, slippery blonde" who "mixes with a crowd" adds a layer of intrigue, hinting at possible motives and opportunities for the crimes.

Strategizing the Investigation

Sergeant Blair devises a plan to trap the suspected sniper by staging a fake story about Jimmy Prowse returning with a substantial stake. They enlist Sergeant Wiseman, skilled in disguises, to pose as a miner and interact with Mamie Scott, hoping to provoke a reaction from the elusive killer.

[08:07] Constable Marshall: "But what if this sniper bumps him off?"

[08:10] Joe: "Ah, see, that doesn't happen. Gosh."

Despite skepticism from Constable Marshall, Blair is determined to test this theory, believing that if successful, it could lead them straight to the murderer.

The Trap is Set

The team prepares for the confrontation, positioning themselves strategically at Thompson Ravine. As the storm clouds gather, tension mounts, and the anticipated moment arrives when both a man and a woman approach the ravine.

[09:53] Nicole Byer: (Interruption/skipped)

However, the situation takes an unexpected turn when Hattie Smith arrives, pleading for help to save her injured husband. This diversion allows Sergeant Blair and Constable Marshall to apprehend Mamie Scott, revealing her involvement through distinctive bear-like footprints.

[10:34] Sergeant Blair: "Hold still, young woman. Hell. Well, I thought so. So you with a bear, eh?"

The discovery of bear pad soles on Mamie's moccasin solidifies the evidence needed to link her to the murders.

Climactic Confrontation

As the team moves to arrest Ryan, Mamie Scott's accomplice, Joe intervenes at the crucial moment, ensuring Ryan's capture without further harm.

[12:00] Constable Marshall: "You all right, Sergeant?"

[12:02] Sergeant Blair: "Yes, yes. What happened?"

This successful operation underscores the effectiveness of their investigative strategies and teamwork.

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Conclusion and Cliffhanger

The episode concludes with Sergeant Blair reflecting on the case and preparing for the next phase, leaving listeners eager for Part 2.

[12:23] Constable Marshall: "Come on, Ryan. You have heard episode five in the dramatic serial Blair of the Mounties. Tune in for the next episode in this series entitled the Murder at Hackett's Land."

The narrative sets the stage for further exploration into the motives and backgrounds of the characters involved, promising more suspense and revelations in the upcoming episode.

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Notable Quotes:

• Constable Marshall at [02:05]: "Bear tracks?"

• Joe at [03:05]: "Him no walk like umbert."

• Belle Latour at [07:08]: "She's one of them tall, slippery blondes. Always reminded me of a snake trying to walk in its tail."

• Sergeant Blair at [10:34]: "So you with a bear, eh?"

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Upcoming Episode:
Stay tuned for The Murder at Haggets Landing - Part 2 as Sergeant Blair continues to untangle the web of deceit and uncover the true mastermind behind the heinous crimes.

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This summary is crafted to engage both longtime fans and new listeners, providing a comprehensive overview of the episode's key moments, characters, and twists.

Transcript

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[Sergeant Blair]

Blair of the Mounties A story of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police.

[Constable Marshall]

We present the fifth in our succession of dramatic episodes from the life of Sergeant Blair, a fictional series based on the work of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police in the days preceding the World War. Our scene opens in the police barracks, Dawson City, where we find Sergeant Blair talking with Constable Marshall. Look here, Sergeant, you don't mean to say that you believe this story about the phantom sniper that's going around?

[Sergeant Blair]

I don't know, Marshall, what do you think?

[Constable Marshall]

I think it's just a lot of poppycock the papers have cooked up.

[Sergeant Blair]

What about that dead man they found on the Indian River Trail yesterday?

[Constable Marshall]

I know, but why this romantic title? Of course, I don't know the details.

[Sergeant Blair]

Definitely not. Well, here they are. This dead man was a young miner from Montana, name of James Prout. He was shot through the head by somebody using a high power rifle of a very small caliber.

[Constable Marshall]

That's funny. Had he been robbed?

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes. Prout was carrying quite a stake on him.

[Joe]

I see.

[Constable Marshall]

But where does this phantom stuff come in?

[Sergeant Blair]

Well, for one thing, this is the second man to be murdered and robbed in just the same way without a trace of the man who did it.

[Constable Marshall]

But there was a light fall of snow yesterday. Weren't there any tracks?

[Sergeant Blair]

No, that's where the mystery comes in. The only human tracks near the bodies were those of the murdered man.

[Joe]

The only human tracks?

[Sergeant Blair]

Why?

[Constable Marshall]

What do you mean?

[Sergeant Blair]

By Each case the man had left the trail for some distance. And in each case, there were bear tracks keeping step with the man's tracks all the way from the main trail.

[Constable Marshall]

Bear tracks?

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes. It looked as if the bear went down to the main trail, met the man and went back with him to where he was killed.

[Joe]

Oh, look here, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Blair]

I know it sounds ridiculous, but those are the facts that have to be explained.

[Constable Marshall]

You got Joe the man on the job, didn't you?

[Joe]

Yes, I see.

[Constable Marshall]

Have you any theory, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Blair]

No, but I want you to slip over and talk to Bella Tour. Get her right away.

[Constable Marshall]

Belle Latour. Where does she come in?

[Sergeant Blair]

This Jimmy Prowse used to hang around Belle's place. Had a girl there, I believe.

[Constable Marshall]

Oh, I see.

[Sergeant Blair]

Anyhow, chase over and get her with you.

[Constable Marshall]

All right.

[Joe]

Oh, here's Joel now.

[Sergeant Blair]

All right, I'll talk to him. Hurry back as soon as you can, Marsh. Right you are.

[Constable Marshall]

See you later.

[Joe]

Oh, policeman, Chief.

[Sergeant Blair]

Oh, good morning, Joe. See those tracks?

[Joe]

Yeah, I see him. Him no bear track.

[Sergeant Blair]

What? And what kind of a track is it?

[Joe]

I don't know.

[Sergeant Blair]

Why, isn't it a bear track?

[Joe]

Him no walk like umbert.

[Sergeant Blair]

Huh? What do you mean, Joe? You think men make those tracks?

[Joe]

No. Him no man, maybe woman, maybe boy. Him walk on bear's feet.

[Sergeant Blair]

Pon Joe. A woman or a boy? Yes. That's funny. What on earth does that mean? Couldn't be a woman or a boy who did that murder.

[Joe]

No, I tell you. Maybe two people. One man, one woman. Woman he catch em. Man he kill em.

[Sergeant Blair]

I see, Joe. That's an idea anyway. Thought of a decoy game, eh?

[Joe]

Yeah, all same. Shoot em duck.

[Sergeant Blair]

Well, thanks, Joe. You stay around. I'll want you later.

[Joe]

Yo mistake.

[Sergeant Blair]

Come in.

[Constable Marshall]

Belle's here, sergeant.

[Sergeant Blair]

All right, bring her in. See you later, Joe. Yor morning, Belle. Sit down.

[Belle Latour]

Thanks.

[Sergeant Blair]

You bring that girl, Hattie?

[Belle Latour]

Yes, she's waiting outside. I'd like to get the loo down before she comes in.

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes, I understand. You know this boy Prowse Bell? Sure.

[Belle Latour]

And a fine, hard working boy he was.

[Sergeant Blair]

What sort of a girl is this Hattie Smith?

[Belle Latour]

What sort? Oh, I get you. She's on the square, sergeant.

[Sergeant Blair]

What does she do at the circle?

[Belle Latour]

Well, I paid her to entertain evening. She's a good singer and as straight a girl as I ever know.

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes, I see. Well, bring her in, Belle.

[Belle Latour]

Come on in, Hattie. Quit crying now, honey. It's going to be all right. This is sergeant Blair of the Mounties. He's a friend of mine. He's after the man that killed Jimmy, and he wants you to help him, see?

[Hattie Smith]

Yes, Mrs. Latoy. I'll be all right in a minute. But it was awful losing Jimmy.

[Belle Latour]

That's all right. Take it easy. The sergeant here wants to ask you a few questions. Don't try to hide anything, honey.

[Hattie Smith]

All right, mister.

[Belle Latour]

That's better. All right, sergeant.

[Sergeant Blair]

Thanks, Belle. Now, Hattie, you were keeping company with Jimmy Prowse, weren't you?

[Hattie Smith]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Blair]

Tell me how and when you first met him.

[Hattie Smith]

It was this spring I met Jimmy and I got finley right away. Mr. Latoure said he was all right. Then we got engaged. And Jimmy went up to the claims?

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes. Did you see him at all after he went up?

[Hattie Smith]

Yes, sir. He was down in July.

[Sergeant Blair]

And you heard from him regularly?

[Hattie Smith]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Blair]

How was he doing after the claims?

[Hattie Smith]

Well, not very good up till July. Him and his partner had a lot of trouble. They didn't make expenses until then.

[Sergeant Blair]

And after that?

[Hattie Smith]

Well, then they strung good pay gravel, and Jimmy said they was averaging three or four hundred a day.

[Sergeant Blair]

Then Jimmy would have quite a lot of gold on him when he started down, eh?

[Hattie Smith]

Yes, sir. I got a letter last week to say he was starting Monday. It'd take him two days to get out. You should have been here last night.

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes, yes. All right, all right. Now, Hattie, I'm going to ask you a very important question. I want you to tell me the truth. Yes, sir. Did you tell anybody in Dawson that Jimmy was coming down?

[Hattie Smith]

No, sir.

[Belle Latour]

Well, just what you don't mean to say you did tell somebody.

[Sergeant Blair]

Who was it you told?

[Hattie Smith]

It was just Mamie Scott.

[Belle Latour]

Mamie Scott? You mean you went and blabbed you that?

[Sergeant Blair]

No problem. Hold on, hold on, Bel. I must get this story straight. Now, Hattie, you must tell me just what happened.

[Hattie Smith]

Yes, sir. Mamie Scott had been teasing me that now that Jimmy made a pile of money, he wouldn't want to go with me anymore. I hadn't had a letter for three or four weeks, and I was scared it might be true.

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes, but how did you come to tell him?

[Hattie Smith]

Well, when I got Jimmy's letter saying he was starting Monday, I felt pretty good and I let Mae read it just to show her things was okay with Jimmy and me.

[Belle Latour]

Well, for heaven's sake.

[Sergeant Blair]

All right, Hetty, that's all. You better go along and rest.

[Belle Latour]

Well, Sergeant, what do you think?

[Sergeant Blair]

Well, that girl's story very important.

[Belle Latour]

Think so, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Blair]

Certainly do. Looks like a lead. Now, about this Mamie Scott. Who is she?

[Belle Latour]

Aw, gee, I ain't hardly got the patience to talk about her. To think that that poor, simple her story to anybody like that.

[Sergeant Blair]

You know this Scott girl pretty well?

[Hattie Smith]

Know her?

[Belle Latour]

Yeah, I know her.

[Sergeant Blair]

She used to work for me, that's all.

[Belle Latour]

I fired her last year.

[Sergeant Blair]

For what reason?

[Belle Latour]

She was a troublemaker. A always on the mate, too. I don't stand for that. So I threw her out.

[Sergeant Blair]

What's she like? What's she been doing since?

[Belle Latour]

Oh, she's a good looker. At least a lot of people Think so? Never could see it myself. She's one of them tall, slippery blondes. Always reminded me of a snake trying to walk in its tail. As to what she's doing now, gee, I don't know exactly.

[Sergeant Blair]

Still here? Sure.

[Belle Latour]

She's always around town. Mixes with a crowd. Don't drink much and always seems to have a lot of good clothes.

[Sergeant Blair]

Oh, thanks, Belle. That's giving me something to think about.

[Belle Latour]

Gosh, that goes for me too. Well, I gotta get back. So long, sergeant.

[Sergeant Blair]

So long, Bill. What do you think of that story, Marshall?

[Constable Marshall]

Frankly, I don't see much in it.

[Sergeant Blair]

Well, not by itself, but it's funny. Fetching. An idea I got from talking to Joe the Indian.

[Constable Marshall]

Did he see the tracks?

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes. Said the tracks weren't made by any bear. Said he thought they were made by a woman or a boy.

[Constable Marshall]

A woman or a boy?

[Sergeant Blair]

That sounds absurd, I know, but Joe never makes mistakes.

[Constable Marshall]

I suppose he had one of those funny theories of his.

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes, and it may not be so funny. He thinks there was a man and a woman in it and that the woman was used as a decoy.

[Joe]

I see.

[Constable Marshall]

And you think that Mamie Scott was the decoy?

[Sergeant Blair]

He might be.

[Constable Marshall]

But who was this sniper who did the killing?

[Sergeant Blair]

I know who he is, Marsh.

[Joe]

You do?

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes, but I haven't a particle of evidence to go on.

[Joe]

I see.

[Sergeant Blair]

Anyhow, we'll try fixing up a little trap to test out this theory, eh?

[Constable Marshall]

How do you mean?

[Sergeant Blair]

I want you to get Wiseman. He's good at disguises. Have him fixed up as a miner and hang around the circle this afternoon.

[Joe]

I see.

[Constable Marshall]

You want him to talk to this Mamie Scot?

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes, that's it. He'll have to play drunk. This is the story. He has a mining partner who's coming in with a big stake. This partner will be making Dawson tomorrow night. That means he'll be passing the Thompson Ravine between 3 and 4 in the afternoon.

[Joe]

I see.

[Constable Marshall]

But of course, there won't really be a man coming down.

[Sergeant Blair]

Oh, yes, I will. We'll have another man play the partner. It's the only way.

[Constable Marshall]

But what if this sniper bumps him off?

[Sergeant Blair]

Ah, see, that doesn't happen. Gosh.

[Constable Marshall]

You think it'll work?

[Sergeant Blair]

Well, if it doesn't, there's no harm done. If it does, we might get the pair of them.

[Constable Marshall]

All right. I'll see what I can do. Sergeant Wiseman will plant the story on this Scott girl.

[Sergeant Blair]

Anyway, that's what I want. Then we'll be on hand at Thompson's Ravine tomorrow to see what happens?

[Constable Marshall]

All right, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Blair]

Take it easy, Marshal. Pretty well hidden here. Can you see that trail?

[Constable Marshall]

Yes, it's only a few yards from here. Cad, it's getting stormy.

[Sergeant Blair]

All the better. What did Wiseman say?

[Constable Marshall]

He said the story worked like a charm. Anyhow, this Scott girl headed out of town as soon as it got dark. Joe followed her. By George, Sergeant, it looks like a wild goose chase to me. Not a word from Joe.

[Sergeant Blair]

That's all right, Marshall. I know where Joe is.

[Constable Marshall]

Oh, well, all right, but the whole thing seems impossible to me.

[Sergeant Blair]

Just hold still for a while. You'll see something. I hope so.

[Constable Marshall]

It's getting near the time Tenant should be showing up soon.

[Sergeant Blair]

Look out. Somebody coming down that ravine.

[Constable Marshall]

Yes. Good Lord, it's a woman, too.

[Sergeant Blair]

That's right. Keep quiet, Marshall. There's tenants coming up the hill. He'll be here in a minute.

[Nicole Byer]

That's right.

[Constable Marshall]

Well, I'd be. Sean, look out.

[Sergeant Blair]

Keep quiet. She's spotted. Tenant. There she goes.

[Constable Marshall]

Help.

[Hattie Smith]

Help me.

[Constable Marshall]

Hello there.

[Sergeant Blair]

What's wrong?

[Hattie Smith]

Oh, please, mister. It's my husband. His leg's broke. He's back up under the ravine.

[Belle Latour]

It won't take you but a minute.

[Constable Marshall]

Well, I don't know. Can't you get anybody else?

[Hattie Smith]

No, there's nobody nearer than 10 mile and he's in bad shape. Oh, please, mister, you gotta help me.

[Constable Marshall]

Well, all right. Go ahead. I'll follow you.

[Sergeant Blair]

Hunter, look out. Grab her, Tennant. Get a hold of her. Get a hold of her. Hold still, Mame. We've got a nice pair of bracelets for you.

[Belle Latour]

This brain made you dirty feet.

[Constable Marshall]

No, no. Take it easy, Mame.

[Sergeant Blair]

Let's have a look at her feet.

[Belle Latour]

No, no, no. Don't touch me.

[Joe]

Hold still.

[Sergeant Blair]

Hold still, young woman. Hell. Well, I thought so. So you with a bear, eh?

[Constable Marshall]

Why, what is it?

[Sergeant Blair]

Sergeant, just take a look at this. She's got a bear's pad sewn on her moccasin.

[Constable Marshall]

My George.

[Sergeant Blair]

She must have walked on the ball of her feet so the heel marks wouldn't show. Pretty neat, eh?

[Constable Marshall]

I should say it was.

[Sergeant Blair]

All right, we gotta work fast, Cannon.

[Constable Marshall]

Yes.

[Sergeant Blair]

Now, I just take this girl and book her for complicity in the murder of James Prout.

[Belle Latour]

You can't arrest me. I ain't done nothing.

[Constable Marshall]

No, but you would have done if you get me up that ravine. Come on, you. What now, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Blair]

Make a detour. I want to circle around, cut in between that cabin and the ravine. I'm going after that sniper. Hope he hasn't seen or heard anything.

[Constable Marshall]

Not likely. In this wind. But are you sure he's there? I don't see how he can.

[Sergeant Blair]

Come on, Marshall. Joe's looking after that. If we can locate Joe, that sniper won't be far away. See anything, Marshall? No.

[Constable Marshall]

We must be getting close. There's Ryan's shack over there. Don't see any sign of Joe.

[Sergeant Blair]

Come on, we've got to chance it. We'll open out a bit and work up to the end of this ravine.

[Constable Marshall]

I do, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Blair]

Hey, Ben.

[Constable Marshall]

We are. What do you want?

[Sergeant Blair]

I want you, Ryan, for the murder of James Prout.

[Constable Marshall]

Oh, you do, eh? Well, you'll have to come and get me. You make a move, I'll kill you.

[Sergeant Blair]

I've got to rush him, Marshal. When I say no. All right, Ryan.

[Constable Marshall]

No. Get it over. Keep still.

[Sergeant Blair]

There, Ryan.

[Constable Marshall]

You all right, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes, yes. What happened?

[Constable Marshall]

Joe was right behind him. Must have jumped him when we started that rush.

[Sergeant Blair]

Oh, that's lucky. Thanks, Joe. Well, Ryan, we picked up a friend of yours down the ravine.

[Constable Marshall]

Oh, yeah? Who? You mean.

[Sergeant Blair]

You know who I mean. Beautiful Mamie Scott. The woman who walks like a bear. All right, Marshall, back to town.

[Constable Marshall]

Come on, Ryan. You have heard episode five in the dramatic serial Blair of the Mounties. Tune in for the next episode in this series entitled the Murder at Hackett's Land.

[Unnamed Teenager]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Oregon legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookorgankids.org paid for by the Campaign.

[Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids]

For Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund, we.

[Nicole Byer]

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