Blair of the Mounties 38-03-07 06 The Murder at Haggets Landing - Part 2

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Blair of the Mounties 38-03-07 06 - The Murder at Hackett's Landing - Part 2
Release Date: June 15, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping installment of "Blair of the Mounties," listeners are transported back to the rugged terrains of the Northwest Territories during the Golden Age of Radio. The episode, titled "The Murder at Hackett's Landing - Part 2," masterfully combines suspense, character development, and intricate plotlines to deliver an engaging narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

Setting the Scene

The story unfolds on a bitterly cold winter night in the Northwest Territories. The narrator paints a vivid picture: "a clear star-spangled sky and the spruce trees cracking like gunshots in the heavy frost" (00:50). Inside the Hudson Bay Store at Fort McAllister, Sergeant Blair and Angus McGregor engage in a tense game of chess, while Constable Marshall remains absorbed in his reading by the stove.

The Unexpected Visitor

The calm is abruptly interrupted when a distressed woman stumbles into the store, her face frozen from the cold. Sergeant Blair greets her warmly: "Hello. It's a woman. Come in, come in." (01:38). Concern quickly shifts to urgency as the woman demands to see Sergeant Blair urgently, insisting, "It's important" (01:43).

Blair and his colleagues notice a sleigh with a bundled-up baby, leading to the discovery of a chilling scene: a woman and her child appear to have been left in peril. Constable Marshall identifies the woman as Mrs. McGregor, expressing concern over her and the baby’s safety: "Don't you see that her face is frozen?" (01:46).

Recounting the Crime

Mrs. McGregor begins to recount the harrowing events leading up to their rescue. She introduces George Henry Sheldon, a fur buyer from Pigeon Creek, who had visited their cabin in anticipation of rising fur prices. The tension escalates as Sergeant Blair uncovers discrepancies in the fur pelts, suspecting foul play.

During her narrative, Mrs. McGregor reveals that a man named Joe was involved in a suspicious transaction involving high-quality fox pelts. Blair confronts Joe, leading to a confrontation where Joe unexpectedly frees her: "No, he loosened the ropes on my hands" (05:19). This act of mercy raises suspicions about Joe’s true intentions and his involvement in the crime.

The Investigation Deepens

Inspector Blair, now promoted after three years, receives crucial information from Sergeant Marshall. A telegram arrives stating that William James Keefer, also known as Bill Flint, has entered Canada under a different identity. This revelation ties back to the unresolved MacAndrew case, where Keefer had previously evaded capture.

Inspector Blair and Sergeant Marshall strategize their next move, focusing on apprehending Keefer before he can slip away again. They analyze the evidence, including fingerprints found on the murder weapon, which link Keefer to the crime: "But remember, at the time of that crime, Kiefer went under the name of Bill Flint." (09:27).

The Pursuit and Capture

The climax builds as Blair formulates a plan to intercept Keefer at Pasco. Utilizing new laws, he aims to obtain Keefer's fingerprints to solidify the case against him. Despite ethical dilemmas, Blair remains resolute, emphasizing the necessity of their pursuit: "If we get him, when will he come up for trial?" (09:39).

The tension peaks when Blair successfully arranges for Marshall to disguise himself and monitor the incoming train. As Keefer arrives, their meticulous planning pays off. Under the guise of routine, Blair requests Keefer’s fingerprints. Caught off guard, Keefer cannot evade the evidence: "Fingerprints? Oh, I don't know. Don't seem to me you got any right to do that." (12:22).

With undeniable proof, Blair declares, "That's a frame of William James Keefer. You're under arrest. What for? The murder of Joseph Smith at Hackett's Landing in 1903." (13:00). Keefer is finally apprehended, bringing closure to a case that had long haunted the Mounties.

Conclusion

"The Murder at Hackett's Landing - Part 2" elegantly wraps up the suspenseful narrative, highlighting Inspector Blair's unwavering dedication and the relentless pursuit of justice. The episode not only delivers an enthralling murder mystery but also offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by law enforcement during that era.

Notable Quotes

• Sergeant Blair: "You're getting my seat smart at this game. Hold on. What is that?" (01:18)
• Mrs. McGregor: "Hey, who Daddy is. George. I've got to tend to the baby." (03:02)
• Inspector Blair: "Think so?" (09:51)
• Narrator: "We have a dying man's statement. Just a word of mouth. That's not enough, Marsh." (09:29)
• Sergeant Blair: "Hey, you can't pin this on me. You can't frame me like that." (13:03)

Final Thoughts

This episode exemplifies the charm and intrigue of old-time radio dramas, combining historical authenticity with compelling storytelling. "Blair of the Mounties" continues to honor the legacy of radio’s Golden Age, offering listeners a captivating journey through Canada's law enforcement history.

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Timestamps Reference:

• 00:50: Introduction of the setting.
• 01:18: Initial interaction over the game of chess.
• 01:38: Greeting the distressed woman.
• 01:43: Woman insists on seeing Sergeant Blair.
• 05:19: Mrs. McGregor describes the rope being loosened.
• 09:27: Discussion about Keefer's alias and fingerprints.
• 09:39: Blair queries the trial timeline.
• 12:22: Blair confronts Keefer about fingerprints.
• 13:00: Blair accuses Keefer of murder.

Transcript

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[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

[Narrator]

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

[Sergeant Blair]

We present the sixth episode in Blair of the Mounties. Imagine a bitter cold winter night in the Northwest Territories. A clear star spangled sky and the spruce trees cracking like gunshots in the heavy frost. Inside the Hudson bay store at Fort McAllister, Sergeant Blair and Angus McGregor are busy over a game of chess while Constable Marshall sits reading by the stove.

[Narrator]

It's no good, Angus. I got you this time. You haven't got a chance.

[Sergeant Blair]

You're getting my seat smart at this game. Hold on. What is that?

[Narrator]

What do you mean, Angus?

[Sergeant Blair]

Well, I thought I heard the dog. Team Ay, ay. There it is. New.

[Narrator]

Yes, that's right. See what it is, Marshal.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

All right.

[Sergeant Blair]

Hello. It's a woman. Come in, come in.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

Mom, I want this place. Sergeant.

[Narrator]

Yes, what is it? You better come in and get warm.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

Angus, for goodness sake, keep that girl away from stone.

[Sergeant Blair]

What is wrong?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

Don't you see that her face is frozen?

[Narrator]

That's right. Better take care of her, Mrs. McGregor.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

Oh, but I must see you, Sergeant, right away. It's important. All right, honey, but come into kitchen. I'll fix that face of yours. Oh, but I must talk to the sergeant.

[Narrator]

All right, I'll come with you. Go ahead, Mrs. McGregor.

[Sergeant Blair]

Angus. Angus, quick. Look what's in the sleigh. Ah. What is wrong? The noo. Why, it's a baby. She had it in the sleigh with her. Ot mon are we? Bear me, I'll be careful. The noo.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

Mercy me. A baby. Goodness. Take care now and give it to me. Oh, the poor little thing.

[Sergeant Blair]

It's all right, Mrs. McGregor. Look at the little beggar laughing. He was all bundled up in the furs.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

Why, the idea of leaving a baby out in the sleigh.

[Sergeant Blair]

Who is the young woman?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

Oh, she's all right. She had one ear and part of her cheek frosted, but I got it in time. She's talking to Sarah St. Blair now.

[Narrator]

All right, Mrs. Sheldon. Now let me get these facts down. First, Your husband's name?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

George Henry Sheldon. He's a fur buyer at Pigeon Creek.

[Narrator]

Oh, yes, I've heard of him. Came up here last spring, I believe.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

Yes, we're from New York. We had a lot of valuable fur at the cabin. Waiting for a rise in prices, I see.

[Narrator]

They cleaned it out, you say?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

Yes, all but a few Muscat and beaver pelts.

[Sergeant Blair]

Right.

[Narrator]

Now can you give me the story just as it happened?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

I'll try, Sergeant. Hey, who Daddy is. George. I've got to tend to the baby.

[Sergeant Blair]

Mr. Sheldon. Yes? We got a couple of good fox pelts here. Like to have you take a look at them. Well, I don't know. I got about all I can handle. Well, these is mighty good. Yeah. Fetch them in, Joe.

[Narrator]

Okay, Bill.

[Sergeant Blair]

Here you are. This isn't. This isn't fox. Here, here, here.

[Narrator]

What?

[Sergeant Blair]

Let me speak, Joe. That's it. Don't pull that gag two times, Bell. Ah, that's okay. Look out. Here's the woman. Get hold of her, Joe. Hurry up. Quick. That's got him now. Lay her on that couch. Know where that fury's, Bill? Sure. I kept this layout proper. Come on. It's in the bedroom under the floor. Got it, Bill?

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Sergeant Blair]

Yeah. There's a little filler here. Packed some to the floor with her. And this guy only buys good stuff. Boy, look at that silver fox. Come on, shoot this stuff out to the sleigh. We gotta beat it. I'll sort him out. Here, take this bunch. Okay, Bill. Say, Bill. Well, what now? Hey, there's a kid asleep in the crib in here. Ah, what of it? You ain't afraid of a kid, are ya? No, but Bill, you can't leave a kid to freeze. It's party below outside.

[Narrator]

Gee, when that stove gets cold with.

[Sergeant Blair]

The mother all tied up, it's gonna.

[Narrator]

Be tough for the kid.

[Sergeant Blair]

Hey, grab this bunch of fur and quit beefing. Ain't getting soft, are you? Well, all right. Gosh, if this ain't the swellest bunch of fur I ever seen. Come on, Joe. I got the rest. That's the works, Bill. About all we can carry on the sleigh. Yeah. All right, let's get going. Hold on, Bill. I gotta go to the cabin again. Well, what for? Oh, it's okay. I left my knife in there. Well, hurry up. Gosh, what a guy to have all a job like this. I say, this is a swell bunch of fur, but I never saw a guy like that before. Always holding up the works. Okay, Bill. Well, come on, let's go.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

That's the whole story, Sergeant. I suppose you guessed what this man Joe came back for.

[Narrator]

Yes. Did he cut you loose?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

No, he loosened the ropes on my hands. Took me a few minutes to get loose.

[Narrator]

I see. Soft hearted criminal, eh?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

Yes. And if you get those men, Sergeant, don't forget that. If it hadn't been for this man, Joe Baby might have died in that cold house before anyone found us.

[Narrator]

All right. How about your husband? Was he hurt?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

No, but he seemed dazed, so I took Baby, got the dogs and came right up here.

[Narrator]

All right, we'll pick him up when we get to Pigeon Creek. You stay here and don't worry. Mr. McGregor will look after you. All ready, Marshall?

[Sergeant Blair]

All set, Sergeant.

[Narrator]

Let's go then.

[Sergeant Blair]

All right, Joe. Turn in here and pull around to the barn and stay out of sight. What's the idea, Bill? Ah, this is Maggie Smith. Probably take some of this fur. Okay, Bill.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

Hello. Well, for God's sake, Bill. Flint, what do you want?

[Sergeant Blair]

Let me in, Maggie. I want to talk to you.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

Nothing doing.

[Sergeant Blair]

What? Say, listen here. I got a bunch of good fox fur.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

I ain't interested.

[Sergeant Blair]

You ain't? Well, look at here.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

I don't want none of that Sheldon fur.

[Sergeant Blair]

Where do you get that stuff? This ain't. Say, who told you?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

Oh, the whole country knows about that job you pulled and the cops is out.

[Sergeant Blair]

The cops?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

Why, Say, you sure better get going, Bill. You can't stay here.

[Sergeant Blair]

What say, they couldn't have got onto me so soon unless he say. I got it. Let me talk to that partner of mine. Hey, Joe, you in there?

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Sergeant Blair]

What's it doing, Bill? Plenty. The cops. Is Hatteras the cops? Yeah.

[Narrator]

Gosh.

[Sergeant Blair]

Gosh, that's tough, Bill. Tough, is it? Oh, yeah. Suppose you don't know nothing about it, eh?

[Narrator]

I know, Bill.

[Sergeant Blair]

I. Oh, yes, you do. Went in and cut that woman loose, didn't you? No, Bill, I, I, I, I just.

[Narrator]

Loosened up the ropes on I, I.

[Sergeant Blair]

Couldn'T let that kinder freeze. Oh, you couldn't, eh? Why, getting soft hearted, eh? Why, you low down white liver. Double cross And Bill. Yeah, Done.

[Narrator]

How far the heck is landing, Marshall?

[Sergeant Blair]

We're pretty close now. What's that light ahead?

[Narrator]

Somebody waving a landing. Pull up, Marshall.

[Sergeant Blair]

Hello. That's Sergeant Blair.

[Narrator]

Yes, what is it?

[Sergeant Blair]

There's a man here at Tamagi Smith been shot. Looks to be dying. Hurry up, Sergeant.

[Narrator]

All right. Come on, Marshal.

[Sergeant Blair]

This way.

[Narrator]

Where is he?

[Sergeant Blair]

Right in here, Sergeant.

[Narrator]

Huh? How long has he got not long, Sergeant. All right, let's have a look at him. Hello, Joe. So it's you, is it? Sure, Sergeant, it's me. Guess I'm all through this time. Listen, Joe, who is your partner? Partner? He ain't my partner. What is his name? He calls himself Bill Flint. But that ain't his real name. Well, it's his real name I want. Sure, I know his name is. Yes, yes, yes. His right name is Kiefer. Bill Keefer. All right, now tell me, Joe.

[Sergeant Blair]

Hold on, Sergeant. It's no use. He's gone.

[Narrator]

Poor fellow. Hmm. So it was Smiling Bill Keefer, eh? And he slipped us. I've wanted him ever since that MacAndrew case. If we can get him for this killing, I'll be pretty happy.

[Sergeant Blair]

Here's the gun, Sergeant.

[Narrator]

Right. Take care of it. I want those fingerprints. How about that fur?

[Sergeant Blair]

All here, Sergeant.

[Narrator]

Good. That's something. Anyway, let's get going. Gotta pick up Kiefer.

[Sergeant Blair]

But Smiling Bill Keefer once more made a clean getaway and eluded the police. Dragnet slipped over to the US Border. Three years have passed through well earned promotion. Blair is now an inspector. Our closing scenes finds Inspector Blair and his office at Moose Jaw talking to Sergeant Marshall.

[Narrator]

Marshall.

[Sergeant Blair]

Yes, Inspector, what is it? Telegram.

[Narrator]

Yes. Just listen to this and renew your faith in miracles. It's from the immigration field with the body. Identification? K158. William James Keefer. Man answering name and description entered Canada at North Portal this afternoon. He's on northbound sioux train number 73, destination Moose Jaw.

[Sergeant Blair]

Well, by all that's wonderful.

[Narrator]

Seems too good to be true, doesn't it?

[Sergeant Blair]

Well, it looks like a cinch. All we've got to do is to pick him up.

[Narrator]

I don't know, Marsh. Not quite that easy.

[Sergeant Blair]

But we have him cold on that Joe Smith killing.

[Narrator]

We have a dying man's statement. Just a word of mouth. That's not enough, Marsh.

[Sergeant Blair]

But the fingerprints on that gun, that helped.

[Narrator]

But remember, at the time of that crime, Kiefer went under the name of Bill Flint. We've got to prove that Flint and Kiefer are the same man. And those fingerprints on the gun were not so good.

[Sergeant Blair]

I see. If we get him, when will he come up for trial?

[Narrator]

He'll be tried at the aside his next month before his honor Judge McDonald.

[Sergeant Blair]

Oh, that's all right. Old Sandy will hang him. Sure.

[Narrator]

Well, if that identity is straightened out. But if it isn't, a good defense lawyer will knock us cockeyed.

[Sergeant Blair]

Think so?

[Narrator]

Then what can we do hold on. Bill Flint served six months of burglary in Prince Albert. We have the card with good fingerprints on it in the files.

[Sergeant Blair]

How does that come in?

[Narrator]

Why, it's obvious. We can prove Bill Flint killed Joe Smith at Hackett's Landing. We've got Flint's fingerprint record. Now we've got to get Kiefer's and prove that he's Bill Flint.

[Sergeant Blair]

You mean get Kiefer's fingerprint?

[Narrator]

Yes. Exactly.

[Sergeant Blair]

How will you do it?

[Narrator]

With this new law, I'll get those fingerprints if I have to beat Kiefer over the head.

[Sergeant Blair]

Why, Inspector.

[Narrator]

I know, I know. It's rank heresy, of course, and I don't expect to go that far. But this man has slipped us three times. We've got to put a red card on him this time, Marshal.

[Sergeant Blair]

Well, what's the plan?

[Narrator]

Let's see. That train is due at Pasco. 715. Gives us an hour and a half. He might slip us at Pasco at the junction. You'll have to get to Pasco and make sure of him.

[Sergeant Blair]

I see. But there's no train to Pasco until number six. That's too late.

[Narrator]

In just a minute I'll find out. Hello, Central? Inspector Blair speaking. Get me cpr. Hurry up. Police call. Right. Hello? Hello, cpr? I want Chief dispatcher. Yes, Hello, Ernie Blair speaking. You got anything going to Pasco in the next hour? What a fast freight.

[Sergeant Blair]

I see.

[Narrator]

That'll do. I want to send a man up, Sergeant Marshall. Be down in half an hour. Hold it for us, will you? Thanks. There you are, Marshall. Change into plain codes. There's a train leaves in 35 minutes.

[Sergeant Blair]

What charge will I use?

[Narrator]

No charge at all. Leave him alone till he gets in here. I'll be upstairs in the depot, room 18. Tell him I want to see him, but get him up somehow. All right. Better shove along.

[Sergeant Blair]

Very good plan.

[Narrator]

Hello, Marshall.

[Sergeant Blair]

Keepers here, sir.

[Narrator]

Bring him in.

[Sergeant Blair]

Well, well, hello there, Sergeant. Oh, excuse me. Excuse me, Inspector. Now, ain't it? Well, how be you?

[Narrator]

How are you, Kiefer?

[Sergeant Blair]

Oh, say, Inspector, anything wrong?

[Narrator]

No, everything's fine, Kiefer. Heard you were coming up and just wanted to have a little talk.

[Sergeant Blair]

Well, that's fine. Thought you might be a little sore about that McAndrew's face. Well, you can't hang that on me now.

[Narrator]

That's right, Kiefer. That's all washed up and outlawed.

[Sergeant Blair]

Sure, that's what I thought. Yeah. Kind of glad to get back to candy. I'm aiming to stay up here regular. That is if you fellas will let me.

[Narrator]

That's all right, Keeper. I think I can arrange that for you.

[Sergeant Blair]

Well, that's mighty white of you, sergeant. What is it you wanted to know anyhow?

[Narrator]

Oh, just a matter of routine. I'd like to get your fingerprints in case you should well take a notion to start salivating again.

[Sergeant Blair]

Fingerprints? Oh, I don't know. Don't seem to me you got any right to do that.

[Narrator]

Of course, you can refuse, and I'll have to hold you for inquiries.

[Sergeant Blair]

Well, all right, then.

[Narrator]

Right. Stick your thumb on here. That's it. Now the other one. How's that, Marshall?

[Sergeant Blair]

Check, Inspector. They're the same prints on this car. Say, what is this?

[Narrator]

A frame of William James Keeper. You're under arrest. What for? The murder of Joseph Smith at hackett landing in 1903.

[Sergeant Blair]

Hey, you can't pin this on me. You can't frame me like that.

[Narrator]

Take it, Marshall.

[Sergeant Blair]

Hey, listen to me. Come on. This way. You have heard the seventh episode of Blair of the Mounties. Our next chapter is entitled the Cedar Lake Mystery.

[Teen Advocate]

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.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Representative]

For Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

[Sergeant Blair]

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[Sergeant Blair]

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[Sergeant Blair]

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