Challenge of The Yukon 41-06-12 0176 Blind Man's Bluff

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Challenge of The Yukon" Episode - "Blind Man's Bluff"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Challenge of The Yukon 41-06-12 0176 "Blind Man's Bluff"
• Release Date: April 20, 2025

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Introduction to the Adventure

The episode "Blind Man's Bluff" immerses listeners in the treacherous and exhilarating landscape of the Yukon during the gold rush era. Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police, accompanied by his loyal and formidable lead dog, Yukon King, embarks on a mission to rescue stranded miners and confront outlaws threatening the peace of Wilderness Creek.

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Rescue Mission Initiated (00:00 - 04:20)

The story begins with Sergeant Preston returning from patrol with Yukon King leading the team. Amidst the harsh, snow-covered terrain, they encounter Jerry Marvin, a young prospector suffering from snow blindness.

• Key Moment:
  • [02:31] Jerry Marvin: "Help me. In the name of heaven, help me."

Recognizing Jerry’s dire condition, Sergeant Preston decides to take him to Dawson for medical attention, laying the groundwork for the subsequent rescue mission.

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Planning the Relief Effort (04:20 - 08:44)

Upon reviewing Jerry Marvin's account, it becomes evident that a group of miners in Wilderness Creek is in peril, plagued by continual blizzards and dwindling supplies. Jerry reveals that his fellow miners are in desperate need of food and medicine, exacerbated by the obstruction of mountain passes due to relentless snowfall.

• Notable Quote:
  • [05:15] Sergeant Preston: "How many men are there? About a hundred, six teams. Each team pulling two sleds, tandem."

Sergeant Preston devises a plan to organize a supply train, enlisting the help of Constable Downey and other skilled men to ensure the successful delivery of aid to Wilderness Creek.

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Encounter with the Outlaws (09:51 - 15:34)

As the relief train progresses through the unforgiving landscape, they receive unsettling news from a trading post: Lefty Daniels and his gang have been terrorizing the region, looting supplies from innocent miners.

• Key Interaction:
  • [15:03] Inspector: "Lefty, we got enough of this stuff."

This confrontation underscores the dual threats faced by Sergeant Preston—both natural elements and human adversaries seeking to exploit the miners' vulnerability.

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The Battle in Wolf Valley (18:07 - 22:23)

During a night spent in Wolf Valley, the relief team is besieged by a pack of wolves, heightening the tension and showcasing the constant dangers lurking in the Yukon wilderness.

• Dramatic Exchange:
  • [20:30] Sergeant Preston: "Come on. Pour lead into them."

Despite successfully repelling the initial wolf attack, Sergeant Preston realizes that the outlaws, led by Lefty Daniels and Scar Murdoch, are closing in. The ensuing chase through the dark woods culminates in a climactic showdown where Sergeant Preston, guided by Yukon King’s keen instincts, apprehends the outlaws amidst the chaos.

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Resolution and Aftermath (23:38 - 27:13)

With the outlaws subdued and the miners saved, the episode concludes with heartfelt gratitude from the rescued miners and a solemn reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining law and order in the Yukon.

• Reflective Insight:
  • [25:35] Sergeant Preston: "It isn't finished yet. I'll take them back to Dawson. They'll be tried and they'll pay for their crimes with their lives."

This resolution emphasizes the enduring commitment of Sergeant Preston and his team to justice and community welfare.

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Conclusion and Preview (27:14 - End)

The episode wraps up with a tantalizing preview of the next adventure, hinting at continued peril and heroism as Sergeant Preston faces new challenges, ensuring listeners remain eager for future installments.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [02:31] Jerry Marvin: "Help me. In the name of heaven, help me."
• [05:15] Sergeant Preston: "How many men are there? About a hundred, six teams. Each team pulling two sleds, tandem."
• [15:03] Inspector: "Lefty, we got enough of this stuff."
• [20:30] Sergeant Preston: "Come on. Pour lead into them."
• [25:35] Sergeant Preston: "It isn't finished yet. I'll take them back to Dawson. They'll be tried and they'll pay for their crimes with their lives."

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Key Themes and Insights:

1. Heroism and Leadership: Sergeant Preston exemplifies unwavering courage and strategic thinking, navigating both natural and human threats to safeguard the community.

2. Loyalty and Partnership: The bond between Sergeant Preston and Yukon King highlights the importance of trust and teamwork in overcoming adversity.

3. Justice and Morality: The pursuit and apprehension of Lefty Daniels and his gang underscore the commitment to justice, even in the harshest conditions.

4. Survival and Resilience: The miners' struggle against the unforgiving Yukon environment emphasizes the resilience required to survive and thrive during the gold rush era.

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Conclusion

"Blind Man's Bluff" delivers a gripping tale of survival, bravery, and justice set against the backdrop of the Yukon wilderness. Through vivid storytelling and dynamic characters, the episode captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio dramas, providing both entertainment and a glimpse into the historical challenges of the era.

For listeners who have not experienced this episode, "Blind Man's Bluff" offers a compelling narrative filled with suspense, action, and heartfelt moments, making it a quintessential installment in the "Challenge of The Yukon" series.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Now, as gunshots echo across the windswept snow covered reaches of the wild northwest, Quaker Puff Wheat and Quaker Pup Rice, a breakfast cereal shot from guns present the challenge of the Yukon. It's Yukon King, swiftest and strongest lead dog of the Northwest, blazing the trail for Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police in his relentless pursuit of lawbreakers.

[Sergeant Preston]

On King von Yuhesky.

[Narrator]

Gold. Gold discovered in Yukon. A stampede to the Klondike in the wild race for riches back to the days of the gold rush with Quaker Puff Wheat and Quaker Puff Rice bringing you the adventures of Sergeant Preston and his wonder dog Yukon King as they meet the challenge of the Yukon. Say, when you watch hard, riding hard, fighting Hollywood stars in action, remember this, one after another tells you to eat nourishing breakfasts of delicious Quaker Puffed Wheat or Quaker Puffed Rice. Topped with milk or cream and fruit. Wheat or rice shot from guns furnishes extra health values of restored natural grain amounts of vitamin B1, niacin and iron. And being shot from guns means they're crisp, tender, loaded with nut like flavor. So latch on to the breakfast treat that beats them all. Delicious, nourishing Quaker Puffed Rice or Quaker Puffed Wheat. Sergeant Preston was returning from patrol with Yukon King in the lead. The team was flying over the frozen surface of the Klondike, every dog anxious to get home. They rounded a bend in the trail ahead. There was a man staggering from side to side. He stopped and turned as he heard the dogs. He was wearing a bandage across his eyes. The sergeant stepped on the brake, hulking. How are your husband?

[Jerry Marvin]

Help me. In the name of heaven, help me.

[Sergeant Preston]

What's the matter with your eyes?

[Jerry Marvin]

Snow blind.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh. Here, ride my sled. I'll take you into Dawson. You.

[Jerry Marvin]

You won't leave me like the others.

[Sergeant Preston]

What others?

[Jerry Marvin]

Last night I heard their voices. I stumbled into their camp, told them about wilderness. They fed me and I went to sleep. When I woke up, they were gone.

[Constable Downey]

They left me.

[Jerry Marvin]

Or did I dream at all? Blankets feel good.

[Narrator]

I don't sleep.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, that's a good idea. You can tell me all about it after we got to the hospital.

[Jerry Marvin]

Dawson. I've made it, Uncle.

[Narrator]

The young prospector sank into a deep sleep and he was so completely exhausted that when the hospital in Dawson was reached, the sergeant had to carry him inside. He was put to bed at once and his eyes were treated. Then the nurse, Mary Forsyth woke him to feed him some draws. But sleep appealed to him much more.

[Jerry Marvin]

Oh, sleep.

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

Just one more spoonful.

[Inspector]

Now.

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

Here. All right. You can Go back to sleep now.

[Sergeant Preston]

What about it, Mary?

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

Well, Sergeant, it'll be several days before he can see.

[Sergeant Preston]

I know, but is it going to be all right?

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

Oh, I think so. He's tough.

[Sergeant Preston]

He must be if he came all the way from Wilderness Creek on foot in this weather.

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

Oh, he couldn't have.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm not sure. He was babbling something about Wilderness.

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

There was a strike there last fall.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, just before the freeze up. The men use boats to get there. When can I talk with him?

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

Tomorrow morning.

[Sergeant Preston]

Fine. See you then, Larry.

[Narrator]

The following morning, Nurse Forsyth met the sergeant at the door of the hospital and led the way to the young prospector's room.

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

His name is Jerry Marvin, Sergeant, and it's true, he did come all the way from Wilderness Creek. It took him nearly three weeks, and toward the end he ran out of food. And then his eyes went bad. Oh, it's a wonder he made it. Yes, Jerry, Here's Sergeant Preston.

[Jerry Marvin]

Oh, good. Did you tell him about the men?

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

Not yet. You tell him.

[Jerry Marvin]

They need food, Sergeant. Food and medicine. An awful lot of them are sick and in a bad way. We've had blizzard after blizzard. The passes are choked with snow. We went up there before the freeze up, you know. No sleds, no dogs. Six of us, the strongest drew lots to see who'd try to make it and bring help. I was the one.

[Sergeant Preston]

You don't have to worry now, Jerry.

[Jerry Marvin]

You'll send help.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll get a supply train organized right away and we'll start tomorrow.

[Jerry Marvin]

Oh, good.

[Sergeant Preston]

How many men are there? About a hundred, six teams. Each team pulling two sleds, tandem. That way we'll be able to carry enough. What about medical supplies, Mary?

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

I've already spoken to Dr. Monday. They'll be ready whenever you want to load them. And young Dr. Jones and I are coming along.

[Sergeant Preston]

You, Mary?

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

From what the boy says, I'll be needed.

[Jerry Marvin]

It's a hard trip.

[Sergeant Preston]

We can't hope to make it in less than two weeks. And when we get into the passes.

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

Oh, you don't have to tell me, but I'm a sourdough and I can take it.

[Jerry Marvin]

You know, it's funny.

[Sergeant Preston]

What is?

[Jerry Marvin]

There's gold up there. Lots of it. The whole creek's been staked and every claim's a good one. But nobody cares about the gold. It bacon and beans that matter now. All that matters, food and medicine.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, I can understand that. There's one more thing I want to ask you about.

[Jerry Marvin]

What's that, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

You told me yesterday that the night before Last you stopped at a camp up the Klondike. The men gave you something to eat and you told them about Wilderness.

[Jerry Marvin]

That's right.

[Sergeant Preston]

You went to sleep, and when you woke up, the men were gone. They deserted you?

[Jerry Marvin]

Yes. I was all alone.

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

Were you snow blind at the time?

[Jerry Marvin]

Yes.

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

And they left you alone. Why, that's the same as murder, Sergeant.

[Jerry Marvin]

Maybe I just imagined the camp and the men. But their food was hot and good, and I was so hungry.

[Sergeant Preston]

Doesn't sound like imagination to me. How many men were there?

[Jerry Marvin]

Six or seven.

[Sergeant Preston]

I realized you couldn't see them. Do you remember any of their names?

[Jerry Marvin]

Let me think. Yeah, there was Lefty.

[Narrator]

Huh?

[Jerry Marvin]

He seemed to be their leader. He gave all the orders.

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

Lefty Daniel, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

Probably. Probably the whole gang.

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

The one that held up the Express office in 40 Mile and killed those two men?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes.

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

Oh, Jerry, you're lucky they only left you. It's a wonder they didn't kill you.

[Sergeant Preston]

Probably thought they were killing him by deserting him. You told them all about Wilderness, Jerry?

[Jerry Marvin]

Yes, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

The gold and the sickness?

[Jerry Marvin]

Yes. They kept asking questions, and I answered them all.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's bad, Jerry. It's going to be hard enough, the trip to Wilderness. After we get there, I'm afraid, we'll meet Lefty and his gang. Lots of gold and men too weak to defend themselves. Lefty couldn't ask for anything better than that. There's no telling what we'll find.

[Narrator]

From the hospital, the sergeant hurried to headquarters and made his report to the inspector. The inspector approved his plans for the relief of the Wilderness Creek miners and then considered the problem of Lefty Daniel's gang.

[Inspector]

And you think that they may be heading for Wilderness, too?

[Sergeant Preston]

It's possible, sir.

[Inspector]

Except that they must be running short of supplies themselves. They head for a starvation camp? I don't know, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

They might pick up supplies en route, sir.

[Inspector]

Well, that's true. Where was it this young prospector stumbled on their camp?

[Sergeant Preston]

On the Klondike? I should judge a little bit beyond Leota. He couldn't have walked more than a couple of miles where I picked him up.

[Inspector]

Well, Webster's assigned to the case. He'd better get up there.

[Sergeant Preston]

It snowed yesterday, sir. Won't be any tracks to follow.

[Inspector]

Six or seven men traveling together. Someone will have seen them. Webster should be able to pick up that trail if it leads to Wilderness. You and Downey might arrive in time to give him a hand with the arrest.

[Sergeant Preston]

He may need help, sir.

[Inspector]

If they're heading south, he'll get it at Whitehorse. At any rate, your first job will be to see that the supplies get through. As you and Constable Downey, you'll need more drivers.

[Sergeant Preston]

Doc Jones can drive. I can get Bill Stewart, Jeff Smith and Harry Lang. They have their own sleds and teams.

[Inspector]

That means that we'll have to furnish three teams and six sleds.

[Sergeant Preston]

We have them, sir.

[Inspector]

You're free to draw on our commissary. Of course, you can charge anything else that you need to the force's account.

[Sergeant Preston]

Thank you, sir.

[Inspector]

Go to a sergeant. And the best of luck.

[Sergeant Preston]

We may need it, Sir. Come on.

[Narrator]

King, Stewart, Smith and Lang were contacted and agreed to make the trip with the sergeant. By late afternoon, the 12 sleds were loaded. Since there was a full moon, it was decided to start at once. Nearly the whole population of Dawson gathered around headquarters to say goodbye and speed them on their way. Goodbye, Sergeant. With the sergeant in the lead, the relief train headed down Front street, then turned east on the Klondike. The weather was clear and cold and the snow hard packed on the trail. The dogs threw their weight into the harness and the sleds moved easily on their iced runners. But this was the easy part of the trip. And ahead lay mountain passes choked with snow, the threat of avalanches and of sudden storms roaring down from the icy peaks. They ran into their first blizzard when they were a day's travel beyond the headwaters of the Klondike. Luckily there was a trading post there to give them shelter for the night. But the owner had bad news.

[Sergeant Preston]

You're sure it was Lefty Dinos?

[Inspector]

Absolutely. I didn't have much gold and he wasn't interested in fur, so it could have been worse.

[Sergeant Preston]

Just what did he take besides your gold? It was flour, beans, bacon, beans, ammunition.

[Constable Downey]

All I had.

[Inspector]

How long ago was this? Four days.

[Sergeant Preston]

And you reported the hold up to Constable Webster?

[Inspector]

Sure. He came by the next day.

[Sergeant Preston]

I suppose they followed them into the mountains.

[Inspector]

Hardly stopped to eat. He came by here at noon. How many men were Lefty? Well, there was six. I recognized a couple of them. A breed they call Kasoya and Scar Murdoch.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. They were both seen in 40 Mile and the Express office was held up six of them.

[Inspector]

And with Lefty, that's seven. I sure hope old Webster doesn't try to take on the whole crew.

[Sergeant Preston]

He knows we'll be along. Only thing I'm afraid of is an ambush. That's dangerous country ahead.

[Constable Downey]

I feel like pushing on.

[Sergeant Preston]

We wouldn't gain much.

[Inspector]

I should say not. You'd only wear out your dogs.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll wait until the storm's over. Still a long way to wilderness.

[Narrator]

Even with the storm over, the drifted snow turned travel into a constant battle against cold and weariness. Now Yukon King was unable to break the trail for the teams. And the sergeant walked ahead of him on snowshoes. The relief sleds covered only 10 miles during the first 12 hours after leaving the trading post. The second day of travel netted 20 miles. But then the first of the mountain passes was reached. And their progress dwindled to less than a mile an hour again. It was during the fourth day that King started to bark. As the sergeant was plowing his way around the huge drift.

[Sergeant Preston]

What is it, King? What's underneath there? Wait a minute, fella. I'll unharness you.

[Narrator]

Once freed of the traces, King made the snow fly. And at last he uncovered a pile of stones.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's strange.

[Narrator]

What is it, sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

These stones look like a cache. A couple of shovels on the first sled. Let's give King a hand.

[Inspector]

Right.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later, the sergeant, Constable county and King had uncovered three piles of stones. And the other members of the party gathered around as they started to throw the stones aside.

[Sergeant Preston]

Not Cassius? No.

[Inspector]

Brave sergeant?

[Narrator]

Yes, Constable Webster, the brave.

[Sergeant Preston]

Kiss siren. Well, that must be another member of the gang. They got Webster coming through here, but he got two of them. It's up to us to get the rest of them.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our adventure in just a moment. Say, fellas and girls, do you know what's coming this month? Valentine's Day. Gee, aren't Valentine's a wonderful idea? I wonder who's at the door. Why, it's our old friend the postman. Say, am I glad to see you.

[Inspector]

Howdy, young fella.

[Narrator]

Don't tell me you're already delivering Valentine.

[Inspector]

I sure am.

[Narrator]

Got any for me? Yep.

[Inspector]

Here's a pretty special one.

[Narrator]

Oh, gee, it's real pretty. And it says, to my Valentine.

[Inspector]

That's to you, bub, from my wife.

[Narrator]

And it says here. Thanks for tipping us off to those wonderful breakfasts of Quaker puffed wheat and Quaker puffed rice. My husband has been a different man ever since.

[Inspector]

That's me.

[Narrator]

You?

[Inspector]

Yep. Seems like I never used to care much for breakfast. Oh, son, you should see me now.

[Narrator]

You mean you eat a big bowl full of Quaker puffed Wheat or Quaker puffed Rice every morning?

[Inspector]

Do I say I pour on the old milk or cream, add some fruit and it sure tastes good.

[Narrator]

Mighty good for you, too. Quaker puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed rice furnish added food values of restored natural grain amounts of vitamin B1, niacin and iron.

[Inspector]

Well, that's why I eat Quaker Puff Wheat one day and Quaker Puffed rice the next.

[Narrator]

That's a swell idea. And say fellas and girls, don't you miss out a single day either. Buy both delicious kinds. Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice. These swell tasting ready to serve cereals are shot from guns to make them crisp and tender. Yes, these king size premium grains are exploded up to eight times normal size to make them bigger and better tasting. Ask mom right now to order big red and blue packages of delicious Quaker popped wheat and Quaker Puffed rice shot from guns. Now to continue. As Sergeant Preston and the relief train struggled through the passes, Lefty Daniels and his gang had descended on Wilderness Creek in the dead of night. And moving swiftly and silently, they forced their way into cabin after cabin.

[Inspector]

Hey, what's the idea?

[Constable Downey]

Keep them covered. Joe, light the lamp. Scar.

[Inspector]

If you're looking for gold, you keep.

[Constable Downey]

Your mouth shut or Joe put a bullet through your brain.

[Inspector]

Not much of the way. Supplies.

[Constable Downey]

Take them all. And any guns and ammunition.

[Inspector]

Right. Don't take my food.

[Constable Downey]

I haven't got much. I told you to shut up. You may as well get this straight. My name is Lefty Daniels and I'm taking over Wilderness Creek. I've set up my headquarters at the big cabin near the mouth.

[Jerry Marvin]

You can't.

[Constable Downey]

I can do anything I want to. And this is the way it's going to be. All the food will be stored in my cabin. When I got to bother looking for your gold, you probably got it well hidden. But you're going to use that gold to buy food. A pound of flour for a pound of dust.

[Inspector]

What?

[Constable Downey]

That's the price now. It may go up.

[Inspector]

You won't get away with this. The northwest mount will be coming after you.

[Constable Downey]

We've already taken care of the Northwest Mounted.

[Inspector]

Tell them about young Marvin.

[Constable Downey]

Yeah, the one you sent to Dawson for help. He paid us a visit one night. He was snow blind. We left him to die by the side of the trail. You won't be getting any food from Dawson. If you want to eat, you'll have to buy from us. Better get up early and start digging. Gonna cost plenty to live on Wilderness Creek from now on.

[Inspector]

But the men who were sh.

[Constable Downey]

You'll have to pay their freight as well as your own.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hey.

[Constable Downey]

Got everything, Scar? All the reds and let's get on to the next cabin.

[Narrator]

Come on, Joe. Two days later Lefty and Scar were weighing out gold dust in the cabin Lefty was using as his headquarters.

[Inspector]

Lefty, we got enough of this stuff.

[Constable Downey]

Think so?

[Inspector]

It's every ounce the miners have.

[Constable Downey]

They can thaw out the ground and dig more.

[Sergeant Preston]

But we've got enough.

[Inspector]

Why not load up all the supplies we have and start out tomorrow? Follow the wilderness to the arrow. And the arrow to the porcupine. We could be in Alaska in less than a week. And we'd be safe. With all the gold we'll ever need.

[Constable Downey]

There's more here for the taking.

[Inspector]

But we'll be paying for it. For food. No matter what you charge, the food's worth more than the gold. Quinty.

[Constable Downey]

Yeah. Why's the matter?

[Narrator]

I just been up to the ridge.

[Inspector]

Had these binoculars with me, and I took a look back to the east. The way we came across. Wolf Valley. Well, way on the other side of it, 20 miles. I saw some sleds coming through the pass.

[Constable Downey]

You couldn't see that far and be.

[Inspector]

Sure from way up there. And on a day like today, of course you can. Probably a pack of wolves. Oh, no. Just specs, I grant you, But I studied the way they moved. Single file and in a straight line. Sleds and dogs and men. If you don't believe me, take the glasses. Go there and see for yourself. How many? I couldn't tell that for sure, but a lot of them.

[Constable Downey]

Could Marvin have got through to Dawson after all?

[Narrator]

That's what I'm thinking.

[Inspector]

Somebody might have found him. That Mountie you shot, Marvin could have put him on our trail.

[Constable Downey]

No. He picked up our trail at the trading post.

[Inspector]

If those sleds are loaded with supplies, there'll be other Mounties with them. Yeah, that's right.

[Constable Downey]

What of it?

[Inspector]

What of it? Let's get out of here.

[Constable Downey]

To have them breathing down our necks all the way to Alaska? No, thanks. This isn't such a bad break.

[Inspector]

What's good about it?

[Constable Downey]

Scar was just saying that food is worth more than gold up here. We can use some more supplies.

[Inspector]

Go after them.

[Constable Downey]

Why not? The snow's deep in the valley. They won't be able to get more than halfway across it. Today. And it's the dark of the moon, they'll build their campfires big to keep off the wolves. Once we surround the camp, it'll be easy.

[Narrator]

When darkness fell that night, Sergeant Preston called a halt near a grove of pine tre so there would be plenty of branches for a windbreak and plenty of wood for the campfire. The dogs were fed, and afterwards the relief party Sat around the fire eating bacon and beans. It was then that the wolves began to howl. From the ridges surrounding the valley, the dogs whimpered and burrowed deeper into the snow. All except King, who stood erect and challenging. A low growl in his throat.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sounds like the packs are gathering.

[Inspector]

Pack, sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, if there's only one, it's certainly a big one.

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

They call this place wolf valley, don't they?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, Mary. We'll have to take turns staying awake tonight. Make sure the fire is kept up.

[Inspector]

But, sergeant, there's so many of us.

[Constable Downey]

Wolves are afraid of men.

[Sergeant Preston]

Up to a certain point they are, Jim. It's our dogs they go after.

[Inspector]

They're not exactly arguing, sergeant. With a fire and someone watching, you don't really believe there's any danger, do you?

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll see.

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

When a wolf gets hungry enough, he isn't even afraid of fire. I've been around the Yukon longer than you have, Jim. I know what I'm talking about.

[Narrator]

Evening meal was finished, but no one felt like going to sleep. The howling of the wolves stopped. Still, there was no reassurance in the silence. It was dark, very dark. Nothing could be seen beyond the circle of light cast by the campfire. Until suddenly.

[Inspector]

There.

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

That's the first one.

[Inspector]

First what?

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

The first wolves. You see where I'm pointing? Those two points of light. Green. I'm right, aren't I, sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, Mary. That's wolf.

[Jerry Marvin]

I'll pick him off.

[Narrator]

Got him. That's one down.

[Nurse Mary Forsyth]

Good shot, Gene.

[Inspector]

What's that?

[Sergeant Preston]

More wolves. You've given them a meal. They're starving. All right. Might as well hold our fire until they start coming closer.

[Narrator]

It was not long after that a great circle seemed to be drawn around the camp. A circle etched in pinpoints of green fire. The men waited with their rifles ready, firing only when a wolf started toward them. Then the horrible snarling would echo through the night once more, to be succeeded by an ominous quiet. A silence charged with suspense. King crouched by his master's side, Alert to every move his wild enemies made. And it was he who gave the warning as the wolves made their first charge on the sled.

[Sergeant Preston]

Come on. Pour lead into them.

[Narrator]

Keep firing. Time them back. The charge was driven back. The gaunt, ghostly bodies faded into the darkness. But for some reason, King still was uneasy, Sniffing the air and growling.

[Inspector]

Where are they, sergeant? We can't even see their eyes now.

[Sergeant Preston]

They haven't gone far. King may have caught the scent of another kind of wolf.

[Inspector]

Well, we're not far from wilderness.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's what I mean, Jim. And this Fire can be seen for a long way across the valley.

[Inspector]

We've got to have the fire to keep the wolves back.

[Sergeant Preston]

There's some animals more dangerous than yours. Down, everybody. Help me put out the fire. Go, Snow. Want it?

[Narrator]

And then crawl away? Quickly. The men followed the sergeant's orders. In a matter of seconds, the fire was out. But Bill Stewart had caught a bullet in his leg. Mary crawled to his side and bandaged it as the sergeant gave direction.

[Sergeant Preston]

Don't anyone fire. We'll only give them a target. They can't see us in this light any more than we can see them.

[Inspector]

You think it's Lefty in this gang?

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm sure of it.

[Inspector]

Well, the dark may protect us from them, but the wolves can find us. What if they come after us again? We'll have to shoot.

[Sergeant Preston]

Wait for my word.

[Narrator]

It was agonizing. Waiting in the cold and darkness with every muscle taut, eyes and ears alert for the slightest movement. Lefty and his men were also holding their fire so as not to give their positions away. The sergeant realized it was a stalemate which would be broken in the outlaw's favor whenever the wolves rallied for a second attack. He considered every possibility and then decided to take a long chance.

[Sergeant Preston]

Jim.

[Narrator]

Yes?

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm going after them. Anybody come with me?

[Inspector]

After Lefty and the others?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes.

[Inspector]

We don't know where they are. We have no idea.

[Sergeant Preston]

King will find them for us. Where are the handcuffs?

[Inspector]

I have a coupled pair. That's more on the first sled.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll take some. Leave your rifle. It's too clumsy. You better carry two revolvers.

[Jerry Marvin]

Okay.

[Inspector]

Golly, Sergeant, there isn't much chance.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's the only one I can think of. We'll start with the woods. Go on, King. Men, find the men.

[Narrator]

Then began a desperate game of blind man's buff with King's keen nose serving his eyes for the sergeant and Constable Downey. It was so dark they could not see the trees until their shoulders scraped the trunk of one. The sergeant laid a restraining hand on King's harness. They crawled forward inch by inch. When King stopped, the sergeant could still see nothing. But he could hear something. The steady breathing of a man only a few feet away. The sergeant held his own breath and then struck out with the bottom of his revolver. The sergeant snapped a pair of handcuffs around the man's wrists and, leaving Constable Downey to guardium, crawled on. King led him to a second man and a third. And each of them was taken care of in exactly the same way and dragged back for Downy to Guard. The sergeant and King started out again. They had crawled for 50 yards when King jumped to his feet and groaned King down. But King would not obey his master for half a dozen wolves were racing toward them.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sorry, King. I didn't understand.

[Narrator]

King met the lead wolf's attack and the sergeant picked off those that were following him. But as soon as he started to shoot, the reports of other guns sounded and bullets kicked up the snow around the sergeant. They helped to finish off the wolves, but the sergeant and King were untouched.

[Sergeant Preston]

Those shots came from that direction. King, we've taken care of three. There can only be two left. Murdoch and Daniels. If only it weren't so dark. I know you can find them, boy, but I hate to send you after them. They've been alerted and they know we're in the woods. Better wait right here and make no sound. I didn't think they picked us off and hoped they come to make sure.

[Narrator]

But King was unable to remain quiet. The dead wolves were attracting others and they were closing in around King and the sergeant. The great dog took his master's pocket in his mouth and pulled it.

[Sergeant Preston]

So I'm wrong, boy. You think we'd better get out of here? All right, go on.

[Narrator]

King started toward the edge of the woods. They had almost reached them when they heard a frantic cry. It's wolves all around us.

[Constable Downey]

Get out of the open.

[Narrator]

Come on. The sergeant heard two men crashing through the underbrush and guided by the sound, he ran to meet them. As Scar and Lefty broke from the COVID of the trees, he was facing them, his guns ready.

[Sergeant Preston]

Up with your hands. You're under arrest in the name of the Queen.

[Narrator]

Get out of the way. There's wolves after us.

[Sergeant Preston]

Just march straight ahead and you'll be safe. Safe to die on the gallows.

[Inspector]

Move.

[Narrator]

All right, Doc.

[Sergeant Preston]

Jeff, get that fire started again.

[Narrator]

All the gang are present and accounted for. A few minutes later, the campfire was roaring once more. Sergeant and Jeff returned to Jim and helped him with a man the sergeant had knocked out and handcuffed. In less than 15 minutes, the whole gang were lying on the ground beside the fire. There was no sleep that night for the wolves still roamed the valley. But they faded away with the dawn and the relief train headed on to wilderness. The creek was reached in the late afternoon and the starving miners cheered the sergeant and his companions. Food was distributed, the doctor and Mary began to care for the sick and the gold Lefty had taken was returned to its sergeant.

[Inspector]

I don't know what to say. You to come and save Us.

[Jerry Marvin]

After all, our hope was gone.

[Inspector]

It's like waking up from a nightmare.

[Sergeant Preston]

The credit doesn't go to me.

[Inspector]

You brought the sleds through, but we.

[Sergeant Preston]

Wouldn'T have known you needed help hadn't been for Jerry Marvin. As for capturing Lefty and his men, well, there was one member of the force who gave his life to make that possible. We only finished the job for him. And it isn't finished yet. I'll take them back to Dawson. They'll be tried and they'll pay for their crimes with their lives. It's only then we'll be able to say this case is closed.

[Narrator]

In just a moment, Sergeant Preston will give you a preview of Monday's adventure. Fellas and girls, on your mark. Get set.

[Inspector]

Hey, Stop.

[Narrator]

Hold everything. What's the matter? I was just going to tell all the fellas and girls to race to the store and get the big red and blue packages of Quaker Puff Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice.

[Inspector]

Oh, I thought you were going to tell them about the thrilling surprise that's coming next Monday.

[Narrator]

Oh, no, no. That's a secret. I'm not supposed to say a word about it till next Monday.

[Inspector]

And then.

[Narrator]

Oh, boy, oh boy. Yes, then, fellas and girls, you're going to get in on something terrific.

[Inspector]

We can give you just this hint.

[Narrator]

It's something wonderful that you're going to get from Quaker Puff Wheat and Quaker Pu, the swell tasting, crisp, nourishing breakfast cereal that's shot from guns.

[Inspector]

And it won't cost you an extra penny, not an extra red cent.

[Narrator]

So don't miss out. Be listening. Listen. Monday, when Sergeant Preston and Yukon King meet the challenge of the Yukon. In the case of the jailbreak, Matt.

[Sergeant Preston]

Nelson was the most vicious and brutal outlaw in the Yukon. And when I finally captured him, everyone drew a sigh of relief. But it turned out we were congratulating ourselves too soon because Bat broke jail the night after he was captured. That jailbreak put a blot on the record of a fine young recruit to the force. It also led me into one of the deadliest gun battles I've ever fought.

[Narrator]

Be sure to hear this exciting adventure Monday. These radio dramas, a feature of the Challenge of the Yukon, Inc. Are created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Enterprises, directed by Fred Flowerday and edited by Fran Striker. The part of Sergeant Preston is played by Paul Sutton. They are brought to you every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the same time by Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice, the breakfast cereal shot from gun for a delicious hot breakfast. Eat Quaker Oats. The giant of the cereals is Quaker Oats. Delicious, nutritious, makes you feel ambitious. The giant of the cereals is Quaker Oats. Say, boys and girls, do you want to be a star someday in sports and activities? Then start on good Quaker Oats Breakfast tomorrow. Cause nourishing oatmeal gives you more growth and endurance than any other whole grain cereal. Remember, Quaker and Mother's Oats are the same. This is J. Michael wishing you goodbye, good luck and good health from Quaker Popped Wheat and Quaker Popped Rice. So long. This is abc, the American Broadcasting Company.