Queen's Men 54-xx-xx (01) Catching A Train Robber aka The Anderson Gang

Summary

Podcast Summary: Queen's Men 54-xx-xx (01) Catching A Train Robber aka The Anderson Gang

Harold's Old Time Radio presents “Queen's Men,” a captivating episode that delves into the daring chase of the infamous Anderson Gang by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Released on February 24, 2025, this episode transports listeners to the Golden Age of Radio, painting a vivid picture of law enforcement's relentless pursuit of justice in Canada's vast landscapes.

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Introduction

The episode opens with the solemn oath of Sergeant Tarnow, establishing the dedicated and honorable nature of the RCMP:

Sergeant Tarnow [00:05]: "I solemnly swear that I will faithfully, diligently and impartially execute and perform the duties required of me as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police."

This sets the stage for a tale of duty, perseverance, and the timeless battle between lawmen and outlaws.

Setting the Scene

Uncle Wally and his nephew Davy engage in a nostalgic conversation, hinting at past exploits and setting up the historical context of the story:

Davy [01:35]: "Hey, Uncle Wally, whatcha doin' well?"

Uncle Wally [02:00]: "Out on the edge of the town, those foxes that have been getting it hang Jankin the chicken, you know."

Their banter subtly introduces the themes of duty beyond mere enforcement, emphasizing the multifaceted roles of Mounties.

The Robbery

The heart of the episode revolves around a significant train robbery orchestrated by the Anderson Gang. Uncle Wally recounts the events leading up to the heist:

Uncle Wally [02:54]: "There were a lot of robberies in those gold rush days... Lots of train hold-ups when that gold was getting toted around the country."

Hugh McNaught, the CPR Express messenger, becomes the victim of the gang's brazen act:

Hugh McNaught [05:22]: "Well, I just open the door and have a look out."

Robber [06:48]: "That's right. Do as I say and I won't harm a hair of your head."

The robbery not only highlights the gang's audacity but also underscores the perilous nature of transporting valuable goods during that era.

The Pursuit Begins

In the aftermath, Sergeant Tarnow and Constable Baker delve into the investigation. They uncover connections to a previous robbery in Stevenson, revealing the gang's cunning nature:

Sergeant Tarnow [09:12]: "We'll get to work on it. We want to speak to you personally as soon as you can get here."

Superintendent Blake outlines the strategic approach to apprehend the gang, emphasizing the vast and challenging Canadian terrain:

Superintendent Blake [11:15]: "The vital gap is the country to the south between the Canadian Pacific railway line and the United States border."

The Chase Intensifies

As the Mounties track the Anderson Gang, the narrative delves into tactics and the psychological interplay between pursuers and pursued. Uncle Wally reveals critical insights about the gang's movements:

Uncle Wally [12:00]: "This turns out to be the same gang that got across the border last year. And we get them while we're rich men."

The tension escalates when Superintendent Blake unexpectedly confronts Sergeant Tarnow, introducing elements of distrust and deceit:

Superintendent Blake [22:36]: "Which one of you mounties is in charge?"

Sergeant Tarnow [22:45]: "I am, sir. Sergeant Tarnow, this is Constable Baker."

This encounter serves as a pivotal moment, challenging Tarnow's judgment and the integrity of the investigation.

Climactic Confrontation

The climax unfolds as Sergeant Tarnow confronts the presumed robbers, only to realize the deception at play. Superintendent Blake's revelation exposes the true identity of Mercer, the gang leader:

Superintendent Blake [25:04]: "And bald as a billiard boy."

Sergeant Tarnow [25:15]: "Well, I didn't come anywhere near doing that, sir, but I wouldn't think of it."

The Mounties’ strategic maneuvers and unwavering commitment culminate in the capture of Mercer, ensuring the safety of train travel henceforth.

Resolution and Reflection

The episode concludes with Uncle Wally affirming the success of the RCMP’s efforts:

Uncle Wally [25:43]: "So that was the end of the Mercer gang, Davy?"

Davy's awe and Uncle Wally's reflective narration encapsulate the legacy and enduring spirit of the Mounties:

Davy [26:47]: "Gee, Uncle Wally, I wish I was old like you and used to be a Mountie."

Uncle Wally [26:56]: "There'll be lots more stories for me to tell you."

Conclusion

“Queen's Men” masterfully intertwines action, strategy, and character development, offering listeners an immersive journey into the storied past of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Through authentic storytelling and evocative dialogues, Harold's Old Time Radio honors the valor and dedication of the Mounties, ensuring these legendary tales resonate with both seasoned enthusiasts and new audiences alike.

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Produced and directed by Harry Allen Tower, with music under the direction of Sydney Torch and script adaptation supervised by John Adasco, “The Queen's Men” stands as a testament to the rich history and folklore of Canadian law enforcement.

Transcript

[Sergeant Tarnow]

I solemnly swear that I will faithfully, diligently and impartially execute and perform the.

[Superintendent Blake]

Duties required of me as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

[Narrator]

The Queen's Men. For the first time, authentic stories of the world famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Tales of men who for almost a hundred years have helped to keep peace in Canada. The Queen's Men. The Queen's Men. True stories of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Names have been changed for family protection and now transcribe the Queen's Men.

[Davy]

Uncle Wally. Hey, Uncle Wally, whatcha doin'well?

[Uncle Wally]

Now, Davy, what does it look like I'm doing?

[Davy]

Cleaning your gun, eh, Uncle Wally? What you getting it all polished up for?

[Uncle Wally]

Just so it'll look nice.

[Davy]

You gonna shoot somebody with it, eh?

[Uncle Wally]

Oh, maybe a fox or two one of these days. Out on the edge of the town, those foxes that have been getting it hang Jankin the chicken, you know.

[Davy]

Gee, that doesn't sound very exciting. How many bad guys did you kill with that gun when you were a Mountie, huh, Uncle Wally?

[Uncle Wally]

Oh, now wait a minute, Davey. You ought to know by now, a Mountie's got lots to do besides shooting off his gun.

[Davy]

Remember what you promised last night when Pop got talking about the gold rush?

[Uncle Wally]

The gold rush? Oh, let's see now. I didn't promise I'd go prospecting with you, did I?

[Davy]

No. Gee whiz, you said sometime soon you'd tell me a story about how the Mounties caught that big train robber. Didn't you say you caught him?

[Uncle Wally]

Nope, not that time over. That was a long time ago. I can't remember just who it was caught him. I remember the big fust it was at the time, but. Oh, I'm not sure. I can just remember all the details accurately.

[Davy]

Well, tell me anyway, Uncle Wally. Tell me this story.

[Uncle Wally]

Well, there were a lot of robberies in those gold rush days, you know, Lots of train hold ups when that gold was getting toted around the country. Something peculiar just seemed to happen to people when it came to gold, they wanted that gold. Some of them got it honestly and some of them didn't.

[Davy]

Well, how about.

[Uncle Wally]

Oh, just look at that gun gleaming in the sunlight, ain't we? Ain't he a beauty?

[Davy]

Well, tell me about the guy that didn't want it. Honest.

[Uncle Wally]

Oh dear, oh dear. It sure beats me the way you kids rather hear about the dishonest one, you know.

[Davy]

Yeah, but if it wasn't for them, the Mounties wouldn't stay in business, would they?

[Uncle Wally]

Ah, well, now, I guess you're right about that, Davy. Well, let's see now. How did that case go? That one where the gang held up the CPR train twice in a row?

[Davy]

Yeah.

[Uncle Wally]

What was that fellow's name now? Oh, well. Well, we say it was Mercer. Now, this mercenary, he was smart, you know. He got away with it twice with the Mounties on his tail. The second time, too. And the way that it happened the first time, Ah, I probably can't remember it to tell well enough.

[Davy]

Oh, sure you can, Uncle Wally. Sure you can.

[Uncle Wally]

You really want to hear about it?

[Davy]

You bet I do. Come on, Uncle Wally, tell me how you caught him.

[Uncle Wally]

Well, I didn't catch him. I was new on the force then and I only heard about it afterwards. It started with the express messenger on the CPR train 1 rainy night, dark and rainy and no moon showing. That train was highballing it out of woods river with a safe full of gold dust in the baggage car. The express messenger? Oh, I remember him now. His name was Hugh. He was sitting there in the baggage car, making up, reporting, chatting with the mail clerk. Both of them thinking they were safe as a pair of babies, I guess. Now, I'm not sure what they were thinking, but you can just kind of picture them, can't you? Rattling along in that baggage car with the light from the lantern showing up the streaks of rain on the window.

[Hugh McNaught]

Engineers really stepping it up tonight. Feels like we're doing 60.

[Engineer]

This bumpy stretch of track really throws you around. That's gonna be a looking report, isn't it? Way it's hopping around on the table.

[Hugh McNaught]

Well, I'm just about finished. Got the money and the gold dust counted and back in the safe nice and secure.

[Engineer]

Well, I'd rather count mail any day. Man, look at that rain come down.

[Hugh McNaught]

Hey, what's happening?

[Engineer]

Feels like we're stopping. Now, why would Jeff be breaking the train halfway between here and nowhere?

[Hugh McNaught]

Well, maybe there's a cow on the track.

[Engineer]

On a night like this? Don't be crazy. All sensible cows are at home in bed.

[Hugh McNaught]

Maybe he's stopping so I can get this report finished easier. Well, Jeff knows what he's doing, I guess.

[Engineer]

I hope so. I've been on this run for two years, though I never remember stopping here, rain or no rain. Say, how do you count gold dust anyway?

[Hugh McNaught]

It's all been weighed and packaged. Count up the packages.

[Engineer]

Oh, I see. Darn funny things stopping here.

[Hugh McNaught]

What are you gonna do?

[Engineer]

Just open the door and have a look out.

[Hugh McNaught]

Can't see anything tonight.

[Engineer]

That's a clear one what is a lantern? I can just see it through the rain. Someone's coming down the road bed alongside the train.

[Uncle Wally]

Carry.

[Engineer]

Who's there?

[Hugh McNaught]

Say, you sound jittery. You don't suppose.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Well, what do you know?

[Engineer]

It's only Jeff, the engineer. Yeah, I can see him now. He's carrying the lantern and he's got some guys with him. What's up, Jeff? You run out of coal, Jeff? Speak up, boy.

[Hugh McNaught]

All right, get your hands up or.

[Engineer]

I'll blow your heads up.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

That means you, too.

[Hugh McNaught]

Now, listen. Don't argue with him, Hugh.

[Engineer]

Do as he says.

[Robber]

That's right. Do as I say and I won't harm a hair of your head. Harry, Bud, take the engineer into the next car and keep him covered. Which of you two is the express messenger?

[Hugh McNaught]

I am.

[Robber]

And you stay right here. The other one.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

You.

[Robber]

You. Come on outside. Come on, Nothing's gonna happen to you. My buddies are just going to keep you company for a few minutes. That's a good fella. Okay, boys, get them both out here. No rough stuff unless they start it. Me, I'm coming in out of the rain. Some night. All right, keep him in the air.

[Hugh McNaught]

Mister, what are you after?

[Robber]

I give you three guesses. Where's the gold dust? In the safe over there.

[Hugh McNaught]

How'd you get on the train?

[Robber]

I'm asking her questions. But since you're interested, we boarded the tender at Shafton when you slowed down. So that's a safe, huh? Well, I'll let you get it open.

[Hugh McNaught]

Well, I, I, I don't know the combination.

[Robber]

Come on, come on. Stop playing games. Open it up. Let's all stay friendly.

[Hugh McNaught]

I guess you mean business.

[Robber]

That's right.

[Hugh McNaught]

Okay. You don't mind if I lower my hands, then?

[Robber]

Lower them straight at the safe and nowhere else. I'd feel real bad if I had to shoot you. All I want is a gold. Then you guys can all get on your way again.

[Hugh McNaught]

Operator, get me in the Mounties headquarters at Dunville, Saskatchewan.

[Engineer]

Hurry, please.

[Hugh McNaught]

Say, Jeff, order me a cup of coffee at the counter, will you? No, don't bother bringing it over here. I won't be long.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

RCM Police Headquarters. Sergeant Charno speaking.

[Hugh McNaught]

Hello, Sergeant. My name's Hugh McNaught. I'm a CPR Express messenger. There's just been a robbery.

[Constable Baker]

Where?

[Hugh McNaught]

On the CPR train just outside of Marsh Neck, maybe 50 miles. I was guarding a shipment of gold dust heading for Vancouver. And the gang. There were three of them, it looked like. Boarded the train at Shafter and held up the engineer.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Can you give me a description of them? McNaught?

[Hugh McNaught]

Just the one who robbed me. I couldn't see the others. They were outside. It was raining. This fellow was tall, about six'one or two, broad face, dark.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

How was he dressed?

[Hugh McNaught]

Something dark. I can't remember very well. Dark overcoat, navy blue or black.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

You say he forced you to open the safe and then cleaned it out?

[Hugh McNaught]

Yes. Then he and the rest of the gang made us all take our places on the train. Ordered the engineer to start her up. We stopped here at Marsh Neck, first place we could get to a phone.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

We'll get to work on it. We want to speak to you personally as soon as you can get here.

[Hugh McNaught]

Okay, Sergeant. I'll stop making the arrangements now.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Have you notified CPR officials yet?

[Hugh McNaught]

Yes, sir. The mail clerk's calling them now for another phone.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Right. We'll see you as soon as you can make it. Goodbye, Baker.

[Constable Baker]

Something happened, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

It sure has. Train robbery outside of Marsh Neck. They got a safe full of gold dust. Look, I've got a hunch. Can you put your hands on that file on the gang that pulled the robbery last year at Stevenson?

[Constable Baker]

Yeah, it should be in here somewhere. Well, that was the one where they held up the engineer and fireman and cut the engine away from the rest of the train.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Yeah, the stakes were gold that time, too. As I remember, there were three in the gang.

[Constable Baker]

Some similarity to tonight's job there might be.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

That bunch last year made a clean getaway. They got across the border.

[Constable Baker]

Stevenson. Yeah, here it is.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Just put it down here, will you?

[Constable Baker]

Yeah, sure. When did this happen?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Half an hour ago. Where's the description? Yeah, here. The robber was tall and described as swarthy, broad features, tattoo on right arm.

[Constable Baker]

How come they got that piece of information?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

He was captured in the States after another train robbery. Report on that is here somewhere. Captured by a local sheriff. Yeah, here it is. Sheriff Thompsett had to camp all night with his prisoner. Bound him with bail wire. Prisoner escaped during the night.

[Constable Baker]

Then that sheriff's had a good look at him.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Yeah, so is the express messenger who got robbed tonight. If we got the two of them together, the descriptions might check. I better contact the old man. If they're heading for the border again, we've got to work fast.

[Superintendent Blake]

All right, men. I've chosen the five of you because you've been stationed here longer than the rest and you know this country. Sergeant Tarnow will be in charge. Here are your instructions. Hold up the map, please. Constable Baker, sir. Thank you. I've been in Touch with the British Columbia police who are covering this area to the north and east. Along with Indian guides. We've sent several parties out to the western part of this province here. Now, then, the vital gap is the country to the south between the Canadian Pacific railway line and the United States border. You understand?

[Constable Baker]

Yes, sir.

[Superintendent Blake]

Therefore, sergeant, you'll proceed with your party as quickly as possible to Bullens ranch at Crystal Lake. From there, establish a line of pickets with a view to blocking any attempt on the part of the bandits to cross the boundary into the United States. Take the shortest cut off to Douglas Lake. Well, your horses are waiting. Good luck, men.

[Uncle Wally]

Whoa.

[Constable Baker]

Hold still there, Beth.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

She doesn't like the rain.

[Constable Baker]

I don't blame her getting hauled out of bed in the middle of a night like this.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

You all set, Davies?

[Uncle Wally]

Yes, sergeant.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Hold on to your mount. Steady now, man. We'll have to ride them hard to reach Steventown by morning, but that's my goal. We'll be glad of the rain. It'll keep them from getting too heated.

[Uncle Wally]

Hey, sergeant?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Yes, Davies?

[Uncle Wally]

This turns out to be the same gang that got across the border last year. And we get them while we're rich men.

[Constable Baker]

What do you mean, Davies?

[Uncle Wally]

Why, they pulled a string of robberies in the States. Remember, there's a $20,000 reward offer down there for them.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Yeah. You're out of luck, Davies. We can't collect any reward. It's against rules and regulations. You know that. All right, men, we're away. I'll lead. If your horses get the tire, signal for a rest. Now, let's.

[Narrator]

In just a moment, we'll return for the second part of this true story of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Queen's men. And now we return you to the Queen's men.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Look down there, man. Our first resting place. Looks good, doesn't it?

[Constable Baker]

Yeah. What ranch is that, sergeant?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Marshals. The commissioner notified him we'd be here about sunrise. They're going to feed and rest our horses, not to mention resting us for a bit. Look, now we're into this scrub country. We'll have to keep a sharp lookout. This is the kind of territory they're likely to hide out in. Nice and flat. Looks harmless, but there are clumps of willows and large rock formations that offer pretty good shelter.

[Constable Baker]

How long are we going to stop at the ranch, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

About three hours, I guess. Then we head for Crystal Lake. When we get there, we'll be met by another detachment. Corporal Ferguson, you return to Steventown. Maintain a patrol between these two places. Yes, sir, the rest of us will go on. Send another group back to patrol from Crystal Lake. On. Now, we're not far north of the border, so if the bandits are proceeding on foot, they might be within 50 miles of here or 50ft. So let's all stay alert, tired or not.

[Constable Baker]

Yeah, same. Look, Sergeant, that rancho smoke coming out of the chimney looks like they started cooking breakfast.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Yeah, well, then what are we waiting for? Come on, let's go.

[Constable Baker]

Bill, get up. Get up.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Now, according to my map, this deserted village should be just around the next bend. There should be a clearing and the first buildings in view on the slope.

[Constable Baker]

How big a place is it, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Just a handful of old buildings left here. The inspector said no one's been near it for years except the odd refugee from the law.

[Constable Baker]

Why doesn't anyone take steps to destroy it?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Baker, it's plain to see you're still a rookie.

[Superintendent Blake]

Why?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

You remember the bush killer who gave us all that trouble last year?

[Uncle Wally]

Yes.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

He was traced from one of these deserted clumps of buildings that are dotted over these western plains. They provide an excellent refuge, very obvious to the Mounties, but the criminal mind isn't capable of seeing how obvious it is.

[Constable Baker]

Now I get it. A place for us to start looking.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

That's right. It's not often we find our man in one of them. We can usually establish if there's been recent occupancy, sometimes pick up valuable clues. Now, here's the bend.

[Constable Baker]

And your map's right. That's the first building question.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Wow. Pretty desolate picture, isn't it?

[Constable Baker]

What causes people to desert a community like this?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Disease very often. Or a big fire.

[Constable Baker]

We going to walk the horses all the way? I mean, don't you think we should storm the place?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

No, no, we don't want to scare them off. Now, we're just a couple of prospectors ambling into unknown country. We'll. We'll just approach it nice and easy.

[Constable Baker]

Hello? Hello, Davis?

[Uncle Wally]

Yes. Davis here. Is that you, Baker?

[Constable Baker]

Yes. Look, the sergeant and I are putting up overnight in the town of Scarsville. He's in Dakota.

[Uncle Wally]

Scarsville? Well, where in blazes is that?

[Constable Baker]

Look, it's.

[Uncle Wally]

Hey. Incidentally, you can break the news to him. We scouted every inch of the Crystal Lake area, questioned all the ranchers and storekeepers. There's no sign of him here.

[Constable Baker]

Yeah, well, we think maybe we've got something.

[Uncle Wally]

Really?

[Constable Baker]

You can locate Scarsville on your map? It's about 30 miles northeast of where you're located now. Now then, about six miles due north. Of the town in the hill country is a deserted village. Yeah, we've been over it once this afternoon. It shows signs of having recently been camped in track marks of three horses. Now the Sergeant wants you to join us tomorrow. We'll be scouting the surrounding area.

[Engineer]

Wait a minute.

[Constable Baker]

What kind of a question is that? You're a mountie, Davis, and we're your men. Now come and get.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Careful with your rifle, Baker. Nearly got caught on a vine there. This underbrush is dangerous stuff.

[Constable Baker]

Yeah, thick too. Why, even if we came on the bandits, we wouldn't see them till we were face to face. And by that time they could blow us up.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

We're not going to find them in here.

[Constable Baker]

Yeah? Then what are we doing in here, Sergeant, if you don't mind my asking.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

We're just skirting back to that open stretch to the east of here. Probably nothing to that report of the three men seen camping.

[Constable Baker]

But still one of our men sell them?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

No, someone else told Corporal Shaver. Couldn't even say exactly where they were.

[Constable Baker]

But.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Well, we've tramped around for three days. We might as well give the area a good going over. Ouch.

[Constable Baker]

What happened?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

That's a twig. Just missed my eye. I'll be glad when we get. Say, there's a clearing ahead.

[Constable Baker]

Yeah, and our horses. Say Sergeant, didn't we just leave two horses grazing there?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Yeah.

[Constable Baker]

Well, do you see three there now?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Yeah. Yes, it's Davies. Well, how do you suppose he found us? Davies. Over here.

[Uncle Wally]

Say Sergeant, do you see it?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

See what?

[Uncle Wally]

Over there, look. Smoke rising above the trees.

[Constable Baker]

Not a. You don't think it's a forest fire?

[Uncle Wally]

Not much of a forest there, Sergeant.

[Engineer]

What's your guess?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Campfire. Could be a campfire. That what you had in mind, Davies?

[Uncle Wally]

That's what I'm hoping, Sergeant. Kind of unusual to camp in this scrub area.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

There's no game around here. People usually camp for a reason.

[Uncle Wally]

Yeah, just what I was thinking. So maybe it's Mercer.

[Constable Baker]

Mercer?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

I guess I didn't tell you. The sheriff I spoke of who arrested him in the States last year, got together with McNaught, the CPR messenger and they decided the bandit was Mercer.

[Uncle Wally]

Wow.

[Constable Baker]

He's pulled a lot of big ones.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Where are the rest of our men?

[Uncle Wally]

All back at the lake, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Well then go back, round up a posse and head back here. Baker.

[Constable Baker]

Yes, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Look, I'll approach the smoke direct. You come along about halfway, then skirt the area coming in from behind. If I find it's the three we're after, I'll Engage them in conversation. But you stay hidden and keep us covered.

[Constable Baker]

Okay, sergeant.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

And don't get that rifle caught in any more bushes.

[Robber]

Hold it.

[Uncle Wally]

Shut up.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

I hear something. Howdy.

[Uncle Wally]

Morning.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Sorry to butt in, fellas. I thought I smelled coffee. Say, you have got coffee. I was right.

[Robber]

Yes, we have coffee.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Well, now, I don't want to intrude. I. I just thought maybe you might indulge a little bush hospitality.

[Engineer]

You're a mountie, aren't you?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Yeah. Yeah. I'm looking for some men who held up a train.

[Uncle Wally]

Oh, are you?

[Robber]

Not around this neck of the woods, I guess. We haven't seen a soul.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Been here long?

[Robber]

Quite a while. We're prospectors. Own a ranch near here.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Oh, Where?

[Robber]

Not far from here. Go ahead, sit down. Have some coffee. Charlie, pour the man some coffee.

[Constable Baker]

You mean.

[Engineer]

You mean pour him some coffee?

[Robber]

I mean pour him some coffee. You're getting the idea, Charlie.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Oh, that's mighty nice of you. How's the prospecting around these parts?

[Robber]

Well, not bad.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Not good. Gold's popular stuff.

[Robber]

It's got its good points. Hey, these guys you're looking for, you got any leads?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

I feel.

[Robber]

Well, I hope you catch him.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Well, I guess we'll get him.

[Robber]

What is it they say? The Mounties always get their man.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

That's what they say.

[Robber]

Hey, what's the matter?

[Engineer]

I heard something behind us. Some sound.

[Robber]

What did you hear?

[Engineer]

From the bushes? I'm just.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

You better just stay where you are.

[Robber]

What?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

You boys answer the description of the men I'm looking for. Throw them up. Now, listen, you're covered from behind as well, so do as I say. You can come out now, Baker.

[Constable Baker]

Well, I nearly gave the show away.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

What happened? Did you get your rifle? Caught again?

[Constable Baker]

Oh, just stepped on a particularly loud tweet. What do you think, Sergeant? Think? These are our men.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Take a look yourself. We answer the descriptions.

[Robber]

Well, you're wrong, Mountie. You got the wrong guys.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Maybe if you care to come along.

[Robber]

To our ranch, I can prove our identity. We're prospectors.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

I don't think we'll take any tracks into the bush. Thanks. We'll just sit right here and wait.

[Robber]

Wait for what?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

A posse of our men will be along pretty soon, so if you're planning anything, you can forget it.

[Constable Baker]

That coffee smells good.

[Robber]

Have a cup.

[Constable Baker]

No, thanks.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

That's right, Baker. We'll just keep them covered. If they're who they say they are, they can prove it later.

[Uncle Wally]

Say, listen, Marty, how about untying our hands, eh?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

How come all the rough stuff nobody's being rough with you men. And it's no hardship to have your hands tied after what you tried to pull last night.

[Uncle Wally]

You can't blame a man for trying to escape. Especially if he's been falsely arrested.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

You men aren't very smart. If you were innocent as you protest, there'd be no need for you to attempt escape. You're gonna have a fair trial, you know.

[Uncle Wally]

Yeah. I could have ripped down that schoolhouse with my bare hands.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Exactly. That's why your hands are tied. They're gonna stay tied until you're turned over to the provincial jail. Yeah.

[Uncle Wally]

I hope it's more comfortable than the schoolhouse.

[Constable Baker]

It's a grand place. You'll love it. Feather beds, all the comforts of home.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

You better pull over to the side, Baker. Here comes another wagon. It's a pretty narrow section of road here.

[Constable Baker]

Y'all better stop, Donna.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

No, you won't have to. The other fellow seems to be stopping.

[Constable Baker]

Hey there, keep calling us.

[Superintendent Blake]

Pull up a minute, will you?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Better stop, Blake. Be prepared to deal with some interference.

[Constable Baker]

You think he's gonna be.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Oh, you can't tell.

[Superintendent Blake]

Which one of you mounties is in charge?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

I am, sir. Sergeant Tarnow, this is Constable Baker.

[Superintendent Blake]

Oh, howdy, Sergeant. Constable, wait. Get down. This is a coincidence, running into you men like this. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Superintendent Blake of the provincial police.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Oh, how do you do?

[Superintendent Blake]

Are these the men I've been hearing about that you captured yesterday?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Yep.

[Superintendent Blake]

I hear you put them in the Black river schoolhouse overnight.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Yes, they gave us a bit of trouble too.

[Superintendent Blake]

Well, my suggestion, sergeant, is that you turn your so called prisoners over to me and go back and do some more looking. I think you've got the wrong men.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

How do you figure that?

[Superintendent Blake]

Oh, I heard from one of the ranchers that you've made a mistake. But you've got a Mr. Jameson, a local prospector. He caught a glimpse of your prisoners this morning and feels certain there's been a mistake.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

And you're going on the opinion of this one rancher?

[Superintendent Blake]

I seem to have seen these men myself. I think they've been prospecting around here quite some time. They don't look like bandits to me. Oh, I think you better turn them over. You may look downright foolish, Sergeant, if.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

You go all the way back to.

[Superintendent Blake]

Headquarters with two innocent men.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Well, I'll take a chance on looking foolish, Superintendent. You see, I'm under instruction from my own commissioner and no one else.

[Superintendent Blake]

Now, look, I represent the provincial police. We have jurisdiction in this province and.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

No one is Withholding these prisoners from you, they'll be resident in the provincial jail by this evening. I'll be glad to hand them over to you there. All right, Baker, let's go. Well, we finally got him locked up, sir.

[Superintendent Blake]

Good work, Sergeant. It's the Mercer gang, all right.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

You know, that Mercer's a pretty smooth character. He almost had me wondering for a while if I'd made a mistake. Especially when that police superintendent was so sure that I had the wrong man.

[Superintendent Blake]

Who was that, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Well, while we were escorting them back here, about 20 miles out of Steventown, a man approached us on the road in a buggy. Said he was Superintendent Blake of the provincial police. Told me to turn my prisoners over to him and go back and look some more. He thought that I had the wrong man.

[Superintendent Blake]

Funny thing for Blake to do.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Well, of course, I told him I wasn't taking orders from anyone but you, sir. Well, I must say he got in quite a temper about my refusal.

[Superintendent Blake]

I have known Dalton Blake for 20 years. Never seen him lose his temper. Very controlled man. Say, what did this fellow look like?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Well, big fat fella, flakes as thin as a rail, shock of black hair.

[Superintendent Blake]

And bald as a billiard boy.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Well, I'll be.

[Superintendent Blake]

Sergeant, I think you nearly turned Mercer over to one of his own men.

[Sergeant Tarnow]

Well, I didn't come anywhere near doing that, sir, but I wouldn't think of it. Well, I certainly didn't suspect it. Well, what do you know about that?

[Superintendent Blake]

Mercer's last try, eh?

[Sergeant Tarnow]

That's right, sir. Very clever of him, too. But he'll never make another one.

[Superintendent Blake]

Yep, train travel is going to be a lot safer from now on.

[Uncle Wally]

So that was the end of the Mercer gang, Davy? Gee, yes, sir. Everybody was plenty happy to see those boys under wraps. Especially the cpr.

[Davy]

What happened to him, Uncle Wally?

[Uncle Wally]

Oh, I found guilty all three of them. Got a good long stretch, too.

[Davy]

Gee, that's a swell story. Did it. Did it all really happen? Honest, exactly like that.

[Uncle Wally]

Well, now, I'm only telling it the way I heard it and the way I remember it. I was just a young Mountie then, and I listened to the story with my eyes popping just like you were talking. Now, ain't but me, I. Well, I had never captured anybody then, let alone tracking them down when they had the whole western prairie to roam around on.

[Davy]

You know what happened next, Uncle Wally?

[Uncle Wally]

What do you mean, next?

[Davy]

Well, what robbery happened next?

[Uncle Wally]

Why, I don't remember. There was another big robbery right in our area for quite a long time after that. And even if there had been, I wouldn't be telling you about it, youngster.

[Davy]

Oh, gee, why not?

[Uncle Wally]

Come on. I guess it's time for lunch. One story at a time is enough. There'll be lots more stories for me to tell you.

[Davy]

Gee, Uncle Wally, I wish I was old like you and used to be a Mountie. Then I know all the stories myself.

[Narrator]

The Queen's Men. Authentic stories of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Music under the direction of Sydney Torch. Script and adaptation under the supervision of John Adasco. Produced and directed by Harry Allen Tower.