Queen's Men 54-xx-xx (06) Manslaughter aka Hit and Run

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Queen's Men - Manslaughter aka Hit and Run"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Features radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio, capturing the era before television when families gathered around the radio to enjoy iconic programs like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet.
• Episode: Queen's Men 54-xx-xx (06) Manslaughter aka Hit and Run
• Release Date: August 6, 2025

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Introduction to the Case

The episode opens with the solemn oath of an RCMP officer, setting a serious tone for the investigation ahead.

Officer Smith [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..."

Narrator Johnson introduces The Queen's Men, emphasizing authentic stories of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Narrator Johnson [00:52]: "The Queen's Men. For the first time, authentic stories of the world famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police..."

Initial Investigation

Constable James Edwards and Inspector Robert Templeton discuss a recent manslaughter case that initially began as a hit and run.

Constable James Edwards [01:59]: "Well, I remember that case, Inspector. Manslaughter, wasn't it?"

Inspector Robert Templeton [02:02]: "Yes, originally hit and run charge."

They recount the details of the accident that occurred on Highway Number 3 in Nova Scotia, where a man was fatally struck, and the woman's limited description of the vehicle leaves investigators with minimal leads.

Inspector Robert Templeton [02:05]: "It was a nasty business. Man and woman walking along Highway Number 3... woman could give no description at all of the vehicle and the man was dead."

现场调查

Sergeant John Maynard oversees the initial response to the accident scene, ensuring the area is secured and beginning the evidence collection process.

Sergeant John Maynard [02:42]: "All right, now stand back, everyone. Well back."

At the scene, Constable Mike Jacket assesses the damage, noting the absence of skid marks and minimal vehicle fragments.

Constable Mike Jacket [02:56]: "Oh, no skid marks, unfortunately. He mustn't have even slowed down. Nothing except a few smithereens of glass..."

The team discovers the victim, Mr. James Holliday, was likely struck by a part of the vehicle, leading them to focus on the possibility of a rear vision mirror being the culprit.

Sergeant John Maynard [08:19]: "Coroner states that... it's probable that his head was struck by some part of the vehicle... possibility of a projecting rear vision mirror."

Gathering Leads

Harry Brown, a vigilant salesman, becomes a crucial witness. He reports seeing a dump truck from Barrington Transport parked without lights, arousing the officers' suspicions.

Harry Brown [03:03]: "Barrington Transport, it said in big white letters."

The team cross-references this information with company records, identifying two trucks and focusing on Harry Preston, one of the drivers, who becomes the prime suspect when he fails to report back to his company.

Condable Mike Jacket [10:10]: "The driver's name is Harry Preston... we can't locate him or his truck this morning."

Suspect Identification and Stakeout

Constable Mike Jacket delves deeper into Barrington Transport's operations, uncovering discrepancies with Harry Preston's whereabouts. This leads to heightened surveillance and suspicion surrounding Preston's actions.

Constable Mike Jacket [10:09]: "Harry Preston... he seems to be in the clear. He has proof that he was on Highway 1... he's out."

As the investigation progresses, the officers conduct interviews, including a pivotal conversation with Mrs. Sarah Preston, Harry's wife, who reveals that Harry was upset over a recent incident involving another driver.

Sergeant John Maynard [13:20]: "Have you any idea at all where he might be?"

Mrs. Sarah Preston [13:51]: "He was drinking... he was mad because another driver got a Raise. And he asked for one and didn't get it."

Discovery of the Truck

The breakthrough comes when Constable Mike Jacket reports the missing truck has been found hidden behind a burnt-out barn. The examination of the truck reveals a severely damaged rear vision mirror, corroborating the coroner's findings.

Inspector Robert Templeton [22:06]: "The laboratory tests reveal particles of blood and hair... it's obvious a human was struck."

With concrete evidence linking Harry Preston to the accident, the RCMP intensifies their search efforts.

Final Confrontation and Resolution

The meticulous search leads the officers to a clearing in the woods where they confront Harry Preston. Despite initial resistance, Preston is apprehended without further incident.

Sergeant John Maynard [25:40]: "I'm Constable Jacket of the RCMP. I want a word with you."

Harry Brown [25:49]: "If you want me, you better come and get me."

The episode concludes with Sergeant Maynard reflecting on the case's resolution, highlighting the RCMP's dedication and effective investigative techniques.

Sergeant John Maynard [26:09]: "And the only clues were a handful of broken mirror pieces and a salesman who kept his eyes open."

Inspector Robert Templeton [26:14]: "It's no wonder the force holds the reputation it does the world over."

Conclusion

Queen's Men effectively portrays a gripping and authentic RCMP investigation from the Golden Age of Radio. Through detailed storytelling, the episode immerses listeners in the procedural nuances and camaraderie of the Mounties, underscoring their unwavering commitment to justice.

Notable Quotes:

• Constable James Edwards [02:03]: "Why was the charge changed?"
• Constable Mike Jacket [10:10]: "He's the guy that did it? Well, we don't know anything yet."
• Mrs. Sarah Preston [13:51]: "He was mad because another driver got a Raise."
• Inspector Robert Templeton [22:14]: "It's no wonder the force holds the reputation it does the world over."

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This detailed summary encapsulates the key elements of the episode "Manslaughter aka Hit and Run," providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the narrative, character interactions, and investigative breakthroughs that define this installment of The Queen's Men.

Transcript

[Officer Smith]

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. And will well and truly obey and perform all lawful orders and instructions which I shall receive as such without fear, favor or affection of or towards any person, so help me God.

[Narrator Johnson]

The Queen's Men. For the first time, authentic stories of the world famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Tales of men who for almost 100 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.

[Constable James Edwards]

Well, I remember that case, Inspector. Manslaughter, wasn't it?

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Yes, originally hit and run charge.

[Constable James Edwards]

Why was the charge changed?

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Let's see, I remember it. It was a nasty business. Man and woman walking along Highway Number 3 in Nova Scotia about three or four years ago. Happened so fast a woman could give no description at all of the vehicle and the man was dead.

[Constable James Edwards]

Were you on the case, Inspector?

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Yeah, it sticks in my mind because there was so little to go on at first. That is, right after the accident.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

All right, now stand back, everyone. Well back. Edwards, get your man to keep those people back.

[Constable James Edwards]

Yes, sir.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Man over here.

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

Come on.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Peterson says he's dead all right, Sergeant.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Oh, Peterson and his pre med course. Certainly he's dead. I knew that. Did you find anything else yet?

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Oh, no skid marks, unfortunately. He mustn't have even slowed down. Nothing except a few smithereens of glass mirror it looks like.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Well, gather them up carefully. How's the woman?

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Oh, she's incoherent. In a real state of shock.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

You think she was hit at all?

[Constable Mike Jacket]

No, I don't think so.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Wish that ambulance would get here soon as it does. We'll get these spectators on their way and do some scouting around. Amazing the fascination an accident has for people.

[Narrator Johnson]

Excuse me, could I get through, please?

[Constable James Edwards]

Who is that?

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Doctor, perhaps?

[Narrator Johnson]

Officer.

[Harry Brown]

Oh, officer, can I have a word with you?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

What about? What's your business?

[Harry Brown]

My name is Brown. I'm just. Would you let me through, please?

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

Right.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Let this man through, will you? Come on, come on.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Have you something to do with this accident?

[Harry Brown]

No, I. I didn't know anything about it till I just pulled up. Now, are you the officer in charge?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

I'm Sergeant Maynard of the rcmp. Those men over there are provincial police. Now, what is it you have to say?

[Harry Brown]

Well, my name is Brown and I'm a salesman. You see for traveling on the road all the time. I get to notice things as I drive along.

[Constable James Edwards]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Harry Brown]

I'm a lady's glass.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Look. What's that got to do with what I'm doing right now?

[Harry Brown]

Well, as I was going to say, a few miles back, I passed a big dump truck parked by the road without lights.

[Constable James Edwards]

Dark night tonight.

[Harry Brown]

I almost hit it before I saw it. Well, I kind of thought to myself, this house is just a hazard to move.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Yeah, you're right. It does. So what?

[Harry Brown]

Well, I. I didn't stop or anything, but as I went by, happened to take a look at the name of the truck. Barrington Transport, it said in big white letters.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Barrington Transport. You know anything about that outfit, Jacket?

[Constable Mike Jacket]

It's Trans Canada Transport. I think they usually have a few trucks operating here in the Maritimes.

[Harry Brown]

So when I saw you officers here, I thought maybe you should know about this guy before he causes an accident.

[Constable James Edwards]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Thank you for your information.

[Harry Brown]

What kind of an accident is it?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Looks like hidden one.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Say, maybe may we take your full name and address, Mr. Brown, in case we should want to ask you any further questions?

[Harry Brown]

Why, sure thing, officer.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Delighted.

[Harry Brown]

Anything at all I can do?

[Constable James Edwards]

Look.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

What direction were you traveling? North or south?

[Harry Brown]

I was coming south.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

I see. How far would you say this truck was from here?

[Harry Brown]

Oh, about three miles, I'd say.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Right. Please go and speak to that officer over there. That's constable Edwards, and he'll write down the particulars.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Sure, I'll do that. Good luck on this case, man. Yeah, cheery policy salesman. Even in the face of death, he was traveling sog.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

And the hit and run rival was going north, so it's barely possible. The man might have driven on about five miles and then stopped. You know, he'd be pretty shaken up. No one commits this sort of crime on purpose.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

You think there's a chance then?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

There's always a chance, Jacket. If all we have is some broken glass, we better look into this.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Here comes the ambulance.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Good. Edwards. Yes, sir? Come here a minute, will you?

[Constable James Edwards]

I was just talking to that fellow Brown.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Yeah, I think we'll look into it. Did the woman, what's her name?

[Constable James Edwards]

Mrs. Malley.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Was Mrs. Malley able to say what sort of vehicle it was, Truck or car?

[Constable James Edwards]

Unfortunately, she was so stunned she had no idea at all.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Ah, pity that. Well, you take care of the ambulance. Get these people cleared out and continue your on the spot investigation.

[Constable James Edwards]

Okay.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Sergeant Jack and I are going on down the highway and see if we can locate that truck. Come along, Jacket.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

What's the speedometer. Say Sergeant, how far have we come?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Well let's have a look. 4 and 5. 8.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Ah, we should have passed the location of the truck.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Then we'd be pretty lucky if he was still sitting there. Probably just stop a few minutes to collect himself.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

What goes on in the mind of a driver like that do you suppose Sergeant?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

At the time of the accident?

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Yeah. He panics certainly. But does it occur to him to stop? Does he envision the consequences? If he doesn't, does he hesitate?

[Constable James Edwards]

Darned if I know.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

You spend too much time looking for reasons Jacket. It's our job to catch up with offenders not dissected.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Sometimes though it makes it easier to figure out what a man's gonna do if you have some idea how his mind operates. What's that up ahead?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Those flares? Roadblock I guess. I expect the commissioners set up immediate roadblocks when the report came in.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Well, no truck.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Well now as there's a roadblock here, we've narrowed him down anyway. Let's see if he's got through.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

It's Sergeant Robson.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Robson.

[Constable James Edwards]

Not you Sergeant Maynard. Oh and Jacket. What's happening up the road?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Quite a crowd. Ambulance just turned up.

[Constable James Edwards]

This highway practically deserted this time of night. But as soon as there's an accident the people appear in droves. Yeah.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Tell me Sergeant, you let a truck through here?

[Constable James Edwards]

Truck? No, half a dozen cars, that's all. Giving them a good going over but no truck.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Then if he didn't pass you and he's not anywhere in this five mile stretch of highway, he must have turned down some side road or into a lane.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

That's a strange thing for a trans country transport to do Sergeant. They stick to the highway.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

That's right. No reason to turn off on this stretch of highway particularly. Well thanks Sergeant. We better get back down the road then report to headquarters.

[Constable James Edwards]

It.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Now here are the fragments of glass picked up at the scene of the accident. Inspector.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Mirror.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Yes sir. On examination of the spot in daylight first thing this morning, more glass was found.

[Constable James Edwards]

Any other clues lying about?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

No sir, nothing but the glass. Now the coroner states that from the nature of the injuries sustained by the deceased, this James Holliday, it seems probable that his head was struck by some part of the vehicle. This all seems to point to the possibility of a projecting rear vision mirror.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Yes, yes it does.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Gives us something to look for on the vehicle.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Broken rear vision mirror can be replaced.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Yes, of course sir. I've assigned a detail to check all service stations and garages for that eventuality.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

And what about this Barrington Transport.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Well, Constable Jacket began an investigation early this morning to obtain information about which of their trucks are working in the district. He had an interview plan with the local representative of the company to check the authorized movement of the line's vehicle.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

What do you think, Sergeant? Think there's much indication that the driver of the truck is our man?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

No indication at all, Inspector, I'm afraid. Just that the driver was breaking one law in parking without lights. Maybe he'd break another. That's all. And, of course, having nothing more to go on.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Yes, yes, of course. There aren't many leads in this case. No.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

And the woman is of no use whatever. Can't even remember whether it was a.

[Constable James Edwards]

Car or a truck.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Is she?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Hell of his wife? No, he wasn't married. They were good friends, though. She's pretty broken up. You know, hit and run is a brutal thing, Inspector. Little though we have to go on. I'm determined.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Excuse me.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Look, that may be Constable Jacket, sir, reporting about his interview with the trucking company. I told him I'd be in your office.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Perhaps you'd better take it then.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

All right, thanks. Inspector Templeton's office. Sergeant Maynard speaking.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Hello, Sergeant. It's Jacket.

[Constable James Edwards]

Yeah.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Shall I come up there with my report?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Yeah, do that. But tell me briefly what you found out.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Well, Barrington say they have two trucks operating in this district, both on the road last night. Yes, Call in on one of the two drivers, a fellow named Barrett. He seems to be in the clear. He has proof that he was on Highway 1 last night. His rear vision mirror is intact and certainly doesn't look as though it had been newly replaced. So he's out.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Oh, what about the other one?

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Well, here's where we get interesting. The driver's name is Harry Preston. He was presumably on Highway 2 last evening with the run scheduled for the town of Sinkler. Yeah, well, we can't locate him, Sergeant. Can't find him or his truck this morning. He never did get the Sinkler and didn't report back to the company.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Say, that's interesting.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

I think so too, Sergeant.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Look, you better proceed back to headquarters and we'll plan the next step.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Right, Sergeant.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Inspector, looks as though a casual lead may have started us in the right direction. If the indications are correct, we should have this case wound up in a day or so.

[Narrator Johnson]

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 John Maynard]

This looks like the house overhead 38, is it?

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Pull into the driveway.

[Constable James Edwards]

Right.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Depends on what his wife can tell us, of course. But a truck and driver can't disappear entirely from this guy in the country.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Want me to come in with you?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Yeah. Keep track of what's said.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Well, I hope the wife is home.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

We'll soon find her if she isn't. What did the officials at the Barrington office have to say about this man?

[Constable James Edwards]

Who?

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Preston? Well, they said he was a reliable driver. He's never failed to deliver before. Nor has he vanished like this.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Anything else? How about his personal character?

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Well, I didn't seem too enthusiastic about him, but he did his job satisfactorily. They couldn't quite believe he'd pull a hit and run.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

It's hard to believe that of anyone.

[Constable James Edwards]

Yeah, you're right, Sergeant.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

This is the sort of crime I don't like. In all probability, there's no criminal intent.

[Constable James Edwards]

Just a mistake. A bad mistake. And then panic.

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

Yes?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Oh, good morning. Are you Mrs. Preston?

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

Who are you?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Sergeant Maynard of the RCMP, ma'. Am. This is Constable Jacket.

[Constable James Edwards]

I know.

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

Yes. Yes, I'm Mrs. Preston. What do you want?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Well, we'd like to make some inquiries about your husband.

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

Why? What's Harry done?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Oh, we're not at all sure he's done anything, Mrs. Preston. We're just checking.

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

Well, you better come in, I guess.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Thank you.

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

Come on in the living room.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Oh, thanks.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Is your husband at home by any chance?

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

No. No, he's not at home. Sit down.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Thank you.

[Constable James Edwards]

Thanks.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

When did you last see him?

[Constable James Edwards]

Mrs. Preston, I.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Look, it'll be better for everyone if you answer our questions, ma'. Am. You see if he's guilty of anything. But we'll find him in the long run. If he's innocent, then you'll do him no harm in being honest.

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

I haven't seen him since after supper last night. He hasn't been home all night. I'm so worried. I. I just can't imagine what. He's never stayed away all night before.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

I see.

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

Except when he was on an all night run. But he always told me when he was. He was supposed to be home by midnight last night.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

And can you tell us what occurred before he left last night? What was his state of mind?

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

Not sure what you mean.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Well, I. I mean, had you had a quarrel?

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

No. Well, not exactly a quarrel. Oh, I did tell him he shouldn't have another drink when he was on a drive.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

He was drinking? Well.

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

Yes, he was, Officer. He was mad because another driver got a Raise. And he asked for one and didn't get it.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

And you say he's never stayed away before without telling you?

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

No, never.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Now then, Mrs. Preston, have you any idea at all where he might be?

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

Why, no, officer. If I knew, I'd get in touch with him.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

How about his friends? Have you tried contacting any of them?

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

Yes, I phoned everyone I know. No one's even heard from him. He just seems to have vanished.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

I see. Well, then, that'll be all for now, Mrs. Preston. We appreciate your cooperation. And if you hear anything further, I wish you'd get in touch with us.

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

All right.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Your attention now, men. It's approximately here that the truck was reported seen parked without lights. Three miles south of here is the location of the accident. About two miles north was our roadblock. Now, he didn't pass the roadblock, so it would appear that he turned off the highway somewhere in this five mile stretch. You get me? All right, all right. Now listen. Our job is to scour this area with a fine toothpone. Watch for tire tracks. Remember, of course, that every farmer in this area owns a truck. But you've all been given a pattern of the Barrington truck tire marks, so check them carefully. All right, all right. Just a minute. Investigate every farmhouse in the area. If a strange truck was on anyone's premises, they should know. If he sought refuge with a friend around here, they may try to cover for him. So question everyone thoroughly. And remember this one thing. The longer the man is at large, the better chance he has of eluding us. So get to work and work fast. Disperse, men. Jacket. Yes, Sergeant. Wheel your horse around and come with me. We're gonna check the bush areas and gravel pits. Any of the places where a truck may be hidden. Hold. Hold still there, beauty.

[Constable James Edwards]

I know, I know.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

You're anxious to start the hunt. There we are. Let's go. Well, cut across this field jacket.

[Constable James Edwards]

I'm Constable Edwards of the rcmp. I'm investigating the accident that occurred on the highway last evening. Oh, that. Oh, that. Hit and run. Anything I can do? Constable, are you acquainted with a man named Harry Preston? Preston? No. Is he the guy that did it? Well, that we don't know yet. Did you hear a truck on your property last evening? You think you hit him with a truck? Well, we don't know anything yet. Just investigating. Would you mind showing me over your property?

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

No, sir, Officer, I don't know a thing about it.

[Constable James Edwards]

This is quite a long lane leading up to your house. A truck could enter and park without your hearing in it. Couldn't it?

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Well, could I suppose.

[Constable James Edwards]

What are these tire marks here? Do you own a truck?

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Yep. Drove it up the lane just this morning.

[Constable James Edwards]

You see, I have two sons.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Yeah, they do most of the farming these days.

[Constable James Edwards]

Perhaps they're acquainted with Harry Preston.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Not that I know of.

[Constable James Edwards]

I'd like to talk to them. Officer Marshall. Take a right up to the bush there and give it a careful going over.

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

Yes.

[Constable James Edwards]

Well, I'm sorry to bother you, ma', am, but is your husband working in the fields?

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

Yes, yes, he's down east pasture.

[Constable James Edwards]

Well, would you direct me there, please? And on our way, I'd like you to think back and recall whether you heard a truck on your property last night.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

You looking for me, Roger?

[Constable James Edwards]

Yes, Sergeant. Oh, there. Elmo. I thought I'd find you around here.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Did you locate something?

[Constable James Edwards]

I think so, Sergeant. Farmer over on the next concession. Name's Cardney. I think he knows the truck driver, Harry Preston.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

How come? Did he admit know you?

[Constable James Edwards]

No, said he didn't. But I thought he was lying. Acted nervous and wanted to get away. I checked truck marks in his lane. They're smeared but they seem to match the Barrington truck. I have a couple of men watching his place now.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Good work. I'll come along and question him myself while I'm doing so. You give his property a good going over. Jacket.

[Constable James Edwards]

No sign of the truck yet, eh, Sergeant? No.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

You'd wonder a man could hide a truck that size. Oh, Sergeant. Come on, Jacket.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

You better come over here, Sergeant. Fire marks.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

What?

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Leading into the bush here.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Robson, go on back and watch that farmer. Keep a constant eye on him. But keep your men concealed. I'm going to investigate. Jackass. Tire marks.

[Constable James Edwards]

Yes, Sergeant. Inspector Templeton calling, Corporal. I just received a report from Sergeant Maynard. Missing truck located in bush back of burnt out barn on highway two. Three and three eighths miles south of last night's roadblock. Send a man to bring it into headquarters.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Maynard.

[Constable James Edwards]

State the truck is a broken rear vision mirror. See that the truck is put under lock and key and photographed immediately, every inch of it examined. That's all.

[I]

Well, I'll tell you, sir.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

You better tell the truth, Carney. We've located Harry Preston's truck and it's only a matter of time before we find Pressing himself. You'll be guilty of obstructing justice if you have any knowledge of the man and withhold it from the police.

[I]

Look, I don't want to get into any trouble, but I don't want to get Harry in trouble either.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Then you do know Him?

[I]

Oh, yes, yes, I know him. But I didn't know anything about the accident, honestly. Not until I read it in the papers this morning.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

When did you last see Harry Preston?

[Constable James Edwards]

Last night.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Last night?

[I]

He dropped in here just for a visit, he said.

[Constable James Edwards]

Uh huh.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Did he have his truck with him?

[I]

He said he parked it behind the barn. I kind of thought that was a funny place for him to park his truck. And I said so.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

What did he say?

[Constable James Edwards]

Nothing.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

He.

[I]

He acted kind of funny and said he was tired. Said he only dropped in to have a little rest before going on to Sinclair.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

I say, did he appear to have been drinking?

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

Oh, no.

[I]

He was cold sober. I noticed his hand was kind of shaking though. Now you mention it.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

What time did he arrive here?

[I]

Oh, I didn't notice exactly, but twas after 10. I know because I went down to the chicken house at 10 and it.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Was after that the accident occurred at 9:20.

[Constable James Edwards]

Simon. Yeah?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

What time did he leave?

[I]

About an hour later.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Did he say where he was going?

[I]

Said he was going on to Sinclair to deliver his load.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Anything else?

[I]

No, not that I can remember.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Well, please try to remember every word that was said, Mr. Cardney.

[I]

Well, he. He didn't say anything else. I know he didn't because his wife's been phoning here and I've been trying to think.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

All right, then we gotta start a systematic search of the woods and all barns and outbuildings. He's obviously on foot. He can't be far from here. We've got to get him before nightfall.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Sergeant Maynard asked me if I'd come back and report our progress, Inspector. And asked for another search patrol to be sent out immediately.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

They're already being organized. I figured he'd want more men. Now the truck's been found, it's a case of a thorough ground search.

[Constable James Edwards]

Yes, sir.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

The men will be ready in 15 minutes. You can lead them back to Maynard. Meantime, I. I've just received the report of the investigation of the truck.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Oh, what did they find, sir?

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Here are the photographs. You will note the badly smashed rear vision mirror.

[Constable James Edwards]

Oh, it sure is.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Whole thing seems badly bent as well.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Yes, and really hit something with tremendous force. Now, the laboratory tests reveal particles of blood and hair. The test as to whether it's human hasn't come through yet. But from the height of the mirror, it's obvious a human was struck.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Yes, I see what you mean.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

What were the circumstances? Truck hidden and the driver apparently eluding us. It points pretty definitely to Preston. Well, now it's just a case of Excuse me. Yes?

[Constable James Edwards]

Oh, they are good.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Your men are ready.

[Constable James Edwards]

Jackass. Good luck. Yeah.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

The footprints match Preston's shoe. All right. Now then, the footprints indicate that he entered this section of bush right here. Constable Haley has conducted a search around the fringe of the bush and there were no footprints to indicate he came out anywhere.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Then he's in there, Sergeant.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

He's in there. All right. Corporal Stevens, you remain here with your group. We'll spread along this hundred foot front. Edwards.

[Constable James Edwards]

Yes, Sergeant.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Take your men around to the west.

[Constable James Edwards]

Right.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Peterson, you cover the east and jacket the south. Yes, sir. Now look, we'll form a large circle and gradually condense the circle as we move in. I doubt it'll be armed. The only weapons you'll need to carry are your knives and wire cutters. Now cut your way directly through, no matter what obstacle so that we don't have to break in the circle. No talk. Move as quietly as you can. The closer we can move in, the easier he'll be to take. All right, now start spreading out. This is the final round in this case.

[Constable James Edwards]

Not a sign yet. And the bush is getting a bit thicker here.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Only hope we can find our own way out.

[Constable James Edwards]

Wait a minute, I think I heard something. Came from.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Came from the right over there.

[Constable James Edwards]

All right, quietly. Now just a minute, you. Yeah, what do you want? What are you doing in this part of the woods? All right, just looking after my tracks. Who are you fellas? You're scaring away all the game. I'm Sergeant Robson of the rcmp. Can you identify yourself? Sure, everybody knows me around these parts. I'm Hughesing, Bill Hughesing.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Never heard of you. I know this area pretty well.

[Constable James Edwards]

Well, I got a letter from my daughter. Arrived only this morning. It'll be here. Hi. Right here in my pocket.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Let's have a look at it.

[Constable James Edwards]

Dear Pop, not heard from me from some time. Michael's sick. Better than that. Oh, my love. Millie, I.

[Harry Brown]

Well, that satisfies me.

[Constable James Edwards]

By the way, have you seen any strangers around here? No, officer, only you.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Hey look, Sergeant, isn't that somebody in that clearing just ahead?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

I didn't see anybody. Wait a minute. Maybe you're right. I just saw some move.

[Constable James Edwards]

Yeah.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

Quietly now. You take the left, I'll take the right and creep up on him.

[Constable James Edwards]

Right.

[Harry Brown]

Is there anyone there?

[Sergeant John Maynard]

I said, is there anyone there?

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Come out. Your name? Harry Preston.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

What's it to do with you? What my name is?

[Constable Mike Jacket]

I'm Constable Jacket of the rcmp. I want a word with you.

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

If you want me, you better come and get me.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

All right, Sergeant, jump him.

[Harry Brown]

Take the heads off me.

[Mrs. Sarah Preston]

You get nothing on me.

[Constable Mike Jacket]

Nice work, Sergeant. All right, person.

[Sergeant John Maynard]

You better come quietly.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

So they moved in and, of course, they got him.

[Constable James Edwards]

And the only clues were a handful of broken mirror pieces and a salesman who kept his eyes open.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Nothing much to go on, but that seems to be the pattern for the RCM Police. It's no wonder the force holds the reputation it does the world over.

[Constable James Edwards]

Yep. I'd certainly hate to be on the other side. To us. Well, we better get back on the job, Inspector, if we're to keep that reputation.

[Inspector Robert Templeton]

Yeah.

[Narrator Johnson]

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 Adaskin. Produced and directed by Harry Allen Towers.

[Constable James Edwards]

Sam.