Sergeant Preston - Thin Ice - Aired 01-28-1954

Summary

Podcast Summary: “Sergeant Preston – Thin Ice”

Harold’s Old Time Radio
Aired: January 28, 1954
Podcast Date: July 31, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold’s Old Time Radio features the classic radio drama “Sergeant Preston of the Yukon” and the story “Thin Ice.” The tale transports listeners to the remote, windswept Yukon during the Gold Rush, where Sergeant Preston and his loyal dog, King, pursue justice in the frozen North. The episode centers on Pete Madden, a gold prospector whose journey to Dawson for mining machinery turns perilous when greed and betrayal interfere, culminating in a hazardous crossing, a daring rescue, and a tense manhunt across the Yukon wilderness.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

Setting the Scene: Yukon Gold Rush Challenges

[02:50-05:44]

• Characters Introduced:
  • Pete Madden & Concho Coleman: Partners in a gold claim, prepping for a challenging journey to fetch mining machinery.
  • Pete sets off to Dawson, carrying $5,000 in gold, facing harsh conditions and the need to travel by foot due to lack of a sled team.

Notable Quotes:

• "There's no way out of it, Concho. One of us has to go and get the mining machinery we ordered all the way to Dawson on foot." – Pete Madden [03:16]
• "It was a lucky day for me, Pete, when we decided to become partners." – Concho Coleman [04:04]

Betrayal at the Cabin

[05:44-12:10]

• Pete visits his old acquaintance, Spike Marlin, exhausted from his trip.
• Spike, down on his luck and envious of Pete’s newfound wealth, formulates a plan upon discovering Pete’s gold.
• While Pete sleeps, Spike steals the gold, replacing it with scrap metal, and subtly encourages Pete to cross the lake’s thin ice, knowing it’s dangerous.

Memorable Moments:

• Spike investigates Pete’s pack while he sleeps, confirming Pete’s wealth:
  • "Gold. Thousands of dollars worth." – Spike Marlin [11:56]
• "When he leaves here tomorrow, he'll never know. The pack was opened." – Spike Marlin [12:10]

Thin Ice and a Daring Rescue

[12:20-17:07]

• Sergeant Preston and Constable Dick Raymond spot Pete attempting to cross the perilous lake ice.
• Despite shouted warnings, Pete falls through the thinning ice. King (the dog) bravely leaps in to help him stay afloat until Preston and Raymond can reach him with a rope and pole.
• Pete is pulled to safety, but his pack (and thus gold) is soaked.

Notable Quotes:

• "He'll never make it." – Pete Madden witnessing the danger [13:08]
• "With heavy furs and that pack strapped on my back, I'd have gone under for sure if it hadn't been for you and your dog, Sergeant Preston." – Pete Madden [17:22]

The Discovery and Call for Justice

[17:08-19:35]

• As Pete’s pack dries, he discovers the gold is missing, replaced by junk metal.
• Pete realizes he’s been robbed—the only possible culprit is Spike Marlin.
• The group quickly deduces that Spike intended for Pete to perish on the lake, to cover up the theft as accidental.

Notable Quote:

• “That way he thought he could escape punishment for robbery and murder.” – Sergeant Preston [19:19]

The Chase North: Manhunt Across the Yukon

[20:05-24:06]

• Preston and Pete, now outfitted and determined, follow Spike’s trail north towards Pete and Concho’s claim.
• The journey is harsh; at one point a sled dog goes lame, showcasing the physical rigors and dangers of the region.
• Pete realizes Spike is likely heading for his claim, possibly to rob Concho next.

Notable Quotes:

• "Only an iron willed determination to see Spike punished and to recover his gold enabled Pete to maintain the man killing pace without complaint." – Narrator [21:13]
• "If Concho's there alone, Spike may plan to rob him." – Sergeant Preston [22:45]

Showdown at the Claim

[24:06-27:12]

• Nearing the claim, Pete and Preston are ambushed by Spike, leading to a tense gunfight.
• Preston flanks Spike; just as Pete’s partner Concho arrives, a shot from Preston wounds Spike, subduing him.
• Spike confesses to the theft, and Pete’s gold is recovered.

Notable Quotes/Moments:

• "Keep your hands up unless you want more gunplay." – Sergeant Preston confronting Spike [25:46]
• "Fine friend you turned out to be. Tried to murder me too, didn't you?" – Pete Madden [26:21]
• "This case is closed." – Sergeant Preston [26:49]

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Timestamped Notable Segments

• [02:50-05:44]: Pete and Concho discuss their plan and hardships.
• [05:44-12:10]: Spike Marlin’s envy and theft.
• [12:20-17:07]: Pete’s brush with death crossing “thin ice” and his dramatic rescue.
• [17:08-19:35]: The discovery of the theft and realization of betrayal.
• [20:05-24:06]: The relentless Yukon chase; endurance and manhunt.
• [24:06-27:12]: The action-packed showdown and the restoration of justice.

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Memorable Quotes

• "Your luck sure has changed, Pete. You never had a dollar to lend anyone." – Spike Marlin [07:36]
• "That one nearly cost you your life." – Sergeant Preston, after discovering Spike’s advice to cross the thin ice [18:14]
• "He wanted you to die a supposedly accidental death." – Sergeant Preston [19:19]
• "Only an iron willed determination to see Spike punished and to recover his gold enabled Pete to maintain the man killing pace without complaint." – Narrator [21:13]
• "This case is closed." – Sergeant Preston [26:49]

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Tone and Style

The episode is a blend of rugged adventure, high tension, and classic radio drama idealism. Dialogue is earnest and delivered with the no-nonsense frontier grit characteristic of the genre. Moments of camaraderie, suspicion, and suspense are interwoven with lush descriptions of the Yukon landscape and the harsh challenges it presents.

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Summary

"Sergeant Preston – Thin Ice" is a classic tale of greed, betrayal, peril, and justice. Pete Madden’s trusting nature is exploited by his old friend, but through bravery, persistence, and the loyal companionship of man and dog, wrongs are righted and justice runs swifter than the Yukon’s icy rivers. For fans of Golden Age radio, it’s an engaging showcase of vintage storytelling, dramatic rescues, and timeless moral clarity.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

now as gunshots echo across the windswept snow covered reaches of the Wild Northwest, Quaker Pup Wheat and Quaker Puff Rice, the breakfast cereal shot from guns present Sergeant Preston of the Yukon. It's Yukon Cave, swiftest and strongest lead dog of the Northwest breaking the trail for Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Police in his relentless pursuit of lawbreakers.

[Narrator]

Uncle Husband Gold Gold discovered in a 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.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

There's no one that can make a better cereal than Quaker Puff to Wheat. It's neat and when you hear the

[Pete Madden]

shootin' you're der tootin'.

[Narrator]

The Quaker makes the ones shot from gun.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Be sure fellas and girls, the big

[Narrator]

red and blue package of Quaker Popped

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Wheat or Quaker Popped Rice is on your breakfast table every morning. These famous ready to serve cereals are

[Narrator]

actually shot from guns that make them

[Narrator/Scene Description]

bigger and better tasting.

[Narrator]

They have a comeback for more nut like flavor. A come again tender crispness. For a taste treat you want to repeat, ask mom to get delicious Quaker Puff Rice and Quaker Puff Wheat.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Pete Madden and Concho Coleman owned and worked a rich gold claim in the Nahone mountain area about 100 miles north of Dawson. As Pete donned his parka in the cabin they shared, Concho shook his bald head sadly. His blue eyes were clouded with concern and his weather beaten face was deeply creased with lines of worry.

[Concho Coleman]

Dead Reddit Pete, you'll have a mighty hard trip.

[Pete Madden]

There's no way out of it. Concho. One of us has to go and get the mining machinery we ordered all

[Concho Coleman]

the way to Dawson on foot with a heavy pack on your back.

[Pete Madden]

Fellow I used to work with has a shack about a week's travel from here. I'll stop at his place and rest a while.

[Concho Coleman]

What's his name?

[Pete Madden]

Spike Marlin.

[Concho Coleman]

Never heard of him.

[Pete Madden]

We came to The Yukon together in 84. Fact is, we worked for the Canadian Pacific Railroad laying track.

[Concho Coleman]

Railroad was finished in 85.

[Pete Madden]

Yep. Then Spike and I went prospecting.

[Concho Coleman]

Did you have any luck?

[Pete Madden]

No. Spike got discouraged and turned trapper. I drifted north and spent 10 years looking for a rich strike. Then I met you.

[Concho Coleman]

It was a lucky day for me, Pete, when we decided to become partners.

[Pete Madden]

It didn't take us long after that to find this claim. And it's a doggone good one.

[Concho Coleman]

It'll be even better when we get the mining machinery working in the spring.

[Pete Madden]

I want to get it up here before the thaw. We'll be all set to go when the coal breaks.

[Concho Coleman]

How will you move the machinery from Dawson?

[Pete Madden]

I'll buy a sled and dogs for myself and hire a freighter to help haul it.

[Concho Coleman]

You'll need a lot of gold.

[Pete Madden]

I put $5,000 in gold in my pack and supplies. Enough to last a month.

[Concho Coleman]

A good dog team will cost plenty and the first rate sled's priced high. On top of that, you'll have the machinery to pay for. You not have much of the 5,000 left when you start back here.

[Pete Madden]

I'll be all right.

[Concho Coleman]

Bad we haven't a sled and dog team to carry that pack for you, Pete. You'll be done into your bootstraps by the time you reach Dawson.

[Pete Madden]

I might be able to buy a sled and dogs from Spike Marlin.

[Concho Coleman]

I hope so.

[Pete Madden]

It would make the trip easier.

[Concho Coleman]

Look, I'll be glad to go in your place, Peter.

[Pete Madden]

Nothing doing, partner. We drew straws to see which one would go and that's all settled.

[Concho Coleman]

But you might run into trouble. You might be robbed.

[Pete Madden]

Don't worry. I'll not trust any strangers now to get that pack on. Oh, wait a minute.

[Concho Coleman]

Wait.

[Pete Madden]

Let me help you. Thanks.

[Concho Coleman]

There. All set?

[Narrator]

Yep.

[Concho Coleman]

Be careful, Pete.

[Pete Madden]

Right. Well, so long, Kancho. I'll see you in about six weeks.

[Concho Coleman]

I'll be looking for you. Pardon me.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Six and a half days later, Pete trudged alone through wind and snow across the frozen surface of Jackknife river and continued south for several miles. By the time he reached Spike Marlin's cabin that evening on the northern shore of Lake Achobe, he was exhausted. He was glad to find that his former partner had a spare bunk he could use.

[Spike Marlin]

Kick off your boots, Pete, and make yourself at home while I cook some grub.

[Pete Madden]

Thanks, Mike.

[Spike Marlin]

And you look dog tired.

[Pete Madden]

Oh, I am.

[Spike Marlin]

How long you been walking?

[Pete Madden]

Six and a half. Close to seven days. Traveling that distance with a heavy Pack on your backs, no picnic.

[Spike Marlin]

Sounds as if you've gone soft.

[Pete Madden]

It's been a couple of years since I've had this kind of workout.

[Spike Marlin]

You hungry, Pete?

[Pete Madden]

I'm almost too tired to eat. How far you going, Dawson? I've got to pick up some mining machinery there. For who? My partner and me. We have a claim in the Nahone Mountains.

[Spike Marlin]

Well, it must be a mighty good claim. If you're going into mining, that's good enough. Maybe I was a jughead to give up prospecting.

[Pete Madden]

You thought trapping a couple of seasons would make you rich, Spike.

[Spike Marlin]

I thought wrong.

[Pete Madden]

Some fellas make a lot of money trapping.

[Spike Marlin]

Well, I haven't. It's a hand to mouth kind of life, Pete. I'd give anything to be able to go back to the States.

[Pete Madden]

What's stopping you?

[Spike Marlin]

Price of a ticket.

[Pete Madden]

Oh, I'll be glad to lend you a couple hundred dollars.

[Spike Marlin]

I need more than that.

[Pete Madden]

I'll make it 500.

[Spike Marlin]

Your luck sure has changed, Pete. You never had a dollar to lend anyone.

[Pete Madden]

Your luck will change too, Spike. It took me 12 years to find gold. They were downright lean years.

[Spike Marlin]

And now you're on top of the world. Me, I'm back where I started from in 84.

[Pete Madden]

I'm sorry, Spike.

[Spike Marlin]

Well, tell me about your claim, Pete. How you found it, where it's located, what it's worth.

[Pete Madden]

Well, now, as to how much the thing is worth.

[Sergeant Preston]

Spike.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Marlin listened attentively to Pete's account of his good fortune. As the two men sat down to eat, Spike thought bitterly of the difference in their circumstances. Pete had struck it Richard, while he had barely enough money to live on. Halfway through the meal, Pete yawned deeply. Spike noticed that he had scarcely touched his food.

[Spike Marlin]

Something wrong with the grub, Pete?

[Pete Madden]

Oh, no, it's first rate, Spike. I reckon I'm just too tired to enjoy.

[Spike Marlin]

Well, stretch out on the bunk if you want in.

[Pete Madden]

Thanks.

[Spike Marlin]

You should have set a slower pace for yourself. Then you wouldn't be so tired.

[Pete Madden]

I shouldn't have tried to pack my gear on my back. The trip would have been a lot easier if I'd had a good team. And sled.

[Spike Marlin]

You're right about that.

[Pete Madden]

Know where I could buy a sled and some dogs? Well, let's see.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

As Spike sat at the table finishing his meal, he studied Pete thoughtfully. He knew the prospector was exhausted and suspected he would sleep so soundly nothing short of an explosion would waken him. A plan began to form in Spike's avaricious mind.

[Spike Marlin]

You want to buy sled Dogs up here?

[Pete Madden]

Yeah.

[Spike Marlin]

Constable Dick Raymond has a good team for sale.

[Pete Madden]

Constable?

[Spike Marlin]

The policeman at the post on the other side of the lake.

[Pete Madden]

I didn't know there was a police post there.

[Spike Marlin]

And they built it last fall. The constable's got dogs of his own as well as a police team. If you're willing to pay a good price. He'll probably be glad to sell his Malibuzin sled.

[Pete Madden]

I'll stop to see him tomorrow, just

[Spike Marlin]

across the lake to get there.

[Pete Madden]

Why? I plan to follow the shoreline to the other side.

[Spike Marlin]

But why? It's less than a mile straight across the lake. You'll save about 10 miles by crossing on the ice.

[Pete Madden]

Is it solid enough to be safe?

[Spike Marlin]

Ah, it'll be another month before the ice starts thinning.

[Papa Bear]

Eh?

[Spike Marlin]

There's plenty thick to walk on.

[Pete Madden]

I crossed Jackknife river this morning, but I had to be mighty careful. The ice is dangerous at this time of year.

[Spike Marlin]

Well, the leak's safe.

[Pete Madden]

Oh, I'm glad to hear it. I don't want to carry that pack any farther than I have to. This bunk's downright comfortable, Spike. They can't seem to keep my eyes open.

[Spike Marlin]

Pete.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Spike looked closely at the sleeping prospector.

[Spike Marlin]

Dead to the world, huh?

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Leaving Pete asleep on the bunk, Spike put on his parker and left the cabin. He went to the edge of the lake and studied the ice. He knew that the warm Chinook wind had begun to melt it, but the unbroken surface presented a deceptively solid appearance. He returned to the captain. Pete didn't stir when Spike loosened his clothing in an effort to learn whether or not the prospector wore a money belt.

[Spike Marlin]

Doesn't seem to be carrying anything but this poke. This is downright light for a gent who is talking about lending $500 worth of gold.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

As Spike poured the dust from the poke into his palm, he noticed Pete's pack. He knelt by the hearth to open it. In the firelight, he rummaged through the contents until he found a heavy leather pouch. Loosening the thong that bound the top, he gasped.

[Spike Marlin]

Gold. Thousands of dollars worth.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Spike emptied the heavy pouch of its glittering contents, replaced the gold with an equal weight of scrap metal salvaged from broken traps, then very carefully repacked the gear.

[Spike Marlin]

When he leaves here tomorrow, he'll never know. The pack was opened.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Early the next morning, Sergeant Preston halted his dog team in front of the police on the banks of Lake Achobee. At the sound of the sergeant's voice, the cabin door opened. King went forward eagerly to greet his old friend, Constable Dick Raymond.

[Pete Madden]

Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hello, Dick.

[Papa Bear]

King.

[Constable Dick Raymond]

Great day. It's good to see you.

[Sergeant Preston]

Apparently, the feeling's mutual. King never forgets old friends.

[Constable Dick Raymond]

I expected you'd get here on patrol sometime this week, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'd have been here yesterday if we hadn't circled the lake.

[Constable Dick Raymond]

Good thing you didn't try to cross it. The ice is thin and dangerous in the center of the lake.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, it begins to thin this time of year.

[Constable Dick Raymond]

Come inside. You too, King.

[Pete Madden]

Great Scott.

[Sergeant Preston]

What's wrong?

[Pete Madden]

Look out there in the lake.

[Sergeant Preston]

Someone's starting across.

[Constable Dick Raymond]

Crossing from the other side.

[Pete Madden]

But he'll never make it.

[Quaker Cereal Announcer]

Hello, there.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hey, no use, Dick. He can't hear us.

[Constable Dick Raymond]

No, we're downwind from him.

[Sergeant Preston]

They've got to stop him before he reaches the thin ice.

[Constable Dick Raymond]

I belong hole beside the cabin. I'll bring it with me in case he goes through.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right.

[Pete Madden]

Come on, King.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

We'll continue our adventure in just a moment. Golly, I thought for a minute I heard a bear growling.

[Papa Bear]

You did?

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Let me out of here.

[Papa Bear]

Oh, stick around. My growl is worse than my bite.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

But I must be dreaming. Who ever heard of a talking bear?

[Papa Bear]

You know about Goldilocks and the three bears, don't you?

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Why, yes. Well, I'm the Papa Bear and Goldilocks tasted your porridge.

[Papa Bear]

Yes, the little rascal.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Well, you know, I always thought Goldilocks should have tipped you off to something.

[Papa Bear]

To what?

[Narrator/Scene Description]

To the swellest tasting ready to eat breakfast cereal ever.

[Narrator]

Crisp fresh Quaker puffed rice or Quaker puffed wheat.

[Concho Coleman]

Hmm.

[Papa Bear]

Did you say puff?

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Yes, the choice. Premium grains of wheat and rice are exploded up to eight times normal size.

[Papa Bear]

They're what?

[Narrator/Scene Description]

They're actually shot from guns. Tip Mr. Papa Bear for the fellows and girls listening in morning, noon or

[Narrator]

night, enjoy a bowl full of Quaker popped wheat or Quaker popped rice. The breakfast cereals Shot from gun.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Now to continue. As Constable Dick Raymond went to get the sturdy pole, Sergeant Preston took a length of rope from his sled and hurried after the mighty dog who was already racing across the ice.

[Pete Madden]

Hurry, Dick.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Pete Madden was watching the ice and walking slowly to keep from slipping. He didn't see the Mounties and couldn't hear their shouts of warning. But Spike Marlin, watching through binoculars from his lakeside cabin, saw the policeman hurrying forward and waited tensely. He breathed a sigh of relief when the ice beneath Pete's feet suddenly gave way. Pete struggled desperately to stay afloat in the icy water, but the weight of his pack and heavy clothing threatened to drag him under. Then he saw King and the two policemen hurrying across the ice.

[Narrator]

King leaped from the edge of the

[Narrator/Scene Description]

ice into the water. He grabbed the husky's furry neck and held on.

[Narrator]

Help. Help.

[Pete Madden]

Hold on to the dog.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Sergeant Preston and the constable advanced as far as they dared on the thin ice.

[Sergeant Preston]

We're coming.

[Pete Madden]

Help. Help.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

The sergeant tied one end of the rope around his waist, handed the other end to his companion.

[Constable Dick Raymond]

Hold this rope.

[Sergeant Preston]

Dick, stay here with the ice.

[Pete Madden]

Is Fern right?

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll give him that pole.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Lying flat on his stomach, which distributed his weight over a larger area, Preston moved toward the open water, pushing the pole ahead of him.

[Narrator]

Hang on, the King.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

The ice cracked menacingly as the sergeant went forward.

[Sergeant Preston]

Can you reach the end of the pole?

[Narrator]

Yeah, I got it.

[Sergeant Preston]

Now try to pull yourself out of the water.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Pete managed to reach the ice. Then slowly he crawled cautiously, a firmer footing where Sergeant Preston and the constable stood. Preston took off his parka and handed it to Pete.

[Sergeant Preston]

Here, wrap yourself in my parka.

[Narrator]

But what about you?

[Sergeant Preston]

Don't worry about me. You'll freeze to death unless you keep moving. Take it back to the post. I'll get King out.

[Constable Dick Raymond]

Right.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

A short time later, Pete Madden and King were both warm and dry in the comfortable police post while a great dog lay contentedly at Preston's feet. Pete sipped steaming tea and expressed his gratitude to his rescuers.

[Pete Madden]

Oh, with heavy furs and that pack strapped on my back, I'd have gone under for sure if it hadn't been for you and your dog, Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Glad we were near enough to help you.

[Constable Dick Raymond]

Whatever's in your pack will need drying out.

[Pete Madden]

I wasn't carrying much in the way of clothing, Mostly supplies and a leather pouch full of gold. But I reckon getting wet won't hurt that any.

[Constable Dick Raymond]

I'll see how much of your food can be salvaged, Pete.

[Sergeant Preston]

I didn't think anyone but a greenhorn would be foolish enough to try crossing the lake this time of year.

[Pete Madden]

I'm no greenhorn, Sergeant, but. Well, I wasn't going to risk the crossing till Spike Marlin told me the ice was safe.

[Sergeant Preston]

Who's Spike Marlin?

[Pete Madden]

A trapper. This cabin's on the other side of the lake, huh? You see it from our front window? Years ago, Spike and I were partners. He's been trapping around here for a long time, so I figured he knew what he was talking about.

[Constable Dick Raymond]

He was wrong.

[Pete Madden]

Well, anyone can make a mistake.

[Sergeant Preston]

That one nearly cost you your life.

[Pete Madden]

Oh, hey, wait, wait. What's that leather pouch? I know that, but what's making that racket? What's inside it?

[Constable Dick Raymond]

You ought to know, Pete, gold dust

[Pete Madden]

doesn't rattle like that. Empty the pouch, will you, Constable?

[Constable Dick Raymond]

Sure thing. There you are.

[Narrator]

Why, what in the world is this stuff?

[Sergeant Preston]

Piece of muddle your holdings. A broken hinge from a trap of some kind. This is a link from a chain. And this is.

[Pete Madden]

Where's my gold?

[Constable Dick Raymond]

The pouch is empty, Pete.

[Pete Madden]

Well, then I've been robbed. And only one man could have stolen my gold. It was in the pouch yesterday morning. I had it with me when I got to Spike's place.

[Sergeant Preston]

How much were you carrying?

[Pete Madden]

$5,000 worth.

[Constable Dick Raymond]

Spike may have figured you'd drowned in the lake before you found out you'd been robbed.

[Pete Madden]

I crossed the lake because he told me you had dogs and a sled you'd sell. I couldn't sell police property. He said you had a team and sled of your own. Besides the police dogs and sleds. Why that dirty lion buzzard. To think he'd turn on me, steal my gold, connive to kill me. Why didn't he just shoot me and be done with it?

[Sergeant Preston]

With a police post across the lake? He wanted you to die a supposedly accidental death. That way he thought he could escape punishment for robbery and murder.

[Pete Madden]

Well, he's robbed the wrong man.

[Constable Dick Raymond]

Hey, where are you going?

[Pete Madden]

I'm going after Spike.

[Sergeant Preston]

Take it easy, Pete. We'll both go after him.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

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[Narrator/Scene Description]

Constable Raymond was able to outfit Pete Madden with dry clothing. Then the sergeant and the irate Prospector traveled the 15 mile half circle around the edge of Lake Achobe to Spike Marlin's cabin. But the cabin was empty.

[Pete Madden]

He's gone. Cleared out.

[Sergeant Preston]

You're right, Pete.

[Pete Madden]

Maybe the skunk thinks I'm dead.

[Sergeant Preston]

He may know you're alive.

[Concho Coleman]

Huh?

[Sergeant Preston]

From this window here, he has a clear view of the lake. He might have seen the rescue.

[Pete Madden]

Then he knows we'll be after him.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes.

[Pete Madden]

Where do you think he went?

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant Preston King will be able to tell us that. Faith. He'll find Spike.

[Pete Madden]

I want to be with you when you catch up with him.

[Concho Coleman]

All right.

[Sergeant Preston]

But we've no time to waste.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

King got Spike's scent from articles that had been left in the cabin. Once outside, the dog picked up the scent in the snow and began to follow it. The trail led north on King Andrew.

[Pete Madden]

Husky.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Because he knew the police would be looking for him, Spike Marlin traveled light. His dogs were powerful and as fast as Preston was, the big trapper himself was a match for the Mounties.

[Pete Madden]

Hush, hush you husky.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Hardened by outdoor living, he was strong and had endurance enough to withstand the rigors of a long and difficult trip. As Sergeant Preston studied his tracks in the snow, he knew it would not be easy to overtake the thief. It was a trying manhunt. Sergeant Preston allowed a minimum of rest for himself, Pete Madden and the team of huskies. Only an iron willed determination to see Spike punished and to recover his gold enabled Pete to maintain the man killing pace without complaint. In four days they gained slightly on the man they sought. Preston and his companion were only a few miles from the town of Reindeer Ridge when one of the dogs went lame.

[Pete Madden]

Will she be able to travel, Sergeant Preston?

[Sergeant Preston]

No, Pete. I'll have to take her out of harness.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

That's a piece of bad luck.

[Pete Madden]

We could have done without.

[Sergeant Preston]

Easy feeder, easy.

[Pete Madden]

Hey, look at King. He's fussing over that dog like a squall with an ailing papoose.

[Sergeant Preston]

King, you'll have to help pull the sled, boy.

[Pete Madden]

Maybe we can get a dog in Reindeer Ridge.

[Sergeant Preston]

That wouldn't help. Pete seems used to working as a unit. Strange dog in the line might slow them down. There you are, Frida. They're riding the sled in style. Up here, lady. Lie down now be or so off that foot and you'll be all right.

[Pete Madden]

You know, Sergeant Preston, I don't savvy why Spike's heading north.

[Sergeant Preston]

What do you mean?

[Pete Madden]

It looks to me as if he's heading for the Nahone Mountain.

[Sergeant Preston]

What about it?

[Pete Madden]

That's where my partner Concho and I have a claim.

[Sergeant Preston]

If Concho's there alone, Spike may plan to rob him.

[Pete Madden]

I hadn't thought of that.

[Sergeant Preston]

He may head west from the Nahones to the Alaskan border. Once across the boundary line, he thinks he'll be safe.

[Pete Madden]

I hope we overtake him before he reaches the claim. I don't want Concho to have any trouble with him.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll do our best. Enter the land, King. That's it, fella. All set.

[Narrator]

And let's go hunting on you, husk.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Spike's trail led him to the town of Reindeer Ridge. But the Sergeant learned That he stopped only long enough to buy supplies before shoving on.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll keep after him.

[Pete Madden]

He must be doggone near dead on his feet by this time.

[Sergeant Preston]

What about you, Pete? It's been a hard trip.

[Pete Madden]

I haven't complained, have I?

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, you've done well. But I know you're tired.

[Pete Madden]

I'm staying with you till we get Spike.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Outside the town of Reindeer Ridge, Spike's tracks disappeared from the hard packed wind swept trail. But King wasn't following visible tracks. Without hesitation, the mighty dog led the team on toward the Nahone mountain region. As they entered a forest of giant spruce and fir trees, an early moon appeared in the darkening sky.

[Pete Madden]

We're not far from my claim now, Sergeant. And Spike is still ahead of us.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll have to be careful here, Pete.

[Pete Madden]

What do you mean?

[Sergeant Preston]

We've passed half a dozen places so far where we might have been ambushed.

[Pete Madden]

Okay.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hi, you husky.

[Narrator]

Hold.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

As Sergeant Preston spoke, Spike Marlin fired from a hiding place ahead. In the uncertain light, he missed his target. Instead of hitting Preston, it clipped the fur of his pocket. Quick cover, Pete.

[Narrator]

Spike.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Man sized rocks on the side of the trail provided quick shelter for the sergeant and Pete. As Spike fired again, the sergeant saw the flash of his gun and triggered his own weapon.

[Pete Madden]

Did you get him?

[Sergeant Preston]

No, Pete.

[Pete Madden]

I'll fill a skunk full of lead. Doggone it, I missed him.

[Sergeant Preston]

He's as well protected as we are.

[Pete Madden]

That rat. The luck. Why that dirty skunk.

[Sergeant Preston]

Take it easy.

[Pete Madden]

That shot hit the rock less than an inch from my head.

[Sergeant Preston]

Keep your head down.

[Pete Madden]

But we've got to get him, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

I intend to get him.

[Pete Madden]

But how?

[Sergeant Preston]

You stay here. Fire a shot occasionally to keep him occupied while I go around through the trees and try to close in on him from the side.

[Pete Madden]

I savvy you'll get to a place where you can draw a bead on him. Then let him have it, eh?

[Sergeant Preston]

There'll be no more gunplay unless he wants it, Pete.

[Pete Madden]

He's proven he wants it.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll see you later.

[Pete Madden]

Be careful.

[Sergeant Preston]

Don't worry. I'll keep the COVID as much as possible.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

As Sergeant Preston made his way toward the outlaw who waited eagerly for his pursuers to show themselves. Pete Madden's partner, Concho, was putting on his parka in their cabin less than half a mile away. The elderly prospector had heard the gunplay and was on his way to investigate. He approached Spike's hiding place just as the sergeant reached a point from where he could see the gunman's moonlit figure. Spike heard Concho. Coming.

[Narrator]

What's going on?

[Pete Madden]

Watch the gun, please.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Fearing capture, Spike turned to fire at the newcomer. But Sergeant Preston's gun roared. The bullet struck Spike Marlin's gun hand.

[Spike Marlin]

Who fired that shot?

[Sergeant Preston]

I did. Keep your hands up unless you want more gunplay. What's going on?

[Pete Madden]

Who are you fellas?

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant Preston, Northwest Mounted Police. This man is Spike Marlin.

[Narrator]

Marlin.

[Concho Coleman]

He's an old friend of my father.

[Sergeant Preston]

You're under arrest in the name of the Crown. Spike.

[Pete Madden]

All righty.

[Spike Marlin]

I know when I'm licked.

[Narrator]

Did you get him, Sergeant?

[Pete Madden]

I heard the critter howling.

[Sergeant Preston]

He's still fighting. Pete.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Pete, What.

[Pete Madden]

What are you doing here? Spike robbed me. Concho stole the $5,000 I had in my pack. Sergeant Preston and I trail the dirty crook. Sergeant, this is my partner, Concho.

[Concho Coleman]

Howdy, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hello, Concho.

[Pete Madden]

Where's my gold Spike?

[Spike Marlin]

He's on my sled.

[Pete Madden]

Fine friend you turned out to be. Tried to murder me too, didn't you?

[Spike Marlin]

And I almost got away with it.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll bandage your wound, then we're going to Dawson.

[Pete Madden]

Dawson?

[Sergeant Preston]

That's right. Fate. Spike's heading for jail.

[Pete Madden]

I'm going to Dawson to pick up some machinery.

[Sergeant Preston]

Fine. You'll be able to travel with us.

[Pete Madden]

Say, that'll be great.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

I sure hope you don't run into

[Concho Coleman]

any more trouble, Pete.

[Pete Madden]

Oh, my troubles are over now that I'm traveling with Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Thanks for your confidence, Pete.

[Pete Madden]

Why, that sounds like King.

[Spike Marlin]

It is.

[Sergeant Preston]

Come on, Spike. My medical supplies are on the sled. And remember, you're covered, so don't try a fast move. Don't worry. We're coming, King Boy. This case is closed.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

We'll return in just a moment with a word about our next exciting adventure. Check and double check.

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[Narrator/Scene Description]

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[Quaker Cereal Announcer]

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[Narrator/Scene Description]

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[Quaker Cereal Announcer]

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[Narrator/Scene Description]

That's mighty important to you mothers and dads. Because you may not like your cereal

[Quaker Cereal Announcer]

so sweet, yet the youngsters may like it very, very sweet.

[Narrator]

And here's the beauty of Quaker Puffed Rice and Quaker Puffed Wheat.

[Quaker Cereal Announcer]

The whole family can sweeten them with sugar or not, just the way they please.

[Narrator]

So for a breakfast treat the whole

[Narrator/Scene Description]

family enjoys, get delicious, crisp Quaker Puff

[Narrator]

Rice and Quaker Puff Wheat.

[Quaker Cereal Announcer]

You can't miss them on your grocer shelf because they come in the red and blue packages with a picture of the big gun on the front.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Sergeant Preston and a constable traveling to the far north on patrol rescued a man weak from hunger. Later, after they had questioned him, the constable spoke to Preston.

[Constable Dick Raymond]

Sergeant, he tells a strange story. Do you believe what he says about mutiny and the whaling ship and all that?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, the sooner we reach Mackenzie Bay, the better it will be. We hope to be of help.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

Preston, with the constable and his great dog King, met dangerous and exciting adventures in their hurried trip to the far north territory. Be sure to hear this next exciting adventure. These radio dramas, a feature of Sergeant Preston of the Yukon, Inc. Are created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendall Campbell Mere Incorporated, directed by Fred Flowerday and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of Sergeant Preston is played by Paul Sutton.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston of the Yukon is brought

[Narrator/Scene Description]

to you every Tuesday and Thursday at

[Narrator]

this same time by Quaker Pop Wheat and Quaker Puff Rice. The breakfast cereals shot from gun.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

This is J. Michael wishing you goodbye,

[Narrator]

good luck and good health from Quaker Puff Wheat and Quaker Puff Rice. So long.

[Narrator/Scene Description]

This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

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