Arctic Odyssey | Challenge of the Yukon (04-08-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode Summary: Arctic Odyssey | Challenge of the Yukon (04-08-52)

Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Broadcast: April 8, 1952 (rebroadcast November 19, 2025)
Featured Series: Sergeant Preston of the Yukon
Digitally Restored by: OTRWesterns

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Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners to the harsh, frozen expanse of the Yukon, following Sergeant Preston and his faithful dog, Yukon King. The story, "Arctic Odyssey," dramatizes the ill-fated voyage of a whaling ship caught in the icy trap of the Arctic and the nightmare of suspicion, survival, and mutiny that unfolds. It is a tense, psychological thriller set against the unforgiving backdrop of the far north, blending elements of adventure, mystery, and human drama.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. A Voyage Cursed from the Start

[04:07–05:04]

• The episode opens with a sense of doom as Old Lige, a seasoned sailor, declares:

  "There's a curse on this cruise. The sign is in the sky. There's not a man aboard who won't regret he set foot on this deck." — Lige (04:07)

• Kim Clark, the young second mate, tries to dispel superstitions, attributing the red sun to forest fires, not omens.
• The mood shifts as the crew's hunt for whales initially proves unfruitful, intensifying the feeling of foreboding.

2. Success Amid Foreboding—The Whaling Begins

[05:04–06:23]

• Eventually, the ship finds whales and begins a successful hunt, temporarily distracting the crew from Lige’s ominous warnings.
• But Lige’s paranoia remains, predicting disaster with chilling certainty:

  "The sea can spare them and is using them to bait the trappers. The skipper won't leave these waters until the hold is filled. By then it'll be too late. The ice will get us hold as prisoner till spring." — Lige (05:15–05:45)

3. Disaster Strikes: Storm and Accusations

[06:23–09:04]

• A violent Arctic storm batters the whaler. The first mate is lost overboard and the main mast is destroyed.
• Lige claims to have witnessed Kim Clark deliberately causing the first mate’s death, accusing him of murder:

  "I'm accusing Mr. Clark of murder." — Lige (08:39)

4. Icebound and Isolated: Mutiny of Minds

[09:04–11:01]

• The ship, now damaged and stuck in the advancing ice, is forced to winter in the Arctic. Supplies are rationed and morale sinks.
• Lige preys on the crew’s fears, fueling suspicion that Kim has murdered both the first mate and, soon after, the captain (who falls ill and dies).

5. Descent into Madness and Near-Mutiny

[11:22–14:57]

• The crew, entrenched in Lige’s suspicions, begin to believe Kim Clark is a killer, especially as Lige spins tales of poisoning and betrayal.
• Lige attempts to murder Kim in his sleep, but fails. He is seized, but his delusions become a contagion within the group:

  "Let's kill or be killed. Between him and me." — Lige (13:14)

6. Sabotage and Disaster: The Ship Burns

[14:57–16:08]

• Lige sets the hold of the ship on fire as an act of vengeance. He perishes in the flames, shouting accusations as he dies:

  "You'll never catch me!" — Lige (16:03)

7. Survival in the Arctic: Enter Sergeant Preston

[18:14–19:41]

• Sergeant Preston, having heard of the icebound crew, arrives just in time and teaches the survivors to construct igloos.
• He organizes a plan to march the men 100 miles across the frozen wilderness to safety at Herschel Island.

8. Lingering Suspicion, Desperation, and a Trek for Survival

[19:41–25:07]

• The crew, haunted by Lige’s paranoia, continue to question Kim’s innocence:

  "We don't know what to believe." — Ben, crew member (20:43)

• Sergeant Preston promises an autopsy at Herschel Island to put the matter to rest.
• As fatigue and cold sap their willpower, Preston must employ psychological strategy to keep the men moving, ultimately staging a ruse to jar them into action:

  "Go and live or stay and die." — Sergeant Preston (23:54)

9. The Final Test: Preston’s Daring Bluff

[25:07–27:10]

• Sergeant Preston and Kim Clark hatch a plan: Kim pretends to have poisoned the crew, forcing them to choose between certain “poison” death if they stay or a slim chance at survival if they push on.
• The men, gripped by fear, rally and make the final push to Herschel Island.

10. Resolution: Truth, Survival, and a Hot Meal

[27:10–28:18]

• At Herschel Island, Dr. Mason welcomes them and quickly assures them:

  "The first thing I'm prescribing for you is food. Just food." — Dr. Mason (27:58)

• An autopsy reveals the captain died of natural causes, exonerating Kim Clark.
• The men realize they’ve been tricked for their own good and share sheepish laughter and relief with Sergeant Preston.

  "Well, sir, we're grateful for you getting us here in spite of ourselves." — Kim Clark (28:24)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Premonition and Doom

  "There's a curse on this cruise... Not a man aboard who won't regret he set foot on this deck." — Lige (04:07)

• Madness Takes Hold

  "Let's kill or be killed. Between him and me." — Lige (13:14)

• Leadership Amid Crisis

  "Go and live or stay and die." — Sergeant Preston (23:54)

• Sergeant Preston’s Strategic Bluff

  "You didn't really think I'd let you perform an autopsy on the captain's body, did you? ... Every one of you, including the sergeant, drank tea this morning. Then that tea was loaded with the same poison I gave the captain. You'll never live to turn me over to the law." — Kim Clark, enacting the ruse (25:44–26:07)

• True Cause of Death

  "The captain died of natural causes, which means I'm going to have some of that stew myself. This case is closed." — Sergeant Preston (28:45–28:47)

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Key Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------------|------------| | Introduction and setup of the cursed cruise | 04:07 | | First mate’s death and Lige's accusation | 08:39 | | The captain’s burial and rising suspicion | 11:01–12:04| | Lige’s attack on Kim Clark | 13:14–14:57| | The burning of the whaling ship | 15:39–16:08| | Sergeant Preston arrives, builds igloos | 18:14–19:41| | The struggle for survival, rationing | 21:56–23:19| | Preston’s plan to force the crew onward | 23:50–25:21| | The survival bluff and sprint to Herschel | 25:44–27:10| | Arrival at Herschel, autopsy, resolution | 27:10–28:47|

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Tone and Style

The episode is tense and atmospheric, using the swirling isolation of the Arctic to mirror the paranoia and fear among the crew. Dialogue-driven, it captures the spirit of old-time radio, blending suspense with moments of humanity and rugged camaraderie. The performances (especially of Lige, Kim Clark, and Sergeant Preston) are emotive and gripping, replete with mid-century radio drama intonation.

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Final Thoughts

"Arctic Odyssey" draws listeners into a frozen world where danger lurks not only in the landscape but in the human mind. It’s as much about endurance and psychological survival as it is about the physical perils of the North. The episode exemplifies classic radio storytelling—layered, suspenseful, and ultimately, life-affirming as the crew is led to safety by Sergeant Preston’s expertise and ingenuity.

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Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

The Mutual Broadcasting System presents Sergeant Preston of the Yukon. It's Yukon King, swiftest and strongest lead dog of the northwest, blazing the trail for Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police in his relentless pursuit of lawbreakers.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Huskies.

[Narrator]

Gold. Gold discovered in the Yukon. A stampede to the Klondike in the wild race for riches. Back to the days of the gold rush with Sergeant Preston and his wonder dog, Yukon King as they meet the challenge of the Yukon.

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[Narrator]

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[Narrator]

Here's a mutual note for you. Every afternoon at 5 o' clock over Mutual. It's time for fun for everyone who loves stories of daring adventure and breathless excitement. At five every Monday, Bobby Benson, young boss of the B Barbie Ranch, takes you on a rangeland trip to the Big Bend country of Texas. Wednesday and Friday, the Green Hornet roams the streets in his specially built Car on his mysterious missions to avenge crime. And at 5:30 Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Wild Bill Hickok brings more tales of western action. At five o' clock Tuesday and Thursday, Sergeant Preston of the Yukon follows the trail to danger accompanied by his faithful husky Yukon king. And at 5:30, it's Sky King. Don't forget, 5:00 every afternoon, Monday through Friday. Over Mutual is time for fun with Bobby Benson, the Green Hornet, Wild Bill Hickok, Sergeant Preston of the Yukon and Sky King all over most of these stations. As the whaler Northern Pursuit sailed through the Golden Gate and into the open sea. A haze lay over the harbor and the sun shone blood red in the sky. Old Lige shook his fist at it.

[Lige]

There's a curse on this cruise. The sign is in the sky. There's not a man aboard who won't regret he set foot on this deck.

[Narrator]

The young second mate, Kim Clark, called him to test.

[Kim Clark]

That's enough of such talk, Lige. There's no sign in the sky.

[Lige]

Look at the sun, Mr. Clark.

[Kim Clark]

There's a forest fire in the mountains. That's the reason for the haze. And it's the haze that makes the sun look red. There'll be nothing wrong with it once we're clear of land. I get to work.

[Lige]

Aye aye, sir. To work it is. But mind my words.

[Narrator]

Fair weather didn't change Lige's conviction that the voyage was cursed. And as the ship drove north and not a whale was sighted, the crew began to share his forebodings. But at last, in that arm of the Arctic Ocean called the Beaufort Sea, the first whale was sighted. From then on, hunting was good and the men's superstitions were forgotten in hard work. At the end of a month, the ship's hold was half full of oil. But by then the wind from the pole was bitter cold. And as the men huddled around the stove and the forecastle, Lige began to mutter again.

[Lige]

Few whales. Haven't changed my mind any. You can never trust the sea. Few whales. The sea can spare them and is using them to bait the trappers. The skipper won't leave these waters until.

[Kim Clark]

The hole is filled.

[Lige]

By then it'll be too late. The ice will get us hold as prisoner till spring. And who knows how many of us will be alive by then. I've been icebound before and I know what it does to men. Fighting the cold and starving to death.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Little by little, until a man wants to die.

[Lige]

The ship is cursed.

[Narrator]

Kim Clark happened to step into the forecastles. The old man Was talking.

[Kim Clark]

So you're at it again. Lie.

[Lige]

I know what I'm talking about, Mr. Clark. If you'd spend as many years as I have at sea, you'd be able to smell the winter in the wind, too.

[Kim Clark]

The captain believes we'll have another month before the freeze up. I hope the rest of you aren't paying any attention to Lige's talk.

[Sergeant Preston]

We wouldn't mind being on our way home, sir.

[Kim Clark]

Well, I don't blame you for that. Still, you must realize the captain wouldn't take any chances with his ship or his crew.

[Lige]

That's one man's opinion.

[Kim Clark]

So is everything you've said, Lige. And I'm ordering you to keep your opinions to yourself or they'll be reported to the captain. Is that understood?

[Lige]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

From that moment, Lige hated Kim, and his hatred seemed to twist his mind. His tongue dripped venom whenever he spoke of the young second mate. And his prophecies of disaster became more and more frequent. He took care, however, that Kim didn't overhear them. Two weeks later, the last wail had been processed. The captain was charting the homeward voyage. Then the barometer began to fall and the storm hit the ship. The wind blew from the west and the captain tried taking it on his quarter and steering. A course for Point Barrel soon became impossible. The gale increased in fury. The whaler was tossed about like a toy and giant waves swept over it. One of them washed the first mate overboard, and only a moment later there was an ominous crack. The main mast splintered and crashed to the deck. Then the storm seemed to be satisfied, and a few hours later it was possible to hoist sail fore and aft. The whaler limped into the shelter of a small island cove.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Drop anchor, Mr.

[Kim Clark]

Clerk. Hi.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Answer.

[Narrator]

The anchor was dropped and the men worked desperately to repair the damage caused by the storm to cult scenes and erect a jury mast. It was then that Lige appeared before the captain.

[Lige]

Sir, I have a serious accusation to make.

[Kim Clark]

I have no time for your complaints, Lige. Get back to work.

[Lige]

It's my duty to speak, sir.

[Kim Clark]

All right, all right. What's the matter now?

[Lige]

I saw Mr. Simpson, the first mate, go overboard. He was stowing gear in the forward locker and I saw the wave that caught him. Mr. Clark was up there in the bow with him.

[Kim Clark]

I know that. Mr. Clark reported to me immediately afterward.

[Lige]

That's what I should have done, sir. I should have told you what I saw.

[Kim Clark]

Well, what did you see?

[Lige]

Mr. Simpson had a firm grip on the anchor when the big wave hit us? I saw Mr. Clark tear his hands loose.

[Kim Clark]

Ridiculous.

[Lige]

It happened. I saw it. I'm accusing Mr. Clark of murder.

[Kim Clark]

I'll not be annoyed with your vicious nonsense at a time like this.

[Lige]

I know the law, sir. I've made a charge, and it's your duty to call Mr. Clark before the mast's answers.

[Kim Clark]

There'll be no one call before the master, not even you lads, until we have a mast. Now get back to work.

[Lige]

Aye, aye, sir.

[Narrator]

By the time the repairs were completed and the whalers sailed from the shelter of the island, it was the first week in October. It was 500 miles to point Barrow, and the ship was forced to buck headwind day after day.

[Kim Clark]

Temperature's falling, sir. If we make Point Barrow, we'll be all right. Is there a chance, sir? Hope for the wind to change to the northeast.

[Narrator]

But the wind never changed, and it grew colder and colder. The film of ice on the surface of the water grew thicker. And now there were only a few hours of sunshine each day. The ice never melted, and it grew more and more difficult for the ship to force its way through the crust. The day came when, still far from sight of land, the ice held her fast. A blizzard whipped out of the north to coat the spars in the hull with white and make the whaler part of the great frozen desert that stretched from horizon to horizon. The captain took stock of the situation with Kim.

[Kim Clark]

We must face it, Mr. Clark. Food and coal must be rationed. We'll keep only three stoves going. One in the forecastle, one in the galley and one in my cabin. You'll move in with me. Aye, aye, sir. For your information, it will be at least seven months before the ice breaks.

[Sergeant Preston]

Two months passed.

[Narrator]

Two months of deadly monotony. And men who had never listened to Lige before gathered around him an attentive audience, especially when he talked of murder.

[Lige]

And that's how it happened. I swear it. That's how Mr. Simpson died.

[Kim Clark]

Ah, sto de gablige. Never any hard feelings between Clark and Simpson. Why should Clark want to kill him?

[Lige]

To get his birth? Who's the first mate now? I ask you that.

[Narrator]

The captain took sick.

[Sergeant Preston]

Pneumonia.

[Narrator]

Kim Clark stayed with him every minute, doing his best to nurse him back to health. But the captain died. He was sewn into canvas and buried deep in the snow beside the ship. The crew surrounded the grave as Kim read the burial service and then returned to their quarters when the forecastle hatch was barred behind them.

[Lige]

Now he's got what he wants.

[Kim Clark]

Shut up, Lige.

[Lige]

He's Master of the ship, isn't he?

[Kim Clark]

It wasn't his fault the captain died.

[Lige]

You sure of that, Ben? Would he let any of us come near the skipper while he was sick?

[Kim Clark]

What do any of us know about tenured sick men?

[Lige]

He might have got well if he had some other nurse. He died of the moon, according to Mr. Clark. But he let no one examine the body. Sewed him in canvas himself, put weights in the canvas too. When spring comes and the ice melts, the captain's body will sink down to the bottom of the sea naturally. And no one will ever know how the captain died.

[Kim Clark]

What are you suggesting, Lige?

[Lige]

The same thing that's in all your minds. The captain was murdered, just like the first mate was. But this time, with the sea frozen, Mr. Clark had to use poison.

[Kim Clark]

Is that you say? Where did he get any poison?

[Lige]

Why don't you ask him? Why don't we all ask him? He'd think we were crazy or smart. Maybe too smart. If we came out into the open and accused him, he might poison us.

[Kim Clark]

Well, it was mighty strange, his keeping everybody out of the captain's cabin. Ah, but there's no way to prove what you're suggesting, Lige.

[Lige]

If we had a doctor among us, a doctor who could perform an autopsy, we'd find out the truth.

[Kim Clark]

Yeah, there's no sense in talking about that.

[Sergeant Preston]

You're right.

[Lige]

No sense in talking at all. Something should be done.

[Narrator]

Lige sat by the stove and brooded. He became more and more convinced that his imagination was telling him the truth. That Kim Clark actually was guilty of two murders. With conviction came real fear. If Clark were capable of killing the first mate and the captain, that anyone who suspected him of crime was in real danger.

[Lige]

Let's kill or be killed. Between him and me.

[Narrator]

The idea took complete possession of his brain. He stole a knife from the galley and hid it in his bunk. He waited until everyone was asleep on the forecastle. Then he slipped out. The snow on the deck cushioned his footsteps. He reached the companionway leading to Kim's cabin. He stopped, listened, then crept down it. The door was unlocked. The light from the Aurora showed him Kim sleeping in his bunk. Lige couldn't control the cry. That rose to his throat was the only thing that saved Kim's life. The young officer woke in time to grab Lij's wrist, twist the knife in his hand and shove him back across the cabin. L stumbled and fell to the deck, disarmed and sobbing with rage.

[Narrator/Commentator]

You were trying to kill me. It's all you deserve A knife in your heart, you murderer. What are you talking about? You killed the first mate and the captain.

[Kim Clark]

Elige. The captain warned me. He said your mind was going.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Such a lie.

[Kim Clark]

I didn't realize you could be dangerous. Something must be done about it. Stop that screaming.

[Narrator/Commentator]

I'm not gonna hurt you. Help. He's gonna kill me.

[Kim Clark]

I'm gonna lock you in the cabin next to this one.

[Narrator]

At that moment, the crew came running down the companionway.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Mr. Clark. What are you doing with that knife?

[Kim Clark]

I took it away from Lige.

[Narrator/Commentator]

He's gonna lock me up so I can't tell what I know.

[Kim Clark]

You tried to kill Mr. Clark.

[Lige]

It was either him or me.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Save me. Save yourself.

[Kim Clark]

Don't let him get away, Ben. I have him, sir. Mason, light the stove in the next cabin. When he gets warmed up, we'll put him in there and padlock the door. And all you're gonna do, you tactics mutant. He isn't responsible. That should be plain to all of you. You'll simply make sure that he doesn't make any more trouble.

[Lige]

Don't listen to him. I'm Satan and he's a killer. You're fools.

[Narrator/Commentator]

You're fools. You're fools.

[Narrator]

It took force to lock Lige up. By the time the job was completed, the crew was convinced of his mania. But the seed of suspicion he had planted in their minds concerning Kim remained there, possibly because they had nothing else to think about. Lige's hatred, meanwhile, had turned against the whole crew and the urge arose to destroy them all. His chance came when he found the crowbar underneath the first mate's sea chest in the corner of the cabin. He waited until the ship was silent before he started working on the door. Half an hour later, Ben Smith, the boatswain, woke up in the forecastle.

[Kim Clark]

Hey, I smell something burning.

[Narrator/Commentator]

So do I. Stronger.

[Narrator]

Over here by the hatch.

[Kim Clark]

It's oil that's burning.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Oil. The oil in the hole.

[Narrator]

Come on. Kim was already on deck when the men reached it. Great tongues of flame were shooting toward the sky from the bow of the ship. And by their light, the crew could see Lige standing by an open hatch, alone.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Get what's coming to you, Lige. Come here. You'll never catch me.

[Narrator]

Lige turned to run. His foot slipped on the icy deck. He stumbled and fell into the fiery hole. We'll continue our adventure in just a moment.

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[Narrator]

Last year, forest fires swept across thousands of acres of grass and tree covered lands. They crippled watersheds and induced flash floods. They destroyed millions of precious board feet of potential lumber and other wood products. They brought death to animals and fish. They ruined cherished picnic and camping areas. Most of those fires were not necessary. They were caused by thoughtless or careless people. A traveler flipped a lighted match or cigarette from his moving car. A camper left his glowing campfire unattended. A farmer or rancher underestimated the wind and burning off brush or debris. Here's how you can help prevent the needless waste that comes from forest fires. Crush out cigarette, cigar or pipe ashes. Break matches in two. After using drown all campfires. Stir and then drown again. Find out the law before using fire. The loss resulting from forest fires weakens America. Remember, only you can prevent it. Now to continue.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Hunting on your husky.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston had learned of the ice bound whaler at one of the Eskimo villages and had decided to visit it before returning to Herschel island where he was stationed for the winter. He saw the flames 10 miles away and when he reached the ship, it was nothing but a charred hulk. The crew were huddled around a campfire built to the lee of the ship.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Bugging fire, hustling. Ho ho.

[Sergeant Preston]

Who's in command here?

[Kim Clark]

I am, second mate of this ship. The name's Kim Clark.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant Preston, Northwest Mounted Police. We must find better shelter for your men.

[Kim Clark]

Oh, we thought that when the timbers cooled.

[Sergeant Preston]

An igloo's a better idea. I'll show you how to build one.

[Narrator]

With his snow knife, the sergeant cut blocks of snow and instructed the men how to build an igloo. When it was completed, two oil stoves that had been saved from the ship were carried inside along with the sergeant's primus. They soon made the interior of the igloo comfortably warm and light was provided by the sergeant's seal oil lamp. The men huddled close together as Clark told the sergeant of everything that had happened on their ill fated cruise. Then the sergeant considered the future.

[Sergeant Preston]

You haven't saved many supplies.

[Kim Clark]

We didn't have a chance, Sergeant. The ship burned like a torch. Sure appreciate your building the snow house for, Sergeant. It's more comfortable than our folks. We could stay here Forever.

[Sergeant Preston]

And starve to death? No. There can be no question of your staying here.

[Kim Clark]

Where can we go?

[Sergeant Preston]

The Northwest Mounted Post at Herschel island, about 100 miles to the southwest.

[Narrator]

Walk.

[Sergeant Preston]

A hundred miles?

[Narrator]

We'd never make it.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm sure you can. There's a crust on the snow. We should be able to make nearly 20 miles a day. When the time comes to rest, we'll build three small igloos like this one and heat them with these stoves. When you've eaten and slept, you'll find you have strength enough to go on.

[Kim Clark]

We'll do it, sir. Good.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Let's get started. Wait a minute. Wait a minute.

[Kim Clark]

We've decided to leave here. Is that right? Well, are we gonna leave the captain?

[Sergeant Preston]

I understood the captain had died.

[Kim Clark]

He did. And he's buried in the snow.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, that amounts to a burial at sea. Isn't that the customary thing for sailors?

[Kim Clark]

Well, I'm speaking to you as a police officer, sergeant. There's a question in some of our minds as to just how he died.

[Sergeant Preston]

Wasn't it pneumonia?

[Kim Clark]

Quite. As far as I could make out. The old man who set fire to this ship said he'd been poisoned. But all of you know that Lige wasn't in his right mind. He also said you pushed the first mate overboard. Do you believe that? We don't know what to believe. I don't believe it.

[Narrator]

I'm speaking for all of the men but you, Ben.

[Kim Clark]

We don't know what to believe.

[Sergeant Preston]

You're making an accusation.

[Kim Clark]

It was Lige who made the accusation. He said that he saw Mr. Clark pull the first mate's hands away from the anchor that he was holding onto. And he asked a question that none of us have been able to answer. Why wouldn't Mr. Clark let anybody in the captain's cabin while the captain was sick?

[Narrator]

Why did he sew him into the shroud himself?

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, what do you want me to do? Arrest Mr. Clark on suspicion of murder?

[Kim Clark]

I don't say that.

[Sergeant Preston]

What, then?

[Kim Clark]

The body we're thinking of. If you're a doctor at Herschel island, sergeant, could he perform an autopsy?

[Sergeant Preston]

He could.

[Kim Clark]

We think it should be done.

[Sergeant Preston]

And you, Mr. Clark?

[Kim Clark]

Yes. Yes, it must be done. I had no idea that Elijah's poison could have worked so deep.

[Sergeant Preston]

Very well. And autopsy should settle everything. We'll take the body with us.

[Narrator]

The sergeant organized the expedition, and two hours later it set out. King and the team in front pulling the sled that carried the stove, supplies and the body of the dead man. The sergeant Walking behind the sled and 15 men following him in single file, they set out with high hopes. But the bitter cold, the terrible distance that lay ahead soon crushed the spirits of the men. They plodded along with their heads down.

[Sergeant Preston]

When camp was made and the igloos.

[Narrator]

Built, the men had hardly strength enough to eat before pulling their blankets around them and sinking into an exhausted sleep. To wake at the sergeant's call was agony.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right, everybody up. Here's some hot tea to get you moving.

[Narrator/Commentator]

We've just gotten to sleep.

[Sergeant Preston]

You've been sleeping for 10 hours.

[Kim Clark]

I. I can't go out.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm moving out with the team in the sled in half an hour. The supplies go with me. It's up to you if you want to stay here.

[Narrator]

Only the instinct for self preservation kept them going. But as mile after mile was purchased at what seemed an impossible expenditure of strength, the urge to live weakened and the desire to sleep became overpowering. The second camp was made. A third, a fourth, a fifth. The trip was taking longer than the sergeant had anticipated, but at the 6, they were less than 20 miles from Herschel Island. There was no jubilation among the men, though their minds were filled with a desire for sleep. As soon as the igloos were finished, they stumbled inside and collapsed. The sergeant, however, fed the dogs and then checked the remaining supplies. When he entered the igloo, he shared with Kim and three other members of the crew. Kim was the only one who was awake.

[Kim Clark]

Everything okay, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

All the oil we have is in the stove.

[Kim Clark]

But we'll not have to make another camp before reaching Herschel island, will we?

[Sergeant Preston]

There'll be no point.

[Narrator]

No.

[Sergeant Preston]

Once we leave here, we'll have to keep going until we get there.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston rolled into his blankets as he slept. The wind rose, and when he woke just eight hours later, he knew a blizzard was raging in outside the igloo.

[Sergeant Preston]

Jim, wake up. Hear that wind. Wind? Oh, yeah.

[Kim Clark]

Sounds like a full gale.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's a blizzard. I'll make a big pot of tea.

[Kim Clark]

Blizzard. Does that mean we'll be unable to go on?

[Sergeant Preston]

We must go on.

[Kim Clark]

Why? I mean, why can't we stay here until after the blizzard stops?

[Sergeant Preston]

It may not stop for days. No. It's a same alternative the men have had every time we hit the trail. Go and live or stay and die. You better awaken them and don't mention the blizzard. Get some food and hot tea into them.

[Kim Clark]

Right, sir.

[Narrator]

The men were awakened and ate their breakfast. The sergeant dug his sled out and harnessed the team. He had nearly finished when Kim's figure loomed through the whirling snow.

[Sergeant Preston]

All set, Kim?

[Kim Clark]

Sergeant, they've had a look at the storm. They refuse to face it.

[Sergeant Preston]

Did you tell them?

[Kim Clark]

I told them everything you told me.

[Sergeant Preston]

And it had no effect? None.

[Kim Clark]

They're all in one igloo now. They put all the oil that's left in one stove. They intend to stay where they are.

[Sergeant Preston]

They'll have warmth for a few hours, no more.

[Kim Clark]

I told them that. Some of them laughed. One of them said, better to die here than out on the trail.

[Sergeant Preston]

So they're not afraid to die.

[Kim Clark]

That's the way it seems.

[Sergeant Preston]

I don't believe it. They're not afraid now because death is a few hours away. If they were face to face with it, it would him. That gives me an idea.

[Kim Clark]

What, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

Make them face that.

[Kim Clark]

What, you mean order them on at the point of a gun?

[Sergeant Preston]

No, that wouldn't work. They know I wouldn't shoot them. But since Lige laid such a thorough groundwork in their minds, they might believe you'd poisoned them, just as you poisoned the captain.

[Kim Clark]

But I didn't. And as soon as there's an autopsy, it'll be proved.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm sure of it. You said I'm talking about what's in their minds. Their tired minds and their tired bodies. Men in that condition can't think clearly. And that's why my plan may work.

[Kim Clark]

I can't imagine.

[Sergeant Preston]

Now, listen. My team, even without King in the lead, will take you to Herschel island if you simply give the command to Mush. Well, that's where you're going. You'll drive the.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later, Kim stopped the sergeant's team in front of the igloo, where all the men had gathered. One of his men stuck his head.

[Sergeant Preston]

Out of the tank.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Sergeant, we're not going to. Hey, it isn't the sergeant. It's Mr. Clark.

[Kim Clark]

Yes. You'll find the sergeant back of the other igloo, knocked out and tied hand and foot.

[Narrator/Commentator]

What?

[Kim Clark]

You didn't really think I'd let you perform an autopsy on the captain's body, did you?

[Narrator/Commentator]

No. I'm getting rid of it, man. He's admitting he poisoned the captain. Why not? You'll never tell anyone when we reach Herschel Island. You'll never reach Herschel Island.

[Kim Clark]

Every one of you, including the sergeant, drank tea this morning.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Then that tea was loaded with the same poison I gave the captain. You'll never live to turn me over to the law. Mush Marsh on there did you hear what he said? He said we'd all been forced to make the sergeant. We got a challenge.

[Narrator]

The men found the sergeant lying in the snow. King was sitting beside him, his head cocked to one side and a rather puzzled look on his face. But the men paid no attention to him. They cut the ropes that bound the sergeant hand and foot.

[Kim Clark]

Sergeant, you all right?

[Sergeant Preston]

I think so.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Like the killer, Sergeant, he admitted he poisoned the captain. He's gotten away with your team.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, we must get after him.

[Narrator/Commentator]

No, no, it'll do no good. He's poisoned us too. It was in the tea.

[Sergeant Preston]

He admitted that.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Yes. I think I feel it working.

[Sergeant Preston]

I don't. How long was the captain ill?

[Kim Clark]

Over a week.

[Sergeant Preston]

And Clark's poison can't work too fast. And there must be an antidote.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Only a doctor to have an antidote.

[Sergeant Preston]

There's a doctor at Herschel Island, a good one, with a well stocked dispensary.

[Narrator/Commentator]

That's nearly 20 miles.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, I'm not going to sit here and die when there's something I can do about it.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Can you find your way in this storm?

[Sergeant Preston]

King can.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Come on, boy.

[Narrator]

Home.

[Kim Clark]

Let's go.

[Narrator]

The men followed the sergeant as he hit the trail without any question. They made better time on that stage of their journey than on any other. For the fear of death was with them every second. And the cold and the biting wind was almost forgotten. They must reach Herschel Island.

[Narrator/Commentator]

There it is. They did.

[Narrator]

And when they topped an icy ridge and saw the lights of the post, they even broke into a run.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Welcome to her.

[Narrator]

Inside the post, Dr. Mason was waiting for them. And behind him a large table had been set up. The aroma of caribou stew, hot biscuits and coffee filled the air.

[Sergeant Preston]

We made it, Doctor.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Tell him, Sergeant. Tell him we must have the antidote. Quick. The antidote's waiting for you. No, no, you don't. You don't understand. We've been poison. I understand. The first thing I'm prescribing for you is food. Just food.

[Sergeant Preston]

You'd better obey the doctor. I told you, he knows his business.

[Narrator/Commentator]

That's the idea. The food will take care of your stomachs. And while you're eating, I'm sure the sergeant will set your minds at rest.

[Narrator]

The sergeant explained. And now and then one of the men would look up from their food and grin sheepishly at him. They were safe.

[Sergeant Preston]

They were warm.

[Narrator]

The first sharp edge of their hunger was being appeased. And they could laugh easily at the trick that had been played on them.

[Kim Clark]

Well, sir, we're Grateful for you getting us here in spite of ourselves.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Where's Mr. Clark? Out in the kitchen helping the cook. I imagine second helpings will be in order. Here they are, man. More stew. And more biscuits.

[Sergeant Preston]

And the autopsy doctrine? It's been performed.

[Kim Clark]

The captain died of natural causes, which.

[Sergeant Preston]

Means I'm going to have some of that stew myself. This case is closed.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston will return in just a moment with a word about our next exciting adventure. Here's a mutual note for you. America chooses Mutual as its Sunday suit. Yes, more people listen to the mutual Sunday shows because they suit the entire family. Pop, mom and the kids all cast their vote for true detective mysteries, which are based on actual police records. Week in and week out, True detective mysteries sing the praises of the brilliant police work of gallant police detectives and their modern scientific methods that make your town a safer place in which to live. Other mutual shows that suit America on Sunday include the Gabby Hayes show, where the famous western character actor narrates tales of western heroes. And Nick Carter, who is rated tops by millions of mystery fans. And the all knowing, all seeing yet invisible shadow proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that crime does not pay in tales of suspense and intrigue. So this Sunday and every Sunday, do as most Americans do here, Mutual's famed Sunday suit entertainment over most of these stations. And now, here is Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant Preston reporting for duty.

[Kim Clark]

Inspector Sergeant Fred Bertram, office manager of the mining company, has disappeared. So has a large payroll.

[Sergeant Preston]

You believe he stole the payroll, sir?

[Kim Clark]

The circumstances bear out that belief. He worked late, didn't go home this morning. The office was locked. So was the safe. The cash for the payroll was gone. Only Bertram and the mine owner knew the safe combination. My only instructions are sergeant, find Fred Bertram and bring him back along with that cash.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll do my best, inspector.

[Narrator]

The evidence against Fred Bertram is strong. And Preston little realizes that his search for the missing office manager will bring him face to face with killers. Be sure to hear this next exciting adventure. These radio dramas, a feature of Sergeant Preston of the Yukon Incorporated, are created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendall Campbell, Muir Incorporated, directed by Fred Flowerday and supervised by Charles D. Livingston. The part of Sergeant Preston is played by Paul Sutton. Sergeant Preston of the Yukon is brought to you every Tuesday. And.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Foreign.

[Narrator]

This is J. Michael wishing you goodbye and good luck until Thursday. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System. It.

[Sergeant Preston]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast. Application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com Become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Sam.