Attempted Manslaughter | Challenge of the Yukon (10-07-43)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns – Detailed Episode Summary

Episode: Attempted Manslaughter | Challenge of the Yukon (10-07-43)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: July 7, 2026
Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Source Material Date: October 7, 1943

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Episode Overview

In this digitally restored episode of "Challenge of the Yukon," listeners step back to the days of the Klondike gold rush, following Mountie Sergeant Preston and his trusty dog King. This dramatic adventure revolves around greed, deception, and loyalty, as Tom Wayne's valuable mine becomes the focal point of a deadly plot. The story presents the classic conflict between law, lawlessness, and family ties that defined the golden age of radio Westerns.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Introduction to Setting and Characters (starts ~01:35)

• The story opens north of Harper City in the Yukon, during the gold rush era.
• Main characters:
  • Tom Wayne: Stubborn mine owner, fiercely protective of his family's interests.
  • Mary Wayne: Tom’s sister, torn between loyalty to her brother and love for Bert Malloy.
  • Bert Malloy: Charmingly persistent suitor with a dubious past.
  • Sergeant Preston: The upright Mountie determined to maintain law and order.
  • King: Preston’s intelligent and courageous lead dog.
• Notable Atmosphere: The episode instantly brings listeners into the tense mood of the frontier, where personal and financial interests often collide.

2. Conflict Over the Wayne Mine (03:01–04:50)

• Bert Malloy attempts to buy Tom Wayne’s supposedly rich mine, increasing his offer to $30,000:
  • “Tell you I’m not interested at any price.” — Tom Wayne (03:22)
• Mary tries to mediate, revealing her trust in Bert's intentions, despite Tom's suspicions:
  • “He’s just trying to buy out one of the richest loads in the Yukon before we get a chance to turn over the gold.” — Tom Wayne (03:34)
  • Mary hints at her romantic attachment to Bert, furthering Tom's concern.

3. Family Tensions and Mary’s Revelation (05:42–06:37)

• Over a quiet supper, Mary tells Tom of her intention to marry Bert:
  • “Tom, I’m going to marry Bert.” — Mary Wayne (06:16)
  • Tom is shocked and distressed, fearing the consequences of Bert’s reputation.
  • “My sister married to Bert Malloy… Oh, Mary.” — Tom Wayne (06:38)

4. Harper City Gossip and Introduction of Sergeant Preston (06:59–08:09)

• At Slim's Cafe, townsfolk gossip about the impending marriage and Bert's checkered history.
• Sergeant Preston learns of the situation and decides to visit the Waynes:
  • “Well, at least I can go out and see how much truth there is to it. Certainly hope you boys are wrong.” — Sergeant Preston (08:04)

5. Bert’s Devious Plan Unfolds (08:30–08:58)

• Bert reveals to an accomplice, Red, his intention to eliminate Tom so he can claim the mine (disguised as an accident):
  • “Get this, Red. I want whatever happens to him to look like an accident… I’m gonna be the man to turn over the gold.” — Bert Malloy (08:47)

6. Sergeant Preston Visits the Wayne Cabin (09:26–10:14)

• Preston arrives at the Wayne home; Mary defensively anticipates criticism over her marriage plans.
• Tom’s focus shifts to showing Preston the mine, where tension and suspicion mount.

7. Attempted Murder and The Cliffhanger (11:09–14:06)

• Tom is nearly killed by a triggered rockslide in the mine—something he views with suspicion.
• Bert’s plot is set in motion by Red, who sneaks into the mine to kill Tom during blasting operations.
  • “No, not a holdup. A blow up. You’re going up with that dynamite and nobody will ever know...” — Red (14:19)
• Sergeant Preston intervenes, stopping Red just in time:
  • “Nobody. You’re wrong. Drop that gun, Red.” — Sergeant Preston (14:25)

8. Justice and Resolution (15:01–16:19)

• Red and Bert are confronted. Bert tries to shift blame but quickly turns violent:
  • “Now you listen to me. Sure, I wanted Wayne out of the way. And this time there won’t be any slip-ups.” — Bert Malloy (15:28)
• King, Preston’s dog, subdues Bert. The Mountie assures Mary that discovering Bert’s true character, though painful, was necessary.
  • “It’s better to have found out. Now Tom will tell you the story of what happened. King and I have a job to do, taking these two prisoners to Harper City and jail. Yes King, the case is closed.” — Sergeant Preston (16:07)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Tom Wayne’s stubborn honor:
  “You don’t have to worry on that, Compaloy. I aim to… at least I won’t see any skunks in shoes out there.” (03:48)
• Mary’s emotional plea for understanding:
  “He’s changed. I wish for my sake you’d forget whatever you have against him.” (06:27)
• Red’s darkly comic threat:
  “Not a holdup. A blow up. You’re going up with that dynamite and nobody will ever know...” (14:19)
• Sergeant Preston’s steadfastness:
  “You seem surprised... Drop that gun, Red.” (14:25)
• King’s hero moment:
  “Get him, King. All right, King, that’s enough, boy.” (15:40)

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Important Timestamps

• 01:35: Drama begins; setting and main characters introduced
• 03:01: Negotiations & rising tension between Tom and Bert
• 05:42: Mary reveals her intention to marry Bert to Tom
• 06:59: Community gossip at Slim's Cafe; Preston sets off to investigate
• 08:30: Bert and Red plot Tom’s “accidental” demise
• 10:14: Preston and Tom head to the mine
• 11:09: First attempt on Tom’s life (rockslide)
• 14:06: Red's attempted murder of Tom; Preston intervenes
• 15:01: Final confrontation; Bert’s plan is exposed, King saves the day
• 16:07: Preston wraps up the case and takes Bert and Red to jail

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Authentic Western Feel & Sound Restoration

Throughout, the episode preserves the brisk, dramatic style and period-accurate dialogue of classic radio, with the newly enhanced audio quality making atmospheric sounds—creaking wood, thundering hooves, and blustering Yukon wind—come vividly to life.

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Summary Insights

• The episode is a classic morality play of greed versus principle, with a layer of family loyalty and personal redemption (or lack thereof).
• Each character is motivated by personal passions, painting a believable and human picture of frontier life.
• Sergeant Preston, with King by his side, demonstrates the unwavering integrity of law in the chaotic gold rush North—a recurring and beloved theme for fans of Old Time Radio Westerns.
• The digital restoration highlights the tension and emotion of each scene, making this adventure as captivating for modern listeners as it once was for its original audience.

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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 and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

The Challenge of the Yukon On King on you husky. King, the swiftest, strongest of Eskimo lead dogs blazes the trail through storm and snow for Sergeant Preston as he meets the challenge of the Yukon. Sergeant Preston was typical of the small band of Northwest Mounted Police who preserved law and order in the Yukon during the gold rush of 98. That was the year that brought over 50,000 men swarming into the Klondike region and the greed for gold led to frequent violence and bloodshed. But in spite of the odds against them, the force preserved a splendid record in maintaining the right. The challenge of the north was answered and justice ruled triumphant.

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[Narrator]

Tom Wayne and his sister Mary live several miles north of Harper City. Inside their cabin, three people faced each other, their voices sharp and tense.

[Tom Wayne]

You can save your breath My lawyer. I'm not selling out.

[Bert Malloy]

Oh, I don't know what you've got against me. Never done you any harm.

[Tom Wayne]

Forget it.

[Mary Wayne]

I think you're making a mistake, Tom.

[Bert Malloy]

I'll make that 30,000.

[Tom Wayne]

Tell you I'm not interested at any price.

[Mary Wayne]

If you weren't so stubborn, Tom Wayne, you'd see Bert's trying to do you a favor.

[Bert Malloy]

I wouldn't put it that way. Of course, I wouldn't make every man an offer like that.

[Mary Wayne]

Oh, Bert, I know you're just.

[Tom Wayne]

He's just trying to buy out one of the richest loads in the Yukon before we get a chance to turn over the gold. He's not doing anyone a favor except himself.

[Bert Malloy]

Tom, you haven't found a nugget in the mine since you bought it.

[Tom Wayne]

That's no sign gold isn't there.

[Bert Malloy]

Suit yourself, Tom.

[Tom Wayne]

You don't have to worry on that, Compaloy. I aim to. Right now, I think I'll go outside. At least I won't see any skunks in shoes out there.

[Mary Wayne]

Well, you mustn't take Tom too seriously.

[Bert Malloy]

Bert certainly doesn't think much of me.

[Mary Wayne]

Well, that's just Tom's way. Why, there's no more loyal friend on this earth than Tom.

[Bert Malloy]

If he likes you and he doesn't like me, he doesn't know you.

[Mary Wayne]

That's why he feels as he does.

[Bert Malloy]

I don't care how he feels about me, Mary, as long as you don't feel the same way.

[Mary Wayne]

You know very well I wouldn't take your part against Tom's for one minute if I didn't believe in you.

[Bert Malloy]

I know. It makes me feel like the luckiest man in the world. Oh, if only your brother.

[Mary Wayne]

Oh, well, now, don't let that worry you, Bert. I'll talk to Tom tonight and try to persuade him differently.

[Bert Malloy]

Will you?

[Tim]

Yes.

[Bert Malloy]

Then perhaps I'd better tell him about us.

[Mary Wayne]

No, no, you let me do that. He won't get as excited if I tell him.

[Bert Malloy]

In that case, I'll head for the city and see you tomorrow, if I may.

[Mary Wayne]

You'll stay out of the cafe, Bird.

[Bert Malloy]

Listen, Mary, I gave him a word, didn't I? From now on, I'm taking orders from you. Good night.

[Mary Wayne]

Good night, Bert.

[Narrator]

Late that night, as Mary cleaned the supper dishes from the table, Tom reached for his pipe. Supper had been a quiet meal. The strong feeling Tom expressed against Burke Malloy separated them as completely as a wall.

[Mary Wayne]

Tom.

[Bert Malloy]

Huh?

[Mary Wayne]

Tom, I want to talk to you.

[Tom Wayne]

Yes, I guess I want to talk to you, too.

[Mary Wayne]

Oh, Your pipe. Watch those ashes.

[Tom Wayne]

Forgot. Sorry.

[Mary Wayne]

Why don't you like bird?

[Tom Wayne]

Listen, when you see a mountain lion coming up to your door, you don't open it up to let him in, do you? I feel the same way about that no good low down gambler.

[Mary Wayne]

But he's changed.

[Tom Wayne]

Not Bert Malloy. Does a leopard change his spots? I tell you, he's known in every gambling hall in the Yukon for a yellow crooked polecat.

[Mary Wayne]

Tom, I'm going to marry Bert.

[Tom Wayne]

And another thing. What'd you say?

[Mary Wayne]

I said I'm going to marry him.

[Bert Malloy]

Marry?

[Mary Wayne]

I mean it. I. I wish for my sake you'd forget whatever you have against him. He's changed.

[Tom Wayne]

I can't believe it. You can't be serious.

[Mary Wayne]

Let's not quarrel about it.

[Tom Wayne]

My sister married to Bert Molloy. I can hear it already. Every tongue in all the cafes this side of Skagway will be wagging with the news. Oh, Mary.

[Narrator]

In Harper City, Slim's Cafe attracted every thirsty miner in town. The men gathered around the pot bellied stove at the far end of the room and exchanged stories and gossip, commenting on the ways of the rest of the youth.

[Tim]

Says Ted, when he told me. I says he don't mean it.

[Red]

Can't understand what a girl like Mary Wayne would see in that scoundrel.

[Tim]

He ain't ever monitor, old bean, right below.

[Red]

He must have changed a lot since I saw him last.

[Tim]

To him he ain't changed. He ain't likely.

[Red]

Wonder what Tom thinks about it. I don't know. I'm surprised he ain't filled Malloy full of lead. He never did like him.

[Tim]

Here comes Sergeant Percy what's come snap for a while, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, I just came in to see you boys for a while.

[Red]

Did you hear about Mary Wayne planning to marry Bert Malloy?

[Sergeant Preston]

Mary Wayne?

[Tim]

Yep. She's hard to believe, ain't it?

[Sergeant Preston]

Are you sure of that, Tim?

[Red]

Don't ask any of the fellows here. It's all a mistake. Anybody wants my opinion.

[Sergeant Preston]

I was just planning to drop out to see Marion, Tom.

[Red]

Feels like you better get out there then, Mountie, and try to talk some sense into the girl.

[Tim]

Ah, you know how a woman is head once she gets her idea in her head.

[Red]

Oh, I don't know. Maybe Mary'd listen to the sergeant now.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, at least I can go out and see how much truth there is to it. Certainly hope you boys are wrong.

[Tim]

Well, hope for Mary's sake we are too. But I don't know. If you hear anything about it, let us know.

[Narrator]

A Short time later, on the trail toward Tom Wayne's cabin.

[Red]

Yeah? So what do you want me to do about it?

[Bert Malloy]

I'm gonna marry Mary Wayne.

[Red]

So I heard.

[Bert Malloy]

Then with Tom Wayne out of the way, I'll own the watch. Fought mine.

[Red]

Say, now I see what you mean. I should have known you're too smart to be serious about anything.

[Bert Malloy]

Get this, Red. I want whatever happens to him to look like an accident. That mine'll be a strike any day now, and I'm gonna be the man to turn over the gold.

[Red]

How will I know when to get him?

[Bert Malloy]

That's your problem. Watch your chance and then take it. Mush, you huskies, mush.

[Narrator]

Farther ahead on the trail, Sergeant Preston sighted the Wayne cabin all right, King.

[Tim]

Oh.

[Mary Wayne]

Oh, you must be

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant Preston. Tom. Well, I'm glad to see you.

[Tom Wayne]

Gladder than I am to see you. Seems like a long time since you've been in these parts, too.

[Sergeant Preston]

Long time. But then I can't call around as often as I'd like to.

[Mary Wayne]

Well, Sergeant Preston, how nice to see you.

[Sergeant Preston]

Just stopped by to say hello, Mary. How are you?

[Mary Wayne]

Just fine.

[Sergeant Preston]

Glad to hear it.

[Mary Wayne]

Sure you didn't stop by to try to stop me marrying Bert Malloy? Oh, I'm sorry, but everyone is so against it. I almost imagine Tom sent for you to try to talk me out of it.

[Sergeant Preston]

No, Mary, I won't say a thing about it.

[Tom Wayne]

Ought to know I wouldn't ask the sergeant here to do something I can't do myself.

[Sergeant Preston]

How is the watch fob working out, Tom?

[Tom Wayne]

Say, I want you to see the watch. Bob, I tell you, that mine's going to turn up the richest strike in this part of the country in a few days. Yes, sir. I want you to see it right now.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right.

[Mary Wayne]

That mine's kind of baby size.

[Tom Wayne]

You bet it is.

[Bert Malloy]

Ready?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, indeed.

[Mary Wayne]

I'll see you in a few minutes. Don't be too long.

[Tom Wayne]

We won't. If she marries Ed Varman, he'll break her heart. I can't stop her.

[Sergeant Preston]

You may be going about this in the wrong way.

[Tom Wayne]

What do you mean?

[Sergeant Preston]

Mary is a headstrong girl. You can't railroad her out of a thing. Once she's made up her mind, you should try to expose Burke to her. Make her see him as he really is.

[Tom Wayne]

Think so? Well, maybe you're right. Over this way a bit. This is the entrance.

[Sergeant Preston]

They've got quite a bit of rock pile up here.

[Tom Wayne]

I'm all ready to go ahead now into the real gold.

[Sergeant Preston]

You look as pleased as a boy.

[Tom Wayne]

With a new president, this means a lot to me. Now, over here. I'm gonna blast through here and that'll get Tom.

[Sergeant Preston]

Tom, look out. Wow. You're almost pinned beneath those rocks.

[Tom Wayne]

Understand as those rocks have been there, none of them ever loosened. Unless.

[Sergeant Preston]

Unless.

[Tom Wayne]

Never mind. I was just thinking those things will happen. I guess maybe we'd better go back up to the cabin.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's a good idea. Well, whose sled is that?

[Tom Wayne]

Oh, my lawyer.

[Sergeant Preston]

I wonder how long he's been here.

[Tom Wayne]

I don't relish a talk with him. We might as well get it over with.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hello, Preston. Hello, Burke. Oh, you look as if you're just.

[Tom Wayne]

As if I just what?

[Bert Malloy]

Nothing.

[Tom Wayne]

What do you know about those rocks falling?

[Mary Wayne]

Tom, now don't start a fight in here.

[Bert Malloy]

What rocks? I don't know what you're talking about. Just because you don't like me, Tom, you needn't think I'm here for trouble.

[Sergeant Preston]

I think I'll be going back to town.

[Mary Wayne]

So soon?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. Coming outside with me, Tom? Huh?

[Tom Wayne]

Oh, sure.

[Bert Malloy]

So long, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Tom, now listen to me. I think this may be your chance to call Malloy's cards. You do as I tell you.

[Tom Wayne]

Say. I'll do that. I'll go back inside now. I'm going back down to the mine.

[Mary Wayne]

Mary, it's getting dark.

[Tom Wayne]

Yes, I know. I have some blasting to do. It's pretty dangerous and I'll feel better if it's finished up.

[Bert Malloy]

Need any help?

[Tom Wayne]

No, thanks. Easy enough for an accident to happen with one man handling the job. I won't be long.

[Sergeant Preston]

Mary.

[Bert Malloy]

Mary, I have something out on the sled I've been meaning to give you. Wait a minute.

[Mary Wayne]

Oh, how nice. I'll wait right here.

[Sergeant Preston]

Red.

[Tom Wayne]

Yeah?

[Bert Malloy]

Get down to the mine, you muffed. One chance to get Wayne.

[Mary Wayne]

Now.

[Bert Malloy]

This time, see that there are no slip ups. It's gonna be blasting. Get him from behind and set off the charge. You'll never know what hit him.

[Narrator]

Stealthily, Red crept through the mine entrance. He saw Tom Wayne bending over a dynamite charge near a pile of rocks. With gun in hand, Red edged closer.

[Tom Wayne]

Hey, what are you doing here?

[Red]

Put up your hands, Wayne.

[Tom Wayne]

Put up. What is this, a holdup?

[Red]

No, not a holdup. A blow up. You're going up with that dynamite and nobody will ever know. It wasn't an accident.

[Sergeant Preston]

Nobody. You're wrong. Drop that gun, Red.

[Red]

Kristen?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. You seem surprised.

[Red]

I didn't have nothing to do with it. It wasn't my idea. Honest it wasn't.

[Tom Wayne]

And whose idea was it to get me. Out of the way, Burt.

[Red]

He wants to mine. It's the truth, I tell you. Honest.

[Narrator]

It is.

[Red]

Come on, Tom.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll face Bert with red hair and a charge for attempted manslaugh.

[Bert Malloy]

I think I hear someone coming.

[Mary Wayne]

It must be Tom up.

[Sergeant Preston]

It might be Tom.

[Tom Wayne]

No surprise, Malloy. You're not half as surprised as you're going to be.

[Sergeant Preston]

Keep those hands up. Red.

[Bert Malloy]

Red. Well, what happened?

[Mary Wayne]

I don't understand. Who is this man?

[Tom Wayne]

Bert here can answer that one. Well, speak up, Malloy.

[Bert Malloy]

Nothing to say? Never saw this man before.

[Red]

You ain't throwing the blame for this on me. What do you mean you never saw me before?

[Sergeant Preston]

Easy, Red. That's not the story we heard.

[Bert Malloy]

You're not holding any gun on me. I'll shoot.

[Tim]

Don't let him.

[Mary Wayne]

He has a gun.

[Bert Malloy]

I already got it. Now you listen to me. Sure, I wanted Wayne out of the way. And this time there won't be any slip ups. Go on, get over against the wall, all of you.

[Red]

You two, get over there.

[Sergeant Preston]

Not so fast. Get him, King. All right, King, that's enough, boy. I have a gun.

[Tom Wayne]

Yes, sir. Always did say smartest dog in the Yukon.

[Mary Wayne]

I can't believe it.

[Sergeant Preston]

I can't believe it. I'm sorry, Mary, but it's better to have found out. Now Tom will tell you the story of what happened. King and I have a job to do. Taking these two prisoners to Harper City and jail. Yes, King. The case is cloned.

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[Narrator]

Challenge of the Yukon A copyrighted feature of the Challenge of the Yukon Incorporated, brought to you every Saturday at this time originated in the Transcription Studios of WXYZ Detroit. The characters and events in tonight's drama were fictitious. Bill Morgan speaking. This is the Michigan Radio Network

[Mary Wayne]

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 YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands Steve and Tom 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 700-798-68739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

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