Caught by a Button | Challenge of the Yukon (08-19-43)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns — Episode Summary

Episode: Caught by a Button | Challenge of the Yukon (08-19-43)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: June 16, 2026

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Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, hosted by Andrew Rhynes, features a digitally restored broadcast of “Challenge of the Yukon: Caught by a Button,” originally aired on August 19, 1943. The story follows Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police and his loyal husky, King, as they solve a murder and robbery in the unforgiving Yukon wilds. The episode beautifully captures both the harsh environment and the clever detective work of the Mounties during the Gold Rush era.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Progression

1. Setting the Scene: Yukon Gold Rush

• The episode opens with rich narration depicting the Yukon during the gold rush, setting an atmosphere of lawlessness and danger.
  • “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.” (01:35)

2. Discovery of the Crime

• Sergeant Preston and King arrive at Duke Wells’ cabin in biting cold, finding dark clues:
  • No smoke from the chimney signals trouble.
  • The cabin interior is in chaos – furniture overturned, and Duke Wells is found dead.
  • Evidence of a struggle and a missing cash box suggests robbery and murder. (03:31–05:10)

3. The Investigation Begins

• Preston analyzes the scene:
  • Two sets of tracks: the murderer’s coming and going, and Duke’s.
  • Snowfall timing indicates the murder happened after it stopped snowing.
• Preston and King set off to trail the suspect’s footsteps through the snow. (05:10–06:31)

4. Following the Trail

• The tracks lead to Deadwood City’s Idle Hour Cafe, but snowfall creates complications as fresh tracks begin to overlap, threatening the trail’s clarity. (06:39–07:31)

5. Gathering Clues in the Cafe

• Inside the cafe, Preston quietly observes the patrons, searching for evidence.
• Will, a local, provides background on Bart Smith, an ex-partner of the victim and recent arrival, linking him to a possible motive.
• The blizzard makes following tracks outside impossible, heightening the tension. (07:47–10:54)

6. The Suspects and Tension Mount

• Preston waits for the crowd to thin, then suggests inspecting everyone's coats for clues, hinting at a torn button or fabric possibly left in the struggle. (12:23–14:19)
• Bart Smith tries to leave under the pretense of being a stranger but arouses suspicion through his nervousness.

7. The Confrontation

• As coats are examined for missing buttons, Bart Smith panics, pulls a gun, and attempts a hold-up to escape.
  • “No, you don’t, Monty... I’ll put it down when I’m ready.” – Bart Smith (15:27)
• King assists Preston, helping subdue Smith in a dramatic showdown. (16:03–16:13)

8. Resolution: Conscience, Not Clues

• Despite the original suspicion (“Caught by a Button”), no physical evidence is found on Smith’s coat.
• Preston reveals Smith’s guilty conscience and panic were his undoing — sometimes, it’s the suspect’s behavior, not evidence, that solves the case.
  • “Was his conscience that convicted him... sometimes a policeman has to play hunches.” – Sergeant Preston (16:32–16:46)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sergeant Preston says, on the danger of the Yukon:

  • “The 50 below zero temperature was bone chilling. In spite of heavy clothing, even his parka did not protect the mountie from the painful, jagging stabs of a merciless wind.” (03:31)

• On trusting hunches in detective work:

  • “Was his conscience that convicted him? You see, boys, sometimes a policeman has to play hunches.” – Sergeant Preston (16:45)

• Bart Smith’s failed bravado as he tries to escape:

  • “No, you don’t, Monty. I’ll put it down when I’m ready. Now you get in line — you listening to me?” – Bart Smith (15:27–15:45)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:35] — Introduction to the Yukon gold rush and the Mounties’ role
• [03:31] — Discovery of the murder at Duke Wells’ cabin
• [06:31] — Preston and King track the suspect to Deadwood City
• [10:54] — Realization that the blizzard will cover the tracks
• [14:19] — Sergeant Preston inspects the suspects for missing buttons
• [15:27] — Bart Smith pulls a gun, confrontation erupts
• [16:45] — Preston’s deduction: it was Smith’s conscience and behavior, not evidence, that convicted him

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Tone and Style

• The language is classic radio drama: brisk, atmospheric, and character-driven, with frontier slang and a tight, suspenseful plot.
• Sound effects and music create immersion — from howling winds to husky barks, every detail is restored for impact.

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Conclusion

Caught by a Button demonstrates both the cleverness and compassion of Sergeant Preston and King. The episode’s twist — that the criminal is caught not by physical evidence, but by his own guilty actions — offers a surprisingly modern take on detective storytelling. Andrew Rhynes’ restoration lets listeners experience the drama as vividly as audiences did in radio’s golden age.

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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. 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. 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.

[Talkspace Announcer]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace.

[Talkspace User/Testimonial]

Last year I went through many different life changes. I needed to take a pause and examine how I was feeling in the inside to better show up for the ones who need me to be my best version of myself.

[Talkspace Announcer]

When you're navigating life's changes, Talkspace can help. Talkspace is the number one rated online therapy bringing you professional support from licensed therapists and psychiatry providers that you can access anytime, anywhere.

[Talkspace User/Testimonial]

Living a busy life, navigating a long distance relationship, becoming a first stepfather, Talkspace made all of those journeys possible. I could speak with My therapist in the office. I could speak with my therapist in the comfort of my home. I was never alone.

[Talkspace Announcer]

Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a zero dollar copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off your first month with promo code space80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code

[Narrator]

[e-mail] the cold bit into Sergeant Preston and the great dog King as they broke a trail through the icy stillness of the Yukon. The 50 below zero temperature was bone chilling. In spite of heavy clothing, even his parka did not protect the mountie from the painful, jagging stabs of a merciless wind.

[Sergeant Preston]

Thank heaven we'll soon be at Duke world's cabin.

[Dan]

King.

[Sergeant Preston]

Just over the ridge. On King. On, you huskies. I will soon be warm, and that's strange. Ho, King. Ho, you huskies, ho. No smoke coming from that chimney. There must be someone there. Tracks are all around the cabin.

[Will]

Duke wouldn't be without a fire in this weather. If it weren't for these tracks here, I'd think Duke had left Sutter's Creek. Look in this way. There's something wrong in there.

[Sergeant Preston]

Come on, King. Yes, King.

[Will]

Must have been some fight. Chairs overturned, table broken.

[Sergeant Preston]

Duke. Oh, Duke.

[Will]

The fire's died out. What is it?

[Sergeant Preston]

King?

[Will]

Yes, King. He's dead. And it looks like he fought hard. But who and why? Hmm. His cash box. So it was robbery as well as murder. And not a thing of those tracks outside the cabin. These tracks here leading to the cabin, There are two sets of them. Oh, I see. These are the footprints of the murderer as he came to the cabin and when he left. And these over here. These are Duke's prints. So he was killed after it stopped snowing.

[Sergeant Preston]

King, get the dogs up. So that's why there was no smoke

[Will]

coming from the chimney. We have a murderer to track. And only some footprints in the snow for a clue.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm King.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston drove his team on and on as he followed the killer's tracks from Duke's cabin. Sharp and clear, they led through the snow on, King.

[Sergeant Preston]

On, you huskies. Right into Deadwood City. Huh? We might be lucky, King. This kind of weather, there won't be too many other tracks. We'll be able to follow the. Oh, King. Oh, you huskies.

[Dan]

Ho.

[Will]

H. Let's see. There are other tracks. Many of them. It won't be as easy as I thought.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right, King, you lead from here on. I'm King. On you husky.

[Narrator]

There were other tracks cut in the snow as the mount. He drove his team into Deadwood City. But King, running ahead, followed the trail till he stopped at last outside the Idle Hour Cafe.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, your husband. So this is it, huh, boy?

[Will]

And the murderer came here after killing Duke.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Press.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hello there, Will.

[Will]

How are you? Fine, fine. Say, you ain't been traveling far in this weather, have you? Saw this creek? Seems to me you'd be better off making your living pan in gold. At least you don't have to be out when the old thermometer drops down to below zero. Well, the law never rests, you know. You never rest. Anyways. It's a good thing, too. See that fella drinking down there at the end of the bar? Yes. He Smith. Bart Smith. Yep. Recognized him as soon as he stepped in here. I got a circle in my pocket here somewhere. Here, darn it. You see? Picture and everything. I think I begin to understand. Smith and Duke Wells used to work together back in the States. It's a fact. Of course, it ain't generally known that Duke ever crossed the law, but we get all kinds in the Yukon. Wells has been pretty straight lately. Settled down a lot. I guess he didn't want to get mixed up with Smith again. He's smart. He'll stay away from that varmint. You can tell to look at him. He's rotten all the way through. Yes, that would be the motive. Then when he saw the cash box, he couldn't pass up a chance for loot. What you talking about? Cashbox loot? What are you aiming at, Sergeant? How long has he been here? Will blew him about an hour ago with our roughest gang I ever saw. An hour ago, huh? Yep. Say, what'll you have? It's on the house, you know. Oh, thanks. I'll help. Oh, never mind. Don't tell me. I'll get you a glass of milk. How's business? Oh, you're coming right along. This kind of weather is mighty helpful. Fellas like to come in and swap yarns over some drinks. But all they can do when the ground's froze solid. Yes. Looks as if all Deadwood cities in the idle hour. Don't hurt my feelings none. Long as they pay in gold. Say, Sergeant, what's eating you? Face is a mile long. I told you I'd just come in from Sutter's Creek. Yeah. Ain't nobody much up there. I stopped at Duke Will's cabin. He's dead. Will Dead? Murdered. King and I trailed the killer here where I'll Be you think Smith had or. No. It was the last man in here before I came. That's a kind of a hard one to answer. I knew it. So I could swear to anything. Seems to me old Harry Barber was the last one in. That was about 10 or 15 minutes ago. But like I say, I couldn't swear to it. Smith or one of his men could approve anything. The only thing I can do is compare his footprints with the prints I found outside Duke's cabin. You can't do that now. Why? Take a look outside. Must have got a mind warmer.

[Bart Smith]

Snow?

[Will]

Yeah, looks like a blizzard to me. A sergeant. I ain't the one they meddle with the law. But.

[Sergeant Preston]

But what?

[Will]

Will, you needn't be able to pin anything on him. That gang of his. It's where to an alibi and you know it. Where are they? In the back room playing poker. Maybe Bart Smith didn't do it. Any one of his men could have done it for him. Looks like you got a real problem on your hands. Oh, excuse me a minute, will you? Oh, sure, sure will.

[Dan]

Another quick here, Will. What do you have Dan, for the shame? Pick it up. Well, hello sir.

[Narrator]

Hello, Dan.

[Dan]

Mighty cool that evening. And if I don't wish I was down in the tropics somewhere.

[Will]

Long as you can find gold up here, you'll never leave it for the tropics or any other place you know it.

[Dan]

Yeah, reckon you're right. Will get you the man's blood. Well, better get back to the game.

[Will]

Winning or losing?

[Dan]

Breaking even worse. See you later, sir.

[Will]

Nice fella, Dan. How long's he been in the cafe? Oh, now you don't think. Dan, don't jump to conclusions. I'm only checking a few points, that's all. You'll be asking me next what time I got here. Well, but what are you going to do about this? Well, some of the boys are leaving now that the snow started. If you're going to do anything, you better. Waiting for a few more of the boys leave. Then I have a little plan.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston, with the faithful king at his side, waited till most of the crowd left the cafe. Soon there were but a handful of men gathered around the pot bellied stove at the far end of the room and a scattered few were still at the bar.

[Will]

What's that Marty doing here, bud?

[Bart Smith]

I don't know. Been in here now for an hour. Stands there drinking milk, looking around.

[Will]

Know who he is?

[Bart Smith]

Monies a mony to me.

[Will]

Not this one. That's Sergeant Preston.

[Bart Smith]

Preston?

[Will]

Yeah. If Preston's after you, you might as well throw up your hand. It's the end of the trail.

[Bart Smith]

Not for me, it ain't.

[Will]

Want me to call out the rest of the boys?

[Bart Smith]

No, we'll call them. If I need an alibi.

[Will]

There ain't no way he'd know you unwell.

[Bart Smith]

Shut up, will ya? Why don't you go out front and beller so's the whole town can hear you.

[Will]

Oh, now, Bart, I didn't mean nothin'.

[Bart Smith]

Guess I'm just uneasy. I didn't plan to let Duke have it.

[Will]

He wouldn't split the claim, huh?

[Bart Smith]

Split it? He didn't want to have anything to do with us. Said he was going straight.

[Will]

Boy, he sure changed him.

[Dan]

Hey, Sergeant Preston. You've been standing around looking at us for a long time.

[Will]

Yeah. What are you looking for? Monty. Let's get out of here.

[Bart Smith]

No, we'll stay here till the Monty leaves.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, you're right, Tom.

[Will]

I am looking for something. Why in tarnation didn't you say so in the first place? What you got on your mind? I left Sutter's Creek about an hour ago. When I was up there, I stopped in to see Duke Wells. I found Duke dead. Dead? Yes, murdered. You've been fighting with a man who killed him. Fight must have started when the killer pulled a gun on him.

[Dan]

Got any idea who done it, Serge?

[Sergeant Preston]

When two men are fighting, it's almost

[Will]

impossible not to fight. A piece of clothing torn from a coat, a few hairs or a button. Little things like that are what most killers leave at the crime if there's been a struggle. So that's what you're looking for, huh? Pretty smart.

[Dan]

Hey, looks like we better line up here so you can look his old way. He nothing tore off my coat.

[Will]

Yes, that's a good idea. Can't say as I know anyone that have any reason to kill Duke. It was a peaceful enough critter. Sure was. Never bothered anyone.

[Bart Smith]

Bonnie. I guess this leaves me out. I'm a stranger here in Deadwood City, so I'll just leave while you go on with your investigation.

[Will]

Quiet, boy. You say you're a stranger?

[Bart Smith]

Yeah. Yeah, Bart Smith's the name. Just came in from Circle City. Was slim here.

[Will]

Well, it's just a formality. I want to see the coat on every man that can pay. That means me too, I guess. Yes, you too, Will.

[Dan]

Hey, don't have any buttons off my coat.

[Will]

Let's see. All right, Tom. Well, let's see.

[Bart Smith]

Dad.

[Narrator]

Mm.

[Bart Smith]

No, you don't, Monty.

[Dan]

Hey, put down that Gun.

[Bart Smith]

I'll put it down when I'm ready. Now you get in line. Come on over there. You're listening to me.

[Narrator]

Reach, all of you.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hire, you won't get away with this.

[Bart Smith]

You let me worry that.

[Will]

He must be the one that killed here.

[Dan]

I am.

[Bart Smith]

I'll kill any one of you that steps through the door of this cafe.

[Will]

Means business, fellas.

[Dan]

You're the pool kid.

[Will]

Shut up, Dan. You already killed Juke Wells, ain't he?

[Bart Smith]

I'm leaving here now. Say, come on, swim. And remember, I'll shoot anyone that steps out of this door.

[Sergeant Preston]

Never get through that door. Smith. Adam. King. Adam.

[Narrator]

I'll take care of him.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right, Bart, get up. Move.

[Dan]

My hand.

[Sergeant Preston]

That mutt.

[Narrator]

Nice work, King old fella.

[Dan]

Pretty handy with your fish, Will.

[Will]

Used to be a prize fighter in my younger days. And boy, how I'd like a chance at that no good rat. He's Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

He's under arrest, Will.

[Will]

He deserves a beating, but you'll have to settle for a hanging.

[Dan]

Hey, wait a minute. He don't have any buttons off his coat.

[Will]

That's right. I don't see any other clues either. No, Will, there aren't any. Was his conscience that convicted him? You see, boys, sometimes a policeman has to play hunches. Pretty smart, I'd say. Yes, King, old boy, with your help, another case is closed.

[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.

[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, 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 OT Have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Bart Smith]

Sa.