Death by Proxy | Challenge of the Yukon (06-05-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: "Death by Proxy" | Challenge of the Yukon (06-05-52)

Released: March 11, 2026
Host: Andrew Rhynes

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Episode Overview

In this digitally restored classic episode of “Challenge of the Yukon,” Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police—alongside his loyal dog, Yukon King—untangles a web of murder, blackmail, and intrigue in the frozen wilderness of the Yukon. What begins as a young miner’s confession quickly spirals into a complex tale of faked deaths, forged documents, and a desperate chase for justice amidst gold rush lawlessness. The restored sound brings every tense moment to life, from the creak of saloon doors to the chilling whistle of the northern wind.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Summary

1. A Miner’s Troubled Confession

• [04:04] Larry Summers staggers into Dawson’s Northwest Mounted Police headquarters, confessing to the murder of Fred “Red” Barnett in the distant town of Caribou.
• He recounts stopping at Caribou after staking a claim and describes the suspicious atmosphere of Barnett’s café, where he witnesses a confrontation over a possibly forged note.

Larry Summers: "I'm here to report a murder." (04:09)
Sergeant Preston: "A murder? Where?" (04:11)

2. A Café Confrontation and Fatal Blow

• [05:47] A heated disagreement breaks out between Mary Corwin (widow of a miner) and Red Barnett over her dead husband’s mine and the questionable note.
• Larry intervenes as Red manhandles Mary, sparking a fight that ends with Larry knocking Red unconscious—apparently fatally due to Red’s bad heart.

Mary Corwin: “I think you’re trying to steal my mine. You’re crooks, that’s what you are.” (05:35)
Sergeant Preston: "A punch and a fall were enough to kill him. Is there a doctor in town?" (06:57)

3. A Sinister Cover-up Emerges

• [06:56] Jonathan Steele, a bearded associate, convinces Larry to pay hush money to keep the incident under wraps.
• Larry, ridden by guilt, ultimately decides to reveal the truth to Sergeant Preston rather than “never rest easy.”

4. No Body, No Evidence

• [10:12] Sergeant Preston assembles a team (including Doc Munday, the coroner) to investigate in Caribou.
• Mary Corwin asserts she never saw the body; Red’s supposed coffin was quickly burned on an Indian funeral pyre—conveniently destroying potential evidence.

Mary Corwin: "As I understand it, Charlie took the body to the old Indian pyre in the forest and burned it." (11:18)

• [17:16] The coroner finds only coffin nails and ashes—no trace of a body, casting doubt on Red’s death.

Doc Munday: “Someone may have burned a coffin up there during the past week, but there was nothing in it.” (17:18)

5. Piecing Together the Scheme

• [18:00] Sergeant Preston confronts Jonathan Steele, who downplays his accusations and responsibility.
• Documents reveal a possible motive: if Mary Corwin cannot pay the questionable debt, her husband’s mine reverts to Red (allegedly, as heir) or Steele.

Jonathan Steele: “If Mrs. Corwin can’t pay this note by the first, I shall attach the mine in the name of registry.” (19:41)

6. Red’s Not-So-Grave Secret

• [21:03] Preston and King, by tracking through the snow, spy Red—very much alive—in a remote forest cabin.
• The realization dawns: Red faked his death to escape paying hush money and to secure control of the mine.

7. A Dying Man’s Testimony

• [22:51] Back at Mary’s cabin, a wounded man (Hank Smith) is found. As he dies, he confesses that Red set off the blast which killed Mary’s husband, Jim Corwin, and paid Hank to keep silent.

Hank Smith: “Red killed him...killed Jim... Saw him set off the blast... Red paid me a thousand to go away... All in on killers.” (24:08–24:28)

8. The Showdown and Justice Served

• [26:32] Sergeant Preston confronts Red and Charlie at their secret hideaway, arresting them for murder as Steele attempts to intervene and is wounded in a shootout.

Sergeant Preston: “The charge is murder, Red... I’ll take the word of a dying man before yours any day. And so will a jury.” (26:44, 27:01)

• The conspirators are taken into custody; justice is on the march.

9. Resolution and New Beginnings

• [27:58] The forged note is discredited; Mary Corwin is awarded full control of the mine.
• Larry offers to work the mine with her on shares, and Mary gladly accepts, hinting at hopeful times ahead.

Mary Corwin: “I’d like to have you as a partner.” (28:19)
Sergeant Preston: “At any rate, I’d say this case is closed.” (28:24)

10. Teaser for the Next Adventure

• [32:13] Sergeant Preston is tasked with making a good impression for a distinguished visitor from the States, unaware that further intrigue awaits in the Yukon.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On guilt and conscience:

  Larry Summers: “I decided I’d never rest easy if I didn’t tell the whole truth and get it off my conscience. So here I am.” (07:26)

• The emergence of Red’s deception:

  Sergeant Preston: “We have only Jonathan and Charlie’s word that Red Barnett’s dead.” (11:47)

• On justice:

  Sergeant Preston: “The last words of a dying man are admissible as evidence in the court of law. Red and his confederates are heading for the gallows.” (25:25)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [04:04] Larry’s confession begins
• [05:18] The café confrontation
• [11:18] Discovery that the body was burned
• [17:09] Coroner’s investigation—no body found
• [21:03] Preston discovers Red alive
• [24:08] Hank’s dying confession
• [26:32] Sergeant Preston arrests the villains
• [27:58] Mary and Larry decide to partner on the mine
• [32:13] Teaser for the next episode

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Tone and Style

The episode maintains a brisk, suspenseful tone true to golden age radio Westerns—plenty of frontier justice, rugged dialogue, and a dose of moral clarity. The interplay between Sergeant Preston’s calm resolve and the desperation of the outlaws drives the narrative, while Yukon King’s silent but indispensable partnership adds to the adventure’s drama.

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With this rich, restored recording, listeners can enjoy every twist of deception and triumph of justice as it was originally conjured—just with cleaner audio and deeper atmosphere. A worthy homage to one of radio’s greatest Western sleuths!

Transcript

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[Sergeant Preston]

Sit down.

[Larry Summers]

Thanks.

[Sergeant Preston]

What can I do for you?

[Larry Summers]

I'm here to report a murder.

[Sergeant Preston]

A murder? Where?

[Larry Summers]

Happened A long way from here. Little town called Caribou. It's where Caribou Creek flows into the Indian River.

[Sergeant Preston]

I know the place. Who was murdered?

[Larry Summers]

His name was Fred Barnett, the owner of the cafe in Caribou.

[Sergeant Preston]

Who killed him?

[Larry Summers]

I did.

[Sergeant Preston]

You did?

[Larry Summers]

Yes. I want to make a confession.

[Sergeant Preston]

You should be warned. Anything you say will be taken down and used in evidence against him.

[Larry Summers]

I want to confess. I want to tell you everything that happened.

[Sergeant Preston]

What's your name?

[Larry Summers]

Larry Summers.

[Sergeant Preston]

What do you live?

[Larry Summers]

I have a claim near the headwaters of the Indian River. I was on my way here to register it and I stopped at Caribou overnight. After supper, I walked over to the cafe. It was practically deserted. Only three men there. The owner, Red Barnett, a man with a black beard. His name was Jonathan Steele, and an Indian they called Charlie. I didn't like any of their looks, so I took my drink and sat down at a table in the corner. A few minutes later, a woman came in. A young woman. She was pretty, but her eyes were red. You could tell she'd been crying.

[Mary Corwin]

Red, I want to talk with you.

[Sergeant Preston]

Go ahead, Mary. You're among friends.

[Mary Corwin]

Friends?

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, you're among my friends. You know Jonathan Steele, Charlie.

[Narrator]

Anything you want to say to me,

[Sergeant Preston]

you can say to them.

[Mary Corwin]

I want to see that note you say Jim signed before he died.

[Larry Summers]

You've already seen it once.

[Mary Corwin]

I want to see it again. I don't believe Jim ever signed it. I think it's a forgery. I think you're trying to steal my mind. You're crooks, that's what you are.

[Narrator]

That's enough of that talk.

[Larry Summers]

Crooks.

[Mary Corwin]

I'll say it again.

[Narrator]

You're getting out of here.

[Mary Corwin]

Easy.

[Larry Summers]

Take your hands off me.

[Sergeant Preston]

Mind your own business, stranger.

[Larry Summers]

I said take your hands off her.

[Sergeant Preston]

What? I'll teach you to meddle.

[Narrator]

That suits me.

[Larry Summers]

I'd say the fight lasted about 10 minutes. Red was bigger and stronger than I, but I could punch faster. And finally I hit him on the button and he went down as if he'd been pole axed. Well steel. And the Indian carried him back to his living quarters at the rear of the cafe. And I took the girl out to her sled. She told me her name.

[Sergeant Preston]

Let's have it.

[Larry Summers]

Mrs. James Corwin. Mary Corwin.

[Sergeant Preston]

Where does she live?

[Larry Summers]

Cabin on Indian Creek, near the Last Chance Mine they'd been talking about. She told me all about her husband being killed in a cave. And I told her that I'd do what I could to help her out if she went to law about the note. Then I went back in the cafe and found Jonathan Steele waiting for me. Well, mister, you're in trouble. You can't make any trouble for me. Charge me with assault if you like, but Mary will testify that Red swung first. The charge isn't assault, it's murder.

[Sergeant Preston]

Murder?

[Larry Summers]

Red Barnett is dead. But that's impossible. Punch on the jaw. He had a bad heart. Punch and a fall were enough to kill him. Is there a doctor in town? No, there's nothing a doctor can do for him. He's dead. Is there a police officer around in Caribou? The nearest police office is in Dawson. What's to be done about it? Shall I go there and give myself up? You know, it's a shame you should be charged with murder. Red had no right to get rough with Mary. He did hit you first. It's a shame we can't forget about the fight completely. Who knows, Red might have died anyway. But as an enemy would never testify against you. That leaves the Indian, Charlie and myself. How much money do you have on your money? Why are you suggesting. I'm not suggesting anything for myself, but for $500, Charlie could be persuaded he never saw a fight in the other night. And I could tell the people in town Red died during the night of a heart attacking. You'd do that? Give you a break? Of course I would. I'd do it in a minute if it weren't for Charlie. I don't have $500. A little over 300, that's all. You. You stay here. I'll have a talk with him. Well, Sergeant Steele came back in a few minutes and told me it was all right. Charlie could be bought for 300. I gave him the dust and left town the same night. But on the way here I decided I'd never rest easy if I didn't tell the whole truth and get it off my conscience. So here I am. I suppose I'm under arrest.

[Sergeant Preston]

You're in custody. But there's a great deal that must be done before any charge can be placed against you. What? Sir, I must have more than your word that the crime's been committed.

[Larry Summers]

Steele told me that.

[Sergeant Preston]

Steele must tell me. And also explain his acceptance of a bribe to suppress evidence. Since there's no doctor in Caribou, I must take the coroner with me to examine the body of the deceased and establish the cause of death. You're going to Caribou?

[Larry Summers]

Of course.

[Sergeant Preston]

You'll stay here tonight and tomorrow you'll travel with us. We'll leave the first thing in the morning.

[Narrator]

Doc Munday, the coroner, drove his own team hoping that he wouldn't be detained long in Caribou. As a result, the party made good time. Reached Mary Corwin's cabin on Indian river evening of the second day.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll stop here and question Mrs. Corin before we drive into town, Doc.

[Larry Summers]

Suits me. Steel kept his word. She may think Rhett died during the night after the fight. Or she may not even know he's dead.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll see. Let me do the talking.

[Larry Summers]

Right, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

This is Corman.

[Mary Corwin]

Yes.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant Preston, Northwest Mounted Police.

[Mary Corwin]

Larry, they've caught you.

[Sergeant Preston]

May we come in?

[Mary Corwin]

Of course.

[Sergeant Preston]

This is Dr. Mundy, Mrs. Coleman.

[Mary Corwin]

How do you do?

[Larry Summers]

How do you do, Mrs. Corman?

[Sergeant Preston]

We're here to investigate the death of Red Barnett.

[Mary Corwin]

I know Jonathan said he was going to notify the police, but it wasn't Larry's fault. Sergeant. Red started the fight. You can't call it murder.

[Sergeant Preston]

What gives you the idea Larry might be held responsible?

[Mary Corwin]

Well, Jonathan accused him. I thought he sent word to you by Charlie.

[Sergeant Preston]

Did Jonathan tell you that Barnett died as a result of the fact?

[Mary Corwin]

Yes. He said Red never recovered consciousness. That he died a few minutes after I left the cafe. And? And that after Larry found out about it, he ran away.

[Larry Summers]

So he took my money and then double crossed me.

[Sergeant Preston]

As I understand it, Mrs. Corwin, you came to the cafe.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston questioned Mrs. Corwin and her story was substantially the same as Larry's until the sergeant had progressed beyond the

[Sergeant Preston]

night of the fight. When did you learn that Barnett was dead?

[Mary Corwin]

The following day I drove into town for supplies.

[Sergeant Preston]

Did you see the body?

[Mary Corwin]

Not exactly.

[Sergeant Preston]

Now what do you mean by that?

[Mary Corwin]

Well, when I heard the news, I went to the cafe. Jonathan and Charlie were there. They'd made a coffin and it was nailed shut.

[Sergeant Preston]

When did the burial take place?

[Mary Corwin]

There wasn't any burial.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, you mean the body's still at the cafe?

[Larry Summers]

That Simplifies my work.

[Mary Corwin]

No, that isn't what I mean. As I understand it, Charlie took the body to the old Indian pyre in the forest and burned it.

[Larry Summers]

That does it. I've made this trip for nothing.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sorry, Doc.

[Larry Summers]

Well, so have you, for that matter. If I can't certify death was caused by violence, you have no murder charge.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll have to go through with the formalities. Take the testimony of everyone who saw the body before the coffin was closed.

[Mary Corwin]

Everyone? That's just Jonathan and Charlie.

[Sergeant Preston]

You sure?

[Mary Corwin]

I'm positive.

[Sergeant Preston]

You never saw the body, Larry?

[Larry Summers]

No.

[Sergeant Preston]

And we have only Jonathan and Charlie's word that Red Barnett's dead. Mary, after the fight, you saw Red lying on the floor. Was he breathing?

[Mary Corwin]

Why? I don't know, Larry.

[Larry Summers]

He was still alive. Then he turned his head and groaned.

[Sergeant Preston]

Doc, suppose you and I pay this funeral pyre a visit this evening.

[Larry Summers]

Perhaps we should.

[Sergeant Preston]

Will you take us there, Mary?

[Mary Corwin]

Of course.

[Larry Summers]

Yes. There may be some work for me to do after all. There should be some evidence of something.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right, Doc. Let's go.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our adventure in just a moment.

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[Sergeant Preston]

That's very true. I always get a thrill out of cooking a meal under the open sky and crawling into my tent after a long day on the trail and say

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[Sergeant Preston]

Well done.

[Larry Summers]

Here.

[Sergeant Preston]

These are nails.

[Larry Summers]

That's all I found, outside of a few pieces of charred wood.

[Narrator]

And your conclusion is that someone may

[Larry Summers]

have burned a coffin up there during the past week, but there was nothing in it.

[Sergeant Preston]

You're certain?

[Larry Summers]

Absolutely.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's late now. I'll take you home, Mary. Then Doc and Larry and I will drive into town and get rooms at the end. I'll see Jonathan Steele tomorrow.

[Narrator]

The following morning, the sergeant made inquiries. And then he and King walked down the main street toward Jonathan Steele's cabin. They saw a man come out of the woods at the far end of town who also seemed to be heading for the cabin. The sergeant placed a restraining hand on King's head.

[Larry Summers]

Easy, boy.

[Sergeant Preston]

They waited a few minutes until steel had entered the cabin.

[Narrator]

Then they continued on to the door.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant Preston, Northwest Mounted Police.

[Larry Summers]

Sergeant Preston?

[Sergeant Preston]

That's right. May I come in? I have some questions.

[Larry Summers]

Take the chair by the stove. I'll build up the fire.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right. My questions are about Red Barnett.

[Larry Summers]

When did you get here, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

Last night.

[Larry Summers]

And your stomach?

[Narrator]

At the inn.

[Larry Summers]

I see they told you what happened?

[Sergeant Preston]

The proprietor told me all he could. You've accused the young miner of murder.

[Larry Summers]

Well, now, Sergeant, I'm not sure I went that far. But if I did, I withdraw the accusation.

[Sergeant Preston]

You do?

[Larry Summers]

There was a fight, but Red started it. So the most Larry Summers can be charged with is manslaughter.

[Narrator]

Did you get rid of the body

[Sergeant Preston]

in order to earn the money Summers gave you? What? He's made complete confession. And he's testified that he gave you $300 to hold your tongue.

[Larry Summers]

Now, that's a lie.

[Sergeant Preston]

Why did you have the body cremated?

[Larry Summers]

Because it's impossible to dig a grave when the ground is frozen hard as a rock. That's my only reason, and it's a good one. If you want to prosecute me, go ahead.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm not the prosecutor. See what he thinks of your reason. However, before I can make a complete report to him, I must have more information about the dead man. Do you have his papers?

[Larry Summers]

Right here.

[Sergeant Preston]

You've been as fooled, if you please.

[Larry Summers]

Yes, yes. There aren't many as you see. Notes signed by Jim Carr.

[Sergeant Preston]

That figures in the case. I haven't heard the details, of course. Corman's death. How'd it happen?

[Larry Summers]

The last chance is an old mine. One of the old tunnels collapsed on him.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's all. And if Mrs. Corwin can't pay this

[Larry Summers]

note by the first, I shall attach the mine in the name of registry.

[Sergeant Preston]

Who inherits the estate?

[Larry Summers]

I do

[Sergeant Preston]

as well. All my property, both real and personal.

[Larry Summers]

There isn't much. A few thousand on deposit with the Yukon Trading Company. What little I can get for the cafe. Some gold dust in the ship.

[Sergeant Preston]

And the mine.

[Larry Summers]

More than likely the mine which could

[Sergeant Preston]

be worth a fortune.

[Larry Summers]

It wouldn't bring much at the present moment.

[Sergeant Preston]

But you're Red's only heir.

[Larry Summers]

Why not? I was his only friend.

[Sergeant Preston]

I see. Well, that seems to be all for the moment, Steel. Thank you for your cooperation.

[Larry Summers]

What are you going to do?

[Sergeant Preston]

About what?

[Larry Summers]

Well, about summers. About Red's death.

[Sergeant Preston]

Doesn't seem to be much I can do.

[Larry Summers]

That's exactly the way I figured.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, good day, Steel. Come along, King.

[Larry Summers]

Goodbye, sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Now, King, you and I are going to take a walk in the woods. But just in case Steel is watching us, we'll go back to the inn first.

[Narrator]

From the rear of the inn, the sergeant and King circled through the woods to the point where they'd seen Jonathan Steel.

[Larry Summers]

There.

[Sergeant Preston]

The sergeant pointed to the fresh tracks in the snow. At the scent, boy. We're following his back trail.

[Narrator]

King understood and led the sergeant on deep into the forest. Half an hour later, as they neared a clearing, King growled. Through the trees, the sergeant could see a small cabin. There was a man outside it chopping wood.

[Sergeant Preston]

The man had red hair. Quiet, boy. That must be Red. Barnett and Jonathan Steel must have been here this morning. What we have to find out is why they want the world to think Barnett's dead.

[Narrator]

The sergeant and King returned to town and found a note from the doctor waiting there.

[Sergeant Preston]

Murray Corvin's been here. There's a man at her cabin, badly wounded. I've gone to take care of him and Larry's with me. A last chance mind gang and a wounded man. There. That's something we have to investigate.

[Narrator]

The team was harnessed with King in the lead and the sergeant drove down the Indian r to Mary Corwin's cab. Mary heard the dogs and opened the door.

[Mary Corwin]

Good morning, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hello, Mary. Who's the wounded man?

[Mary Corwin]

His name is Hank Smith. He used to work for Red, but he left Caribou about two weeks ago.

[Sergeant Preston]

That was when your husband died?

[Mary Corwin]

Hank left shortly afterward.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's all. How bad is he wanted?

[Mary Corwin]

The doctor can tell you more than I. He's in the bedroom.

[Sergeant Preston]

Was I conscious when he got here?

[Larry Summers]

No.

[Mary Corwin]

I heard someone groaning outside. I found him lying in the snow, shot through the chest. I got him inside, did what I could in the way of bandaging him and then I went for the doctor.

[Sergeant Preston]

Let's have a look at him.

[Larry Summers]

Hello, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hello, Larry. Has he been talking any?

[Larry Summers]

Not yet. The doctor is giving him a hypodermic.

[Sergeant Preston]

I see. How about it, Doc?

[Larry Summers]

It's serious.

[Sergeant Preston]

Anytime it is. Talking enough to tell us who's shot him.

[Larry Summers]

He may come out of it a little now.

[Sergeant Preston]

I've removed the slug that's on the table. Could be from a rifle.

[Larry Summers]

That's my guess.

[Sergeant Preston]

Mary?

[Mary Corwin]

Yes, Doctor?

[Sergeant Preston]

Do you know this man well?

[Mary Corwin]

He isn't a friend. I've never liked him. But I've known him ever since Jim and I came here about a year ago.

[Sergeant Preston]

Any idea why he left town?

[Mary Corwin]

No. Nor why he's come back. He just disappeared. I wasn't interested enough to ask why. As I told you, it was shortly

[Sergeant Preston]

after Jim died, sir. That's what I'm thinking about. Is there any possibility that your husband's death wasn't accidental?

[Mary Corwin]

The tunnel collapsed.

[Sergeant Preston]

Where were you when it happened?

[Mary Corwin]

Right here.

[Sergeant Preston]

The mine isn't far away.

[Mary Corwin]

Oh, I heard it.

[Sergeant Preston]

Just what did you hear?

[Mary Corwin]

Well, it. It sounded something like an explosion.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's interesting.

[Mary Corwin]

When I got to the mine, the entrance had caved in. I tried to dig through the rubble and then some men came along and they helped me. But when we finally reached Jim, it was too late.

[Larry Summers]

He was dead.

[Sergeant Preston]

Who were the men who helped him?

[Mary Corwin]

I've forgotten who got there first.

[Sergeant Preston]

This man.

[Mary Corwin]

He was one of them.

[Larry Summers]

He may be coming too.

[Sergeant Preston]

Scorwin.

[Larry Summers]

Ms. Corwin all right?

[Mary Corwin]

Yes, Hank, what is it?

[Larry Summers]

Red killed him. Killed Jim what?

[Sergeant Preston]

How could Red Barnett have killed Jim Corman?

[Larry Summers]

I saw him. Saw him set off the blast and.

[Sergeant Preston]

Why haven't you said anything about it before?

[Larry Summers]

Red paid me a thousand to go away.

[Sergeant Preston]

Why have you come back?

[Larry Summers]

He promised me more thousand a month. Said the mine was worth millions. He had a plan to get it

[Mary Corwin]

and note was for him.

[Larry Summers]

I heard he was dead. Came back to find out Charlie saw me in the forest, shot me and I got away. Done for now. Get them, Charlie. Steel, Red all in on killers. Doc, he's gone.

[Sergeant Preston]

A blackmailer doesn't deserve anything better.

[Mary Corwin]

Red paid him money.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's all clear now. This man saw Red set the blast that killed your husband. Collected $1,000 for his silence and expected more with the help of Steel and Charlie. Red faked his own death so he wouldn't have to pay anymore. And all Red's money goes to steal.

[Mary Corwin]

But we aren't sure Red is alive.

[Sergeant Preston]

I am. I saw him this morning. Where? In the forest. King and I are going after him.

[Mary Corwin]

Hank's dead, though, and we only have his words.

[Sergeant Preston]

The last words of a dying man are admissible as evidence in the court of law. Red and his confederates are heading for the gallows. I'll see you later.

[Narrator]

Red Barnett made sure who was knocking before he opened the door of his cabin.

[Larry Summers]

Charlie, why have you come here in

[Sergeant Preston]

the middle of the day?

[Larry Summers]

Ain't come back.

[Sergeant Preston]

What of it?

[Larry Summers]

Him finds you? No, there's not a chance. One time him live this cabin. Me see him in woods. Come this way. Me shoot.

[Sergeant Preston]

You killed him.

[Larry Summers]

Me hit him, let him run, get away.

[Sergeant Preston]

Do you think he made it back to town?

[Larry Summers]

Maybe so. Me fraid go close to town and a good thing. You better clear out. Where you want Charlie go?

[Sergeant Preston]

It doesn't matter.

[Narrator]

You've shot a man.

[Sergeant Preston]

And if they find you, they'll put you in jail.

[Larry Summers]

When we see Hank, me sprayed. Him come back. He tell about Jim mind at that? Yeah. He thinks I'm dead and there's no

[Sergeant Preston]

chance to collect any more blackmail, I'm in the clear.

[Larry Summers]

Anyway, I'm dead.

[Narrator]

You're under arrest in the name of the Crown. You're covered. Drop your gun belts.

[Larry Summers]

Sure, I'll take them. What's the idea? What do you mean I'm under arrest?

[Sergeant Preston]

The charge is murder, Red. And Charlie is under arrest as your accomplice.

[Larry Summers]

Murder?

[Sergeant Preston]

It's more like suicide, isn't it? I've only killed myself. We have Hank Smith's word. You set the blast that killed Jim Corman. You faked your own death so you wouldn't have to pay Hank any more.

[Narrator]

Blackmail.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, if you take that pole cat's word. I'll take the word of a dying man before yours any day. And so will a jury. You're going to jail. So is Charlie and so is Jonathan Steele. You may be wrong about that.

[Narrator]

Get him, Steel. The sergeant saw the shadow at the window and dropped to the floor just as Steel fired into the cabin. The sergeant fired back, and the man at the window clutched his shoulder.

[Sergeant Preston]

Guard these men.

[Narrator]

King Sergeant threw open the door, but Jonathan Steel was crumpling slowly to the ground. It was a work of a second to pick up his gun. Sergeant stepped back into the cabin where King was holding Red and Charlie at bay. The sergeant called the two men to the door. Over here, you two.

[Sergeant Preston]

Now bring him in here and put him on that cot. All right? Sure.

[Narrator]

Steel was brought into the cabin, and Red bandaged his shoulder. Then the three men were marched back to Caribou. A week later, they were in Dawson in jail. And on the day they were indicted for murder, Larry Summers met Mary Corwin and Sergeant Preston outside the courtroom.

[Mary Corwin]

It's all settled, Larry. The note Red held has been declared

[Larry Summers]

a forgery, which means the mine is yours.

[Mary Corwin]

I'm free to sell it.

[Larry Summers]

Why should you?

[Mary Corwin]

Well, I can't work it myself.

[Larry Summers]

How about me working it on shares?

[Mary Corwin]

Why, Larry, that would be wonderful. But it'll be some time before their mind starts paying.

[Larry Summers]

I don't mind waiting.

[Mary Corwin]

All right, Larry, you've been a good friend. I'd like to have you as a partner.

[Sergeant Preston]

And everything's settled as far as we three are concerned. any rate, I'd say this case is closed.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston will return in just a moment with a word about our next exciting adventure.

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[Sergeant Preston]

Inspector. Have you any special orders before I start on patrol?

[Larry Summers]

No Sergeant, but I hope you'll be back here in Dawson before the first boat of the season arrives from the States.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, I'll make it a point to be here, sir, but may I ask

[Larry Summers]

why a man from the States is supposed to arrive on that boat he helped build the state of Montana. He may do great things for the Yukon if we impress him favorably.

[Sergeant Preston]

You think I'd help make a favorable impression?

[Larry Summers]

Well, if not Sergeant, you'll be here to take care of those who might impress him otherwise.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston, Little suspects that murderers and thieves are waiting for the man from the States, nor that his own life is to hang by a slender thread because he tries to aid the man from Montana. 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 Thursday. On Thursday by Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice, the breakfast cereals shot from gun. Only Quaker Pacotam as wheat and rice shot from guns that's Quaker Pako 10, a regular cereal pantry 6 different delicious ready to serve cereals 10 crisp fresh individual serving at breakfast you can take your pick of the pack, have your own separate individual package. Enjoy a different cereal extra fresh every morning. Just Remember only Quaker Paco 10 and has all your family's cereal favorites. Try Quaker Packo 10. You'll be glad you did. This is J. Michael wishing you goodbye, good luck and good health from Quaker Pop Wheat and Quaker Pop Rice. So long. Listen tomorrow at this same time to the Green Hornet brought to you by the drink that makes you feel fresh again, delicious Orange Crush. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sa. 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 who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcast trwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739. 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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