Hard Luck | Challenge of the Yukon (04-01-52)

Summary

---

Old Time Radio Westerns – "Hard Luck" | Challenge of the Yukon (04-01-52)

Host: Andrew Rhynes | Airdate: November 5, 2025

Digitally restored classic Western radio drama.

---

Episode Overview

"Hard Luck," an episode from "Challenge of the Yukon," brings listeners into the snow-covered Yukon during the Gold Rush, following Sergeant Preston and his dog, Yukon King. The story is a gripping blend of robbery, murder, and mistaken identity, unraveling through clever detective work and frontier justice. Through its evocative soundscape, restored to high fidelity by OTRWesterns.com, the episode captures the tension and action of a classic radio Western.

---

Key Discussion Points and Story Beats

1. Setting the Stage and the Crime (03:00–07:00)

• Sergeant Preston stops at Molly Bay's Trading Post to post a reward notice for a dangerous Wells Fargo robber (who has killed two men and is believed to be in the Yukon).
• Molly is feisty and eager for the reward, but Preston warns her:
  • Quote – Sergeant Preston (06:00): "If he comes here, Molly, you'd be wise to leave your gun alone. Take his money, and as soon as he leaves, notify Constable Clinton. This man is dangerous, Molly. He killed two men."

2. Meanwhile in Bristol City... (07:00–09:14)

• Preston meets Constable Andy Clinton.
  • A local robbery (Banker Clark's house; gold watch & wallet stolen) has just led to the arrest of young Jim Blunt, found with the wallet and his own knife at the scene.
  • Preston doubts Jim’s guilt and plans to investigate:
    • Quote – Sergeant Preston (08:56): “He may be innocent.”
    • Quote – Constable Clinton (08:56): “I hope he is.”

3. The Real Thieves on the Run (09:14–13:36)

• Jake Moon and Brick Beard, small-time crooks, fear Preston’s investigation.
• They decide to flee to a remote cabin (inhabited by Hard Luck Hastings).
• On arrival, an altercation ensues and Jake shoots Hard Luck Hastings dead.
  • Quote – Jake Moon (12:36): “Yeah [he’s dead]... We cleared out of Bristol City so we wouldn’t be jailed for a twenty dollar robbery. If the Mollies catch us now, they’ll hang us.”

4. A Stroke of “Luck” – Finding the Stolen Cash (13:38–14:45)

• Inside the cabin, Jake and Brick stumble upon a chest filled with thousands of dollars.
  • Quote – Jake Moon (13:55): “It’s full of cash. There’s thousands of dollars here, Jake! We’re rich!”
• They pocket the cash (which turns out to be the very same Wells Fargo stolen notes) and leave for Caribou Ridge.

5. Jim Blunt Escapes and Walks Into a Trap (15:14–17:00)

• Constable Clinton wakes Preston: Jim Blunt has broken out of jail, possibly armed, seemingly sealing his guilt further.
  • Preston sets off with Yukon King to track him:
    • Quote – Sergeant Preston (15:56): “King got Jim Blunt’s scent... and the mighty husky followed Jim’s trail.”

6. The Cabin Confrontation (18:14–22:28)

• Jim Blunt finds the cabin, exhausted and hungry, not realizing he’s entering a murder scene.
• Preston arrives, finds Jim, and through clever deduction, connects Hard Luck Hastings’ corpse to the serial numbers of the stolen Wells Fargo bills.
  • Quote – Sergeant Preston (22:21): “I know now that he was a murderer and a thief. Look at the picture on this handbill, and then look at Hastings.”

7. Footprints in the Molasses (22:44–23:15)

• Preston notes spilled molasses and footprints, deducing two others must have been there before Jim.
  • Quote – Sergeant Preston (22:52): “Someone walked through this molasses; see the tracks on the floor?”

8. Showdown at Molly Bay’s Trading Post (23:33–28:24)

• Jake and Brick attempt to buy supplies with the stolen bills at Molly’s store.
• Molly recognizes the serial numbers, attempts to detain them, but chaos erupts.
  • Quote – Molly Bay (25:28): “Doggone right it’s stolen.”
  • Quote – Molly Bay (25:48): “If I could get my hands free, I’d twist your ears over your eyes...”
• Preston and Jim arrive just in time; Preston deftly wounds Brick before he can shoot.
• The stolen watch from Banker Clark is recovered, tying Jake and Brick to both robberies and the murder.

9. Justice Restored and Wrap-up (28:39–29:12)

• Jim Blunt is exonerated, Preston prepares to take the thieves back for trial, and Molly is commended for her bravery.
  • Quote – Jim Blunt (28:44): “Thanks to finding that watch, I’ll be free. That’s reward enough for me, Miss Molly.”
  • Quote – Sergeant Preston (29:00): “You might take down that handbill, now that this case is closed.”

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sergeant Preston’s warning to Molly (06:00):
  “If he comes here... take his money and as soon as he leaves the post, find someone to capture and hold him. ... He killed two men when he committed that robbery.”

• Jake Moon, upon finding the loot (13:55):
  “It’s full of cash. There’s thousands of dollars here... We’re rich.”

• Climactic Trading Post Standoff

  • Molly Bay, defiant even when threatened (25:48):
    “If I could get my hands free, I’d twist your ears over your eyes and change the look of your ugly face.”

  • Sergeant Preston arrives in the nick of time (26:10):
    “You there. Keep your hands up unless you want the same treatment.”

• Confirmation of Innocence (28:44):

  • Jim Blunt: “Thanks to finding that watch, I’ll be free. That’s reward enough for me, Miss Molly.”

---

Important Timestamps

• Handbill posted / warning to Molly: 04:56–06:17
• Jim Blunt’s predicament detailed: 07:52–09:01
• Jake/Brick commit murder: 12:17–13:10
• Finding the cash stash: 13:54–14:15
• Jim Blunt escapes jail: 15:14–15:49
• Molasses clue and footprints: 22:44–23:09
• Trading post showdown: 24:25–28:24
• Resolution, Jim exonerated: 28:39–29:12

---

Tone and Style

The episode blends tense detective work with lively frontier personalities:

• Sergeant Preston is stern but fair, logical and quick-thinking.
• Molly Bay is comically tough, eager for action but slightly overconfident.
• Jake and Brick are bumbling villains, quick to panic.
• The sound design and rapid-fire dialog evoke classic radio adventure pacing, enhanced by OTRWesterns.com’s high-quality restoration.

---

Summary

This episode exemplifies the golden age of Western radio drama with a tightly-plotted yarn of crime and justice. Through keen observation and teamwork, Preston not only solves a string of interconnected crimes—robbery, jailbreak, and murder—but also clears an innocent man. The soundscapes and colorful characters, especially Molly Bay, add regional flavor and comic relief amidst the suspense, while the restored audio ensures every note of drama is crisp for modern ears.

---

For listeners craving classic Western justice—and a taste of radio’s golden past—this episode does not disappoint.

Transcript

[Andrew Rines]

Limu Emu and Doug.

[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

Here we have the Limu emu in its natural habitat helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug.

[Narrator]

Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us.

[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

Cut the camera. They see us. Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings vary underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts.

[VRBO Announcer]

Save over $200 when you book weekly stays with VRBO this winter. If you haven't seen your college besties since, well, college you need a week to catch up in a snowy cabin, take a week long vacation and save over $200. Book now at verbo.com.

[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]

Now as gunshots echo across the windswept snow covered reaches of the wild northwest, Quaker popped wheat and Quaker puffed rice. The breakfast cereal shot from guns 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. Unking on your husky 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.

[Andrew Rines]

Limu Emu and Doug.

[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

Here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug.

[Narrator]

Limu.

[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

Is that guy with the binoculars watching us. Cut the camera. They see us. Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings Very underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance company and affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts.

[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 clock 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 over most of these stations. It was early morning when sergeant Preston halted his dog team in front of Molly bay's trading post in caribou ridge. Hugging ho ho, the great dog Yukon king followed his master into the store. Molly, a large good natured woman came forward to greet them.

[Molly Bay]

Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hello, Molly. How are you?

[Molly Bay]

I'm fine and mighty glad to see you. Yes, I'm glad to see you too, gay. Come back by the stove, sergeant, and sit down and visit for a while.

[Sergeant Preston]

I haven't time to sit down and talk, Molly. I must leave as soon as I post this.

[Molly Bay]

A hand bill, huh? Oh, there's a hammer on the shelf and some nails beside it.

[Sergeant Preston]

Fine, I'll put it right here.

[Molly Bay]

If you mind if I read it while you post it?

[Sergeant Preston]

No, not at all.

[Jim Blunt]

Stolen from Wells Fargo reward.

[Molly Bay]

I'd sure like to collect that reward.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, if you receive any American money, compare the numbers on the bills with a list of numbers on this Post it maybe you will collect the reward.

[Molly Bay]

Is there any reason to suppose that the critter who stole the money'd come up here?

[Sergeant Preston]

As a matter of fact there is, Molly. The American authorities have notified us that some of the money was spent in Seattle. It had been used to buy a steamship ticket to Dawson.

[Molly Bay]

Oh, then this fellow is in the Yukon.

[Sergeant Preston]

We think he is.

[Molly Bay]

I'll keep my eyes open for him, Sergeant Preston. If he shows himself in this trading post, I'll pull the six shooter out of that cash drawer and let out a bellow. That'd bring help from all directions.

[Sergeant Preston]

If he comes here, Molly, you'd be wise to leave your gun alone. Take his money and as soon as he leaves the post, find someone to capture and hold him. And send word to constable Clinton in bristol city. He'll come and take him into custody.

[Molly Bay]

Seems like a mighty roundabout way of handling things. I could capture him myself.

[Sergeant Preston]

Perhaps you could, but this man is dangerous, Molly. He killed two men when he committed that robbery.

[Molly Bay]

Well, you needn't worry about me. I'll recognize the critter if I see him. I'll do as you say.

[Sergeant Preston]

Pay particular attention to anyone who pays for his purchases with American paper money. Be sure to notice the serial numbers on any bills you see That I will.

[Molly Bay]

Where'll you be, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm traveling north.

[Molly Bay]

To Bristol City?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes.

[Molly Bay]

Well, then you'll be seeing Andy Clinton, the constable?

[Sergeant Preston]

Of course.

[Molly Bay]

Well, would you mind telling them that I got a new shipment of ammunition? He asked me to let him know when it arrived.

[Sergeant Preston]

Be glad to tell him. Well, come along, King.

[Molly Bay]

You leaving already?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, I want to reach Bristol City this afternoon.

[Molly Bay]

Well, it's too bad you can't stay longer, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll be back this way in about two weeks. See you then, Molly.

[Molly Bay]

I'll be looking for you and King. Goodbye, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Bye, Molly.

[Molly Bay]

And I'll be on the lookout for that murder and his paper money.

[Sergeant Preston]

Good. But be careful, Molly. He's dangerous. That's right, King. Away, Don King.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston traveled at a steady pace and shortly before noon passed a familiar landmark. It was a small cabin which stood at the edge of a woods a couple of hundred yards to the side of the trail. The cabin had been deserted for many years, but now Preston noted with surprise that smoke was coming from the chimney. He made a mental note to speak of it when he met Constable Clinton in Bristol City at 4:00 that afternoon. The sergeant was in the office of the young constable, Andy Clinton.

[Constable Andy Clinton]

I'll see that these handbills are posted around town, Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Thanks, Andy. By the way, someone moved into that old cabin at the edge of Red Pine Woods. Yeah, I thought so. I saw smoke coming from the chimney.

[Constable Andy Clinton]

Little old man called Hard Luck Hastings.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hastings, eh? I'll call on you next time I pass the cabin. Anything new in Bristol City, Andy?

[Constable Andy Clinton]

A robbery last night. Someone broke into banker Clark's house. The thief made off with the banker's gold watch and the wallet that held $20.

[Sergeant Preston]

Any idea who did it?

[Constable Andy Clinton]

Well, I arrested Jim Blunt.

[Sergeant Preston]

I remember Jim. He seemed like a fairly decent young fellow.

[Constable Andy Clinton]

I hated to jail him, but I didn't have any choice. His hunting knife was found at Clark's place. Jim was carrying the wallet when I brought him in for questioning.

[Sergeant Preston]

Did he have any explanation? Sure.

[Constable Andy Clinton]

He claimed someone stole his knife and said he'd found the wallet. Said he saw it on the ground.

[Sergeant Preston]

Late last night and picked it up.

[Constable Andy Clinton]

Planning to return it to Clark.

[Sergeant Preston]

What about the watch?

[Constable Andy Clinton]

I searched Jim's place thoroughly this afternoon, but it wasn't there. The watch is all that's needed to clinch the case against him.

[Sergeant Preston]

He may be innocent.

[Constable Andy Clinton]

I hope he is. Any rate, he'll have a chance to prove it at his trial next week.

[Sergeant Preston]

That'll give me time to make a little investigation.

[Constable Andy Clinton]

Well, I'll start passing out these handbills. Sooner folks know about the stolen cash, the sooner they'll be on the lookout for it.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll go with you to post those notices.

[Narrator]

Brickbeard and Jake Moon, a couple of petty sneak thieves, were standing in front of a cafe when they saw Sergeant Preston and his great dog King on the opposite side of the street with. With a constable.

[Sergeant Preston]

Jake.

[Brick Beard]

That's Sergeant Preston?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yeah.

[Jake Moon]

He's one man nobody's ever fooled. Rick, you'll soon learn the truth about last night's robbery at Clark's place.

[Brick Beard]

You think so?

[Jake Moon]

You put that dog on a scent and it'll lead to us.

[Brick Beard]

I'd hate to be jailed for stealing a measly $20 in Clark's watch.

[Jake Moon]

We better start traveling break before he starts an investigation. We'll leave town and try to hide our trail.

[Brick Beard]

But we have no cash. We spent the money.

[Jake Moon]

Say we're clearing out. I don't hanker to meet Preston.

[Brick Beard]

That's a long way to another town. What do we do for grub?

[Jake Moon]

Head south. Stop at that trapper shack near Red Pine Woods. Someone's living there now.

[Brick Beard]

You mean we'll have to wait till we get to that shack before we eat?

[Jake Moon]

Yeah, that's right. Unless you want to sell Clark's watch and use the cash to buy food.

[Brick Beard]

Jake, are you loco? The watch has Clark's name engraved on.

[Jake Moon]

The back of it.

[Brick Beard]

We try to sell it, the constable and Preston will be on our necks in no time.

[Jake Moon]

Exactly. We have no cash and we can't sell a watch. We'll risk jail if we stay in town.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right.

[Jake Moon]

You do as you please. But I'm heading for that trapper shack.

[Brick Beard]

I'm with you, Jake.

[Jake Moon]

Cheer up, Rick. At least we'll get a meal.

[Narrator]

Jake and Brick had neither gear nor possessions to pack. They left town immediately at dusk. They were still some distance from Red Pine Woods.

[Brick Beard]

Folks in town are likely getting ready to eat supper now.

[Jake Moon]

Thinking about food's no way to forget you're hungry.

[Brick Beard]

I'm tired.

[Jake Moon]

Just keep moving, Brick.

[Brick Beard]

There's nothing else to do.

[Jake Moon]

You could stop here, sit down in the snow and freeze to death. We'll reach that cabin soon.

[Constable Andy Clinton]

How soon?

[Jake Moon]

Another couple hours. Come on, hurry up.

[Narrator]

It was dark by the time Jake and Brick came within sight of the cabin at the edge of Red Pine Woods.

[Jake Moon]

There's a place ahead, Brick. Someone's there, all right. Place is lighted.

[Brick Beard]

I thought we'd never get here.

[Jake Moon]

Soon have a meal and a place to bunk for the Night.

[Brick Beard]

I'm wondering, Jake, about what? I've heard that the fellow who lives here keeps to himself.

[Jake Moon]

Well, what about it?

[Brick Beard]

He might not like the idea of feeding us.

[Jake Moon]

Like it or not, he'll do it nowhere else this side of Caribou Ridge. Or we'll find food and shelter. We'll get Grubbin a place to stay. If we have to take it at the point of a gun.

[Brick Beard]

Suits me. Just so as we eat.

[Jake Moon]

We'll eat. I'll knock on the door.

[Narrator]

Without waiting for the door to open, Jake lifted the latch.

[Jake Moon]

Hey. Anyone home?

[Narrator]

What's the idea of busting in here?

[Jake Moon]

Leave that gun on the table, Mister.

[Brick Beard]

Why are you pulling the six shooter on me?

[Jake Moon]

You gave me the idea. When you reach for your hardware, you.

[Brick Beard]

Always meet callers with a gun. Callers aren't welcome here. You two better shove on.

[Jake Moon]

Guess again, mister.

[Brick Beard]

Hard Luck's my name. Hard Luck Hastings.

[Jake Moon]

My partner and I are hungry.

[Brick Beard]

That's your worry, not mine.

[Jake Moon]

We're making it yours. Take his gun, Brick.

[Narrator]

You made a mistake. Nobody's ever taken my gun and lived to talk about it. To prove it to him. Jake.

[Brick Beard]

He's going for his guy.

[Narrator]

Jake.

[Jim Blunt]

Did he hit you?

[Jake Moon]

I got him first. Good thing I did too. That was my last bullet.

[Brick Beard]

Maybe we'll find some spare cartridges here.

[Narrator]

Is he dead, Jake?

[Jake Moon]

Yeah.

[Brick Beard]

We're in worse trouble than ever now.

[Jake Moon]

What's wrong with you?

[Brick Beard]

We cleared out of Bristol City so we wouldn't be jailed for a twenty dollar robbery. If the Mollies catch us now, they'll hang us.

[Jake Moon]

You saw how it happened. If I hadn't fired, Hard Luck would have killed me.

[Brick Beard]

Maybe you shouldn't have pulled your gun in the first place.

[Jake Moon]

He was going for his when we walked in here. Trigger happy galoot. Help me get his body out of sight.

[Narrator]

Brick.

[Brick Beard]

There's no place to hide a body around here.

[Jake Moon]

Who said anything about hiding it? We'll get it out of sight, that's all.

[Brick Beard]

Well, that door in the rear probably opens to a woodshed.

[Narrator]

Rick's guess was correct. He and Jake dragged the dead man into the woodshed and closed the door. Then they hurriedly ransacked a cupboard for food. They found canned goods, flour and salt. And then look out.

[Sergeant Preston]

Gun it all.

[Brick Beard]

The clumsy you knock that jug to the floor.

[Jake Moon]

Molasses. Well, no use crying about spilled milk or molasses. Let's open these cans and eat.

[Narrator]

Ignoring the spilled molasses, which made a widening pool on the floor, the two men tracked through it, preparing a meal they Ate greedily, then searched the cabin. Jake smashed the lock on a chest that had been hidden beneath the bunk. When he lifted the lid, he gasped.

[Jake Moon]

Hey.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hey.

[Jake Moon]

It's full of cash. There's thousands of dollars here, Jake. We're rich.

[Brick Beard]

This makes up for the money we didn't get from Banker Clark.

[Jake Moon]

Who'd ever think a little fella like Hard Luck would have more cash on hand than a banker? Fill your pockets, Rick. We're clearing out of here. Now. Now, I want to put a lot of distance between us and the body in the woodshed.

[Sergeant Preston]

There.

[Jake Moon]

That's all the money. Here.

[Jim Blunt]

Get in your parking.

[Brick Beard]

What about supplies?

[Jake Moon]

I'm not hungry.

[Brick Beard]

Well, neither am I, but we'll need grub on the trail.

[Jake Moon]

Well, buy what we need in Caribou Ridge.

[Brick Beard]

How long it'll take us to get there?

[Jake Moon]

Hit town about 3 or 4 o' clock in the morning?

[Sergeant Preston]

Sure.

[Jake Moon]

Go to the hotel and sleep a couple hours. Soon as the trading post is open, we'll go there and buy supplies.

[Brick Beard]

You want to take Hard Luck?

[Jake Moon]

No, no, you keep it. I got mine.

[Brick Beard]

Well, yours is no good without cartridges.

[Jake Moon]

Too bad hard luck packed a.38 instead of a.45. I'll get ammunition on Caribou Ridge. Let's get going, Brick. I'm with you.

[Narrator]

At the hotel in Bristol City, Sergeant Preston had turned in early. He had slept soundly for several hours. It was nearly midnight when he was wakened by a loud pounding on the door of his room. Great Dog King, sleeping at the foot of Preston's bed, moved to the door, then raced to the bedside as the constable shouted.

[Sergeant Preston]

Just a minute, Andy. Quiet, King. Well, Andy, what's wrong?

[Constable Andy Clinton]

Tim Blunt's broken out a tail.

[Sergeant Preston]

Huh?

[Constable Andy Clinton]

The guard came to my place a few minutes ago. He just discovered that Jim was gone.

[Sergeant Preston]

How long has Jim been gone?

[Constable Andy Clinton]

The guard didn't know. Said he might have broken out anytime after 8 o'. Clock.

[Sergeant Preston]

He left town at 8 o'.

[Jake Moon]

Clock.

[Sergeant Preston]

He has a good start.

[Constable Andy Clinton]

Not only that, Sergeant, I think he's armed. I kept a gun in my desk at the jail. The guard says it's gone.

[Sergeant Preston]

I see.

[Constable Andy Clinton]

Doggone it, I'd hope Jim was innocent. This jailbreak makes him look guilier than ever.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm ready, Andy. We'll go to the jail. King may be able to get his scent and we'll go after him.

[Constable Andy Clinton]

I'll go with you on the trail.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's not necessary. King and I'll bring him back. Come on, boy. We have work to do.

[Narrator]

King got Jim Blunt's Scent from a few belongings a fugitive had left behind. Then, at the head of Sergeant Preston's dog team, the mighty husky followed Jim's trail. We'll continue our adventure in just a moment.

[VRBO Announcer]

Verbo's last minute deals make chasing fresh mountain powder incredibly easy. With thousands of homes close to the slopes, you can get epic pow freshies, first tracks and more. Find last minute deals with the last minute filter on the app. Book a private vacation rental [e-mail] save over $200 when you book weekly stays with Vrbo this winter. If you haven't seen your college besties since, well, college. You need a week to catch up in a snowy cabin. Take a week long vacation and save over $200.

[Narrator]

Book [e-mail] friends over the weekend, headlines told us of the tornadoes that hit six of our southern states. More than 2,000 homes were destroyed, homes of families like your own. More than a thousand people were injured, many of them very seriously. If you were there, you would help them. And in a very real sense, you are there through your Red Cross. Your Red Cross is there. More than 100 experienced disaster workers and hundreds of volunteers feeding and sheltering the homeless, caring for the sick and injured. Your Red Cross has made an initial allocation of $1 million for immediate emergency relief. And more will have to be done. Homes rebuilt and people restored to health and livelihood. So great is the destruction. Your Red Cross has had to increase its $85 million fund goal by $5 million. The need is great. The need is now. So answer the call and please give generously through your American Red Cross. Now to continue.

[Sergeant Preston]

Continue.

[Narrator]

After his escape, Jim Blunt traveled south from Bristol City. He hoped to reach a branch trail that would take him to the border. He walked fast for several hours, and he was tired and hungry. It was shortly after one o' clock in the morning when he saw a cabin in the moonlight. He left the trail and went to the cabin in the hope of finding food and a chance to rest. He rapped on the door. When there was no response, he tried the door. It was unlocked.

[Jim Blunt]

Anyone here?

[Narrator]

He received no reply. Decided that the cabin was empty, he closed and bolted the door. He struck a match and the light revealed an oil lamp. In a moment, the room was filled with yellow light. The scene of disorder brought an involuntary exclamation.

[Jim Blunt]

This place is a mess.

[Narrator]

But Jim was too tired to think much of the disorder. He thought he'd rest a moment, then look for food. He sat down on Hardlock's bunk, leaned.

[Sergeant Preston]

Back and closed his eyes.

[Narrator]

In a moment, he was asleep. When he awakened, he hurried across the room and looked out the window.

[Jim Blunt]

Almost daybreak. Get something to eat and clear out of here.

[Narrator]

Jim was searching for wood for the stove when he found Hardlock's body.

[Jim Blunt]

Hey.

[Narrator]

At that moment, Sergeant Preston halted his team outside. Jim was panic stricken when he heard and recognized the sergeant's voice.

[Jim Blunt]

It's Preston.

[Narrator]

Late night.

[Jim Blunt]

I put out the light. Now you know someone's here.

[Narrator]

Let's open the door.

[Jim Blunt]

You're covered, Sergeant. Don't reach for your gun.

[Sergeant Preston]

I thought I'd find you here, Jim.

[Jim Blunt]

How'd you know I was here?

[Sergeant Preston]

King followed your trail. Quiet, King. Daddy. Boy.

[Jim Blunt]

Get out of here. Sergeant, please turn around and go back to Towner. I don't want to shoot you.

[Sergeant Preston]

Where's Hastings guy?

[Jim Blunt]

I don't know.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston noticed that King had moved to the door that led to the woodshed. The dog sniffed at the crack between the floor and the door.

[Sergeant Preston]

What is it, King?

[Narrator]

Stay away from that door.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm going to open that door first. I'll take your gun. Oh, no, Jim. King's behind you. You can't cover him and me at the same time. Shoot me and before you turn around, King will attack you. Make a move to shoot him, I'll have time to draw my own gun. I. Ah, you win.

[Jim Blunt]

Here's my gun.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's better. Now I'll see why you were so anxious to keep me from opening that door.

[Jim Blunt]

I'll open it. But I didn't do it. Great Scott, I found the body when I looked for wood. I didn't kill him. I didn't shoot him.

[Sergeant Preston]

Watch him, King. Don't try any fast moves, Jim. King's guarding you.

[Jim Blunt]

I know when I'm licking.

[Sergeant Preston]

See if this man has any papers to identify him.

[Jim Blunt]

I know who he is. Name's Hard Luck Hastings.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's what I thought.

[Jim Blunt]

Did you find anything in his pocket?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, newspaper clipping.

[Jim Blunt]

Is it a write up about Hastings?

[Sergeant Preston]

No, it's an account of a Wells Fargo robbery.

[Jim Blunt]

A robbery?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. It lists serial numbers of stolen bills.

[Jim Blunt]

I wonder why old Hardlight kept the clipping.

[Sergeant Preston]

This man isn't as old as he looks. The face is young under that beard. Bring the lamp over here, Jim.

[Jake Moon]

Sure thing.

[Jim Blunt]

Don't see what difference Hard Luck's age makes.

[Sergeant Preston]

I have a picture on a handbill in my pocket. The serial numbers listed in the clipping are the same as the ones on the handbill.

[Jim Blunt]

What's that got to do with Hard Luck, Hastings?

[Sergeant Preston]

Perhaps a great deal. Hold the Lamp close to his face.

[Jim Blunt]

This close enough?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. I'll compare the picture. About that beard, I think.

[Jim Blunt]

Mm. Why are you studying Hardlock's face so closely, Sergeant? Is he anyone you know?

[Sergeant Preston]

I know now that he was a murderer and a thief. Now take the lamp, Jim. Look at the picture on his hand, Bill. And then look at Hastings.

[Jim Blunt]

Well, without the beard, I'd say, gosh, it's the same man.

[Sergeant Preston]

Right then.

[Jim Blunt]

Hardlock was a crook.

[Sergeant Preston]

He was wanted for robbery and murder.

[Jim Blunt]

I wonder who murdered him.

[Sergeant Preston]

How long have you been here?

[Jim Blunt]

Long enough to get a little sleep. I was about to eat when you came.

[Sergeant Preston]

You were rather careless handling the supplies. Molasses spilled on the floor.

[Jim Blunt]

I didn't spill it. Fact is, I hadn't gotten around to handling any supplies.

[Sergeant Preston]

Someone walked through this molasses. See the tracks on the floor? Come here, Jim.

[Jim Blunt]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Preston]

Put your foot here. All right.

[Jim Blunt]

See, my footprint? Isn't as big as this one. Here.

[Narrator]

As small as that one.

[Sergeant Preston]

Two men were here ahead of you.

[Jim Blunt]

Must have had a meal. They probably spilled them a lesson.

[Sergeant Preston]

The lock on this chest is smashed.

[Jim Blunt]

Maybe they robbed. Hard Luck.

[Sergeant Preston]

There'll be two sets of tracks leading away from this cabin. Jim, I'm inclined to trust you. You've never been in trouble before, and I think you're innocent. Now, going to take you with me. But I warn you, don't try anything.

[Jim Blunt]

I'm not armed.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right, come on. We'll see where these tracks lead.

[Narrator]

At 9 o' clock in the morning, Molly Bay opened her trading post. A few minutes later, Jake Moon and Brick Beard hurried from the hotel in Caribou Ridge. Brick's eyes were still heavy with sleep. He blinked at the bright daylight and.

[Brick Beard]

Muttered, I don't see why you're so set on getting to the trading post as soon as it's open.

[Jake Moon]

Look, the sooner I get ammunition, the safer I'll feel. Besides, we can't afford to waste time. Hard Luck's body will be found. And unless there's snow to cover our tracks, we'll be hunted for murder.

[Brick Beard]

Nobody knows who killed him. Finding our tracks can't tell him who we are.

[Jake Moon]

You forget fast. Preston was in Bristol City when we left. If he starts on our trail.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yeah. Oh.

[Jake Moon]

Hope this place stocks cartridges.

[Molly Bay]

Good morning, Jim.

[Jake Moon]

Howdy, ma'.

[Sergeant Preston]

Am.

[Jake Moon]

You have cartridges for a.45?

[Molly Bay]

Sure thing. The new shipment of ammunition came in.

[Jim Blunt]

A few days ago.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, good.

[Jake Moon]

We'll need some supplies, too.

[Molly Bay]

Call them off, mister. And I'll stack the things here on the counter.

[Narrator]

Jake and Rick selected the Supplies they'd need. Then Molly totaled the purchases.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hey, don't forget my cartridges.

[Molly Bay]

Oh, I'm glad you reminded me, Mister.

[Jake Moon]

Will you be able to change a hundred dollar bill?

[Molly Bay]

Huh?

[Brick Beard]

It's the smallest we have. We haven't had time to change it.

[Molly Bay]

Paper money, huh?

[Jake Moon]

You have anything against American money?

[Molly Bay]

Oh, no, no, no, no. Of course not. Let's see it.

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Sergeant Preston]

Here.

[Narrator]

Molly looked at the crisp new bill. She turned it over, then moved to the handbill Sergeant Preston had posted on the wall. She studied the reward notice for a.

[Sergeant Preston]

Moment, then the bill.

[Narrator]

As she went to the cash drawer, Jake's eyes narrowed suspiciously. He read the handbill and reached into his pocket to look at the serial numbers on his money. A glance was all he needed.

[Jake Moon]

Brick, this is stolen money.

[Molly Bay]

Doggone right it's stolen.

[Sergeant Preston]

Grab her.

[Jake Moon]

She has a gun.

[Brick Beard]

Give me that six shooter, lady.

[Narrator]

As Brett struggled to take Molly's gun, Jake hurried to the counter looking for the box of cartridges he had purchased. He was startled when a bullet struck the floor four inches from his feet.

[Molly Bay]

Hey.

[Narrator]

The shot had been fired by the gun Molly still held.

[Brick Beard]

Break your jughead. Get that gun. She's strong as an ox.

[Molly Bay]

If I could get my hands free, I'd twist your ears over your eyes and change the look of your ugly face.

[Brick Beard]

You can't kill your hands.

[Narrator]

Can't even handle an overgrown woman.

[Sergeant Preston]

What's the gun play? Hey, Molly.

[Brick Beard]

Jake, it's Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

You're coming, both of you.

[Narrator]

Surprised at Sergeant Preston's unexpected appearance, Molly released her hold on the gun. Rick snatched it from her, but the sergeant was faster. His bullet struck Brick's hand before he could shoot. My hand.

[Brick Beard]

My hand.

[Sergeant Preston]

You there. Keep your hands up unless you want the same treatment.

[Narrator]

They're up.

[Molly Bay]

Takes a life. Sergeant Preston. Where'd you come from?

[Sergeant Preston]

I've been following these two ever since they left Hastings Cabin. About to go into the hotel when I heard the shot. Over here.

[Jim Blunt]

Sergeant figured you were in trouble, so he came on the run. Trouble?

[Molly Bay]

Well, I admit I had a mite more than I could handle. It all started when I recognized that paper money you told me about, Sergeant Preston. Oh, they try to pay for supplies with cash. That's listed on that handbill.

[Sergeant Preston]

I see. Search them, Jim.

[Narrator]

Weapons.

[Sergeant Preston]

Weapons and paper money. Let's see how much of it they're carrying.

[Jake Moon]

Now, see here, you can't search them.

[Sergeant Preston]

Orioles.

[Jake Moon]

Jake Moon's my name. The law doesn't have a thing on me. I never been in jail in my life.

[Jim Blunt]

His pockets are full of cash, Sergeant hey, give me that watch. Not so fast. This watch has banker Clark's name on it.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, Jake.

[Jim Blunt]

Look at this watch, Sergeant. It's engraved with Clark's name. It was stolen the other night along with his wallet and $20.

[Sergeant Preston]

Constable Clinton's been looking for that watch.

[Jim Blunt]

These two must have committed that robbery. They either stole or found my knife and used it to force the lock on the banker's door. They left it there and they threw away the wallet. And I was unlucky enough to find it. It was my knife and the fact that I had the wallet that made the constable so sure I'd committed the robbery. You two are the thieves?

[Sergeant Preston]

No.

[Jake Moon]

No.

[Sergeant Preston]

Then explain the watch. How did you get it?

[Brick Beard]

Well, I. I knew that watch would tie us into the robbery. We never should have taken it.

[Jake Moon]

Shut up.

[Sergeant Preston]

This watch will be used as evidence at your trial. I think the charges against you, Jim, will be dropped. Now search Jake's partner.

[Brick Beard]

Right by a hand.

[Sergeant Preston]

You're not seriously hurt, but I'll take you to the doctor before we return to Bristol City. If I had a gun, I'd do.

[Jake Moon]

Worse than shoot his hand.

[Jim Blunt]

He's carrying a.38, Sergeant.38. And his pockets are bulging with paper money. I'll put it here in the counter.

[Sergeant Preston]

Look at the serial numbers, will you? Money.

[Jim Blunt]

All right.

[Jake Moon]

Hey, now listen, Sergeant Preston. I read that hand bill. It says that cash was stolen from Wells Fargo. But we didn't steal it.

[Sergeant Preston]

You didn't know the money could be traced when you murdered and robbed Hard Luck Hastings?

[Brick Beard]

Who ever think Hard Luck was a thief and a murderer?

[Molly Bay]

Look who's talking.

[Sergeant Preston]

What about that money, Molly?

[Molly Bay]

Every one of the serial numbers checks with the list on the hand bill.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, well, in that case, I'll report that you've earned a reward.

[Molly Bay]

Me? Gosh, Sergeant Preston, why, I might not be alive if it hadn't been for you and this young fellow here coming in when you did. You're as much entitled to that reward as anyone.

[Sergeant Preston]

I was just doing a job, Molly. And as for Jim, I was a.

[Jim Blunt]

Prisoner when I came in here. Now, thanks to finding that watch, I'll be free. That's enough of a reward for me, Miss Molly.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, no, I put the handcuffs on these two, Jim. They'll be tried for two robberies and Hard tucks murder. Oh, Molly.

[Molly Bay]

Yes, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

You might take down that hand, Bill. Now that 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 doubt that crime does not pay. So this Sunday and every Sunday do, as most Americans do, hear Mutual's famed Sunday Suit entertainment over most of these stations. And now, here is Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant Preston reporting for duty. Inspected.

[Brick Beard]

Sergeant Pierre Dumont has disappeared. He left town for home carrying a large sum of cash. He never arrived and a couple of his dogs from his dog team were.

[Jake Moon]

Seen roaming the countryside.

[Sergeant Preston]

So, like he was held up and robbed, sir?

[Brick Beard]

Yes, and maybe killed. I want you to find Pierre Dumont and bring in those responsible for his disappearance.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll do my best, Inspector.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston and King picked up Pierre's trail and started out to find him. What Preston little realized when he took the icy river trail that he and the great husky might both meet death. 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 Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated, directed by Fred Flowerday and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of Sergeant Preston is played by Paul Sutton. Sergeant Preston of the Yukon is brought to you every Tuesday.

[Jake Moon]

And.

[Narrator]

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

[Jim Blunt]

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.

[Brick Beard]

Become one.

[Andrew Rines]

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]

Sam.