Man on the Trail | Challenge of the Yukon (01-15-52)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast

Episode: Man on the Trail | Challenge of the Yukon
Host/Author: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: June 4, 2025

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes presents "Man on the Trail | Challenge of the Yukon," a classic Western radio drama meticulously restored for modern listeners. This episode transports audiences to the rugged and mysterious Yukon during the gold rush era, featuring the intrepid Sergeant Preston and his loyal dog, Yukon King, as they navigate treacherous terrains and confront nefarious outlaws in pursuit of justice.

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Main Characters

• Sergeant Preston: A determined and resourceful member of the Northwest Mounted Police, dedicated to upholding the law in the wilds of the Yukon.
• Constable Downey: Sergeant Preston's dependable partner, who assists in investigations and offers crucial support during their missions.
• Yukon King: Sergeant Preston's swift and strong lead dog, instrumental in blazing trails and sensing danger.
• Anne Maitland: A courageous young woman from Snowball, caught in the conflict between lawmen and outlaws.
• Chris Graham: A friend of Constable Downey, whose involvement reveals deeper layers of the unfolding mystery.
• Steve Maitland, Joe, Pete, and Red Foreman: Outlaws intent on securing gold and eliminating obstacles in their path.

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Plot Overview

Discovery and Suspicion ([02:37] - [06:15])

The episode opens with Sergeant Preston and Constable Downey traversing the snowy wilderness near Dawson, Yukon, guided by Yukon King. Amidst the serene yet perilous landscape, they stumble upon an unconscious man, Bill Rice, lying in the snow. Sergeant Preston suspects foul play, suspecting that Rice may have been drugged. As they tend to Rice, two residents of Snowball, Anne Maitland and Chris Graham, arrive and claim no knowledge of the incident. Tensions rise when Chris is mysteriously shot, leading Sergeant Preston to suspect the involvement of local outlaws.

Sergeant Preston: "You realize he's been drugged?" [05:42]

Investigation and Confrontation ([06:15] - [12:03])

With Chris grievously injured and Anne determined to aid, Sergeant Preston delves deeper into the mystery surrounding Bill Rice's condition. They trace the events back to a card game at the Aces Wild Cafe, where Rice and his companions discussed gold prospecting. Clues suggest that Steve Maitland and his cohorts may be behind the attempted murder to secure Rice's wealth. The investigation intensifies as they navigate through deceit and hidden motives.

Sergeant Preston: "This is a case of attempted murder. Jim." [11:41]

Search in the Cave of the Winds ([20:50] - [24:17])

The climax unfolds in the ominous Cave of the Winds, where the outlaws have hidden their ill-gotten gains. Sergeant Preston, accompanied by Yukon King, confronts the outlaws in a tense standoff. Utilizing strategic prowess and the unwavering loyalty of Yukon King, Sergeant Preston neutralizes the threat, ensuring that justice prevails. The episode culminates in the arrest of the outlaws and the rescue of Anne Maitland, bringing peace back to Snowball.

Sergeant Preston: "Don't make a move for those guns or I'll shoot to kill." [24:17]

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Key Scenes and Quotes

1. Discovery of Bill Rice ([03:04] - [04:18])

   • Sergeant Preston's sharp instincts lead him to suspect Rice has been drugged.

   Sergeant Preston: "The way he's breathing, I think he's been drugged." [04:01]

2. Confrontation with Anne and Chris ([05:11] - [07:07])

   • Anne reveals her connection to Rice and her reluctance to involve herself.

   Anne Maitland: "I didn't want to get mixed up in the business." [05:42]

3. Ambush and Chris's Shooting ([06:15] - [07:01])

   • The sudden attack heightens the stakes, showcasing the outlaws' desperation.

   Constable Downey: "I've got you covered." [13:16] (Note: This line is part of an advertisement and not the main plot.)

4. Investigation at the Aces Wild Cafe ([15:01] - [17:22])

   • Detailed interrogation uncovers the outlaws' motives and plans.

   Constable Downey: "I've mentioned the cash to just one person since I've been here." [16:03]

5. Final Showdown in the Cave ([21:32] - [24:17])

   • A dramatic encounter where Sergeant Preston and Yukon King outsmart the outlaws.

   Sergeant Preston: "It's all right now, Anne. These men are under arrest in the name of the Crown." [24:21]

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Conclusion

"Man on the Trail | Challenge of the Yukon" is a thrilling installment in the Sergeant Preston of the Yukon series, blending suspense, action, and the timeless battle between good and evil. Through meticulous digital restoration, Andrew Rhynes brings this classic Western drama to life with enhanced audio quality, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in the adventure-filled world of the Yukon. This episode not only entertains but also pays homage to the rich tradition of old-time radio Westerns, ensuring that these legendary tales continue to captivate new audiences.

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Insights and Themes

• Justice vs. Greed: The relentless pursuit of gold leads the outlaws to extreme measures, highlighting the destructive nature of greed.
• Loyalty and Courage: Sergeant Preston and Yukon King exemplify unwavering loyalty and bravery in the face of danger.
• Deception and Trust: The unfolding mystery underscores the importance of discernment and trust within the community.
• Resilience in Adversity: Characters like Anne Maitland demonstrate strength and resilience amidst turmoil.

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Final Thoughts

For enthusiasts of classic Westerns and old-time radio dramas, this episode offers a richly restored auditory experience that honors the genre's legacy. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the tales of Sergeant Preston, "Man on the Trail | Challenge of the Yukon" promises an engaging and immersive journey into the heart of the Wild West.

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Notable Quote Reference:

Sergeant Preston: "Take him to the sled and cover him up. There's some trees over there. Would you cut some wood and make a fire?" [04:01]

This quote encapsulates Sergeant Preston's leadership and quick decision-making, traits that define his character throughout the series.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[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 puffed wheat and Quaker puffed rice. The breakfast cereal. Shot from gun present 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. Unkang on you 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 Quaker puffed wheat and Quaker puff rice bringing you the adventures of sergeant Preston and his wonder dog Yukon King as they meet the challenge of the Yukon. There's no one that can make a better cereal than Quaker puff rice. It's nice. And when you hear that shootin you're dern tootin that Quaker makes the ones shot from guns. Yes, they're exploded up up up to eight times normal size. That's what happens to delicious Quaker puffed rice and Quaker puffed wheat when they're shot from guns. That's why these choice flavor rich premium grains are so crisp and and tender. That toasty nut like flavor. For a deluxe treat eat delicious Quaker puff rice and Quaker puffed wheat.

[Sergeant Preston]

Instead.

[Narrator]

Of heading for Dawson. After leaving Grand Ledge, Sergeant Preston and constable Downey headed across country toward Blizzard Creek and the little town of snowball at its mouth. The pale winter sun dropped below the horizon and it began to snow. But every landmark was familiar to King and he raced on and on. The hours passed. The white miles dropped behind and finally as they topped a rise, the snow stopped and sergeant Preston shouted.

[Sergeant Preston]

Only a couple of miles more, Jim.

[Narrator]

Good. What's the matter with King looking back at you?

[Sergeant Preston]

Couple of travelers ahead of us on top the next hill. See them now?

[Constable Downey]

I do.

[Narrator]

There they go, over the hill.

[Constable Downey]

Must be heading to Snowball too.

[Sergeant Preston]

I suppose so.

[Narrator]

Hey King. Stepping up the face. Isn't it a strange thing, sergeant?

[Constable Downey]

The way dogs can sense they're nearing the end of the trail?

[Narrator]

The way they know there's warmth and.

[Constable Downey]

Food waiting for them.

[Sergeant Preston]

King's interested in something else.

[Constable Downey]

Something else what?

[Sergeant Preston]

I don't know. Something on top of the hill. Dark spot on the snow there. Look where I'm pointing.

[Constable Downey]

What could it be?

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll soon find out.

[Narrator]

It soon became apparent that the dark spot in the snow was a man. When the sergeant had stopped the team, he ran to his side.

[Constable Downey]

Is he dead?

[Sergeant Preston]

No. As far as I can make out, there's nothing wrong with him. Seems to be sleeping.

[Constable Downey]

Yes.

[Sergeant Preston]

The way he's breathing, I think he's been drugged. I'll put him on the sled and cover him up. There's some trees over there. Would you cut some wood and make a fire?

[Constable Downey]

Right.

[Sergeant Preston]

And you better make some tea.

[Constable Downey]

You're going after those two men we saw up here?

[Sergeant Preston]

Of course.

[Constable Downey]

I can still see them. Just disappearing over the next rise. And snowshoes.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll travel on skis. Won't take me long to catch them.

[Narrator]

The sergeant was wearing a caribou parker with a heavy fur hood. He realized there was nothing about his appearance to lend him authority. And so when he was within hailing distance of the two men, about half a mile from the spot where he had left the constable and the sleeping man, he shouted a command. Stop in the name of the law. The command was obeyed. The two Parker clad figures stopped at the foot of a partially wooded slope and turned to wait for the sergeant. It was not until he stopped a few feet from them that he saw one of them was a girl.

[Anne Maitland]

You're a policeman?

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant Preston, Northwest Mounted.

[Narrator]

What do you want with us, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

My partner and I saw you standing over that man we found back on the trail.

[Constable Downey]

We don't know anything about him.

[Sergeant Preston]

No, you simply found him lying in the snow and did nothing about it.

[Anne Maitland]

Well, we saw you coming, Sergeant, traveling by sled. We knew you'd have camping equipment and that you make good care of him.

[Sergeant Preston]

How are you?

[Anne Maitland]

My name is Anne Maitland. I live with my Uncle Steve in Snowball.

[Sergeant Preston]

And you?

[Chris Graham]

Chris Graham.

[Constable Downey]

I'm a friend of her uncle's.

[Sergeant Preston]

And you don't know anything about that man back on the trail?

[Constable Downey]

I told you.

[Anne Maitland]

Tell the truth, Chris.

[Constable Downey]

Well, the man's name is Bill Rice.

[Sergeant Preston]

So you do know him.

[Constable Downey]

He's a friend of Van's. He's been ill. Just recovered from a siege of pneumonia.

[Narrator]

Ann heard he'd left town.

[Constable Downey]

She knew he was in no condition to hit the trail. So she came to me, persuaded me.

[Narrator]

To try to reach him, bring him back.

[Constable Downey]

We just found him when we saw you coming.

[Sergeant Preston]

Why did you run away?

[Chris Graham]

Well, I. I didn't want to get mixed up in the business.

[Sergeant Preston]

You realize he's been drugged?

[Narrator]

I had nothing to do with it.

[Sergeant Preston]

Why did you run away, Ms. Maitland?

[Anne Maitland]

I didn't want to Sergeant, Chris was afraid that you'd accuse him of trying to murder Bill. But believe me, Sergeant, we had nothing to do with his being drugged, with his being carried out here to. Oh, dear.

[Sergeant Preston]

So he didn't just hit the trail.

[Anne Maitland]

I'm not going to accuse anybody of anything.

[Sergeant Preston]

You'd better come back with me.

[Anne Maitland]

Gladly, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

When Bill regains consciousness, we'll see if he has any accusations to make. Look ahead of me, if you please.

[Narrator]

The girl and the burly, bearded man started walking ahead of the sergeant. King, who had been standing close to his master, lingered a moment. His nose pointed toward the patch of woods on which the sergeant had turned his back. Suddenly, a rifle crashed. Sergeant dropped to the ground. Chris.

[Constable Downey]

Chris.

[Anne Maitland]

He's been shot. Quick. See how badly he's been hurt.

[Constable Downey]

Get down.

[Anne Maitland]

But the sergeant.

[Constable Downey]

Look.

[Chris Graham]

Steve and Red coming out of the woods.

[Anne Maitland]

Do they mean to shoot us, too? Hey, Chris, come here. No, Chris, we can't leave the sergeant.

[Narrator]

Hurry up or you stop, lads. All right, Chris.

[Chris Graham]

Come on. They don't know about the constable.

[Constable Downey]

He'll take care of Bill. He must have heard the shot.

[Chris Graham]

He'll find the sergeant.

[Anne Maitland]

I'm afraid he is dead.

[Narrator]

Next time I won't fire over your head.

[Constable Downey]

Come here.

[Chris Graham]

Come on.

[Narrator]

King knew the man and the girl had nothing to do with the shot that had felled his master. And he paid no attention to them as they hurried up the slope toward the woods. His only concern was his master. The sergeant was still breathing, but he was badly hurt and somehow King must help him. There was nothing the dog could do himself. He must bring the sergeant's friend, the constable. At once King raised his head to the sky and howled. Then he started to run. Constable Downey had heard the shots and King's howling just as he lit the campfire. He decided the sergeant might need his help and tossed his axe and matches into the grub box. Then he tucked the blankets more securely around the unconscious man lying on the sled and prepared to move on. The man stirred.

[Constable Downey]

Sorry. Coming out of it a little. Never mind. Don't try to talk.

[Narrator]

King charged up and over the hill, straight at the constable.

[Constable Downey]

What's the matter, boy?

[Narrator]

King tugged at the constable's pocket. Then he ran to the team and barked a command for them to get to their feet. Back he went to the constable and barked up into his face.

[Constable Downey]

Something's happened to the sergeant, boy.

[Narrator]

All right, we'll get moving up in front.

[Constable Downey]

Boy. You. Constable Downey, northwest mounted.

[Narrator]

Go on, King. Lead the way, Nurse. It only took a few minutes to reach the sergeant and the constable went to work with his first aid kit at once. After bandaging the sergeant's head, he built another fire and made tea. By the time he was ready to offer a cup to Bill Rice, the effects of the drug were wearing off.

[Constable Downey]

Here. Drink it. Thanks. Who's the wounded man? Sergeant Preston. Sergeant Preston. I wonder who shot him. It must have been one of the men he went after.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, Jim. Sergeant, There weren't two men. One man and a girl. Neither of them could have shot me. I'd started them back to our camp and I was behind them. Shot came from behind me.

[Constable Downey]

There's some woods up on the slope.

[Sergeant Preston]

Probably came from up there. How is it the bullets wound?

[Constable Downey]

Well, not bad. Not deep at all. The hood of your park has saved you.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm beginning to feel better. Like a cup of hot tea would fix me up.

[Constable Downey]

Sure. Sure thing. Yeah.

[Sergeant Preston]

Tastes good. Now, Bill, let's have your story.

[Constable Downey]

How do you know my name?

[Sergeant Preston]

Suppose you answer my questions first, and then I'll answer yours. You any idea how you happen to be out there?

[Constable Downey]

No, Sergeant. I've been trying to think. The last I remember, I was playing cards in the back room of the Aces Wild Cafe.

[Sergeant Preston]

With whom were you playing?

[Constable Downey]

Joe Pete, Red, Foreman, Steve Maitland.

[Sergeant Preston]

All friends.

[Constable Downey]

You might call them that.

[Sergeant Preston]

I don't think I would. You were drugged and left out in the cold to die.

[Constable Downey]

Drugged? The coffee. I thought it tasted funny.

[Sergeant Preston]

What about the coffee?

[Constable Downey]

I wasn't drinking anything. Red suggested coffee and got a pot from Barney Duran, who owns the cafe.

[Sergeant Preston]

You drank it and that's all you'll remember.

[Constable Downey]

That's all.

[Sergeant Preston]

Why should anyone want to kill you, Bill?

[Constable Downey]

I don't know.

[Sergeant Preston]

It might be a little more helpful. Can you think of any possible reason?

[Constable Downey]

No, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Do you have much gold on you?

[Constable Downey]

No. Let me see. My poke hasn't been touched.

[Sergeant Preston]

What do you know about the men you were playing cards with? What do they do for a living?

[Constable Downey]

They prospect, more or less.

[Sergeant Preston]

Is it more or less?

[Constable Downey]

Well, they talked about the prospecting they done last summer on Blizzard Creek. Now they're wintering in Snowball, waiting for the spring breakup to try their luck again.

[Sergeant Preston]

So they haven't had much luck?

[Constable Downey]

No, Sergeant. I. I can't tell you much about them. I never saw any of them until a month ago. My own claim is way up on Roaring River. Blizzard caught me on the way down here. It was Steve Maitland's niece, Ann, who nursed me. She saved my life. I wonder.

[Sergeant Preston]

Wonder what?

[Constable Downey]

Could Steve have found out that Ann and I plan to get married. Could he have objected so much?

[Sergeant Preston]

Do you trust Ann Maitland? Completely.

[Constable Downey]

Of course.

[Sergeant Preston]

But how do you explain this? When we first saw you, Ann and a man called Chris Graham were bending over you. When they saw us, they tried to run away.

[Constable Downey]

Ann left me to die.

[Sergeant Preston]

Her story is she saw us coming and knew we'd take care of you. Still, it's an odd way for the girl to act if she's in love with you.

[Constable Downey]

She couldn't have left me willingly. Chris must have forced her to go.

[Sergeant Preston]

Why would he do that?

[Constable Downey]

I don't know. Unless he had something to do with my being drugged. I'm only sure that Ann had nothing to do with it.

[Sergeant Preston]

At the moment, I'm not sure of anything. Except that this is a case of attempted murder. Jim.

[Constable Downey]

Yes, sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

We'd better forget motives until we find out more about what happened at the Aces Wild after Bill was drugged. We'll make the cafe our first stop.

[Constable Downey]

Well, you'd better take it easy for a while.

[Sergeant Preston]

I shall. I'll ride the sled with Bill. Would you give me a hand?

[Constable Downey]

All right, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Right up front, King. Let's go, Jim.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our adventure in just a moment. When you're traveling in the Yukon, you never can tell what kind of a scary adventure you're going to have next. Like one time when it was just about dark and I was on the way back from a gold mining camp. I was just about to.

[Sergeant Preston]

Whoa.

[Narrator]

Whoa there. Ho boy. Whoa. Whoa. It's an ambush. I'm trapped.

[Constable Downey]

All right, Joe, make a move if you want to stay healthy. I'm after one thing. That there gold.

[Narrator]

Gold? I don't have any gold.

[Constable Downey]

Come on, quit stalling. What's in them packages?

[Narrator]

Oh, well, that's the swellest tasting. Ready to serve breakfast cereal in the Yukon or anywhere. It's the cereal. Shot from guns.

[Constable Downey]

Guns. I got you covered.

[Narrator]

Drop them guns. I meant that Quaker popped wheat and Quaker popped r. Shot from guns.

[Constable Downey]

What kind of guns are those?

[Narrator]

Say when the choice. Premium grains of wheat and rice are shot from those guns, they're exploded up to eight times normal size.

[Sergeant Preston]

What?

[Narrator]

Eight times? You betcha. That makes them bigger and better tasting. They're crisp, tender, with bang up nut like flavor too in every mouthful.

[Constable Downey]

But I'm after gold, buddy. How do I know there's Quaker puffed wheat and Quaker puffed rice in them packages you're carrying?

[Narrator]

That's easy to prove. Just take a look at these famous red and blue Quaker packages.

[Constable Downey]

So that's the way to get the real McCoy.

[Narrator]

It sure is. As you fellas and girls know, too, your appetite strikes it rich when you pour out a heaping bowl full of those tenderly crisp, melt in your mouth kernels and top them with milk or cream and sliced bananas or other fruit. What's more, Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice give you fellas and girls added food values of restored natural grain amounts of vitamin B1, niacin and iron. So every morning enjoy this delicious nourishing treat, Quaker Puffed rice or Quaker Puffed Wheat. Now to continue. The sergeant had completely recovered by the time the constable stopped the team in front of the Aces Wild Cafe. Oh.

[Sergeant Preston]

Need any help, Bill?

[Constable Downey]

No, thanks.

[Narrator]

Bill Rice was also feeling much better and he entered the cafe with the sergeant and the constable.

[Sergeant Preston]

Who's the proprietor?

[Constable Downey]

Barney Duran. There he is, behind the bar.

[Sergeant Preston]

Loren.

[Constable Downey]

Yes, sir. What can I do for you?

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm Sergeant Preston, Northwest Mounted Police. You can tell me all you know about a card game in the back room of this cafe early this evening.

[Constable Downey]

Why? Bill here was playing. Why don't you ask him?

[Sergeant Preston]

He's told me all he knows. What do you know?

[Constable Downey]

Well, nothing much. There were four of them beside Bill. It was Joe, Pete, Red and Steve. About 7 o' clock, red came out and asked for potted crappie. I gave it to him and he went back the game. About 8 o' clock. I looked in to see if they wanted anything and the room was empty.

[Sergeant Preston]

How could they leave without your seeing them?

[Constable Downey]

That's easy. Must have left for the rear door. Ginger Bill.

[Sergeant Preston]

He wasn't conscious when he left. We found him lying on a hill about two miles south of town. He'd been drugged and left there to die.

[Constable Downey]

Why, the dirty crooks. They're after your cash, Bill. What do you know about my cash?

[Narrator]

Nothing.

[Constable Downey]

Except that I overheard Stephen Red saying. What did they say? I only caught a few words. Something about your having more gold than you brought into town. That you'd cash most of it on the way here from your claim. How could they have found out about it? Didn't you ever mention it? I've mentioned the cash to just one person since I've been here.

[Sergeant Preston]

Anne Maitland.

[Constable Downey]

Yes. And she wouldn't. She couldn't. Told her uncle she hates Steve Maitland. He's treated her badly ever since she was a child.

[Sergeant Preston]

Tell me this, Bill. When you told Ann, could it have been possible for Steve Maitland to overhear you?

[Constable Downey]

Not all of it.

[Sergeant Preston]

Now, what do you mean, not all of it?

[Constable Downey]

Well, I was staying in Their cabin. Then I was still mighty sick. I thought I was going to die. Ann had been so kind. I wanted to do something for her. I told her about the cash and that I wanted her to have it. She tried to make me keep quiet. She said it was always dangerous to talk about gold. There was no telling. Yes, Sergeant. Steve was in the cabin at the time, but he was in the front room. Still, he could have heard, Barney. Not all of it, though, Sergeant. When I told Ann where the cache was, I whispered.

[Sergeant Preston]

Barney, have you seen Maitland within the last two hours?

[Constable Downey]

Why, no, Sergeant. He hasn't been in here.

[Sergeant Preston]

You take us to his cabin, Bill.

[Constable Downey]

Of course.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'd suggest we make it fast, but.

[Narrator]

The Maitland cabin was dark and the door was padlocked.

[Sergeant Preston]

Where is Red Foreman's cabin, Bill?

[Constable Downey]

The other end of town.

[Narrator]

They might have driven on if it hadn't been for King. He growled low in his throat and began to scratch at the door.

[Constable Downey]

We better investigate, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, Jim.

[Narrator]

Sergeant picked up a rock and broke the lock. Once inside the cabin, King headed straight for the far corner of the front room. Sergeant and Bill followed him as Constable Downey lit the lamp on the table. It was a man lying on the floor.

[Constable Downey]

It's Chris Graham.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. Been shot in the chest. Bring the lamp over here, Jim.

[Narrator]

In just a second.

[Sergeant Preston]

There isn't much we can do for him. It's close to the heart.

[Chris Graham]

Sergeant Preston?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, Chris.

[Constable Downey]

Alive.

[Sergeant Preston]

We thought the bullet didn't do much more than knock me out. Who shot you?

[Constable Downey]

Ann. Ann shot? No.

[Chris Graham]

They've got her. They've taken her with him. I tried to stop him. Red shot me. It was Steve Maitland who shot you, Sergeant.

[Constable Downey]

Where have they taken Ann after your gold, Bill?

[Chris Graham]

She told them no, but they know it's somewhere near the head of the creek. They were going to make her tell when they got there after. They're heading for the border, Sergeant.

[Constable Downey]

We've got to get after them.

[Chris Graham]

Sergeant, let me tell you everything. There is much time.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm listening.

[Chris Graham]

Through the years, Steve and I have been mixed up in a lot of shady deals, confidence games, that sort of thing. We've been partners, but lately he's found new friends who stop at nothing. So I've been through with Steve since last summer. But I've stuck around because I think the world of Anne. She's a sweet kid. And Steve's given her a rough time. Wanted to stand by her until she got married. Until she had someone else to take care of her. About tonight, she found out what they'd done.

[Constable Downey]

To Bill.

[Chris Graham]

She came to me, asked me to help her find him. We'd have stayed with him, built a fire, done what we could for him if you hadn't come along. Sergeant. I recognize your lead dog.

[Sergeant Preston]

That was why you ran away.

[Chris Graham]

I was afraid you'd accuse me of trying to murder Bill. Ann didn't want to leave him. She. She loves him. I made her leave with me.

[Sergeant Preston]

Take it easy.

[Constable Downey]

Tell you everything.

[Chris Graham]

Steve and Red found out we'd left town. They guessed why, came after us. Steve recognized you just as I did.

[Constable Downey]

He shot you.

[Chris Graham]

He made us come back to town with him.

[Sergeant Preston]

I think that gives us the complete story.

[Chris Graham]

One thing more. Tell Anne not to waste any sympathy on Steve.

[Constable Downey]

How could she wait?

[Chris Graham]

When her mother father died, left a lot of money, Steve was made guardian. He spent the money, took Ann up here before she was of age so he wouldn't have to make accounting to court. Tell Anne don't feel sorry. Say goodbye from me and good luck.

[Constable Downey]

Yeah. He's gone.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes.

[Constable Downey]

Bill, they must save Anne. They'll kill her as soon as they lay hands on the gold.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm going after them. Alone.

[Constable Downey]

There are four of them.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll make better time alone.

[Constable Downey]

All right, Sergeant. I'll get another team and follow you. I'm coming too. I can't stay here when Anna's in danger.

[Sergeant Preston]

Help Jim find a team.

[Constable Downey]

I sure will.

[Sergeant Preston]

Where is your cash?

[Constable Downey]

You know the waterfall at the head of the creek? Yes. Half a mile to the west, there's some caves, a whole series that lead from one to another way back into the mountain.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, the Cave of the Winds, they call it.

[Constable Downey]

My goals in the third cavern from the opening.

[Sergeant Preston]

And knows the exact location.

[Constable Downey]

Yes.

[Sergeant Preston]

Good enough. Come on.

[Narrator]

King and Maitland have been bound hand and foot during the trip up Blizzard Creek. But now that the cave was reached. Steve, cut the ropes.

[Constable Downey]

All right, get her.

[Anne Maitland]

What do you want me to do now?

[Narrator]

He's coming in with it.

[Anne Maitland]

What for? I've told you all I know.

[Sergeant Preston]

Come on.

[Constable Downey]

Got the lantern, Red?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Constable Downey]

I'm coming, Steve. Joe, you and Pete better stay here. Not a chance. We're coming with you. All right, make it snappy. Now then, Ann.

[Narrator]

Where is it?

[Anne Maitland]

He said the Cave of the Winds.

[Constable Downey]

This mountain's honeycombed with caves.

[Anne Maitland]

It's probably here in the first one. You know the condition Bill was in when he got to Snowball Ill? Exhausted. He wouldn't waste time hiding his gold.

[Constable Downey]

Makes sense. Steve, hold the lantern high.

[Narrator]

We've got to look at. Sergeant Preston had stopped his team half A mile away from the Cave of the Winds, and he and King continued on alone. The dogs that pulled the outlaw's sled started barking as they neared the entrance of the cave. But King's menacing growl silenced them. He and the sergeant entered the cave. The sergeant was carrying a small hurricane lantern, but he didn't light it. Instead, he grasped King's harness.

[Sergeant Preston]

Find them, boy.

[Narrator]

The great dog understood that he was to find the man whose trail they'd been following, and he started forward without hesitation, away from the entrance to the caverns. It was pitch black, but King easily found the passage leading to the second cave.

[Constable Downey]

Easy, King.

[Narrator]

They crossed the second cave. The passage leading on to the third was narrower and longer than the previous one. It made a turn, and as they started around it, the sergeant saw a glimmer of light ahead. He restrained King even more and edged along the side of the passage. The outlaws had found Bill's cash.

[Constable Downey]

Well, Ann, your sweetheart did well last summer. Too bad he couldn't live to enjoy it.

[Anne Maitland]

You'll never live to enjoy it.

[Narrator]

Not Ann.

[Anne Maitland]

I know it. You say you're not afraid of anyone in Snowball coming after you? Well, let me tell you this. Sergeant Preston wasn't alone. He was traveling with another policeman. He'll be coming after you.

[Constable Downey]

Why'd you tell us before?

[Anne Maitland]

Because I hoped you'd be caught. And you will be, too. The Northwest Mounted always get their man.

[Constable Downey]

Time we got rid of you, sister.

[Narrator]

Red raised his lantern high in one hand and his other closed on the butt of his gun. Sergeant took careful aim. He fired. Red dropped both gun and lantern to clutch his right arm. The lantern broke and the oil running out caught on fire, casting weird shadows against the far wall of the cave and transforming the outlaws faces into masks of terror. Steve, Joe and Pete were going for their guns, but Ann was in the sergeant's line of fire, staring into the dim passage where the shot had come from. And get down, Sergeant Preston. The girl dropped to the ground just as the outlaws leveled their guns. But the sergeant's guns spoke first. Three shots, and each one of them found their mark. The same mark in each case, the right arm. Before the outlaws had a chance to retrieve the guns they had been forced to drop, the sergeant and King ran into the cavern.

[Sergeant Preston]

Don't make a move for those guns or I'll shoot to kill.

[Anne Maitland]

Sergeant. I'd given up hope.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's all right now, Anne. These men are under arrest in the name of the Crown.

[Narrator]

The outlaws were marched out of the cave. Ann kept them covered while the sergeant built a fire. Then he bandaged their wounds. The task had just been finished when Constable Downey and Bill drove up. Bill ran straight to Ann and took her in his arms.

[Anne Maitland]

Oh, Bill.

[Constable Downey]

You're safe. There's nothing to worry about now. Well, since you're still alive, Mr. Wright.

[Narrator]

I can't see that we have much.

[Constable Downey]

To worry about either.

[Narrator]

At least the charge can't be murdered.

[Sergeant Preston]

It can be, and it is. Maitland, you're charged with the murder of Chris Graham. You found him and found him before he died. He told us everything. The last words of a dying man are always admitted as evidence in the court of law. And Graham's testimony will send all four of you to the gallows. This case is closed.

[Narrator]

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

[Sergeant Preston]

Mothers and dads.

[Narrator]

Fellas, girls, everybody. Here's a super idea for the whole family's breakfast tomorrow morning. First, pour out a heaping bowl full of delicious, crisp, nourishing Quaker Puffed Wheat or Quaker Puffed Rice. Then cover it with milk or thick rich yellow cream. Top it with sliced bananas, chilled peaches or apricots. Then take a big spoonful and that crisp, tender, swell tasting Quaker Puffed Wheat arise is a super treat that can't be beat. You can't beat the toasty nut like flavor of the good natural grain. You can't beat the sunrise and natural flavor that old Mother Nature puts into it. Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed rice are never coated with factory sweetening. And that's the beauty of it. Your whole family can sweeten them with sugar to suit their own special taste. Remember too, there's added food values of restored natural grain, amounts of vitamin B1, niacin and iron. And in every spoonful your family eats. So every morning, let your whole family enjoy the one shot from gun. Delicious Quaker Puffed Rice and Quaker Puffed Wheat at your store tomorrow. Look for the big red and blue packages with a sealed inner lining that keeps Quaker Puffed wheat and rice as crisp as can be. And now, here is Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant Preston reporting for duty, Inspector.

[Constable Downey]

You're leaving on patrol, aren't you, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, sir. I'm heading for Salmon River.

[Constable Downey]

A prospector named Sam Raymond will travel with you on the way back. He's requested police protection from Salmon river to Dawson.

[Sergeant Preston]

Why does he need protection?

[Constable Downey]

He'll be carrying more than $20,000 in gold and currency. Your job is to see that his trip is a safe one.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll do my best, sir.

[Narrator]

Trouble comes from an unexpected source when Sam Raymond's ex partner, a man named Rocky, turns criminal to get the $20,000. Rocky knows that he and Preston are equally matched for strength and endurance, but he also knows that he has an advantage because he is willing to commit murder. 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 Enterprises, directed by Fred Florday 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 at the same time by Quaker Puff Wheat and Quaker Puff Rice, the breakfast cereal shopped from Gun. Hello folks, this is your friend Aunt Jemima. How long since you had pancakes, Aunt Jemima? Pancakes so light they melt in your mouth. Fix some tonight. They're the lightest pancakes ever because my Aunt Jemima pancake mix is now fluff whipped for extra lightness. Serve folks stacks of Aunt Yo Mama pancakes. Lightest pancakes anyone can bake. You just add milk and stir. Before you know it you're a serving up those Angel Mama Light pancakes. Those golden stacks of butter melting pancakes. Folks can eat them morning, noon or night. There's nothing more tempting in this whole wide world than Angel Mama's pancakes. Life and Faith have some for supper today. 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 J. Michael wishing you goodbye, good luck and good health from Quaker Popped Wheat and Quaker Pop Rice. So long. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands Steve and Technogod who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com 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 Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Constable Downey]

Sam.