Open and Shut | Challenge of the Yukon (10-04-51)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – "Open and Shut | Challenge of the Yukon"

Episode Information

• Title: Open and Shut | Challenge of the Yukon
• Host: Andrew Rines
• Release Date: November 27, 2024
• Podcast Description: Old Time Radio Westerns transports listeners to the golden age of radio with digitally restored Western dramas. Host Andrew Rines presents enhanced audio quality, bringing classic tales like Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger to life with vivid soundscapes and legendary performances.

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Introduction to "Challenge of the Yukon"

The episode "Challenge of the Yukon" immerses listeners in a gripping Northwestern adventure during the tumultuous days of the Gold Rush. Centered around Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police, his loyal sled dog Yukon King, and Inspector Bill Houston, the narrative weaves a tale of betrayal, greed, and relentless pursuit of justice.

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Plot Overview

Setting the Scene ([01:27] – [04:23])

The story begins amidst the howling winds and snow-covered expanses of the Wild Northwest. Sergeant Preston, accompanied by Yukon King, tracks down lawbreakers amidst the frenzy of the Klondike Gold Rush—a period marked by a mad rush for fortune and uncharted adventures.

The Mysterious Death ([04:23] – [07:33])

The tranquility of the Yukon is shattered when a gunshot echoes from Harvey's cabin. Sergeant Preston arrives to find Harvey Shannon dead, a bullet lodged near his heart, initially ruled as a suicide. However, Sergeant Preston's keen instincts suggest foul play:

Sergeant Preston ([05:04]): "The bullet was fired at close range. Must have gone straight to his heart. I'd say he died instantly."

Through meticulous investigation, Preston uncovers that Harvey's death is intertwined with lost claims and shady dealings, hinting at a larger conspiracy.

Unveiling the Conspiracy ([07:33] – [16:17])

Inspector Bill Houston joins Sergeant Preston as they delve deeper into the mystery. They discover that Ned Travers, a trapper and Harvey's partner, is being targeted:

Sergeant Preston ([09:03]): "They're trying to kill me. I need your help."

The plot thickens when Mary Lawrence, Ned's fiancée, provides crucial information linking Harvey's demise to a lucrative gold claim and deceitful business maneuvers involving Ben Chalmers.

Confrontation in Aurora City ([16:17] – [27:18])

The investigation leads Preston and Houston to Aurora City, a ghost town teeming with suspects. In a tense standoff at Travis and Shannon's Palace, Preston confronts the culprits:

Sergeant Preston ([17:44]): "No wonder they're trying to kill you."

A suspenseful exchange ensues, culminating in Preston's strategic shooting that incapacitates the antagonists, thereby unraveling the conspiracy behind Harvey's death and Ned's predicament.

Resolution and Happy Ending ([27:18] – [28:12])

With the culprits apprehended, peace is restored. Mary Lawrence proposes marriage to Sergeant Preston, offering a heartwarming conclusion to the arduous investigation:

Sergeant Preston ([28:12]): "Why, I'd count it a pleasure. My best wishes to you both."

The episode wraps up with the affirmation of justice and the forging of new alliances, highlighting themes of loyalty and integrity.

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Notable Quotes

• Sergeant Preston on Harvey's Death ([05:04]):

  "The bullet was fired at close range. Must have gone straight to his heart. I'd say he died instantly."

• Sergeant Preston on the Conspiracy ([17:44]):

  "No wonder they're trying to kill you."

• Mary Lawrence's Proposal ([27:56]):

  "You've been wonderful, sergeant."

• Sergeant Preston's Reflection ([28:12]):

  "Why, I'd count it a pleasure. My best wishes to you both."

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Key Characters

• Sergeant Preston: The protagonist, a dedicated officer of the Northwest Mounted Police, known for his unwavering commitment to justice.
• Yukon King: Sergeant Preston's intelligent and loyal sled dog, instrumental in tracking and uncovering clues.
• Bill Houston: Inspector assisting Sergeant Preston, providing support and expertise during the investigation.
• Mary Lawrence: Ned Travers' fiancée, whose timely information proves pivotal in resolving the case.
• Ben Chalmers & Judd Garrett: Antagonists behind the conspiracy to eliminate Harvey and seize valuable gold claims.

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Themes and Insights

• Justice vs. Greed: The episode underscores the lengths individuals will go to for wealth, contrasting sharply with Sergeant Preston's dedication to upholding the law.
• Loyalty and Trust: The partnership between Sergeant Preston and Yukon King exemplifies unwavering loyalty, essential in overcoming adversities.
• Mystery and Suspense: The intricate plot filled with deceit, hidden agendas, and unexpected alliances keeps listeners engaged and invested in the outcome.

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Conclusion

"Challenge of the Yukon" delivers a quintessential Old Time Radio Western experience, blending action, mystery, and heartwarming resolutions. Through enhanced digital restoration, Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast ensures that classic tales like Sergeant Preston's adventures remain vivid and captivating for modern audiences.

For those unfamiliar with the episode, this summary provides a comprehensive overview of the thrilling narrative, memorable characters, and the relentless pursuit of justice that defines "Challenge of the Yukon."

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Listen to more episodes of Old Time Radio Westerns on otrwesterns.com, and immerse yourself in timeless Western adventures brought back to life with superior audio quality.

Transcript

[Narrator]

The holidays are all about sharing with family meals, couches, stories, Grandma's secret pecan pie recipe, and now you can also share a cart. With Instacart's family carts, everyone can add what they want to one group cart from wherever they are. So you don't have to go from room to room to find out who wants cranberry sauce or who should get mini marshmallows for the yams or collecting votes for sugar cookies versus shortbread. Just share a cart and then share the meals and the moments. Download the Instacart app and get delivery in as fast as 30 minutes plus enjoy free delivery on your first three orders. Service fees and terms apply.

Why get all your holiday decorations delivered through Instacart? Because maybe you only bought two wreaths but you have 12 windows. Or maybe your toddler got very eager with the Advent calendar. Or maybe the inflatable snowman didn't make it through the snowstorm. Or maybe the twinkle lights aren't twinkling. Whatever the reason, this season Instacart's here for hosts and their whole holiday haul. Get decorations from the Home Depot, CVS and more through Instacart and enjoy free delivery on your first three orders, service fees and term supply.

[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. Now let's get into this episode now.

[Narrator]

As howling winds echo across the snow covered reaches of the Wild Northwest. The Quaker Oats Company, makers of Quaker Puff Wheat and Quaker Puff Rice. The delicious cereal shot from guns in cooperation with the Mutual Broadcasting System present by special Recording Sergeant Preston of the Yukon It's Yukon King, swiftest and strongest lead dog of the Northwest, breaking his trail. For Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police in his relentless pursuit of lawbreakers from King on New Hushing 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 and the adventures of Sergeant Preston and his wonder dog, Yukon King as they meet the challenge of the UConn. Our adventure will begin in just a moment.

The holidays are all about sharing with family meals, couches, stories, Grandma's secret pecan pie recipe. And now you can also share a cart. With Instacart's family carts. Everyone can add what they want to one group cart from wherever they are so you don't have to go from room to room to find out who wants cranberry sauce or who should get mini marshmallows for the yams or collecting votes for sugar cookies versus shortbread. Just share a cart and then share the meals and the moments. Download the Instacart app and get delivery in as fast as 30 minutes. Plus enjoy free delivery on your first three orders. Service fees and terms apply.

It's summer here. Pleasure driving time has arrived. There are more daylight hours, nice weather, and the fine outlook of the summer countryside. If you are on the highways or the road anywhere these summer days, be especially careful. There will be the inevitable traffic tie ups and delays, the reckless drivers, the slow drivers, and the innumerable other incidents that can make warm weather driving so unpleasant and hazardous. Don't let your good spirits bubble over into unsafe speeds. When you're driving at high speeds, you can't stop as fast, can't control steering as well, and your eyes can't detect as clearly fast moving hazards that seem to whiz past your car. So drive slower. You may arrive at your destination a little later, but your chances of getting there are better when you're driving in the country. Take it easy and enjoy your ride. Drive carefully and make this your best summer ever. This message is brought to you as a public service.

[Bill Houston]

Bill Houston told his story as he and Sergeant Preston hurried down Northern Avenue toward fourth Street.

[Sergeant Preston]

I had supper at the Mansion house, Sergeant. I was on my way home. I just turned off Northern on the fourth speed when I heard the shot. Harvey's was the only cabin that showed a light in there. Shot sounded like it might have come from there, so I ran down the block. When I got to the cabin, I looked in the window. Harvey was falling down on the floor. There was a gun near his right hand and there was a red stain on his shirt. Getting bigger every second. It was right over his heart. I tried the front door. It was locked. I ran around and back. The kitchen door was open.

You mean open or unlocked?

Unlocked. I went in through the kitchen to the front room. Looked to me as if Harley were dead.

Did you touch him?

Oh, no, sir. But he said the best thing for me to do was to get the dock in.

You?

That's what I did.

[Bill Houston]

How'd you leave Richard by the front door.

[Sergeant Preston]

The key was in the lock.

See anyone around?

No, Sergeant. The street was deserted. Wait, you're not suggesting it should be anything but suicide, are you?

Only trying to get the fact to the left.

The only cabin showing a light.

Come on.

[Bill Houston]

The doctor was still kneeling beside the body when the sergeant and Bill entered the cabin.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well done.

The bullet was fired at close range. Must have gone straight to his heart. I'd say he died instantly.

Houston, Ms. Guns. You happen to know if it's Harvey?

Well, he had a gun. I never noticed what make it was. I don't know much about guns.

Both.38. One bullet's fired.

Poor Harvey. It's an awful thing to do. But I don't suppose you can blame him much.

Why do you say that?

Well, it's bad luck. Haven't you heard?

No, I never knew the man.

I'm talking about Jake. Hillary's strike. You must have heard about that. Jake was spreading the news all over town this afternoon he and his partner hit a big vein of pure gold on their claim. And their claim was right next to the one Harvey used on used to own until a week ago. Sergeant.

He sold it then.

Not even that. He lost it. He ran out of cash in a poker game and he put up a claim against $1,000 he lost. If he still owned it, he could get a hundred thousand for it without turning a shovel full of gravel. And that's a fact, Sergeant. I heard this guy from New York offer Ben Chalmers that much at 6 o'clock this evening. He's in the Mansion House lobby. You can ask anybody who was there.

Ben Chalmers, I take it. The man who won. McLean?

Yeah.

Is he going to tell?

He's considering.

What do you think, Doctor?

Complete promotive. An open and shut case of suicide.

[Bill Houston]

That was how the case was lifted at headquarters. A probable suicide with a final verdict waiting for the coroner's inquest. The sergeant, always thorough, interviewed Ben Chalmers at the Mansion House before writing even a preliminary report. He was shown the deed to 23 bonanza. And Chalmers confirmed that the tales of the protege in which Harvey Shannon had lost the claim.

[Sergeant Preston]

Terrible thing. Sergeant.

[Bill Houston]

I'd like to take care of the funeral.

[Sergeant Preston]

Inspector Bill Houston will be making the arrangements. I suggest you get in touch with him. I sure, Sergeant.

[Bill Houston]

If there's anything else I can do.

[Sergeant Preston]

You'll be called on to testify at the inquest. The loss of a claim is pertinent to the case. Of course, I understand.

[Bill Houston]

Sergeant. Found King waiting for him outside of headquarters.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, boy, where's he been? Having a run in the woods. What's this stuck in your collar? Huh? Let's see. My cabin's in the clearing near Crystal Spring. I assume that in the woods. They're trying to kill me. I need your help. Ned Travers. Med Travers King. Oh, I remember. He's a trapper. We met him in the woods one day when we were hunting all Right, boy. If he needs our help, he'll get it.

[Bill Houston]

The sergeant left word with Downey where he was going and headed out of town and into the woods with King. He found the cabin near Crystal Spring without any difficulties. The place was dark and empty. There was a lamp on the table. Sergeant lit it.

[Sergeant Preston]

Wish I knew what you were trying to tell me, King. Take a look around. A lot of muddy footprints in here. Twice. No sign of a sight, huh? Wait. Empty cartridges. Here by the window. There has been a fight. Why is our friend Travers there? Why should someone be trying to kill him? Can't be much spent on this note you've drawn, but it may give you the idea, boy. Hey, King. Find him. Find.

[Bill Houston]

The trail King was following swung in a wide arc through the forest and back to the outskirts of town. There, King led the way to a cabin and sniffed at the door. He was about to go on when the sergeant stopped him.

[Sergeant Preston]

Wait, King. Someone coming up the street. I'd like to know who lives here.

[Bill Houston]

It was a girl walking toward them. She recognized the sergeant, but there was another surprise in her voice as she greeted him.

[Mary Lawrence]

Sergeant Telstra?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. You're Mary Lawrence, aren't you? You sing at the music hall.

[Mary Lawrence]

That's right.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's your cabin.

[Mary Lawrence]

I wonder, is anything wrong?

[Sergeant Preston]

You know a man called Ned Travers?

[Mary Lawrence]

Indeed I do. We're to be married next month.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, then perhaps you can help me. I'm looking for him. I know he's just been there. King follows this trail here that's evidently gone. But you might be able to give us some information that will help us.

[Mary Lawrence]

Help you do what? I don't understand. Why are you following me?

[Sergeant Preston]

He seems to be in trouble. He stuck this note in King's collar and King brought it to me. Someone's trying to kill him and he needs our help. You know of any enemies he might have?

[Bill Houston]

King had been sniffing at the cabin door. Now he started pawing at us. What's the matter, boy?

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, look, Mary. A piece of paper slipped under the door.

[Mary Lawrence]

Oh, let me see. But it's from me. But I can't see it very well. Come on inside. And I love that.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right.

[Mary Lawrence]

On the table there.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll light it.

[Mary Lawrence]

Now then, dear Mary, as I was coming back from the spring this evening, someone started shooting at me. I dashed into the cabin without being hit and caught a glimpse of two men near the edge of the clearance. There was some more shooting. And then, curious.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well?

[Mary Lawrence]

Oh, the connection with our King showing up in an otu. Finally, the sky crowded over and it got so dark that I decided to make a break for it. Maybe I should go straight to headquarters now. But since I don't know who's after me or why, I don't want to show myself in town. I'm borrowing your horse and heading for Aurora City. The old Saint Hall.

[Sergeant Preston]

Aurora City? Why, that's a ghost town.

[Mary Lawrence]

I know. Will you get in touch with Sergeant Preston and show him this? Maybe he can find out what it's all about. Love, Ned.

[Sergeant Preston]

I don't see how I can find out anything without some help from him. Well, there isn't five. Why there? Why should he go there?

[Mary Lawrence]

He used to own the dance hall. They ran it until the boom collapsed and everyone left the town.

[Sergeant Preston]

I thought Ned was a chapter.

[Mary Lawrence]

He is, but he's been involved in a lot of other businesses during the off season. He makes money during the winter and loses it during the summer. However, he's promised not to get involved in any more of Harvey's crazy.

[Sergeant Preston]

Who did you say?

[Mary Lawrence]

Harvey. Harvey Shannon. They were partners in the dance hall.

[Sergeant Preston]

Harvey Shannon?

[Mary Lawrence]

What's the matter?

[Sergeant Preston]

I wonder if there's any connection between his death and this attempt on Ned's life. Yes, Harvey said earlier this evening he was found with a bullet to his heart. It seemed to be suicide.

[Mary Lawrence]

What? Why did he commit suicide?

[Sergeant Preston]

Because of a claim he lost at poker which has since turned out to.

[Bill Houston]

Be worth a fortune.

[Mary Lawrence]

Oh, I remember. Ned told me about his leading the claim.

[Sergeant Preston]

Mary, Ned didn't happen to own it in partnership with Harvey, did he?

[Mary Lawrence]

No. Doug.

[Sergeant Preston]

Are you sure?

[Mary Lawrence]

I'm positive. Ned was thinking about raising $1,000 and buying a pain batch and then Chalmers. But I discouraged the idea. Perhaps I shouldn't have.

[Sergeant Preston]

Perhaps you didn't succeed and discouraging him.

[Mary Lawrence]

Oh, I'm sure I did.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll soon find out. Come on, King.

[Bill Houston]

I'll get Blackie and head for the ghost town. Aurora was only a few miles up the Yukon. Once it rivaled Dawson as a boom town. Now it was silent and deserted under the waning moon. Sergeant rode slowly up the town's one.

[Sergeant Preston]

Street toward the dance hall.

[Bill Houston]

A faded sign still announced it to be Travis and Shannon's Palace. A palace though it may have been a year ago, it was now in an advanced state of disrepair, as dark as a tomb. The sergeant rode past a flight of outside steps which ran up to the second floor. There he drew rein and dismounted front of the main entrance.

[Sergeant Preston]

Don't worry, King. I'm keeping my eyes and ears open.

[Bill Houston]

The sergeant stopped in front of the door.

[Sergeant Preston]

It might not be healthy to show ourselves with the moon behind us. Let's try it this way north and.

[Narrator]

Kicked the door open and sprang to.

[Bill Houston]

One side of the entrance. A volley of shots blasted the silence of the night.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our adventure in just a moment.

The holidays are all about sharing with family meals, couches, stories, Grandma's secret pecan pie recipe, and now you can also share a cart. With Instacart's family carts, everyone can add what they want to one group cart from wherever they are so you don't have to go from room to room to find out who wants cranberry sauce or or who should get mini marshmallows for the yams or collecting votes for sugar cookies versus shortbread. Just share a cart and then share the meals and the moments. Download the Instacart app and get delivery in as fast as 30 minutes. Plus enjoy free delivery on your first three orders, service fees and terms apply.

Why get all your holiday decorations delivered through Instacart? Because maybe you only bought two wreaths, but you have 12 windows. Or maybe your toddler got very eager with the Advent calendar. Or maybe the inflatable snowman didn't make it through the snowstorm. Or maybe the twinkle lights aren't twinkling. Whatever the reason, this season Instacart's here for hosts and their whole holiday haul. Get decorations from the Home Depot, CVS and more through Instacart and enjoy free delivery on your first three orders. Service fees and terms apply.

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[Bill Houston]

Now to continue. The sergeant patted King as they stood to one side of the dance hall's open door.

[Sergeant Preston]

Now we'll find out if it was a friend of an enemy shooting at us. King.

[Narrator]

Hold your fire.

[Bill Houston]

In the name of the law.

[Sergeant Preston]

The law.

[Bill Houston]

Are you Ned Thomas?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. Are you.

And Preston?

I'm not so sure of that.

[Bill Houston]

Well, I'm not going to walk through that door and tell you why you don't recognize my voice.

[Sergeant Preston]

You may recognize my friends speak voice.

[Bill Houston]

Satisfied?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, Jeff. Come in. Come in. Clock town. Behind the bar. You better shut the door.

I was afraid you might be expecting other visitors.

I've already had. Come on around the bar and get down. Sergeant.

You've already had visitors in this ghost town? Yes.

They must have followed me from Dawson. I put my horse in the stables. The re entrance is nailed shut. So I came around in front.

[Bill Houston]

And just as I got to the.

[Sergeant Preston]

Top of the veranda steps, they opened fire from their cover. The buildings down the street.

First let's try and figure out why they want to kill you.

No. I don't even know who they are.

Have you had any business dealings with Harvey Shannon lately?

Harvey? We used to be partners.

I said lately.

Why? I. I don't see what that has to do with.

This may have everything to do with it, Sergeant.

It's a personal matter. You see, I promised Mary that I wouldn't advance Harvey any more money.

But you didn't. Well, give me a straight answer, Ned.

All right. I let him have $1,000.

When? What for?

Today.

[Narrator]

This.

[Sergeant Preston]

Noon.

Is to buy back a claim he lost in a poker game.

Did he buy it back? Yes.

[Bill Houston]

Were you a witness?

[Sergeant Preston]

Why yes. I took the money to Harvey's place. This news Ben chum. Which was already there. Harvey gave him the money and Ben gave him back the deed. And he signed a quick one. Eyewitness. After Ben left, Harvey and I signed a partnership agreement. I have my copy right here. Avi agreed to work the claim and we'd share 50. 50 in whatever he got out of it.

Here, I'll let him match.

Oh, this isn't the partnership agreement. This is the quit claim. I must have stuck it in my pocket by mistake. Here's the agreement.

No wonder they're trying to kill you.

Why a simple little business transfer.

Listen, the claim may have been worth a thousand dollars at noon today, but at 6 o'clock it was worth a hundred thousand.

I don't understand.

Jake. Hillary stuck a vein of pure gold on 22 next door to your claim. And the vein runs onto your property. What?

That's wonderful.

I haven't finished. At 8 o'clock Harvey Shannon was found dead. A bullet to his Heart.

Oh, no.

I'm sorry, Ned. It's true. The shooting's been listed and it's a probable suicide.

[Bill Houston]

That couldn't be.

[Sergeant Preston]

I agree. Now, what you told me changes the whole complexion of the case. And since the deed to the claim is now in Ben Chalmer's possession.

But, Sergeant, if he has it, he must withstole it.

Yes, and shot Harvey Shannon. However, you were a witness to the transaction.

I have the quick claim deed he gave the Shannon. It's proof of it right here.

And that made it necessary to get rid of you and get that paper. Fact.

It's Ben who's been trying to kill me.

Not personally. I was talking with him at the Mansion House the same time your cabinet was being attacked. He's hired some killers.

Well, what do we do now?

Get back to Dawson. Someone on the balcony is up above us.

Yeah, I see him rounding the corner. He's heading for circles. He's calling for you.

[Bill Houston]

As the shot rang out, the man at the head of the staircase clutched his chest and then fell forward, tumbling over and over all the way down the stairs.

[Sergeant Preston]

Where did that shot come from?

One of the rooms off the balcony. Don't show yourself yet, Garrett.

Man, I was shot at. Garrett?

Judge Garrett. Probably. Ever heard of him.

Sure, one of Ben Charm's friends. As big a roughneck as those endorsements. That guy at the bottom of the stairs is calling.

You better stay here. If Garrett's on the balcony down here, keep an eye out for him. Hello, Matt Brent. Another friend of Ben Thomas.

Sergeant. No sense. No sense at all.

What are you trying to say?

We heard you. We heard you talking to Ned. There was no sense in going on with it. I wanted to call it quits. Beth wouldn't let me. Said he'd put a bullet through me if I turned yellow. I made a break for it. I was going to tell you everything.

It isn't too late for that. Who killed Harvey Shannon?

Chalmers. 10,000. Garrett and me.

To get Travis Chalmers killed Shannon and stole the deed to number 23 bonanza.

Yes, but Chalice had to die too. Or.

Instead, you were the one to die.

Jared must have gone down the outside stairs. I heard someone riding away.

So did I. Listen, Matt France, he's dead. I'll take him back to Dawson and arrest the murderers.

[Bill Houston]

It was nearly daybreak when Judd Garrett reached the Mansion House and ran up the stairs to Ben Chalmers room.

[Sergeant Preston]

Open up. Wait a minute.

[Bill Houston]

Well, it's job finished there.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's finished for us.

What?

I mean it. We gotta get out of here.

[Bill Houston]

What are you talking about?

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll tell you. Pirate Travis is the Danes hall in the row. Sergeant Preston showed up there. Listen, we were up on balcony. They were on the lower floor. We could hear them talking. Preston got the whole goat. He knows you killed Harvey Shannon. Well, why didn't you kill him and Kravitz? 10,000.

[Bill Houston]

I'd have given you 50,000.

[Sergeant Preston]

I asked Shannon claim anything you wanted. They were behind the bar underneath the balcony. You couldn't get a shot at them.

[Bill Houston]

Could have waited till they showed himself.

[Sergeant Preston]

Matt lost his nerve. They wanted to call the whole deal off. Fill the beans to the sergeant. And he died like one H you. Yeah, but that made the odds two to one against me. I wasn't having any. I let out.

[Bill Houston]

You turned yellow.

[Sergeant Preston]

You can call it that if you want to. I risk my neck to come back here and warn you. You want me to leave and give up the claim? You've lost it then. All you can save now is your neck. How much money you have sold us. Hey, enough. Northern Star is leaving for St. Michael at daybreak. Less than an hour. The only chance to get out of the country. 100,000.

I was off there.

Too bad. You couldn't hurt. I didn't even have the deed. Then build milk. Stay here to cry about it and you'll have a stretched neck. I'm taking that boat. Okay, I'm with you. I'll be ready in 10 minutes.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our adventure in just a moment.

The holidays are all about sharing with family meals, couches, stories, Grandma's secret pecan pie recipe. And now you can also share a cart. With Instacart's family carts, everyone can add what they want to one group cart from wherever they are. So you don't have to go from room to room to find out who wants cranberry sauce. Or who should get mini marshmallows for the yams. Or collecting votes for sugar cookies versus shortbread. Just share a cart and then share the meals and the moments. Download the Instacart app and get delivery in as fast as 30 minutes. Plus enjoy free delivery on your first three orders. Service fees and terms apply.

Why get all your holiday decorations delivered through Instacart? Because maybe you only bought two wreaths, but you have 12 windows. Or maybe your toddler got very eager with the Advent calendar. Or maybe the inflatable snowman didn't make it through the snowstorm. Or maybe the twinkle lights aren't twinkling. Whatever the reason, this season Instacart's here for hosts and their whole holiday haul. Get decorations from the Home Depot, CVS and more through Instacart and enjoy free delivery on your first three orders. Service fees and terms apply.

[Sergeant Preston]

He did it.

[Narrator]

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[Bill Houston]

When Sergeant Sussman reached Dawson, his first stop was headquarters where he left the body of the dead gunman in Constable Downey's charge. Ned Travis would have liked to accompany the sergeant to the mansion House, but the sergeant vetoed the idea. The Northern Star was signaling its departure when the sergeant opened the door of Ben Chalmers hotel room and found it empty.

[Sergeant Preston]

No one here, King.

[Bill Houston]

The sergeant opened the closet door. There was nothing in it but a torn flannel shirt crossed in one corner.

[Sergeant Preston]

Here's your clue, King. Get the scent. All right, boy. Find him.

[Bill Houston]

King led the way down the back stairs and out of the hotel and then onto the waterfront. When the sergeant and he reached it, the Northern Star had already cast off her line. The gang flag was being drawn in. The paddle wheel was beginning to turn. Come on, King. We'll have to jump for it. Of course. They met the sergeant on the lower deck.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, Sergeant nearly didn't make it.

[Bill Houston]

How far he's going?

[Narrator]

40 miles.

[Sergeant Preston]

Looking for Ben Thomas. Is he on board?

Yes.

[Bill Houston]

He and Jud Garrett book passage at the last moment.

[Narrator]

You want me to take you to the cabin?

[Bill Houston]

King was waiting for the sergeant at the bottom of the companionway leading to the second deck.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, never mind. King will find him. Go on, boy.

[Bill Houston]

On the second deck, King led the sergeant to a companionway at the stern of the boat that ran up to the third deck. The dog stopped at the foot of.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right, King, we'll be. Be careful.

[Bill Houston]

The sergeant climbed halfway up the companion way and waited in silence for several minutes. Then his patience was rewarded. He heard the low voices of two men above him.

[Sergeant Preston]

You going to watch on the bow of the boat? Yes. No, sir. And if we get rid of them, force the captain to ski straight on.

Past 40 miles into American territory. Once there, we're safe.

[Bill Houston]

Keep your eyes massage and visualize the upper deck. And he remembered two life rafts piled one on top of the other and lashed to the deck between the sterns.

[Sergeant Preston]

And the ship's smokestacks.

[Bill Houston]

Quietly, the sergeant ascended the companionway to.

[Sergeant Preston]

The second deck and retraced his steps.

[Bill Houston]

Toward the bow of the boat.

[Sergeant Preston]

Answer. They are between those rafts and the scat. Gives them cover, foreign ass. But they won't be expecting anyone to.

[Bill Houston]

Come over the rail amidship. The Northern Star was a side wheeler, and the housings that covered the paddles ran almost up to the third deck amidship. Sergeant stepped over the rail to the sloping surface of the houses. Then he crawled slowly up, shaken by the vibrations of the paddle, until he.

[Sergeant Preston]

Reached the top just below the third.

[Bill Houston]

Deck railing, which, forcible, was solid steel. He raised himself above the level of the railing. Slowly. He had placed the items end correctly between the life raft and the snake stand. He leveled. Gun. Help with your hand.

[Sergeant Preston]

There he is.

[Bill Houston]

The sergeant shooting was accurate. Chalmers and carrots 1. The two killers dropped to the deck. Members of the crew came running from.

[Narrator]

The wheelhouse to disarm them.

[Bill Houston]

That was the end. The Northern Star turned back to Dawson. Chalmers and Garrett were taken to the hospital, seriously wounded, but certain to live and stand trial for murder. A few hours later, as the sergeant was finishing his report, King, who had been lying beside his desk, jumped to his feet.

[Sergeant Preston]

Someone outside, boy. Come in. Well, Marion, Ned.

[Mary Lawrence]

Good morning, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hello, Sergeant. Are we free to go?

Of course. As long as you don't go too far. I've checked with Judge hall and the gold commissioners. There may be some legal technicalities, Ned, but there's no doubt you're the sole owner of the Bonanza claim.

The sole owner? Oh, no, sir.

Yes, Mad. Evidently you didn't read your partnership agreement very carefully.

Well, it was just the usual one.

And it says that in case one partner dies, the other becomes the store owner. You're a rich man.

If it hadn't been for you, I'd have been a dead one.

[Mary Lawrence]

You've been wonderful, sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yeah. And we wonder if we could ask.

You one more favor. Of course, ma'am.

Well, Mary's decided she wants to keep a closer and so we've decided to get married right away today. Would you be the best man? Tit?

Why, I'd count it a pleasure. My best wishes to you both. This whole business could use a happy ending. I'm glad this case is closed.

[Bill Houston]

Sergeant Preston will return in just a moment with.

[Narrator]

The holidays are all about sharing with family meals, couches, stories, Grandma's secret pecan pie recipe, and now you can also share a cart with Instacart's family carts. Everyone can add what they want to one group cart from wherever they are so you don't have to go from room to room to find out who wants cranberry sauce or who should get mini marshmallows for the yams or collecting votes for sugar cookies versus shortbread. Just share a cart and then share the meals and the moments. Download the Instacart app and get delivery in as fast as 30 minutes. Plus enjoy free delivery on your first three orders, service fees and terms apply.

Why get all your holiday decorations delivered through Instacart? Because maybe you only bought two wreaths, but you have 12 windows. Or maybe your toddler got very eager with the Advent calendar. Or maybe the inflatable snowman didn't make it through the snowstorm. Or maybe the twinkle lights aren't twinkling. Whatever the reason, this season, Instacart's here for hosts and their whole holiday haul. Get decorations from the Home Depot and more through Instacart and enjoy free delivery on your first three orders, service fees and term supply.

Here's a Mutual note for you. Mutual is a network that has programs you can enjoy throughout the week. If you like question and answer fun, then you'll find there are all sorts of quiz programs you can listen to on Mutual. You can try and out guess the contestants and see if you know the right answer before they do. Even if you don't know, it's loads of fun listening to others. And you can learn a lot at the same time too. And some of you boys and girls probably have favorite songs and favorite singers that you like to listen to. When you tune into Mutual, you'll hear many of the stars you like best singing and playing the kind of music you enjoy most. Don't forget too. There are programs of outdoor adventure and others of barn dance music and jamboree. There's plenty of good listening waiting for you on your Mutual dial. Tune in every weekday afternoon for Mutual's famous programs especially designed for adventure lovers. And remember to listen other times as well for different kinds of programs you like over most of these stations.

[Bill Houston]

Sergeant Preston reported to the inspector at Northwest Mounted Police Headquarters in Dawson to receive his next assignment. I think.

[Sergeant Preston]

I want you to get up from McHugh's Lumber Camp on the Nyara as.

Fast as you can.

It's serious, I'm afraid. Craig Corrigan has sworn that McHugh will never fulfill his contract with the Yukon Trading Company. I don't have to tell you, Sergeant, that Corrigan is a dangerous man.

This may be our chance to put him behind bars, sir.

I hope so. In my mind, he's a potential murderer.

[Bill Houston]

And that is exactly what Corrigan is planning. A murder to satisfy his greed and his hate for Burt McHugh. But what will his method be? A bullet, a knife or fire? The deadliest scourge the forest knows. Don't miss this next exciting adventure.

[Narrator]

The Sergeant Preston of the Yukon Adventures are brought to you every Monday through Friday at this time by the Quaker Oats Company, makers of Quaker Pop Wheat and Quaker Pop Rice, the delicious cereals shot from guns by Special Recording in cooperation with the Mutual Broadcasting System. They are a copyrighted feature of Sergeant Preston of the Yukon Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated and directed by Fred Flaherty. The part of Sergeant Preston is played by Paul Sutton. This is J. Michael wishing you goodbye, good luck and good health from Quaker Pop Wheat and Quaker Pop Rice. So long. This is Mutual Radio Network for all America.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcast tr westerns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739. This episode is copyright 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]

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