Partners in Crime | Challenge of the Yukon (05-01-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Partners in Crime | Challenge of the Yukon (05-01-52)
Original Broadcast: May 1, 1952
Podcast Release: January 7, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a gripping installment from "Challenge of the Yukon," titled "Partners in Crime." The story centers on Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police and his faithful dog King as they investigate the murder of Harry Wilson amid the gold rush frenzy in the Yukon. What appears to be an open-and-shut case of a hot-tempered miner gunning down his business associate reveals itself as a cunning frame-up, as motives, partnerships, and deadly intentions become entangled on the treacherous trail.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

Scene Setting: Gold, Greed, and a Murder (02:06–05:21)

• The adventure opens in Dawson during the Yukon Gold Rush—gold fever is high and fortunes are being chased.
• Bill Chalmers is pitching a business investment to Harry Wilson, seeking funds to bring water to his promising gold site on Rainbow Creek.
• Suddenly, gunfire erupts and Harry is shot dead in his office. Bill is found at the scene, holding a just-fired gun.

"Let's start from the beginning, Harry. I've leased all the benchland on Rainbow Creek. I've prospected it. The gravel's rich in gold. All that's necessary is water piped from the head of the creek. Ten thousand will cover the entire cost of the equipment. I'm offering you a 50% interest."
– Bill Chalmers (04:36)

The Investigation Begins: Suspicion Falls (05:21–07:39)

• Witnesses see Bill with the gun and his reputation for a quick temper turns suspicion heavy against him.
• Sergeant Preston arrives rapidly to investigate, and Smitty the bartender relays the sequence of events.

"Everyone in Dawson knows what a temper Bill has. We saw him standing there with a gun in his hand. Couldn't have been more than a minute after the shot was fired."
– Smitty (06:45)

• Bill flees, raising further suspicion.

Seeking the Truth: More Than Meets the Eye (07:40–11:38)

• Preston tracks Bill to Mary Archer’s restaurant, where Mary shares Bill’s version: he claims he found the gun after the shot and saw someone else—Curly Randolph—leaving.
• Mary is adamant that Curly, Bill’s estranged partner, couldn’t have been the killer, arguing for his character and hidden loyalty to Bill.

"Curly would like nothing better than to put up the money Bill needs... In spite of their breaking up as partners, Curly still likes Bill."
– Mary Archer (09:39)

• The possibility emerges of Curly pursuing the real murderer.

Following the Clues: Multiple Players Emerge (11:50–13:44)

• Back at the cafe, Preston and Constable Downey compare notes. Curly was indeed present at the scene.
• New suspects surface: Charlie Nash and Joe Rogers, miners previously staked by Harry, who would inherit his share if he died.

"He was to get a third of all the gold they took out of the claim. If he should die before any gold was taken out... the dead man's share goes to the other partners."
– Smitty (13:19)

• Preston realizes the urgency as the men head upriver on dangerous, rotting ice.

Yukon Peril: Pursuit on Treacherous Ice (14:16–20:49)

• Preston and King set out in pursuit, heedful of rotten spring ice. A tense chase unfolds, with Bill nearly drowning after falling through, but King heroically saves him.

"That's it, King. Pick your own trail, boy."
– Sergeant Preston (16:37)

• Preston begins piecing together the scheme: Charlie and Joe are the likeliest culprits, with Curly chasing them and Bill following Curly.

Cabin Showdown and Confession (21:02–25:58)

• At a remote Last Ditch Creek cabin, Charlie and Joe discuss their crime, confirming they killed Harry to inherit the gold, framing Bill.
• Curly confronts Charlie and Joe, gun drawn, but the situation erupts into violence—Curly is shot while escaping. He’s later found and nursed by Preston and Bill.

Justice and Reconciliation (25:15–26:58)

• Preston arrests Charlie and Joe after a gunfight, extracting a confession that exonerates Bill.
• Curly and Bill reconcile their differences, renewing their partnership.

"Partner? Bill."
– Curly Randolph (26:37)

• Preston closes the case, satisfied justice is done.

"Well, in my opinion, King, this case is closed."
– Sergeant Preston (26:46)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sergeant Preston’s trust in his dog:
  "He'll crawl to the edge of the ice, Bill. You'll be able to grab his harness. Hang on tight and he'll pull you out." (17:54)
• The mounting tension as Curly faces off with the killers:
  "You asked. What brought me here was something I saw last night. In Dawson? Yeah, in the golden lady, to be exact. I heard a shot and I saw you toss your gun into Harry Wilson's office." – Curly Randolph (23:11)
• Resolution and mutual respect restored:
  "Yeah, that's the way I want it." – Curly Randolph, accepting Bill's gesture of partnership (26:42)

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Key Timestamps

• 02:06–04:36: Opening scene, Bill’s proposition, and Harry’s murder
• 06:05–06:56: Smitty recounts events; suspicion on Bill
• 09:03–10:08: Mary shares Bill’s and her perspective
• 13:12–13:44: Discussion of the miners’ motive and Harry’s death
• 16:14–18:53: Treacherous ice—Bill’s rescue by King
• 21:02–24:02: Charlie and Joe reveal their conspiracy; Curly confronts them
• 25:15–25:46: Sergeant Preston’s explanation—confession and justice
• 26:37: Bill and Curly’s reconciliation

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Tone & Style

The episode preserves the earnest, suspenseful storytelling associated with radio’s golden age: clear moral stakes, taut exchanges, and dramatic tension. Themes of loyalty, greed, and redemption echo throughout, underscored by the barking of sled dogs and the biting Yukon wind.

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Conclusion

"Partners in Crime" is a classic Challenge of the Yukon episode featuring all the hallmarks of great radio Westerns: a falsely accused hero, dramatic pursuit across a dangerous wilderness, and a final, satisfying restoration of justice and friendship. The voices of Sergeant Preston, faithful King, and the vibrant cast transport listeners straight to the frozen frontier where courage and honor are tested—and triumphant.

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Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

Now as gunshots echo across the windswept snow covered reaches of the wild Northwest. Quaker popped wheat and Quaker popped 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.

[King (the dog)]

Unking on you husky.

[Narrator]

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 Puffed 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 Puffed Wheat. It's neat and when you hear that shootin' you're dern tootin'. The Quaker makes the ones shot from guns. Yes, here's a taste treat you want to repeat. Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice. These famous ready to serve breakfast cereals are actually shot from guns to make them bigger and better tasting. They have a comeback for more nut like flavor. A come again tender crispness. So make sure the big red and blue packages of Quaker Puffed Rice and Quaker Puffed Wheat are on your breakfast table every morning. For a moment Bill Chalmers held the gaze of the smiling silver haired man sitting at the desk. Then he clenched his fists. He circled the desk and walked to the window. He stood there with his back to the room, looking out into the night and fighting to control his temper. There was no sense in flying off the handle. Harry Wilson could be convinced this was a good investment if only the right arguments could be found. Bill spoke slowly.

[Bill Chalmers]

Let's start from the beginning, Harry. I've leased all the benchland on Rainbow Creek. I've prospected it. The gravel's rich in gold. All that's necessary is water that can be piped from the head of the creek. $10,000 will cover the entire cost of the equipment. I'm offering you a 50% interest.

[Narrator]

Suddenly a shot rang out at Bill World. He had a vague impression of the office door closing. But his real attention was riveted on the man seated at the desk. He was slumped back in his chair. A red stain was slowly creeping across his white shirt.

[Curly Randolph]

Front shut.

[Narrator]

Shut through the heart. Bill started for the door. His foot hit a metal object that skidded across the floor. He picked it up.

[Sergeant Preston]

A gun.

[Narrator]

It had just been fired. Bill covered the remaining distance of the door and threw it open. Outside, in the dimly lit corridor, Bill turned to the left in that direction. The corridor ran to the rear door of the cafe.

[Sergeant Preston]

There was no one in sight.

[Narrator]

In the other direction the corridor opened on the dance hall. Bill saw a man there with a full light on his face.

[Curly Randolph]

Curly.

[Narrator]

The man disappeared, but almost at once the corridor was filled with other men from the dance hall. They stopped when they saw Bill with a gun in his hand. He turned and ran to the rear door. Ten minutes later, Sergeant Preston shouldered his way through the crowd in the corridor, entered the office. Inside he found the bartender, Smitty, with The dead man.

[Mike]

You made it fast, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

I only stopped to notify Doc Mundy. He'll be here in a few minutes.

[Mike]

There's nothing for him to do. Harry's dead?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. Doc will make out the certificate. All right, Smitty. Tell me everything you can.

[Mike]

Well, Sergeant, half an hour ago, Harry was out front mingling with the customers. Seeing that everything was going smoothly, Bill Chalmers came in. He wanted to talk to Harry about a business proposition. Harry took him back here to the office. About 10 minutes ago, we heard a shot. Came running. When we started down the hall, we saw Bill standing in front of the office with a gun in his hand. He turned and ran, ducked out the rear door.

[Sergeant Preston]

No one followed him?

[Mike]

No, he was armed. None of us were.

[Sergeant Preston]

You think Bill shot Harry Wilson?

[Mike]

Well, Sergeant, everyone in Dawson knows what a temper Bill has. We saw him standing there with a gun in his hand. Couldn't have been more than a minute after the shot was fired.

[Sergeant Preston]

Any idea what the business proposition was that he wanted to talk to Harry about?

[Mike]

Well, Harry's grub staked a lot of miners.

[Sergeant Preston]

Bill doesn't need a grub stake.

[Mike]

No?

[Sergeant Preston]

No.

[Mike]

Probably had something to do with that bench land he leased on Rainbow Creek.

[Sergeant Preston]

He may need capital to develop that.

[Curly Randolph]

Yeah, it could be.

[Mike]

If that's what he was after, I'll bet Harry refused it.

[Sergeant Preston]

Still, that's hardly a motive for murder.

[Mike]

It wouldn't be a motive for most men, but Bill goes berserk when he gets mad. Used to be Curly Randolph was able to calm him down when they were partners over a year ago. Now, Mary Archer's about the only one who has any influence with him.

[Sergeant Preston]

She has a great deal of influence, Smitty. I had an idea she was teaching him to control his temper. He hasn't been in a fight for six months.

[Mike]

No, not in here, anyway.

[Sergeant Preston]

And then suddenly. He must be found. At any rate. Oh, here's the doctor and Constable Downey. Tick and I'll get after Bill.

[Narrator]

There were too many tracks in the snow outside the cafe for King to pick up a trail. And so the sergeant headed for the Palace Hotel where Bill lived. No one had seen him there. But the sergeant found a bandana in his room to give King sent. Starting from the cafe, King led the sergeant to the rear of Mary Archer's restaurant where Mary had her living quarters. The dog run was empty and there were sled tracks leading toward the Klondike. King wanted to follow them.

[Sergeant Preston]

I understand, boy. He's been here and borrowed Mary's dog Team. I want to talk to Mary.

[Shar]

Just a moment. Oh, it's you, Sergeant. I was just on my way to headquarters.

[Sergeant Preston]

You've been crying.

[Shar]

Yes, but it didn't take long to get over that foolishness. I decided something must be done.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm looking for Bill.

[Shar]

I know he's taken my team, but before you go after him, I wish you'd come in here for a few minutes and let me tell you something.

[Sergeant Preston]

Of course. Wherever Bill's gone, King will be able to trail him easily. If you can throw any light on what happened tonight, I'll be glad to listen.

[Shar]

I don't know what happened, but I do know what didn't happen that might help. Sit down, please.

[Sergeant Preston]

Thank you.

[Shar]

Now, let me think. I want to get it just as Bill told it to me.

[Sergeant Preston]

Take your time.

[Shar]

Bill was in Harry's office. He was looking out the window with his back to the room. He heard a shot and saw the door of the office closing. As he turned around, he saw Harry sitting there, slumped in his chair with a bullet wound in his chest. As he started toward the door, he stumbled over a gun lying on the floor. The gun which had been used to kill Harry. Bill picked it up and went out into the hall. There was no one toward the rear of the building. There was a man standing at the other end of the corridor. Where the lights from the dance hall caught his face. It was Curly.

[Sergeant Preston]

Curly wasn't around when I got there 10 minutes later.

[Shar]

No, Sergeant.

[Curly Randolph]

He.

[Shar]

He turned and ran while Bill was looking at him. Then other men started down the corridor toward Bill. And Bill headed out the rear door, Hoping to circle the building and catch Curly coming out the front door. He was too late. But he saw Curly driving his team down Front street toward the Klondike. He came straight here to borrow my team to go after him.

[Sergeant Preston]

And Bill believes that Curly shot Harry Wilson?

[Shar]

Yes, Sergeant. Opened the door, shot him. And then threw the gun into the room and ran, hoping that Bill would be blamed for the murder.

[Sergeant Preston]

That borders on the fantastic.

[Shar]

Oh, it can't be true.

[Sergeant Preston]

Do you believe that Bill fired the shot himself?

[Shar]

Oh, no, Sergeant. I'm sure he was telling the truth about what happened in the office. Someone shot Harry and threw the gun into the office. But it wasn't Curly.

[Sergeant Preston]

There was no one else around.

[Shar]

There must have been. It wasn't Curly.

[Sergeant Preston]

Why are you so sure of that?

[Shar]

Because in spite of their breaking up as partners, Curly still likes Bill. Curly was here for supper this evening, and we were talking about Bill and the Rainbow Creek development. Curly would like nothing better than to put up the money Bill needs.

[Sergeant Preston]

Did you tell Bill that?

[Shar]

I had no chance to tell him anything. I was taken by surprise and shocked at his being involved in a murder. He was gone before I could start thinking straight.

[Sergeant Preston]

Any idea why Curly should be heading out of town?

[Shar]

Why? Why? No, I hadn't thought about that part of it. Why should he be leaving town?

[Sergeant Preston]

I can think of one possible reason.

[Shar]

What?

[Sergeant Preston]

That he saw someone near the door of the office?

[Shar]

Yes, that's it. And he's gone after whoever it was.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's a possibility. I'm going back to the cafe.

[Shar]

But aren't you going after Bill and Curly and the murderer?

[Sergeant Preston]

I must have a talk with Constable Downey first. By this time, he should have questioned all the men who were in the cafe at the time the shot was fired.

[Narrator]

Come on, gang. Harry Wilson's body had been taken to the hospital. So the doctor could remove the slug which caused his death. Constable Downey was using the cafe owner's office. To question the men who had been in the cafe at the time of the shooting. He showed the sergeant the notes he had made.

[Mike]

Here's a list of the men who saw Bill standing outside the office door.

[Narrator]

With a gun in his hand.

[Sergeant Preston]

Complete list, Jim?

[Mike]

Well, no, Sergeant. There seems to be one name missing. Smitty's almost sure that Curly Randolph was.

[Narrator]

Standing at the entrance to the corridor.

[Sergeant Preston]

When he reached it.

[Mike]

Pushed Curly aside as he started for the office.

[Sergeant Preston]

That checks, then.

[Narrator]

Checks what, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

The story Bill told Mary Archer. That he saw Curly at the end of the corridor.

[Mike]

Has Bill denied the shooting?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. And accused Curly, however? Yes?

[Mike]

Someone out here to see you, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Who is it?

[King (the dog)]

Silas Mason.

[Mike]

Just drove into town from up the Klondike.

[Sergeant Preston]

Bring him in. You come in, too, Smitty. Shut that door behind him.

[Mike]

Yes.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, sir. Pass anyone on the trail getting here?

[Silas Mason]

That I did, Sergeant. Bill Chalmers. They tell me he's wanted for murder. I passed him just a mile outside of town.

[Sergeant Preston]

Pass anyone else?

[Silas Mason]

Curly Randolph.

[Curly Randolph]

What?

[Narrator]

Curly Randolph.

[Sergeant Preston]

At all?

[Narrator]

Well, no.

[Silas Mason]

The first letter passed was driven by Charlie Nash. Joe Rogers was riding it. They were about a half a mile ahead of Carly. But there's no connection between them and the shooting, is there?

[Sergeant Preston]

That's what we have to find out. Are either Joe or Charlie in the cafe tonight, Smitty?

[Mike]

Why, yeah, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

At the time of the shooting, a.

[Mike]

Little before, Charlie asked me where Harry was. And I told him in the office with Bill. Said he was tied up.

[Sergeant Preston]

Did either Charlie or Joe enter the corridor that led to the office?

[Mike]

I don't know.

[Sergeant Preston]

What did Charlie want to see Harry about?

[Mike]

Oh, money, I suppose. Harry had Grubb staked them.

[Sergeant Preston]

When was that?

[Mike]

Last fall. They staked a claim on last ditch creek. Harry gave him $500 to buy supplies. I suppose they've run out or stuck it rich.

[Sergeant Preston]

What was their arrangement with Herring?

[Mike]

Oh, he was to get a third of all the gold they took out of the claim.

[Sergeant Preston]

And if he should die before any gold was taken out?

[Mike]

Well, I suppose it was the usual partnership agreement. In case of death, the dead man's share goes to the other partners.

[Sergeant Preston]

Jim, I don't have time to go through Harry's papers and find that partnership agreement. Will you do that? Of course. I believe it'll be important to the case. So do I. With Curly following Charlie and Joe and Bill following Curly, it's time that King and I hit the trail. I intend to bring all four of those back here with me.

[Silas Mason]

And may I say a word, sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, Silas.

[Silas Mason]

If they keep driving the way I saw them, Straight down the middle of the river and as fast as their dogs can travel and you'll find them at the bottom of the klondike. That warm spell we had this week is done for. The ice, it's rotten. And with the fresh snow we've had covering it up.

[Sergeant Preston]

Thanks for the warning, Silas.

[Narrator]

Let's go, King. We'll continue our adventure in just a moment. Well, look who's coming over our way today. The old sourdough who struck it rich up here in the Yukon last week.

[Sergeant Preston]

Gold.

[King (the dog)]

Gold. Ain't nothing like gold.

[Narrator]

Excuse me for arguing that point, old timer, but you can eat gold like you can swell tasting. Quaker popped wheat and Quaker popped rice. The cereal shot from guns. Shot? Who's shot? It's the choice. Premium grains of flavor rich wheat and rice that are shot. Eh, Actually exploded up to eight times normal size to make them bigger and better tasting.

[Shar]

Well, why didn't you say so?

[Narrator]

Well, I've been trying to tell you that it's Quaker puffed wheat, Quaker puff rice that are shot from guns. So they're magnified, crispified and have bang up nut like flavor too. I've been gold hungry for a long time. But yes, your appetite strikes it rich when you pour out a heaping bowl of wheat or rice shot from guns and top it with good rich cream and luscious fresh fruit. You fellas and girls too. At breakfast every morning, reach for the big red and blue package for the genuine shot from gun cereal. The One and only delicious Quaker popped wheat and Quaker puffed rice. Now, to continue, Sergeant Preston harnessed his team, and with King in the lead, they raced down Front street to the Klondike.

[King (the dog)]

And King on, you husky.

[Narrator]

As soon as King started along the frozen river, he knew the ice was not to be trusted. As it was during the middle of the winter, the Chinook, a warm wind from the south, had been blowing for three days. During the past week, it had turned cold again. Fresh snow had fallen, but the ice underneath had been weakened. King's flying feet were wary, and time and again he swerved to the right or to the left.

[King (the dog)]

That's it, King. Pick your own trail, boy.

[Narrator]

On. They raced through the night. And then, just as dawn was breaking, the sergeant saw a campfire by the side of the trail.

[Sergeant Preston]

There's a traveler up ahead.

[King (the dog)]

That must be Bill.

[Narrator]

King knew it was the man he had been told to follow the previous evening, and he raced straight for the campsite. But the man had seen the sergeant, climbed on board his sled and drove on up the frozen river.

[King (the dog)]

Just hold this place, King.

[Narrator]

The man was driving hard, and for a time he managed to keep his lead. The sun rose, and the sergeant was sure of the driver's identity now.

[King (the dog)]

Stop, Bill, stop. It isn't safe to drive that fast on soft ice.

[Narrator]

Just as the sergeant shouted his warning, an ominous crack splintered the silence of the wilderness. At one moment, Bill could be seen clearly riding the runners of his sled. The next moment, both the sled and the man disappeared.

[King (the dog)]

He's broken through.

[Narrator]

The dogs were safe, however, and the sled soon reappeared, dragging behind them, overturned and empty. Sergeant Preston searched the narrow slit of black water that scarred the whiteness of the trail. Bill reached the surface and began to struggle out of his pocket.

[King (the dog)]

Grab hold of the ice. Hang on. Hulking. How are you? You can't come any closer. You break through. I know. I'm sending King onto you.

[Sergeant Preston]

Steady, boy. Will I get you unharnessed?

[King (the dog)]

He'll crawl to the edge of the ice, Bill. You'll be able to grab his harness. Hang on tight and he'll pull you out. Don't try to stand up now.

[Narrator]

Lie flat. He'll drag you back where it's safe.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right, King.

[Narrator]

You know what to do.

[King (the dog)]

Go on, boy.

[Narrator]

Yes. King understood what was expected of him. Once before, he had saved the sergeant's life in the same situation. He crouched lower and lower as he reached the edge of the water.

[King (the dog)]

Come on, James. My hands are slipping. Just a little more. I can Meet your hands.

[Silas Mason]

Got it.

[Mike]

Good work, Bill.

[King (the dog)]

Hang on. Don't try to help too much. Just let King pull and hold on.

[Bill Chalmers]

Right.

[Narrator]

Inch by inch, King worked his way back from the edge of the ice. When he was almost clear of the water, Bill lost his grip of one of his hands. King stopped until he regained it. Then the slow retreat to safety began again. Bill was lying on the ice a.

[Sergeant Preston]

Foot from the water.

[Narrator]

Three feet. Six feet. The sergeant moved in to help.

[Sergeant Preston]

The ice is strong enough for you to stand.

[Narrator]

Here. Here, I'll help you on the sled.

[Sergeant Preston]

Now. That's it. Now we'll cover you with blankets. We're heading for the bank up front, King.

[Narrator]

I've never been so cold in my life.

[King (the dog)]

We'll soon have a fair going. Hun.

[Curly Randolph]

King.

[Shar]

People.

[Narrator]

When the campfire was roaring, Bill took off his clothes, wrapped in blankets, huddled.

[Sergeant Preston]

Close to the flames.

[Narrator]

The sergeant pocketed the gun Bill had picked up on the floor of the office. And listened to the same story Bill had told Mary.

[Sergeant Preston]

Then we have a different theory concerning the murder, Bill.

[Bill Chalmers]

I tell you, it must have been Curly. It wasn't.

[Sergeant Preston]

I. I didn't say it was. No. There are two other men involved. Charlie Nice and Joe Rogers. And just as you've been following Curly, he's been following them. I suppose they're heading for the camp.

[Bill Chalmers]

But Sergeant, I saw.

[Sergeant Preston]

He may have seen Charlie and Joe outside the office. That's my theory.

[Bill Chalmers]

Oh, you're not allowing for the fact.

[Narrator]

That Curly is my enemy.

[Sergeant Preston]

You may be his enemy, but he isn't yours. Harry tells me he'd like to go into partnership with you again and back your Rainbow Creek development. What? That's the way I understand it.

[Bill Chalmers]

He'd do that after. After the way we've acted to each other?

[Sergeant Preston]

Don't you really mean after the way you've acted toward him?

[Bill Chalmers]

Ever since wilderness, I always let this.

[Sergeant Preston]

New idea sink in. You can talk it over with Curly later. After we solve the problem of Harry's murder. Oh, here comes your team. They want to get warm too.

[Bill Chalmers]

Doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the sled.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, you'll be able to travel as.

[Shar]

Soon as you're coming.

[Sergeant Preston]

Clothes dry out. I must leave you and head on to Last Ditch. You can either follow me or go back to Dawson.

[Bill Chalmers]

Charlie and Joe are killers. Then Curly's life is in danger?

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm afraid so.

[Bill Chalmers]

I'll be following you, Sergeant. Yeah, be sure of that.

[Narrator]

Charlie Nash and Joe Rogers arrived at their cabin on Last Ditch late that afternoon. They unharnessed their team, turned their dogs into the run, fed them, then carried their trail equipment into the cabin.

[Mike]

At last. Oh, I'm dead. That's no way to travel without stopping at all.

[Curly Randolph]

Yeah, we're back. We did what we started out to do. What more can you ask?

[Mike]

But if someone saw us.

[Curly Randolph]

No one did. We should have stayed around for a while. By now, young Chalmers is in jail.

[Mike]

We'd have been sure of that if we stayed.

[Curly Randolph]

I'll tell you why we didn't stay. I didn't trust him.

[Mike]

But why not?

[Curly Randolph]

I was afraid of the way you'd act if the police started to question you.

[Mike]

Oh, I wish we hadn't done it.

[Curly Randolph]

Would you rather give away a third of the dust we have hidden under the floor? Would you rather give away a third of all we take from the claim from now on?

[Mike]

You talk me into it.

[Curly Randolph]

Answer me. Would you rather give away a third of our dust?

[Narrator]

Not if no one saw us.

[Curly Randolph]

I talked you into it. Don't make me laugh.

[Bill Chalmers]

Come on.

[Curly Randolph]

Let's light a fire and rustle some grub.

[Mike]

Hey, listen. Those aren't our dogs.

[Curly Randolph]

It could be real bright at times. Who said they were?

[Mike]

But who could be traveling this way? Ours is the only cabin on the creek.

[Curly Randolph]

We'll see who it is.

[Mike]

It's getting too dark to see. Could be a Mountie.

[Curly Randolph]

Get outside behind the cabin and wait there.

[Mike]

What?

[Curly Randolph]

Just in case, I'll do the talking, whoever it is.

[Mike]

Don't you want my gun?

[Sergeant Preston]

You threw yours into the office.

[Curly Randolph]

Keep your gun and use it if it's necessary. Hurry up around and back. He's almost here.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right.

[Curly Randolph]

Oh.

[Shar]

Who?

[Narrator]

You there.

[Curly Randolph]

Hello there. You're Charlie Nash, aren't you? That's right. I'm Curly Randolph. Come on in. That's what I figured on doing. Just a second. I'll light the lamp and get a fire started. We just got back from Dawson. Where's your partner?

[Mike]

Oh, Joe.

[Curly Randolph]

He's out and back feeding the dogs. They're mighty quiet. My dogs usually scrap a little when I feed them. Ours are better trained. What brings you to Last Ditch, Randolph? I think I'd better unlimber my hardware. You're covered, Charlie. So I see. What's the idea?

[Bill Chalmers]

You asked.

[Curly Randolph]

What brought me here was something I saw last night. In Dawson? Yeah, in the golden lady, to be exact. I heard a shot and I saw you toss your gun into Harry Wilson's office. I saw you and your partner beat it out the rear door of the cafe. Then a friend of mine stepped out of the office with your gun in his hand. That's all I saw because I took after you. It looked to me as if Harry might have been shot. And that my friend might be blamed for it. And now what do you expect to do? Take you and your partner back to Dawson. We'll see what Joe thinks of that.

[Shar]

Stop.

[Mike]

There you go.

[Curly Randolph]

Better do what he says, Curly. You have me covered. He has you covered. That's better. Higher with those hands.

[Mike]

Why was he holding a gun on you, Charlie?

[Curly Randolph]

He saw us leaving the Golden Lady. But he was evidently the only one who saw us.

[Mike]

What'll we do with him?

[Curly Randolph]

There's only one answer to that question. Shoot him.

[Bill Chalmers]

Now.

[Mike]

Right now.

[Curly Randolph]

There's no sense in waiting, Charlie in cold blood.

[Narrator]

I can't, you fool. Give me that gun. No, you won't. As Charlie reached for the gun, Curly knocked the lamp from the table. He ducked as Charlie fired and ran for the door. Charlie fired again. Curly was hit, but he kept running. His team was down the bank. Instead of heading forward, he cut to the left in the COVID of the trees that lined the creek. A volley of shots broke out behind him, but somehow he wasn't hit again. He kept running downstream, deeper and deeper into the COVID of the woods. He heard a crashing in the undergrowth to his right. And turned sharply back toward the creek. He ran on and on. It seemed to be for hours. The shot that had grazed his head Made it impossible for him to think clearly. His brain was no longer conscious of what his muscles were doing. Finally, a great wave of blackness swept over him. When he opened his eyes, he had.

[Sergeant Preston]

No idea where he was for a moment.

[Narrator]

Above him were logs.

[Sergeant Preston]

The roof of a cabin?

[Narrator]

No, the cabin. He was back in the cabin. They had found him. He must get away somehow. He tried to rise, but a hand pushed him back to the cot.

[Sergeant Preston]

Easy. Easy.

[Narrator]

There. Then Curly's vision cleared, and he recognized the man bending over him.

[Curly Randolph]

Sergeant Preston?

[Sergeant Preston]

That's right, Curly.

[Curly Randolph]

Charlie and Joe.

[Sergeant Preston]

Don't try to talk.

[Curly Randolph]

But I must.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's all right, Curly. Charlie and Joe can't cause any more trouble. They're much more seriously wounded than you are.

[Curly Randolph]

Wounded?

[Sergeant Preston]

I drove up just as you ran out of the cabin. They opened fire on me, and I turned out to be the better shot.

[Curly Randolph]

Oh, Sergeant. In Dawson.

[Mike]

I saw it.

[Sergeant Preston]

I know. Charlie shot Harry Wilson and hoped that Bill Chalmers would be blamed for the crime. Joe's made a complete confession.

[Curly Randolph]

Then Bill is in the clear? Yes. I wish my head were clear. I remember running through the woods for A long. A long time.

[Sergeant Preston]

And then his strength gave out. It was Bill who found you and brought you here. Bill. Yes. Here he is.

[Curly Randolph]

Hi, Curly. Hi.

[Sergeant Preston]

We can talk later.

[Bill Chalmers]

Why don't you take the sergeant's advice?

[Mike]

Rest.

[Narrator]

Take it easy.

[Bill Chalmers]

Partner.

[Sergeant Preston]

Partner? Bill.

[Bill Chalmers]

If that's the way you want it, Curly.

[Curly Randolph]

Yeah. Yeah, that's the way I want it.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, in my opinion, King, this case is closed.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston will return in just a moment with a word about our next exciting adventure. The family races to the breakfast table when there's delicious Quaker puffed rice or Quaker popped wheat to eat. They're crisp as can be because of the sealed inner lining in the package. And everybody goes for the toasty nut like flavor of the good natural grains. The sun ripened flavor that old mother.

[King (the dog)]

Nature puts into the ones shot from gum.

[Narrator]

They are never coated with factory sweetening, as mother knows. Some like their cereal not so sweet. Others like it very, very sweet. And that's the beauty of Quaker puff rice and wheat. The whole family can sweeten them with.

[King (the dog)]

Sugar as they like.

[Narrator]

So remember, eat a better breakfast. Enjoy a better day. Eat the best tasting breakfast treat delicious Quaker puffed rice and Quaker puffed wheat. And listen, fellas and girls, if you.

[King (the dog)]

Like camping trips and hikes, if you.

[Narrator]

Like eating outdoors under the blue sky.

[King (the dog)]

Something wonderful is coming your way.

[Narrator]

Hear full details of a terrific offer on these Thursday programs. Soon listen every Thursday. And now, here is Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant Preston reporting for duty. Inspector.

[Curly Randolph]

Sergeant, a man has just arrived from the states with a map that is supposed to show where gold may be found.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, if it's a new location, sir, we're probably due for trouble. Half the people in the Yukon will race to stake a claim.

[Curly Randolph]

It is a new location. Your job is to prevent trouble. And if you can't prevent it, capture.

[Mike]

Those who start it.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston wears a grim expression as he accepts the assignment. He knows that when the gold bug bites men, those men go mad. He knows that madmen seeking gold forget all rules of law and order. He may very well come face to face with hordes of men turned savage. Be sure to hear this next exciting adventure. These radio dramas, a feature of Sergeant Preston of the Yukon Incorporated, are created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendall Campbell Muir Incorporated, directed by Fred Flowerday and supervised by Charles D. Livingston. The part of Sergeant Preston, played by Paul Sutton. Sergeant Preston of the Yukon, is brought to you every Tuesday and Thursday at this same time on Thursday by Quaker puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice, the breakfast cereal shot from guns. Boys, girls, hurry get this special brand new collection of 18 Braves of Indian nations trading cards. That's 18 Indian trading cards, all different. All reproductions of original paintings of famous Indians. Set includes Arapaho War dance, Hopi Snake dancer, Blackfeet, buffalo hunter, Sitting Bull, Geronimo, Crazy Horse to name a few. Every card in full colors, stiff back, regular playing card size. These exciting Indian trading cards are not on sale in stores. They're offered only by Quaker Pako 10. That's Quaker Pako 10. Ten crisp fresh individual servings of six different favorite ready to serve cereals. Remember, only Pako 10 has wheat and rice shot from guns and inside special new packages now at grocer's you get a sample Indian trading card from free of extra cost. To get entire collection of 18 in a hurry, do this but act fast. Supply is limited right now. Tonight send name, address and 10 cents. That's only 10 cents together with money back guarantee seal or special order blank from bottom of Pako 10 package mail to Indian cards Fox 712. I'll repeat that. Box 712 Chicago 77, Illinois. This is J. Michael wishing you goodbye, good luck and good health from Quaker Popped Wheat and Quaker Popped Rice. So long. Listen tomorrow at this same time to the Green Hornet brought to you by the drink that makes you feel fresh again, delicious Orange Crush. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[King (the dog)]

It.

[Mike]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

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

[King (the dog)]

Sam.