Stand-In for Cheeka | Challenge of the Yukon (04-15-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns — Challenge of the Yukon: "Stand-In for Cheeka"

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: April 15, 1952 (Podcast Release: December 3, 2025)
Show: Challenge of the Yukon / Sergeant Preston of the Yukon
Episode Theme: Family, Sacrifice, and Redemption on the Yukon Frontier

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Episode Overview

This classic episode of Challenge of the Yukon centers on sacrifice, perseverance, and the bonds between people, their animals, and the wilds of the Yukon. Set against the harsh, wintry backdrop of the gold rush, the story follows young Jimmy Hayden and his family as they make difficult choices to save his mother's life while Sergeant Preston and his wonder dog, Yukon King, track down a dangerous bank robber. It is a tale where loyalty and compassion shine in the face of hardship, and the smallest act of kindness can lead to salvation and reunion.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Beats

1. Jimmy's Family Crisis and the Sacrifice of Cheeka

(04:16 – 08:16)

• Jimmy Hayden is introduced training his beloved husky, Cheeka, outside their Yukon cabin.
• The family is troubled: Jimmy’s mother is ill and needs to move to a warm climate to survive.
• Financial hardship means only one solution: sell Cheeka, Jimmy’s prized dog, to fund his mother’s passage to California.
• Mr. Hayden delivers the news:

  "She can't get either in this country. Golly, no, she stays here. She’ll — well, she’ll not be with us very long. But if we can send her to stay with her sister in Southern California, she'll get well." (05:07)

• Jimmy bravely agrees to part with Cheeka for his mother's health.
• Sergeant Preston arrives to mediate the sale and bring Cheeka to her new owner, Constable Baker.
• At a moment of heartbreak, Preston gives Jimmy a puppy as a stand-in for Cheeka:

  “Of course, he'll not take the place of Cheeka, but he may help fill the gap.” (09:20)

2. The Bank Robbery and Deadly Pursuit

(10:22 – 13:58)

• The narrative shifts to Dawson: thieves break into Collins' bank, steal over $50,000 in gold, and assault the watchman.
• Sergeant Preston and Inspector Conrad discuss the suspects: ex-convicts Fingers Dooley and Scar Kenyon, identified by the night watchman.
• Preston and Constable Baker (now Cheeka’s owner) set off in pursuit with King, Preston’s famed lead dog.
• Along the trail, they find Dooley murdered by Kenyon—a grim warning of Kenyon’s ruthlessness:

  “Frozen as stiff as a ramrod. But he didn't freeze to death. Look here.” (13:26)
  “Murdered his partner so there’d be no need to split the gold.” (13:40)

3. Refuge at the Hayden Cabin and Family Updates

(14:04 – 18:20)

• The Mounties shelter at the Hayden’s cabin for the night, updating Jimmy on Cheeka’s progress as a sled lead dog.
• Jimmy’s affection shifts tentatively to the new puppy, though his loyalty to Cheeka is unwavering:

  “But he'll never be as smart as Cheeka. No dog could ever be that smart.” (18:10)

• Mr. Hayden shares with Preston that a stranger with a heavily loaded sled passed just hours earlier, affirming the pursuers are close.

4. The Final Showdown and Avalanche

(18:20 – 22:10)

• As they close in on Kenyon, Preston realizes the fugitive has jeopardized his own escape by exhausting his dogs—he ditches his sled and ascends a steep hill with the gold.
• In a tense exchange of gunfire, a stray shot triggers a massive avalanche that buries Kenyon and the stolen gold:

  “That’s the end of Scar Kenyon. And the stolen gold?” (21:29)
  “I’ve heard of slides being started by a gunshot, but I… I never saw it happen until now.” (21:33)

5. The Lost Puppy and Mystery of the Gold

(22:10 – 27:24)

• Back at the Hayden cabin, Jimmy is heartbroken: his new puppy has gone missing.
• Preston uses King to track the puppy’s scent. They find the hungry pup trapped in a rock crevice—beside Kenyon’s hidden cache of stolen gold.
• The rescue and recovery scene is heartwarming and comedic:

  “The puppy smelled the food. He was lean and crawled between the rocks. When his stomach was full, he couldn't get out. He was too big. A little devil.” (27:08)

• Baker and Preston realize Kenyon lightened his load by hiding the loot, explaining how he briefly gained ground.

6. Resolution: Reunion, Reward, and a New Beginning

(27:24 – 29:21)

• Two weeks later, Preston returns to the Haydens to deliver wonderful news: the bank’s reward for recovering the gold is more than enough to send the whole family to California.
• Jimmy is joyfully reunited with Cheeka, as the dog is gifted back to him by the grateful banker.
• The closing scene is pure radio-era sentimentality and joy:

  “That's the sort of scene that makes our job worthwhile. Come on, fella. This case is closed.” (29:21)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mr. Hayden's Quiet Desperation:

  "If I had the price, I'd buy tickets for the first boat out of Dawson. But I haven't the money. I can't even buy passage for your mother."
  (05:35)

• Jimmy’s Bravery:

  “I hope you sell her to someone who will be kind to her.”
  (06:15)

• Inspector Conrad Summarizes the Threat:

  “Takes a lot of skill to pick the lock on a bank door. And even more to open a safe without knowing the combination.”
  (11:37)

• On Sacrifice:

  “That year Jimmy gave up his dog so you might take the trip.”
  (23:54, Sergeant Preston)

• Happy Ending:

  “Why don’t you all go together?... Here, this is yours... That money’s for you, Hayden. From the banker. In appreciation. Jimmy has another reward — I have Cheeka.”
  (27:52 – 28:35)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Start of Drama (skip ads): 04:16
• Jimmy learns Cheeka must be sold: 05:00 – 07:00
• Sergeant Preston brings the puppy gift: 08:46 – 09:20
• Bank robbery plot begins: 10:22
• Finding Dooley’s body: 13:24 – 13:46
• At the Hayden Cabin (Mounties sheltering): 14:12 – 17:18
• Avalanche sequence: 20:57 – 21:39
• Puppy and gold found: 26:22 – 27:24
• Happy reunion, reward, and Cheeka’s return: 27:33 – 29:21

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Tone & Style

The language throughout the episode is earnest, dramatic, and rooted in radio-era values of sacrifice, duty, and optimism. Dialogue is direct, heartfelt, and often tinged with emotion, especially in family scenes or moments of peril. The voices of Sergeant Preston and the other Mounties convey authority and reassurance; Jimmy’s voice rings with youthful earnestness and quiet courage.

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Conclusion

This restored episode of Challenge of the Yukon is a moving and action-packed tale encompassing the drama of family sacrifice, frontier justice, forgiveness, and reward. It’s a time capsule of midcentury radio storytelling, combining the pulse of Western adventure with the warmth of human (and canine) compassion.

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For more restored episodes and Western adventures, visit otrwesterns.com.

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Transcript

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[Jimmy Hayden]

Foreign.

[Podcast Host 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]

The Mutual Broadcasting System presents Sergeant Preston of the Yukon. It's Yukon King, swiftest and strongest lead dog of the northwest blazing the trail for Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police in his relentless pursuit of lawbreakers. Gold. Gold discovered in the Yukon, a stampede to the Klondike in the wild. Race for riches back to the days of the Gold Rush with Sergeant Preston and his wonder dog Yukon King as they meet the challenge of the Yuk.

[Dutch Vet Service Advertiser]

Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24. 7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch. You'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care. Go to Dutch.com to get vet care that is always there for just $92 a year.

[Narrator]

Here's a mutual note for you. Every weekday afternoon at 5:00 clock over mutual, it's time for the children's hour with programs for all lovers of daring adventure and thrilling exploits. On Mondays, there's Bobby Benson, the famous cowboy kid who gallops to Rangeland excitement with his B Bar B riders. Wednesday and Friday the fearless newspaper publisher Britt Reed dons the secret disguise of the Green Hornet and roars into action to bring evildoers to justice. And every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5:30, Wild Bill Hickok, the real life marshal of the early west, outwits rustlers and renegades in stories of blazing action. Tuesday And Thursday, bring Sergeant Preston to the Yukon at 5 o' clock with the stirring adventures of a Northwest mountie as he faces incredible hardship and danger to get his man. And sky king follows. At 5:30. Tune to Mutual every weekday afternoon at 5:00 clock for programs that take you to a world of imagination. All over most of these stations.

[Sergeant Preston]

10.

[Narrator]

Year old Jimmy Hayden was training his dog, White Siberian Husky, in front of his home. He walked back and forth with the dog at his side.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Heel, chica. That's fine. Heel. That's the girl.

[Narrator]

The cabin was west of Dawson on the trail that led to the Alaska border. Jimmy had been happy there with his parents. But recently his mother's health had been failing. His father had been silent and worried.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Now, Chica, sit. That's it. Stay, chica.

[Narrator]

Jimmy heard the cabin door open and close. He saw his father wearing a parka. The boy sensed that matters reached some sort of crisis.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

Jimmy, I want to talk to you.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Yes, dad. Out here.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

It'll be better to talk here, son. Your mother can't hear us.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

She's not well, Jimmy.

[Jimmy Hayden]

I know.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

When the doctor was here the last time he gave me the straight facts. Your mother must have a warm climate and lots of sunshine. She can't get either in this country. Golly, no, she stays here. She'll. Well, she'll not be with us very long. But if we can send her to stay with her sister in Southern California, she'll get well.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Really well.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

Yes, Jimmy.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Golly, dad, let's all go there. If that's what mom needs.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

Son, if I had the price, I'd buy tickets for the first boat out of Dawson. But I haven't the money. I can't even buy passage for your mother.

[Jimmy Hayden]

But dad, we've got to send Mom. We just got to.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

I've thought and thought, Jimmy. There's only one way we can swing it.

[Jimmy Hayden]

How, dad?

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

By selling your dog, Chica. Yes.

[Narrator]

Jimmy's hand rested on the furry neck of his dog. He struggled manfully to keep his father from seeing how much it really meant to part with Chica. He kept his eyes dry and his voice almost steady.

[Jimmy Hayden]

All right, Dad. I. I hope you sell her to someone who will be kind to Her.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

Jimmy, last week when I was in Dawson, I told Sergeant Preston about our troubles. He knew that Constable Baker of the Montes was looking for a good dog.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Did Sergeant Preston tell the constable about Chica?

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

Yes. The constable wants to buy her. He'll train her to lead a dog team.

[Jimmy Hayden]

He'd be good to her, son.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

He'll be as good to Chica as Sergeant Preston is to King. And he'll pay enough to take your mother to California. It's up to you, Jimmy. I'll call off the deal if.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Oh, no, dad. We've got to see that mom gets well.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

Thanks, hon. I knew you were big enough to help dad carry the load. I'll be able to send your mother money to take care of expenses. But I didn't see any way to raise the cash for boat fare.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Here comes Sergeant Preston.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

He said he might come here today. I. I waited until the last minute to tell you, Jimmy. I hoped I'd think of a way to raise cash without asking you to sell your dog.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Look, Chica, wouldn't it be fine to lead a team like that?

[Narrator]

Hello, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hi, Jimmy. How's the young man today?

[Jimmy Hayden]

I'm fine, Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Lie it down, boys.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Sergeant Preston, will Chica be in harness, or will she run free like King?

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

I told Jimmy that the constable needed his dog.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, I see. Well, she'll be in harness, Jimmy. Constable Baker's mighty glad to have the help of a fine dog like Chica. He couldn't come here today, so he sent the cash and asked me to bring the dog back with me. Here's your money, Jimmy.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Oh, thanks. Be here, dad.

[Sergeant Preston]

Now, Jimmy, I have something to show you. It's here on my sled. Be all right to take it inside the house, Hayden?

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

Yes, sure thing, Sergeant.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Chica, you behave now. Goodbye, Chica.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

Jimmy, come inside and see what Sergeant Preston has.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Yes, dad.

[Sergeant Preston]

Stay there, King. I'll not be long.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Stay there. Chief. Gut.

[Narrator]

We have a caller.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

Mary. Close the door, Jimmy.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

Hello, Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's good to see you, Mrs. Hayden. I hear you're going to California.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

Yes. The doctor and my husband made up my mind for me.

[Sergeant Preston]

The Yukon's fine, but it's not your kind of country.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

All right. I'd be very happy about returning to the States if we could all go together.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

We'll join you, honey, as soon as we can.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

What?

[Jimmy Hayden]

What's that?

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

It sounded like a puppy.

[Sergeant Preston]

It is a puppy. Here, Jimmy, he's for you.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Oh, golly.

[Sergeant Preston]

You may keep the blanket for him.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Oh, thanks, Sergeant Preston. Gosh, He's a friendly fella.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

Look at him.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Mommy's licking my hand.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

He's cute.

[Sergeant Preston]

He had a big meal before we left Dawson. That's why his.

[Narrator]

It sure does bulge.

[Sergeant Preston]

In a few hours, his ribs will stick out like those of a starving wolf. And then as soon as he's eaten, he'll be a roly poly again.

[Jimmy Hayden]

I know. Chica was the same way when she was this size.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, this fellow will eat more than Chica.

[Jimmy Hayden]

I'll see that he gets plenty to eat. Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Constable Baker sent him to you, Jimmy. Of course, he'll not take the place of Chica, but he may help fill the gap.

[Jimmy Hayden]

I'll put him down so he can run around and get used to the house.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, I must get back to Dawson.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Just a minute, Sergeant Preston. Here, you might as well take Chica's leash.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, thanks, Jimmy. You coming outside?

[Jimmy Hayden]

No, sir. I. I said goodbye to Chica.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

I'll go out and see you off, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Mrs. Hayton, I'll see you in Dawson before you sail.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

Yes, Daron.

[Sergeant Preston]

And Jimmy, I'll see you soon.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Yes, sir.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

Jimmy, come here to mother.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Yes, mom, what is it?

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

You sold Chica?

[Jimmy Hayden]

Yes.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

Oh, my dear. My dear. Put your head in my lap.

[Jimmy Hayden]

It's all right, Mom. I better hold the puppy. He's crying. He's hurting.

[Narrator]

Though spring was near at hand, there was a sudden freeze up that was sure to postpone the opening of traffic on the river for an indefinite period. Sergeant Preston remained in Dawson, reporting each morning at headquarters. It was eight days after his trip to the Hayden cabin when he came to the office as usual. As he closed the door, he heard the voice of Inspector Conrad from the private office.

[Inspector Conrad]

Who's that?

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant Preston, sir.

[Constable Baker]

Oh, good.

[Inspector Conrad]

Please come in here at once, will you, Sergeant? I intended to send the first man reported to get you. Please close the door.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, sir.

[Inspector Conrad]

Did you see the two men who left here a moment ago?

[Sergeant Preston]

No, sir. I stopped at the kennels. I guess that's why I missed them. Who were they?

[Inspector Conrad]

John Collins, owner of the bank, and his night watchman.

[Sergeant Preston]

Judd Wilkins.

[Inspector Conrad]

Yes. Thieves broke into the bank during the night.

[Sergeant Preston]

How much was stolen, sir?

[Inspector Conrad]

Well, according to the banker, over $50,000. Collins hires a watchman, you know, to sit all night inside the bank. He remembers hearing a floorboard creak behind his back. Then something struck him on the head. He regained consciousness and found himself bound and gagged. He saw two men at the safe. One held a shaded lantern while the other worked the combination.

[Sergeant Preston]

Who knows the combination of that safe?

[Inspector Conrad]

Only Collins himself.

[Sergeant Preston]

How did the thieves get inside the bank?

[Inspector Conrad]

They picked the lock on the rear door.

[Sergeant Preston]

$50,000 in gold would weigh well over 200 pounds. The thieves would need a sled.

[Inspector Conrad]

They had a sled and dog team waiting behind the bank.

[Sergeant Preston]

Takes a lot of skill to pick the lock on a bank door. And even more to open a safe without knowing the combination.

[Inspector Conrad]

Sergeant, do you know any crooks capable of that?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, sir. Fingers Dooley. I captured him several years ago and he went to prison. His pal, a man named Kenyon, went with him.

[Inspector Conrad]

Oh, yes. Dooley and Kenyon finished their terms and were released six months ago.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh?

[Inspector Conrad]

I showed the watchman pictures of a number of men from our files, including Dooley and Kenyon. He identified those two as the bank robbers.

[Sergeant Preston]

And that simplifies the case. What time to leave the bank, sir?

[Inspector Conrad]

Two o' clock this morning. The watchman worked on the ropes for several hours before he got free. He awakened the banker. Then he and Collins came to my place. I went with them to the bank, looked around, then brought them here.

[Sergeant Preston]

Dolly and Kenyon have a start of several hours?

[Inspector Conrad]

Yes. You'll find the tracks behind the bank and King may find their center.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll get started at once, sir.

[Inspector Conrad]

Well, Sergeant? Temperature is down to a record for the air, and it's likely to get colder.

[Sergeant Preston]

I noticed the temperature on my way here, sir.

[Inspector Conrad]

In weather like this, Sergeant, one man should not travel alone. Take Constable Baker with you.

[Narrator]

With supplies for several days loaded on the sled, Sergeant Preston and Constable Baker left Dawson on the trail of the bank robbers. It was bitterly cold as they marched westward. With King running free and following the scent, they paused at noon and built a small fire to heat food and make tea. Then they continued on. In the middle of the afternoon, King halted suddenly and barked.

[Constable Baker]

King seems to have found something.

[Sergeant Preston]

Come on, Baker. Right. What is it, King?

[Constable Baker]

Sergeant, it's a man.

[Sergeant Preston]

Fingers. Duly quiet. King. Frozen as stiff as a ramrod. But he didn't freeze to death. Look here.

[Constable Baker]

Bullet to the head. Scar. Kenyon must have killed him in cold blood.

[Sergeant Preston]

Now you know the type of man we're trailing.

[Constable Baker]

Murdered his partner so there'd be no need to split the gold.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's about it.

[Constable Baker]

Well, what do we do in a case like this, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

We can't take the body with us. Too much of a load for the team to pull over the hills ahead. We'll carry it to the base of that tree off the trail there and cover it with snow till our return trip. Take his feet Baker, Right.

[Narrator]

After hiding the body beneath snow and marking the place, the bodies continued westward until darkness began to close in.

[Constable Baker]

We keep going, Sergeant, or camp for the night.

[Sergeant Preston]

See that cabin?

[Constable Baker]

A hand? Yes.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll spend the night there.

[Constable Baker]

It's the best news I've heard.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's where Hayden lives.

[Constable Baker]

Hayden? Today, his boy Jimmy will be disappointed that I didn't bring Chica. Oh, that was a long pull.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston, is that you?

[Sergeant Preston]

That's right, Hayden, Sergeant Preston and King.

[Jimmy Hayden]

How are you?

[Sergeant Preston]

We'd like to spend the night. Hayden, Come in, come in.

[Narrator]

You're more than welcome.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll be in as soon as we've taken care of our dogs.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our adventure in just a moment.

[Dutch Vet Service Advertiser]

Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 247 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments. And shipping is always free. With Dutch. You'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care. Go to Dutch.com to get vet care that is always there for just $92 a year.

[Narrator]

Every loyal American wants to serve his country. Some of us don't know the best way to go about it. But even if you're not old enough to serve in the army, the navy, or the Air Force, or work at a defense plant, you can still help. Everybody can buy defense stamps and bonds. You're helping to make your country stronger. When you put those extra pennies, nickels and dimes into defense stamps. And if you keep working on that defense stamp collection, pretty soon you'll find you have enough to buy a bond all your own. This is about the best way we know of to save for something special you may want. Every time you buy a bond, you know you cannot possibly lose the money that you put into it. Uncle Sam positively guarantees that bond against loss, theft or destruction. And anytime after 60 days that you decide you want the cash instead of the bond, you can have it, plus some extra as interest. That's what makes it so much better than saving up the cash. So start saving your defense stamps. Now remember, you'll be helping to make your country strong. Now to continue. During a hearty meal, which Sergeant Preston prepared from his own supplies, Jimmy listened with keen interest while the constable told about Chica's Progress and training. After the meal, a plate was piled high with food and placed on the floor for the boy's puppy. When Preston went outdoors to feed his own dogs, Hayden went with him.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

Hey.

[Sergeant Preston]

Singing for their supper. Here you are, fellas. Eat hearty and dig into the snow and go to sleep. You'll have a long day tomorrow.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

I saw you signal to me, Sergeant. I figured you wanted me to step outside with you.

[Sergeant Preston]

I didn't want to alarm your wife by mentioning an outlaw in the vicinity.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

Yes, I saw man. He seemed to have a very heavily loaded sled. The dogs were laboring.

[Sergeant Preston]

Notice his face?

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

No. The hood of his pocket came well forward. He went past about, oh, three or four hours ago.

[Sergeant Preston]

In that case, we've cut down his lead.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

You're chasing him?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. He's wanted for bank robbery. There. That takes care of the dogs. Now we'll go inside.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

How soon do you think the boats will start running from Dawson?

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, this freeze up has delayed the opening of navigation, but it can't last. We're due for a warm spell and the ice and snow will go fast. I think your wife will be able to leave here in two or three weeks.

[Narrator]

I'll take your park.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, thanks.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Look, Sergeant Preston, the puppy had an extra big meal tonight.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, he certainly shows it. He's as broad as he is long.

[Jimmy Hayden]

The constable says he'll be bigger than Chica when he grows up.

[Constable Baker]

He sure will, Jimmy. He's going to be a big dog.

[Jimmy Hayden]

But he'll never be as smart as Chica. No dog could ever be that smart.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

There's no loyalty to compare with that of a 10 year old boy.

[Narrator]

The temperature was considerably higher when Sergeant Preston and the constable resumed their journey early the following morning. They had traveled but a short distance when they reached the place where Scar Kenyon had camped for the night.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hulking. Hi, your Huskies Hollow.

[Constable Baker]

He picked a good place to stop.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's well shouldered from here, Baker. We should gain on him rapidly.

[Constable Baker]

How's that, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

If he continues toward the border, he'll have a lot of uphill travel. With all that gold on, the sled's going to be hard on his dogs.

[Constable Baker]

I wonder if Kenyon's aware of that.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, he must be.

[Constable Baker]

What do you think he'll do about it?

[Sergeant Preston]

That remains to be seen. All right, King, let's go.

[Narrator]

After a brief stop at noon, the Mounties continued the pursuit, with King setting a fast pace. The steady uphill trail taxed the strength of Sergeant Preston's powerful team. Despite the fact that the sled was not heavily loaded. It was a mystery how Kenyon's dogs could stay ahead with 200 pounds or more of gold.

[Constable Baker]

We must be gaining on him.

[Sergeant Preston]

I thought we'd overtake him long before this.

[Narrator]

It was late afternoon at the foot of a particularly steep slope when Preston suddenly halted the team. The tracks of a sled and dogs turned off the hard packed trail toward a dense forest 20 yards away.

[Sergeant Preston]

Look. Baker, Kenyon, sled and team, stay here. King, watch the dogs. Come with me, Baker. Be ready in case of an ambush.

[Narrator]

The two men were quickly beside the sled, which had become caught between two trees. The dog, still hitched, lay sleeping in the snow. The sled was empty.

[Constable Baker]

What do you make of it, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

Is there any footprints in the snow? Other than those we made?

[Inspector Conrad]

No.

[Sergeant Preston]

There's your answer. Kenyon unloaded his sled on the hard path and started the dogs in this direction. And hoped they'd keep going to throw off pursuit. Exactly.

[Constable Baker]

He must have realized his team was too tired to make the steep hill ahead. Sergeant, do you think he went ahead? He must have, carrying all his gear, including all the gold.

[Sergeant Preston]

That hill is steep, but it isn't long. He might have made a number of trips to move everything to the top. Particularly, he thought he'd be safe when he reached there. Uh huh. Let's get back to the trail.

[Constable Baker]

And we're going on.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. Kenyon must be somewhere ahead. There'd be footprints to himself if he'd left the trail.

[Constable Baker]

Look at King sniffing the trail. Looking toward the top of the hill and sniffing again.

[Sergeant Preston]

He knows Kenyon's ahead.

[Narrator]

Sergeant, back to the trees.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hurry.

[Constable Baker]

He's somewhere up there firing at us.

[Sergeant Preston]

This'll do. I saw where the first shot came from.

[Constable Baker]

Where?

[Sergeant Preston]

Look. Two thirds of the way up the hill. Big mass of rocks to the left of the trail there. Don't stick your head too far off in that tree.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

Yeah.

[Constable Baker]

I see the rocks. That's where he is. I saw the gun smoke.

[Sergeant Preston]

He's firing at the dogs. That bullet stuck near King. I'll return his.

[Constable Baker]

Sergeant, look above the rocks. The mass of snow. It's moving.

[Sergeant Preston]

Snow slide.

[Narrator]

The slide began at the mountaintop. Hundreds of tons of snow gathered speed as it descended toward the rocks that sheltered Scar Canyon. Huge rocks were swept by and the mass, which gathered, added weight as it descended. King and the dogs hugged the ground. Preston and the constable, nowhere near the path of the avalanche, could only stand and watch.

[Constable Baker]

I. I never saw anything like it.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's the end of Scar Canyon. And the stolen Gold?

[Constable Baker]

I've heard of slides being started by a gunshot, but I. I never saw it happen until now.

[Sergeant Preston]

What?

[Constable Baker]

Do you think there's any use looking for Kenyon?

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, search as long as there's light, but I'm sure it's useless. Kenyon must be buried beneath 50ft of snow.

[Narrator]

No sign of Kenyon, his gear or the stolen gold was found. The Mounties camped that night in the woods and started the back trail the following morning with two sleds and teams. Baker drove the team that Kenyon had abandoned. In due time, the two men reached the Hayden cabin and halted the dog.

[Constable Baker]

You planning to spend the night here, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, if Hayden doesn't mind.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Sergeant Preston.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

Golly.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Why, Jimmy. What's wrong?

[Jimmy Hayden]

He's gone. My puppy's gone.

[Constable Baker]

Gone?

[Jimmy Hayden]

He ran away yesterday morning, and I haven't seen him since. My dad's out looking for him now.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, perhaps we can help find the puppy.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Golly, Sergeant Preston, I don't think anyone will find him. Poor little fella must be dead by this time. He wouldn't stay away from home unless something had happened.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, now, will you give Constable Baker a hand with the dogs while I go inside and say hello to your mother?

[Jimmy Hayden]

Yes.

[Sergeant Preston]

Stay there, King.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

Sergeant Prince.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hello, Mrs. Hayden. How are you feeling?

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

Just about the same.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, I'm sure you'll feel much better as soon as you reach a warm climate.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

I don't know whether I shall or not. I can't bear the thought of leaving Jimmy and my husband. Oh, if there were only some way that we could all go together.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, it may not be for long.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

I.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

Well, I don't know how to say it, how to tell my husband, but I.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes?

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

Well, it's not that I'm ungrateful. I appreciate all that's been done. But just seeing Jimmy since his puppy's been lost. I can't bear the thought of being away from him. Sergeant Preston, I don't want to go to California. I mean it. Even though it would restore my health, I. I don't want to go. I'd rather stay here as long as I can live than leave my family.

[Sergeant Preston]

Mary, let's face the truth. If you insist on remaining here, it'll only be a matter of a year. Then you'll have to leave your family forever.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

But I would have.

[Sergeant Preston]

That year Jimmy gave up his dog so you might take the trip.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

I know he did. Forgive me, Sergeant President. I'll be all right. I didn't mean to break down like that.

[Sergeant Preston]

Take my word for It. Mary, we'll find a way to send your family to California before the summer's over.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

I'm sorry.

[Sergeant Preston]

I understand.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

I'm all right now. I'll not break down again.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, I think your husband's returned.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

Please don't tell him I said anything about not wanting to go to California.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll not. Hello, Hayden.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

Hello, Sergeant Preston. I see you brought back a sledding dog team.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, but Canyon and the gold are buried in the snow. They were caught in an avalanche. I'll have to send a searching party on. The snow melts.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

I hope you'll stay overnight again.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

Thanks, Mom.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Ed couldn't find the puppy.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

Oh, I'm sorry, dear.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

I've looked everywhere. Spent most of yesterday and all of today.

[Sergeant Preston]

Didn't he leave tracks?

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

No. He's too light to leave tracks on the crusted snow.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh. Jimmy, bring me the blanket he slept on.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Preston]

If King gets the scent, he may be able to find the puppy.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

Sergeant, I can't ask you to go hunting for a lost puppy.

[Sergeant Preston]

You didn't ask me, Hayden.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Here's the blanket, Sergeant Preston. Thanks for loaning it to me. Well, I had a puppy.

[Sergeant Preston]

You hang on to it, Jimmy. I just want King to smell of it.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

We'll go outside with you. Coming, Jimmy?

[Jimmy Hayden]

Yes, dad.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll see you later, Mary.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

Of course.

[Sergeant Preston]

Here, King. Scent boy. Got it, King.

[Constable Baker]

I'll go with you, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right. Ready, King? Go on, boy.

[Narrator]

King started out with a series of short barks and seemed to know exactly where to go. Instead of zigzagging in many directions as a frisky puppy must have done, the big dog ran along the hard, packed trail that had been taken by Scar Canyon. Preston and Baker followed.

[Constable Baker]

I wonder if King thinks we're still after Kenyon.

[Sergeant Preston]

I hope not.

[Constable Baker]

He acted before as if he had the scent of the puppy.

[Narrator]

Presently, King stopped, sniffed, and then left the trail and explored a sheltered place. It was the place where Kenyon had camped overnight. From there, King moved farther from the trail and investigated a pile of rocks some distance from Kenyon's camp.

[Constable Baker]

King acts as if he's found something.

[Sergeant Preston]

What is it, King?

[Narrator]

King whimpered and pawed at a pile of rocks, some big, others small. He seemed to be particularly interested in a narrow gap between two of the rocks.

[Sergeant Preston]

Baker, I think I heard something. Quiet, King.

[Constable Baker]

Yes, I heard it. There's something behind those rocks.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sounded like a puppy. It is. I can see. Give me a hand to these rocks.

[Constable Baker]

How in the world did he get in there?

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll have him in A minute. Couple of these smaller stones. There. I have him. Hold him. Biker. There's something else in here. Regular cash behind these rocks.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

Look at this.

[Constable Baker]

Dried fish. Someone coming along the trail hid food there. And the puppy found it. Is there more?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. Bags. Heavy, too.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

Look.

[Constable Baker]

Dawson Bank. Sergeant, it's the gold.

[Sergeant Preston]

And there's more. You see what happened? Kenyon lightened his sled. He left the gold and everything he could spare.

[Constable Baker]

That's how he made such good time on the hills.

[Sergeant Preston]

The puppy smelled the food. He was lean and crawled between the rocks. When his stomach was full, he couldn't get out. He was too big. A little devil.

[Constable Baker]

He was having the time of his life in there.

[Narrator]

Look at him.

[Constable Baker]

He's as big as a balloon.

[Sergeant Preston]

Come on, Baker. We have a lot to do. Come on, King.

[Narrator]

It was two weeks later when Sergeant Preston made his next trip west from Dawson. And again he stopped at the Hayden cabin. After being cordially welcomed, he said, I.

[Sergeant Preston]

Had several reasons for coming here, Hayden. In the first place, the boat starts operating tomorrow.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

Oh, they're not? Then this is my last day here.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, Mrs. Hayden.

[Jimmy Hayden]

You'll be going away.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

We'll not be separated from Mother for very long, Jimmy. We'll join her as soon as we can.

[Sergeant Preston]

Why don't you all go together?

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

That's a pleasant dream, Sergeant, but it takes cash.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, well. Here, this is yours.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Money, all that.

[Sergeant Preston]

There's more than you'll need for the fair to California. Enough to support you all till Hayden.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Finds work will not be separated. May I take the puppy? May I?

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

Oh, yes, yes.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Jimmy.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

Where did this money come from?

[Sergeant Preston]

Mr. Collins had offered a reward for the return of the money that was stolen. When he heard how Jimmy's puppy had led us to the gold, he insisted that Jimmy deserved a reward.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

And, son, this is your money.

[Jimmy Hayden]

No, dad.

[Sergeant Preston]

The money's for you, Hayden. From the banker. In appreciation. Jimmy has another reward I have. You think you could take care of two dogs on the boat?

[Jimmy Hayden]

Well, sure, but.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, Mr. Collins bought a big dog from one of my friends. He's outside the door with King. You'd better take a look, Jimmy.

[Jimmy Hayden]

All right, Sergeant. Mom, dad. It's Chica. She's back home.

[Mrs. Hayden (Jimmy's Mother)]

Sergeant. Mr. Collins, everyone. You've been so kind.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

What is there for me to say?

[Sergeant Preston]

Please, Hayden, don't say anything. Drop a line. Let me know how you make out in California.

[Narrator]

I sure will, Sergeant.

[Mr. Hayden (Jimmy's Father)]

And thanks very much.

[Sergeant Preston]

Better go inside, Jimmy. You don't want to catch cold just before you start for California.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Thanks, Sergeant Preston. Thanks for chica. Come on, chica.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, King old boy, that's the sort of scene that makes our job worthwhile. Come on, fella. This case is closed.

[Narrator]

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

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[Narrator]

Here's a mutual note for you. Sunday is your day to relax with a good mystery. And the best way to do this is. Stay tuned to Mutual throughout Sunday afternoon and early evening for the finest mystery listening on radio. Here's our lineup of top mystery shows. First, there's Under Arrest the true to life adventures of police Captain Jim Scott. Following this program is the newest member of the mutual mystery family, the Private files of Matthew Bell. This series concerns the exciting exploits of a police surgeon. The Shadow continues his eerie activities and against the forces of evil on that longtime mutual feature. Actual police cases form the background for the thrilling exploits of our lawmen on true detective mysteries. Following this are two shows featuring the activities of two of the greatest investigators in detective fiction. The immortal Nick Carter and jovial Peter Salem. And there you have it, the perfect formula that will enable you to relax with a good mystery every Sunday over most of these stations. Now here is Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant Preston reporting for duty.

[Inspector Conrad]

Inspector Sergeant. An 18 year old lad, Ray Morgan, has been jailed in Selkirk on suspicion of murder. Three pokes of gold were stolen and are still missing.

[Sergeant Preston]

I see.

[Inspector Conrad]

Witnesses to the crime were two of Lottie Norton's men. I want you to get the facts. There's still not enough evidence to make a strong case.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll do my best, Inspector.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston's assignment seems a routine one. But little does he know that in searching for the facts he'll face guns in the hands of killers. 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. Today's adventure was written by Fran Stryker. The part of Sergeant Preston is played by Paul Sutton. Sergeant Preston of the Yukon is brought to you every Tuesday and Thursday. This is J. Michael wishing you goodbye and good luck until Thursday. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Sam.

[Podcast Host 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 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.

[Jimmy Hayden]

Sa.