Strange Treasure | Challenge of the Yukon (05-08-52)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns: "Strange Treasure" | Challenge of the Yukon (05-08-52)

Host: Andrew Rines
Main Characters: Sergeant Preston, Yukon King (dog), Jim Dallas, Shanto, Hasty, Hunch Sparkman, Constable Terry, Ry Poly
Original Air Date: May 8, 1952
Podcast Release: January 21, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this restored classic episode, Sergeant Preston and his faithful dog Yukon King navigate the treacherous wilds of the Yukon to capture the notorious criminal Hunch Sparkman. The tale centers on Jim Dallas, a young violinist whose prized Guarnerius violin becomes the focus of intrigue, greed, and mistaken motives. The episode skillfully weaves together suspense, action, and the value of personal treasures over material wealth.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. The Incident on Silver River (03:28–07:46)

• Sergeant Preston is searching for the infamous Hunch Sparkman when he sees three men in trouble on Silver River's dangerous rapids.
• Two men make it to shore unaided, but the third (Jim Dallas) is rescued by Sergeant Preston—Jim is unconscious, desperately clinging to a wooden box.
• Jim’s obsession with protecting the box (revealed to contain his cherished violin) causes tension with his companions, Shanto and Hasty, whose canoe is destroyed in the accident.
• Preston notes the value of Jim’s Guarnerius violin, “Why, this is nearly as valuable as a Stradivarius or the Mati.” (07:34, Sergeant Preston)

2. Suspicion and Greed (07:46–09:23)

• Shanto and Hasty, plotting as they return to town, suspect Jim’s violin case might hide gold or a map to treasure because of how fiercely he protected it.
• They scheme to recover the violin, convinced it contains more than just music.

3. Pawnshop Dealings and New Dangers (09:23–12:19)

• In Freeze Out, Jim tries to pawn his violin at Ry Poly’s shop, seeking money to buy prospecting supplies.
• Ry Poly recognizes the rare instrument, exclaims: “Yes. Yes, it is the Guarnerius. The real thing. Where did you get it?... My boy, why in the world did you come to the Yukon with an instrument like this?” (11:17, Ry Poly)
• Jim explains his dreams of earning enough to travel abroad for musical studies but is forced to pawn the family heirloom.
• Shanto and Hasty decide to follow and ambush Jim to uncover the “treasure.”

4. Assault, Robbery and the Thieves’ Plot (12:45–14:35)

• Jim, exhausted, is attacked by Shanto and Hasty in a dark alley outside his hotel. They search him but find only his wallet and pawn ticket—the violin remains at the pawnshop.
• The criminals tie and gag Jim, intending to steal the violin from Ry Poly overnight.

5. Multiple Threads: Sergeant Preston Closes In (16:52–19:40)

• While the theft unfolds, Sergeant Preston apprehends Hunch Sparkman, the episode’s wanted criminal.
• Preston finds a map on Hunch, leading them to a cabin where more stolen loot is hidden, suggesting layers of criminal activity.

6. Theft at the Pawnshop (19:26–21:32)

• Hasty and Shanto break into Ry Poly’s pawnshop, assaulting him and stealing what they think is Jim’s valuable violin.
• In their haste, they grab the wrong violin—an empty case with only a pawn ticket—leaving the Guarnerius safe in the living quarters.

7. Pursuit and Confrontation at the Cabin (21:28–25:43)

• Jim frees himself, learns of the theft from Ry Poly, and sets out (with Constable Terry alerted) to catch the thieves.
• At Hasty’s riverfront cabin, the thieves destroy the violin searching for a “hidden treasure”—finding only a pawn ticket from Chicago inside. They realize too late they’ve destroyed something priceless.
• Jim bursts in: “You smashed my violin. Looking for your map, Dallas? Now that you’re here, where is it?” (22:26)
• The standoff intensifies as Preston arrives with Hunch—a firefight ensues.
• Jim, still bound, bravely trips Hasty, saving Preston in the shootout.
• Sergeant Preston: “Good work, Jim. Drop your gun, Hasty. Your partner's out of the fight.” (25:10)

8. Resolution and Revelation (25:43–28:03)

• With the criminals apprehended, Preston and Jim inspect the aftermath.
• Jim mourns his destroyed violin, but Constable Terry and Ry Poly arrive with good news: the real Guarnerius was never stolen.
  • “Then my violin—Safe… That’s great news.” (27:50, Jim Dallas & Sergeant Preston)
• Jim’s actions earn him a reward for helping capture Sparkman and his gang, and he regains both his money and his integrity.

9. Reflection on Values

• Hasty, in jail, laments: “We thought by stealing it, we’d be able to cut you in on something worthwhile, Boss. Instead, we got the wrong fiddle and cut ourselves in on a trip to jail.” (27:52, Hasty)
• The episode closes with the traditional plug for Quaker cereals and a teaser for the next adventure.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Value of Music over Gold:
  “That particular violin’s worth more gold than you’ll ever see.” (05:06, Jim Dallas)
• Ry Poly Recognizes the Treasure:
  “Yes. Yes, it is the Guarnerius. The real thing. Where did you get it?” (11:17, Ry Poly)
• On Criminal Irony:
  “We got the wrong fiddle and cut ourselves in on a trip to jail.” (27:52, Hasty)
• Heartbreak and Hope:
  “There’ll never be another like that, Sergeant Preston.” (26:42, Jim Dallas)
  “There are other violins.” (26:40, Sergeant Preston)

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Major Story Timestamps

• [03:28] – The river rescue and introduction of Jim Dallas and the violin
• [07:34] – Reveal of the Guarnerius violin’s extraordinary value
• [11:15] – The pawnshop scene with Ry Poly
• [13:08] – Jim is assaulted; criminals’ interest in the 'treasure'
• [16:52] – Sergeant Preston arrests Hunch Sparkman
• [19:26] – Hammer attack and theft at the pawnshop
• [22:23] – Confrontation at the cabin, the violin is smashed
• [25:10] – The firefight; Jim’s intervention helps Preston
• [27:50] – The violin's true fate is revealed; happy ending for Jim

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Tone and Style

The original broadcast style is earnest, adventurous, and occasionally laced with wry irony. Characters’ motivations hinge on frontier values of honesty, perseverance, and the tension between greed and true worth. The voices of Sergeant Preston and Jim Dallas exude moral authority and personal sincerity, while the crooks’ dialogue provides suspense and a touch of comic comeuppance.

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Concluding Thoughts

“Strange Treasure” is a richly woven tale of mistaken intentions and the enduring value of both music and justice. The restored clarity of the episode brings the wild Yukon—and the moral struggles of its denizens—to vivid life, making it a timeless piece for Western drama enthusiasts and fans of old-time radio.

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Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Jim Dallas]

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[Andrew Rines (Host)]

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.

[Jim Dallas]

Now as.

[Sergeant Preston]

Gunshots echo across the windswept snow covered reaches of the wild Northwest. Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice. The breakfast cereal shot from gun presentation Sergeant Preston of the Yukon. It's Yukon King, swiftest and strongest lead dog of the Northwest blazing the trail for Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police in his relentless pursuit of lawbreakers. Unkang on you huskies gold. Gold discovered in the Yukon. A stampede to the Klondike in the wild race for riches back to the days of the Gold Rush with Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puff Rice bringing you the adventures of Sergeant Preston and his wonder dog Yukon King as they meet the challenge of the Yukon.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Sergeant Preston]

There's no one that can make a better cereal than Quaker Puff Rice. It's nice and when you hear that shootin' you're dern tootin that Quaker makes.

[Jim Dallas]

The ones shot from guns.

[Sergeant Preston]

And remember to have real stamina like Sergeant Preston. Eat a nourishing breakfast every morning. Include a heaping bowl of delicious Quaker popped rice or Quaker popped wheat with milk or cream and fruit. In every spoonful of the one shot from guns, you get added food values of restored natural grain amounts of vitamin B1, niacin and iron. So eat a better breakfast, enjoy a better day with plenty of stamina. In the warm weather of late spring, Sergeant Preston was traveling on horseback with his great dog, Yukon King, running alongside. The sergeant was looking for a notorious criminal named Hunch Sparkman. He was heading upstream along the bank of Silver River. As he neared the swift flowing stream with his treacherous rapids, he saw three men floundering in the water, an erect canoe being dashed from rock to rock. Two of the men reached shore without help, but the third man needed assistance. Without hesitation, the sergeant plunged into the river and brought him to shore. Despite the fact that he was unconscious, the third man clung to a wooden box while the others watched, Sergeant Preston examined him. He's regaining consciousness. Is he.

[Jim Dallas]

Is he hurt bad?

[Sergeant Preston]

He seems to have been stunned. Probably stuck his head on a rock.

[Jim Dallas]

He'd have had a lot less trouble if he hadn't hung onto that box. Yeah, if it hadn't been for that, wouldn't have lost control of the canoe. I wonder what's in it. That violin. Violin?

[Sergeant Preston]

Is that what's in this box?

[Jim Dallas]

Yes. I was afraid I'd lost. Who are you? Jim Dallas.

[Sergeant Preston]

Who are your friends?

[Jim Dallas]

I'm Shanto. My partner's name's Hasty. You're a mounted policeman?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. I'm Sergeant Preston. Which one of you own that canal?

[Jim Dallas]

Shanto and I own it, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, if you're rivermen, you should have known it'd be dangerous to try to shoot these rapids this time of year.

[Jim Dallas]

We run them before without any trouble. We'd have gotten through this time hadn't been for that local greenhorn in his box. He lost his head as soon as a little water washed over us. Dropped his paddle and grabbed the box. Next thing I knew, the canoe was spinning and we struck the rocks.

[Sergeant Preston]

You were lucky to be thrown clear.

[Jim Dallas]

We'd lost our canoe and all our gear thanks to Dallas and his box. The way he hung onto it, I figured it was filled with gold. If it had been filled with gold, I'd have let it go. You call a fiddle more valuable than gold? That particular violin's worth more gold than you'll ever see. Why you. Look.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's enough.

[Jim Dallas]

I'm sorry about it, Shando. If I had any cash, I'd make good your loss. The money I paid you to for a place in your canoe was all I had.

[Sergeant Preston]

Steady. Don't try to stand yet.

[Jim Dallas]

I feel kind of weak.

[Sergeant Preston]

Stay where you are for the time being. I'll build a fire and dry our clothing.

[Jim Dallas]

You needn't worry about Shanto and me, Sergeant. The air is warm enough at dinner. Dry us out. We'll head for town. We'll have to buy supplies to take to my place.

[Sergeant Preston]

You're going directly to Frieza?

[Jim Dallas]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Preston]

Would you deliver a message to the constable?

[Jim Dallas]

Sure thing.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right. A note. Now what's your destination, Jim?

[Jim Dallas]

I'm going to Freeze out. But the way I feel, you'll be.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right in a little while. Here's the note, Hasty.

[Jim Dallas]

We'll see that it reaches the constable.

[Sergeant Preston]

Thanks.

[Jim Dallas]

Go on, Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Bye. Come along, King. I'll gather wood and build a fire. And I'll give you something to eat, Jim. The fire served a dual purpose. It dried out wet clothing and heated food. After Jim had eaten, Sergeant Preston helped him pry the lid off the wooden box that held the oilskin wrapped violin case. Jim unwrapped the case and opened it with trembling hands. From it he lifted a narrow waisted violin. Careful packing had protected the instrument.

[Jim Dallas]

It was unharmed. Thank heavens it wasn't damaged.

[Sergeant Preston]

May I see that violin, Jim?

[Jim Dallas]

Of course. Here.

[Sergeant Preston]

Thanks.

[Jim Dallas]

A Guarnerian.

[Sergeant Preston]

Why, this is nearly as valuable as a Stradivarius or the Mati. As Jim showed the sergeant his treasured violin, Shanto and Hasty were making their way toward the town of Freeze out.

[Jim Dallas]

Let's see. Preston's message to the constable, Shanto. Oh, yeah. Here. What's it say? The constable's to bring an extra horse for Jim Dallas and meet Preston on the trail at the rapids. That's all. He doesn't mention us. He must not have recognized us. There's no reason why he should. The Mounties don't know what we look like. Hunch is the one they want. There's a reward for Hunch and a reward for his gang. Not much of a gang since Pete was killed. Only the two of us left and no one but Hunch knows we work with him. One thing is sure. If Preston knew it, we'd be wearing handcuffs. I wonder if he's looking for Hunch. We'd better tell Hunt we saw him. I'll be Mighty glad to see the boss. You'll not see him till tomorrow morning at your place. That's the plan. Maybe he'll have a job for us. We already have a job. Shanto, huh? I'm thinking of Dallas's fiddle. Five or ten dollars will buy any fiddle in the pawn shop at Freeze Out. Jim Dallas must know that as well as we do. What about it? He said that if that box had been filled with gold, he'd have let it go. I heard that. I thought he was local for saying it. What if Dallas has a letter or a map that tells where to find more gold than a case that size could hold? What makes you think he is anything like that? Well, he has something mighty valuable in that fiddle case or in the violin. That'd explain why he hung onto it and why he was so anxious not to lose it. I think you're right, Hasty. But how we get hold of that fiddle? Dallas told us he was heading for Fleas out will deliver Preston's note to the constable and wait in town for Jim.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hasty and Shadow delivered Sergeant Preston's note to Constable Terry and Freeze Out. The constable saddle two horses and left town immediately. He went directly to the meeting place. A short time later Sergeant Preston left to continue the search for Hunchbackman while the constable and Jim continued toward town.

[Jim Dallas]

What are my chances of finding a job as a violinist and Freeze Out? You've about the same chance as a snowball on the equator. But I have to find. Are you broke? I haven't a dime. My advice is pawn your fiddle at Ry Poly's pawn shop. Buy yourself a pan, a pick and shovel and do what all the other fiddlers have done. Who owns the pawn shop in Frieza? Ry Poly. I've been told he used to be a first rate musician. But then the Yukon's no place for anything but brass bands. Ry found out he couldn't make a living as a performer so he opened a hawk shop. Is he trustworthy? In my opinion he's one of the finest men in town. Thanks for the information. I'll call on Rye Poly as soon as we reach Freeze.

[Sergeant Preston]

In town. Hasty and Shadow were watching from the porch of the hotel some distance away as Jim Dallas entered the pawn shop.

[Jim Dallas]

Mr. Poly, I'm Jim Dallas. How do you do? I want to borrow some money on this violin. But I want to be sure you'll not sell it or let anything happen to it. You see, this isn't an ordinary fiddle. I've seen lots of fiddles in my life. Young fella, have you ever seen a violin made by Joseph Del Jesu Guarnarius? A Guarnerius violin? No, I've never seen one. But I've read so much about them that I'd recognize one if I saw it. Not that I'll ever see one. I have one. You have? I don't believe it. Eguanerius. Ah, it couldn't be. I'll show it to you.

[Sergeant Preston]

Here it is.

[Jim Dallas]

Yes. Yes, it is the Guarnerius. The real thing. Where did you get it? It's been in my family for generations. My boy, my boy. Why in the world did you come to the Yukon with an instrument like this? Well, when dad died, I was alone. I came here because I thought people would pay real money to hear good music played on a fine instrument. I hope to be able to earn enough to go abroad to finish my musical education. I haven't been able to earn enough to buy a ticket home. That's why I'm here to borrow money. I decided to take Constable Terry's advice and try prospecting. All right, Jim. I'll lend you the money you need. And I promise you I'll take mighty good care of your violin. A granary is here in my shop.

[Sergeant Preston]

Jim concluded his business with Ripoli and left the pawn shop. Then he headed for the trading post to buy some supplies and a small outfit. His former companions, Hasty and Shadow, followed at a distance.

[Jim Dallas]

Hey, where's this fiddle, Hasty? He left it in the pawn shop. Then he hocked it to get cash. Hey, look. Trading post window. Yeah, Shanto. He's buying prospecting gear. Oh, he's going after gold. I told you. He must have been carrying a mapinette fiddle. Now I'm sure of it. Shall we follow him when he reached home? We'll watch for our chance and try to bushwhack him when no one will see us.

[Sergeant Preston]

When Jim left the trading post, he went directly to the hotel. The events of the day had nearly exhausted him. He rented a room and decided to rest for a while. He fell asleep at once. It was dark when he awakened. He dressed quickly and left the hotel, intending to go to a nearby restaurant for a light meal. He walked down the dark street, and as he passed an alley.

[Jim Dallas]

Let him have it. What the.

[Sergeant Preston]

A sharp blow on the head knocked Jim unconscious. As he lay motionless, Shadow gripped him beneath the arms and dragged him to the back of the alley. Then the two thieves began to search him.

[Jim Dallas]

Good thing we saw him coming. Hasty Tape is going to the hotel to get him. Did you find anything in his pockets? Only his wallet. What's in it? Let's see. Near as I can make out and the light come from that window, there's cash, pawn ticket and some identification. Is that all? That's all. What did you find? Nothing. Whatever was in that fiddle is still in it.

[Sergeant Preston]

Fiddles?

[Jim Dallas]

At Poly's pawn shop. Take his cash. We'll tie and gag him and leave him here where no one will find until morning. Then we'll go to that hock shop and get that fiddle.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll continue our adventure in just a moment.

[Andrew Rines (Host)]

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[Sergeant Preston]

Have the cut resistant gloves they need.

[Andrew Rines (Host)]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Jim Dallas]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Jim Dallas]

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[Sergeant Preston]

To fit our budget.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Sergeant Preston]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

Just a hop, skip and a click away.

[Jim Dallas]

And bought.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Sergeant Preston]

You know, the other morning at breakfast, I was just about to pour myself a heaping bowl full of Quaker puffed wheat or Quaker puffed rice when the strangest thing happened. I can't believe it yet there was a terrible pounding on the door. Well, I opened the door and in walked a giant fee fi fo fum. What do you want here? I'm looking for a rascal named Jack. Lives next to a beanstalk. Oh, Jack and the beanstalk. Oh, you had the wrong address. Fee fi fo fum. I'm hungry. What are you eating? Well, matter of fact, I was just trying to decide whether to eat Quaker popped rice or Quaker popped wheat. Never tasted them. Myself. Oh, you'd really go for these ready to serve breakfast cereals? Why? Well, they're so big like yourself, they're giant size. Because the choice sun ripened premium grains of wheat and rice are shot from guns.

[Jim Dallas]

What?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, they're exploded up to eight times normal size. Why don't you try something? Well, pour out three or four packages for me. With a giant appetite like yours, you can't beat crisp delicious Quaker puff rice and Quaker puffed wheat.

[Jim Dallas]

Yum.

[Sergeant Preston]

Come on, let's eat and say that's a good idea for you fellas and girls listening in. Treat yourself to delicious Quaker puffed rice and Quaker popped wheat. The breakfast cereals shot from guns. Now to continue. Neither Hasty or Shanto knew that Sergeant Preston was closing in on the man they called Boss Hunch. Sparkman had stopped beside the trail some distance north of Hasty's cabin. He was preparing a meal when the sergeant moved in from the moonlit darkness. Get your hands up. Sparkman. That's right, you're under arrest. That's for making a play for your gun. I'll bandage it after your handcuffed and search.

[Jim Dallas]

How'd you know where to find me?

[Sergeant Preston]

Been looking for you. I saw your campfire. I came closer to investigate and I recognized you. You know the rest. Watch him while I search him. King.

[Jim Dallas]

You call that dog King? You must be pressing.

[Sergeant Preston]

I am. Yeah, I've heard of you. That makes us even.

[Jim Dallas]

If you're looking for a sneak gun, you're wasting your time.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll make sure of that. What's this? Nothing that would mean anything to you. A map, eh?

[Jim Dallas]

What if it is?

[Sergeant Preston]

There's the town of Freeze out the river and an exit. A cabin on the river's edge. You wouldn't know that cabin. I passed it this afternoon. It was deserted.

[Jim Dallas]

Yeah, well that. Hey prisoner.

[Sergeant Preston]

If I was to show you where.

[Jim Dallas]

To find some of that mark money I haven't been able to spend with the law.

[Sergeant Preston]

Give me a break. I'll make no promises, Sparkman.

[Jim Dallas]

I'll take a chance. The loot's in that shack on the.

[Sergeant Preston]

River where it's marked on the map. We'll go there and get it. That suits me in freeze out. Ry Poly was in the living quarters at the rear of his pawn shop. He sat at the table examining the beautiful old violin Jim and left with him. Suddenly he heard a noise in the shop. He put down the violin, went to a desk. Taking his pistol from a drawer, he moved to the door leading to the shop. He opened it cautiously. Hasty had anticipated discovery. He stood at one side of the door as Ripoli stepped into the shop. Hasty struck quickly. He brought the barrel of his gun down on the pawnbroker's head.

[Jim Dallas]

You get him, Hasty. Yeah, I'll take his gun. Hurry up and get that fiddle. There's one here on the counter.

[Sergeant Preston]

There.

[Jim Dallas]

An empty fiddle case. That must be the one we want. Shake it. See if anything's inside. There's a paper of some kind in here.

[Sergeant Preston]

Ripoli had been stunned by the blow on the head. He was slowly regaining consciousness. He heard voices and lay still.

[Jim Dallas]

At last we have Jim Dallas's fiddle. Put it into the case. We'll take it with us to my cabin. We might have trouble finding your place in the dark. All we do is head north along Silver River Trail. My shack's the first one you'll see on the right. Only about two miles from here. Then we can't miss it. Hey, what will you do about Poly? Leave him right where he is. It'll be a long time before he's able to walk. Come on, let's go. Ah.

[Sergeant Preston]

As Ripoli struggled to his feet, it never occurred to him to look on the table in his living quarters for Jim's violin. Having overheard the conversation, he believed that Hastie and Chateau had found the Guarus while he was unconscious. Frantic over the loss of the prized instrument, he hurried toward the door and shouted.

[Jim Dallas]

Constable. Constable. Constable.

[Sergeant Preston]

Meanwhile, Jim Dallas had managed to free himself of the ropes that had bound him. He took the gag from his mouth and was heading for Constable Terry's office to report what had happened when he met Rye Poley. Ry was holding his hand to his throbbing temple.

[Jim Dallas]

Mr. Polly. Tim. Something terrible has happened. Two men came to my place and stole your violin. What? Yes, they hit me on the head. I came to and I heard them talking. I'm on my way with a constable. Oh, my head. What did they look like, Mr. Pulley? I couldn't see their faces, but they called each other Hasty. Enchanto. Hasty. Enchanto. Yes. Yes. They said they'd take the river trail north. They'll stop at the first cabin they come to on the right side of the trail, about two miles from here. And from what I heard, I think the man named Hasty owns the place. I'll follow them. But you better hurry, Jim. I'll need a horse. Mine is in the stable next to the shop. Take it, Jim, and don't waste a minute. Thanks, Mr. Foley. I'll go for the constable.

[Sergeant Preston]

Jim quickly saddled Ripoli's big Black horse and left town.

[Jim Dallas]

Get up.

[Sergeant Preston]

Get up there. The moonlight was bright enough to light the trail dimly. Jim rode hard in an effort to overtake the two men, but they were traveling fast. They reached the cabin at the river's edge, a short time ahead of him. Leaving their horses ground hitch, they hurried inside. Hasty lit an oil lamp, then Shadow opened the violin case.

[Jim Dallas]

Hasty, it'll be some job to get that paper out of this fiddle. Always time trying to fish it out. Break the fiddle across your knee. All right. There it is. Shadow. A piece of cardboard fell out. It is right knife. Yeah, I'll get it. I. What's it say? It's a pawn ticket from Chicago. But there's gotta be something else. Yeah. We'll examine the pieces to make sure we didn't miss anything.

[Sergeant Preston]

A short time later, Jim Dallas saw the lighted cabin through the trees ahead.

[Jim Dallas]

Ho.

[Sergeant Preston]

Ho there.

[Jim Dallas]

Ho. He's in.

[Sergeant Preston]

Get the ground running and open the cabin door without knocking.

[Jim Dallas]

Shadow. Hasty, you've smashed. You smashed my violin. Looking for your map, Dallas? Now that you're here, where is it? My violin? Broken beyond repair. You know, you had something mighty valuable hidden inside it. But when we slugged you in Searcher, you didn't have it on you. You're the ones who robbed me. Yeah, that's right. I word you hide the paper you took from the violin. There was nothing in the violin. And why were you so anxious to have it from the rapids, huh? You keep him covered, Hastings. Yeah, right. Search him. What did you take out of that fiddle, Dallas? Nothing. You're letting it. Don't hit him, Shadow. We want him to talk. There was nothing in the violin. The instrument itself that was valuable. Don't try to fool us, Jim.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's the truth.

[Jim Dallas]

That violin was worth a fortune, huh? Why, it was made over 150 years ago by a man named Guarnerius.

[Sergeant Preston]

Can never be replaced.

[Jim Dallas]

Priceless. Hey, St. Did you hear that? I heard it. We had a fortune in our hands. And we, for all the blasted luck, too late now to do anything about it. How'd you know we had the fiddle? Ripoli told me. Poly will tell the constable that Mountie may come here. We better clear out. We can't. We have to wait for hunch. Well, we got to put ropes on Dallas. Throw him on the bunk and blow out the lamp. I'll stay here while you get the horses out of sight. If the constable shows up, we'll be ready for him.

[Sergeant Preston]

Twenty minutes later, the waiting outlaws heard hoofs approaching. Hastie listened For a moment.

[Jim Dallas]

Then, said Shannon, those horses aren't coming from town. Maybe it's Hunch. If it is, he has someone with him. We'll wait till those riders come into view along the trail. I see him now. It's Hunch. Hey, he's handcuffed. There's a Mountie with him. It looks like Preston. It is Preston. I told you he was looking for Hunch. Well, he got him. Now they're coming here. We let Preston have it. I'll wait till they're inside. We'll have the drop on that Mountie, and we'll see what Hunch wants us to do.

[Sergeant Preston]

The two outlaws waited tensely between the door and window as Sergeant Preston approached the cabin. Jim Dallas had managed to free his feet. He was making a desperate effort to free his hands to help the Molly. But he knew there wasn't time enough for that. When he heard Hasty say, they'll be.

[Jim Dallas]

Inside in a minute, Shanto.

[Sergeant Preston]

Jim swung his feet to the floor and shouted a warning.

[Jim Dallas]

Sergeant Preston. Hey. What? There are two of them in here waiting for. Are you dirty? Get Preston, Shadow. I'll take care of Dallas. I can't see the Mountie. He's hugging the side of the cabin. I'll get Dallas.

[Sergeant Preston]

The door burst open and Preston rushed into the cabin with his gun drawn. Hasty fired at Jim Dallas. The open door startled the outlaw. His shot went wild. The mount. He saw Shadow whirl from the window to face him. Sergeant's gun went into action a split second before shadows. Shadow was hit. Hasty turned from Jim Dallas to cover Preston.

[Jim Dallas]

Get your hands up, Mountie.

[Sergeant Preston]

But Jim managed to throw his weight against the feet, knocking him off balance. Hasty second shot went wild. Good work, Jim. Drop your gun, Hasty. Your partner's out of the fight. Hasting. I told you to drop your gun.

[Jim Dallas]

All right, all right. Don't shoot me. Oh, my shoulder.

[Sergeant Preston]

You hit me in the shoulder, Jim.

[Jim Dallas]

Right here, Sergeant. My hands are tied.

[Sergeant Preston]

Come over here where I can see you and I'll cut those ropes. That's better. There. I'll light a lamp.

[Jim Dallas]

Right.

[Sergeant Preston]

You two stay where you are. There's enough light coming through that window in the open door to make you perfect targets.

[Jim Dallas]

There you are, Sergeant. Now we'll have plenty of light.

[Sergeant Preston]

Good. Pick up those guns, Jim. Keep these two covered while I go outside for their boss.

[Jim Dallas]

It'll be a pleasure.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right, Sparkman, come inside. Good work, King. You did a fine job guarding our prisoner.

[Jim Dallas]

You mean my boy? He didn't get you?

[Sergeant Preston]

Unfortunately for you, they didn't what's wrong with you two?

[Jim Dallas]

I led Preston here like a lamb.

[Sergeant Preston]

To slaughter, and you muff your chance to get him.

[Jim Dallas]

Oh, my shoulder. He put a bullet in my shoulder. Two against one, and you couldn't take him. Who's this? My name's Dallas. Jim Dallas.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm glad you were here, Jim.

[Jim Dallas]

You're the one who scented that hornet. That's right.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm grateful to you, Jim.

[Jim Dallas]

But what brought you here? I came to try to stop those two from smashing my violin.

[Sergeant Preston]

Your violin?

[Jim Dallas]

They stole it. I. I got here too late.

[Sergeant Preston]

One. Sorry.

[Jim Dallas]

Yes. Oh, my.

[Sergeant Preston]

Jim. You've earned a reward. Several banks and a mining syndicate have offered rewards for the capture of Sparkman and his gang.

[Jim Dallas]

Couple of hours ago. I'd have been glad to hear that. Wanted money to go abroad to study. But without my violins.

[Sergeant Preston]

There are other violins.

[Jim Dallas]

There'll never be another like that. Sergeant Preston. They admitted to me that they knocked me out earlier tonight and stole my money. They probably have the cash in their pockets.

[Sergeant Preston]

Get it.

[Jim Dallas]

It's in my pocket. Take it, Dallas. But please, Preston, do something about my shoulders.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll bandage it for you. I must search this place for hidden loot. When we reach town, the doctor will examine your wound.

[Jim Dallas]

I found my money. It was in Shando's pocket. I thought I heard your voice in here. What you got?

[Sergeant Preston]

Sparkman and his gang. Thanks to Jim Dallas.

[Jim Dallas]

Jim? I came here to get the men who broke into Police pawnshop. There they are, Constable.

[Sergeant Preston]

They'll be tried for more than the theft of Jim's violin.

[Jim Dallas]

But they didn't steal Jim's violin.

[Sergeant Preston]

What did you say?

[Jim Dallas]

The doctor and I took Rye back to the pawn shop to bandage his head and put him to bed. When we got there, we found Jim's violin on the table where Rye had left it. Those crooks took one from the front of the shop, Constable. Are you sure of that? You'll see for yourself when we get back to town. Jim Rye said if he hadn't been so anxious to report the robbery, he'd have taken time to look around. He didn't know the true facts till we got back to his place. Then my violin Safe.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's great news. Yes, it is, Jim.

[Jim Dallas]

What's this talk about a violin? We thought by stealing it, we'd be able to cut you in on something worthwhile, Boss. Instead of that, we got the wrong fiddle and cut ourselves in on a trip to jail.

[Sergeant Preston]

You're right, Hastings. This case is closed. Sergeant Preston will return in just a moment. With a word about our next exciting adventure.

[Jim Dallas]

I'm here on a job site with.

[Sergeant Preston]

Tim, who owns his own electrical contracting business. Three employees and two work trucks. Tim traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance. We're positively here where he needs us most.

[Jim Dallas]

They sure are.

[Sergeant Preston]

With step by step help on all his insurance needs. All for shockingly low rates.

[Jim Dallas]

Shockingly low, huh?

[Sergeant Preston]

Just a little bit of electrician humor.

[Jim Dallas]

Do you get it?

[Andrew Rines (Host)]

I got it.

[Sergeant Preston]

You know, it feels like we have a real connection.

[Jim Dallas]

All right, I'll stop.

[Sergeant Preston]

Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save. It feels good to Geico.

[Andrew Rines (Host)]

Back in the old west, folks didn't run to the pharmacy every time trouble hit. They relied on the know how and natural remedies. Kind of like how Tonto always seems to have a special mixture ready for whatever came next. If you want to learn how to do that today, check out the Beginner's Guide to Herbal Remedies. Easy steps for teas, tinctures and salves. Even if you've never tried herbs before, visit otrwesterns.comherbs to learn more. Again, OTR Westerns.

[Sergeant Preston]

Tasting. 1, 2, 3. Tasting. Yes, tasting is the test that makes Quaker Puff Rice and Quaker Puffed Wheat the favorite breakfast cereal of the whole family. You fellas and girls go for the puff to perfection. Goodness of the one shot from Guns. The extra crisp taste safeguarded by the sealed inner lining of the package. Dad and mom like the toasty nut like flavor of the good natural grain. The sun ripened flavor that old mother nature puts into it. These premium grains are never coated with factory sweetening. After all, some of the family like their cereal not so sweet, while others like it ever so sweet. And here's the beauty of Quaker Puffed Rice and Quaker Puffed Wheat. The whole family can sweeten them with sugar to suit themselves. And say fellas, and girls, the latest bulletin says it's coming, coming next Thursday. A terrific, amazing offer on this program. If you like camping, hikes, cooking outdoors like gold prospectors. Listen Thursday, don't miss this program. And now, here is Sergeant Preston. Sergeant Preston reporting for duty.

[Jim Dallas]

Inspector Sergeant, A sourdough named Scotty Digby has been murdered. He was carrying $1,200 at the time.

[Sergeant Preston]

I knew Scotty, sir. He had a trap line in partnership with a young French chap named Andre.

[Jim Dallas]

Well, it said that they had an argument and Andre threatened Digby. Get Andre and bring him in for questioning. I'll not be satisfied until you catch the killer with sufficient proof to hang him.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll do my best, sir. In his efforts to get proof against Digby's killer, Sergeant Preston little knows the unusual turn of events that will cause him to face the killer's gun. Be sure to hear this next exciting adventure. These radio dramas, a feature of Sergeant Preston of the Yukon Incorporated, are created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated, directed by Fred Flowerday and supervised by Charles D. Livingston. The part of Sergeant Preston is played by Paul Sutton. Sergeant Preston of the Yukon is brought to you every Tuesday and Thursday at this same time on Thursday by Quaker Puff Wheat and Quaker Puff Rice, the breakfast cereal shot from gun. 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, Hope I, 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 grocers you get a sample Indian trading card 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 PAK 010 package. Mail to Indian cards, box 71 2. I'll repeat that. Box 71 2. Chicago 77, Illinois. This is J. Michael wishing you goodbye, good luck and good health from Quaker Popped Wheat and Quaker Puffed 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 crust. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[Jim Dallas]

Sam. Foreign.

[Andrew Rines (Host)]

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.

[Jim Dallas]

Sam.