Thanksgiving in the Wilderness | Challenge of the Yukon (11-28-46)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast
Episode Summary: "Thanksgiving in the Wilderness | Challenge of the Yukon (11-28-46)"
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: November 28, 2024

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Introduction

In the "Thanksgiving in the Wilderness | Challenge of the Yukon" episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rines transports listeners to the rugged terrains of the Yukon during the harsh winter months. This episode, lovingly restored and enhanced for modern audiences, delves into themes of trust, community, and survival against the unforgiving elements of the Wild West.

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Main Plot Summary

Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police is the central figure navigating the challenges of maintaining law and order in the Yukon. Accompanied by his loyal lead dog, King, Sergeants Preston embodies the steadfast determination required to uphold justice in a land rife with greed and violence.

The story unfolds as Sergeant Preston enjoys a hearty Thanksgiving meal at Father McLean's cabin in Dawson. The camaraderie between the sergeant and the priest underscores the tight-knit nature of the isolated community. However, the tranquility is soon disrupted by tales of Father Haley, a beloved priest who has mysteriously vanished with the church's funds.

Andrew Rines narrates the unfolding drama as Sergeant Preston recounts his previous interactions with Father Haley and his sudden absence. The sergeant's initial distrust of Butch Harvey, a newcomer to town, transforms as he learns of Butch's genuine efforts to raise funds for the new church. Despite their rocky start, Preston begins to see Butch in a new light, believing his actions may be an attempt to prove his worth to the community.

Tragedy strikes when Butch and his partner, Ben, commit a heinous act by abducting Father Haley and absconding with the church funds. The betrayal shocks the town and leaves Father Haley stranded in the wilderness, relying on the loyalty of his dog, Shep, to survive.

Determined to rectify the situation, Sergeant Preston embarks on a perilous journey to rescue Father Haley. He meticulously follows Shep's tracks, showcasing his unwavering commitment to justice and his deep bond with his canine companion. The search culminates in a heartwarming reunion by the base of a towering mountain, where Father Haley expresses profound gratitude amidst the serene winter landscape.

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Key Discussions and Conflicts

The episode masterfully explores the internal and external conflicts faced by the characters:

• Trust vs. Suspicion: Sergeant Preston's initial distrust of Butch evolves as he recognizes the latter's genuine intentions. This dynamic highlights the complexities of judgment and the pitfalls of preconceived notions. As Preston reflects, "I've been wrong about a lot of men, Father. My judgment isn't always right" (07:47).

• Betrayal and Redemption: The betrayal by Butch and Ben serves as a pivotal moment, testing the resilience of the community and the moral fortitude of Sergeant Preston. The subsequent redemption arc emphasizes themes of forgiveness and the relentless pursuit of justice.

• Survival and Loyalty: Shep's unwavering loyalty to Father Haley amidst dire circumstances underscores the deep bond between humans and their animal companions. The dog's perseverance becomes a beacon of hope and a testament to survival instincts.

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Insights and Character Development

• Sergeant Preston: Portrayed as a paragon of duty and integrity, Sergeant Preston's character development is central to the narrative. His ability to reassess his judgments and adapt showcases his depth and humanity. His dedication is evident when he states, "I'll telegraph his and Ben's description to the border. They're headed for Eagle City" (14:01), demonstrating his proactive approach to law enforcement.

• Father Haley: A symbol of faith and community spirit, Father Haley's disappearance and subsequent rescue highlight the vulnerability of those who serve as moral anchors in society. His gratitude during the rescue scene reflects his unwavering faith and goodness.

• Butch and Ben: Initially perceived as antagonists, Butch and Ben's actions introduce complexity to the narrative. Their motives, though initially selfish, reveal layers of desperation and misguided attempts at validation within the community.

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Notable Quotes

• Sergeant Preston:
  "I've been wrong about a lot of men, Father. My judgment isn't always right." (07:47)

• Father Haley:
  "I thank the Lord for sending Shep to me. Please grant me the faith and courage that is His and help me to follow Thee with an equal love and trust." (15:06)

• Butch:
  "Don't put the box away." (09:16)
  "Here's the box. Take it out of the sledge. Come on, Father, before I get nervous." (09:35)

• Sergeant Preston:
  "But there's plenty to be thankful for." (14:18)
  "It's one I'll never forget." (14:35)

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Conclusion

"Thanksgiving in the Wilderness | Challenge of the Yukon" is a compelling episode that intricately weaves themes of trust, community, and resilience against a backdrop of the untamed Wild West. Through meticulous storytelling and rich character development, Sergeant Preston's journey encapsulates the essence of heroism and the enduring human spirit.

Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for the complexities of human relationships and the unwavering drive to uphold justice, making this episode a standout in the Old Time Radio Westerns series.

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Additional Information

For those who haven't experienced the "Challenge of the Yukon," this episode offers a captivating glimpse into classic Western narratives, enhanced by modern digital restoration. Andrew Rines invites all listeners to immerse themselves in these timeless tales, bringing the golden age of radio back to life with unparalleled audio quality.

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Note: This summary excludes advertisements, introductions, and outros to focus solely on the episode's content and narrative.

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 absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

The Challenge of the Yukon the Wonder Dog King, swift distance longest of Eskimo lead dogs, blazes the trail through storm and snow for Sergeant Preston as he meets the Challenge of the Yukon. Sergeant Preston was typical of the small band of Northwest Mounted Police who preserved law and order in the new Northwest country where the greed for wealth and power led to frequent violence and bloodshed. But in spite of the odds against them, Sergeant Preston and his Wonder dog King met that challenge and justice ruled triumphant.

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[Narrator]

Get more with Geico Sergeant Preston stretched his feet toward the fireplace in Father McLean's cabin in Dawson King. His big lead dog lay down close beside him and watched the flickering flames through half closed eyes. Father McLean eased his portly figure into the chair.

[Father]

Giving is no excuse for eating as much as I did today. That dinner was too much Of a temptation.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, it was a wonderful meal, Father. That cook of yours is a prize. I feel like I'd swallow the whole deer.

[Father]

It's a good thing Thanksgiving Day comes but once a year.

[Sergeant Preston]

You were awfully nice to let me share your dinner with your father. It's not often I got food like that.

[Father]

The people in my church are very thoughtful of me. On holidays they bring food that one doesn't expect to get way up here in the north country.

[Sergeant Preston]

You know, Father, two years ago I had dinner with another priest on Thanksgiving. Nothing like this one, though. His congregation was very bitter about him at the time.

[Father]

Bitter? Had he done something wrong?

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, they thought so. Rather a long story, Father.

[Father]

Well, what could be better than a story? Sitting here before the fire after dinner.

[Sergeant Preston]

The priest was Father Haley. He left this part of the country before you arrived. He's the one who started the mission in Dawson.

[Father]

Oh, yes, I've heard of him.

[Sergeant Preston]

It was before they built the churches there. Now, at the time, Father Haley was busy raising funds for it. He was a lovable old man. Big fellow with twinkling blue eyes and a good sense of humor. Very fond of dogs, too. King's a big favorite of his. I'd been on a patrol north and was coming back to Dawson, out 10 miles from town. I was mushing along the trail, and suddenly I heard a dog. Stay here, King. I'll see what's happening. Well, fellow, what's wrong? Oh. Oh, poor fellow. You stuck your foot right on my sled. Dr. Dawson. He was a gentle dog, Father. Part setter and part shepherd. We never found out who owned him. Father Haley's cabin was on the trail near the outskirts of town. It was evening when I reached it. Father Haley held the door open while I carried the dog in.

[Father Haley]

See him over there by the fire, Sergeant? I'll bring him lamps so we can have a look at him.

[Sergeant Preston]

Lie down here, fella. That's it. Well, you got that image off, didn't you?

[Ben]

Yeah.

[Father Haley]

Now we can see. Well, he's licked it nice and clean, hasn't he?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. I guess he can take care of it better than we can. I'm afraid he's going to lose one or two toes, though.

[Father Haley]

Well, I guess there's nothing more we can do for him except feed him.

[Sergeant Preston]

It'll heal up all right, Father, if he stays off it a while.

[Father Haley]

You're going to leave him here with me, aren't you?

[Sergeant Preston]

Why, that'll be fine if you want him. I have to leave town again tomorrow.

[Father Haley]

I'd be glad to have him. He's a nice dog if he is. Owner doesn't show up, I'll keep him permanently.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, Shafte, you're a lucky dog.

[Father Haley]

He's wagging his tail. Maybe that's his name.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's as good a name as any.

[Father Haley]

I'll call him that. He seems to like it. Now, let me warm up a cup of tea.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, no, don't bother, Father Haley. You have enough to do taking care of chef. Anyway. I'd better get into town.

[Father Haley]

You say you're going away again tomorrow?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, I'll be away quite a few weeks.

[Father Haley]

I think I wanted you have Thanksgiving dinner with me, Sergeant. You think you'll be back by then? It's three weeks off.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, that's nice of your father. I'll do my best to get back.

[Father Haley]

We've been raising funds to build a new church. And I hope to have enough by then to ward a special Thanksgiving celebration.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, that's encouraging. This town could certainly use the church. I'll try and get back for it. Now. I guess I'd better go. I have to make a few stops in town before bedtime.

[Butch]

Hello, Sergeant. Glad to see you.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hello, boys. How are you? You're just in time, sergeant.

[Butch]

We're taking up a contribution for the new church that Father Haley is planning to build.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, that's fine, boys. I didn't know you were interested in church.

[Butch]

Butch started it by giving a whole bag of gold.

[Ben]

Est Gold Nugget Bar is a funny place to be doing it, but I'm all for it.

[Butch]

Think maybe you won't fry quite so long, huh?

[Ben]

Pete, we're gonna need another hat. This one's full. Sergeant. You better take this money out to Father Haley.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sure, I'll be glad to.

[Butch]

I'll take it out if you're too busy.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, I'll be going past his house tomorrow. I can drop it off.

[Butch]

Ain't you staying in town for a while, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

Have to make another patrol, Ben. Be leaving tomorrow or the next day.

[Butch]

Well, there's the money.

[Father Haley]

Prison.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, this is heavy. A lot of money here.

[Ben]

That's not what he'll have in a week or two. This has just started going. The whole town's chipping.

[Sergeant Preston]

I left the gold at Father Haley's cabin. The next day. The collection had netted about $2,000. I was quite surprised that Butch Harvey had started such a thing. Butch was a newcomer in town, and I hadn't liked him from the first time we met.

[Father]

I see.

[Sergeant Preston]

There's nothing I could put my finger on Exactly.

[Father]

You Mounties must get quite good at judging men on site.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, I've been wrong about a lot of men, Father. My judgment isn't always right.

[Father]

We all make mistakes.

[Sergeant Preston]

I decided I'd been wrong about Butch. Maybe he was doing this to prove to the town that he was all right.

[Father]

And was he?

[Sergeant Preston]

No, Father. I left town the next day after leaving the money with Father Haley. My trip took me far south, and I wasn't around while the church fund built up. As I learned later, Butch and his partner Ben were very active getting collections, and the whole town contributed. Three days before Thanksgiving, Father Haley had raised over $15,000. He was putting some gold into the box that evening when Chef scratched on the door. Father Hay put his park on.

[Ben]

Well, you want to go after your work, Chef?

[Father Haley]

I've been so busy today, I didn't.

[Sergeant Preston]

Take you for your walk.

[Father Haley]

All right, boy, go on out. I'll put on my things right away. I'm coming, boy, as soon as I.

[Ben]

Put this box away.

[Father Haley]

There. That ought to be all right.

[Butch]

Good evening, Father Haley.

[Father Haley]

Hey, but I'm sorry I didn't hear your knock.

[Ben]

Hello, Ben. Hello, Father.

[Father Haley]

Sit down, boys. I was just going for a walk with Shep. Wait till I put this box in.

[Butch]

Don't put the box away.

[Father Haley]

Did you bring another contribution?

[Butch]

Not exactly, Father. This time you're doing the contributing.

[Father Haley]

What do you mean?

[Butch]

Get the box, Ben. Sure, but you.

[Father Haley]

You don't mean you're taking the church fund?

[Butch]

That's not all we're taking. You're coming with us.

[Sergeant Preston]

What?

[Butch]

Here's the box. Take it out of the sledge. Come on, Father, before I get nervous.

[Sergeant Preston]

And pull this trigger.

[Butch]

Don't keep me late.

[Sergeant Preston]

Father Haley went with them out into the dark. They tied him to the sled and drove off. Nobody noticed old Shep the dog watched the sled disappear and limped after it. The team out distanced him quickly, but he kept on through the night, following the scent.

[Father]

Did they intend to murder Father Haley?

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, Butch would have, but Ben wouldn't agree with him. They argued about it.

[Butch]

You're crazy, Ben. He can find his way back, I tell you. It's getting light and he can see the trail. We're gonna turn off the trail, ain't we? But he can see landmarks. He can follow our tracks back, too. What's wrong with taking these glasses away from him? He can't see without them. I tell you, I won't murder a priest. Who? Who? You ask each other. All right, we turn off here and head for the Mountains. I'll take his glasses off. We'll lose him in the hills. I don't see the difference. You'll die of starvation or freeze to death.

[Sergeant Preston]

I got back to town the following day. The weather had been clear and I made a special effort to spend Thanksgiving with Father Haley.

[Father]

Had anyone discovered he was gone?

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, yes. The whole town was in enough roar. Some of the people thought Father Haley had run off with the money. Pete D'Arcy met me just as I came into town. Very excited.

[Ben]

Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant Preston. Hello, you husband. What's wrong, Pete?

[Ben]

Well, I'm sure glad you got back, Sergeant. Father Haley has disappeared with all the church money.

[Sergeant Preston]

Disappeared? When?

[Ben]

Day before yesterday. People think maybe he run off with it. Maybe he wasn't a priest at all.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's ridiculous, Pete. He'd never go away unless someone forced him to. Were there any tracks around?

[Ben]

Well, lots of people have been in and out to see him. He lives near the trail. That's well used.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, I know.

[Ben]

Sounds pretty mad about it. Everybody's giving lots of money to that fun.

[Sergeant Preston]

Come along, Pete. We'll go to his cabin now and look it over.

[Ben]

You see, Sergeant, his park is gone, his fire's out and the money's gone.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. I wonder what became of Shep.

[Ben]

Shep?

[Sergeant Preston]

The dog he had. He certainly wouldn't try to travel. The lame dog.

[Ben]

Nobody thought about the dog. He ain't had him very long.

[Sergeant Preston]

Come on outside, Pete. We can still find Shep's tracks.

[Ben]

Your own dog has made tracks all over Hero chefs.

[Sergeant Preston]

You see that front foot?

[Ben]

Yeah. He's lame. Doesn't put much weight on it. And it's crooked.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hey, King. These tracks, boy, can you find him?

[Ben]

Afraid the trail is cold by this time, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, it hasn't snowed for two days. These tracks lead away from town. You'd probably pick them up, but the snow hasn't been trampled. I'm going to try it, Pete.

[Ben]

You want me to come with you, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

Why, no. I'll go alone. I'll take what supplies I can find in Father Haley's cabin. Here. Can't stop for more. Maybe a long trip. I was tired, but we kept going. After a while, the trail of the dog was easier to follow. Shep's foot had started to bleed where the snow and ice had broken open the freshly healed cut.

[Father]

You mean that dog kept right on going in spite of it.

[Sergeant Preston]

He'd become very fond of Father Haley. When the tracks turned off the trail, it was easy to follow them. Shep by then was Going on three legs.

[Father]

When did you find Father Haley?

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, not until the next evening. Shepherd found him the night before. They were huddled together in a clump of spruce trees at the base of the mountain. Father Haley had no idea where he was. Here, Father. Put this blanket around you. I'm glad you built a fire.

[Father Haley]

He isn't much of a fire. I had some matches in the pocket of my pocket.

[Sergeant Preston]

Who did all this, Father?

[Butch]

What?

[Father Haley]

You did? Oh, he'd gone off with the Gould. They took my glasses from me and I couldn't find enough wood. If Shep hadn't come out of frozen. We kept each other warm.

[Sergeant Preston]

I found her by following Shep's tracks. Yes.

[Narrator]

Poor fellow.

[Father Haley]

He dropped when he found me. He dragged himself to me. His poor foot all bloody. Feed him, first, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

I will, Father. Now you relax and to worry about the church funds. I'll telegraph which and Ben's description to the border. They're headed for Eagle City. And now I'll get some food ready.

[Father Haley]

It's. It's not the Thanksgiving dinner we had planned, is it, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

No, it isn't, Father. But there's plenty to be thankful for.

[Father]

Were the two thieves Butch and Ben caught.

[Sergeant Preston]

They were caught at the border by one of our men. Most of the money was returned, as Father Haley said.

[Father]

That must have been a rather slim Thanksgiving dinner you had that night.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, twas, Father. But it's one I'll never forget. We sat at the base of the towering mountain. The moon glistened on the snow and it was deathly still. Father Haley sat beside the flickering fight in his lap. He hadn't eaten for two days. But when I put his food in front of him, he didn't eat at once. He bowed his head and gave thanks. It wasn't a short prayer, and as he ended it, I thought a lump of mine.

[Father Haley]

I thank the Lord for sending ship to me. Please grant me the faith and courage that is his and help me to follow Thee with an equal love and trust.

[Narrator]

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How do you feel when you switch to GEICO and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says happy Fri. Yay. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes, Happy Friday, random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with GEICO feels just like that.

[Narrator]

Get more with GEICO these copyrighted dramas originate in the studios of WXYZ Detroit and all characters, names, places and incidents used are fictitious. They are sent to you each week at this same time. This is Larry McCann speaking.

[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 the following ranch hand, Steve 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 copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Sharelike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.