
Original Air Date: November 11, 1951Host: Andrew RhynesShow: Challenge of the YukonPhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• Paul Sutton (Sgt. Preston) Writer:• Fran Striker Producer:• George W. Trendle Director:• Fred Flowerday Exit music from: Roundup o...
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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
Sergeant Preston of the Yukon Gold. Gold discovered in the Yukon, back to the days of the Gold Rush and the adventures of Sergeant Preston and his wonder dog, Yukon King, as they meet the challenge of the Yukon in their relentless pursuit of Lawbreaker, the Quaker Oats Company, makers of Quaker Pop Wheat and Quaker Pop Rice. The delicious cereal shot from Guns and the Mutual Broadcasting System presents by special recording Sergeant Preston of the Yukon. Our adventure will begin in just a moment.
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Johnny Lake
At first, Johnny Lake thought it was the storm that had wakened him. But then he realized it was someone knocking on the door of the cabin.
John Smith
Just a second.
Johnny Lake
He rolled out of his blanket, rose to his feet and hobbled painfully to the door.
John Smith
Will you put me up for the night, mister? Sure. Come on in. Boy, the storm's getting worse. Yeah.
Johnny Lake
You can't see your hand in front of your face.
John Smith
There's some wood beside the stove. Want to cross in a few more chunks? Yeah. You. You live here? No. Look around. No furniture. Nobody lives here.
Johnny Lake
Taking shelter from the storm, huh?
John Smith
Yeah. How? What's the matter with your leg? I cleaned my ankle this afternoon. My partner went into self choke to see if he could hire a dog team in a sled. He was gonna come back and pick me up, but then the blizzard started. I don't expect him before morning now.
Johnny Lake
Heading north.
John Smith
Yeah. Dawson. The Klondike. I'm Johnny Lee.
Johnny Lake
My name's John, too. John Smith.
John Smith
Howdy. You don't have any blankets.
Johnny Lake
No. I expected to make spell turkey night myself.
John Smith
Well, I can spare a couple. Mike left me his. Here.
Johnny Lake
Thanks a lot.
John Smith
The stove works well, so we're not freezing.
Johnny Lake
Stretch out on the.
John Smith
Yeah. See you in the morning. Yep.
Johnny Lake
Johnny went to sleep once more. But an hour later, he wakened. The man who called himself John Smith was preparing to leave the cabin, and Johnny's knapsack was flung over his shoulder.
John Smith
Hey. Where do you think you're going? I'm on my way. Put on that nap tag. Try and make me. I have a gun here. That'll make it.
Narrator
I have a gun too.
Johnny Lake
Mr. Thief fired first. And his bullet plowed a furrow and Johnny's scalp. But Johnny's bullet traveled straight to the heart. The man who called himself John Smith dropped to the floor. Johnny Lake never saw it happen. He had fallen back on his blanket, unconscious. Another hour passed before Nick Garvin and Matt Bags stopped their team in front of the cabin.
John Smith
We're in luck. Somebody's inside. Smoke coming from the stove pipe a no sense in unharnessing. The dogs can burrow in the snow right where they are. Come on, let's get inside. Look. Door is open a little. We don't have to bother. Nothing inside the door stuck.
Nick Garvin
We'll push.
John Smith
Okay. Mother was holding the door. Well. She did. Yeah. Shock to the heart. There's another one over here by the stove. She's been shot, too. Oh, here's a lens. Looks like the fight ended in a draw. No, this one's still alive. Recognize him? Never saw him before. A youngster. You know, the dead man by the door. Huh? It's Jake Hunter. You're right. He killed the man up in Dawson, you know. Yeah, I heard they were looking for him. What's this map? There's a name stenciled on a non lake. Now we have the whole story. Jake tries to steal the young guy's knapsack and they shoot it out. Only this time it's curtains for Jake instead of the other fellow. Maybe we should bandage up the kid's head. Wait a minute. Let's see what's in the knapsack first. Okay. That's a small poke of gold. About $200. Well, we can use it. What's this? It looks like a bank book. It is. Northwest bank in Skagway. Wow. But the balance is over 25,000. He could be worth more to us alive than dead. Let's see what we can do for him and for ourselves.
Johnny Lake
Johnny couldn't remember where he was. Worse than that, he couldn't seem to remember anything. A bearded man wearing the rough clothes of a prospector walked toward him, holding out a cup.
John Smith
Let us take a drink with it.
Johnny Lake
There was another man standing beside the stove, watching him closely.
John Smith
Who are you? I'm that big. That's Nick Garvin. Lucky thing we stopped in here last night. You saved your life, missy. Did you? Don't you remember anything about what happened? No. You called me Johnny. Good. That's your name, isn't it? I don't know. Huh? Hey, let me handle it. I try to care. Oh, my head. A head wound. He may have lost his memory. I don't seem to remember anything. Here's her notebook. And a pencil. Write your name. My name? Oh, yeah. Johnny. John. What's the rest of it? Right. John Lake. Sure. There you are with the signatures. Right?
Nick Garvin
Yes.
John Smith
I'm John Lake. He's going to blame. I said leave it to me. Johnny. You're in trouble, huh? Oh, what? What sort of trouble? I know something's wrong with my head. You killed a man last night.
Nick Garvin
What?
John Smith
Oh, no. He's over there in the corner. Underneath that blanket. But how? Why? His name's Jake Hunter. A man that's well known in Dawson. He was still alive when we got here. And he told us all about your fight. Fight? Jake wanted to spend the night in this cabin. For some reason or other, you didn't want him to. You pulled a gun on him. You shot him. He fired back. But you only got a scalp wound out of him. Why should I object to his spinning the knife? We don't know what your reasons were. But the fact is you murdered a man. Well, they'll hang. If you're ever caught, I'll have to give myself up. Do you want to hang?
Johnny Lake
No.
John Smith
Then listen. Matt and I need money. We're willing to help you if you'll pay off. Do I have any money? Not much. On you. About $200 in this quote. But you have over 25,000 on deposit in Skagway. Now I remember you. You do? Just the name Skagway. I was there, wasn't I? Coming back, I doubt. Remember anything else, Johnny? About yourself? No. No. Destiny. The Yukon, Dawson, Klondike. Well, that's where you are. In the Yukon Territory. On the trail to Dawson and the Klondike. My head didn't hurt. Johnny. You've got to get out of the Yukon Territory or you'll hang for murder.
Narrator
We'll continue our adventure in just a moment.
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Johnny Lake
Hurry.
Narrator
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Johnny Lake
In Selkirk, Mike Dennis, Johnny's partner, had met Sergeant Preston and the sergeant had agreed to drive out and pick up Johnny. They left the town as soon as it was light and reached the cabin about 10 o'clock. I wonder what's the matter with the king, sergeant. What's he growling about?
Nick Garvin
Something inside the cabin he doesn't like.
John Smith
Oh, but there's only Johnny.
Nick Garvin
Stand aside while I open the door.
John Smith
I don't see anyone.
Johnny Lake
Johnny King, who had been working as a loose lead, trotted ahead of his master into the cabin and straight to the corner where the dead man lay covered by a blanket. Sergeant pulled it back.
Nick Garvin
Danny, this isn't your partner. The man called Jake Hunter, wanted for murder. Dead or alive.
Johnny Lake
He's dead.
Nick Garvin
Yes. The Crown's been spared the expense of the trial.
John Smith
What could have happened here? Where's Johnny? He couldn't have walked far, Sergeant, not on that angle.
Nick Garvin
It didn't hurt for Selkirk or we'd have met him on the trail.
John Smith
Could he have shot this man?
Nick Garvin
Seems likely, doesn't it? If he did, it was probably in self defense. Jake was a cold blooded killer.
John Smith
There might have been other people who took shot of here last night.
Nick Garvin
Also possible. I'll take a look outside.
John Smith
No Will have covered up any tracks.
Nick Garvin
Still, there may be something. Yes, Mike, But I don't see anything close to the cabin here as hollows in the snow drift. No, they're too regularly spaced. Six of them, six dogs. Those hollows are where they burrowed in the snow.
John Smith
And someone with a dog team was here. And Johnny must have left with. But why would Johnny go anywhere when he knew I'd be coming back here?
Nick Garvin
We'll find that out. We learn what happened last night.
John Smith
How, sir?
Nick Garvin
Find Johnny. Find whoever else is here.
John Smith
Well, there are no tracks.
Nick Garvin
King can pick up the scent of the team from where they burrowed. Follow the dogs and we'll find them in. Give me a hand with the cage.
Johnny Lake
With any luck, the sergeant and Mike might have caught up with Garvin, Beggs and Johnny the first day, but they met with many delays. It took them four days to reach Whitehorse. But along the route they had learned that Johnny was traveling with two men and they obtained descriptions of them. At Whitehorse, Jake Hunter's body was left at the Northwest Mounted Post and the sergeant and Mike pushed on to White Pass. There they learned that Johnny, Garvin and Beggs had crossed the border the previous afternoon. The sergeant asked for permission to continue on into American territory.
John Smith
Course, Sergeant. Even though Hunter was wanted for murder, the details of the shooting must be cleared up. But there's no way that you can force these men that you've been following to answer your questions, Ms. Cagway.
Nick Garvin
There's a United States Marshal there now, sir. Lorraine. For them to be sent back. If we can find them.
John Smith
But you're not in uniform.
Nick Garvin
No, sir. These clothes are better suited to the trail this time of year.
John Smith
I realize, Sergeant, but I was only thinking of how you'd identify yourself as a marshal. Oh, I better give you a letter.
Nick Garvin
Well, that'll be fine, sir.
John Smith
You may start at once.
Nick Garvin
Thank you, Inspector.
Johnny Lake
Though the sergeant and Mike headed down the trail to the boom town of Skagway, the port which had become famous all over the world as the gateway to the Yukon. And at the very moment they were crossing the border, Johnny Lake was closing his account in Northwest Bank. Nick Garvin and Matt Beggs escorted him back to his hotel room.
John Smith
Sorry. How about paying off Johnny? No. What do you mean, no? We've kept up bargains. We've got you here. We want our 10,000. You haven't kept your bargain yet. You promised to find passage for me back to the States. Why, you little of it. I have a gun, Matt. And if you find It Rough stuff. I'll use it. I'm tired and I'm weak. I still need your help. As soon as you get me on board a ship, I'll pay you off. Sure. That's only reasonable, Johnny. We'll arrange for your passage. You lie down and get some sleep. Fun.
Johnny Lake
But both the men knew that passage would be difficult to arrange. The Portland Bell had sailed the day before and an old schooner was the only ship anchored in the harbor. Nick and Matt discussed the situation at one of the waterfront cafes.
John Smith
Why don't we just take the money hold of it? Because even if Johnny has forgotten everything about his past life, he still remembers how to pull a trigger. If he can outshoot Jake Hunter, he's better than you and me. We can wait until he's asleep sometime and take the gun away from him. He'll keep his door locked from now on. What about the schooner? Ah, nothing doing. That hulk isn't going anywhere. How do you know? I know the skipper. Captain Wilk, over at the bar. Where do you know him? First of all, specialty is smuggling. Matt, he's our man. We'll cut him in. He isn't going anywhere. His whole crew jumped ship and took off for the Klondike to hire another crew. If he offered enough money. Matt, we sail with him. Get rid of Johnny somewhere at sea and the whole 25,000 would be ours. No doubt that's a sailing ship. No matter how much money he offered, Wilkes couldn't find a crew to handle a wind jam in nothing. Maybe we wouldn't have to pay off. Yes. I mean, once we got Johnny aboard, it should be easy to handle him. The three of us, the captain and you and me. Johnny couldn't be watching all of us all the time. Just one blow at the back of the head and overboard. He's finished. They stole us from the shore at night. We'll take them aboard tonight.
Johnny Lake
Call a captain.
John Smith
Yeah. Hey, Wolf. And over here.
Johnny Lake
As the sergeant presented his letter to the United States, Marshman Skagway Mike Dennis inquired for Johnny at the Northwest Bank. But he met the sergeant afterwards in the lobby of the mansion house.
John Smith
Drew out every cent of money he had in the bank, Sergeant.
Johnny Lake
Over $25,000.
Nick Garvin
That's a great deal of money.
John Smith
We both sold our ranches down Tech before we came up here.
Nick Garvin
Well, it certainly looks as if Johnny's running away. Why, it would be logical if he thought he'd committed murder.
John Smith
Listen, Sergeant, Johnny's quick on the draw, but he never draw first.
Nick Garvin
One of the men who Was with him. May have killed Jake. Johnny may feel that he's involved, but there's no point in guessing. We must find him.
John Smith
Any chance of King picking up the.
Nick Garvin
Trail of the team in a town of over 25,000? Be sheer luck if he did. It's up to us now. At least we know what the men look like and start asking for them here.
Johnny Lake
Nick and Matt and Johnny weren't staying at the mansion house. There were over a hundred hotels in Skagway at that time. The sergeant and Mike split up and began a systematic search. But they had found nothing when they met for supper that evening. After they had eaten, they strolled along the waterfront discussing their next move.
Nick Garvin
If there were any steamers from the States tied up here, I'd have contracted them first.
John Smith
What about that ship out in the harbor?
Nick Garvin
Well, that's gone in. She's been anchored there for over two weeks. Crew deserted, gold feeding, someone rowing out to it. What are you getting so excited about? King talking at the rowboat, the one.
John Smith
That'S heading for the schooner. Sniffing at the dock. White hand of picked up the center of a team down here.
Nick Garvin
As a sailor leaning against that piling up ahead. In this business, it always pays to ask questions.
Johnny Lake
King had a sense the tent of the three men the sergeant had been following all the way from Selkirk. And though King had actually been told to follow a dog team, these were men who had been traveling with that team. It was something which should be called to the sergeant's attention. King did his best by growling and barking at the rowboard, which had nearly reached the schooner.
Nick Garvin
Good evening.
John Smith
Hello. Howdy, nurse.
Nick Garvin
Do you happen to notice the men in that robo dinghy?
John Smith
Yeah, I noticed them. Was one of them a Captain Wilkes? And three blokes I never saw before. Friends of the captain. Was one of them tall with yellow hair?
Johnny Lake
They're all wrapped up in parkers.
Nick Garvin
One of them have a bandage on his forehead?
John Smith
Come to think about it. Yeah, and he walked with a limp, maybe. I figured he'd had a full cargo and was listening. A little to starboard.
Nick Garvin
You know where we can get a boat around here?
John Smith
I have a motor launch.
Nick Garvin
A rowboat would suit us better.
John Smith
I have one, but I advise you to keep away from that schooner. Couple of husky gents like you, you're apt to be shanghaied. Captain Wilkes is a tough customer.
Nick Garvin
Oh, we'd like to find out just how tough he is.
John Smith
Well, don't say I didn't warn you. My rowboat's tied up at the wharf.
Nick Garvin
Thanks.
Narrator
We'll Continue our adventure in just a moment.
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Narrator
Watch the premiere of Sergeant Preston of the Yukon on television tomorrow. Tomorrow is the big night, the premiere of the adventure series you've loved on radio, starring Sergeant Preston, his big black horse rep, and his wonder dog, Yukon King. They're brand new stories packed with adventure, mystery, romance, bravery, everything the whole family likes. Now you can actually see Sergeant Preston fighting hand to hand with desperados of the Yukon. Actually see his dog King leap at gold hungry killers. You'll see magnificent Yukon scenery unfold before your eyes, rushing rapids and later terrifying avalanches and snow slides. It's something new and different in television, brought to you on a coast to coast network by all the Quaker cereals, Quaker Puff Wheat and Rice, Quaker Oats, Mother's Oats, Muppet, Shredded Wheat and Quaker Pack O10. Remember, it's tomorrow evening, Thursday and every Thursday thereafter, the exciting premiere of Sergeant Preston of the Yukon on television. Check your newspaper for the time and the station nearest you.
Johnny Lake
Now to continue. A great black cloud wiped out the light of the moon as Captain Wilk tied up to the rope ladder that hung down from the deck of the schooner. Matt climbed it first, followed by Nick, Johnny and the Captain. Johnny wondered at the silence of the ship.
John Smith
The ship seems to be deserted.
Nick Garvin
We don't sail until daybreak and the.
Johnny Lake
Crew is enjoying your last night ashore. Your quarters are asked. Gentlemen.
John Smith
It's understood that I'm to have a cabin myself.
Johnny Lake
That's right, here we are down this companionway.
John Smith
You and Matt go first, Nick. Whatever you say, Johnny.
Johnny Lake
As Johnny started down the companionway, the captain picked up a belaying pin from the deck and brought it down hard on the back of the young Texan's head.
John Smith
Oh, catch him. I've got him. What if you use Jasper? He doesn't take it. No, but he will be when we hoist him over the side. Get the money belt rig. Take a look, Captain.
Nick Garvin
Good enough. Let's get rid of that.
John Smith
Get a sleep now.
Johnny Lake
As Johnny was carried up the companionway and across the deck, the moon broke through the cloud. All right, all together now. Heave over the sand step.
John Smith
Look. Small boat rounding the. Sir. Whoever's in it saw what we did.
Johnny Lake
When do seemed clear. Last story is that he fell overboard.
John Smith
Oh, there.
Johnny Lake
Man overboard.
John Smith
There's a man jumping into the water after him. What if he finds him?
Johnny Lake
Not a chance. That fool will lose his own last.
John Smith
Hey, he has him. He's pulling him back to the boat. What do we do now? You let him brought aboard. Ahoy there. I'll throw your line right under his shoulders.
Narrator
You will horse him aboard as you.
Johnny Lake
Want to win after him.
Narrator
Better come aboard, you and get into some dry clothes.
John Smith
You'll feed that. Let's have that line. Here it comes.
Johnny Lake
Johnny was hoisted aboard the schooner and a few minutes later the sergeant and Mike climbed the rope ladder. King was left behind in the bowed rowboat and he howled at the moon. The sergeant and Mike found Johnny in the captain's cabin stretched out on the bun. I have given him some brandy.
Nick Garvin
I'll be all right in a minute. Cut his clothes off. Mike.
John Smith
Yeah?
Nick Garvin
Some blankets. Captain, you should be thinking to yourself. I'm all right. The blankets, please.
John Smith
Yeah, yeah. Didn't have a chance to swallow much water.
Nick Garvin
It'll be all right.
John Smith
Yeah, it's coming too far.
Johnny Lake
She'll be perfectly all right in a minute. Just had a little too much drink and fell overboard. Now, if you two men will come to the galley with me, I'll give you some hot coffee.
John Smith
We're staying right here. Johnny, he knows him. I'll say I know him. I'm his partner. Johnny. Mike. You finally got back.
Nick Garvin
What?
John Smith
From shelter. There was a man called John Smith. He tried to steal my napsack. He shot at me and I shot at him. I think I kill him. Look, who are all these people? Don't you know where you are? Isn't this the cabin where you left me? Well, you left the cabin a week ago with these two men. I never saw them before.
Nick Garvin
Sergeant, I. Major, he blanked out when he was shot and doesn't remember anything that happened since then.
John Smith
He called you Sergeant.
Nick Garvin
Yes. I'm Sergeant Petson, Northwest Mounted Police.
John Smith
Well, let me explain about Johnny the way you said Sergeant. When we found him, he couldn't remember anything about himself and we Thought he might have friends in Skagway, so we offered to take him. Oh, no. That wasn't the way it was. Now it's all coming back. You told me I'd murdered that man. You said you'd take me to Dawson and get me passage of the States if I paid you $10,000.
Nick Garvin
Johnny, where's the money you drew out of the bank this morning?
John Smith
In my money belt.
Nick Garvin
You aren't wearing a money belt.
John Smith
Well, then they've got it. I was starting down the steps, the companionway. The captain was behind me. He hit me.
Nick Garvin
They took your money belt and threw you overboard.
John Smith
I had the belt when I come on board.
Johnny Lake
Now that you have the whole story, what are you going to do about it?
Nick Garvin
Since you have us covered, there isn't much we can do. But I'd advise you to return Johnny's money.
John Smith
Not a cheap.
Johnny Lake
We decided not to do that.
Nick Garvin
Well, 25,000 is quite a haul.
John Smith
Yeah, and it's all right here.
Nick Garvin
I suppose you'll not hesitate to commit murder to keep it. No.
John Smith
Sergeant.
Johnny Lake
Did I intend to use bullets this time instead of a Bl tin?
Nick Garvin
No. Not all the evidence you need.
Narrator
Marshall.
Nick Garvin
Marshall Ferguson is standing in the doorway in back of you, Captain. He's been listening to your plans for the future.
John Smith
Oh, it's the marshal.
Narrator
Yes, and I have a few plans for the future myself. Drop that gun, Captain.
Johnny Lake
You're under arrest.
Nick Garvin
I've never seen a more welcome sight than you walking into this cabin. Marshall, how'd you happen to come out here?
John Smith
I was making a patrol of the water trunk.
Narrator
I heard the man overboard cry and.
Johnny Lake
Your dog started to howl.
John Smith
I decided to investigate. A fisherman brought me out in his motorboat.
Nick Garvin
Well, Marshall, the attempted robbery is right.
John Smith
Give me that money belt. Here you are, Johnny. Oh, thanks, Mike.
Nick Garvin
The attempted robbery and the attempted murder were in American territory, Marshall, so these are your business. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll do my best to stop King howling.
John Smith
Go right ahead, Sergeant. King, stop it.
Nick Garvin
I apologize for leaving you down there, boy, but you can see for yourself, I'm perfectly safe. Everything's fine, fella. This case is closed.
Johnny Lake
Sergeant Preston will return in just a moment with a word about our next exciting adventure.
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Johnny Lake
And now, here is Sergeant Preston.
Nick Garvin
Sergeant Thurston reporting for duty.
John Smith
Inspector Sergeant A trapper named Sam Baker is located to hideout of fur thieves who have been operating near Big Elk.
Nick Garvin
Well, that's good news.
John Smith
Yes, I want you to go to Big Elk. You'll be able to close in on the thieves and get evidence enough to put them behind bars for a long time.
Nick Garvin
Where is the hideout?
John Smith
Baker will tell you that when you see him.
Nick Garvin
I'll start the Big Elk at once, sir.
Johnny Lake
Neither the Inspector nor Sergeant Preston knows that Baker cannot tell where the stolen furs are hidden, for Baker has been killed. And when King follows the trail of the killers, the mighty dog leads his.
Narrator
Master into a trap from which there seems to be no escape. Be sure to hear this next exciting adventure. These Sergeant Preston of the Yukon adventures are brought to you every Monday through Friday at this time by the Quaker Oats Company, makers of Quaker Pop Wheat and Quaker Pop Rice, the delicious cereals Shotgun guns by Special Recording in cooperation with the Mutual Broadcasting System. They are a copyrighted feature of Sergeant Preston of the Yukon Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Twindle Campbell Muir Incorporated and directed by Fred Flowerday. The part of Sergeant Preston is played by Paul Sutton. This is J. Michael wishing you goodbye, good luck and good health from Quaker Pop Week and Quaker Pop Rice. So long. This is Mutual Radio Network for all America.
Andrew Rines
Sabin imprisonment 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 hands 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 Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copy copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
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Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – "The Forgetful Killer | Challenge of the Yukon (11-11-51)"
Host: Andrew Rynes
Release Date: February 12, 2025
In the episode titled "The Forgetful Killer | Challenge of the Yukon", hosted by Andrew Rynes, listeners are transported back to the rugged landscapes of the Yukon during the Gold Rush era. This classic Western radio drama features Sergeant Preston of the Yukon and his loyal companion, Yukon King, as they navigate treacherous terrains, confront dangerous outlaws, and unravel mysteries in their relentless pursuit of justice. The episode exemplifies the golden age of radio storytelling, enriched through meticulous digital restoration that brings new depth and clarity to the timeless tales.
Setting the Scene
The story begins amidst a fierce storm in a secluded cabin where Johnny Lake, a young prospector, finds himself seeking shelter. During the night, a mysterious visitor named John Smith arrives, claiming to be Johnny's namesake. Tensions escalate quickly, leading to a violent confrontation where Johnny inadvertently kills John Smith in self-defense. Unbeknownst to Johnny, his partner Mike has ventured into the wilderness to seek help but is delayed by the blizzard.
Discovery and Conflict
The following morning, Sergeant Preston and his men, Nick Garvin and Matt Beggs, arrive to investigate a report of a gunfight in the cabin. They discover Johnny unconscious, with evidence pointing to a struggle involving Jake Hunter, a notorious outlaw seeking a substantial sum of money. Upon waking, Johnny suffers from amnesia, unable to recall the events of the previous night or his identity. Johnny's predicament deepens as he is coerced into agreeing to Sergeant Preston's plans to resolve the murder and secure passage back to the States, leveraging the significant sum of money found in his possession.
The Pursuit Intensifies
As the plot thickens, Johnny's companions devise a plan to eliminate him and seize the money. They arrange for his passage aboard a schooner, intending to dispose of him overboard. However, Sergeant Preston's timely intervention, aided by a relentless and perceptive dog, Yukon King, disrupts their scheme. The ensuing confrontation aboard the ship leads to the arrest of the co-conspirators, ensuring Johnny's safety and the integrity of the law.
Resolution and Future Threats
With the immediate threat neutralized, Sergeant Preston receives new instructions to pursue fur thieves operating near Big Elk. Unbeknownst to him, the true danger lies ahead as Master Sam Baker, previously thought to be an ally, has been eliminated, setting the stage for the next thrilling adventure.
Sergeant Preston of the Yukon: The steadfast and honorable protagonist dedicated to maintaining law and order in the Yukon Territory.
Yukon King: Sergeant Preston's intelligent and loyal dog, whose keen senses often lead to crucial breakthroughs in investigations.
Johnny Lake: A young prospector suffering from amnesia, whose encounter with John Smith sets off the central conflict.
Nick Garvin and Matt Beggs: Sergeant Preston's trusted companions who assist in investigations and confrontations.
John Smith/Jake Hunter: An enigmatic figure whose true identity and motives are pivotal to the episode's plot.
The Confrontation at the Cabin ([05:39] - [12:36]):
The Pursuit and Deception ([14:44] - [30:17]):
The Arrest and Aftermath ([30:42] - [33:21]):
“The Forgetful Killer | Challenge of the Yukon” masterfully intertwines themes of identity, memory, and morality against the backdrop of the unforgiving Yukon wilderness. The episode underscores the relentless pursuit of justice embodied by Sergeant Preston, highlighting the complexities of human nature when confronted with survival and greed. Yukon King's pivotal role emphasizes the often-overlooked partnership between humans and their animal companions in overcoming adversity.
Johnny Lake's Realization ([06:10] – [07:00]):
John Smith's Threat ([07:23]):
Sergeant Preston's Assurance ([12:36]):
Johnny's Plea ([27:24]):
Final Confrontation ([29:44]):
Andrew Rynes delivers a captivating rendition of this classic Western tale, enhanced by high-quality digital restoration that immerses listeners in the authentic sounds and atmospheres of the Yukon. The episode features stellar performances by legendary radio actors, bringing depth and emotion to each character. Sound effects—from the howling winds of the Yukon to the tense gunfights—are meticulously crafted to elevate the storytelling experience.
"The Forgetful Killer | Challenge of the Yukon" stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Old Time Radio Westerns. Through its intricate plot, compelling characters, and masterful execution, the episode not only entertains but also invites listeners to reflect on themes of memory, justice, and the human condition. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the genre, this episode promises an engaging journey into the heart of the Wild West.
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