The Ice Trail | Challenge of the Yukon (04-03-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns

"The Ice Trail" – Challenge of the Yukon (April 3, 1952, rebroadcast November 12, 2025)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns

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Episode Overview

In this digitally remastered episode of Challenge of the Yukon, listeners are transported to the snow-swept gold rush days of the Yukon, where Sergeant Preston and his faithful dog, Yukon King, must solve a robbery and rescue a kidnapped fur trapper. Rich in atmospheric sound design and vintage radio drama charm, this adventure follows the plight of Pierre Dumont, an earnest trapper who becomes the target of desperate thieves, and the relentless pursuit of justice by Preston and King across the treacherous spring ice.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: The Allure and Dangers of the Yukon

• The story establishes the bustling fur trade and gold rush fervor near Selkirk, Yukon.
• Pierre Dumont, a hardworking trapper, is excited about his successful season and plans to sell his prized collection of furs for a much needed sum, eager to finally provide for his patient wife, Marie.

[03:25] Pierre:
"Marie, I have been most lucky with my traps this season. I have just brought in another batch of fine furs...They will bring much money."

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2. Ambition and Temptation: The Robbery is Hatched

• At the Selkirk general store, Pierre arranges with the shopkeeper, Mike, to sell his furs and will return the next morning with his load.
• Two ne’er-do-wells, Sid and Joe, overhear Pierre’s plans and conspire to rob him as he travels home with his earnings.

[05:53] Sid (to Joe):
"After he collects the cash, we’d follow him and grab it, huh?...We'll figure things out so he'll not get back to town."

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3. The Crime: Pierre Robbed and Abducted

• Pierre receives $1,200 for his skins and sets off for home but is ambushed halfway by Sid and Joe.
• The crooks tie Pierre up, steal his money, and plan to dispose of him so he can’t report the crime.

[07:39] Pierre (pleading):
"That money, it is all I have."
[07:40] Sid:
"You mean it's all you did have. We have it now..."

• The men scatter Pierre’s dogs and leave his sled hidden before fleeing with him as their captive.

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4. The Search Begins: Sergeant Preston and King Investigate

• A prospector reports seeing Pierre’s dogs running loose, which puzzles Sergeant Preston.
• Preston visits Pierre's worried wife, Marie, and uses Pierre's old glove to let King pick up the scent.

[11:02] Sergeant Preston:
"King will get Pierre's scent from the glove, and then he'll be able to pick up his trail."

• King leads Preston to the scene of the hold-up, where they find scattered money and Pierre’s sled.

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5. High-Stakes Chase on Dangerous Ice

• Sid and Joe, with Pierre bound on their sled, take to the melting river ice for a faster escape, ignoring warnings about the risk.
• Tension mounts as cracks and creaks signal the danger of imminent breakup.

[17:39] Sid (sinisterly):
"Tonight, after we reach the cabin, we'll put a bullet in him and we'll bust a hole in the ice on the river and shove him under."

• Meanwhile, Preston and King pursue swiftly, braving the weakening ice themselves.

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6. The Ice Breaks—Dramatic Rescue

• The ice dangerously collapses beneath Sid and Joe’s sled; they’re stranded on a floating slab with Pierre, surrounded by icy water.
• The crooks attempt to swim for shore, abandoning Pierre, who is still bound.

[21:01] Sid (panicked):
"We'll have to try to swim for it...Come on!"
[21:25] Pierre:
"Help. Come back. Don't leave me!"

• Preston throws a rope to the struggling crooks, rescues them, and then directs King to swim out and free Pierre by gnawing the ropes.

[22:56] Pierre (amazed):
"Preston's dog, King. But how can he help me here, King, these ropes."

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7. Justice Restored and a Grateful Reunion

• Pierre is freed and brought to safety; Sid and Joe—frigid and defeated—are handcuffed.
• The full story comes out: Preston’s dog King tracked Pierre, and Preston’s perseverance led to the timely rescue.

[24:08] Sergeant Preston (official):
"I'm arresting you in the name of the Crown for robbery and attempted murder."

• Pierre expresses deep gratitude, emphasizing King’s loyalty and intellect.

[24:48] Pierre:
"King doesn't like to be called a mutt. If it hadn't been for him, I would have been dead...But remember, it was Sergeant Preston who trained that dog."
[24:59] Sergeant Preston:
"King's a great partner to have, Pierre. Without his help, I couldn't say this case is closed."

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Pierre’s hope and hard work:
  "I have been most lucky with my traps this season...no longer will you have to worry." [03:25]
• Sid’s ruthless logic:
  "They'll never know what happened to you or that we had anything to do with it." [18:05]
• Tense rescue as King performs a heroic act:
  "King understood. He gnawed the cords which held Pierre’s hands together until they finally parted." [23:05]
• Classic affirmation of teamwork:
  "King’s a great partner... Without his help, I couldn’t say this case is closed." [24:59]

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Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment / Highlight | |-----------|--------------------| | 03:25 | Pierre shares his success and dreams with Marie | | 05:53 | Thieves plot to rob Pierre after overhearing his plans | | 07:39 | Pierre is robbed and tied up by Sid and Joe | | 09:06 | Prospector alerts Preston; investigation begins | | 11:02 | King takes Pierre’s scent, search intensifies | | 15:36 | Preston tracks Pierre’s captors onto the ice | | 17:39 | Kidnappers reveal their deadly plans for Pierre | | 18:28 | The ice begins to break up, increasing peril | | 22:32 | King swims out and frees Pierre on the ice | | 24:08 | Preston arrests the robbers for robbery and attempted murder | | 24:59 | Preston and Pierre reflect on the loyalty of King and the value of partnership |

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Episode Tone & Style

The episode maintains a classic adventure radio drama tone—urgent, suspenseful, moral, and earnest. The voices are rich and animated, with period-appropriate accents, and the soundscape is brought to new life in this restored production, intensifying the atmosphere of frontier danger and the heroism of Preston and King.

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Conclusion

"The Ice Trail" is an exemplary slice of Old Time Radio Western drama, immersing listeners in a tense tale of robbery, survival, and justice. With sharp pacing, memorable characters, and the steadfast heroism of Sergeant Preston and King, this episode highlights both the peril of the untamed Yukon and the virtue of loyalty and determination in the face of danger.

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Transcript

[Sarah]

Hey, this is Sarah. Look, I'm standing out front of a.m. p.m. Right now and, well, you're sweet and all, but I found something more fulfilling, even kind of cheesy. But I like it. Sure, you met some of my dietary needs, but they've just got it all. So farewell, oatmeal. So long, you strange soggy.

[Narrator]

Break up with bland breakfast and taste.

[Pierre Dumont]

AM PM's bacon, egg and cheese biscuit.

[Narrator]

Made with ktree eggs, smoked bacon and melty cheese on a buttery biscuit. AM PM Too much Good stuff.

[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. The this is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now, let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

Now. As gunshots echo across the windswept snow covered reaches of the wild northwest, Quaker pumped wheat and Quaker pumped rice. The breakfast cereal. Shot from gun present Sergeant Preston of the Yukon. It's Yukon King, swiftest and strongest lead dog of the northwest, blazing the trail for Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted police in his relentless pursuit of lawbreakers.

[Sid]

On King. On your huskies.

[Narrator]

Gold. Gold discovered in the Yukon. A stampede to the Klondike in the wild race for riches back to the days of the gold rush with Quaker puffed wheat and Quaker puffed rice. Bringing you the adventures of Sergeant Preston and his wonder dog, Yukon King, as they meet the challenge of the Yukon. There's no one that can make a better cereal than Quaker puff rice. It's nice. And when you hear that shootin', you're dern tootin'. The Quaker makes the ones shot from guns. Say, fellas and girls, here's a super idea for breakfast tomorrow morning and no April foolin'. Take a heaping bowl full of the ones shot from guns. Quaker puffed rice or Quaker puffed wheat. Then cover them with milk or thick, rich yellow cream. Top them with sliced bananas or other fruits. Mmm.

[Sergeant Preston]

Mmm.

[Narrator]

There's a treat that can't be beat. Quaker puffed rice or Quaker puffed wheat. Dumas. A young French Canadian entered his cabin a few miles from Selkirk. He was enthusiastic as he greeted his wife, Marie.

[Pierre Dumont]

Marie, I have been most lucky with my traps this season. I have just brought in another batch of fine furs added to what I have out in the shed. They will bring much money.

[Marie]

Pierre, I am so glad you have worked so very hard.

[Pierre Dumont]

I was a fool to waste so much time in the past trying to find gold. Working a trapline is much easier and more Profitable.

[Marie]

I shall be happy when you sell your furs and bring home the cash.

[Pierre Dumont]

You'll not have long to wait, Mary. I intend to load them on my sled in the morning and take them to the trading post in town.

[Marie]

But are you sure the storekeeper will buy them and that you will pay a good price?

[Pierre Dumont]

This afternoon I am going to town to get some supplies. I shall tell him of my furs and ask if he will buy them at the market price. I am sure that by this time tomorrow, we'll have plenty of cash.

[Marie]

It will be such a relief.

[Pierre Dumont]

I know. Ah, you have put up with a great deal, Marie. But no longer will you have to worry.

[Sid]

Now I shall go hitch the dogs.

[Pierre Dumont]

To the sled and go to Selkirk.

[Narrator]

That afternoon, Pierre entered the general store in Selkirk. He cheerily greeted the small group of loungers around the big stove as he walked to the counter.

[Pierre Dumont]

Good afternoon, my friend.

[Sid]

Well, well, how are you, Pierre?

[Pierre Dumont]

I am feeling fine, Mike. Here is a list of the supplies I want. I'll stop for them later.

[Sid]

All right.

[Pierre Dumont]

I'll have them ready for you. You buy skins here, do you not, Mike?

[Marie]

Sure.

[Narrator]

What do you pay for them?

[Pierre Dumont]

Well, that depends on the quality of the skins, Pierre, of course. But you do pay the market price? That's right. Why'd you ask? I have many fine skins to sell. Fox, beaver, raccoon, all in fine condition. Say, I heard you gave up hunting gold and had taken up the trapping. But I didn't expect you'd do so well. Oh, I have had a wonderful season, Mike. I'll bring in a whole sled load of furs in the morning. That's fine.

[Sid]

If you have what you say, it.

[Pierre Dumont]

Ought to get you plenty of cash. And I'll be mighty glad to buy them from you. Thanks, Mike. I'll bring the load of skins to you tomorrow morning early. I'll be back later for my supplies or. Why, everybody?

[Narrator]

That evening in the cafe in Selkirk, one of the men who had been in the store when Pierre asked about the furs sat talking in a low voice to another man.

[Sid]

Young Frenchman named Pierre came into the store today. Joe said he had a lot of fine furs to sell.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yeah? What about it?

[Sid]

Furs are bringing pretty high prices right now.

[Pierre Dumont]

What?

[Sid]

He said he must have plenty of fine ones. What's on your mind, Sid? Well, I figure after he collects the cash, we'd follow him and grab it, huh? We could use cash right now. It ought to be easy. After we get the cash, we'll keep Going away from time. He'd get the Mounties on our trail as soon as he got back to Selkirk. We'll figure things out so he'll not get back to.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right.

[Sid]

I'll leave it up to you to figure things out, Sid. I need cash, and I don't care how I get. Yeah, it's the way it is with me. We watch for that Frenchman in the morning and be ready to follow him.

[Narrator]

The following morning, Pierre arrived in town with his load of furs. At the general store, Mike, the storekeeper, sorted and graded the skins. Then, after agreeing on a price, gave Pierre the cash and small bills.

[Pierre Dumont]

There you are, Pierre. Twelve hundred dollars in cash. Thanks, Mike. Having this cash makes me feel like a new man. I'll take it home and show it to Marie. Then tonight we'll come to town to celebrate. Well, I hope you continue to have good luck with your trap line, Pierre. Those are mighty fine skins you brought in. I'll be bringing in more before long. Thanks again. Goodbye.

[Sid]

Goodbye, Pierre.

[Narrator]

Pierre left the store with the cash and headed out the trail for home. He had gone about halfway when a shot rang out behind him.

[Sid]

Who?

[Narrator]

Who?

[Pierre Dumont]

You huskies.

[Sid]

We have you covered. Keep your hands up. Come on. Mush.

[Narrator]

Mush. Ho.

[Sid]

Ho. Ho.

[Sergeant Preston]

Ho.

[Pierre Dumont]

What is this?

[Sid]

You'll find I'll keep him covered, Joe. Searching for the cash.

[Pierre Dumont]

That money, it is all I have.

[Sid]

You mean it's all you did have. We have it now. Keep him covered while I tie him. Joe.

[Pierre Dumont]

I'll not let you tie me. Give me that money.

[Sid]

Hey, this'll settle you. No.

[Pierre Dumont]

I'll stop you.

[Sid]

Get up or I'll put a bullet in you. Watch him, Joe. He scattered the bills. I have to pick them up.

[Pierre Dumont]

Do not get away with these.

[Sid]

Shut up. Hurry up, Sid. I think I have it all and I'll tie him. If he makes another move, Let him have a bullet.

[Narrator]

Quickly. Sid tied Pierre's hands and feet. When he finished, he spoke to Joe.

[Sid]

Come on, Joe. Help me put him on our sled.

[Narrator]

What are you planning to do with him?

[Sid]

We'll take him with us. When we're a long way from Selkirk. Will find a way to get rid of him. Come on. Right you are fools.

[Pierre Dumont]

You will be caught.

[Sid]

Shut up. There. Nobody sled and dog team will scatter his dogs and bury the sled in a snow drift. Now let's get busy.

[Narrator]

Years dogs were cut loose from their harness and scattered. Then Sid and Joe shoved the sled into a nearby snow drift and covered it.

[Sid]

That's done we'll hit the trail. Get on the sled, Joe. Right. All right. Mush. Mush, you husky.

[Narrator]

Later, Sergeant Preston was in the general store with his dog, Yukon King, when a prospector enters.

[Pierre Dumont]

Good, Sergeant. I'm glad I ran into you.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hello, Paul. What's wrong?

[Pierre Dumont]

Well, when I was on my way to town, I saw a couple of dogs running loose. I recognized one of them as Pierre Dumont's lead dog. Isn't like Pierre to be careless with his dog. So I thought I'd report it in case something's wrong at his place.

[Sergeant Preston]

It is strange that Pierre's dog should be running loose.

[Pierre Dumont]

Are you sure you recognize those dogs? Oh, I'm positive. I can't understand it. Pierre was here this morning with a load of furs. He collected $1,200 in small bills and started for home.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll go out to his cabin right away. Come along, gang.

[Narrator]

Others had used the trail since Sid and Joe had robbed Pierre. Sergeant Preston made a hurried trip to Pierre's cabin and soon pulled to a stop in front of the door.

[Sid]

Hello.

[Sergeant Preston]

Wait here, King.

[Marie]

Oh, Sergeant Weston. Do come in out of the cold.

[Sergeant Preston]

Thanks, Marie. Is Pierre home?

[Marie]

No, he isn't. He went to town this morning to sell his furs. I expected him home long before this.

[Sergeant Preston]

I see.

[Marie]

Is there something wrong?

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm not sure, Marie.

[Marie]

Sergeant, tell me, why have you come out here? To see Pierre.

[Sergeant Preston]

Pierre left town some time ago to come here. The prospector reported having seen a couple of Pierre's dogs running loose.

[Marie]

Then something has happened to Pierre. I am sure of it. He is most careful with his dogs.

[Sergeant Preston]

Try not to worry. I'll do everything possible to find Pierre. I'll go back to town and pick up his trail there.

[Marie]

You must find him, sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll do my best. Oh, but I have something of Pierre's. A glove, perhaps?

[Marie]

Yes.

[Narrator]

He.

[Marie]

He lost one of his old gloves and bought a new pair two days ago. The odd glove is here. I will get it. Here it is. But why do you want this?

[Sergeant Preston]

King will get Pierre's scent from the glove, and then he'll be able to pick up his trail.

[Marie]

Something has happened to Pierre.

[Sergeant Preston]

Have no reason to think he's been harmed, Marie. He and I'll keep on, though. We'll find him. I'll leave, Mal. Try not to worry, please.

[Marie]

Special choice ser.

[Sergeant Preston]

Out front, boy.

[Sid]

All right. On k on your husky.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston and King returned to the general store in town. There, Preston gave King the scent from Pierre's glove.

[Sergeant Preston]

Find him, King. Find.

[Narrator]

The intelligent dog moved In a circle in front of the store, Sniffing to catch Pierre's scent. Then barking, he started toward the trail they had just traveled.

[Sid]

All right, on your huskies.

[Narrator]

King led the team along the trail at a steady pace for some distance, Then came to the spot where the hold up had taken place. The big husky stopped a moment. Hi huskies.

[Sergeant Preston]

What is it?

[Sid]

King?

[Narrator]

The intelligent dog had noticed a change in the scent. It seemed weaker and mixed with that of others. The scent of the dogs which had been identified with that of the man he was following was displaced by the scent of other dogs. King whined and sniffed the ground.

[Sergeant Preston]

Find something, boy? Oh, what's this ten dollar bill? Could have been one of the bills Pierre was carrying. He wouldn't have any reason to take the money out of his pocket here.

[Pierre Dumont]

Unless.

[Sergeant Preston]

Seems as if something were dragged over to that snowdrift. Let's take a look, boy. There is something here.

[Sid]

A sled.

[Sergeant Preston]

Pierre's sled. And the tug lines have been cut. Something has happened to Pierre King.

[Sid]

And I hope he'll not be too.

[Sergeant Preston]

Late when we find him.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our adventure in just a moment. Oh, I just saw the scariest creature go by. Is it my imagination or what on earth could it be?

[Sid]

How? I am an Indian medicine man.

[Narrator]

I guess I haven't seen you before up here in the Yukon.

[Sid]

I am an ancient, ancient medicine man.

[Narrator]

Oh, I see. Say, in those old days, I'll bet even you would have been mystified at the famous cereal shot from gun.

[Sid]

What? Me? No more Indian magic.

[Narrator]

Well, it's food magic. The way choice sun ripened premium grains, rice or wheat are loaded into huge guns and exploded. And out come big giant grains of Quaker popped wheat or rice.

[Sid]

You say exploded?

[Narrator]

Yes, Indian medicine man. They're exploded up to eight times normal size. They're magnified, crispified, shot through and through with bang up nut like flavor too.

[Sid]

Ah, my tribe would give plenty wampum for this magic food.

[Narrator]

Another thing. Quaker puffed rice and Quaker puffed wheat are nourishing. They furnish added health values of restored natural grain amounts of vitamin B1, niacin and iron. So remember that all you fellas and girls listening in beat the drums at your house for the nourishing cereal that tastes so scrumptious. Ask mom to look for the big red and blue packages of delicious crisp. Quaker popped wheat and Quaker popped rice. The breakfast cereals shot from guns. Now to to continue. After picking up Pierre's trail by means of the scent from one of his gloves, King led Sergeant Preston to the place where the young man had been robbed. Preston stood a moment looking around. He knew that if Pierre's body was hidden someplace near, King would find it. He finally gave a command.

[Sergeant Preston]

Find him, King. Fine boy. King's going on up the trail. That means whoever robbed Pierre took him away. They may still find him alive.

[Sid]

All right, on you, husky.

[Narrator]

Meantime, the crooks, Sid and Joe had turned off the main trail and had taken a branch that led to the frozen river.

[Sid]

We'll soon be traveling on the Yukon River. Joe make better time on the ice. We should have stuck to the main trail. Risky traveling the river was. Ah, stop worrying. But the three of us along with the sled make a big load.

[Pierre Dumont]

Sid, he is right. It is risky. The ice may crack under us.

[Sid]

You'll probably end up under the ice anyway, Frenchie, so stop butting in. We're coming to the river now. I still think we're fools to try it. I know what I'm doing, Joe. Like I said before, we'll make faster time on the ice. A mush. Mush, you husky.

[Narrator]

Later, Sergeant Preston and King moved across the branch trail toward the river. When they reach the ice covered stream, Preston stopped the dog team a moment.

[Sid]

Okay.

[Sergeant Preston]

They'Ve taken to the ice King. The spring thaw. So close it's dangerous. We'll have to take the chance if we hope to find Pierre. All right, boy. Up front.

[Narrator]

For an hour or so, Sid and Joe moved over the ice with their prisoner. Finally, Joe spoke again.

[Sid]

Hey, Sid, this ice is kind of slushy on top. We better get off it while we have a chance. Nothing doing strong enough to hold twice our weight. So stop worrying. Mush, Mush. Sid. How long do you intend to follow the river, Sid? Till we get near Salmon Run. Then we'll leave the river and put up at a cabin. I know, of course. How long do you expect to keep this prentie with him? Tonight. After we reach the cabin, we'll put a bullet in him and we'll bust a hole in the ice on the river and shove him under.

[Sergeant Preston]

But why?

[Sid]

Will you kill me?

[Pierre Dumont]

Keep the money. Let me go. When you reach the cabin. By the time I find a town, you'll be far away.

[Sid]

Yeah, maybe. But those Mounties might telegraph ahead if you told them about us. And they'd catch us. The only thing to do is get rid of you. But I have a wife. Too bad, Frenchy. After tonight she'll be a widow. Huh, Joe? Yeah, that's right. You'll both be hanged for Murder.

[Pierre Dumont]

If you kill me, they'll catch you. I know they will.

[Sid]

Don't get excited, Frenchy. Just let us worry about getting caught. People will think you went on a spree with the cash you got for the skins. They'll never know what happened to you or that we had anything to do with it. Hey, Sid, did you hear that? Ho ho ho ho. Yeah, yeah, I heard it. Doesn't mean anything, Joe. I don't see any cracks in the ice.

[Pierre Dumont]

It is beginning to break up underneath.

[Sid]

I've heard the ice crack like that in the middle of winter. Mush. Mush, you husky.

[Narrator]

Some distance back, Sergeant Preston, who had made much faster time than the heavily loaded sled he was following, also heard the ominous cracking of the ice.

[Sergeant Preston]

As far as starting, I'll have to risk it. I can't be too far ahead of me now.

[Narrator]

For a short time, the two crooks and their prisoner moved over the river ice. No further cracking had been heard.

[Sid]

Ho. Holy. Ho ho.

[Narrator]

As they stopped a few moments to rest, the dogs, Sid and Joe, listened for more indications of the thaw. Finally, Sid broke the tense silence.

[Sid]

Hey, you see, Joe, that cracking you got so excited about didn't mean a thing. I hope you're right, Sid.

[Pierre Dumont]

He is wrong. I am sure of it. I have lived in this country all my life. I know the signs of the Thor.

[Sid]

Oh, shut up, will you? If you think by making us nervous we might untie you, you have another thought coming. Once, Tom, we started moving again. Mush, your husk.

[Narrator]

They had gone only a short distance, and Joe was beginning to think Sid was right. When, Sid, the ice is breaking up.

[Sid]

Ho, ho, there. Ho, ho. Holy mackerel. It's piling up in the big ridges ahead of us.

[Pierre Dumont]

Please cut the cords and give me a chance.

[Sid]

Nothing doing. We'll try to make it to shore. Mush. Mush, you huskies.

[Narrator]

Look, Sid.

[Sid]

It's cracking up near the shore. Hurry. Mush. Mush. There, mushroom.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston had rounded a bend in the river and had seen the crook sled some distance ahead. At the same time, he too was startled by the cracking and grinding of the ice. The ice is breaking up.

[Sid]

Good thing I'm traveling close to shore. Hawking.

[Narrator]

The intelligent dog turned to the left and led the dog team toward the nearby shore. Before long, Sergeant Preston's sled was off the ice and following the shoreline. Preston saw the other sled turn toward the shore, and he could make out Sid's frantic efforts to hasten the speed of the dog. I'll never make it.

[Sid]

Hunting on you, husband.

[Narrator]

As the ice cracked under them and parted as they neared the shore, Sid stopped. The team.

[Sid]

Said, we having a chance on a big piece of with water all around us. I'll cut the tug lines and give the dogs a chance. Give me a chance, Joe.

[Pierre Dumont]

Cut the cord.

[Sid]

Shut up. We may get to shore, but I'm not taking a chance at you, dude. What are we gonna do? It's about 20ft of open water between us and the shore. Joe. We'll have to try to swim for I'm not much of a swimmer. And that icy water our only chance. Come on.

[Narrator]

Casting off their heavy pockers, Sid and Joe jumped into the open water. Wait.

[Pierre Dumont]

Leave me.

[Sid]

Help. Help. Come back.

[Narrator]

Help.

[Sid]

Don't leave me.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston came along the shore in time to see the two crooks jump into the water. He heard Pierre's cry for help.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yeah, he's on that sled and he's tied well. He's safe for the moment. King, we'll get the two men who are swimming towards shore.

[Sid]

Come on, boy.

[Narrator]

I'll take a rope.

[Sid]

I can't help you. All I can do to save myself.

[Narrator]

Preston ran to the water's edge. The two crooks were about 10ft away, but either of them seemed to be making headway. Preston called out, you there.

[Sid]

I'll throw you a rope. Grab it. Forget that and save yourself. Here's the rope.

[Narrator]

The rope snaked out toward Joe, who managed to grab a loop Preston had made in the end of it.

[Sid]

I have it. All right, hang on.

[Narrator]

Slowly, the bounty pulled the corks the of the shore. As he sat shivering, his partner, Sid crawled from the water.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll take your guns just in case. I think the fight's gone out of you for the moment. I'll get blankets. Quickly.

[Narrator]

Preston brought blankets and the two crooks sat wrapped in them, shivering.

[Sergeant Preston]

Now, King, it's up to you, boy.

[Narrator]

Go to that sled, fella.

[Sergeant Preston]

Swim out, King.

[Narrator]

Go to him. The great husky seemed to understand. He went into the water, then swam with strong strokes to the the big piece of ice where Pierre was marooned on the sled. At first he had difficulty trying to climb onto the ice. Then with an extra effort, he managed to pull himself up. He stood a moment, shaking off the cold water, then went to the sled.

[Pierre Dumont]

Preston's dog, King. But how can he help me here, King, these ropes.

[Narrator]

King understood. He gnawed the cords which held Pierre's hands together until they finally parted.

[Pierre Dumont]

My hands are free now. I'll untie my feet.

[Narrator]

In a few moments, Pierre was free. He stood up and walked to the edge of the ice. Preston kept the prisoners under control until King returned to the shores. And then, while King stood guard over them, the sergeant threw a rope to Pierre. A short time later, Pierre too had reached safety and was wrapped in blankets. Sergeant Preston quickly gathered firewood and started a campfire to dry out the men's wet clothing. King stood guard over the two crooks at all times. When their clothing was dry, Preston had Pierre hold a gun while he handcuffed Sid and Joe. Pierre had told the Mountie what had happened and the roll of bills was found in Sid's pocket.

[Sergeant Preston]

Those handcuffs will hold you. I'm arresting you in the name of the Crown for robbery and attempted murders.

[Sid]

Sid, I told you it was risky on the ice. Oh, shut up. This money hadn't come along, we might have got away. I'd have drowned, you mean.

[Pierre Dumont]

Sergeant, how did you happen to come along?

[Sergeant Preston]

I didn't happen to come along, dear. Some of your dogs were seen running loose. I learned you'd started for home with a large sum of money, so I went there. Your wife gave me a glove. Witch King got you a scent and we picked up your trail.

[Pierre Dumont]

Oh, that is fortunate for me.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. They meant to kill you. I found your sled under the snowdrift. I knew then you were really in trouble.

[Sid]

See, Sid, you aren't as smart as you thought you were. How would I know Amani would come along with a dog that's almost human? That mutts to blame for us getting trailed and caught?

[Pierre Dumont]

King doesn't like to be called a mutt. If it hadn't been for him, I would have been dead. But remember, it was Sergeant Preston who trained that dog to do the things he does.

[Sergeant Preston]

King's a great partner to have, dear. Without his help, I couldn't say this case is closed.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston will return in just a moment with a word about our next exciting adventure. Sometimes at breakfast, folks do a hop, skip and jump as they snatch a bit of food. But not when there's delicious crisp Quaker puffed rice or Quaker puffed wheat on the table. They have the toasty nut like flavor that no one in the family wants to skip. The flavor of the good natural grain, the sun ripened flavor that old Mother Nature puts into it. After all, you youngsters may like your cereal very, very sweet. While you mothers and dads may like your cereal not nearly so sweet. And that's the beauty of Quaker puffed rice and Quaker puffed wheat. They Are never coated with factory sweetening. Your whole family can sweeten them with sugar just the way you like them. Eat a better breakfast, enjoy a better day. Yes, and it's a smart mom who puts that deliciously fresh, crisp Quaker popped wheat and Quaker popped rice on the breakfast table every morning. Remember, the ones shot from guns come only in the big red and blue packages with the sealed inner lining that keeps them fresh as can be. Listen, everybody, especially you moms and dads. This is National Boys Club Week. Boys Clubs help keep boys away from the dangers of the street. Give them a chance to play, work and learn to respect the rights of the other fellow. Such fine American citizens as Joe DiMaggio, Sid Luckman and Joey Brown were members of Boys Clubs. Yes, Boys Clubs help build the citizens of tomorrow. And now, here is Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant Preston reporting for duty, Inspector.

[Pierre Dumont]

Now that the ocean's frozen over, Sergeant, you're scheduled to make a patrol of the Eskimo ceiling villages on the Beaufort Sea.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, sir.

[Pierre Dumont]

Well, before you visit the Eskimos, I suggest that you investigate this. Report.

[Sergeant Preston]

Whaler icebound north of Devil's Point.

[Pierre Dumont]

There may be trouble aboard the Eskimos. Report hearing gunfire.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll make the Whaler my first stop, Inspector.

[Narrator]

The whaler Northern Pursuit had reached its ice locked berth in the Beaufort Sea at the end of a disastrous voyage. But the final tragedy occurred when the sergeant was actually in sight of her. The ship was a flaming torch. A madman had set her afire intent on destroying every member of the ship's crew. Don't miss this next exciting adventure. These radio dramas, a feature of Sergeant Preston, the Yukon, Incorporated, are created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendall Campbell Muir Incorporated, directed by Fred Flowerday and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of Sergeant Preston is played by Paul Sutton. Sergeant Preston of the Yukon is brought to you every Tuesday and Thursday at this same time on Thursday by Quaker Popped Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice. The breakfast cereal shot from guns. Boys, girls, hurry. Get this special brand new collection of 18 Braves of Indian nations trading cards. That's 18 Indian trading cards, all different. All reproductions of original paintings of famous Indians. Set includes Arapaho War Dance, Hopi Snake Dancer, Blackfeet, Buffalo Hunter, Sitting Bull, Geronimo, Crazy Horse, to name a few. Every card in full colors, stiff back, regular playing card size. These exciting Indian trading cards are not on sale in stores. They're offered only by Quaker Pako 10. That's Quaker Pako 10. Ten crisp, fresh individual servings of six different favorite ready to serve cereals remember only Pako 10 has wheat and rice shot from guns and inside special new packages now at 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 Pako 10 package mail to Indian cards, box 7 12, Chicago 77, Illinois this is J. Michael wishing you goodbye, good luck and good health from Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Pot Rice. So long. Listen tomorrow at this same time to the Green Hornet brought to you by the drink that makes you feel fresh again, delicious Orange Crush. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[Sid]

SA.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of OTRWesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and 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.

[Sid]

Sam.