The Little Mountie | Challenge of the Yukon (12-30-51)

Summary

Detailed Summary of "The Little Mountie | Challenge of the Yukon" (12-30-51)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Episode: The Little Mountie | Challenge of the Yukon (12-30-51)

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I. Introduction and Setting

The episode "The Little Mountie | Challenge of the Yukon" transports listeners to the rugged landscapes of the Yukon during the gold rush era. The story revolves around the Benwood family and their sled dog, Snooper, intertwining themes of family, loyalty, and justice against the backdrop of the untamed Wild West.

II. The Benwood Family and Loss of Snooper

Characters Introduced:

• Jed Benwood: The stern father and sled dog team leader.
• Elsie Benwood: The concerned mother.
• Mark Benwood: Their 10-year-old son with a deep affection for Snooper, the family sled dog.

The episode opens with Jed entering the cabin near Whitehorse, discussing the disappearance of Snooper with his wife, Elsie, and their son, Mark.

Notable Quote:

• Jed Benwood [02:11]: "What's dogs good for except to pull a sled, son?"

Jed expresses his frustration over Snooper’s disappearance, believing the dog was simply a troublemaker chasing rabbits. Mark, however, sees a different side of Snooper, believing the dog aspired to be more than just a sled dog.

Notable Quote:

• Mark Benwood [02:30]: "Oh, gosh, Dad. I think Snooper was smart. He wanted to be something more than just a sled dog."

III. Snooper's Return and Injury

Late one night, Snooper miraculously returns home but is injured, limping due to a trap. Despite Jed’s initial insistence on discarding the lame dog, Elsie persuades Jed to let Mark keep Snooper, emphasizing that the dog might still be useful.

Notable Quote:

• Elsie Benwood [04:07]: "But what harm can it do?"

Mark tends to Snooper’s injury, and the boy-dog duo become inseparable, despite Snooper's persistent habit of chasing small animals.

IV. Introduction of Crooks' Plot

Parallel to the Benwoods' story, two crooks, Leo and Stocky, plan to rob a bank shipment in Whitehorse. They meticulously strategize their heist, believing that recent snowfall has obscured their tracks, making it easier for them to escape unnoticed.

Notable Quote:

• Leo [07:48]: "Hey Stucky, I found out there's a bank shipment waiting at the express office to go out."

Their confidence grows as they execute the robbery, unaware that their actions are about to intersect with the Benwoods' lives.

V. Mark and Snooper Play and Encounter Sergeant Preston

While playing outside, Mark attempts to engage Snooper in a game of "Mountie," mirroring Sergeant Preston's renowned dog, King. During their play, Mark interacts with Sergeant Preston, who commends Snooper's intelligence despite his lameness.

Notable Quote:

• Mark Benwood [05:36]: "Oh, I'm playing Mountie. And Snooper is my helper, like King is yours."

Sergeant Preston, accompanied by King, discusses the recent robbery with Constable Stocky, emphasizing his belief that King can track the crooks despite the snowy conditions.

VI. Crooks' Hideout and Snooper Leads to Rescue

As Leo and Stocky settle into their hideout, Mark and Snooper inadvertently trace the crooks' tracks leading to the shack. Snooper, driven by his instinct, chases an unusually large rabbit, which ultimately guides Mark closer to the crooks’ location.

Simultaneously, Sergeant Preston and King pursue the trail, determined to apprehend the outlaws. The climax unfolds when Mark and Snooper confront the crooks in the shack. Just as Leo and Stocky attempt to overpower Mark and Jed, King intervenes heroically, disabling one of the crooks and enabling the rightful arrest.

Notable Quote:

• Sergeant Preston [25:44]: "Constable, something's wrong. We'll have King backtrack on Snooper's trail and try to find Mark and his father."

VII. Conclusion and Resolution

With the crooks apprehended and the bank shipment secured, Sergeant Preston praises Mark and Snooper for their invaluable assistance. Jed, initially skeptical about Snooper, acknowledges the dog's true worth, recognizing his bravery and intelligence.

Notable Quote:

• Mark Benwood [27:15]: "Snooper's good at trailing, too. He led me to these trucks, Sergeant."

Sergeant Preston assures Mark that his dedication has not gone unnoticed, hinting at future involvement and support for the young boy's aspirations to become a Mountie.

VIII. Final Thoughts

"The Little Mountie | Challenge of the Yukon" masterfully weaves a tale of courage, familial bonds, and the triumph of good over evil. Through engaging dialogue and vivid soundscapes, the episode brings to life the challenges of the Yukon frontier and the enduring spirit of its characters.

Host’s Closing Remarks: Andrew Rines concludes the episode by inviting listeners to engage with the podcast through ratings, social media, and exclusive content, ensuring the timeless tales of the Wild West continue to captivate new audiences.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jed Benwood [02:11]: "What's dogs good for except to pull a sled, son?"
• Mark Benwood [02:30]: "Oh, gosh, Dad. I think Snooper was smart. He wanted to be something more than just a sled dog."
• Elsie Benwood [04:07]: "But what harm can it do?"
• Leo [07:48]: "Hey Stucky, I found out there's a bank shipment waiting at the express office to go out."
• Mark Benwood [05:36]: "Oh, I'm playing Mountie. And Snooper is my helper, like King is yours."
• Sergeant Preston [25:44]: "Constable, something's wrong. We'll have King backtrack on Snooper's trail and try to find Mark and his father."
• Mark Benwood [27:15]: "Snooper's good at trailing, too. He led me to these trucks, Sergeant."

This episode not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons about perseverance, the importance of every member of a team (including pets), and the impact of community support in the face of adversity.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[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]

Now. As gunshots echo across the windswept snow covered reaches of the wild northwest, Quaker Oats, the giant of the cereals, presents Sergeant Preston of the Yukon. It's Yukon King, swiftest and strongest lead dog of the northwest, blazing the trail for Sergeant Preston of the Northwest mounted police in his relentless pursuit of lawbreakers. On, King. On you husky. Gold. Gold discovered in the Yukon. A stampede to the Klondike. In the wild race for riches back to the days of the gold rush with Sergeant Preston and his wonder dog Yukon King as they meet the challenge of the Yukon. Brought to you by Quaker Oats. Jed Benwood entered his cabin a short distance from Whitehorse and stomped the snow off his shoes as he spoke to his wife elsie and his 10 year old boy, Mark.

[Jed Benwood]

Well, Elsie, I bought a new dog for my team.

[Elsie Benwood]

Too bad Snooper disappeared a few days ago, Jed. Dogs aren't very cheap up here in the Yukon.

[Jed Benwood]

I reckon it's just as well that no good dog Snooper did disappear. Never did take the harness very well. He's always chasing rabbits and such every chance he got. Reckon he chased one a little too far last time.

[Elsie Benwood]

Strange he didn't come back though. Dogs usually find their way back home.

[Jed Benwood]

That dog didn't have any sense, Elsie. The rest of the team stay quiet, mind their own business. But Snooper, as Mark named him, always wanted attention. That's part of the trouble too. The boys sort of made a pet of him. Spoil the dog.

[Mark Benwood]

Oh, gosh, Dad. I think Snooper was smart. He wanted to be something more than just a sled dog.

[Jed Benwood]

What's dogs good for except to pull a sled, son?

[Mark Benwood]

Well, Sergeant Preston's dog King helps find crooks when he isn't leading the dog team.

[Jed Benwood]

Sure, sure. King's a special trained dog, that's why. Well, let's have supper and forget that lost dog, Snooper. Like I said before, I'm just as well pleased that he did disappear.

[Narrator]

Late that night, Mark, who slept on a couch in the main room of the cabin, was awakened by a dog whining at the door.

[Mark Benwood]

Golly. Sounds like a dog right outside the door. I'll go find out. Snooper, you've come back. Come on in, fella. Come on. Gosh, you're limping. Let me see that front paw. Golly. Looks like you must have been caught in a trap or something.

[Jed Benwood]

Hey, what's going on out here?

[Mark Benwood]

Look, dad, it's Snooper. He's come back. One of his front legs is hurt.

[Jed Benwood]

Let me see here. Got caught in a trap. That's what he gets for loping off after rabbits and such.

[Mark Benwood]

I'll fix his leg right away.

[Jed Benwood]

No matter what you do for him, he'll never be good anymore as a sled dog.

[Narrator]

Mark.

[Jed Benwood]

I'll get rid of him tomorrow.

[Mark Benwood]

No, please, dad, let me keep him.

[Jed Benwood]

But, son, what good will he be? A gimpy legged dog isn't worth keeping around.

[Elsie Benwood]

What is it, Jed? I heard you and Mark talking.

[Mark Benwood]

Snooper's come back, Mark, and he's hurt.

[Narrator]

Oh, boy.

[Mark Benwood]

Dad said he's going to get rid of him, but I want to keep him.

[Jed Benwood]

Now, son, no use carrying on about it. A lame dog is useless.

[Mark Benwood]

Why can't I keep him as my own? Please, dad.

[Elsie Benwood]

Jed, let Mark keep Snooper if he wants to, at least for a while. But what harm can it do?

[Jed Benwood]

Well, all right then, all right. But you have to take care of him, Mark. I'm going back to bed.

[Narrator]

In spite of the careful attention given to him by his little master, Snooper's injury left him with a lame front leg. And though as time went on it didn't seem to bother him, the dog could never quite put his weight on that one limb. He and Mark were constant and happy companions. But in spite of Mark's patient training, Snooper couldn't be broken of the habit of chasing any small animal across his path. One afternoon, while Mark was playing outside with Snooper, Sergeant Preston and King approached the Benwood cabin on the way to Whitehorse.

[Mark Benwood]

Mind the crook, Snooper. Find him. No.

[Stocky]

Come back.

[Mark Benwood]

Come back here. Stop chasing that rabbit.

[Narrator]

Hollow Huskies. Hello.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hello, Mark.

[Mark Benwood]

Hi, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Isn't that one of your father's dogs?

[Mark Benwood]

No, he's mine, Sergeant.

[Narrator]

Briefly, the boy told the Mountie about Snooper's disappearance and of the result.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, I'm glad your father let you keep him, Mark.

[Mark Benwood]

So am I, sir.

[Sergeant Preston]

I notice Snooper gets around in spite of his lameness.

[Mark Benwood]

He sure does. But I get awful discouraged sometimes trying to make him stop chasing things like he does.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, what sort of game were you playing when I arrived?

[Mark Benwood]

Oh, I'm playing Mountie. And Snooper is my helper, like King is yours.

[Sergeant Preston]

A Mountie, eh? Caught any crooks lately?

[Mark Benwood]

Oh, gosh, no. We just make believe. But it's fun. I was trying to get Snooper to Trail dad. But he started right off to chase another rabbit.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, never mind, Mark. At least Snooper's good company for you. Well, your father gone to town?

[Mark Benwood]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Preston]

Perhaps I'll see him there.

[Narrator]

Keep your eye out for any crooks.

[Sergeant Preston]

That come this way, Constable Mark.

[Mark Benwood]

Yes, sir. Goodbye.

[Sergeant Preston]

Goodbye, son. All right, King, up front.

[Narrator]

Hun King.

[Stocky]

Come on, you husky.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our adventure in just a moment. Say, mothers, next time you feed your baby, remember this. Many pediatricians are recommending good nourishing Quaker Oats for babies from the time they are three months old. So why wait till eight or nine months? You see, oatmeal has proved itself the finest source of bodybuilding protein among cereals. In tests made by a leading state university, the protein in Quaker Oats is proved better for growth than and that of 14 nationally known breakfast cereals, including two well known baby cereals. Results are published in the nationally known scientific journal Food Research. And mothers, here's a time saving tip to make baby's first oatmeal. Just follow the easy directions on the package of Quaker oats or mother's oats, which are the same. Make plenty and then you'll have creamy, delicious, nourishing hot Quaker oats ready for the rest of the family and at a cost of less than one penny a serving. So serve it every morning tomorrow.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sure.

[Narrator]

Get a package of delicious Quaker or mother's oats. Now to continue, Two rough looking men sat in the cafe at Whitehorse talking in low voices.

[Leo]

Hey Stucky, I found out there's a bank shipment waiting at the express office to go out.

[Stocky]

How'd you find that out, Leo?

[Leo]

When I was heading here from the hotel, I saw the bank cashier with a guard. They were going in the express office carrying a black bag. I sort of ambled by and looked in. I saw the clerk checking some small sacks that were in the bank.

[Stocky]

We could use some cash right now.

[Leo]

That's what I was thinking.

[Stocky]

You think we could get away with it?

[Leo]

No reason why we were careful.

[Stocky]

Who else was in the express office? I mean besides the bank cashier, the guard and the express clerk?

[Leo]

Nobody clerk works in the office alone this time of day. What's more, I saw the cashier and the guard go back to the bank just after I arrived here. I could see him through the front window.

[Stocky]

That means the express clerk is alone with that bank shipment. Huh?

[Leo]

Huh.

[Stocky]

Well, what are we waiting for?

[Leo]

Nothing, as far as I'm concerned.

[Stocky]

Good. How are we working?

[Leo]

Look, we'll get the dog sled load On a few supplies. Then take the sled and leave it beside the express building.

[Stocky]

We'll have to make sure that clerk is still in there. Alone?

[Leo]

Yeah, that's right. Then we'll go in and grab that shipment.

[Stocky]

Where do you figure on heading for?

[Leo]

After we do gravity, make a fast getaway. We'll go to that deserted prospector shack a couple of miles up the valley where we hid out before.

[Stocky]

You think we ought to stop so close to town? Maybe we ought to keep going in case they pick up our trail and start following us.

[Leo]

Don't worry. It's beginning to snow just enough to cover our trail. We'll be safe at the shack.

[Stocky]

Well, no use wasting time. Come on, let's go.

[Narrator]

Right. A short time later, the express clerk looked up as two men with their faces covered entered reach.

[Leo]

Mister, this is a whole other.

[Narrator]

Whoa. There isn't much here for you to take.

[Stocky]

Stop lying. We came for that bank shipment. Get over to the safe and get it for us. Hurry.

[Leo]

Come on, make it faster.

[Stocky]

I'll plug in.

[Leo]

Sure, sure. Hand me that black bag there. Here it is, Mr. Rat.

[Jed Benwood]

You aren't gonna get far when the.

[Leo]

Constable hears about this. He isn't gonna hear too soon. This'll keep you quiet.

[Stocky]

Come on, Leo, let's get out of here quick.

[Narrator]

Ten minutes later, the express clerk regained consciousness. For a moment or two, he sat dazedly, trying to get his bearings. And then, as the full realization of what had happened came to him, he staggered to his feet.

[Leo]

Bank shipment. Now I remember.

[Narrator]

They knocked me out and took that.

[Leo]

Cash to get help.

[Narrator]

Quick. A clerk, still weak from a heavy blow, staggered to the door and pulled it open.

[Stocky]

Help.

[Narrator]

Help.

[Leo]

Hold up.

[Mark Benwood]

Help.

[Narrator]

Within a few moments, several of the townsmen attracted by the clerk's call stood beside him excitedly asking questions. Hey, what happened?

[Jed Benwood]

Shady, was it? Hold up. Yeah, two men. They knocked me out. Robbed the Express safer.

[Narrator]

Got away with a big bank shipment. How long ago did it happen?

[Jed Benwood]

Did you recognize them? Must have been about 10 or 15 minutes ago. I don't know who they were. I'll tell a constable what I remember about them. Somebody go get the constable.

[Narrator]

Hurry.

[Jed Benwood]

We can't let those crooks get away with that bank shipment.

[Narrator]

Later that day, Sergeant Preston and his Great Dog King arrived in town. Went directly to the constable's office where Preston learned of the Express Office robbery.

[Stocky]

I just came back from the Express Office, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Got a description of the crooks?

[Leo]

Yes. There were two men.

[Stocky]

One stocky, the other slim. That's all the clerk could tell me. They struck him down just before they left.

[Narrator]

I see enough snow has fallen to.

[Stocky]

Cover any tracks they may have left.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, that wouldn't stop King figured out that scent.

[Stocky]

I doubt if that's possible.

[Sergeant Preston]

Why?

[Stocky]

Well, the clerk went to the door when he came to and yelled for help. A crowd was soon milling around the scene even before I got there.

[Sergeant Preston]

No, that's bad. They're useless trying to pick up any particular scent after so many have been there. Of course, we might find something outside.

[Stocky]

No, some men went around outside looking for tracks in spite of the falling snow.

[Narrator]

Huh.

[Sergeant Preston]

The only thing left to do is start questioning. I doubt we'll turn up any clues to the identity of the crooks, but it's worth a try. Let's go. Come along, King.

[Narrator]

An hour later, the snow had stopped falling. Leo and Stocky took the much traveled main north trail for some distance, then doubling back along a branch trail. They soon came within sight of the shack in the valley to which they were heading.

[Leo]

Well, Stocky, everything worked our way. Enough snow fell to cover our tracks.

[Stocky]

Yeah, we stay at the shack for several days and no one will be the wiser. I wonder how soon after we left.

[Leo]

The constable found out about us grabbing that shipment.

[Stocky]

Long enough for us to be well away from town, I reckon. Can't find us if there's no trail to follow.

[Leo]

Yeah, there's a shack just ahead.

[Stocky]

Oh yeah. You know, Leo, we came a roundabout way, but if we headed straight over that hill to the left, we'd raced the north trail again not too far from town.

[Leo]

Yeah, I know. Ah, here we are.

[Stocky]

Oh, there. Ho, hoya ho there. Help me get the dog settled. Then we'll go in and make ourselves comfortable while we count the loot.

[Narrator]

For some time after Sergeant Preston left, Mark Benwood played with his dog Snooper near his father's cabin. They went inside during the snowfall, but when it stopped, the boy and dog went out to play again. An unusually large rabbit ran past them, heading toward the hill behind the cabin. Snooper immediately took off in pursuit.

[Mark Benwood]

Snooper, come back here.

[Stocky]

Snooper.

[Narrator]

Snooper stopped a moment and looked back at his small master. He stood a moment, undecided. Then he saw the rabbit toward the top of the hill, resting in the snow. Snooper started on again.

[Mark Benwood]

Snooper. Snooper, wait. Come back here. I'm that dog anyway. Golly, he's gone over that hill now. I can't even see him. Oh, well, I can see his tracks in the snow. I'll follow him and bring him back.

[Narrator]

Bark followed Snooper's tracks in the snow down the opposite side of the hill until he came to a narrow trail which showed that a dog sled and two men had gone by. He found Snooper on the trail, sniffing at the footprints in the snow.

[Mark Benwood]

Snooper, I oughta let dad give you away for running after that rabbit. Why didn't you come back when I called you? Why didn't you? Aw, it's all right, fella. Just so you don't get lost again, I wonder who made those tracks along this track, huh? I bet you think they're crooks just like I do, don't you?

[Leo]

Snooker.

[Mark Benwood]

Find them, fella. I'm a mountie. Don't you know that? Look, I even have a wooden pistol dad made for me. Go ahead, Snooper. Find him. Boy, gosh, you sure act dumb. Come on. I'll go along with you then, and make believe you're following their scent. Come on, Snoop.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, at the cafe, Sergeant Preston found a newcomer to town who volunteered some information.

[Stocky]

Sergeant, I heard you asking around about a slim feller and a stocky one.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's right. You see them?

[Stocky]

Well, come to think of it, I did, sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

When and where?

[Narrator]

Well, I got into town about half an hour ago.

[Stocky]

Come in on the north trail about two miles out.

[Narrator]

A couple of fellows was making fast time with a dog sled. I'd say one of them was slim.

[Stocky]

And the other was sort of stocky.

[Narrator]

Might be the men that you're hunting for. Might be at that, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's a lead worth following, Constable.

[Stocky]

Of course, you realize a little snowfall.

[Narrator]

We had would have covered any tracks they left.

[Sergeant Preston]

I know, but the snow stopped falling now.

[Narrator]

Are you thinking of trailing those two men? Yes.

[Sergeant Preston]

@ least as far as Bear Creek. I'll ask about them there. Let's get the team, constable.

[Narrator]

Come along, King. On the valley trail, Mark and his dog Snooper moved along slowly. Snooper repeatedly interrupted their progress by chasing after small animals. That happened across the trail, and Mark was forced time and again to bring him back to follow the tracks of the would be crooks. At the Benwood cabin, Elsie Benwood decided Mark and Snooper had been outside much too long. So she went to call them in.

[Mark Benwood]

Mark.

[Elsie Benwood]

Mark, where are you? Mark? Where is that boy?

[Jed Benwood]

Why didn't Mark come in? Elsie, I've been back from town half an hour or more. Haven't laid eyes on the boy yet.

[Elsie Benwood]

Jed, neither Mark nor his dog are in sight. I haven't seen them for quite some time, and I'm rather worried.

[Jed Benwood]

I'll put on My things and go out to find them. Threaten that boy and his gippy legged dog. Just when I get comfortable, he has to run off.

[Elsie Benwood]

I do hope they haven't gone far, Jed. Where they might meet a bear or wolf or some other animal.

[Jed Benwood]

Oh, not likely this close to town. Anyhow, I'll soon find him. No need to get upset. They can't be very far from the cabin.

[Elsie Benwood]

Oh, I hope not.

[Narrator]

Mark. Mark.

[Jed Benwood]

See the tracks in the snow? Dog sure made plenty of them.

[Narrator]

Jed walked slowly around, gradually circling out as he called Mark's name. But he received no answer. Finally he saw the dog tracks and Mark's footprints heading back toward the top of the hill.

[Jed Benwood]

Thought that youngster had more sense. He might have run into some prowling animals. Sure enough, back in that valley. If he went that far, by thunder, I should get rid of that dog like I said I was going to. Well, nothing to do but go on till I sight him.

[Narrator]

Later. In the hideout shack, the two crooks, Leo and Stocky, were seated comfortably by the fire. The black bag containing the bank loot was on a bunk nearby.

[Leo]

Stocky, I didn't think we'd really hit it like we did when he grabbed that black bag. Almost $10,000 in cash and gold does.

[Stocky]

Yeah, we live in clover when we finally get to where we can spend it.

[Leo]

Hey, you hear that, Stucky?

[Stocky]

Yeah, probably a wolf back in the heels.

[Leo]

I know. Sounded more like a dog to me.

[Stocky]

Lots of people have trouble telling the difference.

[Leo]

Someone's coming this way.

[Stocky]

Yeah, there's someone calling as if to a dog. Let's look out the window.

[Leo]

Hey, look. A youngster chasing us way after a dog.

[Stocky]

Yeah, the darn mutt's heading right for this shack.

[Leo]

Yeah, let's just sit tight. Maybe they'll go away.

[Stocky]

Are you crazy, fool? No boy that size would be coming through this valley alone. Maybe his old man is coming around the bend.

[Leo]

We'll soon find out. All we have to do is wait and watch.

[Narrator]

The two crooks stood watching out the window. They saw Mark and Snooper approaching the shack. But no one seemed to be coming after them. Leo spoke.

[Leo]

Boy's old enough to know that someone's staying here. When he sees smoke coming from the chimney.

[Stocky]

Well, what of it? Maybe he'll go right past.

[Leo]

No, dog's running to the door now and the boy's following.

[Stocky]

Open the door and tell him to beat it.

[Leo]

Use your head, Stucky. He went talking about someone being in the shack. People would get suspicious. Amanis might come up to investigate.

[Stocky]

You Hear that?

[Leo]

You think he really knows?

[Narrator]

What?

[Stocky]

I'll find out what this is all about.

[Mark Benwood]

Put him up, mister. I got you covered. You can't get away from Amoni.

[Stocky]

Come in here, boy. We want to talk to you. Come on in.

[Mark Benwood]

Come on, Snoop.

[Stocky]

Yeah. Now, what's that you said about a Mountie?

[Mark Benwood]

I said you can't get away from Amounty. Mister, I'm a Mountie. And that's my trusty dog, Snooper.

[Leo]

Hey, I don't get this.

[Stocky]

Wait a minute, Leo. Tell us, youngster. What brings you here to this shack?

[Mark Benwood]

Snooper and I are trailing crooks and the trail led right to this cabin.

[Leo]

Who told you we're crooks?

[Mark Benwood]

Oh, I'm only playing make believe. Don't you see? Did you really make those tracks out there?

[Stocky]

What if we did?

[Mark Benwood]

Nothing. Well, I think Snooper and I better be going home.

[Narrator]

Now.

[Stocky]

Wait a minute. Where'd he live?

[Mark Benwood]

Back over the hill on the north trail.

[Leo]

We can't let him leave now. If he tells about us being here, the money.

[Mark Benwood]

Don't you want anybody to know you're here, mister?

[Leo]

None of your business.

[Stocky]

Take it easy, Leon. Look, boy, you had no right to come here snooping like you did.

[Mark Benwood]

I wasn't snooping. I was just playing Mountie. But I have to go home to supper now.

[Stocky]

Well, maybe it'll be all right.

[Mark Benwood]

Oh, there's dad hunting for us.

[Leo]

You watch the boy. I'll get the old man in here. Hey, you. What are you snooping around here for?

[Jed Benwood]

I'm looking for a boy and a dog. Their tracks led right to the door of the shack.

[Mark Benwood]

I'm in here, dad.

[Jed Benwood]

That's the boy. That's him. Hey, what are you two fellas doing here in this shack? I noticed tracks on the trail outside. Dog team and two men. Holy smoke. Maybe you two are the. Well, I better get the boy and leave.

[Leo]

You're coming inside, mister. I have you covered. I'll come in sure.

[Mark Benwood]

Golly, dad, why is he holding a gun on you? Are they really cross?

[Jed Benwood]

Be quiet, Mark.

[Leo]

I'll sit on you.

[Stocky]

All right.

[Leo]

Started to say something a minute ago, but maybe. Were there something or other. Now, what was it?

[Jed Benwood]

Oh, just a passing thought, mister. Nothing to it.

[Stocky]

No use being cagey with him, Leo. He's wise to who we are, and that's just his hard luck.

[Jed Benwood]

All right, then, maybe I am wise. I figure you robbed the express office in town. You're hiding out here.

[Mark Benwood]

Golly, real crook.

[Leo]

Shut up.

[Narrator]

You watch that dog.

[Stocky]

Leo.

[Narrator]

Stay with me, you dirty mud. Tell him to stay away.

[Mark Benwood]

Quiet, Snooper. Quiet, fella.

[Stocky]

Hey, kid, put that mud outside. Go on.

[Mark Benwood]

All right. Here, Snooper.

[Elsie Benwood]

Here, boy.

[Stocky]

I'll come to the door with you. You needn't think of slipping out yourself. Tell him to go out.

[Mark Benwood]

Go out. Go out, Snooper.

[Leo]

Ah, Stocky, help me tie these two and we'll toss them on the bunk. After that, we'll decide what to do.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our adventure in just a moment. And now, here's your old friend, that famous teller of tall tales, Gabby Hayes.

[Gabby Hayes]

Hey. I want to know what you fellers and gals would do if you was ambushed by a gang of gold robbers. The way I was up in the Yukon. Years ago, I was traveling along a lonely trail on the way to a secret gold mine. Sudden, I realized I was being ambushed by a gang of Gold Robin varmints. Well, sir, they begin to close in on me natural. First thing I thought of was eatin a bowl of Nourishin Quaker oats. Them robbers didn't reckon with the superpower and strength that Quaker Oats give me. Quaker Oats is the giant of the cereals. Ye giant tootin. You get more strength and more energy from oatmeal than from many other whole grain cereal. So what did I do? I stretched my arms out to the side, begin to spin around with such speed that just as the robbers made a grab for me, I whirled myself right up into the air like a helicopter and landed miles away. So fellers and gals, take a tip from old Gabby. Be ready for anybody that starts ambushing you. Eat a good heaping bowl of delicious hot Quaker oats every morning. Or make it mother's oats, the shucks. Exactly the same.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. Sergeant Preston and the constable followed the north trail until they arrived at the Benwood cabin. Okay.

[Sergeant Preston]

Constable will ask the Benwoods if they've seen anything of the two men were trailing. Come on. Come on, King. Stay, king. Stay, boy.

[Elsie Benwood]

Sergeant Preston, come on in.

[Narrator]

Thanks.

[Sergeant Preston]

Mrs. Benwin isn't dead.

[Leo]

Home?

[Elsie Benwood]

He went to hunt for Mark and his dog, Snooper. I don't know how long he'll be gone. That boy and dog might lead him a merry chase before he finds them.

[Sergeant Preston]

I can believe that. We're looking for two men who may have come up this trail. Slim fellow and a stocky one. Did you see them by any chance?

[Elsie Benwood]

I didn't notice, Sergeant. Several have passed on the trail, but I've been busy inside.

[Sergeant Preston]

I see.

[Elsie Benwood]

Perhaps Mark noticed them. But hard telling when he and Jed will finally get Back here.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, perhaps we'd better not wait then.

[Leo]

That's right.

[Stocky]

It'll be dark before long, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right, let's go, Constable.

[Elsie Benwood]

Sorry I couldn't be of help, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's all right. Goodbye.

[Elsie Benwood]

Goodbye, Sergeant.

[Stocky]

Bye, ma'am.

[Leo]

Bye.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, push on to Bear Creek, Constable. Look, there comes Mark's dog. Wait a minute and see, Mark.

[Stocky]

The dog sure acts strangely, Sergeant.

[Narrator]

Preston observed Snooper closely. The mighty was used to the ways of dogs, and he could tell that something was wrong, that Snooper was trying to tell him something. The lame dog ran toward them, then back toward the hill. Finally, Preston spoke.

[Sergeant Preston]

Constable, something's wrong. We'll have King backtrack on Snooper's trail and try to find Mark and his father. It's gone up front, boy.

[Stocky]

All right. On King.

[Narrator]

On your husky. Later, in the shack, the two crooks had come to a decision.

[Leo]

Pack up and leave here right away. Stocky, leave these two tied up here. Start snowing again soon. It'll not be fun for some time. Right.

[Mark Benwood]

No, no, don't leave us here.

[Jed Benwood]

Let the boy go. The fire will go out. We'll freeze.

[Stocky]

That's your hard luck. I'll take the bag of loot out to the sled. Leo, hold it.

[Narrator]

You're not going anyplace.

[Leo]

Couple of monies.

[Stocky]

Hey, use your gun, Leo.

[Narrator]

I'll take the big guy. Leo, standing just behind Mark, suddenly held his gun against the boy, saying, hold everything, Molly's. Now plug this boy if you don't.

[Leo]

Drop your guns right now.

[Mark Benwood]

Don't let him shoot me, Sergeant.

[Narrator]

As Mark cried out, Snooper heard his young master and sprang forward from behind the Mounties.

[Stocky]

Leo, look out. The great dog.

[Narrator]

At the same moment, a great gray shape moved like a streak of lightning. King, unseen by Leo, whose attention was momentarily on Snooper, sprang at the crook, grabbing him by the gun arm. Help.

[Stocky]

Take him away. Help.

[Narrator]

Watch him, boy. Keep that dog away, will ya?

[Stocky]

I'll untie Mark and his father.

[Narrator]

Mark and his father were soon free and stood by as Preston and the constable tied up the crooks and fixed Stocky's wound.

[Sergeant Preston]

You're under arrest in the name of the Crown for armed robbery.

[Stocky]

Bank shipment is still intact in the black bag. Sergeant.

[Mark Benwood]

Gosh, Sergeant, you came just in time. I trained Snooper to be smart like King. That's why he brought you here.

[Sergeant Preston]

Snooper's a fine dog, Mark. It was because of him that we found him.

[Jed Benwood]

And to think I wanted to get rid of him.

[Mark Benwood]

Snooper's good at trailing, too. He led me to these trucks, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, little Mountie and his dog, eh? Next time I come by your cabin, Mark, I'll bring a Mountie playsuit for you to wear. How's that?

[Mark Benwood]

Golly, that'll be fine. I'll really be like a Mountie.

[Sergeant Preston]

Then we'll take you back to your cabin and get these crooks to jail. Once that's done, this case is closed.

[Narrator]

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

[Stocky]

This is your friend Angemima.

[Mark Benwood]

Would you like to eat better for.

[Stocky]

Less money than serve delicious Angel Mima pancakes?

[Mark Benwood]

A stack of golden fluffy Angemimas with.

[Stocky]

Good butter and syrup cost only about.

[Mark Benwood]

6 cents and makes a wonderful breakfast, lunch or supper.

[Stocky]

So serve folk stacks of Aunt Jemima.

[Narrator]

Pancakes cost so little taste, so scrumptious too. And now, here is Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant Preston reporting for duty, Inspector.

[Leo]

Sergeant.

[Stocky]

An Indian guide in the party was.

[Leo]

Leading a loss somewhere in the mountains above Dominion Creek. It may mean murder.

[Sergeant Preston]

Any special instructions, sir?

[Stocky]

No, Sergeant.

[Leo]

Just find the members of the party and the murderer, if there is one.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston faces death on a storm swept mountain. Death from killers on the threshold of a fortune. Be sure to hear this next exciting adventure. These radio dramas, a feature of Sergeant Preston of the Yukon Incorporated, are created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendall Campbell Enterprises, 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 by Quaker Oats, the Giant of the Ser. This is J. Michael wishing you goodbye, good luck and good health from Quaker Oats, the Giant of the Cereals. So long. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System SA.

[Mark Benwood]

Foreign.

[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 Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.