The Queen’s Parlor | Challenge of the Yukon (02-19-53)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns – “The Queen’s Parlor”

Show: Challenge of the Yukon
Episode Aired: February 19, 1953
Podcast Release: April 1, 2026
Host: Andrew Rhynes

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Episode Overview

In this classic “Challenge of the Yukon” radio drama, Sergeant Preston and his loyal dog Yukon King find themselves entangled in a web of intrigue and danger as they work to solve the murder of a mysterious stranger in Dawson and protect a government official from an assassination plot. Set against the backdrop of the Yukon Gold Rush, the episode follows a fast-moving investigation involving coded notes, a frame-up, and a brazen steamer ambush––all culminating in a daring police operation to expose corruption and restore justice.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. The Mysterious Stranger and the Midnight Knock

[03:14–07:01]

• A rainstorm lulls Greg Randolph, young owner of Dawson’s livery stable, to sleep until he’s awakened by urgent pounding on his door.
• A mud-covered man, accompanied by a collie, bursts in demanding to bar the door, clearly exhausted and frightened.
• Greg offers the stranger refuge; as he sleeps, Greg decides it’s best to alert the police (the Northwest Mounted).

Quote:
“Must have had a hard ride.” — Greg Randolph [05:20]

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2. The Disappearance and Discovery of a Murder

[07:01–09:55]

• Sergeant Preston and Yukon King accompany Greg back to the stable, only to find the stranger gone and a mysterious red smear (spilled paint, not blood).
• The man’s horse is still there; suspicions rise.
• Following King’s instincts, they discover the collie and the stranger’s body near the riverbank.
• Coroner identifies the deceased as Jacob Martin, killed by a knife wound, not robbery.

Quote:
“He was dead when he was thrown into the water.” — Coroner [08:53]

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3. The Coded Letter and Suspects

[10:00–11:55]

• Searching Martin’s effects, Preston finds a coded note: “Action 1424, Parlor A.”
• Clues point toward a connection with the steamer “Queen of the Yukon” and a stop at Ryan's Landing.
• Suspicion arises that the murder and code relate to a larger conspiracy.

Quote:
“Does this message have anything to do with the Queen of the Yukon stopping at Ryan’s Landing on June 24?” — Sergeant Preston [11:13]

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4. The Frame-Up and Kidnapping of Greg

[12:08–18:56]

• Greg is abducted by three masked men and interrogated about his contact with Jacob Martin.
• Bandits, fearing exposure, consider killing him but decide to leave him tied up as the date of their planned operation draws nearer.

Memorable Moment:
“That’s to put a bullet through this hombre.” — One of the Gang [13:31]

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5. King’s Pursuit, Constable Wounded

[15:13–17:04]

• Sergeant Preston and Constable Downey track Greg to a remote cabin.
• A firefight erupts; Downey is wounded, and Preston tends to him before letting Yukon King lead him to Greg.
• Preston forcefully rescues Greg as dawn breaks.

Quote:
“King may be able to do it. Where’s something he’s worn?… Find him, Find King.” — Sergeant Preston [11:54, 12:08]

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6. Political Intrigue Revealed

[19:08–23:13]

• In Dawson, Jacob Martin’s collie unexpectedly attacks Ben Gordon, the acting gold commissioner, raising Preston’s suspicions.
• Preston consults with Major Warren, learning Gordon’s lack of permanent appointment and previous suspicions about his conduct.
• The pieces come together: the coded note is an assassination plot targeting the incoming gold commissioner, John Everett.

Quote:
“A dog’s instinct can often be trusted more than a man’s reason.” — Sergeant Preston [23:07]

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7. The Queen’s Parlor: The Ambush & Justice

[24:02–27:29]

• Ben Gordon and his conspirators ambush the Queen of the Yukon at Ryan’s Landing to stop Everett’s arrival.
• Preston and the Mounties, disguised and ready, counter the attack, arresting Gordon and his entire gang in a dramatic showdown.

Quote:
“Let them all die. I’ll save myself!” — Ben Gordon [26:04]
“This is Ben Gordon, sir. Everything’s under control now.” — Sergeant Preston [26:27]

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8. The Aftermath and Justice Served

[27:42–29:01]

• Gordon's criminal schemes are exposed: he had been defrauding the government, assigning gold-rich Crown land to partners for a cut of the profits.
• Facing both conspiracy and murder charges, Gordon is brought to justice with his own men’s testimony.

Quote:
“Gordon has been transferring Crown lands to private citizens in return for agreements giving him half the gold… He’ll go to jail for 20 years.” — Major Warren [27:01]

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Greg, I mean to have a talk with the military governor as soon as he’ll see me.”—Sergeant Preston [20:17]
• “Are you suggesting this note is connected with an assassination plot?”—Major Warren [22:28]
• “No, not me… Let them all die. I’ll save myself!”—Ben Gordon [26:04]

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Key Timestamps

• 03:14 — Introduction of the initial mystery (Greg and the stranger)
• 08:44 — Discovery and examination of the murder victim
• 11:41 — Finding the coded letter “Action 1424 Parlor A”
• 12:08 — Greg’s abduction and interrogation
• 17:28 — Preston’s rescue of Greg
• 19:49 — The collie attacks Ben Gordon, sparking suspicion
• 22:28 — The assassination plot is pieced together
• 24:02–26:30 — Ambush aboard the Queen of the Yukon and resolution

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Tone & Style

Maintaining the classic radio drama’s atmosphere, the episode is rich in suspense, featuring crisp, matter-of-fact banter between Preston and fellow Mounties, atmospheric soundscapes, and direct, emotional revelations. Loyalty and instinct (particularly Yukon King and the dog Shep) drive several key revelations.

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Summary

This episode of “Challenge of the Yukon” is a tightly plotted tale of murder, fraud, loyalty, and cunning law enforcement. With its iconic lead (Sergeant Preston), sidekick (Yukon King), colorful accomplices, and a vivid Yukon setting, it delivers all the high-stakes drama and justice typical of golden age radio, digitally restored for today’s audience.

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Highly recommended for fans of classic Western law-and-order stories and those interested in old-time radio’s unique storytelling style.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode now.

[Narrator]

As gunshots echo across the windswept, snow covered reaches of the Wild Northwest, Quaker Puff Wheat and Quaker Puff Rice, the breakfast cereal shot from guns 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 hunting on your 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 Quaker Puff Wheat and Quaker Puff Rice bringing you the adventures of Sergeant Preston and his wonder dog Yukon King as they meet the challenge of the Yukon.

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[Narrator]

There's no one that can make a better cereal than Quaker Puffed Wheat. It's neat and when you hear the shooting, you're dern tootin that Quaker makes the ones shot from guns and you can tell they're shot from guns the minute you see the big red and blue package of the ready to eat breakfast treat, Quaker Puffed Rice and Quaker Puffed Wheat. On every package there's a picture of the huge gun and those scrumptious king size premium grains exploding into the air. Bigger, better tasting and full of bang up nut like flavor. Boy, they hit the spot with milk and sliced bananas or other fruit. So for breakfast every morning, be sure you get the ones shot from guns. Delicious crisp Quaker Puff Wheat or Quaker Puff Rice. The steady beat of the spring rain on the roof of the livery stable made young Greg Randolph drowsy and he stretched out on a cot in one corner of his office. In a few minutes he was sound asleep. It was not until two hours later that he woke with a start. What? Someone was pounding on the door of the stable. It's midnight.

[Sergeant Preston]

Can that be?

[Narrator]

Open up.

[Greg Randolph]

Just a moment.

[Narrator]

A man staggered in leading a tired horse. With them was a collie. Man, horse and dog were plastered with mud.

[Ben Gordon]

Bar the door. Peer after me.

[Greg Randolph]

Who's after you?

[Ben Gordon]

Never mind. Bar the door.

[Narrator]

The man was near collapse. He was hanging onto the pommel of his saddle when Greg returned to his side.

[Greg Randolph]

Must have had a hard ride.

[Ben Gordon]

Yeah. Any place where I can lie down for a minute?

[Sergeant Preston]

Sure.

[Greg Randolph]

There's cot in the office.

[Sergeant Preston]

Put your arms around my shoulder.

[Narrator]

Thanks.

[Greg Randolph]

What you mean when you said someone was after you?

[Ben Gordon]

Forget it.

[Greg Randolph]

I'm all right now that I'm in Dawson. I'm going try to hold you up.

[Ben Gordon]

No, nothing like that.

[Sergeant Preston]

Forget it.

[Greg Randolph]

Here's a cot.

[Ben Gordon]

I'm covered with mud.

[Greg Randolph]

The blankets need to be washed anyway. Lie down.

[Narrator]

Thanks.

[Ben Gordon]

Lie down, Shep. You need a rest too.

[Sergeant Preston]

My horse.

[Greg Randolph]

I'll take care of him. You take it easy.

[Narrator]

After caring for the horse, Greg returned to the office. The collie raised his head and looked at the young livery stable owner.

[Sergeant Preston]

But the dog's master was sleeping.

[Ben Gordon]

A man doesn't ride a horse as hard as he has without a good reason. It'd be a bad idea to have a policeman here when he wakes up.

[Narrator]

Greg put on his raincoat and hurried down the street to the Northwest Mounted Police headquarters. Sergeant Preston was one of the officers

[Sergeant Preston]

on duty, and when he had heard

[Narrator]

Greg's story, he agreed the man should be questioned. King accompanied his master to the stables and Greg led the way into the office.

[Sergeant Preston]

Where? I don't see anyone.

[Ben Gordon]

I left him here about 10 minutes

[Greg Randolph]

ago and he was sleeping, satchel beside the cut. That red smear.

[Sergeant Preston]

It isn't blood. Greg, it's painted. See? This can's been knocked over.

[Greg Randolph]

How'd that get here?

[Sergeant Preston]

It wasn't here when you left?

[Greg Randolph]

No. It was over in the corner with those other cans. The ones that aren't open, huh? Painting outside the building in my spare time. I don't understand this at all.

[Sergeant Preston]

You say the man was sleeping?

[Greg Randolph]

Looked at me as if he'd sleep for hours. He was exhausted.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, he may have simply wakened up and left.

[Greg Randolph]

What about this can of paint?

[Sergeant Preston]

You didn't know the man at all?

[Greg Randolph]

Never saw him before.

[Sergeant Preston]

Better give me a Description.

[Greg Randolph]

He's about 6ft tall.

[Ben Gordon]

About my weight.

[Sergeant Preston]

About 180.

[Greg Randolph]

About need to shave. His beard was sandy. He's wearing a leather jacket, blue flannel shirt, corduroy trousers, boots.

[Ben Gordon]

Oh, he had a dog with him.

[Greg Randolph]

Called him chef. Collie. Yellow and white, but the white was pretty dirty. Man's clothes were splattered with mud, too.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll check the hotels and the cafes.

[Ben Gordon]

Yeah.

[Greg Randolph]

I wonder if his horse is gone.

[Sergeant Preston]

Let's find out. No.

[Greg Randolph]

There he is.

[Sergeant Preston]

Good enough. I'll see you later. Greg.

[Greg Randolph]

I wish you would drop back and let me know if you find him, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right.

[Greg Randolph]

I just don't understand about that can of paint.

[Narrator]

The stranger hadn't been seen at any of the Dawson hotels and cafes. And the sergeant was on his way back to headquarters to give the man's description to the constables who made a regular patrol of the town, when suddenly King broke away from his master's side and headed for the waterfront between two warehouses. A mournful howl sounded from the direction in which King was heading, and the sergeant followed him. On the bank of the river they found a collie, gold with white markings. Directly below him in a shallow inlet, was the body of a man. The sergeant lifted the man from the water and carried him to headquarters.

[Sergeant Preston]

Half an hour later, the coroner finished with his examination. Sergeant.

[Ben Gordon]

Death was caused by a knife wound directly above the heart.

[Sergeant Preston]

He was dead when he was thrown into the water.

[Ben Gordon]

Yep. There's no water in the lungs. Has the man been identified?

[Sergeant Preston]

There was a name stamped on his wallet. Jacob Martin. Jacob Martin.

[Ben Gordon]

But he still had his wallet. Their main motive for the murder wasn't robbery.

[Sergeant Preston]

Evidently not. Sergeant. Yes, Constable? Greg said that someone had been following this man. Yes, but that's all he'd tell Greg. Nothing about who the men were or why they were after him. At least you have an explanation of the pain on the office floor spill

[Narrator]

to cover up a blood stain.

[Sergeant Preston]

Greg was only gone from the stable. 10 minutes. They must have been waiting outside when he left. But weren't raining so hard. We might be able to find some tracks. They had to work fast, Sergeant. They may have left some clue inside the place. Suppose you come along with me, Constable. We'll make a thorough search. Oh, by the way, where's the collie? Oh, Burke's fed him and turned him into the run. He knows who killed his master even if we don't. We better take him with us just in case. Right, Sergeant. I'll get him. I'll leave a copy of my report on your desk. Thank you, doctor. Come, monkey.

[Narrator]

At the livery stable they found the lamp in the office burning. There was no sign of Greg.

[Sergeant Preston]

I wonder where he's gone. He was expecting it. Yes, the horses seem restless. May have stepped out for a moment.

[Narrator]

Get something to eat?

[Sergeant Preston]

Possibly. Let's get on with our search. A couple of the paint. Martin was lying on this cot when Greg left him. Mud stains on the blanket. Let's see if there are any other stains, Sergeant. Underneath it, an envelope addressed to Jacob Martin. General delivery. Selkirk.

[Narrator]

That clinches your identification.

[Sergeant Preston]

He must have hidden this deliberately.

[Ben Gordon]

What does the letter say?

[Sergeant Preston]

Seems to be A code. Action 1424. Parlor A. This is getting to be more and more mysterious. What sort of a crowd could Martin have been mixed up with? Parlor A. The deluxe staterooms on some of the

[Narrator]

river steamers are called parlors.

[Sergeant Preston]

I was thinking the same thing. And the Queen of the Yukon is due here from St. Michael on the 24th. That could give us the clue to one of the numbers.

[Ben Gordon]

What's the other one?

[Sergeant Preston]

14.

[Narrator]

There's the Fourteen Mile Rapids near Whitehorse.

[Sergeant Preston]

And the islands in the Yukon are numbered from here to 40 miles. Number 14 is close to the border. Isn't there a landing there?

[Narrator]

Yes, Ryan's Landing.

[Sergeant Preston]

You know Rick Ryan. He cuts wood all winter and sells

[Narrator]

it to the steamers during the summer.

[Sergeant Preston]

I know Rick. All right. Does the. Does this message have anything to do with the Queen of the Yukon stopping at Ryan's landing on June 24? It probably will stop there. It usually does. I wonder what. Sorry. Where's Greg? Where could he have gone at this hour? What's King growling at? Something on the desk.

[Narrator]

Talking. A knife and stain. It could be the knife that killed Mark.

[Sergeant Preston]

Wasn't on this desk when I was here last.

[Ben Gordon]

I.

[Narrator]

Something written on the paper.

[Sergeant Preston]

Underneath it.

[Narrator]

Some printing.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant. I did it. Greg. No. I agree with you. No.

[Narrator]

Why, it's ridiculous that Greg should kill a man. He'd Never seen before tonight. The real killers must have left their snow land tonight.

[Sergeant Preston]

Exactly. That means they must have come back here after the murder was committed. I hope Greg's still alive. You believe they've taken him prisoner? We must find him. King may be able to do it. Where's something he's worn? Oh, these gloves. Here, King. Get the scent, boy.

[Narrator]

Find him. Find King. When Greg regained consciousness, his head ached and he tried to raise a hand to it. Then he realized his hands were tied behind his back. He opened his eyes and saw his feet were bound as well and that he was lying on the floor of a small cabin. Three men were sitting around a table only a few feet away. Their faces were covered by bandanas.

[Ben Gordon]

Stopped raining.

[Narrator]

Greg tried to sit up, but the pain in his head made him drop back to the floor.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hey, come too.

[Ben Gordon]

How do you feel?

[Greg Randolph]

Terrible. Where am I?

[Ben Gordon]

What difference does that make?

[Greg Randolph]

What's the idea of these ropes?

[Ben Gordon]

To keep you from trying anything foolish. Who are you?

[Greg Randolph]

Why have you brought me here?

[Ben Gordon]

We want the answers to a few questions about the man who came to your livery stable tonight. What did he tell you?

[Greg Randolph]

Why, nothing.

[Narrator]

Don't lie. I'll make him talk.

[Ben Gordon]

No, never mind the rough stuff. Answer my question. What did Jake tell you?

[Greg Randolph]

He never even told me his name.

[Ben Gordon]

Must have told you something. Now out with it. Every word.

[Greg Randolph]

All righty. He said someone was after him. He was tired, wanted a place to lie down for a while. I showed him my cot and he went to sleep. After I gave his horse a rub down, I went for the police.

[Ben Gordon]

We know that.

[Greg Randolph]

When Sergeant Preston and I got back to the stable, a man was gone. Sergeant's looking for him.

[Ben Gordon]

He's been found.

[Greg Randolph]

What does that all have to do with me?

[Sergeant Preston]

I think it's all right. One way to be sure.

[Ben Gordon]

That's to put a bullet through this hombre. We know Jake didn't have a chance to talk with the police.

[Narrator]

Even so, there was a letter you wrote him.

[Ben Gordon]

We didn't find it on him, did we? He must have destroyed it.

[Narrator]

Well, what are we gonna do with this guy?

[Ben Gordon]

Just leave him here? He may not be found for several days, but when he is ill. This is the morning of the 22nd. By the morning of the 24th, it will all be over.

[Narrator]

He may be found before then.

[Greg Randolph]

Doesn't matter.

[Ben Gordon]

I'm sure now that Jake didn't talk. Hey, listen, Red's on guard.

[Narrator]

Yeah, but who's he shooting at?

[Ben Gordon]

We'll soon know.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hey.

[Greg Randolph]

Bodies. I shot one of them.

[Narrator]

I think I Killed him. Let's go. Right. We'll continue our adventure in time. Just a moment. Hey, hey. What's up? Who's on the war path?

[Sergeant Preston]

No war path.

[Narrator]

Me, Barry Hatchet. What goes on me now? Big chief make celebration. Oh, I see congratulations are in order. And say, I have something I'd like to give you because it's just what a big chief ought to have for breakfast every morning. Must be special big for big chief. Oh, it is. Everything about Quaker puff wheat and Quaker puff rice is big. Take a look at the big red and blue packages.

[Ben Gordon]

Me like colors red and blue.

[Narrator]

And did you ever see any cereal so deliciously crisp and big as Quaker popped wheat and Quaker popped rice?

[Sergeant Preston]

Plenty big.

[Narrator]

Yes. Those choice premium kernels of wheat and rice shot from guns are actually exploded up to eight times normal size. Big chief like em big and what a big eating treat too. They're shot from guns to make them crisp and tender bigger and better tasting. There's bang of nut like flavor in every big luscious mouthful. Me want he big bowlful now. Coming up Big chief. Quaker puffed wheat and Quaker puffed rice are ready to serve. We just top them with milk and fruit and then go to it. And as all you fellows and girls know, you can always have those second and third helpings because Quaker puffed wheat and rice are so good for you. They both furnish added food values of restored natural grain amounts of vitamin B1, niacin and iron. Don't miss out a single morning for a heap big treat. Eat Quaker popped rice and Quaker popped wheat. The breakfast cereals shot from guns. Now to continue. As Sergeant Preston and Constable Downey neared the cabin in the clearing on the banks of the Yukon, the outlaw guard opened fire on them and Constable Downey was hit. Sergeant carried his wounded companion to a sheltered cove less than 100 yards from the cabin. As he worked desperately to save the constable's life, he heard the outlaws leaving the cabin and plunging through the forest. But his one concern was for the constable. At last he was able to stop the flow of blood and using his own shirt, he bandaged the wound. It was not until then that Downey opened his eyes.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant, you'll be all right now. The men we were following, they're gone. You should have gone after them. I couldn't leave you. But what about Greg? King will lead me to him whenever I give him the word. There's a cabin a little way upstream. Greg may be there. The killer may have taken him with him. We'll see. You comfortable I'm fine. Don't try to move until I get back. I'll not be gone long. All right, Sergeant.

[Narrator]

Go on, King. Find

[Sergeant Preston]

King.

[Narrator]

Still following Greg's scent led the sergeant straight to the cabin. It was growing light as the sergeant kicked the door open.

[Greg Randolph]

Sergeant Preston?

[Narrator]

Greg.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll have you free in a minute. What happened?

[Greg Randolph]

I'm not sure. I was in my office. I heard the door open. I started to turn around, but before I could manage it, someone hit me over the head. There.

[Sergeant Preston]

Go on.

[Greg Randolph]

Well, when I woke up, I. I was lying here. There were three men sitting around that table.

[Sergeant Preston]

Recognize any of them?

[Ben Gordon]

No.

[Greg Randolph]

They had bandanas over their faces. One of them started asking me questions about the man who came to the stable tonight. They called him Jake.

[Sergeant Preston]

His name was Jake Martin. Was? He's been murdered. What'd they want to know about him?

[Greg Randolph]

Well, just what he'd said to me.

[Sergeant Preston]

And what did you tell them?

[Greg Randolph]

He hadn't said anything much, except that someone was after him.

[Sergeant Preston]

Were the men who were holding you prisoners satisfied with that?

[Greg Randolph]

They seem to be. They were gonna leave me here when the shooting started. Another man came in and said he'd shot a Mountie. They all left.

[Sergeant Preston]

I heard them. Constable Downey had been wounded and I couldn't leave him without first aid. He might have died.

[Ben Gordon]

But he's all right now?

[Sergeant Preston]

Far from that. He shouldn't be moved until a doctor sees him.

[Greg Randolph]

Where is he?

[Sergeant Preston]

Downstream a little. I found a sheltered spot for him and he's resting comfortably.

[Greg Randolph]

You want me to go for a doctor?

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll make better time. But I would like you to stay with the constable. I get back.

[Ben Gordon]

Of course.

[Sergeant Preston]

Afterwards, Greg, after the constable's been taken to the hospital, we'll see what we can do about finding the three men who took your prisoner.

[Greg Randolph]

I'm sure they killed Jake.

[Sergeant Preston]

So am I. And I'm almost certain they plan to commit another crime.

[Greg Randolph]

Sergeant, one of them, the biggest one, said, it'll all be over on the 24th.

[Sergeant Preston]

And that makes me positive. Come on, I'll take you to the constable.

[Narrator]

By noon of that day, Constable Downey was resting comfortably in the hospital in Dawson, and the sergeant and Greg walked down Front street toward headquarters. King was walking at his master's side. The sergeant was leading Jake Martin's collie on a leash. Without any warning, the collie broke away and leaped at a man who was passing. Almost at once, the sergeant regained his hold on the leash and pulled the dog from back. The man he attacked was Ben Gordon, the acting gold commissioner. Sergeant turned to him to see if he'd been hurt.

[Sergeant Preston]

You all right, Mr. Gordon?

[Ben Gordon]

Luckily, yes.

[Narrator]

That dog should be locked up.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm very sorry.

[Ben Gordon]

It wasn't your fault, Sergeant. Forget about it.

[Sergeant Preston]

Forget about it, Sergeant.

[Narrator]

And Greg continued down the street.

[Sergeant Preston]

You know, Greg, Shep isn't a vicious dog. He must have had a good reason for snapping at Gordon. I said last night that he'd be sure to recognize the man who murdered his master.

[Greg Randolph]

Not suggesting Gordon had anything to do with it.

[Sergeant Preston]

Could he have been one of the men who held you prisoner last night?

[Greg Randolph]

Big is one of them. He certainly doesn't talk like any of

[Sergeant Preston]

a voice can be disguised.

[Greg Randolph]

Those men were dressed like lumberjacks.

[Sergeant Preston]

I don't imagine Gordon always wears broadcloth.

[Greg Randolph]

But it just isn't possible.

[Sergeant Preston]

Greg. I mean to have a talk with the military governor. As soon as he'll see me. At two o'. Clock.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston was shown into the office of Major Warren, the military governor of the Yukon Territory.

[Ben Gordon]

Sit down, Sergeant. What can I do for you?

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, sir, I'm working on a murder case.

[Ben Gordon]

I read about it in the morning paper.

[Sergeant Preston]

Then you'll understand that I don't have many clues to work on. But I'm wondering if there might be a political aspect to the killing.

[Ben Gordon]

Really?

[Sergeant Preston]

Why? I'm wondering if Ben Gordon had anything to do with it.

[Ben Gordon]

Indeed.

[Sergeant Preston]

He's the acting Gold Commissioner. Could I be told why he hasn't been given the job permanently?

[Ben Gordon]

The Gold Commissioner is appointed by Ottawa. I have no control over the office. However, I'll answer your question in strictest confidence. I made the strong recommendation to the government that Gordon should not be retained and that a permanent commissioner should be appointed at once in his place. They've acted on my recommendation and the new commissioner is on his way here.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's been kept a great secret.

[Ben Gordon]

I've spoken to you in confidence.

[Sergeant Preston]

But why, sir? Why should the appointment be kept secret?

[Ben Gordon]

So that Gordon will have no chance to cover his tracks before John Everett walks in the office and takes over.

[Sergeant Preston]

Then you suspect him of some sort of criminal activity?

[Ben Gordon]

I do, Major.

[Sergeant Preston]

When do you expect a new commissioner?

[Ben Gordon]

He was due to arrive in St. Michael on the 12th. I made a reservation for him on the Queen of the Yukon. That should arrive in Dawson the day after tomorrow.

[Sergeant Preston]

The 24th.

[Ben Gordon]

Yes, I have a confirmation of the reservation here.

[Narrator]

Parlor A. Parlor A.

[Ben Gordon]

Well, what's so startling about that?

[Sergeant Preston]

I don't believe your secret's been kept as well as you think, Major. I'd like you to read this note. Addressed to the man who was killed last night.

[Ben Gordon]

Action 1424, Parlor A. What does it mean?

[Sergeant Preston]

I can only guess, sir. Piler A could refer to the new Commissioner and the 24 to the date of his arrival. And the 14 island 14 in the Yukon. Ryan's Landing. Most steamers take on fuel there. If the Queen of the Yukon's on time, she should reach the landing early in the morning of the 24th.

[Ben Gordon]

Are you suggesting this note is connected with a flat? With an assassination plot?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, sir.

[Ben Gordon]

There's only one man who would gain anything by John Everett's death.

[Sergeant Preston]

You've made me realize that during the past few minutes.

[Ben Gordon]

But before I said anything, you suspected Ben Gordon of having something to do with the murder. The murder of the man to whom this note was addressed. Why?

[Sergeant Preston]

The dead man had a dog, sir. A gentle dog. Shortly before noon today, without any provocation, this dog attacked Ben. Now, that may be a flimsy basis for suspicion, but, Major, believe me, a dog's instinct can often be trusted more

[Narrator]

than a man's reason, I grant you that.

[Ben Gordon]

Still, you can't possibly make an arrest on such evidence.

[Sergeant Preston]

I have no intention of making an arrest at the moment.

[Ben Gordon]

And what do you intend to do, sir?

[Sergeant Preston]

Our chief concern is that the new commissioner reached Dawson safely. I'd like to give him police protection from the moment he enters Yukon Territory.

[Ben Gordon]

I'll make that in order, Sergeant. Use as many men as you feel necessary.

[Sergeant Preston]

Thank you, sir. We'll board the steamer at 40 mile. And if there's any attempt at violence when we stop at Ryan's Landing, we'll be in a position to deal with it.

[Ben Gordon]

And also in a position to make any arrests that are necessary. Go to it, sergeant.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. On the morning of the 24th, shortly before dawn, the steamer Queen of the Yukon neared Ryan's Landing. At the landing, and hidden from the waterfront by the large pile of firewood stacked along the shore, 20 men received their final instructions from their leader, Ben Gordon.

[Ben Gordon]

Ryan taken care of, Pete? He's in the cabin bound and gas.

[Sergeant Preston]

Good, good.

[Ben Gordon]

Now listen, everybody. Pete will be the only one to show himself until after the steamer has docked. You all have your assignments. Now, are there any questions?

[Sergeant Preston]

No.

[Ben Gordon]

Remember this. There isn't one of you who isn't digging gold out of Crown land.

[Sergeant Preston]

There isn't one of us who isn't

[Narrator]

paying you a percentage.

[Ben Gordon]

Any objections? I've dealt with objections before. Don't forget what happened to Jake Marco.

[Narrator]

I wasn't objected.

[Ben Gordon]

Why should you? You're making a fortune. But don't forget that you've conspired with me to defraud the government. If John Everett reaches Dawson, you'll all go to jail.

[Narrator]

Even if we get rid of him,

[Ben Gordon]

they're sure to send someone else to take his place. But the next man can't possibly get here before September. By that time, we'll all be rich. Don't you understand? All we need is this summer. All right, then. Look alive.

[Sergeant Preston]

Here she comes.

[Ben Gordon]

Go on, Pete. Out in the dock. Give them a hand with a line.

[Sergeant Preston]

Right.

[Narrator]

The steamer nosed into the dock at half speed. Then the engines were checked and the lines made fast. The gang plank was lowered.

[Ben Gordon]

All right, men, follow me.

[Narrator]

Let's go. As soon as it touched the dock, Ben Gordon's men broke from COVID behind the wood and raced up it to the lower deck. The crew cowered back from their guns. Calvin, Pete and Ben led their parties up the companionway to the second deck. There was no opposition and the attack was proceeding according to plan. Until suddenly gunfire broke out from all over the steamers. Hey, what's wrong? From the engine room, from cabins on the first and second deck from the wheelhouse reporting party caught glimpses of Red coast behind the gun flashers and the northwest money. Ben, come back. No, not me. Ben, having reached the upper deck, ran toward the stern of the boat and Parlor A. A plan had failed in his mind to shoot John Everett and then jump overboard and swim for the far shore.

[Ben Gordon]

Let them all die. I'll save myself.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston, standing in the entrance to a companionway saw him coming and stuck out his foot. Penn tripped and hit the dock hard, his gun skidding from his grasp. Instantly, the sergeant was not tolerated. Penn tried to roll free but the sergeant brought the barrel of his gun down hard in the back of his head and the big man lay still. The door of Parlor A opened and John Everett stepped out onto the deck.

[Sergeant Preston]

This is Ben Gordon, sir. Everything's under control now.

[Narrator]

Good work, sergeant. Not a single member of Gordon's gang escaped from the steamer. The crew, armed by the police, helped round them up. Then the steamer refueled and sailed up

[Sergeant Preston]

the river to Dawson.

[Narrator]

That night, all the prisoners were behind bars. The following morning, Sergeant Preston was summoned to the office of the military governor. Major Warren rose to shake his hand.

[Ben Gordon]

My congratulations, Sergeant. John Everett has told me how well you handle the situation on board the seamen.

[Sergeant Preston]

Thank you, sir. Has Mr. Everett had a chance to examine Gordon's book?

[Ben Gordon]

I've been helping him. We've been at it all night. My worst suspicions were Correct. Sergeant Gordon has been transferring Crown lands to private citizens in return for agreements giving him half the gold that was taken from it. He'll go to jail for 20 years.

[Sergeant Preston]

Perhaps not then.

[Ben Gordon]

Why not?

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, sir, all the men who took orders from him yesterday are ready to swear it was he who murdered Jake Martin.

[Ben Gordon]

And that would mean the Garros.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, sir. The prosecutor seems to think his case is closed.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston will return in just a moment with a word about our next exciting adventure. The family races to the breakfast table when there's delicious Quaker Puff rice or Quaker Puff Wheat to eat. They're crisp as can be because of the sealed inner lining in the package. And everybody goes for the toasty nut like flavor of the good natural grain. The sun ripened flavor that old Mother Nature puts into the one shot from gun. They are never factory sweetened as mother knows. Some like their cereal not so sweet. Others like it very, very sweet. And that's the beauty of Quaker Puff Rice and wheat. The whole family can sweeten them with sugar just the way they like them. So when you see those big red and blue packages on your breakfast table, get ready, get set to eat the best tasting breakfast treats delicious. Quaker Puffed rice and Quaker Puff Wheat. And listen fellas and girls, if you like to collect things, if you like scale models, especially ones you build yourself, something wonderful is coming your way. Hear full details of a terrific offer on these programs soon. Listen Every Tuesday and Thursday. And now here is Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm about to start on patrol, Inspector. Have you any special orders?

[Greg Randolph]

Yes, Sergeant.

[Ben Gordon]

Check into this complaint about a four legged killer.

[Sergeant Preston]

Four legged?

[Ben Gordon]

A huge wolf owned by an Eskimo named Ulak.

[Sergeant Preston]

Ulak's wolf?

[Ben Gordon]

Yeah, why? What's the matter, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

Why nothing sir. I'll investigate.

[Narrator]

A strange story lies behind the killer wolf. Preston's investigation leads to one of the most astounding conflicts the Yukon ever knew. Be sure to hear this next exciting adventure. These radio dramas, a feature of Sergeant Preston of the Yukon Incorporated, are created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated, directed by Fred Flowerday and supervised by Charles D. Livingston. The part of Sergeant Preston is played by Paul Sutton. Sergeant Preston of the Yukon is brought to you every Tuesday and Thursday at the same time by Quaker Pup Wheat and Quaker Pop. Right. The breakfast cereal shot from gun.

[Ben Gordon]

What a circus.

[Sergeant Preston]

To eat. To eat Muffet, Muffet muffets around Shredded wheat.

[Narrator]

It's a circus to eat muffets around shredded wheat. Get muffet Shredded Wheat. M u s FET as Muffet 100% whole wheat crisp crunchy golden good Muppets around Threaded Wheat Muffet around Threaded Wheat this is J. Michael wishing you goodbye, good luck and good health from Quaker Pop Wheat and Quaker Pop Rice. So long. This is the mutual broadcasting system.

[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 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.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sam.