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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.
Show: Challenge of the Yukon
Episode Aired: February 19, 1953
Podcast Release: April 1, 2026
Host: Andrew Rhynes
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.
[03:14–07:01]
Quote:
“Must have had a hard ride.” — Greg Randolph [05:20]
[07:01–09:55]
Quote:
“He was dead when he was thrown into the water.” — Coroner [08:53]
[10:00–11:55]
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]
[12:08–18:56]
Memorable Moment:
“That’s to put a bullet through this hombre.” — One of the Gang [13:31]
[15:13–17:04]
Quote:
“King may be able to do it. Where’s something he’s worn?… Find him, Find King.” — Sergeant Preston [11:54, 12:08]
[19:08–23:13]
Quote:
“A dog’s instinct can often be trusted more than a man’s reason.” — Sergeant Preston [23:07]
[24:02–27:29]
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]
[27:42–29:01]
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]
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.
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.
Highly recommended for fans of classic Western law-and-order stories and those interested in old-time radio’s unique storytelling style.