The Sun and Raven | Challenge of the Yukon (03-18-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns – "The Sun and Raven" | Challenge of the Yukon (03-18-52)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Featured Characters: Sergeant Preston, Yukon King, Ted Sheridan, Professor Sheridan, Jacque LeBeau, Rostov, Mike the Irish Setter, Chief, Father Ledoux
Original Air Date: March 18, 1952
Podcast Release: October 8, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode, “The Sun and Raven,” immerses listeners in a suspenseful frontier adventure set during the Klondike Gold Rush. Sergeant Preston and his loyal dog Yukon King are on the trail of dangerous outlaws, trying to rescue prisoners and unravel the secret of a legendary buried treasure said to be protected by a mysterious totem pole. Digitally restored in rich audio quality, the drama combines classic Western tropes—dogged lawmen, treacherous villains, lost gold—with layers of Indigenous legend and vivid action.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. On the Trail of Outlaws and a Vanished Expedition

• [04:08] Sgt. Preston and Ted Sheridan traverse a blizzard to find Ted's father, Professor Sheridan, who vanished while studying totem poles and searching for hidden gold.
• They stop at Jacque LeBeau's trading post for information and assistance, learning the area now harbors a dangerous gang, including Russian-speaking outlaws.
• Quote:
  • “I know Jacques, Ted, and we may be able to borrow a dog team and a sled from him.” – Sergeant Preston [04:31]

2. The Legend of the Buried Treasure and the Totem Pole

• [05:24-06:20] The tale of Indian gold, buried a hundred years ago to thwart pirates, and marked by a totem pole, is recounted. The professor’s ability to decipher a stone tablet’s instructions sets the stakes for both the rescuers and the outlaws.
• Quote:
  • “The legend continues that a great council of the Indians was held and it was decided that one of the famous Indian totem poles should be erected to mark the treasure and guard it.” – Sergeant Preston [05:50]

3. Discovery of a Wounded Friend

• [08:21-09:10] On route, Yukon King finds Mike, the family’s Irish setter, shot but alive. Ted expresses distress and anger toward the criminals.
• Quote:
  • “Now those dirty crooks have something else to answer for.” – Ted Sheridan [09:10]

4. Empty Camp and Mike’s Lead

• [09:24-10:27] At Alexander Bay, the camp is deserted. Using Mike’s weak but determined guidance, the heroes head toward Ravensville.

5. The Trading Post Confrontation

• [11:52-13:25] At a trading post, Sergeant Preston grows suspicious of proprietor Gage, confronts him, and after a tense standoff (including a shotgun aimed at Preston), subdues and arrests him—thanks to Yukon King’s intervention.
• Quote:
  • “This is a warrant. I'll fill it out. Sign it and the formalities have been accomplished. Now open that door, Gage.” – Sergeant Preston [12:36]

6. Rescue and Revelations

• [15:53-17:12] Professors Sheridan and Fraser are freed from captivity. Sheridan explains how they finished deciphering the tablet under duress and reveals the outlaws’ intentions to seek the gold at Ravensville.
• Quote:
  • “Yesterday morning, Fraser and I finished deciphering the message on the stone tablet... Of course, [Rostov] didn’t keep his promise.” – Professor Sheridan [16:15]

7. Race to Ravensville and the Burning School

• [19:01-21:29] The outlaws plan to create chaos by setting fire to the mission school, intending to clear the village and seize the treasure. Sergeant Preston, demonstrating heroism, rushes into the burning building to save children and Father Ledoux.
• Memorable Moment:
  • A breathless rescue scene through fire and smoke, with Preston and King risking their lives ([20:30-21:01]).

8. Showdown and True Treasure Unveiled

• [22:19-23:17] Preston leads the townspeople to thwart the outlaws. Rostov's plan fails, and his men are captured. Professor Sheridan realizes that the totem pole the outlaws targeted is not the original.

• [24:37-25:05] Investigation at the ruined school reveals the gold was hidden inside the totem pole itself, not beneath it.

• Quote:

  • “Look. The top of this pole was hollow. The wood's burned away. Look what was hidden inside the pole?” – Sgt. Preston [24:55]
  • “Yes, Ted. It's gold. Pure gold.” [25:03]

9. Resolution: Restoration and Meaning

• [25:08-26:18] The gold is given to the community to rebuild the school, emphasizing integrity and cultural respect. The Chief reflects on the will of a higher power and the guiding role of the totems.
• Quote:
  • “This gold is yours. And there's enough to build the finest school in Canada.” – Sergeant Preston [25:22]
  • “It God's will.” – Chief [26:18]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Courage: "Without hesitation, Father Ledoux ran into the building after them..." [20:21]
• On Justice: "There are plenty of other charges against you and every member of your gang." – Sergeant Preston to Rostov [22:55]
• On History and Heritage: "Totem poles represent one of the most curious ways that people have recorded their adventures and legends." – Sergeant Preston [27:37]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro, Sponsor/Ads: [00:00–04:08] (Skip)
• Arrival at Trading Post & Exposition: [04:08–08:21]
• Mike’s Rescue & Clues: [08:21–10:27]
• Trading Post Showdown: [11:52–13:25, 15:03–15:53]
• Narrative Break & Rescue Sequence: [19:01–21:29]
• Final Showdown and Discovery: [22:19–25:05]
• Resolution & Closing Reflection: [25:08–26:18]
• Historical Epilogue & Totem Pole Discussion: [27:31–29:39]

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Thematic Takeaways

• Heroism and Teamwork: The classic partnership between lawman, dog, and community.
• Respect for Indigenous Culture: The totem’s double role as both plot device and symbol of greater values, history, and respect.
• Justice and Redemption: Outlaws are foiled, and stolen heritage is restored for communal good.
• Surprising Twist: Treasure’s true hiding place—inside, not beneath, the totem—serves as both literal and metaphorical revelation.

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Closing Reflection

This digitally restored radio drama bursts anew with energy, casting its soundscape of snowstorms, dog teams, and burning buildings across the podcast airwaves. At the core is the enduring message that courage, knowledge, and respect for others’ traditions lead to justice and community strength. “The Sun and Raven” combines potent adventure with heartfelt celebration of cultural heritage, making it a standout in the Old Time Radio Westerns series.

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Transcript

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[Sergeant Preston]

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 Pop Wheat and Quaker Pop Rice the breakfast cereal shot from gun present Sergeant Preston of the Yukon. It's Yukon King, swiftest and strongest lead dog of the Northwest blazing the trail for Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police in his relentless pursuit of lawbreakers. Un King Unhusky 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 Pup Rice bringing you the adventures of Sergeant Preston and his wonder dog Yukon King as they meet the challenge of the Yukon. There's no one that can make a better cereal than Quaker Pop Wheat. It's neat. And when you hear that shootin' you you're der tootin. The Quaker makes the ones chopped from guns. Yes, those king size premium grains of both Quaker Popped Wheat and Quaker Popped Rice are puffed to perfection for a delicious breakfast treat. Try em tomorrow.

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[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston and Ted Sheridan, on the trail of a band of outlaws, took the shortcut through the forest. As they headed for Alexander Bay, it grew colder, the sky clouded over and snow began to fall. The wind was rising and it seemed that the first snowfall of the year might turn into a blizzard. Toward nightfall, the sergeant and Ted reached Jacques LeBeau's trading boats.

[Sergeant Preston]

I know Jacques, Ted, and we may be able to borrow a dog team and a sled from him.

[Ted Sheridan]

How far are we from Alexander Bay?

[Sergeant Preston]

About five miles.

[Ted Sheridan]

Jacques may be able to tell us something about dad.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll see.

[Ted Sheridan]

Sergeant Preston and King.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hello, Shark.

[Ted Sheridan]

Welcome, welcome. It has been a long time since you have paid me a visit. What brings you to this neck of the wood? Huh?

[Sergeant Preston]

We're on our way to Alexander Bay.

[Ted Sheridan]

Oh, I knew it.

[Sergeant Preston]

Knew what?

[Ted Sheridan]

That the men who have taken over the old lumber camp there are crook.

[Sergeant Preston]

Have you seen them?

[Ted Sheridan]

Two of them. The Indian have told me of the others. The two who come here to buy tobacco speak Russian when they talk between themselves.

[Sergeant Preston]

You're right, Jacques. It's those men who have brought us here. I'll tell you the whole story and then you can give us any information you have. Oh, this is Ted Sheridan.

[Ted Sheridan]

Great pleasure. Glad to meet you, Jacques.

[Sergeant Preston]

Dad's father is a professor. About two months ago, Professor Sheridan and two of his colleagues in the university entered the Indian territory. They planned to make a study of the totem poles. They also planned to investigate the legend of a buried treasure.

[Ted Sheridan]

Oh, I have heard some such thing is over a hundred year ago the Indian buried their gold so that the pirate who raid the coast will not find it.

[Sergeant Preston]

And the legend continues that a great council of the Indians was held and it was decided that one of the famous Indian totem poles should be erected to mark the treasure and guard it.

[Ted Sheridan]

But it is only a story.

[Sergeant Preston]

Evidently not. When Professor Sheridan reached the Tongass village down the coast, he found a stone tablet with a lot of picture writing on it.

[Ted Sheridan]

The old picture writing. The Indian cannot read it now.

[Sergeant Preston]

The professor was able to decipher some of it so. And it seemed to be directions for finding the treasure.

[Ted Sheridan]

Ah, a wonderful thing.

[Sergeant Preston]

Not wonderful for the professor and his friends. They were being followed by the Russians who are now at Alexander Bay. The Russians took them Prisoner evidently planning to hold them until Professor Sheridan was able to decipher the writing on the stone tablet completely.

[Ted Sheridan]

And then the Russian would go and get the gold themselves.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Sergeant Preston]

However, John Haywood, one of Professor Sheridan's friends, escaped. It was found drifting an open boat in Queen Charlotte Straight and taken to Vancouver.

[Ted Sheridan]

It is this Heywood who tell you what happened to the professor?

[Sergeant Preston]

No, he'd lost his memory. Couldn't tell us anything.

[Ted Sheridan]

Then how you find out?

[Sergeant Preston]

Dead knew the route his father planned to take through the Indian territory. We started out from Vancouver to follow it. We've been going from one village to another, and little by little, we've gathered evidence as to what happened to Professor Sheridan and Professor Fraser. We're sure they're being held prisoner at Alexander Bay. Now, perhaps you can tell us more of what's been going on there.

[Ted Sheridan]

Well, there are seven men who live in the old bunkhouse at Alexander Bay. Oh, There are two older men who live in a small cabin beside it. Dad and Professor Fraser. The Indian do not see much of those two. The window of the cabin are all boarded up. Only once in a while, the two old men take a walk down to the water or into the forest.

[Sergeant Preston]

Under guard, no doubt.

[Ted Sheridan]

Perhaps. The Indian also speak of a dog with red hair who is chained outside the small cabin. Well, that's Mike, Dad's Irish setter.

[Sergeant Preston]

How recently have the Indians reported seeing the men at Alexander Bay?

[Ted Sheridan]

Yes, they'll be. And we're not too late, sir?

[Sergeant Preston]

Let's hope not. Jacques, will you lend us a sled and some dogs?

[Ted Sheridan]

You wish to go to Alexander Bay tonight? Yes, but I have told you there are seven of the crook. All of them big and tough and all carry gun. You are a fine shot, Sergeant. This boy may be also. But two against seven, you will not have a chance.

[Sergeant Preston]

Our first job is to get to Alexander Bay as quickly as we can. Will you lend us a team?

[Ted Sheridan]

Of course, Sergeant. You may take your pick. Come, I show you.

[Narrator]

King was not harnessed, but romped ahead of the borrowed team as the sergeant drove through the woods toward Alexander Bay. Suddenly he cut away from the trail and into the forest. What's the matter with King?

[Sergeant Preston]

Listen to him. He's found something. Come on.

[Ted Sheridan]

Right.

[Narrator]

Less than 100ft from the trail, they found King nosing in a white mound. And as they drew closer, they saw it was a dog covered with snow.

[Ted Sheridan]

Sergeant, that's Mike, our setter.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right, King, we'll have a look at him.

[Ted Sheridan]

Boy, he's been shot.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, but he's still alive. We'll take him back to the sled and bandy this shoulder. They may be able to save him. Easy, boy.

[Narrator]

When the setter had been made comfortable on the sled and his wound had been bandaged, he raised his head to Ted and tried to wag his tail.

[Ted Sheridan]

Good boy, Mike.

[Sergeant Preston]

He'll live.

[Ted Sheridan]

Now those dirty crooks have something else to answer for. Oh, but I'm afraid that.

[Sergeant Preston]

That they may have used a bullet on your father, too.

[Narrator]

Yes, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

The lumber camp's less than a mile from here. Get on the sled.

[Ted Sheridan]

Right.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Sergeant Preston]

On King.

[Narrator]

On your husband. Five minutes later, the sergeant stopped, the team still in the COVID of the woods. On King. How are your husband? Follow.

[Sergeant Preston]

Quiet them down. King.

[Narrator]

The sergeant, Ted and King continued on to the edge of the clearing. The bunkhouse, the cabin beside it and all the other buildings were dark. One by one, the sergeant and Ted entered them, looking for any sign of life or death. There was none. The camp was deserted. The two men walked down to the.

[Sergeant Preston]

Shores of the bay.

[Ted Sheridan]

Could they have left by sea?

[Sergeant Preston]

Possibly. Or someone who can tell us who. Mike.

[Ted Sheridan]

But he's too weak to walk.

[Sergeant Preston]

He'll not have to do that. Come on.

[Narrator]

The sled was driven into the clearing. Then Ted took Mike's head in his hands.

[Ted Sheridan]

Where's dad, Mike?

[Narrator]

Which way did he go?

[Ted Sheridan]

Boy, Where's Dad?

[Narrator]

Feebly, Mike rose, stepped off the sled and took a few weak steps toward a trail that led into the forest to the west. Then he collapsed.

[Sergeant Preston]

Easy, boy.

[Narrator]

The sergeant picked him up and placed him back on the sled.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's enough, fellow. You've answered our question.

[Ted Sheridan]

What's in that direction, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

There are mountains beyond the forest. And at the foot of the mountains, the largest Indian town in the province. It's called Ravensville. There's a school there. Indian children come from all over to attend it.

[Ted Sheridan]

Could dad have finished deciphering the message on the stone and told Rostov where to find the gold?

[Sergeant Preston]

Perhaps we'll try to catch up with him before he does. All set?

[Ted Sheridan]

All set, Sergeant.

[Narrator]

All right. On King. On your husband. All night long they followed the well marked trail through the forest. It had stopped snowing, and at dawn they made a halt to eat and rest the team. At noon they found the remains of a campfire where Rostov and his men had spent the night. There were clear footprints in the fresh snow leading on toward the west. The sergeant and Ted pushed on. At dusk they reached a trading post. The sergeant stopped the sled in front of him. Mike made frantic efforts to get off the sled.

[Ted Sheridan]

Easy, boy, easy. I can hardly hold him.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant. Your father may be inside, but there are tracks leading on toward Ravensville. Who runs this post? It used to belong to a man named McTavish. However, I heard he sold out this summer. I don't know the new owner. Just stay here, Ted.

[Narrator]

Come on, King.

[Ted Sheridan]

Easy, Mike. Easy.

[Narrator]

The store was empty.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hello.

[Narrator]

A door at the rear of the store opened and a hard featured, heavy set man entered.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm Sergeant Preston, Northwest Mounted Police. Are you the proprietor? Yes.

[Ted Sheridan]

Nat Gage. What can I do for you?

[Sergeant Preston]

Any travelers stopped here recently?

[Ted Sheridan]

I haven't seen anyone for days except.

[Sergeant Preston]

A few Indians from Ravensville. That's only a few miles from here, isn't it?

[Ted Sheridan]

That's right. But the Indians were trappers. The Ravensville Indians have their own store.

[Sergeant Preston]

Does that door in the rear there lead to your living quarters?

[Ted Sheridan]

Yes.

[Sergeant Preston]

Mind if I take a look?

[Ted Sheridan]

Of course I mind. You may be a policeman, but you.

[Narrator]

Have no right to search a man's.

[Ted Sheridan]

House without a warrant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Did I say anything about searching the place?

[Ted Sheridan]

You can't pass that door without a warrant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, you should know, Gage, that a police officer in this territory is authorized to act as a magistrate. This is a warrant. I'll fill it out. Sign it and the formalities have been accomplished. Now open that door, Gage.

[Ted Sheridan]

Open it yourself, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

As you wish.

[Narrator]

In one swift glance, the sergeant took in the furnishings of the room. A stove, a cot, a table filled with dirty dishes, many of which had been used recently. At one side of the room, a step ladder. The sergeant looked up. There was a trap door in the ceiling. Evidently there was a loft above the room. The sergeant started for the stepladder when King's barking stopped him. He turned. Gage was standing in the doorway, leveling a shotgun.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's far enough, Sergeant.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our adventure in just a moment.

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[Narrator]

Say it's a race to the breakfast table when there's swell tasting Quaker puffed wheat or Quaker puffed rice waiting for you. A real prize in good eating. And listen, you'd better have paper and pencil handy for a terrific offer Wheat and rice shot from guns have for you at the end of the program. It's straight out of the Great Northwest. Keep listening.

[Sergeant Preston]

Now.

[Narrator]

To continue. Just as Gage was squeezing the trigger of the shotgun, King hit him and knocked him against the door jamb. Gage cracked his head against it and went down. The next instant, the sergeant had moved in and pulled the shotgun from the traitor's grasp.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right, King. That's enough, boy. Get up, Gage. That was a clumsy attempt at murder.

[Narrator]

Sergeant snapped a pair of handcuffs on the traitor as Ted burst into the store. Sergeant, are you all right?

[Sergeant Preston]

Everything's under control. I heard a shot. This man's name is Gage. He objected to my searching his living quarters. There's a loft over this room. I'm going to investigate it.

[Narrator]

Just then, both men turned to see the Irish setter dragging himself into the store.

[Ted Sheridan]

Mike, I told you to stay on the sled, boy.

[Narrator]

If the professor's up in the loft.

[Sergeant Preston]

You have a gun. Keep an eye on Gage while I take a look. Right.

[Narrator]

Both Professor Sheridan and Professor Frazier were found in the loft, bound and gagged. When they had been freed and helped down the ladder, there was a joyful reunion between Sheridan and his son. And then the two older men related everything that had happened to them since they entered the Indian territory. Much of it the sergeant and Ted already knew. But at last the professor reached the events of the last two days.

[Professor Sheridan]

Yesterday morning, Fraser and I finished deciphering the message on the stone tablet. We'd given up hope of rescue from outside, so we passed on the information to Rostov. He promised that we'd be set free as soon as we told him where the gold was. Of course, he didn't keep his promise. He insisted we must come with him.

[Ted Sheridan]

He shot Mike before you left the lumber camp.

[Professor Sheridan]

He shot at him. Mike ran into the forest. I was hoping he hadn't been hit.

[Ted Sheridan]

He was hit, dad. We found him in time to save.

[Sergeant Preston]

His life and he led us to you, Professor. Good boy. What was this message you found on the stone?

[Professor Sheridan]

That the gold was protected by a son and raven totem pole in what used to be a sort of capital city. For the Indians.

[Sergeant Preston]

The town that's called Ravensville, only a few miles from here, that's the place.

[Professor Sheridan]

We stopped here late this afternoon.

[Ted Sheridan]

That.

[Professor Sheridan]

That man over there wearing the handcuffs is a friend of Rostov's. He agreed to keep us here until Rostov and his men went into Ravensville and got the gold.

[Sergeant Preston]

The Indians there are well armed. They'll not find it an easy task. And as I remember, the village, the only son and raven totem is in the exact center of the town.

[Professor Sheridan]

Perhaps the chief will give them permission. Dig around it.

[Sergeant Preston]

How long ago did Rostov and his men leave here?

[Professor Sheridan]

I should say about three hours ago.

[Sergeant Preston]

Dead. You stay here with your father and Professor Fraser. Guard our prisoners.

[Ted Sheridan]

Going on alone?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. I'll make better time.

[Ted Sheridan]

But one man against the whole game.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll have help against them. I know the chief and I can count on his full cooperation. Let's go.

[Narrator]

King Rostov and his men had made camp on a wooded hill just outside of Ravenville, on the edge of town. Directly below them, they saw the large two story building that housed the mission school. It had stopped snowing. The moon shone bright. And down the main street of the town they could see a giant totem pole rising above the Indians cabins. Even from this distance, they could make out the carvings.

[Ted Sheridan]

That's it. There's the sun face at the top. The carvings of the sun children below it. Then the figures of the fog woman and the raven. It's the sun and raven totem all right. It. That's the one we're looking for. Must have been a landmark from the time they buried the gold a hundred years ago. Just waiting for us to dig it up. It's not as simple as that. That's what I've been thinking.

[Professor Sheridan]

The Indians will refuse to let us.

[Ted Sheridan]

Mess around with their idol. These Indians are Christians. They don't consider the totem an idol anymore. They think of it as a monument to a hero. Raven was a man, you see. Then all we have to do is go to the chief and tell them what we're after. Don't be a fool. These Indians know the value of gold. They could use it to help run that big school down there. Well, the totem's right in the middle of the town.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Ted Sheridan]

We can't get permission. How are we going to dig for the treasure? By clearing out the town.

[Sergeant Preston]

How?

[Ted Sheridan]

I am not considering a massacre. There are too few of us for any open attack. And how the raven brought fire to the Indians. Fire? We can do the same thing.

[Narrator]

Half an hour later, smoke began to pour from the rear of the mission school. The alarm was sounded in the town at once. Everyone hurried out of the school. The children and their teachers were evacuated and the Indians fought the fire desperately. But there was a strong wind and the flames rose higher and higher. It was clear there was no chance of saving the building. That the work of Father Ledoux's lifetime was doomed to destruction. Suddenly, above the roar of the fire, the crowd heard cries for help. A boy and a girl were framed to one of the upper windows at the front of the building, which hadn't yet begun to burn. Without hesitation, Father Ladue ran into the building after them, looking Hoyo huskies. A few minutes later, Sergeant Preston reach the scene.

[Ted Sheridan]

Sergeant person.

[Sergeant Preston]

This is a terrible thing, Chief. How did it start?

[Ted Sheridan]

It started in storeroom. May not know how.

[Sergeant Preston]

Have you seen anything of some Russians around here? Half a dozen men with heavy black beards?

[Ted Sheridan]

No, but fire, not worse things. Sergeant, two children call up for window on second floor.

[Sergeant Preston]

Huh?

[Ted Sheridan]

Father Ledoux going after them.

[Narrator]

Them not come out.

[Sergeant Preston]

The fire hasn't reached the front of the building yet. The front stairs must be cleared.

[Ted Sheridan]

Plenty smoke.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll see if we can reach the.

[Narrator]

Come on, King. Sergeant dashed into the burning building, tying a bandana around his face as he ran. He found the stairs at the second floor and started up them with King at his heels. Just at the top, he saw the black robed figure of the missionary. The two children were lying beside him. The sergeant picked them up, first one in either arm, and raced down the stairs to the front door. He called to the Chief, Chief here.

[Sergeant Preston]

Take him.

[Narrator]

Relieved of his burden, the sergeant filled his lungs with fresh air and then ran back up the stairs. The return trip of the missioner took more time. And just as he reached the lower floor again the flames broke out. Wiry fingers clutched at the sergeant and King. They reached the safety of the open air and the missioner was carried to safety. There was a bump on his head which indicated he had fallen and been knocked out. The sergeant gave both him and the children first aid. When they were resting comfortably, he turned to the chief.

[Sergeant Preston]

The building's gone, Chief.

[Ted Sheridan]

It takes many years much money to build new schools.

[Sergeant Preston]

Terrible loss for your people. But there's nothing more to be done. I wonder if you and your men will help me find the Russians. I spoke to you about them.

[Ted Sheridan]

Bad men.

[Sergeant Preston]

They're killers. It's possible they're in your village right now. They're after some gold which may be buried at the foot of the sun. And Raven, totem pole may not know about any gold buried a long time ago. I have an idea. Rostov and his men may have started this fire so they could have a chance to dig up the ground around the totem pole.

[Ted Sheridan]

Indians help you catch em, you have.

[Sergeant Preston]

Plenty of men who will surround the village and there'll be no chance of anyone escaping.

[Ted Sheridan]

A good idea, men. You do what sergeants say have been patched.

[Narrator]

In the center of the village. Rostov and his fellow outlaws were so intent on their digging that they failed to notice the approach of the sergeant and the Indians until it was too late. They made a fight of it, trying to break through the circle around them. When Rostov was wounded and dropped to the ground, the others gave up. All of them were taken prisoner. Those who were unhurt were tied hand and foot. Sergeant bandaged Rostov's shoulder beside the yawning hole where the outlaws had been digging.

[Sergeant Preston]

Was it you who started the fair, Rostov?

[Ted Sheridan]

I have nothing to say.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, there are plenty of other charges against you and every member of your gang.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Ted.

[Sergeant Preston]

Professor Sheridan. I thought you were going to stay at the post.

[Ted Sheridan]

We tied up Gage in the post, you know. You caught the whole gang?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. And before they'd reached the treasure.

[Professor Sheridan]

Well, they'd never have found it here, Sergeant. No, not at the base of this totem pole. This one can't be more than 20 or 30 years old.

[Sergeant Preston]

But it's the only sun and raven totem around here. But isn't that right, Chief?

[Ted Sheridan]

Only one now. Others burn up tonight.

[Sergeant Preston]

Others tonight? What do you mean?

[Ted Sheridan]

When father built chap a long time ago, their fourth son and Raven tore him stand on hill. Indians dig them up. Use them for corner posts of chapel.

[Sergeant Preston]

Then the gold may have been buried on the hill. Can you show us where the totems used to stand?

[Professor Sheridan]

I wonder if there's anything left of the totems.

[Ted Sheridan]

Them burn, but perhaps not completely.

[Professor Sheridan]

If there's anything left of them, I should be able to judge their age.

[Ted Sheridan]

By the type of carving and plenty old days.

[Narrator]

Suppose.

[Professor Sheridan]

Suppose we get back to the school and take a look at them.

[Sergeant Preston]

Dead.

[Ted Sheridan]

Oh, sure thing. Then.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, I'll go. Will you have some of your men guard the prisoners? Chief.

[Narrator]

The sergeant. Chief Ted and the professor returned to the smoking ruins of what had once been the school.

[Sergeant Preston]

It was deserted now.

[Narrator]

The children and the missioner had been taken to homes in the village. Chief led the way to the chapel. The walls had fallen in, but the stone altar with a cross rising from it untouched by the Fire gleamed white in the moonlight. One of the sun and raven totems, which had been used as a corner post, lay at the foot of the altar. And the professor stopped to examine the charred carving at the base.

[Sergeant Preston]

Can you make anything of it, Professor?

[Professor Sheridan]

Not very much.

[Narrator]

The sergeant's eye was caught by a flash of color near the foot of the altar, and he walked on to investigate. Then he crouched down and a startled expression broke from his lips. What?

[Ted Sheridan]

What is it?

[Sergeant Preston]

Come here.

[Professor Sheridan]

Some of the carving which can be made out.

[Sergeant Preston]

Look. The top of this pole was hollow. The woods burned away. Look what was hidden inside the pole?

[Ted Sheridan]

Is it. Is it really?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, Ted. It's gold. Pure gold.

[Ted Sheridan]

So the gold wasn't buried after all.

[Professor Sheridan]

The writing on the stone tablet didn't say it was. It said the gold was protected by the sun and Raven totem. It was hidden inside it.

[Sergeant Preston]

And we might never have found it if Rostov hadn't started this fire.

[Ted Sheridan]

Him bad man.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, Chief. And he and his men will go to jail for a long, long time. But this gold is yours. And there's enough to build the finest school in Canada.

[Ted Sheridan]

This gold belong to Indians?

[Professor Sheridan]

Of course. I was only trying to find it so it could be used to help your people.

[Sergeant Preston]

This is the end of a long trail for the professor. And he'd never been able to follow it. Hadn't been for your totem poles.

[Professor Sheridan]

That's true. They mark the trail. The thunderbird totem. The fight with the land otters Totem. The burial pole Totem. The killer whale totem. And now at last, the sun and raven totem.

[Ted Sheridan]

Ah, Totems may be show way, but maybe higher power show you how to read. Message from Totem. Miko, tell Father Ladoux me. Tell him you find gold for new school at foot of altar. It God's will.

[Sergeant Preston]

God's will. Chief, this case is closed.

[Narrator]

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

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[Narrator]

I understand, Sergeant Preston, that people travel thousands of miles to see the sun and Raven pole and other totems.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's right. Totem poles represent one of the most curious ways that people have recorded their adventures and legends.

[Narrator]

I've heard that some totem poles are as much as 60ft high.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, and the weird carvings of animals, birds and strange creatures are all done by hand and painted in beautiful bright colors.

[Narrator]

Well, fellas and girls, as you heard today's exciting story, if you thought you'd give anything to see the sun and Raven totem pole yourself, listen. Here's the surprise, the big news you've been waiting for. Now you can get a miniature copy, a real scale model of the sun and Raven totem pole you heard about in today's story. It's a special offer that Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice are making to friends of Sergeant Preston. And sun and Raven is just one of five different totem poles that you can get. Yes, a complete collection has been made especially for Sergeant Preston's friend. You get the sun and Raven, the famous Thunderbird, the fight for the land otters, the weird burial pole, the great killer whale. And these 4 inch scale models are authentic copies of the real totem poles that you would see today if you traveled up in the Northwest. They're pressed wood miniatures, hand painted in bright reds, blues, greens and yellows. Just think of the fun you'll have making your own little Indian tepee villagers for each totem pole and showing them to your friends at the school when you study Indian life. Now here's how easy it is to get the sun and Raven or the whole collection of five different totem poles. First, get one of the special new packages of Quaker Puffed Wheat or Quaker Puffed Rice. Now, at groceries, the box tub tells you just what to do for any totem pole you want. It has a special handy order blank with a list of the five different poles right on it. You just check the totem poles you want and for every one you check, send 25 cents for the whole collection. You send only $1. Now, whether you want one or all five totem poles, you only have to send one box top from Quaker Puffed Rice or Quaker Puffed wheat. Then send 25 cents for each totem pole you want or $1 for the whole collection of five different poles, then two totem poles. Box L, Chicago 77, Illinois. And here's something extra you get with your order. You get a booklet that tells the fascinating history and story of each totem pole. Honestly, if these aren't the most exciting scale model totem poles you ever saw. You get your money back, every cent. But don't wait. The limited supply of these totem poles is going like hotcakes. So hurry, hurry, hurry. Get the special new packages of swell tasting Quaker puffed wheat or rice. Read all about these fascinating totem poles right on the package. Then rush your order right away tonight to Totem Poles, Box L, Chicago 77, Illinois. And now, here is Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant Preston reporting for duty, Inspector.

[Ted Sheridan]

Sergeant. A crooked killer recognized as the notorious Burley Kane. Robbed the Dawson State bank and escaped with several thousand in cash after killing Atteller.

[Sergeant Preston]

Burley Kane is a dangerous man, sir.

[Ted Sheridan]

Yes, too dangerous to be at large, Sergeant. I want you to trail him, recover the cash and bring him in for murder.

[Narrator]

But Sergeant Preston doesn't know the dangers that lie ahead. He'll face death more than once in his attempt to do his duty. 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 Muir Incorporated. Directed by Fred Flowerday and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of Sergeant Preston is played by Paul Sutton. Sergeant Preston of the Yukon is brought to you every Tuesday and Thursday at this same time by Quaker Pop Wheat and Quaker Pop Rice. The breakfast cereals shot from guns. Hello children, and you mothers too. This is your friend Aunt Jemima.

[Ted Sheridan]

Speaking of supper tonight, do you ever have pancakes?

[Narrator]

Golden, tender, melting light.

[Ted Sheridan]

Aunt Jemima pancakes easy supper you can fix.

[Narrator]

Know why?

[Ted Sheridan]

Because my Aunt Jemima pancake mix is now fluff whipped. So all you do is add milk and stir. Don't beat, don't overstir, leave some little.

[Narrator]

Lumps in and you bake the lightest pancakes ever.

[Ted Sheridan]

Try my Fluff whipped Angel Mama pancake.

[Narrator]

Mix and serve folk stacks of Aunt Jemima pancakes. Lightest pancakes anyone can bake. There's nothing more tempting in this whole.

[Ted Sheridan]

Wide world than Aunt Jemima's pancakes. Light and say have some for supper tonight. Thank you both.

[Narrator]

This is J. Michael wishing you goodbye, good luck and good health from Quaker Pop Wheat and Quaker Pop Rice. So long. Listen tomorrow at the same time to the Green Hornet. Brought to you by the drink that makes you feel fresh again. Delicious Orange Crush. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.