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

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: The Totem Trail | Challenge of the Yukon (03-04-52)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: September 10, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this digitally restored presentation of Challenge of the Yukon: The Totem Trail (original air date: March 4, 1952), listeners are taken on a suspense-filled journey across the wild, snow-covered reaches of the Northwest during the Gold Rush. Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police—alongside his trusty canine companion, Yukon King—assists young Ted Sheridan in an urgent quest to locate his missing father, Professor Emmett Sheridan. The trail leads through indigenous villages, treacherous wilderness, run-ins with Russian outlaws, and ultimately to a legendary gold treasure, said to be guarded by ancient totem poles and shrouded in curses. Throughout the adventure, the narrative highlights indigenous cultures and their totem poles, themes of trust and betrayal, and the eternal battle between justice and greed.

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Key Discussion Points & Storyline Breakdown

1. A Mysterious Rescue at Sea

[04:43 – 06:13]

• Sgt. Preston is transporting a prisoner on the ship Northern Star when a shipwrecked man is rescued and taken aboard.
• The castaway, Professor Haywood, is in a coma and later found to have amnesia.
• Ted Sheridan, the son of Professor Sheridan, identifies Haywood and initiates a desperate search for his missing father and colleague.

“He doesn’t know who he is and he can’t remember anything.”
— Sgt. Preston [07:07]

2. Myth and History Intertwined: The Legend of Brooks Gold

[06:13 – 12:09]

• Sgt. Preston reveals notes from Haywood’s delirium: repeated warnings about “Brooks gold,” a legendary treasure with a curse.
• Ted explains the historical hunt, referencing a journal written by English explorer Brooks, recounting how gold, confiscated from pirates, was entrusted to five local tribes.
• Each tribe’s totem is detailed—the Thunderbird, Clawax, Burial, Killer Whale, Sun & Raven—setting up the treasure hunt’s route.

“According to the narrative, there were five tribes represented...the Thunderbird people, the Clawax...the Burial pole...the Killer Whale totem...the Sun and Raven totem...”
— Ted Sheridan [09:29]

3. Tracking the Missing Expedition: Among the Tribes

[12:17 – 16:25]

• Sgt. Preston and Ted travel to the Thunderbird Indians’ village and consult Chief Angatak, learning the treasure is believed cursed and to be forgotten.
• Discovery: Professor Sheridan visited and searched near the Thunderbirds’ totem, but found nothing. Their next stop is the Clawax, guided (and later hindered) by Indians Toltec and Tanis.

“Gold bring white men, white men bring trouble. That isn’t true...if the gold should be found now, it would be used to build schools...food and medicine...”
— Ted Sheridan [13:12]

4. Danger on the Trail and “Bad Medicine”

[19:39 – 25:22]

• A stormy night: Toltec arrives shaken, reveals he and his brother were threatened by Russian outlaws shadowing the expedition.
• Toltec is shot by a hidden gunman but survives Sergeant Preston’s impromptu surgery.

“There’s only one way to do that...The bullet must come out...if the bullet stays in, the boy dies.”
— Sgt. Preston [25:04]

5. The Totem Trail: Clawax and Burial Pole Mysteries

[33:23 – 38:49]

• Sgt. Preston and Ted visit the Clawax, encounter village hostility manipulated by a figure masquerading as the Spirit of the Raven.
• A dramatic midnight confrontation—Sergeant Preston unmasks the imposter, a Russian named Ivan, and thwarts a plot to sacrifice Ted for the sake of “appeasing spirits.”

“You’ve all been fooled, Moloch. This is not the Spirit of the Raven.”
— Sgt. Preston [51:48]

6. Secrets, Sabotage, and Deadly Pursuits

[60:12 – 80:44]

• The trek continues: an attempted murder at sea, mysterious tracks, and signs of sabotage—each pointing to Russian interference and ruthless efforts to keep the gold’s secret.
• Astonishing perseverance and Yukon King’s sharp instincts help trail dangerous suspects through Indian villages, by boat, and into moonlit forests.
• At Skiedan’s burial totem, further clues are uncovered, including Ted’s father's engraved gold watch, confirming the previous presence of the missing explorers.

7. Kidnapping and the Whaler’s Betrayal

[86:18 – 100:29]

• The story climaxes when Sgt. Preston and Ted are double-crossed and imprisoned aboard Captain Bradford’s whaler, soon swept to sea in a violent storm.
• A frantic escape is orchestrated with Yukon King’s help; they witness “Big Blue,” the mythical whale, destroy the pursuing outlaws in biblical fashion—interpreted by the indigenous characters as the curse of the killer whale.

8. Ravensville and the Sun & Raven Totem

[112:44 – 134:29]

• Professor Sheridan and Professor Fraser are found captive, having deciphered the final location of the treasure: under the sun and raven totem at Ravensville.
• Outlaws led by Rostov set fire to the mission school as a diversion, the villagers risk their lives to save children inside.
• The totem trail leads to a dramatic confrontation: the treasure is found hidden inside a charred sun and raven totem, not beneath it.

"Look what was hidden inside the pole...it’s gold. Pure gold."
— Sgt. Preston [133:08]

“This gold is yours. And there's enough to build the finest school in Canada.”
— Sgt. Preston [133:44]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “All Indian must forget. Professor come to village. Where is Toltec? Me take you to him. But him not talk. Him plenty fraid. Very Gold make plenty bad medicine.” — Chief Angatak [15:13]
• “The dead man...What did he look like?...Like a Russian to me.” — Ted Sheridan & Sgt. Preston [24:46–24:49]
• “The redcoat’s power is great. He has talked to the land otters. He has stood with the Spirit of the Raven.” — Sgt. Preston [51:16]
• “Sergeant, this is dad’s gold watch. His initials are engraved on the back of it.” — Ted Sheridan [78:54]
• “It God’s will. God’s will. Chief, this case is cold.” — Sgt. Preston [134:29]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Rescue of Professor Haywood: [04:43 – 06:13]
• Legend of Brooks Gold Explained: [09:05 – 12:09]
• Visit to Thunderbird Village & Chief Angatak: [12:17 – 15:18]
• Toltec Reveals the Bandits’ Plot: [19:39 – 25:22]
• Clawax Village/Spirit of the Raven Reveal: [33:23 – 52:03]
• Burial Totem Discovery & Ivan’s End: [74:34 – 80:10]
• Whaler Betrayal—Kidnapping and Storm: [95:03 – 100:29]
• Confrontation at Ravensville & Treasure Recovery: [124:06 – 134:29]

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Additional Highlights: Culture & History

• The episode is rich with (sometimes era-typical) portrayals of Northwest Coast Indigenous culture—totem poles, tribal legends, symbolism, and respect for tradition, mixed with adventure fiction tropes.
• Periodic interludes promote Quaker Puffed Wheat & Rice and a mail-in offer for scale model totem poles, reinforcing the episode’s theme.

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Conclusion

By the story’s close, Sergeant Preston and Ted have exposed the outlaws, freed the captives, and uncovered the fabled gold—whose recovery will support a new school for the indigenous children of the Northwest. The trail has been marked not just by totem poles, but by courage, faith, and the enduring hope that good will prevail over evil.

“This is the end of a long trail for the Professor. And he’d never have been able to follow it if it hadn’t been for your totem poles. That’s true. They mark the trail.”
— Sgt. Preston & Ted Sheridan [133:56–133:59]

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For those with a love for classic adventure, folklore, and the atmospheric sounds of old-time radio, this episode is a grand trek—both a nostalgic romp and a celebration of storytelling in the wild Yukon.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

What do you think makes the perfect snack?

[Ted Sheridan]

Hmm, it's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient.

[Narrator]

Could you be more specific?

[Ted Sheridan]

When it's cravinient.

[Narrator]

Okay, like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter available right down the.

[Sergeant Preston]

Street at a.m. p.m. Or a savory.

[Narrator]

Breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a second at a.m. pM.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm seeing a pattern here.

[Scene Setter]

Well yeah, we're talking about what I.

[Narrator]

Crave, which is anything from AM pm.

[Scene Setter]

What more could you want?

[Sergeant Preston]

Stop by AM PM where the snacks.

[Scene Setter]

And drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient.

[Ted Sheridan]

That's cravenience.

[Narrator]

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[Sergeant Preston]

Foreign welcome.

[Scene Setter]

To the Old Time Radio Westerns.

[Sergeant Preston]

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 now.

[Scene Setter]

As gunshots echo across the windswept, snow covered reaches of the Wild Northwest. Quaker Puff Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice, the breakfast cereals 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.

[Sergeant Preston]

On King on your husky.

[Scene Setter]

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. There's no one that can make a better cereal than Quaker Puff Rice. It's nice. And when you hear that shooting, you're dern tootin that Quaker makes the ones shot from guns. Yes, they're exploded up up up to eight times normal size. That's why Quaker Popped Rice and Quaker Popped Wheat are such a delicious treat. Have some for breakfast tomorrow.

[Narrator]

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[Scene Setter]

Once on board the Northern Star, the prisoner Sergeant Preston was taking from White Pass to Vancouver was locked in the brig, and the sergeant and King were free to roam the ship. They spent much of their time on the bridge with Captain Adams, who was an old friend. It was early fall, there was a great deal of fun, and one day as the Northern Star steamed slowly through Queen Charlotte's stream straight King began to bark frantically.

[Sergeant Preston]

What'S the matter, boy?

[Ted Sheridan]

Something up ahead he doesn't like?

[Scene Setter]

And then the lookout shouted, all boat drifting off the starboard bow.

[Sergeant Preston]

Is she in distress? Look out.

[Scene Setter]

It's a sailing dinghy, sir.

[Sergeant Preston]

Only one man in her, and he.

[Scene Setter]

Stalled over the pillar. Looks to be in a bad way. Have speed.

[Ted Sheridan]

It's turned.

[Scene Setter]

The ship stopped and the lone occupant of the little sailing boat was taken aboard. He was unconscious, but when he had been placed in the sick bay, he began to mumble, and his words seemed to indicate that he had been through a terrible ordeal. The sergeant made careful notes on them. The man remained in a coma even after the ship reached Vancouver and he was transferred to a hospital. Once that was accomplished, the sergeant delivered his prisoner to Northwest Mounted Police Headquarters, and immediately he was assigned to the case of the mysterious castaway. The newspapers played up the story and ran the man's picture. The following morning, a young American who gave his name as Ted Sheridan asked to see Sergeant Preston at the hospital.

[Sergeant Preston]

How do you do, Mr. Sheridan?

[Ted Sheridan]

Good morning, sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

You believe you know the man we picked up?

[Ted Sheridan]

Yes, sir. He's John Haywood from California, a professor at the university, a colleague of my father's I see. My father is Emmett Sheridan. He's rather well known in university circles as an authority on the early history of North America.

[Sergeant Preston]

I believe I've read one of his books on the Northwest Indians.

[Ted Sheridan]

That's his special field. Two months ago, he and Professor Haywood and a Professor Fraser started out on an expedition into the Indian country. They should have returned by now. And that's why I'm here, to make inquiries. No sooner had I set foot in Vancouver than I saw Professor Haywood's picture in the paper and read his story. Naturally, I'm more concerned than ever about my father and Professor Fraser. Has Heywood regained consciousness yet?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, early this morning.

[Ted Sheridan]

Then he's been able to tell you what happened to him? How he happened to be in that open boat?

[Sergeant Preston]

No, unfortunately, there's complete amnesia. He doesn't know who he is and he can't remember anything.

[Ted Sheridan]

It might help if I were to talk to him.

[Sergeant Preston]

I see. He's in this room. Go ahead. He's awake.

[Ted Sheridan]

Good morning, Professor Heywood.

[Sergeant Preston]

Heywood?

[Ted Sheridan]

Yes. I'm Ted Sheridan. Don't you remember me?

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh.

[Ted Sheridan]

I never saw you before. Well, you've been at our house many times. You and dad are great friends. Don't you remember the cruise we took to the South Seas last year?

[Sergeant Preston]

I never saw you before.

[Ted Sheridan]

My head, it hurts.

[Sergeant Preston]

I would sleep. We'd better let him rest.

[Ted Sheridan]

Right, Sergeant. Take it easy, Professor. What does the doctor say? Sergeant, how long will this condition last?

[Sergeant Preston]

There's no telling.

[Ted Sheridan]

Well, I'll get in touch with the university authorities and they'll send someone up here to take him home. But I must do something about finding my father.

[Sergeant Preston]

Of course.

[Ted Sheridan]

According to the newspapers, Haywood was delirious when you picked him up. Did he say anything that might give you a clue?

[Sergeant Preston]

I never mentioned your father's name. But I took down everything he said in the hope it might make sense to someone. I have my notes here now. For instance, he talked about totem poles.

[Ted Sheridan]

Oh, that's understandable, Sergeant. That was the primary purpose of the expedition. To classify all the totems used by the Northwest Indians.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, then there was a great deal of talk about Brooks gold. That mean anything to you?

[Ted Sheridan]

Oh, it certainly does.

[Sergeant Preston]

Seemed to make Haywood violent. Whenever he spoke of it, he yelled about the curse on Brooks gold.

[Ted Sheridan]

I don't know anything about a curse.

[Sergeant Preston]

These are some of his exact words. Brooks gold. I say. Let it stay buried. Forget it. There's a curse on it. Find it and you'll be murdered. Forget it. Let it stay Buried.

[Ted Sheridan]

I wonder if they did find it.

[Sergeant Preston]

Is Brooks gold some sort of buried treasure?

[Ted Sheridan]

Yes, Sergeant. Last winter, my father found an old journal written by an English explorer called Brooks. He described his capture by a band of Russian pirates who made their headquarters on the coast of British Columbia about 1800. And he also described a great fire which destroyed the headquarters while the pirates were away on a plundering expedition. Brooks was one of the few survivors of the fire. He took the gold which the Russians had stolen from the Indians, loaded it on pack mules and escaped into the interior. He returned the gold to the Indians, and they held a great council to decide which of the Indian tribes should act as custodian for it. Now, let me think. According to the narrative, there were five tribes represented the Thunderbird people.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm not familiar with them.

[Ted Sheridan]

Oh, they live in the foothills of northwest British Columbia. My father always referred to them as the Thunderbirds because their favorite totem pole is the one that represented the Thunderbird. They were the first tribe present at this meeting. The second were the claw ax from the coast. Their favorite totem is the one that represents the fight with the landowners.

[Sergeant Preston]

I've seen that many times.

[Ted Sheridan]

The third tribe came from Queen Charlotte's island, and they use the burial pole as their totem. The fourth tribe was from the mainland and used the killer whale totem. The fifth tribe used the sun and raven totem. Well, that was the way the journal ended, with a description of the council. The rest of it had been destroyed.

[Sergeant Preston]

So there was no record of which tribe was elected custodian of the gold?

[Ted Sheridan]

No, no record, Sergeant. But early this spring, dad referred to the journal in a lecture. And he didn't mention it was incomplete. Shortly afterward, it was stolen from his office at the university.

[Sergeant Preston]

I see. Possibly by someone who intended to look for the gold.

[Ted Sheridan]

Perhaps. But I. I read the journal. It wouldn't help much.

[Sergeant Preston]

Might have been merely a work of fiction.

[Ted Sheridan]

That's entirely possible. Sighting. Dad intended to investigate it this summer.

[Sergeant Preston]

What did your father think about the journal?

[Ted Sheridan]

He believed it was a record of actual events.

[Sergeant Preston]

Very interesting. Do you have any idea of what his itinerary was to be?

[Ted Sheridan]

Oh, yes. I helped him map it out. I'd been with him on several previous expeditions. They were to start out from here and head northwest into the foothills. Their first stop was to be with the Thunderbird Indians. Ang attacks the head man of the tribe.

[Sergeant Preston]

I know him. I know the district too well.

[Ted Sheridan]

That's where I'm going first, Sergeant. Then I'll follow dad until I find.

[Sergeant Preston]

Him you should have a police officer along.

[Ted Sheridan]

What would you. Could you make such a trip, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll have to consult my superiors. If you were to come with me and request that I go along with you.

[Ted Sheridan]

I shall, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right. Let's go then.

[Scene Setter]

The commander of the Northwest Mounted Garrison at Vancouver agreed that Sgt. Preston should accompany Ted Sheridan on his trek into Indian territory. The preparations for the trip took only a few days, and a week later Sergeant Preston and Ted had reached Anger Tax Village in the foothills. There they learned that Professor Sheridan had spent nearly two weeks in the village taking pictures of all the totems and inquiring into the legends of the Great Thunderbird. Angotak answered all the Sergeant's questions easily until he brought up the subject of Brooks gold.

[Sergeant Preston]

Did the professor ask you anything about a man named Brooks? Me not no fella called Brooks. He was a friend of the Indians a long time ago.

[Ted Sheridan]

Over a hundred years ago.

[Sergeant Preston]

Ah, you've heard of him. Me not know nothing bout gold. That's what me tell Professor. What else did you tell the professor? Me tell em forget gold their story. Indian bury gold long time. Go make great oath. Never tell where gold is. Gold bring white men, white men bring trouble. That isn't true. Nowadays we only want to help the Indians. And if the gold should be found now, it would be used to build schools and buy food and medicine and clothing for your people. Huh? That what professor say. You believed him, didn't you? Maybe. But Indian forget long time go where gold buried.

[Ted Sheridan]

Did my father look for it here?

[Sergeant Preston]

Uh huh. Me show you.

[Scene Setter]

The chief took the Sergeant and Ted to a totem pole which stood halfway up the steep slope of a hill by behind the village. It was much older than any of the other totems, but in spite of the weathering, the carving was still perfectly distinct.

[Ted Sheridan]

Oh, a master must have carved this. Sergeant, do you know what the carving represents?

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, that's the Thunderbird on top, of course.

[Ted Sheridan]

Yes, the Great Thunderbird who creates the thunder by beating his mighty wings together. The God of storms. The lower figures are the Beaver and the Bear. The Bear stands for your people. Angatak and the Beaver for an alliance you once made with the Basket Bay clan of the Beaver House Angatak.

[Sergeant Preston]

No. Professor, come here. Him say if gold buried Indian put up totem pole stand guard. Him say this totem pole over hundred year old. Maybe gold buried nearby. The ground's been dug up recently, huh? Professor look for gold. But he didn't find it. No. Him dig plenty deep. It not thunderbird that guard gold. Well, when the professor and his friends had decided that, did he and his friends leave at once? Huh?

[Ted Sheridan]

Which way did he go?

[Sergeant Preston]

Him start for Clawak tribe. Want to take picture A totem that tells story of fight with landowners.

[Ted Sheridan]

The Clawax. They're near the coast.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. Did any of your people go with the professor and his party to guide them? 2 brother go tanis and Toltec. We'd like to speak with them. Only Toltec come back. Really? Where's he? Him not talk to you. Why not, Chief? Him not talk nobody about what happened on trail.

[Ted Sheridan]

And something did happen. Ang Tak not know my father's your friend. Didn't you try to find out?

[Sergeant Preston]

Toltec call on Thunderbird to protect them. There no way Angatak can make them talk. There no way. Sergeant. Make them talk. We don't intend to use force on him, but we may be able to persuade him. Toltec say it bad thing. White men start looking for gold. It's bad thing for Indian. All Indian must forget. Professor come to village. Where is Toltec? Me take you to him. But him not talk. Him plenty fraid. Very Gold make plenty bad medicine.

[Scene Setter]

We'll continue our adventure in just a moment.

[Narrator]

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[Scene Setter]

Corporate megastores are spending millions lobbying D.C.

[Sergeant Preston]

Politicians on one sided policies that send.

[Scene Setter]

Small businesses tumb gambling.

[Sergeant Preston]

They want to enact harmful credit card mandates that take resources away from your.

[Ted Sheridan]

Local credit union and community bank, leaving.

[Scene Setter]

Main street businesses with less access to.

[Sergeant Preston]

Credit, making it harder for your family to pay for everyday goods like gas and groceries. Tell Congress to guard your card and oppose the Durbin Marshall credit card mandates paid for by Electronic Payments Coalition.

[Scene Setter]

Say fellows and girls, for a delicious breakfast treat tomorrow morning, pour yourselves out a heaping bowl Full of taste, tempting Quaker puffed wheat or Quaker puffed rice. The ones shot from guns. Yep, you'll be glad you did. Now listen, fellas and girls, get ready. A wonderful surprise is coming at the end of the program. A terrific offer you can get that's straight out of the Northwest. Have paper and pencil handy. Now to continue. Sergeant Preston had no opportunity to question Toltec, the young Indian who had acted as the professor's guide on his trip to the Claw Aux village. Toltec had disappeared. The sergeant and Ted was shown to the log cabin which was reserved for distinguished visitors. It had three glass windows, two in front and one in the rear. And it was built on the hillside above the village. From the large rear window, one could see the crest of the hill. And a light was always kept in the window so that travelers returning from the mountains would be welcomed by the promise of hospitality the well built cabin gave. It was a good thing it was weatherproof. For shortly after dark, a terrible mountain storm lashed the village. Jagged streaks of lightning cut across the sky. Thunder crashed, the rain poured down and a high wind screamed and moaned around the Thunderbird totem pole in front of the cabin.

[Ted Sheridan]

Don't you like the Thunder King?

[Sergeant Preston]

It isn't the thunder he objects to. There's someone outside the cabin.

[Ted Sheridan]

Sergeant. At the window. When the lightning flashed, I saw a few face.

[Sergeant Preston]

No one out here now. An Indian tent?

[Ted Sheridan]

I'm not sure.

[Sergeant Preston]

There's someone beside the totem pole. Hello there. What do you want? Vtech. Not worth anything. We go now.

[Scene Setter]

Vtech.

[Sergeant Preston]

No.

[Scene Setter]

Come back here.

[Sergeant Preston]

There's nothing to be afraid of. Come in. You wear red coat.

[Scene Setter]

You policeman?

[Sergeant Preston]

That's right. I'm Sergeant Preston, Northwest Mounted Police. This is Ted Sheridan, Professor Sheridan's son. Oh.

[Ted Sheridan]

Sit down over here, close to the fire.

[Sergeant Preston]

No, I may not sit down. The chief told us you were the professor's guide to the Clavox village. That's right. You and your brother Tanos. Well, Ted's worried about his father. Was there an accident on the trail? No, not accident.

[Ted Sheridan]

Trouble start after.

[Sergeant Preston]

What sort of trouble? Not good for Indian. Get mixed up in white man trouble. Did this trouble you're talking about have anything to do with Brooks gold? Gold's buried. Let him stay buried. Conis. Bad Indian. Your brother. Your brother is a bad Indian.

[Ted Sheridan]

Let me not talk.

[Sergeant Preston]

Toltec, when you were guiding the professor's party, did you meet any other white men on the trail?

[Ted Sheridan]

No, it's hopeless.

[Sergeant Preston]

I don't think so, Ted. Toltec. Did the professor reach The Clawbox village safely. That right. And afterwards you and your brother started home? That right?

[Ted Sheridan]

Me not talk.

[Sergeant Preston]

Or did your brother stay in the village? No. Then why didn't he come back here with him? Him listen to Batman on the way back here. What did the bad man say? Toltec tell you. Then bad man kill him. So that's why you're afraid You've been threatened. Oh, Toltec. It's my job to find bad men who make such threats and put them in jail. Once they're in jail, they can't hurt you. All you have to do is tell me who these bad men are and where I can find them.

[Ted Sheridan]

Then take us prisoner on way back here?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes.

[Ted Sheridan]

Them say you watch professor for us.

[Sergeant Preston]

When him find gold, you tell. We get him give you plenty.

[Ted Sheridan]

You go back klarwack village. Watch Professor. We stay plenty close. Your dad was being followed by a band of outlaws.

[Sergeant Preston]

Go on. Toltec brother go village. Not me. Me come home. How many men were there in the band that took you prisoner? There.

[Ted Sheridan]

Was a rifle shot.

[Sergeant Preston]

Celtic's been hit.

[Ted Sheridan]

It came from the hill behind the cabin.

[Sergeant Preston]

Keep away from that window.

[Scene Setter]

You'll make a perfect target for anyone.

[Sergeant Preston]

Up on the hill. Keep down.

[Ted Sheridan]

I am. How about it? Is he dead?

[Sergeant Preston]

No, just a chest wound.

[Ted Sheridan]

I've had a lot of experience with first aid, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Good. The kit's on the table. See what you can do for him. King and I will see if we can find the man who fired that shot. Come on, boy.

[Scene Setter]

What's the matter?

[Sergeant Preston]

The whole village is heading this way.

[Ted Sheridan]

I heard the shot of Toltec's cry.

[Sergeant Preston]

Why you shoot Toltec? We didn't. You should know better than that. Angak Ang promise send Toltec to you. Why you shoot him? The shot came from the hill behind the house. No Indian have gun. Only you have gun. If Toltec die, you die. Stay where you are. This cabin is guarded by the Thunderbird totem. I'm calling on the Thunderbird for protection. You know his power on a night like this. Defy him and he'll use his power against you. Let him use it against me if I'm not telling you the truth. Look, use your eyes. The glass in the window is broken. The shot that hit Toltec was fired from the hill behind the cabin. And the man who fired it is somewhere up there. Now, in the name of the Thunderbird, I order you to follow me and find him while the Professor's son takes care of Toltec. Follow Sgt. In name A Thunderbird.

[Scene Setter]

Sergeant.

[Ted Sheridan]

That ball of lightning struck a tree.

[Sergeant Preston]

Up on the hill. That tree fall aground. Thunderbirds show power. Listen. That's a man. Three fall on them. Follow me.

[Scene Setter]

The Indian surged up the hill behind the sergeant. Straight toward the spot where the old dead pine had been struck by lightning. Screaming stopped. The sounds of the storm filled the night. Once more. The top of the hill was reached. The tree was found. A flash of lightning showed him the man.

[Sergeant Preston]

He's dead. Thunderbird show power. When Toltec come back to village him call on Thunderbird to guard him. Now Thunderbird kill man who shoot Toltec. We'll need the help of all your men to lift this tree.

[Scene Setter]

The tree was lifted from the dead man and his body was carried down to the village. Then the sergeant returned to the cabin to help Ted.

[Ted Sheridan]

We must save Toltec, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll do our best.

[Ted Sheridan]

The dead man. What did he look like?

[Sergeant Preston]

Like a Russian to me.

[Ted Sheridan]

One of the men who took Toltec and his brother prisoner. He must have been. And sent back here to make sure that Toltec didn't talk. When he saw Toltec with you, saw your uniform and realized Toltec would tell you everything.

[Sergeant Preston]

He didn't have time to tell us much.

[Ted Sheridan]

That's why we must save him.

[Sergeant Preston]

There's only one way to do that. How? The bullet must come out of his chest.

[Ted Sheridan]

But you have no instruments.

[Sergeant Preston]

Only this knife. The blade's thin. It's razor sharp.

[Ted Sheridan]

Why you. You dare?

[Sergeant Preston]

There's no choice, Ted. If the bullet stays in, the boy dies.

[Scene Setter]

Sergeant operated. The slug was removed. And Toltec still breathed. It grew light in the east. The first rays of the sun touched the spread wings of the Thunderbird at the top of the totem pole. And at that moment, Toltec opened his eyes.

[Sergeant Preston]

Unkeytuck me See Thunderbird bring em back from land of dead. How are you feeling? Toltec?

[Ted Sheridan]

Asking a little later.

[Scene Setter]

Then the Indian boy's strength returned quickly. That evening he was shown the body of the man who had tried to kill him. He recognized him.

[Sergeant Preston]

That one called Boris. And he was one of the men who took you prisoner. How many others were there? There's six more.

[Ted Sheridan]

All wear beard, like this man.

[Sergeant Preston]

And they plan to follow the professor. Them say where professor go? Them go.

[Ted Sheridan]

When professor find gold, them take and kill my father afterward. They'd have to, Sergeant. It's the only way they'd be safe. Perhaps even now, somewhere between here and Alaska. We must hurry, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

We must get all the help we can from Toltec.

[Ted Sheridan]

We know there were six of them.

[Sergeant Preston]

And he can tell us what each of them looked like. You will, won't you Toltec? Ah, me tell all.

[Scene Setter]

And so when Sergeant Preston and Ted were ready to leave the village, the sergeant had a complete description of the six men who were following the professor.

[Sergeant Preston]

All set, Ted?

[Ted Sheridan]

All set, Sergeant.

[Scene Setter]

Easy boy.

[Sergeant Preston]

Bye Angitak. All Indian wish you good luck. I have an idea we may need it. You be plenty careful there much danger on trail. They're evil in heart of men who want gold. Ang hope Thunderbird fly with you, keep you safe. Thank you Angatak. We have great respect for Thunderbird. Toltec called on him for protection. And in spite of being shot, Toltec is alive and will soon be well and strong again. While the man who shot him, the Russian Thunderbirds strike him down. Yes, which means that as far as the Russian is concerned, this case is closed.

[Scene Setter]

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

[Narrator]

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[Sergeant Preston]

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[Narrator]

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[Sergeant Preston]

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[Scene Setter]

Story and how well Sergeant Preston knows the Indian legends about the Great Thunderbird and other totem poles. And as Sergeant Preston would say, it's a very impressive sight when you look up at the giant wings of the Great Thunderbird totem pole. And you won't see these poles anywhere else in the world. They are indeed symbols of the Great Northwest. The Northwest Indians carved these amazing totem poles from huge logs, carve them by hand using only such tools as beaver teeth, whalebone or sharp stones. Yet some totem poles are as high as 60ft tall and the carvings of birds, animals and strange looking creatures on them, all painted in bright colors, tell fascinating stories about the Indians and their adventures. And here's the thrilling part, the exciting news for you fellas and girls. Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice are offering Friends of Sergeant Preston a miniature copy of the Thunderbird totem pole you heard about in today's story. And Thunderbird is just one of five different totem poles that you can get a complete collection. The Thunderbird, the Fight of the Land Otter, the Burial Pole, the Killer Whale, the Sun and Raven. These five miniature totem poles are scale models 4 inches high, everyone copied from real authentic totem poles that you would see today up in the Great Northwest. They're made of pressed wood, hand painted in beautiful bright colors. Why, you can build a regular little Indian teepee village around them, take them to school when you study Indian life, and listen, all you do to get the Thunderbird or the whole collection of all five of these totem poles is this. First, get a package of delicious Quaker Puffed Wheat or Quaker Puffed Rice. There are special new packages now at grocers which tell all about these totem poles and then you tear off the box top which has a special handy order blank with a list of the five totem poles right on it. You just check the totem poles you want and for every one you check, send 25 cents. And if you want the whole collection, you send only $1. Now, whether you want one or all of them, 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. Send to Totem Poles, Box L, Chicago 77, Illinois. And here's something extra you get with your order. You get a little booklet that tells the history and story of each totem pole. What's more, if these aren't the most exciting miniature totem poles you ever saw, you get your money back. But there's no time to lose. The supply of these totem poles is limited. Hurry and get special new packages of swell tasting Quaker popped wheat. All right. The box stop tells you just what to do for any totem pole you want. Don't wait. Send right away to Totem Poles, Box L, Chicago 77, Illinois. Sergeant Preston and a young man named Ted Sheridan were in the Northwest searching for Ted's father, Professor Emma Sheridan, who had failed to return from an expedition. They knew that the professor and authority on Indians had planned to investigate a story that gold had been buried near an Indian totem pole at the Indian village of the Thunderbird totem. Mysterious happenings convinced them that the expedition had met with serious trouble. Having an inkling of where the professor had gone next, Preston and Ted started for the village of the Clawacks, where the unusual fight for the landowners totem was located. The chill dampness of fall weather filled Ted Sheridan with foreboding as the two men rode across a low mountain range toward the Clawack village on the coast.

[Ted Sheridan]

Sergeant. The story a young Indian Toltec told me about six bearded men following dad and Professor Fraser seemed fantastic until a Russian fellow, Boris, was killed in the Thunderbird village after he tried to shoot Tolkien.

[Sergeant Preston]

We know now from what Toltec told us that it's true.

[Ted Sheridan]

Dad certainly didn't realize what he was running into, Sergeant. He didn't know, for instance, that the buried treasure known as Brooks Gold is considered to have a curse on it by the Indians. That means they're all hostile to anyone who tries to find it.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's true.

[Ted Sheridan]

Moreover, dad probably didn't suspect that a gang was watching his progress in order to take the gold if he uncovered it.

[Sergeant Preston]

We found out your father reached the Clawagh village safely. We may find King's looking toward the top of the slope. Hold on. How is it, King? What matter, fella?

[Ted Sheridan]

Sergeant, look. A big bowler coming down. That was close. If King hadn't warned us, King must.

[Sergeant Preston]

Have seen someone at the top of the slope just before the boulder started down.

[Ted Sheridan]

Perhaps it was accident.

[Sergeant Preston]

Too steep for us to climb up there and find out. Of course, you say it might have been accidental, but you don't think so. Someone else may have been sent with that Russian Boris to spy on Toltec. If so, he may have learned of our mission from one of the Thunderbird tribe.

[Ted Sheridan]

Anyone might suspect our mission if they saw us inspecting the Thunderbird totem pole at the village.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's right. Get up, Lucky.

[Ted Sheridan]

Come on, boy.

[Scene Setter]

Sergeant Preston and Ted Sheridan reached the Clawack village on the coast without further incident. They sought out the head of the Clawacks, Chief Moolock and questioned him concerning Professor De Sheridan. They learned that Ted's father and his expedition had visited the Clawhuac village and had dug near the sacred totem of the landowners. The chief said this had angered the Indians and they had ordered the expedition from the village. Professor Sheridan and his men had started out to locate the totem the Skiedam tribe near Skydgate on Queen Charlotte Islands. Chief Moolak then led Sergeant Preston and Ted to the big totem pole which represented the history of the Clawacks. Preston and Ted saw a weather beaten carved totem pole on top of a hill overlooking the village. A totem which easily might be a century old.

[Sergeant Preston]

You with him. Dig all round totem pole. Them not find gold but trouble come to them for digging. Sacred ground near totem. Curse of land orders catch those who go pond water. The expedition had to cost water to reach Queen Charlotte Island. Moloch, did any other white men come to your villains after Professor Sheridan and his men left? No, nothing has happened already. Moolah talked too much. Maybe spirit of raven come down from totem pole, walk again. What do you mean? You redcoat who bring law. That why mulak talk but dark spirit with head of raven who walk on hilltop near totem for last two night say not talk to other white men or land daughters. Send trouble to village. Molar, will you put us up for the night? You stay and hunt at bottom of slope. It under protection of totem pole. Come, we take you to hut.

[Scene Setter]

The hut to which Mulak took the sergeant and Ted Sheridan was at the foot of the slope facing the totem pole. There was one window opening on the side over which a piece of caribou hung loosely. As soon as Moolock left them, Ted Sheridan spoke.

[Ted Sheridan]

You heard what he said about a dark spirit walking on the hilltop for two nights and warning the Indians?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. I didn't want to press Moolock with further questions. What do you make of it? You mentioned a spirit with the head of a raven.

[Ted Sheridan]

Well, the top figure on the totem pole out there is a raven Head. Someone using a crude raven head mask may have played upon the superstition of the Indians.

[Sergeant Preston]

I thought of that. Then Moolock said the spirit walked the last two nights and told him not to talk to other white men. I have a feeling someone knew we were coming here and came ahead to give that warning.

[Ted Sheridan]

Perhaps the same one who started that big boulder down the mountain.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's possible. At least we know that your father was here and left to continue his search among the Skedahn tribe on Queen Charlotte Island.

[Ted Sheridan]

I suppose we found out about all we can here.

[Sergeant Preston]

Except who's trying to keep us from getting information about your father and what will be his next move.

[Scene Setter]

Soon darkness fell and after preparing a cold supper from the supplies they carried in their saddlebags, Sergeant Preston and Ted Sheridan lay down to rest in the hut. The great dog Yukon King stretched out just inside the doorway. Sergeant Preston was awakened at first by King's growl, then hearing the weird sounds outside. He awakened Ted and both men stood up and moved to the doorway. Preston pushed aside the caribou hide that covered the front opening and they both looked out. A bright moon flooded the slope in front of the hut with light. A short distance away and part way up the slope, the people of the village were standing with arms outstretched toward the totem pole on top of the hill. They were chanting in a weird moaning sort of way.

[Sergeant Preston]

Quiet, fella.

[Ted Sheridan]

I wonder what it's all about. Perhaps they look, Sergeant. Standing off to the side at the base of the totem pole, a black.

[Sergeant Preston]

Robed figure with a large raven head.

[Scene Setter]

Once more of the land after.

[Sergeant Preston]

Send the spirit of the raven to speak to the Clavoc tribe. Even now two white men are in your village.

[Scene Setter]

You have not heeded my warning.

[Ted Sheridan]

He has sort of a Russian accent.

[Sergeant Preston]

Perhaps if we get to the Indians would tear us apart if we tried. Right now. Listen. Others came before them and violated the sacred ground of the hill of the land of earth. A curse has fallen upon them because of it. If the curse of the land altars to fall upon the clawarts then bring death upon the two white men who have sought to cast a spell upon your sheep. The spirit of the raven has spoken.

[Scene Setter]

As the figure spoke the last words, it seemed to float and melt into the base of the totem pole. The watching Indians seemed stunned for a moment. Then their voices rose in fear and anger as they turned and started down the slope toward the hut.

[Sergeant Preston]

Steady, King.

[Ted Sheridan]

Here they come. What can we do, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

There's no chance of escape now. We'll have to Bluff it through. Don't reach for your gun, Ted. But be ready to if it becomes necessary.

[Ted Sheridan]

All right, I'll take my cue from you.

[Sergeant Preston]

Let's step out to meet them. Quiet, King.

[Scene Setter]

Quiet, boy.

[Sergeant Preston]

Come on, Ted.

[Scene Setter]

The angry claw ax moved in a body toward the two motionless figures standing before the visitors hut. They brandished knives and spears in a threatening manner. As they moved forward, Sergeant Preston and Ted stood with arms folded and showed no sign of fear. Then, as the Indians formed the semicircle just a few yards away and started to press onward, Sergeant Preston in a dramatic manner, raised his right arm high with palm outright and spoke commandingly. Wait.

[Sergeant Preston]

The visitor's lodge is on sacred ground. You dare not approach further. We are invited guests, protected by the word of your chief. You dare not harm us.

[Scene Setter]

What Redcoat say is true.

[Sergeant Preston]

But word of Bulak given only for.

[Scene Setter]

One night at dawn.

[Sergeant Preston]

Taboo broke it. Hey, great medicine man Ludo.

[Scene Setter]

Word of Chief Moolock protect you now.

[Ted Sheridan]

But at dawn you be put to death at foot of sacred totem of Raven and lyenon.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's Ludo who must see that Spirit.

[Ted Sheridan]

Of Raven is appeased.

[Scene Setter]

Launch be guarded well. You not scape Molak until dawn.

[Sergeant Preston]

We are under your protection. I represent the law of the white man. It is forbidden for Indians to harm a wearer of the red coat. He speaks truth. Redcoat not be harmed.

[Scene Setter]

What other with him die at dawn.

[Sergeant Preston]

To appease spirit of Raven.

[Scene Setter]

We'll continue our adventure in just just a moment.

[Narrator]

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[Scene Setter]

Say, do you fellas and girls start out every morning with a breakfast that would carry you through the tough adventures that Sergeant Preston has in the rugged Yukon? Well, you're smart to eat a good breakfast that includes a heaping bowl full of delicious Quaker puffed Wheat or Quaker puffed rice topped with fruit and milk or cream. Remember the one shot from guns. Furnish added food values of restored natural grain amounts of vitamin B1, niacin and iron. Food values that can benefit the whole family. So tomorrow and every morning pour out big bowls of the nourishing cereal you like to eat. Delicious Quaker popped rice and Quaker popped wheat. And say, fellows and girls, something big is coming at the end of the program. Something new, something different, right out of the great Northwest. Have pencil and paper ready. Keep listening. Now to continue. When Chief Moolock decided that Sergeant Preston would not be harmed, but that Ted Sheridan must die at dawn, the sergeant glanced quickly at the young man beside him. He noticed that Ted's expression had not changed and felt relief that his companion showed such courage. Once more, Preston addressed Moolock.

[Sergeant Preston]

Am I free to leave the lodge before dawn? Moolock guards watch so. Young fellow not leave lodge. You go now leave village of plow watch no, Moloch. I shall go up the slope to the totem of the land otters. There I shall ask that the spirit of the raven appear once more and lift the curse against my young friend so that his life may be spared.

[Ted Sheridan]

Spirit of raven not appear to redcoat.

[Scene Setter]

And power of land otters.

[Ted Sheridan]

Strike him down in death for such mockery.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm not afraid. Then go redcold. But you go to death. White man's taboo not reach raven and land on his.

[Scene Setter]

Sergeant Preston turned and entered the hut, followed by Ted and King. The Indians dispersed, leaving guards a short distance from the hut to prevent Ted from leaving. Later, Sergeant Preston and King left the hut and walked slowly up the slope toward the totem pole. He felt that many eyes were watching him, but he knew none of the Indians would dare follow him. The bright moonlight was a help. When he reached the totem pole, he searched the ground carefully.

[Sergeant Preston]

Wait, King. Here's what we're looking for.

[Scene Setter]

The Mountie bent down and examined the earth where Professor Sheridan had dug for the gold. Fresh footprints were clearly seen.

[Sergeant Preston]

Just as I thought. That spirit wears heavy shoes. Come here, King. Get the scent, fella. Quiet, boy. Quiet. Now. Trail him, King.

[Scene Setter]

King moved quietly as ordered by his master. The trail took them behind the totem pole. Then it went down the other side of the hill into the trees. From there, it circled around in the shadows toward the village. Sergeant Preston cautiously followed his dog, and they soon approached a hut on the edge of the village. King moved like a gray shadow, and when he reached the back of the hut, he stopped and looked Inquiringly at his master, Preston placed his hand on King's neck as a signal for silence. Then he crept forward and crouched beneath the crude covered opening that served as a window. He listened int entirely. As I had hoped.

[Sergeant Preston]

Ludo, it is not good that the red coat goes free.

[Ted Sheridan]

I not persuade Moolah to go against white man's taboo.

[Sergeant Preston]

Ivan, I have already paid you much gold to help me get rid of them. I do my part, Ivan.

[Ted Sheridan]

I give you black robe and raven mask to use.

[Sergeant Preston]

I admit your plan worked well. The professor's son will die at dawn.

[Ted Sheridan]

I shall see to it at the.

[Sergeant Preston]

Redcoat doesn't get far when he leaves the village.

[Ted Sheridan]

But do not harm him while he is in village. Taboo of white man is strong.

[Sergeant Preston]

Ah, that means nothing to me. But don't worry. The Clavax are not going to be blamed for what happens to him on the trail.

[Ted Sheridan]

You must be careful. Do not be seen in village. You safe here. Medicine man hut is also forbidden to people of village. I will sleep away while they are taking part in the death ceremony at dawn. You promise me more gold, Ivan, if my plan succeeds.

[Sergeant Preston]

Very well. Here, in this pouch is the rest.

[Ted Sheridan]

Of the gold I promised you. Keep it in your pocket and out of sight. That good? Now me go make sure guards watch young fellow at visitor's lodge. Me come back.

[Sergeant Preston]

Here's our chance.

[Scene Setter]

Quacking quickly but quietly, Sergeant Preston, with King beside him, moved along the side of the hut. As Ludo left the entrance and started past the corner of the crude shelter, Preston went into action.

[Ted Sheridan]

Watch him, boy.

[Scene Setter]

The Mountie quickly moved to the covered entrance. Then with drawn gun, he entered.

[Sergeant Preston]

Don't move, you don't take that gun. I am a guest of the Indians. Why do you do this? Guests are not allowed to stay in the hut of a medicine man, Ivan. That's forbidden territory. You know my name? I got around. If Boris were alive to talk, he'd tell you that I knew Boris was dead. Of course you did. You must have been at the Thunderbird village with him. And you followed us here. You might even be able to tell me about the big boulder that almost hit us up on the mountain trail. You are only guessing. Maybe hicking. Watch him, fella, while I tie his hands.

[Scene Setter]

Preston tied the Russian's hands behind his back. Then, leaving King to guard him, the Mountie went outside and carried Ludo into the hut, then tied the Indian's hands and feet there.

[Sergeant Preston]

He'll be where we want him when.

[Scene Setter]

We'Re ready for him.

[Sergeant Preston]

You have no proof that I have committed any crime. I'll let the Claw aux be the judge of that. What are you going to do? First, I'll take the black robe and the raven mask you have there. Then you and I'll go through the shadows to the totem pole. Unless you do exactly as I say, I'll use my gun on you.

[Scene Setter]

Before leaving, Preston carried the securely bound Ludo a short distance in the hut and placed him on the ground. Then, taking the black robe and the mask, he headed through the shadows with the Russian toward the totem pole on the hilltop. At the visitor's lodge, Ted paced nervously back and forth. Suddenly he was startled by a booming cry coming from the slope. Ted went to the doorway and looked toward the totem pole. The villagers were emerging from their huts and hurrying toward the slope. In the bright moonlight, Ted could make out Sergeant Preston standing beside the figure known as the Spirit of the Raven. The guards made no move to stop him as he left the lodge and moved toward the totem pole with the others. Once more, the claw ax stood in awe at the foot of the slope and gazed at the top of the hill.

[Sergeant Preston]

They have sent the Spirit of the.

[Scene Setter]

Raven to release the young white men.

[Sergeant Preston]

The redcoat's power is great. He has talked to the land orders. He has stood with the Spirit of the Raven.

[Scene Setter]

From his position beside the man Ivan, who once more wore the black robe and the raven mask, Preston saw Ted Sheridan standing beside Chief Moolock. Poking his gun into Ivan's back, Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Ordered, now, Ivan, we'll go down the slope and talk to Moloch. Get going.

[Scene Setter]

As the Mountie and the black robed figure moved toward them, the Indians turned as if to flee. But Preston called out, wait.

[Sergeant Preston]

Do not be afraid, Moloch. Come here, Raven spirit. You've all been fooled, Moloch. This is not the Spirit of the Raven. Look.

[Scene Setter]

With a flourish, the Mountie lifted the mask from Ivan's head and tore off.

[Sergeant Preston]

It is a bearded white man, desecrated gods and trod sacred ground. He must die. Not young stranger. Wait. Wait, Moloch. He is a prisoner of the Redcoats. I ask that you send some of your braves with him to the white man's jail. Ludo, the medicine man, plotted with this Russian to fool you and kill us. You'll find Ludo with a potch of gold in his pocket, lying bound outside his hut.

[Ted Sheridan]

Sergeant, you did a fine job. Now we'll be able to question this man Ivan and get some facts about Father and the others.

[Sergeant Preston]

I know Nothing about them. You'll talk, Ivan. Understand? If you don't, I'll turn you over to the Clavox. Give the evil one into. No, no, Sergeant. I'll tell you what you want to know.

[Ted Sheridan]

Tell us what you know about my father, Professor Sheridan. Where is he? What happened to him?

[Sergeant Preston]

It is a long story. After he and the others left the Cloud Village for.

[Scene Setter]

No.

[Sergeant Preston]

My braves go find who fired shot. Wait. Call them back. Well, they've already gone too far. They'll cover any trail the killer may have left. Russian's done for 10.

[Ted Sheridan]

Oh, that's unfortunate. He was just about to tell us something important.

[Sergeant Preston]

Evidently, the Russians, whom we've learned are after that goal, consider it important to prevent us from continuing the search. They seem determined to kill anyone we capture who might talk about the expedition.

[Ted Sheridan]

It's evident that even members of their gang who come to spy on us are watched and killed when necessary. First there was the Russian fellow Boris, at the Thunderbird Village. And now this chap Ivan.

[Sergeant Preston]

That proves I'll stop at nothing, Ted. Maybe Ludo knows some of the facts they're trying to keep from us. We go question him. Ludo bring evil to village. It not good. Come with us, Moloch. You'll be able to force Ludo to talk.

[Scene Setter]

Sergeant Preston, Ted Sheridan and the chief left the slope and walked through the village toward the medicine man's hut. When they approached the spot where Preston had left Ludo, they found several Indians grouped around him. At the chief's command, the Indians moved aside. Sergeant Preston bent down to cut the medicine man's bonds.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll cut him loose. Too late again, dad.

[Ted Sheridan]

What's the matter, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

Someone's knifed Ludo. He's dead. Braves carry knives, but them not kill. Ludo when we get here, him already dead. All Indian fear touch medicine Manning.

[Ted Sheridan]

What do you think, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

Moloch is right, Ted. The Indians wouldn't do it. Someone must have knifed Ludo and then gone to the slope and shot Ivan. The wound indicates a stiletto type of weapon. The Indians carry thick blades. No doubt King could pick up the trail of the killer. But that would take us away from our main purpose. We must continue our search for your father and the expedition. Above all things, finding them may solve these murders.

[Ted Sheridan]

I agree with you.

[Sergeant Preston]

Me think land ought to send someone to revenge evil done by Ludo. Now, Redcoat and young Filet free to leave at dawn.

[Scene Setter]

Shortly after dawn, the sergeant and Ted Sheridan were ready to leave the Claw Walk village.

[Sergeant Preston]

Goodbye, Moloch. We leave now. For the village of the Skidan tribe. You cross water to island Curse of land orders follow others who go hunt gold curse strong on water. You watch. We'll be careful.

[Ted Sheridan]

I hope we have better luck and get some trace of dad when we locate the burial totem on Queen Charlotte Islands. I'm sure that's where the expedition went.

[Sergeant Preston]

Perhaps we will succeed then. And with three men already dead, I sincerely hope there'll be no more killing before this case is closed. Come along gang.

[Ted Sheridan]

Easy.

[Narrator]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job posts seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com kidsandfamily just go to Indeed.com kidsandfamily right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.

[Scene Setter]

The Clawhuac Tribe's Totem Pole the Fight with the Land Otters shows the very important part that totem poles play in the lives of the Northwest Indians. That's why their ancestors took such care in carving them by hand and painting them with beautiful bright colors. And why did they make such strange carvings of birds, animals and mysterious creatures on the totem poles? Why? They wanted to record the stories of their tribe and their adventures. No wonder people travel thousands of miles to see these totem poles found only in the Great Northwest. Now fellas and girls, here's the big news. You can get a miniature copy of the Fight of the Land Otter's Totem pole you heard about in today's story. Not only that, Quaker Puffed Rice and Quaker Puffed Wheat are offering you, Friends of Sergeant Preston, a whole collection of five different totem poles. The Fight of the Land Otters, the Famous Thunderbird, the Burial Pole, the Killer Whale, the Sun and Raven. Yes, a complete collection of scale model totem poles 4 inches high, made of pressed wood and hand painted in beautiful bright colors. Everyone is different. Everyone is copied from real authentic totem poles that you would see today up in the Great Northwest. Think of the fun you can have building Indian teepees around them and Taking them to school when you study Indian life. And they're so easy to get. For the fight with the land otter's totem pole in today's story, or the whole collection of all five different totem poles, just do this. First, get a package of delicious Quaker Puff Wheat or Quaker Puffed Rice. The special new packages now at grocers tell all about these totem poles. Then tear off the box top, which has a special handy order blank with a list of the five totem poles right on it. Just check the totem poles you want, and for every one you check, send 25 cents. And if you want the whole collection, send only $1. Send to Totem Poles, Box L, Chicago 77, Illinois. Then with your order, you'll get something extra. An interesting little booklet which tells the history and story of each totem pole. What's more, if these aren't the most exciting miniature totem poles you ever saw, you'll get your money back. Now, whether you want one or all of the five different totem poles, you only have to send one box top from Quaker Puffed Wheat or Quaker Puffed rice. Then send 25 cents for each totem pole you want or $1 for the whole collection. But you must hurry. The limited supply will go fast. Be the first in your gang to get these exciting totem poles. Send right away tonight to Totem Poles, Box L, Chicago 77, Illinois. The chill of fall weather was in the air as Sergeant Preston and his dog, Yukon King, moved along a trail toward the coast of British Columbia. The Mountie was accompanying young Ted Sheridan on a search for Ted's father, Professor Sheridan, who had failed to return from an expedition into the Northwest.

[Sergeant Preston]

The fact that three different men who were able to give us information were murdered before they could talk to us proves that we're watched continually.

[Ted Sheridan]

How long do you think it will take us to reach the village of the Skiedan tribe?

[Sergeant Preston]

I hope to reach the coast by morning, Ted. And of course, we have to cross the strait by boat to the island where the village is located.

[Ted Sheridan]

If dad did go there to investigate the Skiedan burial totem and hopes of finding the buried gold mentioned in the old journal he had, we may get a clue to his whereabouts.

[Sergeant Preston]

I think because of our experience in the last two Indian villages, we should try to investigate the burial totem secretly.

[Ted Sheridan]

Oh, you mean not go into the village openly to question the chief?

[Sergeant Preston]

That's right. Then if anyone is watching for us, that's what he'd expect us to do. This time we'll be more cautious. All right. Wind's cold. Hope we reach the Queen Charlotte Islands before snow flies.

[Ted Sheridan]

It's almost sunset. You intend to ride through the night, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

No, we'll find a spot to camp shortly. We start again at dawn and follow the Skino river trail. We should reach the coastal town of Prince Rupert by noon tomorrow. From there we'll go across to the island, then do all we can to find some trace of your father and the expedition.

[Scene Setter]

When darkness fell, the two men stopped and made camp under a sheltering ledge. At dawn they set out for the coast. It was almost noon when they rained to a stop before the constable's office in the town of Prince Rupert.

[Sergeant Preston]

Come along, King. Hello, Constable. I'm Sergeant Preston from Dawson headquarters. Glad to meet you, Sergeant. You're a long way from home here. I know. This is Ted Sheridan. How are you? Hello.

[Scene Setter]

Pull up a chair.

[Sergeant Preston]

Be comfortable. Thanks. I'll tell you briefly why we've come here, Constable.

[Scene Setter]

The constable listened attentively as Preston told Professor Sheridan's search for gold, which was said to be buried near a totem pole in one of the northwest Indian villages. The sergeant concluded by saying Professor Sheridan.

[Sergeant Preston]

And his party are missing. With the exception of one man who was found adrift in a small boat suffering from exposure and amnesia. I see. I've been assigned to help Ted find his father. So far the trail leads to the Skiedan village over on the islands. I've been constable here only a few months, so I can't tell you anything about the expedition. How do you intend to reach the islands? We'll hire a boat to take us across the strait. I'll take care of your horses and the dog while you're gone. My dog, King, goes where I go. But I'll appreciate it if you'll look after our horses. We'll attend to the horses now. And now go to the docks and hire a boat.

[Scene Setter]

Meantime, at the riverfront, a bearded man was talking to a rough looking man on one of the docks.

[Ted Sheridan]

Yes, they are here in town and will be coming to hire a boat. Well, that big sign I have up.

[Sergeant Preston]

There, boats for hire. Ought to make them stop here to get one.

[Ted Sheridan]

But tell them the motorboat is not running. I want you to rent them one of the rowboats if possible.

[Sergeant Preston]

I have the only motorboat around here, Nick. Good.

[Ted Sheridan]

After they leave, I shall use it. You will be paid well, Gus. And do not expect to get back the robot they hire.

[Sergeant Preston]

Not get it back?

[Ted Sheridan]

Why shouldn't I? I, Nikolai Sarato, shall see that Neither it nor day return. But remember, you'll be well paid. Also, I want you to run the motorboat for me when I use it.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right, Nick, but I want to.

[Ted Sheridan]

Be paid ahead of time.

[Sergeant Preston]

Neither of the boats goes out, you understand? Of course.

[Ted Sheridan]

I shall pay you when I come down to go aboard. Now, I better leave. I do not want them to see us talking together.

[Sergeant Preston]

Later.

[Scene Setter]

Sergeant Preston and Ted Sheridan approached the dock where Gus was seemingly working over his motorboat. King walked beside his master.

[Ted Sheridan]

You want to hire a boy?

[Sergeant Preston]

I can't let you have the motorboat.

[Ted Sheridan]

It's out of order.

[Sergeant Preston]

We don't want the motorboat. We want a rowboat. Sure, sure.

[Ted Sheridan]

What do you charge?

[Sergeant Preston]

It depends on how long you have the boat on. Yeah, we come forward about sundown. About have it back by dawn.

[Ted Sheridan]

You're gonna have it overnight, huh? Well, that's your business. It'll cost you $10 in advance.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll pay you when we take the boat out. Suits me.

[Ted Sheridan]

You on the trail of a crook or something, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

Perhaps.

[Ted Sheridan]

First time I ever heard of Amani.

[Sergeant Preston]

Using a rowboat to hunt a crook. The first time for everything. Have the boat ready at sundown.

[Ted Sheridan]

What's the dog sniffing around? Foreign growling. If he's vicious, keep him away from him.

[Sergeant Preston]

You're not a crook. You don't have to worry. What's the trouble, King?

[Scene Setter]

The big husky had picked up a familiar scent, one he had caught back in the Land Otters Indian village. But he had no way to tell his master. He had recognized the scent as one he had found near the body of an Indian who had been knifed before Preston had had a chance to question him about Professor Sheridan. The sergeant did understand that the intelligent dog had found an important scent. But not wanting the man, Gus, to become suspicious, he merely turned to leave, calling to King to follow.

[Sergeant Preston]

Come on, boy.

[Scene Setter]

At sundown, Sergeant Preston and Ted Sheridan returned to the dock with King and entered the rowboat after paying the fee in advance.

[Sergeant Preston]

Get into the boat, King.

[Scene Setter]

There's a lantern under the seat. It'll be dark before you reach the island, so you'll need it.

[Sergeant Preston]

Who said we were going to the island? Nobody. Just guessing, Sergeant. I see, said Hurricane. Come on, then.

[Ted Sheridan]

Right.

[Sergeant Preston]

At least take an or. All right, let's get started.

[Ted Sheridan]

I'm ready.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll be seeing you, Sergeant, Along. Something about that man I don't like.

[Ted Sheridan]

Yeah, same here. What part of the island do we go, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

The upper tip of the large island on the north is where the Skiedan village is. Located. They're over a point this side of the village that will not be seen. Slowly but steadily, the two men rode.

[Scene Setter]

Across the strait toward the upper end of the island. The moon came out and shone brightly overhead, but small drips of fog floated.

[Sergeant Preston]

Near the surface of the water and.

[Scene Setter]

Closed in behind them as they moved along. Finally, both men stopped rowing and rested a few moments.

[Ted Sheridan]

At least we'll have the moon to help us when we reach shore.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, but this little fog's a nuisance, right?

[Ted Sheridan]

Listen, I hear a motorboat. Seems to be behind us.

[Sergeant Preston]

So far I can't see it, but it's coming closer.

[Ted Sheridan]

I sure hope they spot us before they run us down.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, look. There it is. I must see us now. Quick.

[Ted Sheridan]

They're shooting at us.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll use my gun.

[Ted Sheridan]

I think he drove them off.

[Sergeant Preston]

I think that was the motorboat we saw at the dock. It may be that. Wait. They're coming back. Get down.

[Ted Sheridan]

Quick. Look, coming closer. This time we be swamped.

[Sergeant Preston]

We're going over.

[Scene Setter]

We'll continue our adventure in just a moment.

[Narrator]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job posts seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed. And listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com kidsandfamily just go to Indeed.com kidsandfamily right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.

[Scene Setter]

Say there's no beating this eating fellas and girls for breakfast. Enjoy Quaker puff wheat or Quaker popped rice topped with milk or thick rich cream and sliced bananas. And listen, don't miss out on the exciting surprise at the end of the program. It's straight out of the Great Northwest. Have paper and pencil ready. For sure. Now to continue. While rowing across a mist covered strait to visit an Indian village just after sundown, Sergeant Preston and his companion, Ted Sheridan were fired upon by men in a motorboat. Though they escaped the bullets, the motorboat overturned the rowboat, throwing them and King into the water.

[Sergeant Preston]

Ted. Ted. I'm all right. Swim over and come up under the boat. Quick.

[Scene Setter]

All right.

[Sergeant Preston]

Come On, James. Swim, fella.

[Scene Setter]

The two men and the dog swam to the overturned boat and came up under it. There was enough space under the rowboat to give them air for a short time. As they waited, getting their breath, they heard once again the muffled sound of the motorboat as it approached and seemed to circle about. Finally, the motor speeded up and the motorboat faded from the scene. The two men swam from under the rowboat and managed to right it.

[Sergeant Preston]

Boat's filled with water, but she'll float. I'll push it ahead of us to the island.

[Ted Sheridan]

All right, Sergeant. Fortunately, the mist has lifted on the island side.

[Sergeant Preston]

Swim ashore, King. Go on, fella.

[Scene Setter]

King reached the island shore ahead of the sergeant and Ted. When they finally waded ashore, pulling the rowboat after them, the big husky was waiting impatiently.

[Sergeant Preston]

Here we are, King. Safe and sound, but mighty wet.

[Ted Sheridan]

Very cold too. Sergeant, what can we do in this condition?

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, don't worry, Ted. We have plenty of time. We're only about two miles from the village. We'll go down around that cove there and build a fire to dry us out. Later we'll continue with our plans. Let's go. Come along, King.

[Scene Setter]

Sergeant Preston, who was prepared for just such an emergency, carried matches and a waterproof oil skin. Soon a campfire was blazing in a wooded cove, and the two men gradually became warm and dry. As they sat near the blaze, Ted.

[Ted Sheridan]

Was saying, what do you think of that motorboat incident?

[Sergeant Preston]

I think whoever was in that boat was deliberately trying to kill us. I'm sure they came out there for that purpose.

[Ted Sheridan]

They almost succeeded.

[Sergeant Preston]

I agree, Ted. I'm hoping they think they did succeed. In that case, we'll have the chance to do our investigating here without any further trouble.

[Ted Sheridan]

I'm dry enough to go on. Whenever you're ready, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Good. I'm ready. Now we'll put out the fire, and then we'll head to the Indian village. Let's go, King.

[Scene Setter]

Not long after Sergeant Preston and Ted had left for the Indian village, two men on a motorboat chugged slowly along near the shore. The fog had lifted, and the moon shone brightly. Gus suddenly pointed shoreward.

[Ted Sheridan]

Look, Nick, I think I see a boat there on the shore. Steer in there and we'll find out.

[Sergeant Preston]

Right.

[Scene Setter]

Slowly the motorboat approached the shore, then stopped.

[Ted Sheridan]

It's a rowboat, all right. Must have floated ashore. I'll wait to it and look it over.

[Scene Setter]

Gus waited ashore, then a few minutes later, came aboard the motorboat again.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's my rowboat.

[Ted Sheridan]

Oh, that means they have drowned there, Gus. Oh, they came ashore, but there's footprints in the sand leaving the boat. Oh, they aren't dead after all.

[Sergeant Preston]

Don't look like it.

[Ted Sheridan]

That means they'll get to the Indian village. We must stop them from investigating further. What do you want to do now? We can still get to the COVID near the village ahead of them in this motorboat. Gus, start the motor.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hurry.

[Ted Sheridan]

All right. Now, head for the Indian village as fast as possible.

[Scene Setter]

The island was overgrown with brush, and it took Sergeant Preston and Ted Sheridan some time to reach the outskirts of the Skiedan Indian village. They stopped on a slight rise overlooking the village.

[Sergeant Preston]

Look.

[Ted Sheridan]

On top of the hill opposite us.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant, the burial totem pole.

[Scene Setter]

For a moment, the two men stared at the tall carved totem pole, which was sharply outlined in the bright moonlight.

[Sergeant Preston]

Then Preston spoke. We'll circle the village and investigate the ground around the totem pole. The earth's wind is stirred. We'll know your father's expedition dug there for the buried gold.

[Ted Sheridan]

It might have been there that they found the treasure. It might even have been here that they met with some disaster.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's what we're here to find out. 10 let's head for that hill and move cautiously. Quiet. Come on, boy.

[Scene Setter]

As they cautiously made their way around the village, Preston and Ted were halfway to the totem when King stopped sniffing and growling low.

[Ted Sheridan]

What's the matter with King? That's the way he acted on the dock today.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. Yes, it is, Ted. And now I'm beginning to know why.

[Ted Sheridan]

What do you mean, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

I believe King has picked up a familiar scent today on that die. Whoever spied on us at the last Indian village and murdered one of the Indians may have been on the dock. He may also have been in that motorboat. It's beginning to make sense.

[Ted Sheridan]

But what about now?

[Sergeant Preston]

The way King is acting, Same man must have come along here recently heading for the village. King's found his scent again.

[Ted Sheridan]

Say, that may be it.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm going to find out. Ted, you go on to the totem on the hill and investigate there. I'll have King pick up this trail and follow it for me. I'll join you later on the slope behind the totem.

[Ted Sheridan]

All right, Sergeant. I'll wait there for you.

[Sergeant Preston]

Good. All right, King. Find me, boy.

[Scene Setter]

Moving on alone, Ted Sheridan cautiously made his way to the totem on top of the hill. He walked about at the foot of the tall pole, looking at the ground.

[Ted Sheridan]

Dad was here. It's evident the ground all around this totem was dug up and then covered over. Again.

[Scene Setter]

Ted stopped and stood staring at the totem. The crudely carved faces on the pole seemed to glare at him vindictively. Then suddenly, you're not moving.

[Ted Sheridan]

We have knife at back. Oh, I'm not armed. There's no need to hold that knife against me. You white man. You walk on sacred ground without blessing of chief. I came to look at the burial totem. You've come to forbidden place. Now me take you to chief. You walk. Me keep knife at back. Now go.

[Scene Setter]

Meanwhile, Preston followed King as the big dog picked up the trail of the man he'd been told to find. As the dog approached a hut from the side, Preston reached down and touched him as a signal to stop. As the mountie stood alongside the hut, he could plainly hear voices from within.

[Ted Sheridan]

As chief of the Skidan village, you must protect the great burial totem from further sacrilege.

[Sergeant Preston]

That right.

[Ted Sheridan]

The white men who came here some moons ago disturbed the sacred ground. I've come to warn you. The spirit of Skedan will be angry if you let others walk on sacred ground and ask many questions when you come here.

[Sergeant Preston]

Why Skedaddan not get angry?

[Ted Sheridan]

Look, I carry a gold charm that has a white face, almost like the face of the moon on the totem. It makes a ticking sound that wards off evil.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's good.

[Ted Sheridan]

I have given you trinkets.

[Scene Setter]

Now I give you more.

[Sergeant Preston]

Here.

[Ted Sheridan]

You good to chief.

[Scene Setter]

Of course.

[Ted Sheridan]

Now, if two men, one wearing a red coat, should come here, drive them from your village. They bring evil.

[Scene Setter]

Sergeant Preston moved close to the window opening and cautiously eased aside the hide covering. He saw in the flickering light of the small fire burning in the center of the hut, the chief standing with a bearded man. At that moment, he was startled to see Ted Sheridan enter the doorway of the hut with an Indian holding a knife behind him. Look, A brave has already brought one.

[Ted Sheridan]

Of the evil men I mentioned. Him walk on sacred ground near totem.

[Sergeant Preston]

Then he will die. Bring all braves of village.

[Ted Sheridan]

No, wait. Wait, Chief. Don't call the others. This man must die quietly. It is best no one knows. This charm of Skidan I hold in my hand is ticking out such a message to me.

[Sergeant Preston]

What did it say?

[Ted Sheridan]

It says, let the brave who found him plunge the knife into his back. Then he should be taken through the night and dropped into the water.

[Sergeant Preston]

That is good.

[Ted Sheridan]

Use the knife. Now.

[Sergeant Preston]

Kill him.

[Scene Setter]

The Indian inside raised a flashing blade behind Ted Sheridan. Preston pointed his gun and fired through the window opening. The brave grabbed his wrist and threw. The knife dropped to the ground. The Chief, startled, stepped forward so that he was between the window and Nick. The Russian made a quick lunge and disappeared through the doorway.

[Sergeant Preston]

After him.

[Scene Setter]

King Preston ran to the hot doorway just as the chief lunged at Ted with his own knife.

[Sergeant Preston]

Wait, Chief. Drop that knife. Drop it. You not shoot me do pick up their knives, Ted. Right. The Indians are coming this way. Let's go. King's chasing that Russian. They headed for the boat landing. Come on.

[Scene Setter]

As the two men approached the crude boat landing near the Indian village, they heard a struggle.

[Sergeant Preston]

Get away. Gosh. Help me, Gus. Oh, you.

[Ted Sheridan]

Gus.

[Scene Setter]

Come back. Babe.

[Sergeant Preston]

Help get this dog away. Easy, King. Envoy on guard. I'll take your gun. Here, Ted. You'll need one if things get out of hand. Keep him covered.

[Ted Sheridan]

Thanks. Here come the engines.

[Sergeant Preston]

Wait. Hand back, all of you. Charm that ticks said you were both evil. I also have a charm that ticks. So has my friend.

[Ted Sheridan]

That's right.

[Scene Setter]

Being careful to keep the Russian and the Indians covered with their guns, the sergeant and Ted showed their gold watches. The chief seemed confused as he looked from one to the other.

[Sergeant Preston]

Then Preston said, Ted, keep the bearded man covered while I take his charm and show the chief it's just like ours.

[Ted Sheridan]

I haven't covered.

[Sergeant Preston]

He's a king. Here is the bearded one's gold charm. Chief.

[Ted Sheridan]

Await, Sergeant. Let me see that.

[Scene Setter]

While a sergeant covered the Russian, Ted stared for a moment at the gold watch in his hand. The bright moonlight combined with flaring torches carried by the villagers flickered on the engraving on the back of the gold case.

[Ted Sheridan]

Sergeant, this is dad's gold watch. His initials are engraved on the back of it.

[Sergeant Preston]

That is a surprise. Chief, that gold charm was stolen by the bearded one from Professor Sheridan. He came here some time ago to examine the burial totem with some other men. You must remember them. Remember him have gold charm the dick. Do you remember seeing these markings on it? That's right. The one with beards steal it. So maybe man with silver hair not go to village of Tonga's tribe to seek killer whale totem.

[Ted Sheridan]

Sergeant, dad did have silvery gray hair. Perhaps the expedition did start for the Tongass village after leaving here. That seems logical. Chief, these men came with evil in their hearts. Don't forget the young man walked on his sacred ground.

[Sergeant Preston]

But he carried one of the gold charms. Chief, the bearded man told you himself the charm wards off evil and is liked by Skedun. That right. Charms have moon faces of moon like on totem. You go in peace braves of skeda and not harm you. We have some questions to Ask this bearded one. Chief, now you tell us what you know. Stop.

[Scene Setter]

Wait. While Preston talked, Nikolai Saratov had brushed his hand across his mouth. In a flash, the sergeant realized what it might mean.

[Ted Sheridan]

Too late, my friend. Too late. I carried that small capsule just for.

[Scene Setter]

What happened.

[Sergeant Preston]

Poison. Ted took it before I could stop him. The spirit of Skedan has stuck him down. That's as good an explanation as any. Anyway, we can't question him now.

[Ted Sheridan]

What about the man on the motorboat who got away?

[Sergeant Preston]

He may have been the owner of that boat. Ted, it would take too much time to stay around and prove it. Our purpose right now is to continue the search for your father.

[Ted Sheridan]

Right, Sergeant? How do we get back to Prince Rupert? Across the street.

[Sergeant Preston]

My braves will paddle you over in one of our canoes. You are the son of the silvered heroine. That is good. I'll search the Russian before we go. Nothing in his pockets except a small amount of cash. My braves will give him burial before evil leaves him to enter our village. Good Chief. After that, we'll head for the town across the strait and start for the village of the Tongas. Perhaps when we find the killer whale totem, I'll be able to say this case.

[Narrator]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job posts seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed. And listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility at indeed.comkidsandfamily just go to indeed.comkidsandfamily right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.

[Scene Setter]

They say that every bit of the weird carving on totem poles tells something about the Indian's history or adventure. For example, the skied Ann's burial pole. The moon face at the top of the pole was the chief's personal crest. The mountain goat carved below represented his mother's clan. The grizzly bear at the bottom was a sign of his father's tribe. And the box like container at the top was used for the body or ashes of the chief because the Northwest Indians feared burial in the earth. And just think, Totem Poles were carved by hand from huge logs that were as high as 60ft. Now, fellas and girls, here's the surprise. Here's the exciting part of it for you. You can get a miniature copy of the burial totem pole you heard about in today's story. It's a terrific, amazing opportunity offered only to friends of Sergeant Preston's and by delicious Quaker Puffed Rice and Quaker Puffed Wheat. And not only the burial pole, but a whole collection of five different totem poles has been made especially for Sergeant Preston's friends. You get the burial pole, the famous Thunderbird, the fight with the land otter, the killer whale, the sun and Raven. Yes, from the huge totem poles that you would see today up in the great Northwest, accurate scale models have been made. 4 inches high, made of pressed wood and hand painted in beautiful bright colors. Golly, wouldn't it be fun to make your own little Indian teepee villages for each totem pole to take them to school when you study Indian life? And here's how easy it is to get the burial pole or the whole collection of all five of these totem poles. Just get one of the special new packages of Quaker Popped Wheat or Quaker Popped Rice. Now, at groceries, these packages tell all about these exciting totem poles. And they have 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. Now, if you want the whole collection, you send $1. But whether you want one or all of them, you only have to send one box top from Quaker Puffed Wheat or Quaker Puffed Rice. Remember to send 25 cents for each totem pole you want or $1 for the whole collection. Send to totem poles, Box L, Chicago, 77, Illinois. And here's something extra you get with your order. You get a little booklet that tells the fascinating history and story of each totem pole. What's more, if these aren't the most exciting scale model totem poles you ever saw, you get your money back. They'll go like hotcakes. And the supply is limited. So hustle up. Get the special new packages of swell tasting Quaker puffed weed or rice. The box top tells you just what to do for any totem pole you want. There's no time to lose. Send right now, tonight to totem poles vaux L, Chicago, 77, Illinois. Emmett Sheridan, with two fellow professors headed into the Indian territory to study the Indians totem poles and try to locate a fabled treasure in Gold. They were closely followed by outlaws led by a Russian, Sergei Rostov. Sheridan found a stone tablet and was convinced that if the picture writing on it could be deciphered, the whereabouts of the buried treasure would be known. Rostov learned of this and with the help of Captain Ralph Bradford, the skipper of a whaler, the professors were captured and taken to an old logging camp on the shores of Alexander Bay. Three weeks later, Rostov received word that Sergeant Preston and the professor's son Ted, were looking for the professor. Rostov rode out to the whaler which was anchored in Alexander Bay and conferred with Captain Bradford.

[Ted Sheridan]

Good afternoon, Captain.

[Sergeant Preston]

What's good about it? When the wind starts blowing from the nor east, it means we're in for a spell of dirty weather.

[Ted Sheridan]

It will not be too bad. I trust, to prevent you putting to sea.

[Sergeant Preston]

What's that? Those two old fogies you're holding prisoner finally told you where Brooks gold is buried?

[Ted Sheridan]

Not exactly.

[Sergeant Preston]

I thought as much. Well, I'm fed up. There's whales out there in the open sea and we mean to go and.

[Scene Setter]

Get some of them.

[Ted Sheridan]

Why, I saw a spout the other day that must have been a hundred feet high. Could have been Big Blue himself. And who is Big Blue?

[Sergeant Preston]

A whale so big he'd fill the.

[Scene Setter]

Hold of this ship with oil.

[Sergeant Preston]

And there's real gold for you. Not the buried treasure sort of stuff.

[Scene Setter]

That may or may not exist.

[Ted Sheridan]

We are. Certainly gold exists. What's more, we've chartered your ship.

[Sergeant Preston]

You paid me a measly $2,000 and wasted two months of my time.

[Scene Setter]

I'm finished.

[Ted Sheridan]

Let us consider the situation.

[Sergeant Preston]

Consider the situation, he says. You're getting to talk like a professor.

[Ted Sheridan]

They are making progress with their work.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yeah, that's what they tell you. Even if they do figure out what the picture writing on the stone means.

[Scene Setter]

They'Ll not tell you.

[Ted Sheridan]

They know they must, or they'll die.

[Sergeant Preston]

You told them that?

[Ted Sheridan]

I've given them one more week already. We know the treasure is buried at the foot of a sun and raven totem.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's a big help. You'll find those in every Indian village from here to Alaska.

[Ted Sheridan]

And Professor Sheridan is confident that if he is furnished with a single key, he will be able to decipher the exact location.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, where does he expect to find the key to a picture language no one uses anymore?

[Scene Setter]

From me.

[Ted Sheridan]

Yes, Captain, from you.

[Sergeant Preston]

What?

[Ted Sheridan]

Do you remember the killer whale totem that stands near the chief's hut in the tonga's village?

[Sergeant Preston]

Sure, sure. They found the stone buried at the foot of it.

[Ted Sheridan]

Professor Sheridan remembers some unusual carving near the top of it. He believes that is the key to the language on the stone.

[Sergeant Preston]

So he wants to be taken back there?

[Ted Sheridan]

I suppose that was his suggestion. However, I told him it was impossible, I should hope. And I suggested an alternative.

[Sergeant Preston]

What?

[Ted Sheridan]

That you bring him the section of the pole on which the carving is found.

[Sergeant Preston]

Now there's a brilliant thought. What's the chief of the tonga's going to be doing when we march into his village, cut down his prized totem.

[Scene Setter]

Pole and saw off the top?

[Ted Sheridan]

How can he stop you? Your crew has guns. The Indians have none.

[Sergeant Preston]

Couldn't put up much of a fight, that's sure.

[Ted Sheridan]

It would be a very simple operation. And there is another reason why you should return to the tonga's village.

[Sergeant Preston]

What's that?

[Ted Sheridan]

I've just received word Professor Sheridan's son is on his way there.

[Sergeant Preston]

Looking for the old man?

[Ted Sheridan]

Yes, and with him there's a Northwest mounted policeman. Sergeant Preston by name.

[Sergeant Preston]

Northwest Mounted? That's bad. Very.

[Ted Sheridan]

The chief will tell the sergeant that the three professors left this village in your ship.

[Sergeant Preston]

And the police will start looking for me.

[Ted Sheridan]

Undoubtedly.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, you got me into this, Rostov.

[Scene Setter]

I'll tell the police it was all.

[Sergeant Preston]

Your idea, following the professors, taking them prisoner, holding them down.

[Ted Sheridan]

Easy. Captain, there's no need to tell them anything.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, there will be if I'm caught.

[Ted Sheridan]

Listen, suppose you return to the Tongass.

[Sergeant Preston]

Village to get a piece of a totem pole when there's a police sergeant.

[Scene Setter]

Waiting there for me.

[Ted Sheridan]

Captain, you would simply tell the sergeant that what the chief says is through. That you offered to take the three professors north in your ship and that you did take them where they wanted to go, to Moose Bay. You will then offer to take this sergeant and the professor's son there. Once you get them aboard the schooner.

[Sergeant Preston]

Put to sea and dump them overboard.

[Ted Sheridan]

It would be better if you brought them back here. Professor Sheridan may be persuaded to work faster if he sees his son's life is in danger. But if you prefer to commit murder yourself.

[Sergeant Preston]

No, no, no. I'll leave that up to you. I'll bring him here along with the.

[Ted Sheridan]

Top of the totem pole. Now, this is my idea of how you should proceed when you reach the tonga's village. That should be tomorrow afternoon at the latest.

[Scene Setter]

Sergeant Preston reached the tonga's fishing village on the day following Rostov's conflict with Captain Bradford at Alexander Bay. When the sergeant questioned the chief concerning Ted's father, the chief led Ted and Preston to the tallest of the Killer whale totems in the village. It was very old and a fine example of the Indian's art. At the top there was the figure of the raven. And directly below it, the carving which Professor Sheridan had noticed. Below the carving came the figure of the beaver, then the image of an Indian boy, then the symbol of the sea lion. And at the base of the column, the wide open jaws of the killer whale.

[Sergeant Preston]

That carving just below the raven looks like some sort of sign language. Is it, Chief?

[Ted Sheridan]

Me understand some picture, not all. Perhaps it tells the story of the killer whale.

[Sergeant Preston]

What is the legend?

[Ted Sheridan]

Well, as I remember it, a long time ago, a boy who belonged to the Tonga tribe was marooned by his evil brothers on a far off island. The boy discovered the lair of the sea lions and saved the chief sea lion's son from death. As a reward, the sea lions returned him to his home on the mainland and gave him the power to create and control the killer whales. By making wooden carvings of them, the whales destroyed his evil brothers. And then the boy ordered the whales never again to harm human beings.

[Sergeant Preston]

But still, men die and go down to the sea in ships to catch them.

[Ted Sheridan]

It's the sea that kills them, Sergeant, not the whales.

[Sergeant Preston]

The ground around the pole has been dug up recently.

[Ted Sheridan]

Ah, professor dig.

[Sergeant Preston]

He was still looking for the buried treasure when he was here.

[Ted Sheridan]

Ted him not fine gold, but him fine stone. There are many picture on stone. Are you sure, Chief? Professors say stone tells story bout where Indian buried gold long time ago.

[Sergeant Preston]

The professor was able to read the picture writing only little bit.

[Ted Sheridan]

But him takes stone with him when him leave.

[Sergeant Preston]

How long ago was that?

[Ted Sheridan]

Maybe one moon.

[Sergeant Preston]

Where'd he go?

[Ted Sheridan]

Moose Bay.

[Sergeant Preston]

Then that's a long way from here.

[Ted Sheridan]

Oh, him go on ship.

[Sergeant Preston]

A ship whaler put in the harbor. Professor, talk with captain.

[Ted Sheridan]

Captain say good me take you Moose Bay.

[Sergeant Preston]

Chief, was this captain a Russian? No, him named Bradford.

[Ted Sheridan]

Oh, thank goodness for that. Why you ask about Russian?

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, Chief, we found out that the professor and his party were being followed by some Russians. Bad men who were also looking for the buried treasure. They intended to wait until the professor had found it and then take it away from him.

[Ted Sheridan]

Him not fine gold here.

[Sergeant Preston]

You seen any Russians around? Men with black beards?

[Ted Sheridan]

No, not for a long time. Captain Bradford have beard, but him not Russian. Well, Sergeant, I. I suppose the only thing for us to do is start out for Moose Bay.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's a long way.

[Ted Sheridan]

Mother King, you look Ship sail in the harbor. Schooner that Captain Bradford. Ship, Sergeant, we're in luck. Perhaps I have Plenty of money. We'll hire the captain to take us to Moose Bay just as that they.

[Sergeant Preston]

Might agree to it. We'll have a talk with him anyway. Come on, King.

[Scene Setter]

As the sergeant, the chief and Ted walked down to the beach. The whaler dropped anchor in the harbor and a small boat was put over the side.

[Sergeant Preston]

That'll do it for you.

[Scene Setter]

A few minutes later the boat was run up on the beach and the captain stepped out of it. Hello, Chief.

[Ted Sheridan]

Oh, this Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Pleased to meet you, Sergeant. Captain Bradford? That's right. This is Ted Sheridan. Sheridan, huh? Are you the professor's son?

[Ted Sheridan]

Yes, Captain. The Chief says that you took my father and Professor Fraser and Professor Haywood up to Moose Bay.

[Sergeant Preston]

He told you right. Drop them all there about a month ago. From there they were going to work.

[Scene Setter]

Their way up the coast to Skagway.

[Ted Sheridan]

Could you take the sergeant and me to Moose Bay?

[Sergeant Preston]

Well now, that was a special favor to your father.

[Scene Setter]

My ship's a whaler, not a ferry.

[Ted Sheridan]

I'll pay you any amount you ask.

[Sergeant Preston]

Be a two day run.

[Ted Sheridan]

$500.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's a lot of money.

[Ted Sheridan]

It's yours. And I should tell you that we're afraid something has happened to my father. Please say you'll take us, Captain.

[Sergeant Preston]

I don't see how I can refuse when you put it that way.

[Ted Sheridan]

And it's settled.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's settled. We will not be able to sail before morning. My crew's making some repairs.

[Ted Sheridan]

Oh, tomorrow's fine.

[Sergeant Preston]

Would you and the sergeant like to have supper with me? Spend the night on board? You'd be more comfortable than in the village.

[Ted Sheridan]

Why yes, Captain. Thanks.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant. I want to talk with all the Chief's people before we leave. You want to question them about the Professor? The professor and others. Well, you should be finish by supper time, shouldn't you? I think so. Then I'll send a boat for you about six.

[Scene Setter]

It was nearly dark when the sergeant and Ted reached the ship. Ted went up the ladder first. The sergeant followed him, carrying King his arms.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right, take him.

[Scene Setter]

They had no chance. No sooner did they set foot on the deck than the whole crew swarmed over them. Take it over the house. Both Ted and the sergeant were knocked out. The mate tried to grab King and throw him overboard. But the great dog eluded him and ran toward the stern of the ship. Sergeant and Ted were tied hand and foot.

[Sergeant Preston]

That does it. Now stow him in the forward cabin. I see.

[Scene Setter]

Come on, give me a hand. We'll continue our adventure in just a moment.

[Narrator]

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[Scene Setter]

They score every time. Yes, the ones shopped from guns Quaker popped wheat and Quaker popped rice hit the spot for taste. There's delicious toasty nut like flavor in those King size premium grains that are exploded up to eight times normal size and they score in nourishment because every spoonful gives you added food values of restored natural grain amounts of vitamin B1, niacin and iron. So for the nutritious breakfast dish you love to eat, get delicious Quaker Popped Rice and Quaker popped Wheat and say get ready, get set. With paper and pencil handy. There's a te rific surprise coming at the end of the program. Something wonderful for you that strayed out of the Great Northwest. Don't miss it. Keep listening now to continue When King escaped from the mate, he found an open companion way at the stairs stern of the ship that led down into the hold and there he waited until the decks were clear and he could return to his master. Inside the forward cabin, the sergeant regained consciousness and tried to put his hand to his aching head. He soon realized he was helpless. There was no chance of working free from the ropes that bound him. A little light came through the open porthole and the Sergeant could see Ted lying on the floor beside him.

[Sergeant Preston]

Ted.

[Ted Sheridan]

Oh my head. We didn't have a chance, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

No wonder what happened to King.

[Ted Sheridan]

I caught a glimpse of him running toward the stern of the ship.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hope he's still on board. This was a poor way to find out what happened to your father.

[Ted Sheridan]

It's all clear now, isn't it?

[Sergeant Preston]

We can make some fair guesses.

[Ted Sheridan]

Captain Bradford's working with the Russians and your father.

[Sergeant Preston]

Professor Fraser and Professor Haywood were taken prisoner when they came aboard the ship.

[Ted Sheridan]

Somehow Professor Haywood managed to escape. I wonder where dad and Professor Fraser are.

[Sergeant Preston]

Bradford May be taking us to them.

[Ted Sheridan]

Is a ship underway?

[Sergeant Preston]

No.

[Ted Sheridan]

What's that?

[Sergeant Preston]

Trouble in the village. I'll see.

[Scene Setter]

The sergeant rolled across the deck of the cabin until he was directly beneath the porthole. Then he managed to get to his feet.

[Ted Sheridan]

Captain and his men, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, they're in the village. The Indians seem to be running away.

[Ted Sheridan]

Why should Bradford attack them?

[Sergeant Preston]

That's strange.

[Ted Sheridan]

What is?

[Sergeant Preston]

Bradford's men seem to be chopping down the totem pole in front of the chief's lodge. Yes, it's falling.

[Ted Sheridan]

What could they want with a totem pole?

[Sergeant Preston]

I have no idea. Now they're starting to saw off the top of it.

[Ted Sheridan]

Chopping down a totem pole? It doesn't make sense.

[Sergeant Preston]

Some reason behind it. We can be sure of that.

[Ted Sheridan]

Have all the crew gone ashore?

[Sergeant Preston]

No, there are some of them standing at the rail.

[Ted Sheridan]

Oh, if we could only get free of these ropes.

[Sergeant Preston]

Take a look around the cabin.

[Ted Sheridan]

Looks mighty bare to me. What are the men saying?

[Sergeant Preston]

Can you hear orders to hoist anchor and break out sail as soon as the men return from the village? Wherever we're going, this will be a rough trip. The wind's rising.

[Scene Setter]

By the time the section of the totem pole had been hoisted aboard and lashed to the deck, the wind had risen to gale force. But in spite of that, sail was set and the whaler headed for the open sea. There, great waves pounded the ship as it beat to windward and the sergeant and Ted were rolled back and forth across the deck of the cabin, crashing into the bunks in the bulkhead. By morning they were bruised and battered, but then the wind dropped to a breeze, the sea calmed down and the sergeant was able to get to his feet and look out the porthole. The captain and the mate were standing in the bow, only about 20ft away.

[Sergeant Preston]

There she blows, Captain. He's the big one we're going after. This calm won't last long. We're in the heart of a storm. Work fast blower both the long boats.

[Scene Setter]

Use every member of the crew. Leave no one behind at the wheel. We'll lash the wheel. Put a sea anchor out to hold the ship.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll use every man but the cook. That whale is big blue now. Not let them get away.

[Ted Sheridan]

Now.

[Sergeant Preston]

Come on, then. This may be the break we've been looking for. Ted. What's that? They've sighted a whale. They're going after him. The whole crew's being ordered into the long boats and only the cook will be left aboard.

[Scene Setter]

The sergeant and Ted listened to the shouts of the Men. As sails were furled and a sea anchor rigged up and dropped overboard, the longboats were lowered and the crew swarmed down the ladders into them. The whales surfaced. Just as they pulled away from the.

[Sergeant Preston]

Ship.

[Scene Setter]

The captain called on the men to put all their strength into their rowing.

[Ted Sheridan]

Are you trying to call King, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. There's a rope locker just below this porthole. King could jump up on it. If I can just get my hands up to the porthole. Yes. King may be able to chew the ropes loose.

[Ted Sheridan]

May be hiding somewhere below. Dexterity. He may not be able to hear you.

[Sergeant Preston]

We're not even sure he's on board. But if he is, I'm sure he'll try to find me the first chance he gets.

[Scene Setter]

King had heard the men leaving the ship. When the decks had become quiet, he ran to the top of the companionway. There was no one around and he started for the bow of the ship. He heard the sergeant's whistle and raced toward his master.

[Sergeant Preston]

Here, boy. Here.

[Scene Setter]

Up on the locker. The ropes.

[Sergeant Preston]

Chew them, boy.

[Scene Setter]

King went to work. It took him five minutes to chew through the ropes that bound the sergeant's wrists. Then the sergeant went to work on the ropes that bound his feet. Afterwards, Ted was freed.

[Ted Sheridan]

That does it at last. I suppose the door is locked.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, but it doesn't look too strong. We should be able to break our way out. Come on. Put your weight into it.

[Ted Sheridan]

Now what?

[Sergeant Preston]

Captain's cabin. First we'll need guns.

[Ted Sheridan]

Right.

[Sergeant Preston]

Come on, King.

[Scene Setter]

In the captain's cabin they not only found guns, but the ship's log and a chart with a course plotted for Alexander.

[Sergeant Preston]

Brad Bay.

[Ted Sheridan]

Alexander Bay. That must be where dad is.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sounds likely. The ship was anchored there for over three weeks.

[Ted Sheridan]

What do we do now, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

There's only one man on board. The cook. We'll probably find him in the galley.

[Scene Setter]

While they were in the captain's cabin, the wind rose and began to howl through the rigging. On the open deck, the sergeant and Ted had to hang onto the railing as they fought their way aft against the ever rising gale.

[Ted Sheridan]

I have never seen such a storm. Getting worse by the minute. You think the sea anchor will stop.

[Sergeant Preston]

Our drift in this wind? Not a chance. I'm wondering if the men will ever make it back here in the long boats. There's a foolhardy thing to launch them.

[Ted Sheridan]

I don't see any sign of them.

[Sergeant Preston]

They're on the port side.

[Scene Setter]

As they rounded the housing at the stern of the ship, they saw the cook hanging onto the port railing and half A mile away, the two long boats. The cook screamed.

[Sergeant Preston]

He's got them.

[Scene Setter]

Suddenly, one of the boats rose high, high in the air. Big Blue.

[Sergeant Preston]

He shot up. Underneath him.

[Scene Setter]

The boat, raised out of the water by the great whale, toppled over. The men were thrown into the rising sea. They'll drown. Every mother's son of them.

[Sergeant Preston]

The other boat will pick them up. No, It's Big Blue.

[Ted Sheridan]

He's a killer.

[Sergeant Preston]

He's going for the other boat. Now he'll smash it to kindling.

[Scene Setter]

The second boat wasn't smashed, but the whale did turn it over. And now the whole crew was struggling in the water. There was nothing the men aboard the whaler could do. And that was the last they saw of the crew, for the gale rose to a new fury. The spray whipped from the waves grew thick as snow, blocked the crew from sight. Suddenly, the whole ship began to shake. It became a live thing, struggling to be free. Then the anchor cable snapped. The storm seemed to grasp the whaler and hurl it toward the distant shore. The sergeant raced for the helm, hoping to control the ship's course. But the wheel was spinning free. The rudder lines had broken. The ship was at the mercy of the wind and sea.

[Sergeant Preston]

Nothing to do now but hang on.

[Ted Sheridan]

The coast is rocky along here. We'll be driven ashore and wrecked.

[Sergeant Preston]

Then we'll have to swim for it. Ted.

[Scene Setter]

It was the totem pole that did it.

[Sergeant Preston]

They should never have stolen it. It brought the curse of the killer whale on the whole crew. Why did they steal it? I had nothing to do with it. I had nothing to do with any of this crooked business.

[Scene Setter]

Sergeant. I hired his cook on what I.

[Sergeant Preston]

Thought was a whaling trip. Bullying me. Sergeant, why did they steal the totem pole?

[Scene Setter]

There's some carving on it. The professor wants to see my father.

[Ted Sheridan]

The pole was being taken to my father.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yeah.

[Scene Setter]

Those trucks are holding him prisoner at Alexander Bay.

[Sergeant Preston]

He found a stone tablet in the Tongass village. And if he can figure out the.

[Scene Setter]

Picture writing on it, it'll tell those.

[Sergeant Preston]

Crooks where the buried gold is. How many men are there at Alexander Bay? There's half a dozen besides Rostov, the ringleader.

[Ted Sheridan]

We're not far from Alexander Bay, about.

[Sergeant Preston]

10 miles to the north.

[Scene Setter]

You'll never see it. We're done for.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, there's life. There's hope on.

[Scene Setter]

The ship drove toward the coast, and then suddenly a high black rock loomed straight up in the water on the starboard side. The ship missed the rock by less than a foot, and at the same moment, the hull scraped the sunken reef Then a huge wave rose beneath the ship and lifted it up and over the reef into calmer water. A few minutes later, the whaler ran aground on a sandy bottom. It listed to a 45 degree angle as the waves continued to beat against it. There was nothing the Sergeant and his companion could do but stay where they were and hope the ship wouldn't break up. A long hour passed before the wind began to die down. Another hour and the storm had passed over. The Sergeant, Ted and the cook climbed from the wheelhouse to the slanting deck and searched the sea beyond the reef for some sign of the whaler's crew. There was none. The sky cleared and the sun came out. The sea grew calm, but there was no sign of life on its shining surface. Close to the horizon, the man saw a spout of water shoot in the air.

[Sergeant Preston]

There he is. Big Blue. 20 men he's killed today. Should he be blamed? Or should the captain? The captain should never have gone after him. He should have known the calm wouldn't last. I suppose it was greed that drove him to take the chance. He was always talking about Big Blue and the money that one whale would bring.

[Ted Sheridan]

Big Blue, the last of the killer whales. What do we do now, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll make a raft. There's plenty of loose wood around now. That piece of the killer whale totem will do. As part of it, we'll load the raft with ammunition and supplies and paddle into shore.

[Ted Sheridan]

And then on to Alexander Bay.

[Sergeant Preston]

On to Alexander Bay. Big Blue has taken care of the captain and his men. It's up to us to take care of the other members of the gang. When your father's free and the gang's in jail, this case will be closed.

[Narrator]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job posts seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored Jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on Indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com kidsandfamily just go to indeed.com kidsandfamily right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.

[Scene Setter]

Say a totem pole is like a History book of the Northwest Indians. And the carvings of fish, animals, birds and weird creatures on the huge logs were all done by hand. Yet I understand that the Indians had only such tools as the whale bone, beaver teeth or sharp stones to do the carving. It's a rare privilege to see those totem poles in the Northwest because they're found nowhere else in the world. And that's what makes this news so terrific. Right now, every one of Sergeant Preston's friends can get in on the most exciting offer of your life. You fellas and girls can get a miniature, a real scale model of the great killer whale totem pole you heard about in the exciting story today. And here's another thrill. The killer whale totem pole is just one of five different miniature totem poles offered to Sergeant Preston's friends by Quaker Pup Wheat and Quaker Puff Rice. It's a complete collection. And what a scoop if you're first in your gang to get them, you get the great killer whale, the famous Thunderbird, the fight for the land otters, the weird burial pole, the sun and Raven. Everyone is different. Everyone. A pressed wood, hand painted scale model 4 inches high of real authentic totem poles that you would see today if you traveled up to the great Northwest. They're just what you want for building your own little Indian villages, for taking to school when you study Indian. And they're easy as pie to get. For the killer whale totem pole in today's story or the whole collection of all five different totem poles, just do this. Get a package of swell tasting Quaker Puffed Rice or Quaker Puffed Wheat. The special new packages now at grocers tell all about these totem poles and tell you just how to get them. Then tear off the box top which has a special handy order blank with a list of the five totem poles right on it. Just check the totem poles you want and for every one you check, send 25 cents to get the whole collection. You send only $1. Send to Totem Poles, Box L, Chicago 77, Illinois. Then with your order, you'll get something extra, a little booklet which tells the fascinating history and story of each totem pole. What's more, if these aren't the most exciting scale model totem poles you ever saw, you'll get every cent of your money back. Now, whether you want one or all of the five different totem poles, the whole collection, you only have to send one box top from Quaker Puffed Wheat or Quaker Puffed rice. Then send 25 cents for each totem pole you want or $1 for the whole collection. Get going. Shake a leg. The supply is limited. Write down this address and send right away. Tonight send to Totem Poles, Box L, Chicago 77, Illinois. 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 post.

[Sergeant Preston]

I know Jacques, Ted. 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]

Oh, 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, Jacques. Welcome, welcome.

[Ted Sheridan]

It has been a long time since you have paid me a visit.

[Sergeant Preston]

What.

[Ted Sheridan]

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]

Know 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, Shark. 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]

Ted's father is a professor. About two months ago, Professor Sheridan and two of his colleagues from 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 years ago the Indians 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.

[Sergeant Preston]

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

[Ted Sheridan]

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

[Sergeant Preston]

No, he'd lost his memory. Tell us anything then.

[Ted Sheridan]

How you find out?

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant 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 Frazier. 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.

[Scene Setter]

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. Right.

[Scene Setter]

Less than a hundred feet from the trail, they found King nosing in a white mound. And as they drew close, 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 bandage this shoulder. They may Be able to save him. Easy, boy.

[Scene Setter]

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. But I'm afraid that.

[Sergeant Preston]

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

[Ted Sheridan]

Yes, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

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

[Ted Sheridan]

Right.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right. Un. King. On your husky.

[Scene Setter]

Five minutes later, the sergeant stopped the team still in the COVID of the woods.

[Sergeant Preston]

On King. How are you hustling? Quiet them down. King.

[Scene Setter]

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.

[Sergeant Preston]

There was none.

[Scene Setter]

The camp was deserted. The two men walked down to the shores of the bay.

[Ted Sheridan]

Could they have left by sea?

[Sergeant Preston]

Possibly. There's 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.

[Scene Setter]

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

[Ted Sheridan]

Where's dad, Mike? Which way did he go? Boy? Where's dad?

[Scene Setter]

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.

[Scene Setter]

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

[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 until Rostov where to find the gold?

[Sergeant Preston]

Perhaps we'll try to catch up with him before he does. All set? All right. On King. On your husband.

[Scene Setter]

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, and the sergeant and Ted pushed on. At dusk they reached the 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.

[Ted Sheridan]

Who runs this post?

[Sergeant Preston]

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.

[Scene Setter]

Come on, King. The store was empty.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hello.

[Scene Setter]

The door at the rear of the store opened and a hard featured, heavyset man entered.

[Sergeant Preston]

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

[Ted Sheridan]

Yes, Nat G. 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]

The 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.

[Sergeant Preston]

The Ravensville Indians have their own store. Does that door in the rear there lead to your living quarters?

[Ted Sheridan]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Preston]

Mind if I take a look?

[Scene Setter]

Of course I mind.

[Ted Sheridan]

You may be a policeman, but you.

[Scene Setter]

Have no right to search a man's house without a warrant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Did I say anything about searching the place?

[Scene Setter]

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. As a magistrate.

[Scene Setter]

This is a warrant.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll fill it out. Sign it and the formalities have been accomplished. Now open that door, Gaines.

[Ted Sheridan]

Open it yourself, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

As you wish.

[Scene Setter]

In one swift glance, a 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 trapdoor 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.

[Scene Setter]

We'll continue our adventure in just a moment.

[Narrator]

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[Scene Setter]

Say it's a race to the breakfast table when there's swell tasting Quaker popped 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.

[Scene Setter]

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.

[Scene Setter]

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.

[Ted Sheridan]

I heard a shot.

[Sergeant Preston]

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.

[Scene Setter]

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.

[Sergeant Preston]

I came here. Ted. It wouldn't surprise me if the professor's up in the loft. You have a gun. Keep an eye on Gage while I take a look.

[Ted Sheridan]

Right.

[Scene Setter]

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.

[Ted 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. He shot Mike before you left the lumber camp. He shot at him. Mike ran into the forest. I was hoping he hadn't been hit. 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?

[Ted 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]

A town that's called Ravensville. Only A few miles from here.

[Ted Sheridan]

That's the place. We stopped here late this afternoon. 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. I'll not find it an easy task. As I remember the village, the only sun and raven totem is in the exact center of the town.

[Ted Sheridan]

Perhaps the chief will give them permission.

[Scene Setter]

To dig around it.

[Sergeant Preston]

How long ago did Rostov and his men leave here?

[Ted Sheridan]

I should say about three hours ago.

[Sergeant Preston]

Ted, you stay here with your father and Professor Fraser. Guard our prisoner.

[Ted Sheridan]

Going on alone?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. I'll make better time.

[Ted Sheridan]

But one man against the whole gang.

[Sergeant Preston]

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

[Scene Setter]

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.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's the one we're looking for.

[Ted Sheridan]

Must have been a landmark from the time they buried the gold a hundred years ago. Just waiting for us to dig it up.

[Sergeant Preston]

It's not as simple as that.

[Ted Sheridan]

That's what I've been thinking. The Indians will refuse to let us 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. A raven was a man, you see.

[Scene Setter]

Then all we have to do is.

[Ted Sheridan]

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.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes.

[Scene Setter]

We can't get permission.

[Ted Sheridan]

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.

[Scene Setter]

And how.

[Ted Sheridan]

The raven brought fire to the Indians.

[Scene Setter]

Fire?

[Ted Sheridan]

We can do the same thing.

[Scene Setter]

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 everybody 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 in one of the upper windows at the front of the building, which hadn't yet begun to burn. Without hesitation, Father Ledoux ran into into the building after them, looking hoyo husky. A few minutes later, Sergeant Preston reached the scene.

[Ted Sheridan]

Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

This is a terrible thing, Chief.

[Scene Setter]

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 out from window on second floor.

[Sergeant Preston]

Huh?

[Ted Sheridan]

Father LeDoux going after them.

[Sergeant Preston]

Them not come out. The fire hasn't reached the front of the building yet. The front stairs must be clear.

[Ted Sheridan]

Plenty smoke.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll see if we can reach them. Come on, King.

[Scene Setter]

Sergeant dashed to the burning building, tying a bandana around his face as he ran. He found the stairs to the second floor and started up 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 up picked them up first one on either arm, and raced down the stairs to the front door. He called to the Chief, Chief here.

[Sergeant Preston]

Take him.

[Scene Setter]

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 inflected, 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 take many years much money to build new school.

[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. Bad men. 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 was 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 them, you have.

[Sergeant Preston]

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

[Ted Sheridan]

A good idea, men.

[Sergeant Preston]

You do what sergeant say, helping pet.

[Scene Setter]

Crook 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. 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]

There are plenty of other charges against you and every member of your gang.

[Scene Setter]

Sergeant Ted.

[Sergeant Preston]

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

[Scene Setter]

We tied up gage in the fraser de garden.

[Ted Sheridan]

Where you caught the whole gang.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, and before they'd reached the treasury.

[Ted 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 chapel 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?

[Ted Sheridan]

I wonder if there's anything left of the totems Them burn, but perhaps not completely. If there's anything left of them, I should be able to judge their age by the type of carving and plenty old days. Suppose. Suppose we get back to the school.

[Sergeant Preston]

And take a look at them, Ted.

[Ted Sheridan]

Oh, sure thing, dad.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll all go. Will you have some of your men guard the prisoners? Chief.

[Scene Setter]

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

[Sergeant Preston]

It was deserted now.

[Scene Setter]

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?

[Ted Sheridan]

Not very much.

[Scene Setter]

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.

[Sergeant Preston]

What?

[Ted Sheridan]

What is it?

[Sergeant Preston]

Come here.

[Scene Setter]

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. 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 belonged to Indians. 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 have been able to follow it if it hadn't been for your totem poles.

[Ted Sheridan]

That's true. They mark the trail.

[Sergeant Preston]

The thunderbird totem.

[Ted Sheridan]

The fight with the land otter's totem. The burial pole totem. The killer whale totem. And now at last, the sun and raven totem. Ah, totems may be show a but maybe higher power show you how to read. Message from totem. Me go tell Father Ladue. Me tell him you find gold for new school at foot of altar.

[Sergeant Preston]

It God's will. God's will. Chief, this case is cold.

[Scene Setter]

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

[Narrator]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job post seen on other job sites. With Indeed sponsored jobs, your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed. And listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com kidsandfamily just go to Indeed.com kidsandfamily right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.

[Scene Setter]

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.

[Scene Setter]

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.

[Scene Setter]

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 a 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 Son. 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 friends. You get the sun and Raven, the famous Thunderbirds, 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 villages for each totem pole and showing them to your friends at 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. Send 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 a teller.

[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.

[Scene Setter]

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. Speaking of supper tonight, do you ever have pancakes? Golden, tender, melting light Aunt Jemima pancakes Easiest supper you can fix.

[Ted Sheridan]

Know why? Because my Aunt Jemima pancake mix is now fluff whipped.

[Scene Setter]

So all you do is add milk and stir. Don't beat, don't over stir.

[Ted Sheridan]

Leave some little lumps in and you.

[Scene Setter]

Bake the lightest pancakes ever.

[Ted Sheridan]

Try my fluff whipped Aunt Jemima Pancake.

[Scene Setter]

Mix and serve folk stacks of Aunt Jemima pancakes. Lightest pancakes anyone can bake. There's nothing more tempting in this whole wide world than Aunt Jemima's pancakes. Light and say have some for supper tonight. This is J. Michael wishing you goodbye, good luck and good health from Quaker Puff Wheat and Quaker Puff 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.

[Narrator]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates? Fast, easy Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job posts seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored Jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to INDEED data, Sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility at indeed.comkidsandfamily just go to indeed.comkidsandfamily right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.

[Sergeant Preston]

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.

[Scene Setter]

One of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content.

[Sergeant Preston]

We want to thank our most recent.

[Scene Setter]

Ranch hands Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to.

[Sergeant Preston]

Otrwesterns.Com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com.

[Scene Setter]

And you can call and leave us.

[Sergeant Preston]

A voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright.

[Scene Setter]

For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright.

[Sergeant Preston]

Have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Narrator]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job post seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored Jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to INDEED data, Sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com kidsandfamily just go to Indeed.com kidsandfamily right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.