The Trail of Gold | Challenge of the Yukon (12-09-51)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – "The Trail of Gold | Challenge of the Yukon"

Episode Information:

• Title: The Trail of Gold | Challenge of the Yukon (12-09-51)
• Host/Author: Andrew Rhynes
• Release Date: February 26, 2025
• Duration: Approximately 28 minutes

---

Introduction

In this thrilling episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, hosted by Andrew Rhynes, listeners are transported back to the wild and unforgiving landscapes of the Yukon during the gold rush era. The story centers around Sergeant Preston of the Yukon and his loyal wonder dog, Yukon King, as they navigate treacherous terrains and confront cunning lawbreakers in pursuit of stolen gold.

---

Initial Encounter: Sergeant Preston Meets Tom Gordon

The episode opens with Sergeant Preston discovering Tom Gordon near his newly acquired mining property. Tom's sled is laden with sacks filled with gold dust and nuggets, a testament to his successful strike during the gold rush.

• Sergeant Preston (00:19): "Congratulations, Tom. You've worked hard. You deserve to strike it rich."
• Tom Gordon (00:23): "Thanks. I'm taking this load to Whitehorse for banking. I aim to hold on to what I've mined so far."

Recognizing the value of Tom's discovery, Sergeant Preston offers his assistance in transporting the gold to Whitehorse, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to upholding the law.

---

The Plot Thickens: Finley and Davis's Scheme

While Sergeant Preston and Tom Gordon settle for the night at the North End hotel, two crooks, Jack Finley and Buffalo Davis, observe the exchange and hatch a plan to steal the gold. Their conversation reveals their intention to ambush Preston and Gordon to seize the valuable gold.

• Buffalo Davis (05:14): "You're gonna kill him, Jake."
• Jack Finley (05:15): "No other ways of taking care of him without having to kill him."

Their scheme involves luring Preston away under the guise of an emergency, allowing them to rob Tom Gordon without immediate suspicion.

---

Ambush and Theft

As Sergeant Preston attends to his duties, he responds to what appears to be a distress call. Unbeknownst to him, this is Finley and Davis's trap. Buffalo Davis violently attacks Preston, but Yukon King intervenes, displaying heroic loyalty.

• Narrator (05:58): "Sergeant Preston, followed by King, rushed between the buildings toward the spot where Jack Finley was shouting for help..."
• Buffalo Davis (06:24): "Jack, help me."

Despite their attempt, the crooks manage to gag and bind both Sergeant Preston and Tom Gordon, successfully stealing the sacks of gold and fleeing the scene.

---

The Pursuit Begins: Yukon King to the Rescue

Fred Summit, the kennel owner, becomes a pivotal character when Yukon King alerts him to the distress. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Summit assists in reviving Sergeant Preston and untying Tom Gordon.

• Fred Summit (10:03): "King. What's the matter? King? What are you doing here? Where's Sergeant Preston?"

With the help of Dr. Gray, Sergeant Preston begins piecing together the events leading to the theft, setting the stage for a relentless pursuit of the culprits.

---

Finley and Davis's Desperation

Meanwhile, Finley and Davis attempt to camouflage their identities by changing their appearance and creating an alibi. However, their plans are fraught with tension as the blizzard worsens, making their escape increasingly difficult.

• Jack Finley (12:18): "This is bad for us, Buffalo. We never figured on this blizzard."
• Buffalo Davis (12:40): "Somebody better come tonight or we'll end up eating each other."

Their decision to hide the gold in a trash barrel outside Montague Rogers's medicine show shack inadvertently leads to their detection, as Yukon King tracks their scent.

---

Montague Rogers and the Medicine Show

Montague Rogers, a medicine showman, and his assistant, Nifty, become unwitting accomplices in Finley and Davis's scheme. As the crooks attempt to hide the gold, Rogers's actions inadvertently lead to their exposure.

• Montague Rogers (14:01): "Nifty, my boon companion, we've bottled enough of our foul medication to last us until it's time to take our show on the road next spring."

Their struggle to conceal the gold draws Sergeant Preston closer to uncovering the truth behind the theft.

---

Final Confrontation and Resolution

As the pursuit intensifies, Sergeant Preston confronts Finley and Davis in Bent Hat. Yukon King's keen instincts prove invaluable in cornering the crooks. A dramatic showdown ensues, resulting in the crooks' realization that they cannot escape justice.

• Sergeant Preston (20:34): "Let him go, boy. I'll put the handcuffs on you and Davis and take you to White Horse."
• Jack Finley (27:08): "Oh, yeah, sure, sure will. Confess. We took it."

Ultimately, Finley and Davis are apprehended, and the stolen gold is recovered, restoring order to the Yukon.

---

Conclusion and Teasers for Future Adventures

The episode concludes with Sergeant Preston ensuring that justice is served, while also hinting at future challenges awaiting him in Whitehorse. The seamless blend of action, loyalty, and detective work exemplifies the timeless appeal of classic Western radio dramas.

• Sergeant Preston (28:39): "Sergeant Preston reporting for duty, Inspector."
• Narrator (28:57): "Neil Holton has almost reached the end of his long search. Can Sergeant Preston reach him and prevent murder? Be sure to hear this next exciting adventure."

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sergeant Preston (00:19): "Congratulations, Tom. You've worked hard. You deserve to strike it rich."
• Buffalo Davis (05:14): "You're gonna kill him, Jake."
• Jack Finley (12:18): "This is bad for us, Buffalo. We never figured on this blizzard."
• Sergeant Preston (20:34): "Let him go, boy. I'll put the handcuffs on you and Davis and take you to White Horse."
• Sergeant Preston (28:39): "Sergeant Preston reporting for duty, Inspector."

---

Key Themes and Insights

1. Loyalty and Bravery: Yukon King's intervention showcases the deep bond between man and dog, highlighting themes of loyalty and courage.
2. Perseverance in Adversity: Sergeant Preston's relentless pursuit despite harsh conditions emphasizes the importance of determination and justice.
3. Deception and Consequences: Finley and Davis's deceptive tactics underscore the inevitable downfall that accompanies dishonest actions.
4. Community and Support: Characters like Fred Summit illustrate the strength found in community support during challenging times.

---

Final Thoughts

The Trail of Gold | Challenge of the Yukon masterfully captures the essence of classic Western radio dramas. Through dynamic characters, suspenseful plot twists, and rich atmospheric details, the episode immerses listeners in a bygone era of adventure and moral fortitude. Andrew Rhynes continues to honor iconic shows like Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger, delivering engaging and high-quality content that resonates with both longtime fans and new audiences alike.

---

Note: This summary excludes advertisement segments, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the narrative and thematic elements of the episode.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the old time radio westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now, let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

Now. As gunshots echo across the windswept snow covered reaches of the wild northwest, Quaker Oats, the giant of the cereals, presents Sergeant Preston of the Yukon. It's Yukon King, swiftest and strongest lead dog of the northwest, blazing the trail for Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted police in his relentless pursuit of lawbreakers. On, King. On, you huskies. Gold. Gold discovered in the Yukon. A stampede to the Klondike. In the wild race for riches back to the days of the gold rush with Sergeant Preston and his wonder dog, Yukon King, as they meet the challenge of the Yukon. Brought to you by Quaker Oats. Sergeant Preston was on the trail when he saw Tom Gordon near the latter's newly found mining property. Gordon's sled was loaded and the elderly prospector was harnessing his dogs when Preston stopped his team near the mine. Hi.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hello, Tom.

[Tom Gordon]

Hi, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

Don't tell me you're giving up on this mine of yours.

[Fred Summit]

Giving up?

[Tom Gordon]

No, sir, not when it's given up to me.

[Narrator]

Giving up more gold than I ever.

[Tom Gordon]

Saw anywhere in these parks.

[Sergeant Preston]

You really made a strike, Tom.

[Tom Gordon]

Look at those bangs on that sled. There's nothing but gold in them. That's right. Filled with dust, they are. Dust and some nuggets I washed out before taking off.

[Sergeant Preston]

Congratulations, Tom. You've worked hard. You deserve to strike it rich.

[Tom Gordon]

Thanks. I'm taking this load to Whitehorse for banking. I aim to hold on to what I've mined so far.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll help you, Tom. I'm going to White Horse myself.

[Jack Finley]

Huh?

[Fred Summit]

You'll help me? Well, doggone.

[Tom Gordon]

I never expected anything like this. This is swell.

[Sergeant Preston]

We should make White Horse within three days unless a blizzard comes up. I don't like the looks of that sky.

[Tom Gordon]

I don't either, Sergeant. Where we stop on the way south, Bent Hat will be one place I know.

[Sergeant Preston]

We can't make Bent Hat for at least two days. We'd better stay over at North End tonight.

[Tom Gordon]

North End, huh? That's a good idea.

[Fred Summit]

They have what they call a hotel there.

[Tom Gordon]

It'll be safe sleeping in a place like that. You ready to start, Sergeant? I am.

[Sergeant Preston]

So am I. Up front, King. All right.

[Narrator]

On, King. On your husky. The wind was howling and there were snow flurries in the air that night as Sergeant Preston and Tom Gordon brought their Sleds to a stop in front of the ramshackle hotel in North End. Okay.

[Sergeant Preston]

Let'S get that stuff unloaded, Tom.

[Narrator]

They began at once to unload the sacks of gold dust and small nuggets from the sled. Then, before doing anything else, they carried them inside and to the room assigned to them by the sleepy eyed clerk.

[Tom Gordon]

Say, this room will be all right, Sergeant. Two beds in it, too. This will be the first time I've slept on a bed more than three years.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll put the bags in this closet, Tom.

[Fred Summit]

Sure.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hang.

[Narrator]

When they'd placed the gold in the closet, Sergeant Preston turned to Tom Gordon.

[Sergeant Preston]

Want to eat now, Tom?

[Tom Gordon]

Well, not yet, Sergeant. I'm not used to being on the trail so long. Not lately, that is. If you don't mind, I'm going to lie down for a while.

[Sergeant Preston]

Whatever you say, Tom. I'll take the dogs and sleds to Fred Summit's kennels there down at the end of the street. You rest. I'll be back in an hour or so.

[Narrator]

Two men, Jack Finley and Buffalo Davis, had been in the cafe opposite the hotel when Sergeant Preston and the prospector arrived and unpacked what could only be bags of gold dust. Now, as Preston led first his own team and then the dogs of Tom Gordon to the kennels at the end of the street, both men's thoughts took the same turn.

[Buffalo Davis]

Jack, that was gold they had in those bags they took into the hotel.

[Jack Finley]

Yeah, and that gold's inside now with only that old coot sound. Gordon will look after you.

[Buffalo Davis]

You're thinking what I am, huh? We can go in there and take it from them before anyone knows what's happened.

[Jack Finley]

No, no, no, no. Not just like that, Buffalo. Getting the gold would be easy holding on do. It's another thing Preston around Buffalo. We have to take care of that money.

[Buffalo Davis]

You're gonna kill him, Jake.

[Jack Finley]

No other ways of taking care of him without having to kill him.

[Buffalo Davis]

Like what?

[Jack Finley]

Get our sled ready. Bring some rope from it.

[Buffalo Davis]

Well, get the ropes, Jack. But what's the play?

[Jack Finley]

There's that broken down cabin at the end of the street, just a little ways from the kennels. Preston will have to pass there, come back to the hotel. Here's what we'll do. I'll go to the rear of the cabin and start drilling.

[Narrator]

When he was sure that the dogs were fed and would be protected for the night, Sergeant Preston left Fred Summit's kennels. He and the king were passing a space between two empty shacks when they heard a yell from the darkness, seemingly to the rear of the buildings.

[Sergeant Preston]

Come on, King. Someone's in trouble.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston, followed by King, rushed between the buildings toward the spot where Jack Finley was shouting for help. As they passed an open door in the deserted shack, King stopped suddenly and growled in warning, but too late. Before Preston could heed the dog, Buffalo Davis leaped in the doorway and brought his gun down on the head of the mountie. As Preston fell to the snow covered ground, King leaped at Buffalo and retreated into the cabin. Jack, Help me.

[Buffalo Davis]

Jack.

[Narrator]

Kane's teeth closed around the arm of Buffalo Davis, shaking the crooked gun to the floor. Davis, panic stricken, called for help and tried to break away from the animal. And then Jack Finley ran into the camp and used his great strength in an attempt to loosen the dog's hold. Finley, behind King, wrapped his arms around the dog's neck and pulled mightily.

[Fred Summit]

Now run.

[Narrator]

The pressure on the dog's throat caused him to open his mouth wide. Davis, visibly shaken, ran outside bitly, his arms still around the struggling dog, inched toward the doorway. He used his strength in a final effort and pushed King away from him toward the far wall. He pivoted and rushed into the night, slamming the door behind him and leaving King inside the windowless room.

[Buffalo Davis]

Thanks, Jake. That dog was gonna tear me to pieces.

[Jack Finley]

Mind that. Help me tie and gag Fresh T. Then we'll carry him back to the cabin and throw him in the bushes.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our adventure in just a moment. Here's a time saving breakfast tip for every mother who has a baby three months or older. When you cook good nourishing hot Quaker oats for the baby, it's all ready for the rest of the family too. The creamy, delicious, smooth Quaker oats they love. The easy directions are on every package of Quaker Oats or mother's oats, which are the same. And you know doctors can tell you that among cereals, oatmeal is the finest source of bodybuilding protein for your family. That's why so many pediatricians recommend good nourishing Quaker Oats for babies from the time they're three months old. And recently a leading state university proved that the protein in Quaker oats is better for growth than that of 14 nationally known breakfast cereals, including two well known baby cereals. So for the wonderful benefits it can give your whole family, from baby to hard working grown ups serve good hot Quaker or mother's oats every morning. It costs less than a penny a serv. Now to continue. Minutes after they left Sergeant Preston bound and Gagged in the brush, the crooks entered the hotel and knocked the dozing night clerk unconscious. Then they went directly to the room where Tom Gordon lay resting on the bed. Before the prospector could rise, the intruders were upon him. One swift blow, a gag in his mouth, and Gordon was no longer a problem for Findlay and Davis. They went to the closet and removed the sacks of gold. A few minutes later, the robbers placed the bags of dust and nuggets on their sled and started south. Kennel owner Fred Summit left his kennels about midnight, carrying a lighted lantern and started toward the cafe up the street. A short distance from his place, he stopped as he heard the insistent barking of a dog somewhere nearby. He was in front of a deserted shack. The barking seemed to come from there.

[Fred Summit]

That's strange.

[Narrator]

He walked between two buildings to the side door where he could hear the dog. He pushed open the door, holding the ladder above his head. He immediately recognized the great husky that rushed toward him.

[Fred Summit]

King. What's the matter? King? What are you doing here? Where's Sergeant Preston?

[Narrator]

The dog tugged at Summit's sleeve with almost human insistence, but then rushed into the night. Some had. Outside, he found King sniffing at the ground. Then the dog raised its head and with a bound ran to the rear of the area.

[Fred Summit]

Something's happened here, all right. Judging by the snow, there must have been. What is it, King?

[Narrator]

King had returned and once more was tugging at the man's sleeve. The dog lover, knowing of King's great intelligence, followed the dog immediately, his lantern held high. Again, some had walked through the brush where King led him. There he found Sergeant Preston bound and gagged.

[Fred Summit]

What? Sergeant Preston. Just a moment, Sergeant. I'll have you free in a jiffy.

[Narrator]

Someone helped revive the Mountie, and together they went back to the hotel. Disregarding the clerk who greeted him in a frantic manner, Sergeant Preston led the way to the room where he had left. Tom. Gordon.

[Sergeant Preston]

Tom, I'm Gordon. Oh, I was afraid of this.

[Fred Summit]

He's tied up and gagged, too. Sergeant, who did this to you? And him?

[Narrator]

What's it all about?

[Sergeant Preston]

Someone's stolen the gold Gordon had in the closet. It's empty. I'll take the gag from Tom's mouth and untie him.

[Narrator]

When Sergeant Preston removed the gag and the ropes, Tom Gordon still did not move. Sergeant Preston felt the man's heart and pulse and then forced open his eyelids.

[Sergeant Preston]

He's in bad shape. Summit, is Dr. Gray still in town?

[Fred Summit]

Yes, Sergeant. You want me to get him?

[Sergeant Preston]

Would you, please? Meanwhile, I'll do What I can to help, Tom.

[Narrator]

When the doctor returned with Summit and began to treat the old prospector, Sergeant Preston left at once. He questioned the hotel clerk and men in the cafe and got a description of the crooks and the clothing they wore. Then finally he found the fresh trail of their dogs and sled on the road from town heading south.

[Sergeant Preston]

Okay, whoever they are, they're heading toward Benthat and we're going after them.

[Narrator]

Late the next afternoon, Jack Finley and Buffalo Davis, numb and almost blinded by snow, staggered with their team into the town of Bent Hat. Before heading for a hotel or any of the cafes dotting the street, Finley spoke to Davis.

[Jack Finley]

This is bad for us, Buffalo. We never figured on this blizzard.

[Buffalo Davis]

It's getting worse. Will not be able to leave here, Jack.

[Sergeant Preston]

Nothing.

[Buffalo Davis]

Well, it's like this.

[Jack Finley]

I know it. We're lucky we got this far, Buffalo. We have to worry about that Mountie Preston.

[Buffalo Davis]

Sure we do. He's liable to be on our trail by now. Unless he died from cold. We should have killed him at Gordon, I guess.

[Jack Finley]

How about we didn't? So we can't take chances in case he is alive.

[Buffalo Davis]

What do you mean can't take chances? We'll have to.

[Jack Finley]

Don't argue about words. Get to a hotel. Save these whiskers.

[Buffalo Davis]

And cut her hair short so Preston can't identify his if he sees us, huh? What about these clothes you're wearing?

[Jack Finley]

We buy new ones. Then we'll move around town saying we just came north from Whitehorse.

[Buffalo Davis]

Don't you think someone might get wise?

[Jack Finley]

Not if we're careful and play our part straight. We'll fool them, Buffalo, but we better start fooling them right away. Come on.

[Narrator]

A few hours later, as Sergeant Preston was nearing Bent Hat, two other men worked glumly in a shack at the end of Vent Hat's main street. They were medicine showman Montague Rogers, spare and tall, and his dumpy assistant, Nifty.

[Fred Summit]

That's sufficient. Nifty.

[Jack Finley]

Yeah, right, boys.

[Narrator]

They had just emptied the contents of a large barrel into a great number of brightly labeled bottles. The labels proclaimed the liquid as Rogers Golden Elixir, a cure for all diseases known to man. Rogers corked the last bottle and placed it beside the rest on the end of the large platform at the front of the building.

[Fred Summit]

Nifty, my boon companion, we've bottled enough of our foul medication to last us until it's time to take our show on the road next spring. Yes, by the looks of that blizzard.

[Jack Finley]

Outside, we'll not sell a bottle till.

[Fred Summit]

We do Take to the road.

[Jack Finley]

Nobody will ever come to see our.

[Fred Summit]

Show tonight because of a little blizzard. Nifty, you forget we are premier entertainers, actors who will make these gold mad scavengers Forget the wind and snow while we beguile them with our songs, stories and rheumatic dancing. They all have aches and pains. They all need Roger's golden elixir. Yeah, and they'll all stay away from.

[Jack Finley]

This joint tonight, you'll see.

[Fred Summit]

Ah, you're a pessimist, Nifty.

[Jack Finley]

I'm a starving pessimist, Money.

[Fred Summit]

Somebody better come tonight or we'll end.

[Jack Finley]

Up eating each other.

[Fred Summit]

Ah, you have an idea there, Nifty, and I have the teas. However, enough of your cannibalistic thoughts. Let's take this empty barrel and place it at the rear of this temple of medicine and amusement.

[Jack Finley]

Put it outside. What for?

[Fred Summit]

The only barrel we have for mixing this leap up we make. Nevertheless, we'll place it outside until after the lame and halt leave tonight. We don't want them to realize our panacea is made here in a barrel after all. I tell them we bring it to them from the herb ridden jungles of Africa. It'll get full of snow if we put it out there. Grand. When we take the barrel back inside, we'll melt the snow and use it for our next mixture. All right, we have to put the barrel outside. Let's get it over with. You ready? I'm too weak to handle it alone. Give me some help. Of course, of course.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, Jack Finlay and Buffalo Davis had bought new clothes at Herman White's clothing store. Finlay had bribed the clerk in the hotel at which they were staying to say that both men had been clean shaven when they arrived, that they had come from Whitehorse. Then, self assured, they set out for the Sluicebox Cafe. An hour later, Sergeant Preston arrived in bent hat, found a place to leave his dogs and sled, then started a round of the hotels and cafes. As Preston entered the Sluicebox Cafe, King's hair bristled. He began to sniff the air and growl.

[Sergeant Preston]

Take it easy, fella.

[Narrator]

Preston bent to pat the dog. Two clean shaven men, well dressed but suddenly panicky, slipped from the far end of the bar and hurried out the rear door of the cafe. King began to calm down but continued to sniff the air as Sergeant Preston walked to the bar and spoke to the bartender.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hello, Rand.

[Fred Summit]

Hello, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm looking for a couple of gold thieves.

[Narrator]

The bounty told of his quest for two bewhiskered men and the reason for wanting them, Red Oakley, the bartender, was unable to assist him.

[Fred Summit]

Nobody's come in here from the north as far as I know. Not in the last couple of days anyway.

[Sergeant Preston]

Only two men I know about came in from the south from Whitehorse sometime.

[Fred Summit]

This afternoon, but they didn't have whiskers. As a matter of fact, they're down.

[Sergeant Preston]

At the other end of the bar, Right? Right.

[Fred Summit]

Hey, that's funny.

[Tom Gordon]

Gone.

[Fred Summit]

They were there a minute ago.

[Narrator]

At that moment, another man entered from the rear through the door where Davis and Finley had made their exit. He was Herman White, the clothing store owner, and he walked up to greet Sergeant Preston.

[Fred Summit]

Sergeant Preston. Well, well, I'm glad to see you, Sergeant. What brings you to Bent Hat so soon after your last visit?

[Sergeant Preston]

I'm looking for a couple of thieves.

[Fred Summit]

Herman, you haven't seen two fellows both with whiskers, dressed in parkas and new in town, have you? By golly, thieves were they? I should have suspected that anyone shaving in this weather like they did?

[Sergeant Preston]

Shaving?

[Fred Summit]

You saw the men just a few minutes ago. They came out the rear door at this place and just as I was coming along the street. It was snowing hard, but I can tell my own clothes. Those were the two I told you about, Sergeant. They must have been. But they said they were from White Horse. Yeah, they told me the same thing. But they had whiskers and hair down to here when they exchanged their parkers for the clothes they're wearing.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, King, that's why you growled when we came in here.

[Fred Summit]

He must have got their Sam, eh?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, and I didn't give him his chance to follow up on it. But we'll go after them now, King.

[Fred Summit]

Why, jolly thieves, Sergeant. They seem to be heading for the hotel down the street. Lally's place.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, they'll not get far no matter where they head. We'll try lollies first. Come on.

[Narrator]

King Finley and Buffalo Davis had become startled when Sergeant Preston and King entered the Sluicebox Cafe. They instinctively feared the dog's manner and had run into the night to be seen by Herman White, who had sold them their clothes. Realizing the man would be questioned and would tell the Mountie about them, they hurried to their hotel, grabbed the bags of gold and left by a side door.

[Jack Finley]

Buffalo, blizzard or no blizzard, we'll have to get our sledding dogs and take off on the tree.

[Buffalo Davis]

Why didn't we kill him when we had the chance? Why didn't we?

[Jack Finley]

Buffalo, hold back. Don't move.

[Narrator]

For a minute, Bentley, who had been walking slightly ahead, pulled back as he started to cross the rear of the alley between the hotel and the shack adjoining. He had seen Sergeant Preston and King crossing the street and heading for the lighted front door of the hotel.

[Jack Finley]

It's the Mountie, Buffalo. He's going into the hotel.

[Buffalo Davis]

He'll be after us before we get the dogs together.

[Fred Summit]

Yeah.

[Jack Finley]

All right, Buffalo. Can't see us now. Let's run for it.

[Buffalo Davis]

Where you going?

[Jack Finley]

I don't know. Somewhere where we can hide these sacks. Somewhere with. Hey, Buffalo.

[Fred Summit]

Here.

[Buffalo Davis]

Hey, where?

[Jack Finley]

Right here.

[Narrator]

Hey, what are you doing, Jack? Finley had stopped at a barrel placed at the rear door of the cabin where Montague Rogers and Nifty Rucker waited for an audience that would never appear. Finley took both of the gold laden sacks he carried and crammed them into the half filled barrel there.

[Jack Finley]

Mine are in there. Now put yours in, Buffalo Jack.

[Buffalo Davis]

This is crazy. Putting the gold in there trash barrel.

[Jack Finley]

Nobody look in there. Put those bags in quick.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right.

[Buffalo Davis]

I still think it's crazy.

[Narrator]

When Davis had placed his bags into the barrel, he and Finley scooped up snow from the ground and packed it around. And on top of the bags. As they hurried off, the top of the barrel seemed untouched.

[Jack Finley]

There's only one thing to do, Buffalo. He catches up with us, we deny we were every North End. We stick to our White Horse story.

[Buffalo Davis]

Yeah, but if the hotel clerk taught you. If that fellow who sold his east clothes to us.

[Jack Finley]

No one can prove we stole Gordon's gold if they can't find it. And they'll not now. Let's get out of here.

[Narrator]

The two crooks were making their way slowly to the spot where they'd placed their sled and dogs. Then suddenly a form loomed out of the darkness.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right, Tutu? I've been looking for you, Sergeant Preston. Hey, wait.

[Buffalo Davis]

Where'd you come from? Hey, Ward. Hey, the dog. Keep away. Don't let him touch me.

[Narrator]

King leaped for Davis arm and grabbed it in his teeth before the cook could reach for his gun. Finley, deciding to brazen out the situation, pretended a calmness he didn't feel.

[Jack Finley]

Sergeant, what's the idea?

[Fred Summit]

Call that dog off.

[Narrator]

What do you want with us, Dun King?

[Sergeant Preston]

Let him go, boy. I'll take his gun. There.

[Buffalo Davis]

He was gonna bite.

[Sergeant Preston]

He was not going to bite. I think he recognizes you men. And I think I'll be able to prove why.

[Jack Finley]

We didn't do anything. We just came in from White Horse.

[Sergeant Preston]

You didn't. You men step ahead of me and walk out into the street. I'm going to take you where we can talk. Get going.

[Fred Summit]

This is the end, Nifty. We die for want of food. A horrible end for the likes of me. Yes, I should say me. But at least we'll be able to drink. Oh, not the medicine.

[Jack Finley]

Not that enough.

[Fred Summit]

No foul words about Roger's golden elixir. I speak not of that. I mean, we drink water pure and clear from the snow. We'll melt when we get the barrel inside. Come help me roll it in.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later they move the snow filled barrel from the rear of the shack into the single room.

[Fred Summit]

Certainly must be a heavy snow. This barrel seems to weigh a ton. But perhaps it's my weak condition. Perhaps. Nifty, what are you doing diving into the barrel like that? There's something in here. Monty, it's. Hey, it's a sack. They look money in a barrel. This looks like. Let me tear open that top and see what's in there.

[Jack Finley]

Oh.

[Fred Summit]

Oh no.

[Narrator]

No.

[Fred Summit]

It's a mirage.

[Jack Finley]

No.

[Fred Summit]

I'm going mad. Nifty. It's gold. Look at it. Gold buckets and dust.

[Narrator]

Gold.

[Fred Summit]

It's good. Hey, Imani is fainted. Hey Monty. Wake up Monty.

[Narrator]

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

[Tom Gordon]

Hey fellas.

[Jack Finley]

And girls.

[Tom Gordon]

I'll never forget the time years ago when me and my huskies was almost buried alive up in Yukon Blizzard. We'd been select through the storm all day. That night I turned the sled up on its side so the huskies me git some shelter. The morning we must have had a mountain of snow on top of us. It looked like we was buried alive. Well sir, in a spot like that, what I needed was some good nourishing hot quick roots from my supplies. So I had a big bowl quick. Then I felt new strength charging through me. I felt my muscles begin to feel super powerful. You see, there's more strength and more energy in oatmeal than in any other whole grain cereal. Cause Quaker Roast is the giant of the cereal. Yes sir. Ee Bob. So I just put my shoulders under the sled and I give such a heave that mountain of snow cracked right over with such force that seismography machines down in the States recorded an earthquake. Yes sir. Say, you fellas and girls ought to see how the giant of the cereals can help you too. Like it does old Gabby every morning. Eat a heap and bowl of creamy delicious Quaker oats. Or make it mother's Oats. Cause shucks, they're zactly the same.

[Narrator]

Now to continue, Sergeant Preston's questioning and Herman White's testimony had been of no avail. The crooks, Finley and Davis, remained surprisingly cool and swore they had never been in North End. There was no sign of the gold on them in their sled or at the hotel. Finally, Sergeant Preston let them go.

[Sergeant Preston]

I have no legal right to hold you. At least not yet.

[Jack Finley]

You never will, Harry.

[Narrator]

No.

[Sergeant Preston]

See, you may leave, Bant hat, both of you. But if you do, I'll be right behind you. I'll stick with you until I find the gold I am sure you stole.

[Jack Finley]

Oh, you're wasting your time, Sergeant. Let's go, Buffalo. We're not running away, Sergeant. Do you want us? We'll be over in the Sluice Box Cafe.

[Narrator]

Smiling to themselves, Finley and Davis entered the sluice box as they said they would. But they stopped short as they saw Red Oakley, the bartender, holding tightly to the coat of a tall, lean man who held a sack in his hand.

[Jack Finley]

Look, Buffalo.

[Narrator]

And at the same moment, Hermit White, the clothing store owner, was running toward them.

[Jack Finley]

What's the matter, White?

[Narrator]

Hi.

[Fred Summit]

Hi. I'm sorry. It wasn't you who stole the gold. It was Monty Rogers. He just came in with a bag full. I must get. Sergeant Preston found the money in a barrel, he said.

[Buffalo Davis]

Chucky, that fella at the bar, he found money in a barrel. Our money. It has to be.

[Jack Finley]

Let's find out. If they can't take it from us, they can't. Let's run back to where we hid the bag, sir.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston and King hurried to answer the summons to the cafe. There, Montague Rogers, shaking in anguish, explained for the third time what had happened.

[Fred Summit]

And I swear on Hamlet's grave that we found it in a barrel. Come back with me if you don't believe it. Ask my man, Nifty. He has three more bags of gold there. I was hungry and thought I could use the.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right, Rogers, I believe you. We're going back to your place. Come on.

[Narrator]

When Sergeant Preston and Marty Rogers, followed by most of the men from the cafe, got to Rogers cabin, they found Nifty Rucker on the floor, unconscious. But the gold was gone, the rear door was open and King rushed through the opening.

[Sergeant Preston]

King's picked up their scent. They heard him and he knows them.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston led the way through the rear door, taking after King, who was loping ahead. Jack Finley and Buffalo Davis had left the hut only a few moments before the appearance of Sergeant Preston and the Men, they were running in the hope of getting their dogs in sled when they heard King behind them. Now as they turned into an alley, they realized King was on their heels. They dropped the sacks of gold and turned to face the dog.

[Buffalo Davis]

Kill the dog.

[Narrator]

My arm.

[Fred Summit]

He's gotten his teeth. Take him off.

[Buffalo Davis]

Swing him around. I'll kill him.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right.

[Narrator]

Davis. Drop that gun.

[Buffalo Davis]

Don't shoot that.

[Sergeant Preston]

Pick it up, will you, Mr. White?

[Fred Summit]

Yes, I. I have it, Sergeant. And the sacks of gold are here on the ground, too.

[Narrator]

Thanks.

[Sergeant Preston]

These are the cooks, all right. No doubt about it.

[Jack Finley]

I'll call this dog off. Aren't you going to help me?

[Sergeant Preston]

I'll call him off when you confess.

[Narrator]

To stealing Gordon's gold.

[Jack Finley]

Oh, yeah, sure, sure will. Confess. We took it. You have it there, haven't you?

[Fred Summit]

But fell off this dog before.

[Sergeant Preston]

Dun. Let him go, boy. I'll put the handcuffs on you and Davis and take you to White Horse.

[Fred Summit]

This is as nerve tingling as.

[Sergeant Preston]

As food, Rogers. When I have these men locked up, I'll treat you and your partner nifty to the best meal in town.

[Fred Summit]

Bread is better than gold, Sergeant. Bread I can swallow gold I cannot even chew.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, you don't have to eat your heart out as Finley and Davis are doing now. And now that we have them in the gold, this case is closed.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston will return in just a moment with a word about our next exciting adventure. Hello, folks. This is your friend, Aunt Jemima. Do your children like extra light pancakes? Then for supper tonight? Just add milk to my Aunt Jemima. Pancake or buckwheat mix and bake the lightest pancakes ever. And the only pancakes with that good old south flavor. Fluffy golden feather light. Aunt Jemima. Pancakes good for breakfast, lunch or supper tonight. Mmm. And now, here is Sergeant Preston.

[Sergeant Preston]

Sergeant Preston reporting for duty, Inspector.

[Fred Summit]

Sergeant, a young man is in Whitehorse gunning for someone he claims framed him into jail a couple of years ago.

[Sergeant Preston]

Who is he, Inspector?

[Fred Summit]

Fellow named Neil Halton. I don't know who he's after, but I want you to get him and prevent a possible murder.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, sir. I'll go to White Horse at once.

[Narrator]

Neil Holton has almost reached the end of his long search. Can Sergeant Preston reach him and prevent murder? Be sure to hear this next exciting adventure. These radio dramas, a feature of Sergeant Preston of the Yukon, Incorporated, are created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Enterprises, 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 Sunday at the same time by Quaker Oats, the Giant of the Cereals. This is J. Michael wishing you goodbye, good luck and good health from Quaker Oats, the Giant of the Cereals. So long. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System SA.

[Andrew Rines]

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