Thunderbird | Challenge of the Yukon (03-04-52)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns: "Thunderbird" | Challenge of the Yukon (03-04-52)

Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: September 10, 2025
Featured Program: Sergeant Preston of the Yukon – "Thunderbird"
Length: ~36 minutes (excluding ads and promotional segments)

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Episode Overview

In this digitally restored episode of Sergeant Preston of the Yukon, host Andrew Rhynes presents a tale set against the dramatic backdrop of the northwestern wilderness during the days of the Klondike Gold Rush. The story, titled "Thunderbird," intricately weaves together mystery, indigenous lore, and frontier action, as Sergeant Preston and his loyal dog, Yukon King, help Ted Sheridan search for his missing father amid a legend of buried gold and a band of dangerous outlaws. The vivid audio brings alive the creak of totem poles, the fury of a mountain storm, and the ever-present danger of man and nature.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

1. The Mysterious Castaway and Initial Investigation

[04:50 – 08:38]

• Situation: Sergeant Preston, transporting a prisoner aboard the Northern Star, rescues a delirious man adrift in a small boat.
• Discovery: The man is identified as Professor Haywood, suffering from amnesia after a harrowing ordeal.
• Ted Sheridan Arrives: Ted, son of the missing Professor Emmett Sheridan, learns of Haywood’s condition and seeks Preston’s help.
• Quote:
  “He doesn’t know who he is and he can’t remember anything.” – Sgt. Preston [07:13]

2. The Legend of Brooks Gold and the Thunderbird

[08:38 – 12:24]

• Exposition: Ted explains his father’s expedition, bent on researching totem poles and the legend of "Brooks gold," an old tale of pirate gold entrusted to Native tribes.
• The Thunderbird Tribes: Discussion of five tribes, each symbolized by a totem, and Professor Sheridan’s stolen journal which might hold clues to the treasure’s location.
• Quote:
  "Gold bring white men, white men bring trouble." – Angatak, Indian Chief [13:14]

3. The Search for Professor Sheridan

[12:24 – 16:31]

• Journey: Preston and Ted travel to the Thunderbird Indians’ village, meeting Chief Angatak, who recounts Professor Sheridan's recent visit.
• Totem Pole Symbolism: The characters analyze the totem’s carvings, combining history with myth as clues.
• Conflict: The villagers, wary of white men seeking gold, withhold information; the professor’s Indian guides, Toltec and his brother, are reluctant to talk due to fear.

4. Nocturnal Intrigue and Confessions

[19:14 – 21:21]

• Setting: A violent mountain storm sets the mood in the guest cabin as Toltec secretly visits Preston and Ted.
• Revelation: Under duress, Toltec describes being taken prisoner by a group of "bad men" – a gang intent on following and exploiting the professors' expedition.
• Threat: Toltec fears for his life, as the outlaws have threatened to kill him if he talks.

5. Violence and Proving Innocence

[21:21 – 24:03]

• Crisis: Toltec is shot by an unknown assailant; the natives nearly blame Preston and Ted, but Preston appeals to their faith in the Thunderbird and points out the true culprit is outside the cabin.
• Supernatural Turn: A lightning bolt (attributed to Thunderbird legend) strikes down the tree where the shooter was hiding, killing the would-be assassin.
• Quote:
  “The Thunderbird showed his power. When Toltec comes back to the village, him call on Thunderbird to guard him. Now, Thunderbird kill man who shoot Toltec.” – Angatak [24:03]

6. Survival and New Resolve

[24:12 – 26:11]

• First Aid under Duress: Sergeant Preston, with only a knife, removes the bullet from Toltec, who survives and identifies his attacker as one of the Russian outlaws.
• Strategy: Toltec now assists in providing descriptions of the remaining villains, crucial information for their pursuit.

7. Preparation for the Next Adventure

[26:22 – 27:02]

• Departure: Armed with new intelligence, Preston and Ted set out after the outlaws threatening the professor and the Indian guides.

• Words of Caution:
  “There much danger on trail. There evil in heart of men who want gold. Ang hope Thunderbird fly with you, keep you safe.” – Angatak [26:32]

• Quote:
  "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... Russian... Thunderbirds strike him down." – Sgt. Preston [26:46]

8. A Cliffhanger Ending

[31:09 – 31:36]

• Teaser for Next Episode: The drama continues as Preston and Sheridan rush to the Clawag village amid peril from Russians and the threat of the "curse" hanging over Brooks gold.
• Quote:
  “The curse which the Indians seem to think is hanging over the buried gold seems also to be hanging over Sergeant Preston and Ted Sheridan…” – Narrator [31:37]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Supernatural & Justice Intertwined:
  "Thunderbird show power... now Thunderbird kill man who shoot Toltec." – Angatak [24:03]
• Faith in Law and Legend:
  “Stay where you are. This cabin is guarded by the Thunderbird totem... In the name of the Thunderbird, I order you to follow me and find him…” – Sgt. Preston [22:35]
• Resilience in Adversity:
  “There's only one way to do that. How? The bullet must come out of his chest... There's no choice, Ted. If the bullet stays in, the boy dies.” – Sgt. Preston [24:45]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [04:50] — The castaway is rescued; the investigation begins
• [06:19] — Ted Sheridan’s search for his father
• [08:38] — Origins of the Brooks gold legend and totem lore
• [12:55] — Meeting the Thunderbird chief and exploring the village
• [19:14] — Mountain storm, Toltec’s secret visit, and his confession
• [21:52] — Toltec is shot; Preston calls upon the power of the Thunderbird
• [23:49] — Lightning strike and the death of the would-be assassin
• [24:45] — Emergency surgery to save Toltec
• [26:22] — Preston and Ted set off with Toltec’s information
• [31:09] — Teaser for next adventure; looming dangers

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Episode Tone and Style

The episode blends tense drama, deep respect for Native traditions, and classic pulp action. Dialogue is earnest, sometimes solemn, often punctuated by expressions of awe or suspense, as characters confront both human greed and natural (or supernatural) forces. The restored audio highlights the immersive environmental sounds and period atmosphere beloved by old-time radio fans.

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Final Thoughts

"Thunderbird" is a stellar showcase of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast’s strength—bringing vibrant restoration to a Western radio classic filled with mystery, folklore, and adventure. The story pauses at a point of high suspense, promising more peril and heroism in next week’s episode. Even without hearing it, listeners can picture Sergeant Preston, King, and Ted Sheridan plunging deeper into the untamed Northwest, with danger—and perhaps, the spirit of the Thunderbird—close behind.

Transcript

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[Ted Sheridan]

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

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[Ted Sheridan]

When it's cravinient.

[Sergeant Preston]

Okay.

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[Ted Sheridan]

I'm seeing a pattern here. Well, yeah, we're talking about what I.

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[Ted Sheridan]

What more could you want?

[Sergeant Preston]

Stop by AM PM where the snacks.

[Narrator]

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[Ted Sheridan]

That's cravenience.

[Narrator]

AM PM too much. Good stuff.

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[Andrew Rines (Host)]

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 popped wheat and Quaker popped 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.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

One king on your husky.

[Narrator]

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 puffed wheat and Quaker Puffed 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.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

It's nice.

[Narrator]

And when you hear that shootin' 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 Puffed Wheat are such a delicious treat. Have some for breakfast tomorrow.

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[Narrator]

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 fog, and one day as the Northern Star steamed slowly through Queen Charlotte's Strait, King began to bark frantically.

[Sergeant Preston]

What'S the matter, boy?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Something up ahead he doesn't like?

[Narrator]

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

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Is she in distress? Look out.

[Narrator]

It's a sailing D sir. Only one man in her and he strolled over the pillar. Looks to be in a bad way and have speed astern. The ship stopped. 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 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.

[Sergeant Preston]

I see.

[Ted Sheridan]

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]

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

[Ted Sheridan]

Good morning, Professor Heywood. Heywood? 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? Oh, I never saw you before. My head.

[Sergeant Preston]

It hurts fine. 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, Heywood was delirious when you picked him up. Did he say anything that might give you a clue?

[Sergeant Preston]

He 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?

[Ted Sheridan]

To you? Oh, it certainly does.

[Sergeant Preston]

Seemed to make Haywood violent whenever he spoke of it. 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 of 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. Silent 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. Angatax, the head man of the tribe, I know him.

[Sergeant Preston]

I know the district too well.

[Ted Sheridan]

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

[Sergeant Preston]

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.

[Narrator]

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?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Me not no fellow called Brooks.

[Sergeant Preston]

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.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Me not know nothing bout gold. That what me tell professor.

[Sergeant Preston]

What else did you tell the professor?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

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.

[Sergeant Preston]

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?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

That's what professor say.

[Sergeant Preston]

You believed him, didn't you?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Maybe. But Indian forget long time go where gold buried.

[Ted Sheridan]

Did my father look for it here?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Me show you.

[Narrator]

The chief took the sergeant and Ted to a totem pole which stood halfway up the steep slope of a hill behind 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 (Indian Chief)]

Angatak. 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 bury nearby.

[Sergeant Preston]

The ground's been dug up recently, huh?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Professor look for gold.

[Sergeant Preston]

But he didn't find it.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

No. Him dig plenty deep. It not Thunderbird that guard gold well.

[Sergeant Preston]

When the professor and his friends had decided that, did he and his friends leave at once?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Huh?

[Ted Sheridan]

Which way did he go?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Him start for Clawak tribe. Wanna take picture of totem that tells story of fight with land adders.

[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?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

2 brother go tanis and Toltec.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'd like to speak with them only.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Toltec come back.

[Sergeant Preston]

Really? Where's he?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Him not talk to you.

[Sergeant Preston]

Why not, Chief?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Him not talk nobody bout what happened on trail.

[Ted Sheridan]

And something did happen.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Ang Tak not know my father's your friend.

[Ted Sheridan]

Didn't you try to find out?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Ah. Toltec call on Thunderbird to protect them There no way Angatak can make them talk there no way. Sergeant make them talk.

[Sergeant Preston]

We don't intend to use force on him, but we may be able to persuade him.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

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.

[Sergeant Preston]

Where is Toltec?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Me take you to him. But him not talk. Him plenty fraid. Bury gold make plenty bad medicine.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our adventure in just a moment.

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[Narrator]

Say, fellas and girls, for a delicious breakfast treat tomorrow morning, pour yourselves out a heaping bowl full of taste tempting Quaker Puff Wheat or Quaker Puff 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 Ox Village. Toltec had disappeared. The sergeant and Ted were 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. The lightning flash. I saw a 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.

[Narrator]

What do you want?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Voltex?

[Narrator]

Not want anything.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Me go now.

[Narrator]

Boltec.

[Sergeant Preston]

No.

[Narrator]

Come back here.

[Sergeant Preston]

There's nothing to be afraid of. Come in.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

You wear red coat.

[Narrator]

You policeman?

[Sergeant Preston]

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

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Oh.

[Ted Sheridan]

Sit down over here, close to the fire.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

No, me not sit down.

[Sergeant Preston]

The chief told us you were the professor's guide to the Clavox village.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

That's right.

[Sergeant Preston]

You and your brother Tanos. Well, Ted's worried about his father. Was there an accident on the trail?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

No, not accident. Trouble start after.

[Sergeant Preston]

What sort of trouble?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Not good for Indian. Get mixed up in white man trouble.

[Sergeant Preston]

Did this trouble you're talking about have anything to do with Brooks gold?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Gold's buried. Let him stay buried. Con is bad Indian.

[Sergeant Preston]

Your brother. Your brother is a bad Indian.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

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 Clavox village safely?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

That's right.

[Sergeant Preston]

And afterwards you and your brother started home? That Right.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Me not talk.

[Sergeant Preston]

Or did your brother stay in the village?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

No.

[Sergeant Preston]

Then why didn't he come back here with him? Him listen to Batman on the way back here. What did the bad men say?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Toltec tell you? Then bad man kill him.

[Sergeant Preston]

So that's why you're afraid you've been threatened. Well, 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.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Them take us prisoner on way back here? Yes, them Say, you watch professor for us. When him find gold, you tell. We get him give you plenty. You go back Pawak village. Watch professor. We stay plenty close.

[Ted Sheridan]

Your dad was being followed by a band of outlaws.

[Sergeant Preston]

Go on.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Toltec brother go village. Not me. Me come home.

[Sergeant Preston]

How many men were there in the band that took you prisoner?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

There.

[Ted Sheridan]

Was a rifle shot.

[Sergeant Preston]

Celtics been hit.

[Ted Sheridan]

It came from the hill behind the cabin.

[Sergeant Preston]

Keep away from that window. You make a perfect target for anyone up on the hill.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

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 charges.

[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.

[Narrator]

What's the matter?

[Sergeant Preston]

The whole village is heading this way.

[Ted Sheridan]

I heard the shot on Toltec's cry.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Why you shoot Toltec?

[Sergeant Preston]

We didn't. You should know better than that.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Angak ang promise send Toltec to you. Why you shoot him?

[Sergeant Preston]

The shot came from the hill behind the house.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

No Indian have gun. Only you have gun. If Toltec die, you die.

[Sergeant Preston]

Stay where you are. This cabin is guarded by the Thunderbird totem. And 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 torture 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.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Follow Sergeant. In name a Thunderbird.

[Narrator]

Sergeant.

[Ted Sheridan]

That ball of lightning struck a tree up on the hill.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

That tree fall aground Thunderbird strike.

[Sergeant Preston]

Listen. That's a man.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Three Fall on them.

[Sergeant Preston]

Follow me.

[Narrator]

The Indians 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 on the man.

[Sergeant Preston]

He's dead.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Thunderbird show power. When Toltec come back to village him call on Thunderbird to guard him. Now, Thunderbird kill man who shoot Toltec.

[Sergeant Preston]

We'll need the help of all your men to lift this tree.

[Narrator]

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]

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.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Why you.

[Ted Sheridan]

You dare?

[Sergeant Preston]

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

[Narrator]

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]

Unke talk.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Me see Thunderbird bring him back from land of dead.

[Sergeant Preston]

How are you feeling, Toltec?

[Ted Sheridan]

Ask him.

[Narrator]

A little later then the Indian boy's strength returned quickly. And that evening he was shown the body of the man who had tried to kill him.

[Ted Sheridan]

He recognized him.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

That one called Boris.

[Sergeant Preston]

And he was one of the men who took you prisoner. How many others were there?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

There're six more. All wear beard, like this man.

[Sergeant Preston]

And they plan to follow the professor.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Them say where professor go? Them go. When professor find gold, Them take and.

[Ted Sheridan]

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?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Ah, me tell all.

[Narrator]

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?

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

All set, Sergeant.

[Ted Sheridan]

Easy boy.

[Sergeant Preston]

Bye Angitak.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

All Indian wish you good luck.

[Sergeant Preston]

I have an idea we may need it.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

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.

[Sergeant Preston]

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.

[Angatak (Indian Chief)]

Russian Thunderbirds strike him down.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes, which means that as far as the Russian is concerned, this case is closed.

[Narrator]

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

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[Narrator]

My, what a story and how well Sergeant Preston knows the Indian legends about the Great Thunderbird and other totem bulls. 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.

[Totem Pole Expert]

The Northwest Indians carved these amazing totem poles from huge logs, carved them by.

[Narrator]

Hand using only such tools as beaver teeth, whalebone or sharp stones.

[Totem Pole Expert]

Yet some totem poles are as high.

[Narrator]

As 60ft tall and the carvings of birds, animals and strange looking creatures on them, or all painted in bright colors, tell fascinating stories about the Indians and their adventures.

[Totem Pole Expert]

And here's the thrilling part, the exciting news for you fellas and girls.

[Narrator]

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.

[Totem Pole Expert]

And Thunderbird is just one of five different totem poles that you can get a complete collection.

[Narrator]

The Thunderbird, the fight of the Land.

[Totem Pole Expert]

Otter, the Burial Pole, the Killer Whale.

[Narrator]

The Sun and Raven.

[Totem Pole Expert]

These five miniature totem poles are scale models 4 inches high, every one copied from real authentic totem poles that you would see today up in the great northwest.

[Narrator]

They're made of pressed wood, hand painted in beautiful bright colors.

[Totem Pole Expert]

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.

[Narrator]

First get a package of delicious Quaker puffed wheat or or Quaker puffed rice.

[Totem Pole Expert]

There are special new packages now at grocers which tell all about these totem poles.

[Narrator]

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.

[Totem Pole Expert]

You just check the totem poles you want and for every one you check, send 25 cents.

[Narrator]

And if you want the whole collection, you send only $1.

[Totem Pole Expert]

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.

[Narrator]

Then send 25 cents for each totem pole you want or $1 for the whole collection.

[Totem Pole Expert]

Send to Totem Poles, Box L, Chicago 77, Illinois.

[Narrator]

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.

[Totem Pole Expert]

What's more, if these aren't the most exciting miniature totem poles you ever saw, you get your money back.

[Narrator]

But there's no time to lose. The supply of these totem poles is limited.

[Totem Pole Expert]

Hurry and get special new packages of swell tasting Quaker popped wheat or rice.

[Narrator]

The box stop tells you just what to do. For any totem pole you want, don't wait.

[Totem Pole Expert]

Send right away to Totem Poles, Box L, Chicago 77, Illinois.

[Narrator]

And now here is Sergeant Preston, the.

[Sergeant Preston]

Man who tried to kill the Indian. Toltec must have known you're the son of Professor Sheridan who headed the expedition in search of Brooks gold.

[Ted Sheridan]

From what Toltec told us, a gang of Russians are following Dan and they seem to have others spying on us. I hope when we reach the Clowag village where the legendary and wonderful land otters totem pole is located that we.

[Sergeant Preston]

Big boulders coming down the slope.

[Narrator]

Take cover, quick. The curse which the Indians seem to think is hanging over the buried gold seems also to be hanging over Sergeant Preston and Ted Sheridan. Can they escape those who are trying to stop them from finding the lost expedition? 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 Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice, the breakfast cereal shot from GU.

[Aunt Jemima]

Hello folks, this is your friend Aunt Jemima. How long since you had pancakes Aunt Ya Mama Pancakes so light they melt in your mouth. Fix some tonight. They are the lightest pancakes ever because my Aunt Jemima pancake mix is now fluff whipped for extra lightness. Serve folk stacks of Aunt Ya Mama pancakes. Lightest pancakes anyone can bake. You just add milk and stir. Before you know it you're a serving up those Aunt Jemima light pancakes. Those golden stacks of butter melting pancakes folks can eat a morning, noon or night. There's nothing more tempting in this whole wide world that Angel Maima's Pancakes life and say have some for supper today.

[Narrator]

This is J. Michael wishing you goodbye, good luck and good good health from Quaker Popped Wheat and Quaker Popped Rice. So long. Listen tomorrow at this 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. Sam.

[Sergeant Preston]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines (Host)]

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 Become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-98-68739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Ted Sheridan]

Sam.