Treacherous Journey | Challenge of the Yukon (01-08-52)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Episode: Treacherous Journey | Challenge of the Yukon (01-08-52)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: May 21, 2025

---

Introduction

In this gripping episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rines transports listeners to the unforgiving wilderness of the Yukon during the perilous days of the Gold Rush. The story centers around Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police, his loyal dog Yukon King, and a group of shipwreck survivors grappling with survival and betrayal in the harsh Arctic environment.

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The Wreck of the Mary D

The episode opens with a vivid narration setting the scene of the Yukon Territory, where the ship Mary D. is caught in a devastating summer storm in the Arctic Ocean. Fifteen survivors find refuge on a secluded island, including two fugitives from American justice, Jack McDowell and Huff Davis, who pose a significant threat to the group's cohesion and survival.

Notable Quote:

Sergeant Preston: "The Yukon Territory must be about 50 miles south of where we are. In two months, this whole sea will be a mass of ice."
[05:15]

---

Struggle for Survival and Rising Tensions

As the survivors confront their dire situation, tensions escalate. Sergeant Preston emphasizes the necessity of unity and hard work to salvage the wreckage and build a seaworthy boat. However, McDowell and Davis, feeling the strain of their circumstances, begin to undermine the group's efforts.

Notable Quote:

Sergeant Preston: "We must get all the wood and metal possible from the wreckage we salvage. It'll be washing up on the streets for days to come. Think we can build a boat before the summer's over, Clark? We must."
[05:34]

---

Betrayal Under the Arctic Stars

Late one night, driven by desperation and greed, McDowell and Davis seize the opportunity to betray their fellow survivors. They stealthily steal a significant portion of the food supplies and escape with the salvaged goods, setting course southward toward the Yukon shores. Their treachery leads them to encounter unsuspecting Indigenous hunters, whom they ruthlessly overpower and rob, leaving the community in disarray.

Notable Quote:

Huff Davis: "Don't kill them. They're no shape to make trouble. Just tie them up and leave them."
[08:19]

---

Sergeant Preston's Pursuit and Investigation

Sergeant Preston, renowned for his unwavering dedication, arrives at the Northwest Mounted Post in Pelly to discover the bodies of the murdered Indigenous hunters. Suspecting foul play, he deduces that McDowell and Davis are responsible for the heinous acts. Determined to bring justice, Preston embarks on a relentless manhunt, guided by the loyalty of Yukon King.

Notable Quote:

Sergeant Preston: "You think those two might have done this?"
[13:03]

---

Confrontation and Unraveling the Deception

The tension culminates when Preston intercepts McDowell and Davis near the LaRoche cabin. Presenting evidence from a forged letter that implicates them in illegal fur trading, Preston exposes their deceit. The confrontation reveals McDowell and Davis's true intentions and the extent of their betrayal, forcing them to face the consequences of their actions.

Notable Quote:

Sergeant Preston: "Our names, you answered, are yours, McDowell. You see, I'd heard them before at Pelly. Your shipmates were rescued from the island where you left them a week after you took their boat."
[26:39]

---

Resolution and Justice Served

With the truth laid bare, McDowell and Davis's schemes unravel, leading to their capture and the restoration of order. Sergeant Preston's unwavering commitment to justice not only brings the criminals to account but also reaffirms the values of integrity and solidarity essential for survival in the Yukon wilderness.

Notable Quote:

Sergeant Preston: "After knowing the crimes you two have committed, Hanging will be easy compared to what they might do to you. But my job is to hand you over to the authorities."
[27:38]

---

Conclusion

"Treacherous Journey | Challenge of the Yukon" masterfully blends adventure, drama, and moral lessons, encapsulating the essence of the Old Time Radio Westerns. Through Sergeant Preston's heroic pursuit and the harrowing experiences of the shipwreck survivors, listeners are reminded of the timeless struggle between good and evil, survival and betrayal, set against the breathtaking yet brutal backdrop of the Yukon.

---

Notable Quotes Compilation

• Sergeant Preston: "The Yukon Territory must be about 50 miles south of where we are. In two months, this whole sea will be a mass of ice."
  [05:15]

• Sergeant Preston: "We must get all the wood and metal possible from the wreckage we salvage. It'll be washing up on the streets for days to come. Think we can build a boat before the summer's over, Clark? We must."
  [05:34]

• Huff Davis: "Don't kill them. They're no shape to make trouble. Just tie them up and leave them."
  [08:19]

• Sergeant Preston: "You think those two might have done this?"
  [13:03]

• Sergeant Preston: "Our names, you answered, are yours, McDowell. You see, I'd heard them before at Pelly. Your shipmates were rescued from the island where you left them a week after you took their boat."
  [26:39]

• Sergeant Preston: "After knowing the crimes you two have committed, Hanging will be easy compared to what they might do to you. But my job is to hand you over to the authorities."
  [27:38]

---

Join Us Next Time

Stay tuned for more adventures in the Wild Northwest with Sergeant Preston and Yukon King on the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast. Don't forget to like, rate, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on Facebook and YouTube for exclusive content.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode 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 Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice, the breakfast cereal shot from guns present Sergeant Preston of the Yukon. It's Yukon King, swiftest and strongest lead dog of the Northwest, blazing the trail for Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police in his relentless pursuit of lawbreakers. On King.

[Sergeant Preston]

On you Huskies.

[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 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.

[Advertiser 1]

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[Narrator]

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. The Quaker makes the one shot from gun. And say, fellas and girls, what a super idea for breakfast tomorrow morning. Yes, a heaping bowl full of the ones shot from guns. Quaker puffed rice or Quaker puffed wheat. Then cover them with milk or thick, rich yellow cream. Top them with sliced bananas or other fruit. And man, oh, man, the very sight of it makes your mouth water. So get ready for that super treat. Get delicious, crisp Quaker puffed rice and Quaker puffed wheat on your mom's shopping list right away.

[Sergeant Preston]

Watch out. We're going to plan.

[Narrator]

When the ship Mary D. Was wrecked in a summer storm in the Arctic Ocean. Among the 15 survivors who found safety on an island were two fugitives from American justice traveling as sailors. They were Jack McDowell and Huff Davis. Unable to cope with the immediate situation, they joined their fellow seamen, all of whom had said prayers of thanksgiving for their deliverance. First Mate Clark spoke to the group shores.

[Sergeant Preston]

The Yukon Territory must be about 50 miles south of where we are. In two months, this whole sea will be a mass of ice. But in two months we'll be dead unless we do something about our situation. What can we do, Clark? Lot of things, Jackson. We've already seen that some of the food supplies have been washed ashore. That's right.

[Joe LaRoche]

There's boxes of arm tack and pemmican off the beach. Ya bit.

[Sergeant Preston]

I know. We must get all the wood and metal possible from the wreckage we salvage. It'll be washing up on the streets for days to come. Think we can build a seaworthy boat before the summer's over, Clark? We must. Therefore, we will. And we work every hour of the day, all of us. That means you, McDowell. And you too, Davis. Yeah. If you don't work, you don't leave with us. You're no good, either of you. Too bad they didn't drown.

[Huff Davis]

Let's see here, you scrubby little.

[Sergeant Preston]

That goes for the rest of you too. Lay off McDowell and Davis.

[Joe LaRoche]

When the ship was found and they.

[Sergeant Preston]

Weren'T helping to Simon, I saw Davis and the captain's quarters going through his strong box. Ah, that's a filthy lie. You step out and I'll bash your head in. Come on, Davis. Get back, Jackson. CD you does back, Davis. Lay off that stuff, Patty. I'm just saying what I saw. Maybe I did see Davis stealing from the captain's strongbox. That's something we'll take up after we reach the Mainland. Right now, we got to stick together, all of us.

[Narrator]

Working together and. Using wood and metal salvaged from the wrecked Mary D, the survivors completed a seaworthy open boat before. Before the summer was over.

[Sergeant Preston]

Boys, we've done it. There's only a little food left. It'll last us long enough. Let's hope. We'll set out for the mainland in the morning. Now, get plenty of sleep.

[Narrator]

Late that night, while their toil worn shipmate slept the sleep of exhaustion, Jack McDowell and Huff Davis crept silently to the spot where the food supplies were kept.

[Huff Davis]

They're dead to the world, Huff, but be careful.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hey, don't worry about me. Let's hurry up.

[Narrator]

The two men moved a goodly part of the food supplies to the boat. In less than an hour's time, they entered the boat and rode off into the Arctic Sea. Using the stars as their guide, they steered their course southward toward the Yukon shores. Days passed. Guided by the sun and stars, the two crooks made their way to the shores of the Yukon Territory. Three days later, the two men met two Indians crossing a marshy wasteland. The Indians, surprised, gave directions in sign language and shared some of their food with the derelicts. McDowell and Davis repaid the kindness by attacking and overcoming the Indians. Don't let him get away.

[Sergeant Preston]

There you are. All right, you.

[Narrator]

The Indians, taken by surprise, were knocked out before they could defend themselves. McDowell looked at the two of them as they lay on the ground.

[Huff Davis]

Don't kill them. They're no shape to make trouble. Just tie them up and leave them. Some other Indians will probably pick them up later on.

[Sergeant Preston]

They haven't got much to eat in these sacks of theirs.

[Huff Davis]

Well, it gives us more than we had before.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yeah. Hey, you want some now?

[Huff Davis]

Yeah. You know, we had a. You feel that?

[Sergeant Preston]

Yeah. It's snow. Hey, Jack, what is this? It's still summer.

[Huff Davis]

Yeah, but this is the Arctic. This isn't good, Huff. We have no sleds or snowshoes. Never mind each. Now we gotta get started south.

[Narrator]

Two weeks passed. Two weeks in which the early snows covered the ground north of the Klondike. Sergeant Preston and his sled and dogs, heading toward the Pelly river, approached the isolated cabin of Joe LaRoche. Joe, a hunter and trapper, had continued to seek and find otter long after the Russians had given up that once valuable pursuit. Ho, you Huskies.

[Sergeant Preston]

Honor.

[Narrator]

The Frenchman was standing in the doorway, waving his arms in happy salute as King rushed from the sled to give a happy greeting to the man.

[Joe LaRoche]

Oh, my friend, King. Hello. Hello. You Wonderful.

[Jack McDowell]

Dog King's glad to see you again, Joe. So am I. How are you?

[Joe LaRoche]

Oh, Sergeant, what a pleasure. How good to shake your hand once more. And how nice to pat the fur of an animal who is a friend instead of a quarry.

[Jack McDowell]

Judging by the furs I see from here, you're having a fine season, Joel.

[Joe LaRoche]

The best, Sergeant. The best ever. How stupid those Russian were to go away and leave all these otter for Joe Laroche to capture. How stupid. And how good for me.

[Jack McDowell]

How's your wife? Well, I hope.

[Joe LaRoche]

Oh, Sergeant, she too has never been better. But come inside and meet her. She will not say much, but you will see by her eyes that she is happy to greet her friend in the red coat. Come in, come in. Oh, Annie, Annie. Look, Annie, Two friends have come to say hello.

[Narrator]

Annie. Jo's wife was a Siwash Indian, Beautiful in her way, and very shy. She greeted Sergeant Preston with a timid smile and downcast eyes.

[Joe LaRoche]

Annie, say hello to the sergeant. Then we cook for him the good salmon which only today I have caught myself. Say hello, Annie.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hello, mon special.

[Jack McDowell]

You're looking well, Mrs. LaRoche. You talk more and more like Joe each time I see you.

[Joe LaRoche]

That is funny, no? She talk English more like French than she talk it like Siwash. So you think she look good now, eh, Sergeant?

[Jack McDowell]

I meant what I said, Joe.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, sure.

[Joe LaRoche]

But when October come, then you should see how she look wee. How wonderful she will look.

[Narrator]

How happy too.

[Joe LaRoche]

Will I look wee? How wonderful.

[Jack McDowell]

Well, what's going to happen then, Joel?

[Joe LaRoche]

I am give up this life. No more will Joe Laroche seek the fur. When the fur merchant in Sitka buy my beautiful skins, Jolar Roach will be a rich man. Then I retire. My auntie and me, we live like King and Queen. Annie, when she giggle like that, she mean yes. Annie, you start for to cook that fish for the sergeant, huh? When she giggle like that, that means she gets salmon ready.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston dined with Joe Laroche and his wife, then prepare to leave.

[Jack McDowell]

I'm heading for the post at Pelly, Joe. We'll be back in two or three weeks. If you haven't set out for White Horse and Sitka by then, I'll see you.

[Joe LaRoche]

Oh, you promise that, Sergeant? We look for you.

[Jack McDowell]

I promise, Joe. Up front, King.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right. On, King. On, you hussy.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, as Sergeant Preston continued his journey, two men unknown to him sat in the shelter of a small cave they had found a few miles to the west. Jack McDowell, shivering, looked out at the snow drifts piled up A short distance away.

[Jack McDowell]

Hey, Huff.

[Huff Davis]

Snow or no snow, we can't stay here any longer. We'll be shut in tight weather drifts. We'll never get out. You know, it's a good thing we took those furs from the Indians. Those who'd be goners by now.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yeah, soon as I rub my feet a bit, we get out of this trap and head south again. I'll be ready in a few minutes.

[Narrator]

At the Northwest Mounted Post in Pelly, a week later, Sergeant Preston saw the bodies of the two Indians carried in and placed on the floor. Constable hall reported it's murder.

[Jack McDowell]

Two of them were tied hands and.

[Sergeant Preston]

Feet and left lying where I found them. Another day and the snow would have covered them.

[Jack McDowell]

Who would have done a thing like that?

[Sergeant Preston]

White men, certainly.

[Jack McDowell]

That's not an Indian trick. Constable, were there any clues? Any trail near the bodies?

[Narrator]

None.

[Sergeant Preston]

You're thinking of something, Sergeant. I can tell you are. Whenever you squint your eyes like that. You have some idea about this?

[Jack McDowell]

Only faintly. I was thinking about that reporter showed me a few days ago. One Constable Henry brought down from the Circle base. About the men that were picked up on Far Island. That's right. Two of their comrades stole their boat, they said, and their food. Heading for Yukon's shores.

[Sergeant Preston]

You think those two might have done this?

[Jack McDowell]

Why not? Men who would do what they did to their shipmates are capable of any rotten thing. Constable, I'm starting south at once. If those men are still alive, I'll find them. What are their names? McDowell and Davis. McDowell and Davis. Constable, if they're alive, I'm going to get them.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our adventure in just a moment.

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[Narrator]

Hey, wake up.

[Sergeant Preston]

Come and get em.

[Narrator]

They're shot from gun.

[Sergeant Preston]

Hey. I was asleep what's going on? Who's shooting up the place?

[Narrator]

Why don't you Yukon lumberjacks know that's one of the best alarm clocks there is?

[Jack McDowell]

But I heard gunshots.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir, For a real wake up breakfast this morning, you're getting the swell tasting cereal shot from guns, huh? Take your choice of Quaker puffed wheat or Quaker puffed rice. You see, we load huge guns with choice sun ripened premium grains of rice or wheat. Then they're exploded. Out come big giant grains eight times normal size. They're magnified, crispified, shot through and through, with bang up nut like flavor too. That's why Quaker puff rice and Quaker puffed Wheat are so good to eat. Well, doggone. And for breakfast, lunch or supper, all you do is pour out a bowl full right from the package. No cooking. Just add milk or cream and top with your favorite fruit. Man, oh man, my appetite's waken up already. And what's more, Quaker puff rice and wheat are nourishing for you lumberjacks and all. Hard working, hard playing folks. They furnish added food values of restored natural grain, amounts of vitamin B1, niacin and iron.

[Jack McDowell]

Hey, I'll wake up pronto for this.

[Narrator]

Here shot from guns breakfast any day. And that's a tip for you fellas and girls too. Start your day every day with a bang up breakfast of delicious crisp Quaker puffed rice or Quaker Puffed wheat. Now to continue. Joe LaRoche had packed his furs and readied the food supply he and his wife would need for their journey south to Whitehorse and was now harnessing his teeth.

[Sergeant Preston]

But Joe. Joe.

[Narrator]

At that moment, Joe's wife came to him.

[Joe LaRoche]

Annie, why do you come here like this? You will catch cold.

[Sergeant Preston]

Jo, you come. Men come. Me look outdoor. Me seamen come.

[Narrator]

You look.

[Sergeant Preston]

You see. Men come. You see, eh?

[Narrator]

Joe gazed in the direction of his wife's pointing finger. About a quarter of a mile away, he could see two men, their figures black against the virgin white background. Sacre.

[Joe LaRoche]

What is this? Two men alone in such weather as this, without dog or sled.

[Sergeant Preston]

Joe see.

[Narrator]

One fall.

[Joe LaRoche]

He fall. All right, Annie, you go back to the cabin. Make fire big, cook fast. Some soup and meat, oui? I go to these men who fall in snow. Henri, Jacques, all of you, we go after these men.

[Sergeant Preston]

Come on, you dogs.

[Narrator]

Joe LaRoche found Jack McDowell and Huff Davis and carried them back to his cabin. By some devilish miracle, they had survived a journey through snow and the terrible pangs of hunger. Joe and his wife revived the men, treating their Numbed limbs and applying homemade medications. Then they fed them and gave them their beds in which to sleep.

[Joe LaRoche]

Annie is lucky we find them before it is too late. We must see that they live. So we stay here for day or week until they are better. No.

[Sergeant Preston]

You say, Joe, we stay.

[Joe LaRoche]

I know you say that, Annie. We make them better and strong. You bet.

[Narrator]

Five days passed. Five days in which the constant care shown by Joe and his wife brought McDowell and Davis from the door of death to a now very animated life.

[Joe LaRoche]

Oh, it's good to see you eat like that.

[Sergeant Preston]

Are you sure you haven't got anything to drink around here?

[Joe LaRoche]

I assure you, as I have done since you asked first yesterday, I have not. The wine I used to revive you was all I had.

[Sergeant Preston]

Wine? You hear that, Jack? Who likes wine?

[Joe LaRoche]

I assure you, monsieur, if it had not been for wine, you would not be alive to complain about it. Oh, I am sorry. I do not.

[Sergeant Preston]

Ah, shut up. Maybe I'll have some more to eat after all. Hey, Annie, give me some more of that meat.

[Joe LaRoche]

Annie, you stay there. Monsieur Davis, you will not speak to my wife like that.

[Sergeant Preston]

What? Look, I'll speak to that squaw any way I want you to be.

[Narrator]

Dog.

[Sergeant Preston]

How dare you.

[Joe LaRoche]

You insult my wife.

[Narrator]

McDowell threw his ar around Joe, holding him as Davis leap from his chair.

[Sergeant Preston]

That's it, Jack. Hold him. Hold him while I get a hunk of firewood. No, no.

[Narrator]

Let go of me.

[Sergeant Preston]

Said slug him. He's breaking loose. This will do it.

[Narrator]

McDowell stepped back and let Joe fall to the floor from the impact of a short piece of firewood.

[Huff Davis]

Look at him. How cool.

[Sergeant Preston]

For what you do to my joy, I kill. Hey, Jackson's got a gun. Give me that. Get out of here.

[Huff Davis]

Thanks, Huff. I didn't see her go for that gun. We'll leave them and take the furs. Joe said these furs are worth more than gold. Take them to Sitka and sell them. The buyers are in this time of the year. You heard Joe say that.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yeah, but maybe you don't know something, Jack, about trapping and about selling the skins. Amani's give you a license to do that. Something you gotta pay for.

[Huff Davis]

Well, we'll get around that. I don't know much about furs, but I read where some trappers have agents to sell their stuff to the buyers. We're going to be agents for Joe LaRoche, huh? You don't believe that, huh? You'll see when he comes to.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later, when Joe LaRoche revived, McDowell stood over him with pointed Gun. Joe looked past the menacing revolver to where Annie lay in the corner, bound hand and foot.

[Joe LaRoche]

You monsters. What have you done to my wife?

[Huff Davis]

Nothing yet. We'll do plenty if you refuse to do what he say.

[Sergeant Preston]

Jack's talking. The truth will kill her. Unless.

[Joe LaRoche]

Unless what?

[Huff Davis]

Unless you write us a letter addressed to the Mahdi saying we're your agents and that you've given us a furs to sell for you in Sitka.

[Joe LaRoche]

Messieurs, my wife is more dear to me than all the money in the world. Spare her and I shall do as you say.

[Narrator]

Jo laroche wrote a letter addressed to Canadian authorities, naming the two men as his selling agents, but using on their instructions false names instead of their true ones. When they had the letter, Joe was bound and gagged and placed in the corner of the cabin with his wife. A few minutes later, after the sled was filled with LaRoche's furs and the trapper's entire food supply, McDowell and Davis started supper.

[Huff Davis]

Come on, you butch.

[Jack McDowell]

Get yours.

[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston, heading south, had passed Joe LaRoche's cabin a few miles to the west. Then a sudden thought came to him. Hulking.

[Sergeant Preston]

How are you?

[Jack McDowell]

Hushed you, boy.

[Narrator]

He stopped his sled and spoke to King as if the dog were human.

[Jack McDowell]

King, I almost forgot. I promised Joe LaRoche I'd drop by his cabin on the way back to Whitehorse. Perhaps he's already gone. But if he hasn't, there's a chance he may have seen the men we're trailing. Tell you what. Let's turn east by north and go there. Up front, boy.

[Sergeant Preston]

All right.

[Narrator]

On King. Sergeant Preston and his team were halfway to the LaRoche cabin when suddenly King began to bark.

[Jack McDowell]

What is it, King?

[Narrator]

The sergeant looked off to the northeast and saw a sled and dogs heading directly south. As he approached the oncoming team from an angle, he recognized the dogs as Those of Joe LaRoche.

[Jack McDowell]

Looking.

[Narrator]

Jack McDowell and Huff Davis were alarmed when they saw the dog team approaching from the southwest. Now, as the man driving that sled stopped it and walked toward them, McDowell put his hand in the pocket of his parker and fingered the gun there. Preston spoke first.

[Jack McDowell]

Hello. I saw the dogs and thought for a moment that you were Joe LaRoche.

[Huff Davis]

Oh, you did, eh? Well, you see we're not, don't you?

[Jack McDowell]

Those are Joe's dogs you're driving.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yeah, they are. What about it?

[Jack McDowell]

What are you doing with them? Where's Joe?

[Huff Davis]

What's it, two years?

[Jack McDowell]

I'm asking a civil question which I have A right to ask. Who are you two? I don't believe I know you.

[Sergeant Preston]

We don't want to know you. Now get out of the way.

[Huff Davis]

Yeah, you want to know who we are? This will show you.

[Narrator]

Don't spite my arm.

[Jack McDowell]

Not biting, just holding. I'll take that gun, mister. Get out of my way.

[Huff Davis]

Get away your mutton.

[Jack McDowell]

I said I'll take that gun. That's it. All right, King. Don.

[Huff Davis]

Boy, look at what he did to the sleeve in my pocket.

[Jack McDowell]

Serves you right. Two of you stand together. You get over here beside your partner.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yeah, all right. I'm doing it.

[Jack McDowell]

I'm Sergeant Preston, Northwest Mounted Police. I'm looking for two men who left their shipmates to die on an island. Say, are we glad land.

[Huff Davis]

We didn't know who you were, Sergeant. We thought perhaps you were one of those two fellows.

[Jack McDowell]

What is this? How would you know about them?

[Huff Davis]

Roach told us about them. Hey barged in on him a few days ago. They took some food from him and started out for 60 mile, huh, Pete? That's where they told him they were going, isn't he?

[Sergeant Preston]

Huh? Oh, yeah, yeah, that's right. Ed said they were going a 60 mile.

[Jack McDowell]

Now, you make it sound interesting, but let me see your identification.

[Huff Davis]

Sure, sure. Be glad to. We just got here yesterday from Whitehorse. We're old friends of Joe's, acting as agents for them. Here you are. Here's our letter of agency.

[Sergeant Preston]

You see, Joe sent for us to come up and get his furs. That's why we have him here in his sled. His dogs, too. He made us use them.

[Huff Davis]

Yeah, he made us use them. They're fresher than ours. We left ours at his place.

[Sergeant Preston]

His wife is sick. That's why he sent for us, huh, Ed?

[Huff Davis]

That's right, Pete.

[Jack McDowell]

Let me finish reading this, please. Oh, I see. Pete Bradley and Ed Martin. That's your names, eh?

[Huff Davis]

Yeah, yeah.

[Jack McDowell]

Fur agents from Sitka, are you?

[Huff Davis]

That's right.

[Sergeant Preston]

Yes. See what it says there in the letter, don't you?

[Jack McDowell]

Yes. I recognize Yo LaRoche's signature, too. You're handling all his seal, Marten and Finch skins, it says here.

[Huff Davis]

Yeah, he has a great collection of them.

[Jack McDowell]

Mind if I look at them?

[Huff Davis]

No, no, go right ahead. Oh, open the canvas for him. Sure.

[Sergeant Preston]

Take a look at him, Sergeant.

[Narrator]

Thanks. Sergeant Preston walked to the sled, placing the letter in his pocket with his left hand. He looked at the revolver in his right hand and pocketed that, too.

[Jack McDowell]

I'll not have to use this, I imagine.

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, no. It's funny. How? We thought you were one of those fellas you're looking for, isn't it?

[Jack McDowell]

Yes, isn't it?

[Sergeant Preston]

Look at those furs. Nice, huh?

[Jack McDowell]

Yeah, it's great. Those Martin skins are the best I've seen.

[Sergeant Preston]

Well, that's what we said, didn't we, Ed?

[Huff Davis]

Just what we said, Pete. We ought to make a lot of money for Jewel with these, huh, Sergeant?

[Jack McDowell]

Yes, you want to. I like those Finch skins, too.

[Huff Davis]

Yeah? Yeah, but in the Martin, I think. Well, is everything all right now?

[Jack McDowell]

Yes. This letter's told me all I wanted to know. Good.

[Huff Davis]

Let me have it back then. And my gun.

[Jack McDowell]

Here's the letter. Wait like. Get the gun out of my pocket. There you are.

[Huff Davis]

Thanks, Sergeant. We'll be getting along. You coming, Pete?

[Sergeant Preston]

Oh, sure, Ed. So long, Sergeant.

[Jack McDowell]

So long.

[Narrator]

Preston watched both men rearrange the canvas and walk to the back of the sled. Vax turned to him. Then he called.

[Jack McDowell]

Just a minute, McDowell.

[Huff Davis]

Yeah, what is it?

[Narrator]

Hey, he said, McDonald.

[Jack McDowell]

And he answered. Gentlemen, your little game's up.

[Huff Davis]

No, it's not. You forgot you gave me back my gun.

[Jack McDowell]

No, I didn't. Go ahead and shoot.

[Huff Davis]

Yes, I am.

[Narrator]

You no. Good thing.

[Jack McDowell]

Don't bother, boy. That gun isn't going to fire, McDowell. I removed the bullets while I had it in my pocket. This gun I have is loaded, though. Raise your hands.

[Sergeant Preston]

Mine are up, they see.

[Huff Davis]

Yeah. Mine truly. How did you know?

[Jack McDowell]

Our names, you answered, are yours, McDowell. You see, I'd heard them before at Pelly. Your shipmates were rescued from the island where you left them a week after you took their boat.

[Sergeant Preston]

Rescued?

[Jack McDowell]

I'll take you to Dawson instead of Whitehorse. That's where they've been sent by boat. They'll be waiting for you. As for the two Indians you murdered, we didn't murder them.

[Sergeant Preston]

We just tied them and left them.

[Jack McDowell]

Then it was you. Thanks for telling me what I wanted to know. The charge will be murder because they both died.

[Huff Davis]

Davis, you blabbering fool.

[Jack McDowell]

LaRoche knew you weren't fur experts. He made your capture an easy thing.

[Sergeant Preston]

Larouche did?

[Narrator]

How?

[Jack McDowell]

In that letter he wrote for you.

[Narrator]

He said you were his agent for.

[Jack McDowell]

Selling seal marten and finch skins. The only skins on the sled were otter. And by the way, finch is a bird. I didn't see any bird pelts on the sled.

[Sergeant Preston]

That double crossing Frenchman. We should have killed him.

[Jack McDowell]

You didn't. I'm glad to hear that. We'll go back to his cabin then. He'll make a good witness against you. Before they hang you.

[Huff Davis]

Are we going back there?

[Jack McDowell]

You'll drive Joe's sled. I'll drive behind you ready to shoot if you make a false move. And my dog King will see that you don't too. Right, King?

[Huff Davis]

They shot you the first time. If it wasn't for that dog.

[Jack McDowell]

You know, a lot of people have said that.

[Sergeant Preston]

Those fellows from the ship. They'll kill us if they get near us. You won't let them, will you?

[Jack McDowell]

I'd like to. After knowing the crimes you two have committed, Hanging will be easy compared to what they might do to you. But my job is to hand you over to the authorities. After I've done that, as far as I'm concerned, this case is closed.

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[Narrator]

Sergeant Preston will return in just a moment with a word about our next exciting adventure. All aboard for your best buy. Yes, get aboard. Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice for your best cereal buy. All aboard for your best buy in flavor. Every trip from the bowl to the lip gives your family one spoonful after another of the toasty nut like flavor of good natural grain. The sun ripened natural flavor that Mother Nature put into it. Those premium grains of wheat and rice are never coated with factory sweeteners as you mothers well know. Some of your family like their cereal not so sweet. Some like it ever so sweet. And here's the beauty of Quaker Puffed Rice and Quaker Puffed Wheat. Your family can sweeten them with sugar to suit their own special taste. To enjoy the bang up toasty flavor of the ones shot from guns. Yes, they're exploded up to eight times normal size to make them extra crisp and tender. All aboard for your food Daniel special. You're on the right track for nourishment too. When you Get Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice because they give your family extra food values of restored natural grain amounts of vitamin B1, niacin and iron. So at your store tomorrow, reach for the big red and blue packages with the sealed inner lining that keeps them crisp as candy. That's the original, the one and only Quaker Popped Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice. Four delightful breakfast treats the whole family enjoys. And now, here is Sergeant Preston.

[Jack McDowell]

Sergeant Preston reporting for duty.

[Sergeant Preston]

Inspector Sergeant Dr. Tom Granite resigned from the force a few weeks ago. Now, I've had word that he's committed a murder.

[Jack McDowell]

Well, that's incredible, sir.

[Sergeant Preston]

Nevertheless, I must assign a man to bring him in.

[Jack McDowell]

I don't envy the man who draws the assignment.

[Sergeant Preston]

The assignment is yours. Sergeant Tom Granite is guilty. He must be tried for murder.

[Narrator]

As Sergeant Preston begins the manhunt for his friend, he faces one of the most difficult assignments of his career. In spite of the testimony of eyewitnesses, Preston believes the former policeman is innocent. 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 Tuesday and Thursday at this same time by Quaker Puff Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice. The breakfast cereal shot from gu.

[Aunt Jemima]

Hello, folks. This is your friend Aunt Jemima. Do you love pancakes? Golden, tender, light pancakes? Then try Aunt Jemima Pancakes. You see, my Aunt Jemima pancake mix is now fluff whipped to give you the lightest pancakes ever. Lighter even than homemade. Yes, Aunt Jemima pancakes are so light, they are digestible as toast. Try these extra light Aunt Jemima Pancakes. Piping hot and running with good butter and syrup. Mmm. As the old song goes. What do most folks love to eat?

[Narrator]

Pancakes. Pancakes.

[Aunt Jemima]

What kind are the biggest treat? Aunt Jemima's arms. Aunt Jemima Pancakes. Extra, extra, extra light. Easy to fix with my pancake mix. Have some this very night. Thank you, folks.

[Narrator]

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 J. Michael wishing you goodbye, good luck and good health from Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice. So long. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System, SA.

[Sergeant Preston]

Foreign.

[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 or become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands Steve Technogod and Craig who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

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