 The challenge of the Yukon. It's Yukon King. Swiftest and strongest lead dog of the Northwest. Placing the trail for Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mildred Police. In his relentless pursuit of lawbreakers. On King! On you husky! 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. It was King's barking that called the sergeant's attention to the young Indian lying beside the trail. He stopped the team at once. Well, it's K-like the chief son. Sergeant. What's the matter? I mean... You're real. We're not far from town. I'll get you to the doctors fast. No, I can't walk. That's all right. I'll carry you to the sled. It was the winter of 97 and the hospital hadn't been built yet. John Warren was the only doctor in town. And the sergeant drove directly to his cabin. It was nearly midnight and there was no light in the cabin. Hulking! But the door opened almost at once in response to the sergeant's knock. Sergeant Preston. I have a patient for you, doctor. Bring him in. I'll light the lamp. All right. His name's K-like. His father's Ranyu, the chief of the Beaver Rapids tribe. I found him lying beside the trail. He said he was in pain. Where? The stomach, I think. We'll get him undressed. Ranyu, haven't you had some trouble with him? Some, doctor. He didn't like the idea of some any white men coming up here. He's ruled the Beaver Rapids district like a king for years. But both K-like and his sister went to the mission school. The old man's getting used to her ways, huh? Any idea what's wrong with the boy? Yes, just open his shirt. There seems to be a swelling. It's appendicitis, acute. I'll have to operate. Will you stoke up the fire and put some water on the boil, sergeant? Of course. I'll get my instruments ready. There's no time to lose. The sergeant helped the doctor with his preparations. He held the Indian as the doctor gave him an anesthetic. But K-like was too weak to struggle. The doctor pointed out the instruments he would need and the sergeant stood by to hand them to him. The operation began. The doctor worked swiftly. He had nearly finished when King growled low in his throat. The sergeant turned to see what was the matter and saw a face at the window, the face of an Indian. It disappeared almost at once, and the sergeant turned back to the doctor. Is that it? Yes, all finished. Very neatly done. I'm afraid. Of what, doctor? Paratonitis. It was too late. There's a chance, but that's all. The sergeant and the doctor sat beside the young Indian all through the rest of the night. Toward morning, he roused a little. He twisted and turned, and then suddenly he tried to sit up. He cried out and slumped back. The doctor bent over him, listening for a heartbeat. No, sergeant, he's gone. Too bad. A few hours earlier, we might have saved him. New to do best, doctor. No one could have done more. It was too late. It won't be easy telling Ron you, but I suppose it'll be my job. You'll take the boy back to Beaver Rapids. Yes, but I can't go to Dale. I'll have to make the trip tomorrow. It's too bad. That was Monday morning. The sergeant left Dawson for Beaver Creek at noon the following day, and he reached Terry Mason's trading post only a few miles from Ronu's village at 7 o'clock that evening. OK. Terry heard the dogs and came out to greet the sergeants. Whoa, you're just in time for supper. Terry. Want me to give you a hand with the team? You're staying the night, aren't you? Why, thanks, but I can't even stay for supper. I'm driving on to the village. You think that's wise? Under the blanket, there, and Kailak. He died in Dawson yesterday morning, Terry, and taking him home. I heard about it. You did? How? Oh, it's cold, sergeant. Come inside for a minute. I don't understand. Come on. How did you hear about Kailak's death? A meerkat. An ordinary brother-in-law of the chiefs. He was in Dawson when Kailak died. He stopped here this morning on his way back to the village. Oh, well, I won't have to break the news to Ronu after all. No, but you'll have to explain. What had Kailak done that you had to kill him? Kill him? That's the way I got him from meerkat. You and a man in a white coat, that's all he would say. I suppose there'd been a fight. No, no, Terry. The boy had appendicitis. Dr. Warren operated on him, but he was too late to save him. Paratonitis had set in. It was a natural death? Yes, meerkat. I remember now. Remember what? I was helping the doctor during the operation. King started to growl at someone outside the cabin. It was an Indian at the window. Must have been meerkat. And he saw the doctor operating? Yes, he must have. The man in the white coat. He was wearing one, yes. Well, meerkat's story is that you and the doctor killed a boy. And that's something Ronu will believe. That we'd kill the boy for no reason? And the old chief used to call us white devils. Lately, he's learned to tolerate us, but he's never learned to trust us. Do you think you can make Ronu understand about operations? I'll have to try. Meerkat may understand. He probably knows that you and the doctor were trying to save Calak's life. But he'd like nothing better than to make trouble for the old chief. Make him do something foolish, get him thrown in jail. Then Meerkat would take over the leadership of the tribe. Sergeant, my advice to you is not to go near the village. I must. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. That's the old offer on you. He may kill you, Sergeant. I'll try it anyway. There's one chance of making him understand. Oh. To his daughter Tina. I don't know. He might listen to her. She's still at the village, isn't she? I suppose so. I haven't seen her lately. She worked in the hospital when she was going to school at Whitehorse. I'll be on my way, Terry. If you don't get back here by noon tomorrow, I'm going to send word to headquarters. With Tina's help, I think I may persuade the old chief his son wasn't murdered. Come on, King. It was less than an hour's trip from the post to the village. The sergeant traveled along the frozen surface of Beaver Creek as far as the rapids. Then it was necessary to take the trail through the forest. The Indian drums throbbed louder and louder as he neared the village. When the team emerged in the forest, the sergeant could see a great fire in front of the chief's lodge. The young men of the tribe were dancing around it. Boydance. The sergeant called on King for more speed, and a few minutes later, he drove into the circle of light cast by the great fire. The dance broke up at once. The braves crowded around him, but the sergeant paid no attention to them. He turned to Ronyu. Ronyu, I have brought your son home. He is dead. He is with Monito. Let me see. I'll show you. Mia cut the chief's brother-law, ran to the sled, threw back the blanket that covered Calock and opened his shirt. He pointed to the scar left by the operation. There mark left by White Man's knife. You have killed my son, Red Goat. No, Ronyu. The White Medicine man tried to save his life. He used the knife to set free the evil spirit in your son, but he was too late. White Man's lie. Spirit cannot be hurt by knife. The boy had appendicitis. You killed him. Ronyu, where is your daughter? Where is Tina? Tina will die too. Too? What do you mean? I tell you what he mean. Tina, sick. She sent Calock to Dawson for doctor. Instead, doctor killed him. You know he didn't, Mia cut. And Calock didn't have a chance to tell us about Tina. But you were in Dawson. Why didn't you? Nothing can save her. No. Calock and Tina turn away from their people. The gods are angry with them. Calock is dead. Tina will die. Where is she? I want to see her. No. Red coat must die too, Ronyu. It is will of God. Tina! She's in your lives, chief. I'm going in there. No. Stand aside. Tina, dare shoot. I don't want to, Ronyu, but I must see Tina. You heard your daughter let me past. The old chief stood firm for a moment. Then he turned slowly, opened the door and stepped aside. The sergeant brushed past him into the hut. Tina was lying on a pallet in the far corner. Tina. Sergeant, where is the doctor? I didn't bring him. We didn't know. Calock wasn't able to tell us that you were ill. You must get him. It's too late for me. Already I find it hard to breathe. But I could not keep the others away. They too will get it. The doctor must come quickly with serum. What's wrong, Tina? It will be epidemic. I am sure it is the diphtheria. You are sure, Tina? Yes. Bring the doctor. Well, if I can persuade your father to let me go. Why should he stop you? Because Miyakuta has persuaded him that the doctor and I killed your brother. He had appendicitis, Tina, and the doctor operated on him. But he died in spite of everything we could do. Poor Calock. I knew him not well. I wanted someone else go to Dawson. It was I who sent Miyakuta after him. Tell my father to come here. There he is now. As the chief entered the lodge, King slipped in behind him and trotted over to his master. Quiet boy. Father, come closer. What? What do you want? You must believe what I say. Ronio, believe what he sees. The sergeant and doctor are good men. They wish our people well. No. What Miyakuta has told you is not true. They did not kill my brother. I have seen Scar left by Doctor's knife. But he was trying to save Calock. No. Father, do you wish me to live? No, my Tina. There is only one person who can cure me. It is the doctor. You must let the sergeant go back to Dawson and bring him here. He will never come back if I let him go. I promise you, chief. No, you are my prisoner. If Tina dies, you will die. I have decided. This is Miyakuta's counsel. The white men will hang you if you commit murder. Their law is not my law. But they are stronger than you. It is time we fought against them. More of Miyakuta's counsel. The red coat is my prisoner. Wait a minute. I have an idea. I'll stay here, Ronio. I won't try to get away. But Sergeant... Here's my gun. I won't make any trouble. That is good. All I ask is that you let King carry a message to headquarters for me. Dog will carry a message to Dawson? Yes, he's been trained to do that. I'll write a note and attach it to his collar. He'll be at headquarters in four hours. The doctor should be here by morning if he leaves immediately. No. With medicine for Tina. No. No, I cannot read what you write. You will send for more red coats to save you. The doctor will come alone. My men will guard trails through forests. If others come with him, they will shoot to kill. The doctor will come alone. He too will be my prisoner. He too will die if Tina dies. All I ask is that you let me send the message. Right. The sergeant took out his notebook and began to write. As he did so, Tina whispered to him. This is not wise. I cannot live. You must, if you want to save your people. The doctor and you will be alone. If I die, me could persuade my father to carry out his threat. I promised the doctor would come here alone. I didn't promise that others wouldn't follow him. Then there will be much fighting. No. Forget about me. Later tonight, you must try to escape. I'm staying here. Hey, King. Steady boy. There. Headquarters, King. The inspector. Headquarters. Let him out, Ronyo. Go, King. Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. In Dawson at midnight, the inspector was roused by someone knocking on the door of his cabin. Who's there? Constable Downing, sir. Just a minute. Oh, is that King? Yes, sir. Come in. The sergeant sent him with a message here, sir. Have you read this? Just the first page. I saw it was urgent, sir. Quite right. I'll go and see the doctor at once. Now, don't worry, King. The sergeant will get some action. Ten minutes later, the inspector was reading the sergeant's message to Dr. Warren. So Ronyo believes that the doctor and I committed murder. The most serious part of the situation is that Tina has diphtheria. Other members of the tribe have been exposed. She's afraid there may be an epidemic in the village. She wants the doctor to bring serum. I'll start it once. Wait. I obtained Ronyo's permission to send for him. The chief insists that he must come along. That's all right. I know the way. You haven't heard what isn't all right. Listen. Now, the chief has sworn that if Tina dies, both the doctor and I will be executed. Ronyo is grief-stricken. It's entirely possible that he might try to carry out his threat, especially since me, a cut, is egging him on. It should be explained to the doctor. It's risky business. It doesn't matter. There's more. I've given up my weapon, and I'm being held as a sort of hostage. Irregular, I know, sir. But it was a solution that used the least time. The point is that I'm not in a position to give the doctor protection. But, doctor, he suggested I send a couple of men on ahead of you. Circle the woods where Ronyo will have guards posted. Take up the position on the ridge to the west of the village where they can see everything that's going on. Is it time to travel alone? It's entirely up to you, doctor. You'll be safe as long as Tina lives. If she does... Inspector, a doctor has just as much sense of duty as a member of the force. I'll get my bag packed, harness my team, and be on the trail in half an hour. I guessed what your answer would be. That's Constable Downey outside with our team. We'll be traveling ahead of you in just a moment. King's out here with the Constable. Here, King. Hello, King. Can I leave him with you, doctor? Can't miss the trail with him to guide you. No. You'll take me straight to your master, won't you, King? The sergeant watched beside Tina's pallet all through the night while Ronyo sat on another pallet in the far corner of the lodge. At daybreak, the sergeant rose to put more wood in the stove. As he closed the door, he noticed that the chief's head had fallen forward on his chest. Thinking he was asleep, he walked over to put a blanket around his shoulders. There was something about his breathing that made the sergeant put his hand to the chief's forehead. It was very hot. Gently, he eased him back on the pallet and covered him well with blankets. What is the matter, sergeant? Your father's ill, Tina. I was afraid. The doctor will be here soon. It will be too late for me. Don't say that. The membrane is forming in the throat. But sooner, I will not be able to breathe. Isn't there something I can do? Yes. If you have great courage. Anything, Tina. There is a bundle of goose quills on the shelf. It's like one of them. The strongest one. The snippet of the feathers. Got it to a length so long. Oh, I think I understand. The sergeant found the quills and prepared one as he had been instructed. He showed it to Tina. It is good. See, it is a tube. A tube such as the doctors use. Tina. In diphtheria, the membrane forms in the throat. It is impossible to breathe. You don't have to explain. I've seen the operation performed. It's called a turkeyotomy. You have small knife. Very sharp. Yes, but I'm not a surgeon, Tina. It's very simple operation. To insert the tube. That is all. I have seen a nurse do it. One does not have to be a doctor. The doctor should be there very soon. How soon? Go and see it. Is he coming now? The sergeant went to the door and looked out. The Indians were seated in a great circle around the campfire. Every face turned toward him. He looked toward the east, toward the forest. There was no sign of Dr. Warner. He closed the door. No, not yet. I cannot wait. If you will not do it, I must do it myself. Before it is too late. You can't do it yourself. Then please. Very well, Tina. I'll have to sterilize the quill. The sergeant made his preparations for the operation. Watching the terrible effort Tina was making to breathe. He had no choice. He must go through with it. And it was a simple operation for a doctor. He listened hoping to hear the sound of a dog team. There was only silence outside. At last he was ready and he knelt beside Tina. Then he suddenly realized Ronyu was sitting up. There was a gun in his hand. You murder Kailak. Now you kill Tina. No, Father. Ronyu, Tina has asked me to do this. It's her only chance. Do not stop him, Father. If you kill her, I shoot. All right, Chief. The sergeant turned once more to his task. He closed his eyes for a moment. A silent prayer welling in his heart. Then he went to work. His hands seemed to have acquired an independence of his brain. It seemed to him that some other force was directing their movements. And that he was watching them from a great distance. But the movements were swift and sure. And in a matter of seconds the operation had been completed. Almost at once Tina relaxed. As the life-giving air found a clear passage and flowed easily into her lungs, she slipped into a deep sleep. Tina, there was no answer. She is dead. No, Ronyu, she's tired. She's sleeping. You must try to do the same thing. You... you tell truth. I tell the truth, Ronyu. You're ill too. You must rest until the doctor gets here. I... I go to sleep. Good. The sergeant sat down by the stove and watched his two sleeping patients. An hour passed. He was nearly asleep himself when someone knocked on the door. The sergeant picked up the revolver that lay beside Ronyu's hand. He slipped it into his holster and opened the door. All the Indians in the village were gathered in front of the lodge. One of them stepped forward. Me, Bartok. What do you want, Bartok? Make talk with Ronyu. I can't talk with you now. He's sleeping. He has a fever. Uh, that's bad. Well, don't worry about it. The doctor will be here soon. He'll take care of him. Maybe white medicine man not get here. I'm sure he won't. Maybe white medicine man get killed on trail. Now, wait a minute. Ronyu gave his promise that he would not be hurt if he came here alone. Sergeant, Indian whole big council last night. All Indians say red coat not bad man. Last winter, them bring food when Indian starved. That's right. We're your friends. All Indians want peace with red coat. All Indians bought me a cut. What about me a cut? Him say white medicine man must not come village. Him go into woods. Him wait there. Him shoot medicine man. Meerkuts waiting there all by himself? Indian want Ronyu stop him. Ronyu can't. He's ill. Will you let me go after me a cut? No, sergeant. Indian want peace. Good. You're being wise. As the sergeant spoke, a volley of shots sounded from the woods to the east of the village. The next instant, a police whistle shrilled from the top of the ridge to the west. The sergeant turned and saw the inspector and constable Downey starting down the slope. Bartok, here come two more red coats. They're your friends too. Tell them I've gone after me a cut. Send them after me. Bartok do. The sergeant sprinted out of the village. When he reached the trail and cut through the forest, he slackened his pace a little. The firing still continued and it seemed to be coming from both sides of the trail. Two guns anyway. That means the doctor is still defending himself. Suddenly there was a rustling in the underbrush to the left. The sergeant stopped his gun ready but a moment later King burst into view. King old boy. Come on boy. Lead me to the doctor. King plunged back into the forest. The sergeant after him. A few minutes later, he saw the diner couched behind a huge pine. The sergeant dropped to the ground at the doctor's side. A warm reception. It's Meerkut. Is Tina dead? No. I thought when I heard that first shot... No, this is entirely Meerkut's idea. I'll give him a chance to surrender. Meerkut, drop your gun. You're under arrest in the name of the crown. There's your answer. The inspector and constable Downey will be coming along in a minute. As soon as you see them, warn them to take cover. Yes. What are you going to do? I'm going to cross the trail a little farther on and I'll circle around behind Meerkut. Come on King. After the sergeant crossed the trail, he started back toward Meerkut but suddenly the shooting stopped. He's seen the inspector and Downey trying to get away. Find him King. King understood. They were tracking the man who had tried to ambush the doctor. The great dog led the way deeper into the forest. The sergeant followed him for 10 minutes and then King crouched to the edge of a small clearing and growled. The sergeant waited with his gun ready. Someone was forcing his way through the underbrush and the far side of the clearing. It was Meerkut. He burst into the open and the sergeant stepped out the medium. Up with your hands. The Indian dropped to his knees. No, no, no. Not shoot. I'll take your gun. Rania, command me to shoot Doctor. That's a lie. I heard his orders. I swear. You can do your swearing before a judge. I'll get going. When Meerkut was marched into the village wearing handcuffs, the Indians broke into a cheer. The doctor went to work at once examining both Tina and her father. You performed a tracheotomy, sergeant. Tina asked me too. She couldn't breathe. Oh, apologize. Isn't it all right? She's breathing, isn't she? Hand me my case, please. I'm going to get them both in a shot of serum. After Rania and Tina were cared for by the doctor, he examined the other members of the tribe. He found symptoms of diphtheria in Bartok and another Indian. But they objected strongly to his using the hypotermic on him. No, no, Bartok. Feel good. Him not need medicine. No, no, no. The doctor looked at the sergeant. Take off your coat and roll up your sleeves, sergeant. You're going to give me a shot? You've been exposed more than anyone else, and I'm sure you'll set a good example. Yes, sir. The sergeant's example was all that was needed. The shots were given, and the doctor returned to his two critical patients. Late that afternoon, their condition improved, and the doctor allowed a suggestion from the sergeant to be carried out. The door of the lodge was opened. All the Indians were allowed to file past it. Tina and Rania smiled and waved at their people. That night, the drum sounded in the village once again. But this time, the Indians chanted a song of thanksgiving. Their chief and his daughter would recover. The inspector, the sergeant, Constable Downey and the doctor watched the scene from in front of the chief's lodge. They're happy that Rania and Tina won't die, but it seems to me they're even happier about getting rid of Meerkut. He's been a troublemaker for years. It'll be years before he bothers them again. You're charging him with attempted murder? That's right, doctor. Good enough. Now, about this charge against the sergeants. Against me? This practicing medicine without a license. What about that? Do you want to make a complaint, doctor? I think I should. I can't have everybody performing tracheotomies or there wouldn't be any business for me. Is that what he did? That's just what he did. And a good one, too. With the proper instruments, you might become serious competition, sergeant. I really think I... Doctor, will you forgive me if I promise never to do it again? Yes, sergeant, I will. Good. I released the patients into your care, doctor. As far as I'm concerned, this case is closed. Oh! In our next adventure, Red Hansen and some of his gang were in their hideout cabin when another of the gang returned from town. Hey, Red, that man you shot died. We'll all be hunted for murder. Stop worrying. You got the bank shipment. Can't face the robbery or killing us. But I saw Sergeant Preston and his dog coming to town a while ago. Preston, huh? Well, if he comes after us, there'll just be another killin' it's all. Sit down and forget about it. But Hansen gang is operating in the territory around Selkirk. Twice they have successfully committed robberies. The third time they struck, a man was killed. When Sergeant Preston and Yukon King finally pick up the trail of the gang, Preston may become a target for Red Hansen's bullets. Be sure to hear this next exciting adventure. These radio dramas, a feature of the challenge of the Yukon Incorporated, are created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Enterprises, directed by Fred Flower Day, and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of Sergeant Preston is played by Paul Sutton. The challenge of the Yukon is brought to you every Saturday and Sunday. This is J. Michael, wishing you good-bye and good luck until our next adventure. This program came from Detroit. Today's most popular heroes of outdoor adventure are heard every weekday afternoon from five to six o'clock. Tuesday and Friday, Mark Trail roams the wilderness. Clive Beatty defies the beasts of the jungle, and Victor Borga entertains with five minutes of musical laps. Tuesday and Thursday, there are the Indian heroes straight arrow riding to uphold justice. Sky King zooming to supersonic action, and Bobby Benson the cowboy kid in Tales of Western Daring. Listen to Mutual's hour for fun with Mark Trail, Clive Beatty, Victor Borga, straight arrow, Sky King, and Bobby Benson over most of these stations every afternoon. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.