 The challenge of the Yukon It's Yukon King swiftest the strongest leap dog of the Northwest Placing the trail for Sergeant Preston of the Northwest modern police in his relentless pursuit of lawbreakers 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 The weather out of Oregon had been rough and it wasn't until the steamship Portland Approach the dock at Skagway that the passengers could come on deck a young man whose clean-cut features were a light with eagerness Strip beside an older man whose clerical color marked him as a minister Side-by-side at their feet were two pieces of luggage of very similar design The boy grinned as he looked at the bags then turned to the man next to him That's right, sir Peterson's my name minds Bob Kelly, but I'm glad to know you noticed you as we came aboard ship I noticed you too Reverend Fact is the steward almost gave you my bag instead of your own We must have bought our luggage in the same shop. Well, did you get yours in Seattle? Yes, did you yes? My old was about to fall apart and I needed a bag with a sturdy lock on it for this trip I've got most of my money in mind. We do have a lot in common Are you going to Alaska or the Yukon? I'm heading for Dawson Hey docky, yes, but it'll be a few minutes before we're able to go ashore. So this is Skagway You know anything about Dawson Reverend Peterson. Well, I know the town very well. I lived there for years Now I'm going back to build a church But what about you Bob? Are you intending to look for gold? No, I'm going to try to prove something to my dad My father is a Horace Kelly the newspaper publisher. You've heard of him. He's very well-known He's too well-known. I figure I'm old enough to be on my own But dad wants me to go to college and study journals. How old are you Bob? 18? I'm an artist Dad admits I'm pretty good and he's offered to get me a job But I want to make my own reputation without trading on his. How do you plan to do it in the Yukon? It's a colorful blaze isn't it Reverend Peterson? I Guess you couldn't call it that Jack London and Bob's service are there getting material for books I ought to be able to get material for my work Maybe I can get a job in a newspaper cartoony or something. Well, I wish you luck Bob If you need help look me up. I know quite a few people in time. That's kind of you I want to make my own Dad said as soon as I spent my money, I'd cable it. I want to accomplish as much as I can without help keep in touch with me Anyway, I may need the services of a good artist who sketch plans for the church Well Bob, you better pick up your bag. There are no porters in Skagway to carry it for you You'll find it different from Seattle Passengers on the steamship Portland swept past Bob on the deck as they surged on the gangplank from the boat to the dock In the excitement Reverend Peterson picked up Bob's bag instead of his own and with the confusion Bob didn't even notice it You'd better hustle and get on the ride Bob gripped the bag Reverend Peterson left this item and then he was caught in the mall He looked for a strength of minister and saw him hurrying down the gangplank Unknown to Reverend Peterson two men waited on the dock for him two passengers from the steamship Portland Who had murder in their hearts? It was several weeks later when Sergeant Preston reported to Inspector Maynard at Mounted Police headquarters in Dawson Like a sir, where's King outside waiting for me, sir Did you learn anything important about Peterson's murder while you and Skagway Sergeant? I didn't learn much inspector came in on the steamship Portland. They must have been killed soon after landing Curious coincidence. How's that sir son of a friend of mine came to Skagway on the same boat Two confidence men were passengers on the Portland to sir Apparently they caused quite a bit of trouble during the trip. What kind of trouble usual kind crooked card games Who are they sergeant on the passenger list? They were listed as Jim Loomis and Sam Norton I haven't heard of them before they're not wanted for anything sir. I understand they were heading for Dawson Do you think that they're connected with Peterson's death? I've been thinking along that line, but I can't report anything definite You have no clues then sergeant. No, sir I know Peterson was carrying a large sum of money to finance a church here in town But neither the money nor his luggage can be found have you released the news of the murder to the public not yet Of course people are coming to Dawson's from Skagway every day Someone will probably bring word of it with them. I wish we could keep the story quiet for a while Yes to make it easier for me to continue my investigation. I don't want Loomis and Norton to know I'm looking for them They assume other names you'll have trouble finding them in Dawson. Yes, sir. I know I'm watching for big spenders. They must have Peterson's money Keep working on the case sergeant and by the way if you do see the boy I spoke of a few minutes ago keep an eye out for him. Will you of course, sir? What's his name Bob Kelly? His father's Horace Kelly an old friend of mine newspaper publisher in the States isn't he? Yes, I have a cable from him here He wants us to see the Bob stays out of trouble and if necessary lend the boy money to come home He says I'll reimburse you and so on and so he must be quite worried about his son boy It sounds like he's a chip off the old block Sergeant did I ever tell you about the time Horace and I were on cemetery Ridge at Gettysburg? No, sir. It's quite a story sergeant young Bob has a fraction of his father's courage. He'll be all right. Oh, that's fine Good be willing to bet my commission that he wouldn't ask for help no matter how much he needed it And if Horace mentioned my name to him Probably do his best to keep me from learning about his circumstances. The boy needs money, sir He could cable his father. I think he'd starve first from this cable I get the impression that Bob's out to prove himself to his dad. I hope he can do it Well, that's all sergeant. If you learn anything about the Peterson murder, let me know immediately very well, sir Bob Kelly didn't know that the Mounties were aware of his presence in the Yukon Shortly after leaving Skagway, he had nearly exhausted the small amount of money in his wallet Knowing he had more in his suitcase He wasn't worried until he tried to open the bag he had carried from the boat When the key wouldn't spring the lock he realized that Reverend Peterson had picked up his bag And that the one he had carried belonged to the minister Bob had had just a few dollars in silver when he reached Mrs. King's boarding house in Dawson He inquired in several places about his friend Reverend Peterson, but had learned nothing He went to the local newspaper office looking for a job Oh, I'm sorry son, but I can't afford to hire help now Work for almost nothing Mr. Matthews if you give me a chance. Oh, I can't do it I don't have the facilities now for printing pictures anyway Maybe in a couple of months things will be better come back. All right, Mr. Matthews. I'll do that Bob's need for cash was immediate. He was hungry and he had room rent to pay He began making the rounds of every store in Dawson. Sorry Kelly. I can't use anyone without experience I got all the swampers in need. We're not hiring anyone. No, we don't need anyone. Can't use you Kelly Come back next week this heartened and discouraged Bob turned toward Mrs. Kane's boarding house He was desperately hungry as he opened the door and went inside He thought longingly of his mother's cooking Yes, Mrs. Kane Hope you've got the mud and snow off your feet before you came in young man. Oh, yes, Mrs. Kane. I I did My station sure look gaunted you're not eating right I guess maybe I'm not well sit down. Thanks, ma'am. I suppose you see your bag over for my desk. You know it. I hadn't noticed it You're putting me out. Can you pay the rent you owe me? I can't pay you now Mrs. Kane. I don't have the money That's what I thought I'll take my bag and leave. I'm sorry. I promise it as soon as I get some cash I'll hold on young fella. Not so fast. You're not taking that bag anywhere Uh-huh. I won't put you out. I'll let you stay another week But I am holding the bag for security And I took it from your room this morning. I noticed it was still locked. Yes, it's locked didn't even unpack it Did you know I didn't it was mighty heavy Well, I'll keep it and when you pay me what you owe you get it back fair enough That's fair enough. Mrs. Kane. Hope you can get a job real soon. Do you know Reverend Peterson here in town? I should say I didn't know him two hundred dollars of my cash is in the reward fund that's offered for his killer Did you say his killer? That's what I said Some cold-blooded heartless highwayman killed the Reverend made off with his baggage And whoever did it knew about the money the Reverend was carrying to build the church here Why the whole town's been buzzing with the story ever since the Mounties released the news yesterday I'm surprised you didn't hear about it. I guess I've been so busy looking for a job I didn't pay much attention to anything else. The police are looking for the Reverend's baggage right now They figure if they can find that they'll have a lead on the killer Hey, what's wrong here? My goodness boy. You look like you're gonna faint. No, that settles it You come right into my kitchen. I'll see did you get a square meal? Figured by the looks of you. You were mighty hungry, but I sure didn't think you were weak with starvation Come on now, this is Cane it's well of you and I I appreciate it, but Could I have that that suitcase you're holding? I'm sorry Bob, but I made it a policy all my life not to extend credit without some Sort of security Now if there's anything you've got to have I'll let you get it But I have to hold most of your stuff till you pay your end now. Come on into the kitchen Bob Kelly had been stunned by the realization that the suitcase in Mrs. Cane's parlor was the one the Mountie sought He appreciated his landlady's kindness and did justice to the hearty meals he placed in front of him But Bob's mind was a turmoil of fear and uncertainty He was scared he wanted to free his mind of the knowledge that made him feel so guilty But he felt that Mrs. Cane might suspect him if he told of the truth In fact, he was afraid to tell anyone he had the missing suitcase Until he had a chance to go to the law with it, but he couldn't take it to the Mounties until his rent was paid As he pushed his chair back from the table Bob didn't know what to do Thanks very much for the meal Mrs. Cane. Oh, that's all right. Hope you feel better now. I feel much better Hey, where are you going? I just got an idea Maybe I can make some money by drawing pictures of people in the cafe. Oh, I think you could What's a try anyway? Bob got some paper and a pencil and thus equipped he visited the nearest cafe He saw two grizzled old prospectors seated at a table Now listen Pete your penny anti-stake couldn't hold a candle to mine Hey dirt I struck last week was it? What do you want kid? I thought you gentlemen might be interested in having your pictures drawn picture Look here kid if you're being funny hold on Kid could you draw limbs picture? Yes, I could if you can draw that grizzled old buzzard there I'll buy the picture Pete. Did you ever get a look at that ugly face of yours? But now them you know, I'm a long-sighted better looking than you are. We'll see about that Now kid you draw Pete's picture just to prove what a homely critter. He is and I'll pay you for it You'll just sit still for a little while. I'll make sketches of both it now. You'll see Under Bob's pencil Pete's homely but good-natured face began to take shape on paper The rest of the cafe's patrons gathered around to watch him work and from time to time made comments The solid or named lamb was highly amused. Well, you see this Pete. It's a perfect image How much longer do I have to sit still? I'm finished now. Well, let me see my pictures. Here you are Kids this this don't look no more like me than them that terrible head My eyes don't squint up like this like blazes. They don't Pete you've been squinting away snow blindness for the last 15 years So you think it's funny, huh? Well, now we'll just see what he does with your picture Sure sure go ahead youngster. Don't pay any attention to Pete He's just burned up because all his time he's been fancying himself a real good-looking cuz in the truth Oh As Bob sketched limb the prospector named Pete set glowering as he watched the boy swift sure pencil strokes His frown gave way to a grin When Bob finished the sketch Pete was laughing hardly but lambs bellow of rage silenced his friend Coming here and try to pass off and not be looking pretty like that as a picture me You get out kid go on get out Money and I'll get out willingly you're going out anyway. Oh, no, you don't So you just want to get rough, huh? Don't be such a sore head. Let him get out if you don't want to fight. I'll get out when I get my money You're trying to get out of paying what's their promise I said to get out Oh Say I'll go kid now. Let you go. You give me my money. Here's what I'll give Where'd he come from that sergeant Preston's dog You you're going to get up for more kidding when you leave here piece of all I won't go to you pay up Let me help you Yes, you're a money. Yes, Preston's my name those those are sergeants right right this is King I'm Bob Kelly Kelly. Did you start this fight? With everyone talking at once sergeant Preston had difficulty getting the facts behind the fight But when Pete and Lem showed the sketches Bob had drawn the Mountie looked sternly at the two prospectors I understand it you both told the boy to draw each other's pictures. That's right sergeant But just take a look at this wouldn't you be insulted if somebody tried to tell you you look like that, please You think this is a good likeness of them? Oh sure tears sergeant Preston Only ought to see what the kid drew of me Oh, of course, I wouldn't have hit the kid for it, but I sure don't feel complimented. He ain't no artist Lem does this look like Pete Commissioned this boy to sketch your pictures he kept his part of the bargain now you keep yours all right I'll pay for Pete's but not mine. I'll pay for you By during I'd like to have it just to scare the daylights out of some pesky grizzly bears have been getting into my ratio Pay up both of you Kid I guess I owe you something a little extra Sergeant says it was wrong Sorry, I hit you. That's all right. You don't have no no no. I want to settle up. I guess I was a sore head, but Well, I don't believe I look like that Sergeant Preston with King at his heels Escorted Bob Kelly from a cafe and Bob pocketed the money he had earned sketching His newfound friend the money Didn't tell me knew how much that cash meant the newspaper publisher told me this morning You've been in the scene Bob. I've been to see almost every businessman in town trying to get a job With the money from those two men I can pay my rent now fine Bob I'm paid up. I can get a bag Mrs. Cain's holding for me. Then I want to see you I've got to explain something. Would you like to explain it now? No, I'll do it later. Where are you being at water? I'll be there inside of half an hour thing and I will be looking for you While Bob was engaged in his fight in the cafe a man named Blackie Wilson who had been a passenger on the steamship Portland Heard to a room in the hotel Victoria His partner a tall heavy-set man was eyeing the contents of Bob Kelly's suitcase With a sour expression on his face Did you park on Craig? What for this time? I checking up has got results. I know where Peterson's bag You're checking up, huh? You checked up on Peterson before we killed him. You were the one that was so sure he was carrying a pile of money in his bag When we opened the bag, what do we find a lot of drawn stuff for long into a kid named Bob Kelly? Then you have to follow the kid to Dawson and we're still up and listen. I Found out where Bob Kelly staying so I also found out that the kid came into town with a suitcase Just like like the one we took from Peter's. Yeah So you see I was right the bag the kids got must belong to the sky pilot then Kelly's got the cash Yeah We'll get Kelly and beat the truth out of him if we have to he must have traded bags with the minister and fixed the So is that two of them would meet in town or by this time he knows Peterson's day all the more reason We got a hurry the kid might go to the mountains or do some dumb thing like that a hurry up into that park Yeah, where is Kelly's living in Mrs. King's boarding house at the edge of town If we get the cash, you won't have to come back to this hotel I'm all set like a good for stopping run a sled and dog team in case we have to get away from town fast Then Craig the two of us will be set. Maybe we will and maybe we won't I Still want to be shown that your check and up is right this time. Well, we get the King's boarding house You'll see I'm right now. Come on Blackie Wilson and Thorne Craig hurried to Mrs. King's boarding house the landlady talked to them in the partner and As soon as they saw the suitcase she had been keeping for Bob They broke the lock Ignoring her protests blackie went through the contents of the bag until they found a leather pocket This is it Craig look open it up. Yeah, but hold the gun on the old lady a gun Why you thieves you robbers that bag belongs about like on it does sister Here's some money Craig paper money Dollars a good old American money. He were rich. Didn't I tell you that kid had Peterson's bag? Didn't I tell you that I checked you were right blackie. I take it all back You had this figured out to a tee he doesn't beg then then that money belonged to Reverend Peterson That's the church money. It's our money now lady. Hey blackie. Look, huh? Out the window see that Kelly kids coming here coming on a run to we got the cash There's no need to stay around here. Oh, what about the old lady quiet the kids just open the front door Shut up you Robots they've opened that suitcase. I've got guns get the law Kids going for health blackie. Let them have it He's falling you got him now. Let's get out of here. We got to go over make sure the kids dead He got a look at us. You got the kid. I saw him fall up. Come on It was some time later when Sergeant Preston and King arrived at Mrs. Cain's boarding house Mrs. Cain told Sergeant Preston how blackie and Craig had come asking for Bob How she had talked to them in the parlor and then how they'd broken into the suitcase taking from it a large sum of money As she finished talking Bob Kelly regained consciousness and he began to talk He told how Reverend Peterson had taken his bag by mistake when the minister left the boat They must have learned where I live and then came to open the bag. No, my key wouldn't spring the lock Sergeant That's how I first knew I had the wrong bag. Those two men knew the money was in it and you describe the men Well, one was tall and heavy and the other. Oh, I was so upset. I guess I can't remember Bob, did you get a look at them? Yes, I saw them. Could you describe them Bob or better yet? Give me a sketch of them. I think so sergeant. I'll get some paper and a pencil as Bob quickly sketched two faces Mrs. Cain stood by nodding your head vigorously That's exactly what they look like sergeant Bob's done a good job This one who was called blackie and the other one was Craig. Good. Let me have those sketches, Bob Sure thing sergeant, but where are you going? King and I are going to try to find these men. Come on, boy You're all right now Bob. It's fine sergeant. Good. Take it easy for a little while. You'll be all right Bob Helen you suppose you'll find those men. I don't know Where you going? I'm gonna see if sergeant Preston won't let me stay with him till he gets us to but Bob those men are dangerous I'll be back Mrs. Cain Sergeant Preston had gone from one hotel to another and in each one he showed Bob sketches to the room clerks No one recognized the man until he reached the hotel Victoria Sure, sergeant. I know these two they're registered here is blackie Wilson and Craig's on take me to their room In the room blackie and Craig had hurriedly left Sergeant Preston found Bob Kelly suitcase. He also found some clothing one of the men had thrown on a chair Get this set boy. We're looking for this man. That shirt belongs mr. Wilson, but your dog might Want him to do you ready boy The great dog king led sergeant Preston from the hotel to a trace and harness shop two doors away We sergeant. I recognize those two He raised the team and slid from me for 24 hours. How long ago were they here to maybe three hours ago. Thanks one king Sergeant Preston left the shop with King at his heels the money went to police headquarters where he found Bob Kelly waiting for him as Preston harnesses team Bob pleaded with him Please let me go with you Bob. It may be dangerous. I know it these two men may be more than thieves They may have killed Reverend Peterson. I'll stay out of the way. I haven't time to argue with you Hop in my sled. You mean you let me go. Yes As Sergeant Preston's dogs covered the well-traveled trail out of Dawson Neither the mountain or Bob Kelly had any way of knowing that this was the route blackie and Craig had chosen But King running ahead of the team seemed confident, but he was on the right track One hour passed and the great husky never slackened his pace Two hours have gone by when Sergeant Preston noticed a subtle change in King's manner Sergeant, are you sure they took this trial on the way King's acting? I think we're not far behind them Hey, look, there's a sled on the trail ahead. I can just make it out. I see it Bob. King. See boy Why are you turning to the right? This is a shortcut King. What's enough? Sergeant Preston's point dogs turned to the right then the swing dogs followed but the two young intermediate dogs were slow The great dog King left the nukes heels That's it boy. The mountain sled turned from the trail and King went back to his place at the head of the team I Short time later blackie Wilson's rented dog team rounded the turn in the trail Craig Thorne was riding in the sled and it was he who first saw a big husky Leaping down the side of a snow-covered embankment. What the? It was King Blackie that big dog stopping the team. What's your mutt's mush? It won't move. He's got him stopped I'll kill that husky Hey blackie, there's a man coming down that slope. It looks like Hey, it is a money. We'd better find out how much he knows. I'm keeping my gun handy There's only one reason why he'd be stopping us. Oh blackie Wilson. How come you know who I am? Never mind that this your door. That's right. What's the idea stopping us going to search you to before you got more? I'm looking for a leather pocket belonging to Reverend Peterson the pocket contained American paper money Oh, you don't think we're steady Craig. I got a gun here Marty This says we're going on about our business owing that gun was a mistake Wilson. Yeah That's what you think Now get back Marty. You're taking orders not giving them Wilson. Take him King Oh, you don't go my arm. Don't raise that gun. You're breaking my arm. Drop it. You win I can't blackie. All right, King quiet boy On guard fellow when I searched these two King's bird fangs were a threat neither of the killers dared to ignore Since they had seen the dog in action they quietly submitted to being searched just as I thought Here's the leather pocket with Tom Peterson's name on it We found that folder and I witness and Dawson a Mrs. Cain will testify that you stole it Furthermore, I found the bag Reverend Peterson carried from the boat in your room at the hotel Victoria Like you dumb mutton head you had this all figured out. Well, thanks to you will hang for killing that skypilot Shut up Craig shut up. You're both under arrest in the name of the Queen When Bob and Sergeant Preston returned to police headquarters in Dawson Bob's father was with Inspector Maynard the inspector was explaining to the newspaper publisher Horace our man heaven been able to locate either Sergeant Preston or your son. I don't give a hang about Preston What about Bob Preston has nothing to do with him? I assigned Preston the job of looking out for Bob And now you can't find either of them. You're getting old John losing your grip You should have gotten out of uniform at the end of the war instead of going into another outfit You can't control your own men. You can't police the city the size of Preston Bob Where have you been Preston what happened? Bob Kelly and I just brought in the two men who killed Reverend Peterson. Here's a full confession from them We recovered Peterson's church fund and the killers are behind bars awaiting trial. Well, Sergeant Did you say Bob assisted in making the arrest? That's right Well, there's a $2,000 reward offered by the town for the capture of the killers You're entitled to that reward Sergeant Preston you and King I suggest the reward be added to the fund Reverend Peterson raised to build a new church an excellent idea Sergeant Yes, indeed a fine idea. Now. What do you think of your son Horace? I'm mighty proud of him Bob I came to Dawson to see how you were doing. I'm glad you came dad now We can go home together. So you want to come home, huh? Yes, sir. I miss mom's cooking say dad Yes, son when I get home, how about letting me write the story of this crime for the paper? Oh, Sergeant Well Agreed you get a bye-bye Sergeant Preston, I think there's more to this than you've told me Inspector when you read my report, you'll have the whole story including kegs part in it. Oh, that's right, fella Then this case will be closed Now here's Sergeant Preston with a preview of our next adventure the case of the detective who liked excitement Yes, Lieutenant Mike's feral of the San Francisco police liked excitement But I didn't expect to find any in the Yukon. He did though Like in King and I went into a blind canyon after two crooks who were wanted for murder There were hostile Indians at the opening of the canyon the crooks were firing at us from excellent cover And at that moment we were attacked by a pack of starving wolves There was plenty of excitement during the next few minutes even more than Mike would have liked be sure to listen to this exciting adventure Next Wednesday These radio dramas a feature of the challenge of the Yukon Incorporated are created and produced by George W. Trentle Directed by Fred flower day and edited by friend striker the part of Sergeant Preston is played by Paul Sutton They are brought to you every Wednesday until September 12th when we shall resume our regular Monday Wednesday and Friday broadcast This is Hal Neil wishing you goodbye and good luck