 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 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 Sergeant Preston was sent down to San Francisco to pick up Red Gavin who was wanted for murder in Whitehorse He took King with him The tall broad-shouldered red-coated Maudy attracted great deal of attention in the city But people were even more interested in King a real lead dog a veteran of the fabulous Yukon trail The men at police headquarters were no exception and there was no work done until the sergeant and King were ushered into the superintendent's office Thank you, sir This is lieutenant Captured red Gavin my congratulations lieutenant. Yes That's a great dog you have there. I think so it's a beauty. I've never seen one like him Does he mind if you pet him a bit? Oh, not at all. Yeah, I Brought him along so I wouldn't have to be handcuffed to Gavin all the way back to the Yukon King will guard him for me You'd better tell the sergeant the sad news, sir sad news. Yes It's true that Gavin was captured and we had him in jail waiting for him, but He isn't there now. He broke out the night before last every possible. They've been disciplined But he isn't as bad as it might be We know where Gavin is hiding out at least we're fairly certain and Fair will pick him up again tonight. That's fine. I hope to be picking him up again tonight He's hiding out in the Barbary Coast though the reputation of that district may not have reached the Yukon Indeed it has there and you'll know that making the arrest may turn out to be a little difficult There are tough lot down there in the waterfront. Well, believe me lieutenant I realized perfectly what the San Francisco police are up against and I'd consider it an honor If you'd let me go with you tonight, would you now like to see you in action? Well, I see no reason why the sergeant shouldn't go with you pal. We're begging you pardon sir. I do I have one paint objection Sergeant we're not accustomed to invading the Barbary Coast wearing red coats Did you ever hear what happened to the red coats who marched up Bunker Hill as I remember it they marched down only a few of them Those red coats made wonderful targets. Well, I don't have to be an uniform lieutenant. I could wear plain clothes. That's true And maybe you should come along with me. I'd like to look like a man with a tasteful adventure And we ought to provide you with a little entertainment before you go back to your routine duties Routine duties. I apologize for him sergeant. He evidently hasn't heard of the Northwest Montage record Oh indeed I have sir indeed. I have it's perfect And that's what makes me feel that they can't be up against such spellpins as we have on the Barbary Coast Well, perhaps you're right lieutenant. Has it agreed about tonight? Yes, sir. It is now. I'll pick you up at your hotel at 11 o'clock Lieutenant Farrell drove up to the sergeant's hotel that evening in a shiny black touring car The sergeant and King were waiting at the curb. This is a wonderful car. Lieutenant. Yes, it's a new winter Makes 30 miles an hour. Oh Sergeant Preston meet Muldoon and Jenkins and four. How do you do? Now, where are you going to leave the door? Why can't I take you with me lieutenant? Just what do you think you're going on man a picnic? No, not at all But King might be able to help and how do you figure that? Well, I have a glove here that belonged to Gavin I've let King smell it and he'll trail the man who wore it no matter where we go We know where Gavin is. I thought in case he got away. Oh, he won't and Besides, there is no dog can trail a scent in the Barbary Coast. There's too many of them. You'll have to leave him behind We got a ride with us lieutenant to stay in the car. I promise he won't even bark. He minds perfectly Let him come Mike. We could use a mask. Oh, all right. All right, but mind you keep him quiet We want no barking dogs announcing our arrival. He'll be quiet In you go boy. All right, Jenkins King lay down at his master's feet This was the first time he'd ever ridden in an automobile and his instinct was to jump out and leave the strange coughing monster as far behind as possible He was trembling until the sergeant laid a reassuring hand on his head. It's all right boy A moment later his master held a glove in front of his nose fine King He understood the quiet command and he raised his head a little to search the breeze, but there was no scent for him to follow 15 minutes later when the monster came to a stop and became wonderfully quiet King knew they were near the sea That's the place across the street Jenkins you and Forbes get around to the waterfront end of it. We'll be coming through the cafe in 10 minutes now get going Ten minutes past now sergeant stay here King be quiet boy. Come on Muldoon follow me King waited nervously for his master to return And when he heard a volley of shots inside the cafe across the street He was unable to hold back a growl But he stayed where he was in the backseat of the car watching the door the cafe where his master had disappeared Then he heard another sound a man was climbing out the second story window the cafe He dropped to the ground and started to run King had a bad moment He caught the man sent and knew he was the one the sergeant wanted to find but the sergeant had told him to stay in the car King's intelligence was equal to the problem though to find the man and follow him was the more important command King leap from the car and started out in pursuit Five minutes later the sergeant and the detectives came out of the cafe with two prisoners And crossed the street to the car Pulling that gun on us is going to send you to prison for ten years. I didn't know who you were Oh, yes, you did and you know where Gavin is. You had him in that place of yours You ought to get some new stool pigeons. I haven't seen Gavin since he was arrested. I get him The dog's gone. Yes, I see I thought he always obeyed your order. He does He wouldn't have left here without a good reason. Well, we haven't got time to look for it. Listen, I hear him You better call him fast somewhere down on the waterfront I'll go and get him lieutenant, but I think you'd better come with me Why because King would not have left this car except to follow red Gavin. Are you daft man? I mean it and he isn't far away. He'll only take a minute. All right since you're a guest to the force I'll view me your notions. What's he's too Muldoon right lieutenant? Let's go sergeant The sergeant the lieutenant ran down the street toward the sound of King's barking They cut between two buildings to reach the docks. At last they saw King standing at the water's edge There was an old sailor in here King. What's the trouble boy? Yes, you ought to change him up boy. What do you do? What's happened? There was a guy getting into a rowboat and his dog come streaking towards him jumped right at his throat Lucky the guy had a belay in pen in his hand. He gave him a crack over the head. He wouldn't have got away otherwise What did the man look like? Red headed husky red Gavin which way did he go? Who are you? I'm feral of the homicide Here's my badge that red heads wanted for murder now. Which way did he go out of that schooner the one that's just getting Underway come on sergeant the Harbor Patrol boat is at the next wharf We'll catch the schooner before it clears the gate on King The Skipper of the Harbor Patrol boat knew the lieutenant well and in a matter of minutes He had the boat cutting through the choppy waters of the bay toward the schooner She was under full sail and driving toward the Golden Gate with the help of a brisk offshore breeze But the patrol boat had speed and overhauled it Like that'll do the trick Others some activity on our decks. She knows we mean business. They'll be holding down their sails stand by the board Just gonna The schooner's sails were furl and she wallowed in the choppy sea as the patrol boat came up alongside Had an order from the police skipper a rope ladder was dropped in the deck Feral and half a dozen men from the patrol boat started up it Sergeant lifted King in his arms Taking the dog aboard sergeant. He's mighty big to carry up that ladder. We can make it think and find Gavin no matter where he's hiding Up we go boy When the sergeant King reached the deck of the schooner the crew was lined up You're not taking their word for it Oh, of course not sent three men down to the hold and the others are searching the cabins in between decks But half an hour later when the men reported back to Feral They had been unable to find Gavin the lieutenant lost his temper. What do you mean not on board? He must be we'd have seen him if you'd have gone over the side I'll get down below again and find him a king and I go this time lieutenant. Yes, and I'm going to Yes, sir, you and Adams keep an eye on this game At the foot of the companion way between decks the sergeant spoke to King blinding boy King barked and started forward Feral and the sergeant followed him the dog led them directly to the folks This must be the place lieutenant You can see isn't here those lockers are too small to hide a man all the bunks are empty He's sniffing at the flooring perhaps. He's underneath the deck. There's only the hole below. We've searched that isn't down there Wait a minute wait a minute. I've got it. Why are the dogs smarter than you are? There's probably a trapdoor somewhere around here, but we won't bother looking for it All of you get some tools and rip up this planking go on now get to work What's your idea lieutenant I guess if they've been using this schooner to smuggle aliens in huh? They probably got a snug little compartment built just below this deck. We'll soon find out And when the planking had been ripped away the lieutenant's gas was proved to be correct There was a compartment and red Gavin was hiding in it covered red Now climb up out of there You're going back to jail The evening's adventure was finished red was returned to jail and During the next few days the extradition proceedings were completed The sergeant was scheduled to sail for the Yukon with his prisoner on the following morning When he received a message from the superintendent asking him to stop in at his office He reported at once and found lieutenant Farrow also waiting for his chief. Oh, hello, lieutenant You have any idea why the superintendent wants to see me. Oh, he probably wants to say goodbye I'm glad to the chance myself. I appreciate all you've done for me. Oh not at all not at all Did you enjoy that taste of excitement? I give you the other that's indeed I thought as if I'd stepped right into the middle of Treasure Island Treasure Island. Oh the smuggler schooner. You mean. Oh, that's nothing new around here We have pirates too. There's the Blackhounds gang for instance Sergeant it'll do my heart good if I had you and King working with me when we went after them Look now where would you consider it at all? I'm sorry King and I must go back to the Yukon Nothing ever happened. Oh now. That's a shame a shame. I tell you I couldn't stand it myself Excitement is meat and drink to me. I couldn't do without it. Oh Here's the old man now How do you do sir? We'll get down to business right away Well You're going to be Yukon with the side. I I'm what here's your ticket Perhaps the sergeant will help you buy whatever you need in the way of closure supplies this afternoon now wait a minute What's this all about? I'm in no need of a rescue if that's what you're planning for me, sir. This is duty fell Link Davies and Ben Walters have been seen in Dawson Their bank robbers sergeant wanted from Burley too I'm sure the north way smothered will help Pharrell track them down. You can depend on it, sir When they're caught it will be up to you to bring them home by Sergeant will it be much of a job picking them up? Well, you're not if they're in Dawson. It's only a small town Once they're caught it'll be a simple matter getting them home Do you hear that sir couldn't one of the newer men take over this assignment? I don't want to leave town and I set my heart on going after the black count. That's out Mike Out. I'm sorry Ivy just been talking to Washington the secret services taking over The case is out of our hands completely You don't say Well, if that's the sad state of affairs, I suppose there's no reason why I shouldn't take a vacation up in the Yukon And that was how Mike Pharrell happened to accompany the sergeant and King on their return trip to the Yukon When they reached the territory winter had already set in Red Gavin was delivered to the authorities in Whitehorse and Mike and the sergeant headed north on the Yukon trail by Dog-sled Mike was completely unimpressed by everything he saw I'm thinking for a grown man to be riding around on a sled I feel like a six-year-old out for a day's tobogganing. We're having good weather Mike Sometimes the trail can be pretty rough. I ought to be back on the job Well, maybe we'll be able to scare up some excitement for you in Dawson. I doubt it So do I especially after what you're used to in San Francisco Oh Events conspired against Mike's desire for excitement The trip to Dawson was made in record time over a hard-packed trail The weather was mild and so was the boomtown when they reached it It was nearly deserted for there had been a new strike north of the bonanza So this is Dawson, hmm and this is the famous Monte Carlo Caffé With a fine funeral parlor it would make nearly everyone who doesn't have some sort of business in town It's going up to nugget Creek. Now. What about the two men I've come after I just had a talk with Tex Rickard the owner of the place And he remembers them but they left when the rush started and I suppose that means another toboggan party for us You can stay here if you want to Mike. I'll go after them. What would I do waiting for you? No, man. It's better to have a little action and none at all. Let's get started at once I'll need the rest of the day to get our supplies together. Oh, what for a few cans of beans is all we need No telling how long will be gone might be a few days might be a couple of months a couple of Will you say that again? We may not find Davis and Walters at nugget Creek And we can't expect any more fine weather we do for a cold snap that happens to be about zero now I'm speaking of 40 or 50 below. Yes. I understand Naturally, no human being could go out in weather like that. Oh, we'll go out It's only a blizzard that might hold a set when the wind gets up to 60 or 70 miles an hour is impossible to fight it 60 or 70 miles an hour Yes, oh, I think you're pulling my leg sergeant. You're just trying to pull an element of danger into this business Well, I'll admit we don't often have girls like that. I'll bet you don't still it's just as well to be prepared Mike We'll start the first thing in the morning There seemed to be no concern no reason for concern about the weather The sun shone the sky was clear during the three days. It took them to reach nugget Creek But after inquiring up and down the creek they learned that Davis and Walters had arrived too late to stake a claim and had gone on The sergeant shook his head when he learned the direction they had taken north by northeast Mike It takes us in the rough country. Can you follow them? Yes, they had to break a fresh trail There hasn't been any snow since they left King won't have any trouble. Well, then let's get going Let's pick up the spelled peen so I can go back home to a place where there's something happening. I'm on board the sled. I'm ready All right Lieutenant Michael Farrell wanted excitement He had his first taste that afternoon The trail led to an Indian village in the wooded country at the foot of the sawtooth range The place seemed deserted as the sergeant drove into it and stopped the team Oh And then a second later the sergeant and Mike was surrounded by a horde of Indians Shouting war cries and brandishing knives and spears We got in to go for your gun. Oh, hold your fire one shot, and I'll use this beer That's what they mean to kill us. There are only chances to talk them out of it. Oh, leave it to me. We come in peace Take us to your chief At the sergeants words the Indians rushed forward and taking hold of the sergeant and Mike They pulled them toward the largest hot in the village King would have tried to win a fear, but a word from the sergeant stopped easy boy I know the chief I'm going to find out what this is all about. Well, I can tell you that they're going to kill us Oh wonder the excitement Mike, but I don't want to be murdered. This is all the day's work The chief will listen to reason. Oh, it's a reason. He says he's at him standing in the door of the cabin. Yes Logano I Listen to reason you say Logano Tell your warriors to let us go we're friends. No white man friend of Indians. You know that is not true Like men come here. We give food shoulder them steal nugget. God run away Probably a big nugget. It looks something like a man Tell us about the nugget God Rogano get charm against winter Now winter bad. No game. No food many Indian died How long ago was it the white men stole it last night Davis and watches must have been Rogano Those men are not only enemies of the Indians. There are enemies We're trailing them and when we catch them, they'll be hanged. You'll not catch them Indian trail into canyon where ghost packs day. No man lives who enter We have strong medicine against the ghost pack Let us go on to the canyon will capture the men and bring your nugget God back What what did they talk about deciding whether to let us go or not and What was that about a canyon where the ghost pack leaves nothing but superstition Mike? They believe there are we're wolves in the canyon What are we many who've taken the form of walls and only pray on human beings now there's a pleasant thought And what's wrong medicine? Do you have against such things is that there are walls in the canyon? Take care of them Indians have made a decision Will you let us go Rogano? But only one way go in the canyon. Are you sure the men are still in there? Why you stand guard at opening this is working out well Mike. I don't like any part of it But don't you see Davis and wallors went into a blind canyon I can't get out because the Indians are guarding the entrance all we have to do is go in after them We're ready Rogano warriors follow you stay at opening you go in You not come out without men and nugget God. We agree to your terms Can we reach the canyon before it gets dark and we'll start right away You wait for warriors to harness team. Whatever you say chief The sergeant and Mike left the village with one Indian sled in front of them and half a dozen behind They were still under guard and it was clear the Indians believe they were being led to their execution To a death as certain as the stake Suddenly the temperature began to drop the wind from the north increased in violence The sky was clear, but the snow whipped from the ground was driven against their faces with stinging violence keep well covered Mike The Indians wouldn't let us for one thing for another this will be a blizzard by morning Let's hope we're out of the canyon by then Sound The entrance of the canyon was narrow and forbidding But as they neared it the sergeant could see that it widened out beyond the opening The floor was strewn with great snow covered boulders and toward the upper end. There was a thick growth of pine See those woods up there Mike that's probably where Davis and Wallace have made their camp None for us on our way to get them. What's the matter with the rocks? We'll leave the team here and just take King with us, you know, I think you're good luck Mike How do you figure that? Everything's working out so well Davis and Walters bottle themselves up in a box canyon the Indians lead us straight to it All we have to do is go in and get them I don't blame you for thinking we have an easy job up here Sometimes we run into a lot of difficulty. Oh, you do. Sorry. I can't seem to provide you with any excitement I give you credit sergeant for doing your best The Indians have been holding a conference and now the chief approach the sergeant We're ready Do you find nugget God don't worry You not come back Suppose if we tried to come back out they'd stick their spears into it. That's the general idea. Let's go one king The sergeant with King by his side led the way into the canyon Mike followed a few reluctant steps behind The steep wall of the canyon broken here and there by caves Towered on either side, but only a sure-footed animal could climb them the sergeant and King Concentrated their attention on the woods ahead They had covered half the distance to the woods when the great dog began to growl uneasily What's the matter with him? You must have caught a sense Follow me Mike work our way forward from one bullet They're hidden in the trees they can see us, but we can't see them I can't see as well our parkers are covered with snow Just then a volley of shots rang out from the woods the sergeant Mike hit the ground can't see us Hmm. Well, they're coming mighty close with those shots. Yes The light's failing though. They can't keep us pinned down for long What's that The werewolves there's somewhere up above us. That's right. They have their dens up in those caves Look look they're coming out. They're starting down the sides of the canyon. Are they coming after us? It looks that way all the saints preservers what a spot to be in Outlaws in front of us Indians behind And the pack of Gorsuch devils descending on us from above if we can only turn them up the canyon They may drive Davis and Wallace in the cover King ready boy Mike Ferrell found himself unable to move a muscle and he could hardly credit the evidence of his eyes during the next few minutes He saw the wolf pack racing toward him and then King leaping forward to meet the leader The sergeant was shooting fast on either side of the great dog his bullets accounted for half a dozen of the grey phantoms and King disposed of the leader the pack began to circle the men and dog then Mike finally sprang into action and began to shoot He saw what the sergeant was trying to do not only to drive off the pack But to force them to retreat up the canyon toward the woods and at last he succeeded Sergeant King broke from cover After them they're starving I'll catch the scent of Davis and Walters dogs. Most crooks will have their hands full now's the time to close in on them Sergeant had called turned correctly The wolf pack was heading for the woods now and the outlaws guns were turned on them Preston Mike and King headed for the trees to the left of the killer's camp and reach cover as the wolves attack the Follow me Mike I'll drive off the wolves and when we get rid of them we'll be able to take our prisoners The sergeant and Mike took cover behind two large trees less than 50 feet in the camp They opened fire on the wolves who were circling the campfire The new attack from the force was too much for the pack. They started to run down the canyon Davis and Walters stared after them unable to realize for a moment that the fight was over Unaware that it was the sergeant and Mike who had turned the tide of the battle But the sergeant's voice soon made them understand how vulnerable their position had become Davis you and Walters stop your guns You're covered Under arrest in the name of the Queen And that was the simple end of the adventure The huge nugget the men had stolen was found and returned to Riganu The sergeant traveled with Mike and his prisoner all the way down to Skagway They were locked in the ship's break for the return trip and as the steamer prepared to sail the sergeant and Mike said goodbye It's been a pleasure working with you sergeant. Thanks Mike and with you to keep You're a fine detective. I'm sorry. We couldn't find any excitement for you Will you say that again? I'm sorry. It's been so dark Just what did you put in your report why the facts Trail Davis and Walters wanted for murder in bank robbery the ghost pack Canyon Arrested them returned large nuggets stolen by Davis and Walters to Riganu. That's all. Oh, is it now? You didn't find it worth mentioning that those Indians were going to burn us alive Well, I know there was no point in making trouble for them. They're simple people. They're well treated. They're harmless Regano understands now that he must call on the force if he has any grievance in the future And couldn't you find a word for those were wolves who were trying to tear us limb from limb They were only timber wolves. Oh What's the use what's the use? I'm beginning to understand now that one has to read between the lines of a Northwest mounted report to find out what really happened Don't you apologize to me for any lack of excitement? I told the superintendent this trip would be a vacation for me Well, I'm going home for my vacation after what I went through in that canyon I'll need a long rest among those babes and arms that inhabit the Barbary Coast. I'll tell you the truth You'll admit it last that this was a tough assignment. It could have been worse true. We might both be dead But I am willing to admit that I'm just as happy as you are that the case is closed Now here's Sergeant Preston with a preview of our next adventure the case of The Phantan gold robbery when I first heard the story of the Phantan gold robbery It appeared that a friend of mine named David Owen was involved in the crime Dave was a family man, and I hated to think he was guilty Luckily King and I managed to turn up some new clues But before we could clear Dave there was some mighty dangerous and exciting moments for both of us Be sure to listen to this exciting adventure Next Monday These radio dramas a feature of the challenge of the Yukon incorporated are created and produced by George W. Trendle directed by Fred flower day and edited by Fran striker the part of Sergeant Preston is played by Paul Sutton The challenge of the Yukon will be brought you every Monday Wednesday and Friday starting next Monday September 12th. This is Jay Michael wishing you goodbye and good luck till next Monday so long Now a listening reminder The exciting adventures of Jack Armstrong the all-american boy will be heard over this ABC station this afternoon You won't want to miss today's thrilling episode. So listen