 Sgt. Preston of the Yukon! And then, on your knees! Gold discovered in the Yukon, back to the days of the Gold Rush, and the adventures of Sgt. Preston and his wonder dog, Yukon King, as they meet the challenge of the Yukon in their relentless pursuit of lawbreakers. The Quaker Oats Company, makers of Quaker Pop Wheat and Quaker Pop Rice, the delicious cereal shot from guns, and the Mutual Broadcasting System, present by special recording, Sgt. Preston of the Yukon! Your adventure will begin in just a moment. Safe drivers seldom have emergencies, but they can happen, and how you handle yourself and your car during an emergency may be a matter of life and death. For example, what should you do if your car catches on fire? The National Safety Council says the first thing to do is turn off the ignition. Next, get everybody out of the car, and if possible, call the fire department. Use a fire extinguisher, you have one, or smother the fire with whatever is available. Water, sand, dirt, or a blanket. Be sure the fire is out before you start the engine again. Better yet, don't let a fire start. Be careful with your cigarettes, avoid excessive use of the brakes going downhill, and have the electric and fueling systems checked regularly. Fires are costly and dangerous. This message is brought to you as a public service. The name's Sam Baker. It entered a cabin several miles from the town of Big Elk, and it stumbled over an old carpet, disclosing a craft door on the floor. It must be a cellar beneath the shack. Baker lifted the trapdoor and saw no wooden stairs leading into the gloom below. It's too dark to see anything down there. A little light. He found a wax-spattered bottle that held a gutted candle. He lit the candle, then descended the stairs. The big one, too. Holding the candle steady, Baker walked to the center of the underground room. There he stopped and stared wide-eyed. Oh, these smokes. Look at those pelts. I'll bet every one of them is stolen. He placed the bottle-held candle on the floor, then began to go through the pelts. He examined each one carefully, until he found a skin that bore a familiar mark. This one's mine. So is this. Baker counted the marked pelts. Then he picked up the candle and mounted the stairs. I'll get out of here and go back to town. Reach, Missy! Look at the rest of those stairs slowly. You're gonna reach or do we go the top of your head off? I reckon there's no use arching with two guns. What were you looking for in the cellar? I found the furrier stove from me. Who is the furrier stove? Yes, you. I recognize you, too. Even though your faces were covered when you robbed me. I didn't know the pelts a year. Because I marked them. Maybe you made a mistake. No, there's no mistake. I no more marked them with pelts. I was only standing when you let them down. Baker talked to his lord in his right hand so slowly that neither the two men facing him realized his plan. Until he made a sudden grab for his gun. No, we got Baker! You asked for it, Baker! You got him, Blaze. He almost got me. This bullet's been any closer I'd have a hole in my head. Well, he's dead, the dirty snooper. What'll we do with the body? I'll hide it in the cellar while you go to Big Elk and report to the boss. It was nearly four hours later when the outlaw called Blaze reached the outskirts of the town of Big Elk. His destination was a small log building. And as he approached it, he was surprised to see John Derby unlocking the door. Before John Derby could close the door, Blaze called... Mr. Derby! Yes? Blaze, what are you doing here? I got a talk to you. Get into the office. They close the door, Blaze. Well, I'll take you up to my parking desk in the fire. You've been out of town? Yeah. Pete Burwell and I investigated some mining property in the hills. Who's Pete Burwell? I know this gambling. He owns a cafe here in town, a number of claims from his. Now, Blaze, what's on your mind? As briefly as possible, Blaze told what had happened in the cabin. As he talked, he tried to ignore the grim disapproval in John Derby's face. He went for his gun, I let him have it. Maybe it's just as well I did because I've either lived it or gone to the law. The law will be in town tonight. The body's due to hit here on patrol. I didn't know that. You know it now. Maybe Cork and I should clear out with the first. No, you can't. The buyer's due for the states next week. I'll sell all the pelts to him. What about the money? There'll be an investigation as soon as he learns of the money. We could shove Baker's body under the ice. It'll drift down. That'd be fine if Baker were a friendless drifter. No one would miss him. But Baker and Pete Burwell were good friends. Burwell, no Baker went to the cabin? If he does, he'll tell the money. Maybe I should take care of Burwell. Right now, Owen, you'll do nothing without orders from me. You understand? But what about Pete Burwell? Well, maybe... Maybe I'll be able to convince the money that Pete killed Sam Baker. How are you worth that? Pete and I were alone this afternoon. The one saw us leave town. What about it? Without me to back his word, Pete and I have no alibi. Hey, hi, Stanley. What do you want me to do? I have a letter from Joe Morris at Trafford White Prime. Morris has heard of the fur robberies around here, and he figures that by traveling at night, he'll escape with these. He expects to arrive in Elk City tomorrow morning. Is he bringing his peltz with him? Yes. He says he has some of the finest dirt money he's ever trapped. He knows how to pay a tough price for it. Too bad we won't be able to get it for nothing. We are going to get it for nothing. Well, the money in Elk City? Why not? Mr. Durby, it'll be downright risky. Not of you. Use your hands. Make sure Morris hears you say you're heading for White Pine, or some place even farther north. When Morris tells the mobby, he'll start north to attack you down. All right, if you say so. But I think we should leave well enough alone. You leave the thinking to me. I see that you're waiting on the trail at night to stop Morris. All right, we'll be there. What about Baker's body? Shell it under the ice? No, leave it in the cellar for the time being. We'll dispose of it after our plan has worked out. Now get going, please. You have a lot to do. As Blaze started the return trip to the cabin in the hills, he left the prosperous fur trader he called boss sitting before the fire in his small office. John Durby was plotting a story to frame Pete Burwell. Satisfied with his scheme, he left the office and went out to look for the mobby who was expected that evening. But he learned that Sergeant Preston was at Pete Burwell's casino. John Durby hurried to reach the policemen and told Pete Burwell had an opportunity to talk. Well, say, is Sergeant Preston here? Yes, looking over the gambling tables. His dog's with him. Oh, yes, I see. Where's Pete Burwell? He went out a little while ago, Mr. Durby, and say where he's going. You want to see Pete? No, no, I want to see Sergeant Preston. Sergeant Preston? Yes? I'm John Durby. Oh, he's got an oil. I've got to talk to you, Sergeant, but I'd like to talk privately. Very well, Durby. Those who go over to that corner table, eh? Eh, nobody's over here, sir. Now, it's on your mind. Where to? Whose murder? The trapper named Sam Bigger. He was shot and killed in the center. Where? In the hills, beyond town. You see, Sergeant, about three weeks ago, Bigger was robbed of some mighty valuable pets. I've heard of the fur robberies in this area. Nearly a dozen trappers have lost pets. Naturally, I'm concerned. The robberies discourage trappers, and my business depends on the purchase of skin, I see. After the robbery, Bigger rented a room behind the cafe from Pete Burwell. I thought he and Burwell were good friends. Now, I know different. What do you mean? This morning, Pete Burwell and Sam Bigger left town together. This evening, a trapper named Blaze came to my office. He saw Burwell and Bigger in the hills this afternoon. Blaze said they were arguing. Pete pulled a gun and killed Bigger. Where's Blaze? He probably went back to his cabin. I laid house in the man there at once, and asked him to come into town. He up-tell you the story himself. Has Pete Burwell here? No, he left town shortly before you walked in, Sergeant Preston. Did you know where he was going? But he didn't say. I think he went to hide Bigger's body and he'll figure he's safe. He doesn't know they were the witnesses to the murder. Thanks for the information. What are you going to do, Sergeant? Fine, Pete Burwell. I'll be glad to help you. I have all the help I need. Thanks. See you later, Derby. Come along, King. John Derby saw Sergeant Preston speak to the bartender. The white apron man led the Mountie and King to Pete Burwell's office, the far end of the cafe. The man and dog entered the office, and the door closed behind them. A short time later, the bartender returned to the cafe and resumed his duties. Still sitting at his table, John Derby supposed that Preston was in the office waiting for Pete Burwell. He didn't know that Sergeant Preston had secured a coat belonging to the cafe owner. From the coat, King got Burwell sent, and then the dog and his master left the office by means of a door that led directly to the outside. The great dog King picked up Pete Burwell's set outside the cafe. He had no difficulty following it. Heading to the hills, my King. Keep going, boy, I'm with you. Soon the town of Bigelk lay behind the Mountie and his dog. Darkness fell, but King continued without slowing his pace. Then the moon rose, flooding the hills with light. Preston could see the tracks of the man he was following, and knew he was wind-shouting distance of Pete Burwell. Good work, King. There's our man ahead. Hello there. Hello. I want to talk to you. Good thing. You'll Pete Burwell? That's right. Who are you? Sergeant Preston, Northwest Mounted Police. Policeman, huh? Well, Sergeant Preston, you're the man I want to see. Really? I'm heading for a cabin about two miles north. A friend of mine went there this morning. I haven't heard from him since. I'm afraid he may be in trouble. Is your friend Sam Baker? You know him? I understand Baker's been murdered. Murdered? An eyewitness claims you shot him. That isn't true. I've never killed anyone. Burwell, I'll have to take your gun. All right, Sergeant. Gripping the barrel of his revolver, Pete handed the gun to Sergeant Preston. From out he stuck the weapon in his belt. Now I suppose the next thing is handcuffs. As long as you're discerned, that won't be necessary. Standing beside his master, King knew that Pete was still a menace. Though Preston didn't know it, Pete Burwell had another gun, a sneak gun that was small and deadly. You continue our adventure in just a moment. Listen all you fellows, girls, mothers, dads, everybody. There's something special for each one of you inside your package of Quaker Oats or Mother's Oats right now. It's a folder that offers you nationally known merchandise at savings up to 40% or more. Just use the little blue stars from Quaker's cereal packages. They count like money toward such items for you, fellas and girls, as a Wilson fielders mitt, complete camera outfit, beautiful love me baby doll, roller skates, tricycle. Four of the items for you, dads, is a Remington deluxe shaver, worth the value with 10 blue stars, only $18.83, a saving of over $10. And you ladies can save $40 on a 17-jewel Benris watch. Just buy Quaker Oats or Mother's Oats either Quaker Old-Fashioned, round or square package. The folder inside gives you full details. Hurry, save up to 40% or more unvaluable and useful merchandise. Get Quaker Oats or Mother's Oats today. Sergeant Preston and the Great Dog King had overtaken the man they sought. Pete Burwell had surrendered his revolver to the mountains. Sergeant Preston, who told you Sam had been murdered? John Derby reported it. Derby? Yes. He said you and Sam Durby were seen this afternoon by a man named Blaze. Blaze saw you shoot Baker. That's a lie. What's your story? I was east of here today with John Derby looking at some property. Huh? Anyone else with you? No. I don't know why John told you I killed Sam Durby. Sam and I are friends. Sam came to Elk City three weeks ago determined to catch two crooks who robbed him. What made him think he could catch them? They slugged him and thought they knocked him out. He was stunned, but conscious enough to hear their conversation. All right. Here they have a shack somewhere outside of Elk City. Sam's looked for the place for the last three weeks. Yesterday, he took binoculars with him. That's how he spotted smoke coming from the chimney of an old trapper's cabin that supposedly deserted it. Did he investigate? No, he figured it would take him an hour to reach the place, but rather than risk getting lost in the hills at night, he came back to town. He told me about the cabin, and as far as I know, he went there today. He didn't come back. Do you know where to find the cabin? Yes, I was going there when you stopped me. I thought Sam might be in trouble. We'll go there together. I hoped you'd say that, Sergeant Preston. Uh, what about my gun? I'll keep it. They've been accused of murder, Burwell, for time being, or under arrest. All right, Sergeant. Lead the way. In his anxiety to reach the cabin as soon as possible, Pete Burwell set a fast pace for himself. Sergeant Preston and King followed closely, and Pete knew that both man and dog watched his every move. Meanwhile, Blaze had reached the cabin. He gave his partner a detailed account of his talk with John Derby. Yeah, with a Monty and Big Elk, it seems to me the smart thing for us to do would be to clear out. I thought of that, Clark. We're gonna collect our share of the cash until Derby sells the first. We run out now. We've worked for nothing and killed a man in a bargain. I'm staying to collect. Yeah, I'll get some grub ready. We'll eat none and go out and wait for the trapper. Bring in some wood for the fire while I start things going. Why don't you bring it in? I've been here all day doing nothing while I hiked the Big Elk. All right, all right. I'll get the wood. Get the cap over Burwell and put it in the stove. Back in front of the cabin. And as Cork gathered up an arm pole, he glanced at the Moonlit Valley. Looks like someone heading this way. For a moment, he stood motionless, watching the valley. The figures of two men and a dog emerged from the shadow of giant trees. There was no missing in their destination. They're coming here. Blaze! Look out the window. Plenty. Two men and a dog are heading this way. They're just looking for shelter for the night. And maybe they're looking for stolen furs like Baker was. Now listen, Blaze. I'm going up in the loft. I'll be able to cover them without being seen. You open the door and let them in. Right. If they've come here to snoop, they're in for a surprise. Well, then a few minutes. There was a knock in the door. And if we come in? Not at all. Step inside. Where are the cabin? The Great Dog King was quick to sense the presence of death. His every instinct cried danger. This is Pete Burwell. I'm Sergeant Preston, Northwestern Army Police. Police? We're looking for a man named Sam Baker. Put your hands up! You heard what my partner said. He's up in the loft of this gun range. Well, you're so disquiet. I'll put my foot forward and make it pretty nice. Quiet, King. Quiet for him. Sergeant Preston. Sam came here and ran into these. Sam Baker came here all right. He's still here. And he's alive. You're wrong, Burwell. Dead. You killed him. Yeah, we killed him. All right. Take the gun, Blaze. I'll tell you. Don't either one of you get any ideas of making a fast move or grabbing Blaze and using him as a shield. Where I am, I can get your phone without hitting my butt. Preston realized the futility of refusing to surrender his gun. He also knew King would be shot if he made a move to attack the killers. With his hands at shoulder level, the Sergeant made no protest as Blaze disarmed him. Hey, there's a gun from you. Holston, the one you were carrying in your belt. That one belongs to me. The Sergeant disarmed me on the trail. Shut up. It's disarmed, Cork. Come on down from the loft. I'll wait till you fight that hand. Make sure you die of good and spite. With the hands of the two men tightly bound, Cork descended the lighter while his partner held the gun. Captain, I'll kill that target if he doesn't shut up. Quiet, King. What'll we do with these two, Cork? Take him to cellar. And we'll tie their feet and leave them there. You go to town and report to the board. You gonna stand guard? I have to go out in the trail and wait for Joe Morris. Somebody might come here and find these two while we're going. There's not a chance in that thousand that anyone will come here. But if they do, the two of us will shove the water barrel over the trap door. Without help, it'll be too heavy for anyone to move aside. What about the dog? We turn him loose. Now, you might go back to town for help. We'll chain him in the cellar where he can't do any damage. While the Mountie knew King was waiting for the command to attack, Preston remained silent. He knew that the odds were too great for the faithful dog. Without help, King could not disarm two killers. And with his hands tied, Preston was powerless to help. In the cellar, King was securely chained to a heavy upright log that supported the ceiling. Then while he snarled low voice protests, Preston's feet were tied. Pete Burwell was also tied. Then Cork and Blaze mounted the narrow wooden stairs, slammed the trap door closed. Preston has heard the water barrel being moved into place, inch by inch, scraped across the floor. Listening to the sound, Preston knew that it took all the strength of the two men to move the water-filled barrel. The great dog, King, started planically to free himself of the chain, but it was hopeless. Easy, King, easy boy. King was as much a prisoner as his master and equally helpless. Presently the door of the cabin opened and slammed as Blaze and Cork went their separate ways. We'll continue our adventure in just a moment. Watch the premiere of Sergeant Preston of the Yukon tonight. This is the Big Night, the premiere of the adventure series you've loved on radio, starring Sergeant Preston, his big black horse Rex and his wonder dog Yukon King. They're brand-new stories packed with adventure mystery romance bravery. Now you can actually see Sergeant Preston fighting hand-to-hand with desperadoes of the Yukon. Actually, see his dog King leap at gold-hungry killers. You'll see Magnificent Yukon scenery unfold before your eyes, rushing rabbits, and later terrifying avalanches and snow slides. It's something new and different in television. Brought to you on a coast-to-coast network by all the Quaker serials. Quaker Puff Wheat and Rice, Quaker Oats, Mother's Oats, Muppet Shredded Wheat, and Quaker Paco Ten. Remember, it's tonight, Thursday, and every Thursday. The exciting premiere of Sergeant Preston of the Yukon on television. Check your newspaper for the time and the station nearest you. Sergeant Preston remembered seeing a bottle on the floor nearby. The bottle had held a candle that had apparently been forgotten by the man who had left it there. The mouthy squirmed along the floor, with his bound wrist reaching forward. It was only minutes before he found the bottle. Dripping the neck firmly, he raised his hands and smashed the bottle against the floor. Holding a piece of glass, Preston moved the peat-burwell's side, hostile peat. Awkwardly, he began to saw the rope that bound peat's wrist. It was slow, tedious work, but at length, the sharp edge of the glass cut through the rope and peat's hands were free. Now, Sergeant, I'll use the glass to cut your wrist free. Smacking that bottle was a mighty smart idea. Good thing you thought of it. There. All right, please. Go to work on those ropes. Keep thinking. As I'm free, I'll take that chain off your collar, boy. As soon as the rope around his wrist had been cut away, Preston found another piece of glass. Both he and peat-burwell worked on the rope around their ankles. Soon, they were both on their feet, and the great dog king was free. Preston struck a match to the candle and placed the light on the floor. Now to get out of here. Have a big job ahead of us, peat. That water burrows on top of the trap door. If we both stand on the stairs and put our shoulders to the trap door, we may be able to open it. Oh, we'll try. Come on. Stairs are plenty narrow. Winsley, too. I hope they'll support our weight. Let's give it a try. Ready, Sergeant? Yes. Both men placed their shoulders against the trap door and pushed. The door remained closed, and the stairs creaked dangerously beneath their weight. Close together now, please. Right. While the trap door resisted their best efforts to open it, the stairs collapsed. Sergeant Preston, are you all right? Yes, please. How about you? I'm not hurt. Look at the stairs. What's the massive kindling, what now? Now we'll never get out of here. The stairs gone were really trapped. Too bad we have no guns. Gun wouldn't get us out of here. It would be a help. If we could put a couple of bullets through the water barrel, the water'd drain out. And by standing on your shoulders, I could open the door and haul you and King out of here. I never thought of that. Wishful thinking, Pete. That's all. Not so wishful, Sergeant Preston. What do you mean? When I started out tonight to look for Sam, I prepared for trouble. I generally keep this little derringer in the cash register at the casino. Tonight I put it up my sleeve. You see, you didn't entirely disarm me, Sergeant. I think this is the first time I've ever been glad to see a snake gun. Once I have it, here you are. You did it. That bullet went right through the trapdoor. I had punctured the water barrel. Oh, wait until the barrel's light enough to move and then we'll get out of here. Later, Cork returned to the cabin, driving a sled loaded with Joe Morris' pellets. Well pleased with his night's work, he opened the door and entered the cabin. Come in, Cork, and close the door. Alright. How'd you get free? Well, explain that when your partner and the boss arrive. Take his gun, Pete. Right. Well, tie and gag him and wait for the other two. It was nearly daybreak when Blaze reached the cabin. He was accompanied by John Derby, the boss who had directed the activities of the furbies. As they approached the door, King sounded a low warning for it. Blaze! Sergeant Preston Pete Burwell held guns on Blaze and his boss. Blaze drove his hands and surrendered. And in the split second that followed, John Derby weighed his chances of escape. Realizing that his freedom and perhaps his life was at stake, he turned around to the open door. Get him, King! Well, Pete covered Blaze. King leaped at John Derby. The weight of the dog's charge threw Derby to the floor. For he lay frantically clawing at his host. If your gun clears leather, I'll break your arms. Alright, alright. You win, Sergeant Preston. I'll lock your dog. Don't break your gun. Ready, King? Watch him, boy. On your feet, Derby. Yes. Please, you dirty double-crossing. You told me Preston and Burwell were prisoners. We were. Now you two as well as your partner Cork are prisoners. All three of you are under arrest for robbery and murder. Oh, no. I didn't kill anyone. Please kill Sam Baker. Yes, but you know all about it, John. If you hadn't, you wouldn't have tried to frame me for the murder. Sergeant Preston, while you're covering these crooks, I'll put Sam Baker's body on a slide and we'll take it back to jail. Good idea, Pete. Sergeant Preston, listen to me. I have money. I'll make a deal with you. All the prisoners... All the prisoners in the cellar are going to the trappers to whom they belong and you're going to jail. This case is closed. Sergeant Preston of the Yukon Adventures are brought to you every Monday through Friday at this time by the Quaker Ropes Company, makers of Quaker Pop Week and Quaker Pop Rice, the delicious cereal shot from gun by special recording in cooperation with the Mutual Broadcasting System. They are a copyrighted feature of Sergeant Preston of the Yukon Incorporated, created by George W. Trenble, produced by Trenble Campbell Muir Incorporated and directed by Fred Flower Day. The part of Sergeant Preston is played by Paul Sutton. It is J. Michael wishing you good-bye, good luck, and good health from Quaker Pop Week and Quaker Pop Rice. So long.