 The challenge of the Yukon. It's Yukon King, swiftness and strongest lead dog of the Northwest, blazing the trail for Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mountain Police in his relentless pursuit of lawbreakers. On King Honu, 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. Neil and John Fletcher were brothers who owned the general store and cafe at Brandon Point in equal partnership. Early in the winter of 98, they also acquired a number of claims on the upper reaches of Christmas Creek. It was a speculative buy, and they decided to make a personal trip of inspection before actually going into the mining business. They hired a man called Borneo Smith as their guide and started out for the creek. A month later, Neil and Borneo returned to the point. John would never return. And old Norana, the Indian squaw who cooked for the brothers, was the first to hear of his tragic death. It was on the way back, Norana. You come from that country up there. Do you remember a cliff about 200 feet high? That ever cliff. And an old abandoned mine on the way off the trail at the foot of the cliff? Well, Mr. John wanted to take a look at it. So we stopped there. Mr. John went inside. I warned him against it. The timbers supporting the main shaft were old and shaky. I could see that if a man even bumped against them, they might collapse. There might be a cave in. You warned him, Oran. We saw him coming out. Saw the light of his lantern anyway. Then it happened. There was a cracking sound, then a roar. The roof of the tunnel caved in. Mr. John was buried alive. You'll not try to find him. Dig through tons of rock and dirt and snow. It'd take a hundred men a hundred days. That's a bad thing. Perhaps in the spring we might be... Mr. John, him good man. It's bad. He'll die. Yes. Of course you know how I feel about it. Norana, no. Why are you going, letter comes for Mr. John. A letter? It's there on table. I see. Would you get us something to eat, Norana? We're quite hungry. Suffer, be ready. Many soon. I've been thinking. I didn't shoot you, but I hope you blow up the entrance of that mine to conceal the fact that he bent shot. You'll be paid. I know, five thousand. But as I say, I've been thinking. That land on Christmas Crick is all yours now. And if it's as rich as I figure, you'll get a hundred thousand out of it. I want more than five thousand. I want a quarter interest in the claim. Your job isn't finished, Borneo. This letter complicates matters. Yeah? Let's see. When was it written? Bad news? Two months ago. That means he'll be here any time. Who? John's kids. He's got kids? I always think of them that way. But they're grown now. Boys, twenty-two, and the girls, eighteen. What are you laughing at? You're not as well off as you thought you were. All of John's property goes to them. You mean to say you forgot them? Of course I didn't forget. But I never thought they'd be coming up here. I thought I could make any kind of a settlement with them I wanted to. See, the mail sleds are due tomorrow, aren't they? Yeah, I'm willing to bet they'll arrive then. Well? And you talk about a quarter interest. I'm glad you heard me. I heard you. And I'll give you a quarter interest on one condition. What's that? That you help me get rid of them. Oh, now, wait a minute. Take it or leave it. What are you planning to do? I don't know yet. I'll decide by tomorrow morning. Why not just send them back to the state? That won't do any good if they find out about the claims. Why tell them? There are plenty of people around here who know that John and I bought the land together. If Gil and Louise find out and try to claim their share, well, something will have to be done. Can I count on you? For a quarter interest? Yeah, good. It's settled. Neil was correct in his guess about the time of Gil and Louise Fletcher's arrival. They reach Brandon point the next day with the mail sleds. Their uncle met them. Hello, Gil. Hello. What a strapping fellow you turned out to be. Hi, Uncle Neil. Where's Dad? And Louise, you're a beauty, my dear. Isn't Dad in town? Well, I have some bad news. I'd rather wait till we get home to tell you. Something's happened to him. Later, later, my dear. When Gil and Louise heard the news of their father's death. No, I can't believe it. I'm sorry, Louise. Oh, Gil, we've come so far just to be with him and now... I know you should never have come up here. If you'd waited for your father's permission, you'd never have given up. That's why we didn't wait. It's been five years since we saw him. Well, the mail sleds will be starting back for Dawson and Whitehorse tomorrow. I want you to travel with them. No. The Yukon is no place for a girl like you, Louise. Oh, please. Granddad a year ago, and with Dad gone, you're the only family we have. Please let us stay here with you. Gil, you look as if you had good judgments. And you've seen enough of the Yukon to know. Is this any place for your sister? Well, she likes it, sir. I love it. And look at this house. I could do a lot for you. I could make you a real home. Uncle Neil, I was talking to a man in Skagway. He said that he'd sold Dad and used the mining land on Christmas Creek. Is that the right name? There is a Christmas Creek north of here. Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know you had company near here. That's all right, Borneo. Come on in. All right. Take a chair, man. Thanks. Well, this is my niece and nephew, Louise and Gil. Howdy. I'm Borneo Smith. Oh, then you were the guy who was with Dad when... Yeah. Yeah, me and your uncle. It was a sad thing. Where was it you were coming from when it happened? We've been inspecting those claims you spoke of, Gil. Gil heard about them in Skagway, Borneo. Evidently, as soon as he got off the boat, what were you going to say about them, Borneo? Well, if you didn't want us here, I've been thinking. I suppose Dad's sharing the land belongs to us now. Well, I've had a lot of experience mining gold. Oh, is that so? Yes, sir. Down in California, worked at it over a year. I was thinking that Louise and I could go up to Christmas Creek and I could work the claims. The store and the cafe, you couldn't very well do it. You'd have to hire somebody, wouldn't you? What do you think of that, Borneo? Well, it's all right for the boy, but I think you should keep the girl here. She's too pretty to be wasted on Christmas Creek. Yeah? What's your idea, Neil? That we take them both up to the creek and let them decide if they want to stay or not. Ah, the boy's enough. Let him decide. It's a hard trip, Gil. There's no point in making your sister take it until you're sure you know what you want to do. Maybe you're right, Borneo. Oh, but I don't want to stay here all alone. Of course not. Then I'll take care of her. We'll talk about it later. Look, there's no need of that. I'm going to be your guide. I don't want the girl along. Oh, really? Well, I don't want anything to happen to you, Louise. It's a dangerous trip. Then perhaps Gil shouldn't go. Oh, it's dangerous for a girl, I mean. Gil's husky enough to stand up. You two must be hungry. Why don't you go out in the kitchen? Nirvana will get you something to eat. No, really, I'm not hungry. Ah, your uncle knows best. And besides, I have some business to talk over with Borneo. Please. Of course. All right, Uncle Neil. Now, what's the idea of refusing to take the girl? It's about time I got married. So that's it. You want a half-interest instead of a quarter? You're good at figures. So am I. Double cross. Look, I'm taking my chances. I have to persuade her to marry me. And that's the way I want to play the game, Neil. What about the boy? There's no sense in letting him cut in. When do we start for Christmas quick? The sooner the better. I'll have supplies and dog teams ready tomorrow. Is that okay? Why not? All right. Come on. We'll tell the boy it's all settled. Borneo made all the necessary arrangements. The three men hit the trail the following morning. Louise had smiled as she said goodbye to Gil. But long after he had gone, she sat at the window. About noon, a dog team raced into town from the direction of the Indian village to the south. One man was riding the sled, another ran behind it. Nirana, come here. What do you want? There's a dog team heading this way. Come and look at the lead. Oh, I've never seen such a beauty. Oh, that king. King? Who are the two men? Big one, him, Sergeant Preston. The other one, Constable Downey. Why, they're stopping out in front. Narina found out them at Indian Village. Send for them. You did? Why, they're Northwest mounted policemen, aren't they? That right. Nirana have bad dreams. Tell Sergeant. What are you talking about? Nirana let Sergeant in. All right, King. Come on, boy. Hello, Nirana. Hi, Nirana. Sweeping ball won't you a message. What's wrong? This is Mr. John's girl. Oh, yes, I heard you arrived, Miss Fletcher. I'm Sergeant Preston. This is Constable Downey. Hello. How do you do? Your father was a friend of mine. You have my deepest sympathy. Thank you. Isn't your brother here? You go to Christmas Creek with Mr. Neil, Bonio Smith. That's all? They started this morning. Gil, my brother may stay up there and work the claim. You go after them now, Sergeant. After them? You go. Why? Why should the Sergeant go after them? Nirana have bad dreams. Great Shaman come to her and sleep. Tell her, too. Great Shaman told you what? Mr. Neil kill Mr. John. Nirana! Mr. Neil make Mr. John walk into mine. Then him shoot. There was a cave in this. That's the way I heard it. No. Mr. Neil, Bonio, use Blaston powder. Close up tunnel. You're sure you'll dream this, Nirana? She comes from Christmas Creek, Sergeant. It could be the great Shaman she's talking about, a member of her tribe. Nirana, dream. Uncle Neil couldn't do a thing like that. Not to my father, not to his own brother. You go, Sergeant. Boy, never come back. You'll not hurry. Don't say things like that, Nirana. Sergeant, you don't believe her, do you? There can't be anything in a dream. That's what you're most. The Indian's in this district respect the law, but they're afraid of it. They don't like to get involved in any way. Nirana says she had a bad dream. It might be that some member of her tribe saw what happened, came here and told her. Is that true, Nirana? Nirana, dream more. Soon Mr. Gill, Mr. Neil fight on Cliff. Soon Mr. Gill meet his father. No! That's enough for me. How much start do they have? Four hours. They could make the top of Devil's Cliff by tonight. Four hours start. We'll have to make fast time if we aren't going to be too late. Come on, Jim. Right with you. The early dusk of the Northland had closed in before Borneo, Neil and Gill reached the bottom of the trail that led to the top of Devil's Cliff. A light snow was falling as well, but they continued on up to the summit. By that time, night had fallen and they prepared to make camp. Gill, now we go to work. We'll find that this is a lot different from traveling with mail slats. No, we spend a few nights in the open. I know the routine. Every man does his share when it comes to making campfire. That suits me. All right, then how about cutting down some of those small furs for the campfire? Over there, by the edge of the cliff? Yep. Oh, here. Is the mine where Dad put at the bottom of this cliff? No, Gill, that's farther on. We'll reach it tomorrow. Here's an axe. Oh, thanks. After you cut down the saplings, strip off the bows we'll use them to sleep on. Right. The mine must be directly below here. Yeah, about... Hand me the bag with the fish. I'll feed the dogs. I'll do that. You've got another job. No, I haven't. That job belongs to you. You want to marry his sister? He'd never stand for it. Maybe he would. Think it over. I'll feed the dogs. Here, Joey. Joey, I should get back there. Vixen, wait your turn now. Here, Malo. Rusty. Now, Vixen, here's your tip. That's it. Well, have you decided? I'll take care of them. With your gun? Just the barrel. I would make the same mistake you did. Shut up. No bullets for me. We can pick them up at the bottom and take them home. There won't be any bullet holes. We're wasting time. Look, he isn't close enough to the edge. He won't get any closer. Yes, he will. Hey, Gill. Hey, Ella. That one's too big. Come over here. I figured I might lose my footing. I mean, this axe is heavy, Borneo. And when I swing it, it might carry me over. You don't have to swing it so hard, not on a sapling like this. I'll try. Just a second while I get around him back here. I never trust the head of an axe. I'll say it. Go do it. That's a way. Yeah. I guess I was... Hey, what's the matter? Nothing, mister. Good work, Borneo. You're wrong. What's the matter? Look over the edge. There are 30 feet at ledge courting. We must be dead, though. I don't think so. Then you can put a bullet through it. What? Leave him lying there for the next traveler to find? You've got a lot of brains. What do we do? Hey, listen. That's a dog team. Where? Down the valley. Look, a lander. Do you see? Two men. They stop just below here. The entrance to the mine, they're looking at it. Yeah. Borneo, I recognize one of those men. The light caught him pulling the face for a second there. Who? Sergeant Preston. Get back from the edge so he can't see us. What? Way up here without any light? Sergeant will be coming up here. What are we going to do? Leave Gil where he is? I don't know. Let me think. Shut up, you moots. We'll harness the team. Then what? Snowing harder every minute. Everything's okay. I don't see it. Look, the cold will get Gil in less than an hour. And what's more, the snow will cover him up. Even if the sergeant comes by this way, you won't find him. And there won't be any sled tracks formed to follow. Follow where? Where are we going? We'll take the long trail back to Brandon Point. There'll be a lot of questions asked when we get there. Come on, Joey, on your feet. What do we say? Line up the team. But what do we say? We'll tell the truth. The boy fell off the cliff and landed on a ledge where we couldn't reach it. With a rope? We had no rope. Now, come on. Let's get out of here. Climb aboard. I'm all set. Bust it! Bust off! Half an hour later, the sergeant and Constable Dowdy reached the top of the cliff. By that time, Borneo's prophecy had come true. They fought their way through a heavy snowstorm. King was working as a loose lead. One king! On you, Husky! What sign are we? I'm sure I heard dogs up here. King knows his job. He must still be on their trail or we'd have stopped. True enough. He's heading for the edge of the cliff. Oh, you, Husky, what a... We follow him. Look at this tree, Jim. Someone chopped it down. Not very long ago either. The cut isn't weathered at all. There's another one closer to the edge. And left lying. King's looking down into the valley. What is it, boy? I can't see anything. I do. Down on that ledge. It's a man. Yes, it could be. It is. I'll have to find out. A rope was tied around one of the larger trees close to the edge of the cliff and dropped down to the ledge. The sergeant went down the rope slowly. The wind torn his hands. Any false movement instant death. But at last he reached the temporary safety of the narrow ledge. An examination and he knew that Gil was still alive. Must be the boy. He isn't dead yet. The sergeant tied the end of the rope under Gil's arms and tested his knot. Then he went up the rope hand-over-hand. And with Constable Downey's help, they raised the unconscious boy up to the top. Why get some brandy, Jim? Then a fire. I'll have to work fast if we're going to save him. It was at practically that same moment that Louise, staring into the fire in the living room of the flutcher home, was startled by the door opening behind her. Oh, Nirona. It's time for you to go to see Father. What? What are you talking about? You come with me. You go see Father. He's dead. No, me take you to see him now. But I don't understand where. It's not far away. Indian village. His body? Is that what you're trying to say? They've recovered his body? Oh, but they couldn't have, Nirona. You heard Uncle Neil. You were told just as I was. He was buried in the mine and nothing can be done about it until spring. Your father lives. You don't mean that. Indian medicine man tried to help him. But him need help of white doctor. You go to doctor, tell him. You, me, doctor, go out to Indian village. Dad is alive? You come with me. Oh, yes, Nirona. Yes, of course I will. You're not fooling me, are you? You're telling me the truth. Nirona, tell you the truth. As soon as I get my coat on Nirona, dad alive, I can hardly believe it. Five minutes later, Louise was knocking on the door of Dr. Moran's house. Please. My dear young lady, what's the matter? You've heard the story of my father about the cave in the mine. I really don't know. Oh dear. Please, please control yourself. Well, Nirona here, she says he's still alive out at the Indian village. She wants you to go out there with us right now. Will you please? Nirona, Mr. John, him shot doctor. They're bullet and chess. You bring sharp knife, take bullet out. I don't understand any more about it than you do, doctor. But please, if he is alive, if there's any chance of saving his life. I'll be right with you. The Indian village was only two miles outside of Brandon Point. An hour later, the doctor had completed his operation and was able to reassure Louise. He'll live, Louise. He'll live. Oh, thank heaven. Thank heaven. His condition is critical, very critical. He can't be moved under any circumstances, not for at least a week. But how did he ever get here from the mine at the foot of Devil's Cliff? I'm just as interested as you are and I intend to find out. Nirona, come here. What do you want? Mr. John is going to live. Oh, that's good. But I'm not going to stand for any nonsense. None of this rigmarole about dreams you've been telling Miss Louise. I want the truth. Since Neil Fletcher and Borneo took the long trail back to town from Devil's Cliff, it was nearly morning before they reached Brandon Point. Louise met them at the door of the Fletcher home. Why have you come back? Tell Nirona to get us some breakfast. We had an accident. Where's Gil, Uncle Neil? Don't get hysterical. You killed him! Nirona! What put such an idea into your head? Borneo told you there was an accident. Sit down, kid. I'll tell you all about it. You don't have to. I know you killed him! Nirona! Why are you calling her? You not move, Mr. Neil. Nirona, shoot her. Why are you? What's the idea of a gun? Mr. John, come home. What? Nirona's people bring him home. Yes, and I saw him. He'd been shot. Sergeant harassed you when he came. Oh, so that's it. You thought no one would ever know, but Nirona's people told her what had happened. Nirona, dream. You're still dreaming. She's only saying that. They told her and she sent a message to Sergeant Preston. He followed you to save Gil, but... Oh, Nirona, he was too late. Bad men pay now. Them hang. You're all wrong, Nirona. Your people didn't tell you the truth. They did. I saw Dad myself. But he's buried under tons of rocks. No. There are other entrants to mine. Indians go in. Find Mr. John back in Tunnel. Yeah? Where is he now? Me? Tell Sergeant Preston. Not to you. Oh, look, Nirona, let's talk this over. You not move. Look out, Nirona. He has a gun. Yeah. Oh, Nirona, Nirona. I'll keep these two covered. Is she dead? No. You go to the store and the cafe. Get all the gold dust you can. What for? The game's up. We're getting out of here. I can't leave Brandon Point. All my property's here. And only save what you can take with you. It's only about 50 miles to the border through Crystal Pass. Once we're across it, we'll be safe. What, my store and the claim on Christmas Creek? Gold dust is all that matters. Now get going. No, I won't let you get away with it. She has Nirona's gun. Give me that. Yeah, that takes care of both of them. Now I can go with you. I don't like it. Well, who does? Isn't there some way we... Look, you got your choice. Either hang or hurry now. Come on. It was half an hour before Louise recovered consciousness. Her first thought was of Nirona, and she cared for her to the best of her ability. And then suddenly she heard a dog team outside. Oh, they've come back. Where's that gun? Louise, sis, are you all right? Oh, Gil. Gil. Steady, steady. I thought you were dead. I would be if it hadn't been for Sergeant Preston. What happened, Nirona? Born you shot her before he left with Uncle Neil. They've gone then? Yes. I can tell you everything now, Sergeant. Oh, Gil, the good news is that Dad is still alive. What? It's true. Last night, Nirona took me and the doctor out of the Indian village, and Dad was there. But, Miss Fletcher, we saw the entrance to the mine. I know, but there's another entrance. And after Uncle Neil and Borneo left, the Indians went into the mine and... Well, they found Dad. Alive? He'd managed to crawl far enough back in the main tunnel to escape the blast. The Indians recognized him and knew that Nirona worked for him. They sent a message to her. That explains her dreams. Yes, and there are men in the Indian village who saw Uncle Neil shoot Dad. Is your father conscious? Not yet, but the doctor says he'll pull through. Who are the Indians who saw the shooting? Nirona can give you their names. How is she? Her pulse seems to be steady, but she's weak, of course. You know where your uncle and Borneo have gone? They're trying to cross the border through a crystal path. Yes, Sergeant. Take charge of things here. I'll go after them. If you catch them, it'll be two against one. I'll travel faster alone. Nirona's trying to say something. What is it, Nirona? Oh, you go get them, Sergeant. I'll do my best. Come on, King. Toward nightfall of the same day, two desperate men were racing for the opening of crystal paths. They could see the Sergeant less than half a mile behind them, and Borneo whipped his team into a new burst of speed. Must! Must! They can't keep it up. They'll have to till we get through the paths and we'll be over the border. Must! The Sergeant's in range now. Duck low on the running board. Now shoot over here. All right, go ahead. Shoot his lead. Right. I hit him. Yeah, you fool. You hit nothing. That isn't his lead. Yelbin, it's our lead. Joey's gone lame. Now we'll have to take cover behind those rocks over there and shoot it out. I am... All right, come on, move. I don't want to die. Come on and pass your yellow rat. If you want to live, shoot to kill. Here. All right, take cover. Well, start shooting. I'll have to show myself to aim. And he's the best shot in the Yukon. He'll get us both. You rat. I'm going to surrender and take a chance on a trial. He'll hang. He's coming straight on. Yeah, and I'll stop him. I've got to beat on him now. No! Borneo, I told you the best shot... Don't, don't shoot any more, Sergeant. I give up. I surrender. Okay. Hurry, Husky. Put her home. Sergeant, I want to make a full confession. None of it was my fault. He forced me to help him. He may have something to say about that when he recovers. He's dead. I only winged him. He was head on that rock. It'll be well enough to wear handcuffs as soon as I put a bandage on that shoulder. Sergeant, I swear... Never mind the talk. You're both under arrest in the name of the crown. I warn you, anything you say may be used against you. I swear I... The charge is attempted murder. Attempted? Yes. You weren't as successful as Cain. You didn't succeed in killing your brother. Come over here. I'm going to handcuff you to the jeep all of your sleds. I won't try to get away. I'll make sure of that. One hand will be enough. There. I'll take care of Borneo and get him on the sled. You'll drive ahead of me back to Brandon Point. From there it's Dawson, jail and the end of the trail for you and Borneo. This case is closed. In our next adventure, Sergeant Preston is discussing an express office robbery in Selkirk with the constable. The express agent swears his assistant Bert Congers knocked him off and robbed the safe. I know Congers. It's hard to believe he's guilty, constable. The agent was knocked out. The safe robbed and Congers is missing. The facts are all against Bert Congers. I'll trail him and bring him back. But if Congers is guilty, I'll never trust my judgment of human nature again. Let's go, King. When Sergeant Preston and the constable with King's help finally pick up the crooks' trail, the result may be very surprising. And when they meet the crooks for a showdown, they may find themselves in a death trap. Be sure to hear this next exciting adventure. These radio dramas, the 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. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Mark Trail roams the wilderness. Clyde Beatty defies the beast of the jungle, and Victor Borga entertains with five minutes of musical laps. Tuesday and Thursday, there are the Indian hero, 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, Clyde Beatty, Victor Borga, Straight Arrow, Sky King, and Bobby Benson, over most of these stations every weekday afternoon. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.