 The challenge of the Yukon It's Yukon King's swiftness and strongest lead dog of the Northwest Placing the trail for Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mountain 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 George Hobart was a young mining engineer who lived with his wife in a small cabin on the outskirts of Dawson City One evening in early winter. He was coming home from work at the big be mine on Bonanza Creek As he approached his cabin a slender sharp featured man suddenly stepped forward out of the shadowy darkness Dave Kyle What are you doing here? I? Wanted to have a little talk with you. I know you got home from the mine about this time What's the idea of skulking man the shadows that way? Figured it might be better if I caught you outside before if you went into your cabin You might not want your wife to hear what I have to say What are you talking about? Well, it's like this Hobart Should I say Heyward? Heyward, yeah, that's right Up here in the Yukon you've been calling yourself George Hobart But your name used to be George Hayward back in Colorado honey Now do you savvy why I wanted to talk to you privately or does your wife know all about your past What do you know about my past? I know that you're wanted by the law back in Colorado for robbing the gold star of mine where you used to work I never committed that robbery sure sure. I know you claim to be innocent But the police want you just the same They ever catch up with you since you'll do at least a ten-year stretch behind bars. How did you find all this out? What difference does that make? Point is I did find it out and it's gonna be mighty unpleasant for you If I should decide to pass the information along to the money meaning what meaning that I'm here to talk business with you In other words, you're trying to blackmail me Black males and nasty word Hobart Let's say that I'm willing to make a deal with you. What kind of a deal as the manager of the big B mine You're bound to know the combination of the mine offer safe So it ought to be easy for you to make off with a few thousand bucks when you simmer down Hobart I'm offering you a chance to stay out of prison Yeah How about it? I I don't know what to say I'll have to have time to think it over All right I'll give you 24 hours to make up your mind and if you're smart you'll play along with me and do like I say Otherwise, I'll be forced to tell the money is just who you really are Rosalind Hobart was just setting the table as her husband entered the cabin Hello, darling. You're just in time for something George. What's the matter? You look as though you've just seen a ghost. Hi I'm in trouble honey. What do you mean? It's a long story Should have told you the truth long ago before we ever got married. What on earth are you talking about? In the first place my name isn't George Hobart It's George Hayward Hey would But why have you just before the Klondike rush? I was working as an engineer at the gold star mine back in Colorado One night there was a robbery an inside job. It looked as though I'd staged the whole thing But I didn't I swear I didn't you don't need to convince me darling You know I believe I'd been framed by a mine guard named Sid Fletcher. I'm sure of that But I couldn't prove it, but they locked me up. I knew I was sure to be convicted so I Broke jail. Is that why you came to the Yukon? Yes I thought I could hide out up here under an assumed name start life all over again Oh darling, if you'd only told I should have I realize that now it wasn't fair to you But I was afraid to tell you the truth. I thought you wouldn't want to marry me You think that would have made any difference, but why are you telling me now? Because someone has discovered my real identity. Who is it at gambler Dave Kyle? Who was waiting for me outside the cabin when I came home? I just finished talking to well, is he going to notify the police intense to blackmail me Blackmail you that's right. He wants me to rob the mine office safe Are refused. He says he'll tip off the miles George. You're not going to do it. Hey I don't know but you can't you're no criminal. The law thinks I won't let you do it. It's insane Why if you're caught your life will be ruined. What do you think will happen if I refuse? Home will be broken up. I'll have to go to prison for a crime. I didn't commit maybe not Not if you go to the mountains now voluntarily and give yourself up. Oh Chance I'd have of anyone believing my story now after the way I broke jail and hid out of here It's your only chance George Don't you realize that you can't buy any real security by doing what Kyle asked? But sooner or later. He'll be back with another demand and if you rob the mine office now We'll have a double hold on you But think of the alternative If I turn myself in and get sent back to Colorado to stand trial, they'll throw the book at me I'll get at least a 10-year sentence years behind bars You'll realize with that we'll hire private detectors to get evidence against Kyle Maybe we'll be able to prove your innocence Anyhow, whatever happens George, I'll stand by you. Maybe you're right That's the way you want it. That's what I'll do I'll go to the Monies and give myself up and I'll go with you come on then no sense putting it off Get your park and we'll go right now Dave Kyle had been watching at the window and listening to the conversation as George and Roslyn left the cabin a few minutes later. They didn't notice the figure that melted hastily back out of sight into the shadows Kyle waited silent and motionless until they had disappeared from view Then he hurried back to his cabin A burly hard-jawed man was waiting for him. The man was Sid Fletcher I didn't the whole deal's a washout let you wash out. What are you talking about? You put the screws on him, didn't you? Oh, but it didn't work. He's going to the Monies and give himself up. What are you sure? Oh, I'm sure Let me tell you what happened. Go ahead Well, then I put the deal up to Hayward. He said he wanted time to think it over So I said I'd give him 24 hours Then I pretended to shove off but after you went to his cabin I came back and peeked in through the window. There's a place with a logs on chink so well and I put my ear up close I could hear what they were saying so soon as his wife learned what was up. She made a big fuss She told Hayward his only chance was to go to the Monies make a clean breast of it and by thunder She finally talked him into it. How soon they're gonna do it. He's already gone his wife went with him I saw him leave the cabin. Oh, you're crazy fool. Why don't you plug him plug him and swing for murder? I'm not that crazy. I suppose you'd rather go to prison for blackmail Those red coats will haul you in so fast. It'll make your head swing. I'll let him They can't prove anything not against you maybe but once they get you on the carpet and start grilling you You're up to wind up telling them about me and that's something I can't afford to have happen. Hey, what? What's the idea pulling that gun? You'll find out quick enough. Oh, no, no, don't shoot me. I won't talk Sorry Kyle, but I just couldn't take any chances this way. I'm sure you won't talk What's more the Mounties will never pin your murder on me They'll think the guy who put that bullet in you was George Hayward Meanwhile George and Roslyn were seated in the office at Mounted Police headquarters Sergeant Preston and Constable Ross who was on duty with the sergeant that evening Listened as George told his story. I knew Sid Fletcher had framed me, but I couldn't prove it I figured I was sure to be convicted So I broke jail After I made my getaway I came up here to the Yukon. I Thought I could hide out under an assumed name and make a new life for myself But it didn't work out that way the past finally caught up with me and the person of Dave Kyle and While you know the rest you did the right thing coming here, Hayward No blackmailer is ever satisfied with one payment If you'd given in the cows threats should have been paying off for the rest of your life I'll still have to pay with ten years of my life Unless I can prove my innocence. I haven't been convicted yet They still be possible to get evidence against Fletcher even after all this time And to your action and coming to the police voluntarily will count in your favor I sure wish I knew how Kyle found out my identity as a professional gambler Kyle meets a good many people and picks up a lot of information. He may have heard enough to put two into the gunner Or his sister Dora may have gotten the information. She's a singer at the Monte Carlo Cafe Yes, I know sergeant now that George has given himself up What do you intend to do? First of all we'll see if we can get enough evidence to press a blackmail charge against Kyle How will we go about it try to get him to repeat the threats he made to you earlier this evening? Do you know where to find him two or three cafes where he does most of his gambling? However, we'll try his cabin first If he's home you go in and talk to him. They think you're alone Actually, your wife and I will be listening outside the door. Let's see what happens. All right good enough In the meantime constable you take over here at the office till I get back right sergeant The sergeant went to Dave Kyle's cabin accompanied by George and Roslyn. It's no light inside They may have turned in early for a change got the knock on the door. All right Your dog seems to think someone's home. Look at him sniffing at the door. What's the matter with him sergeant? Wait a second. What are you gonna do find out why King's acting this way? What's wrong fella all right steady point I'm going inside and investigate you two better stay back Oh Feeling his way through the darkness the sergeant found a table in the center of the room There was an oil lamp on it George and Roslyn waited tensely at the doorway as he struck a match and lit the lamp Great Scott. It's Kyle. Yes shot through the head Mrs. Heywood, you do me a favor Go back to headquarters and report this news to constable Ross tell him to send a police surgeon here immediately I'd better go with us sergeant I'd rather not have her walking out alone at this time of night King will go with her. I want you to stay here Go ahead boy What's the idea one thing I want to ask you a few questions questions Say wait a minute. You don't think I had anything to do with the murder to you I'm not making any accusations Haven but the fact remains that Kyle tried the blackmail you Afraid I'll have to hold you in custody At the same time the sergeant Preston was discovering the dead body of Dave Kyle Sid Fletcher was knocking on the door of Dora Kyle's dressing room Dora who was a singer at the Monte Carlo cafe was Dave's sister Sid Fletcher Got bad news door in plenty bad you mean Heywood squawk to the Mounties worse than that he killed your brother Dave Oh, no What happened? I went to Dave's cabin to find out how he made out with Heywood When I got there it could see through the window that Heywood was inside talking to Dave Naturally, I didn't want him to see me so hung around outside waiting for him to leave Well Heywood was ranting and raven he looked wild I think he was trying to scare Dave into calling off his blackmail threats But all of a sudden he pulled out a gun and shot Dave through the head the dirty murder in my head. Wait a minute. That's not all What are you meeting well after he shot Dave Heywood seemed to go all the pieces Finally pulled himself together and left the camp. I followed him to see what he was up to Ain't Doug gone if he didn't go straight to the Mounties The Mounties. Yeah, I reckon he decided to give himself up. I hope he swings. He'll swing. All right Don't worry about that. What what about the blackmail scheme? Do you suppose the Mounties will come around and check up on me to find out if I had anything to do with There's no telling They do just play a dumb Tell him you don't know anything about it And above all don't say anything about me because if you do they'll figure out right away when Dave got his information The first thing you know, we'll both be in the clink. Don't worry. I'll keep my mouth shut good In the meantime, I better lay low just to be on the safe side. I'll be staying in that cabin north of town I rented yesterday. All right, and remember if the Mounties come around at night to question you Back plenty surprised and broken up far as they know it'll be the first time you heard of your brother's death After leaving the police surgeon in charge of the body Sergeant Preston took George Hayward to headquarters and placed him in temporary custody Then he escorted Mrs. Hayward back to her home When he returned to headquarters the sergeant found Constable Ross seated in the office How about it Alex has a surgeon completed his examination as he has sergeant. Here's the bullet that killed Dave Kyle 38 does Hayward admit that he owns a gun. No, he claims it doesn't there was none in his possession None of his cabin his wife let me search the place. He probably got rid of it somewhere after he shot Kyle You seem to be convinced that Hayward's guilty aren't you sergeant frankly? No, I think he's telling the truth Just because he came forward is his own accord and told you how Kyle was trying to blackmail him That's one reason if you ask me that doesn't mean a thing He could have shot Kyle and then come here with his story just to throw off suspicion to make us believe he's innocent What you say is possible Alex. That's why I placed him under arrest, but I'm still not convinced After admit, it's quite a coincidence if somebody else shot Kyle just on this particular evening when he tried to blackmail Perhaps but what good would it do Hayward to shoot Kyle if he's going to turn right around and give himself up? Why come to the police at all? As long as we knew nothing about the blackmail plot. There's nothing to connect him with Dave Kyle Well, yeah, yeah, that's true But maybe Kyle had papers or something telling about the blackmail plot and he would figured we were bound to find him Or maybe Kyle was working with someone else someone who might give the game away later on In other words, you think Hayward decided to play it safe and come to us. Yeah, yeah, that's right. You may be right Alex Personally, I don't think there's much who's building up theories. Do we have all the fights? What are you gonna do? Kyle had a sister a singer at the Monte Carlo cafe I'll have to notify her of her brother's death while I'm at it I think I'll question her see if she knew anything about the scheme to blackmail Hayward When sergeant Preston arrived at the Monte Carlo cafe Dora Kyle had just finished singing miss Kyle Good evening sergeant Preston. I have something to tell you miss Kyle. There's some place we can talk privately Of course Won't you sit down? Thanks. I Have some bad news for you What about your brother Dave was shot to death tonight at his cabin? How horrible I can't believe it. I'm afraid it's true Do you know who did it unfortunately? No, but I thought you thought what? Well, I mean you Mounties had such a reputation for getting your man I I just assumed you'd round up the guilty party immediately cases aren't quite that simple. We do have a suspect Young mining engineer named George Hayward who's been going under the alias of George Hobbit How did you happen to suspect him? He came to us earlier this evening with a story that your brother was trying to blackmail him Dave trying to blackmail someone. Well, that's crazy. My brother was no crook. Did your brother ever mention Hayward to you? Never What does Hayward say he was being blackmailed for? It seems he's wanted by the police in Colorado From mine robbery, then he's a crook himself if he'd commit robbery. He probably commit murder too. He must be guilty I can't convict him without proof Do you have any idea where your brother might have obtained information about Hayward's past? No, I have no idea at all. Can you think of anyone else who might have had a motive for killing her brother? No, of course not. Dave was well liked by everybody. I see Well, thanks very much. I won't trouble you with any more questions at this time. Come along, King The following day Sergeant Preston reported to Inspector Conrad a Man in a blue surge suit was seated in the inspector's office Sergeant Preston Like to have you meet this gentleman Detective Sergeant Mulvane of the San Francisco police How do you do Sergeant Mulvane sure and I might be pleased to make your acquaintance. Have a chair, Sergeant. Oh, thank you, sir Anything new to report on Dave Kyle's murder why nothing at all, sir I made the rounds of the cafes, but as far as I can learn no one had any serious grudge against him I want you to hear what Sergeant Mulvane has to say may have an important bearing on this case Sergeant Mulvane Suppose you tell him what you've just been telling me about why you came to the Yukon Territory glad to inspector. I Came up here looking for a fellow named Sid Fletcher Sid Fletcher That's the name of the man Hayward claims framed him for the gold star mine robbery. Yep, none other And what's more Hayward was telling the truth. You mean Hayward's been clear to the robbery term. That's right About six months ago the police in Colorado turned up some new evidence which proved that Sid Fletcher had staged the robbery Fletcher got away, but they sent out a circular on him. That's how we first happened to hear of him I see a few weeks later one of our boys happened to spot Fletcher in a Barbary Coast cafe He tried to arrest him Fletcher pulled a gun and shot him was the policeman killed he died a couple of hours later in the hospital So now we want Fletcher ourselves on a murder charge You think he came to the Yukon Territory? Sure, and there's no doubt about it We know he took passage for Skagway on the steamship northern star When I showed Fletcher's picture at the Mountie post at White Pass One of your fellas recognized him He said he thought Fletcher had checked through the pass just a couple of weeks before I did. Oh You have the picture with her sure There it is. It's on this circular. We got from the Colorado police. Thanks Ever seen him here in Dawson City? No, not that I know of. If Fletcher is here in Dawson He may be the one who supplied Dave Kyle with the information about Heywood's pass. Yes, probably so For that matter, he may be the one who shot Kyle. What makes you say that, Sergeant? Well, we already know that he'll kill to avoid capture We found out that Heywood was going to the police. He may have shot Kyle to save his neck He was afraid that if Kyle were arrested it might lead to his own exposure. Yes, sir Well, you may be right sergeant. We're apt to have a hard time proving it. Don't worry about that We'll be glad to save you the trouble of hanging him. Our first job is to find him. I have an idea about that, sir About how to find Fletcher? Yes, sir When I talked to Kyle's sister last night, she seemed rather nervous. I got the impression She knew more than she was telling It's possible that she was in on this blackmail plot. In that case, she may know something about Fletcher Sergeant Mulvane may I borrow this circular for the time being? Sure thing. If it'll help you find him Well, I can't guarantee any results, but I'd like to show this circular to Dora Kyle and see what happens Go right ahead, Sergeant. The case is in your hands A short time later Sergeant Preston knocked on Dora Kyle's dressing room Come in. Do you, Sergeant Preston? Yes, there's been a new development in connection with your brother's murder. A new development? Take a look at this picture, please Sidney Fletcher Wounded for the robbery of the gold star mine. Yes, the robbery of his George Hayward was falsely accused Undoubtedly Fletcher framed him. But why are you showing his picture to me? You ever seen or heard of him before? I know, of course not. Incidentally, robbery isn't the only crime that Fletcher's committed. He's also wanted for murder. Murder? Yes, he shot a policeman in San Francisco and now he's been traced up here to the Yukon Territory I still don't see what all this has to do with my brother's killing. There's a good chance that Fletcher killed your brother. What's that? If your brother was blackmailing Hayward, he must have gotten his information from Fletcher In other words, they were probably working together on the blackmail scheme But in that case, why would he want to kill Dave? Because Hayward went to the police And that meant your brother was sure to be taken in for questioning And if your brother talked, Fletcher might wind up on the gallows I see. You're sure that your brother never mentioned Fletcher's name? No, not that I can recall. Well, do you remember anything later on? Let me know Yes Yes, I'll do that Sergeant. As soon as the sergeant had gone, Dora Kyle opened the drawer of her dressing table and pulled out a small pearl handle revolver She slipped it into the pocket of her pocket Then she left the cafe and headed for the cabin north of town where Sid Fletcher was hiding out Dora. Hello, Sid What's up? Plenty. You told me that Hayward killed my brother Sure, I saw it with my own eyes Like I told you, I was watching through the window and What are you looking so worked up about? Because I just found out a few things and now I'm not so sure you didn't kill Dave yourself Me? Kill Dave? Are you crazy? Why would I want to kill him? To save your own neck. What are you talking about? When we first cooked up this blackmail scheme, you admitted that you pulled the mine robbery yourself and Framed Hayward for the job. Well, what about it? What you didn't tell us is that you're also wanted for murder. What? You heard me. You shot a cop down in Frisco How'd you find that out? I found it out from Sergeant Preston of the Mounties and now by Heavens You'd better talk fast and convince me you didn't shoot Dave because otherwise I'm going to turn you in go to prison for blackmail I'll go easy on me if I help them catch you. Now look Dora. You got me all wrong. Don't come any closer Sid See, I wasn't foolish enough to come here without packing a gun. Look suppose. I am wanted for murder. I admit it Why would that make me want to kill Dave? We were pals. Never mind that pal stuff You knew Hayward had gone to the Mounties that meant Dave was sure to be hauled in for questioning And that would have been risky because Dave might have talked and brought you into the picture And you couldn't afford to have that happen not with a murderer at hanging over your head Look Dora. I don't know what I can do to convince you except maybe this I'll take that gun Dirty sneaking skunk then you did kill Dave. Sure. I killed him You think I want to run the risk of getting hauled in myself. Oh, no now. Thanks, so I shut Dave up permanently Just like I'm gonna have to shut you up right now Stop that gun as Dora spoke Fletcher grabbed her and swung her around in front of him as a shield No, he tried to bring his gun to bear on the sergeant But the terrified girl was struggling too wildly for him to take games With a sudden jerk she wrenched herself free and let her off balance before he could recover the sergeant It closed in on him. I'll take that gun. You don't stand clear Dora. This will settle you Fletcher Again and again Preston sent his right smashing into Fletcher's face while his left hand twisted the crooks wrist As Fletcher staggered under the blows his grip on the gun loosened and finally it fell to the floor Now then reach Back up against that wall You'd better get your hands up to Dora. I haven't done anything I was standing just outside the door and I heard everything you two said It's true. You were planning to turn Fletcher in but the fact remains that you were involved in this blackmail scheme You must have followed me here from the cafe. That's right. I did I Suspected the two new Fletcher's whereabouts and I felt sure you'd get in touch with him as soon as I showed you that circular That'll be enough out of you Fletcher You're both under arrest in the name of the crown When sergeant Preston arrived back at headquarters with his prisoners Roslyn Hayward was visiting her husband in the cell where he was being held My visiting time up not necessarily. I came to tell you folks as we've caught the man and shot Dave Kyle Then I'm in the clear as far as the murder goes. That's right. Oh, that's wonderful. I'll say it is But it would be a lot more wonderful if I didn't have to go back to Colorado and face that robbery charge I'd like to have you two step out of the front office and take a look at the prisoner before we lock him up. Sure. Why not? Who is he? I'll let you see for yourself. All right Go on in What That's right the man who framed you if only I could prove that you won't have to prove it you've already been cleared What's that six months ago? The Colorado police uncovered new evidence which proves that Fletcher staged the robbery Darling, then you're free Completely free great day sergeant. I feel like dancing and singing We'll go ahead and celebrate this case is closed In our next adventure Two tough appearing men are just leaving Joe Parker's general store as the door closes behind them one of them speaks Hey, did you hear what the storekeeper said about Hannibal Jenkins spending some brand new $20 bills? Yeah Jenkins must be the guy who found that stolen bank money. All right Come on. He hasn't gone very far down the trail. We ought to be able to catch up with him. Suppose we do But then we'll take him to the cave and work him over until he tells us what he did with all that dough Then I reckon we'll have to get rid of him Two desperate bank robbers are looking for a hundred thousand dollars in vanished loot and Hannibal Jenkins may be the man who found it Before sergeant Preston can clear up the mystery Hannibal is likely to fall victim to the criminals and the sergeant may find himself facing death Be sure to hear this exciting adventure tomorrow These radio dramas a feature of the challenge of the Yukon Incorporated are created by George W. Trendall Produced by Trendall Campbell Enterprises Directed by Fred flower day and supervised by Charles D. Livingston The part of sergeant Preston is played by Paul Sutton. They are brought to you every Saturday and Sunday This is Jay Michael wishing you good-bye and good luck until tomorrow This is the mutual broadcasting system