 The challenge of the Yukon It's Yukon King the swiftest and strongest lead dog of the Northwest Blazing the trail for sergeant Preston of the Northwest mounted 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 Had gained notoriety as the leader of a ruthless gang in the Southwest When the law finally picked up the gang's trail and trapped them in their hideout Dave Logan had managed to escape and made his way to San Francisco From there he had gone to the Yukon territory where he soon established another gang Once more with reckless disregard for the law Logan and his gang were operating Dave was a large man and tougher than nails But he was superstitious to such a degree that he believed a certain silver dollar Which he had carried in his breast pocket one day and which had deflected a bullet was a luck charm He always carried that silver dollar with a feeling that it made him invincible He would lead his gang into a cafe for instance in broad daylight to hold up the customers Everybody All right boys, I don't think they're wallets and folks the dust they look us Dave you keep them coming get the guns first of all Sam Right. All right, I'll you line up Hey, are we gonna let them get away with this? There's only five of them against all of us. Yeah, but they got the drop on this That's a Logan gang. You better be careful darn right. You better be careful First one who makes a false move will get a bullet hurry it up Sam. We got to get out of here Stay right way out That hold up had happened in white horse Then the gang moved northward to sell Kirk where Logan led them in a raid on the bank The teller looked up as Dave Logan spoke in a calm draw. How did mister? How about shoving out that cash you got lying there? Well a lot of men at the sell Kirk mining company would go without their pay today if I did mister What is it you do one? I just told you That's how that cash be quick about this a hold up look here you can you glance around you see four men holding guns on the others in here Now shove over that cash That's more like it. I Just drop it all in this bag Yeah, that does it all right, let's go After the robbery Dave Logan led his men away from town heading for the river When they reach the river the outlaws load along in the shallow water for some distance until Dave called a haul Wait, this is far as we go. Hold it What's the idea Dave? What do you mean? This is as far as we go. Yeah, that's what I'd like to know, too I mean just what I said dear savvy. This is as far as we go Pete sake you said that before We can't just stay here in the middle of the screen you local or something and I take it easy Sam You might change my good humor Look Tell you what we're gonna do. We're going back to town Back to Selkirk Only car you are local Constable's probably already on our trail. They must think I'm down. Of course the constable's hunting for us for now I really said what I thought you sure wouldn't like it. You keep your mouth shut Sam or I'll shut it for you And lucky yours isn't gonna last forever when it runs out. We're right along with you to get the result Why you say you want to head back to town after we came this far to get away If you got some plan in mind, why don't you tell us and stop all this yeah My plan is so simple even a fool like you Sam can understand listen to We turn around right back in the water past the point where we enter the river Yeah, but if the console has a haven't had time to get as far as the river yet We can get back long before they arrive there Then we'll head back to the hotel in town as a branch of the stream that runs almost behind the hotel So we won't leave a trail you mean actually hide out at the hotel right in town. Yeah Nobody knows if you fellas look like You can walk around talk to the folks about the big rock Say David, you're a good scheme and I for one think it'll work out. All right. Yeah, David Take back all I said a minute ago Imagine us being right there in town while the law hunts for us all over the territory I guess sort of a kick thinking about it myself Sam Don't you worry Logan luck still holds out. Let's get going back to town now Later at mounted police headquarters in Dawson City the inspector was talking to Sergeant Preston Sergeant I sent you because an outlaw gang headed by a man named Dave Logan is Terrorizing the people in the vicinity of Selkirk Dave Logan. I read some reports about him. Yes, I did We received several reports about him recently He operated with this gang in White House for a while now they've hit Selkirk Our men down there haven't been able to find the gang's hideout. You want me to go down there inspector? Yes, I suggest that you take King with you leave as soon as possible. All right, sir The boat leaving in the morning will be on it. Good. I know it's asking a lot Sergeant But get Dave Logan that gang must be broken. Well, do I best won't be king. Goodbye. Good luck. Thank you, sir. Come on When Sergeant Preston and King finally arrived at Selkirk they went immediately to the constable's office Hello, Jim King I'm sure glad to see you too. What's new on the Logan gang, Jim? Well, they robbed a prospector and burned on his cabin two nights ago, Sergeant No one around here feels safe with that gang roaming around. You haven't been able to get a line on them Picked up their trail after they robbed the bank not long ago, but I lost it at the river The trail from the burn cabin led right back into town where I lost it again. I see I Read the reports on Logan. He thinks he's able to get away with almost anything because of what he caused Logan's luck Some sort of a lucky piece that Logan carries gives him a feeling of security Sooner or later that superstitious nature of his will be his downfall That sooner he and his gang are caught the better. I'll feel about it. We'll do all we can I'd like to have you take me to the place along the river where you lost the trail Jim Do you think King might be able to pick up the trail from there? No trails too cold King has nothing to go on There won't do any harm to look around over there anyway. All right. Let's go right now. Come along When the two Mounties and King arrived at the riverbank they stopped to look around Things wondering what we want him to do We'll follow the riverbanks south for a short distance and then we'll cross and come back along the other side Maybe we might find something get up like Oh Meantime Sam one of Logan's men entered a back room on the ground floor of the hotel in Selkirk. I got news Sergeant Preston at Monning we heard so much about arrived in town today him and a constable rode out toward the river a while ago Trying to pick up our trail, huh? They don't know we doubled back on the water and followed the river here to town. Yeah, but they might get wise Dave They wouldn't think for a minute that we'd be hold up here at the hotel Nobody's got to look at me because I keep out of sight here in my room look Dave I was talking to the others We think we ought to get out of here and head for someplace safer. You tell the others to leave things to me Look as long as I got this plug silver dollar My luck will hold out so you stop worrying. Yeah, I never did hear the story about that plug silver dollar you carry David It's how come it got to mean so much to you sit down a minute. I'll tell you about it Sam All right, go ahead. I'm listening When I was way down the Southwest back in the States two years ago I Took over a gang from an armory named red Elmore while he was doing a short stretch in the pokey But one day I was in a cafe and a junkie little bird called Pitville I was all something like that. Anyway One of the gang came in and busted over to my table all excited I Didn't know what's eating. I was so excited about red red Elmore. He's out of jail and heaven for here. I'll come ahead and tell you So red Elmore is heading here Reckon he's hoping to find that gang he is and take up where he left off He's got another thought coming. This is my gang now, but you don't save it Yeah, red knows you took the gang and he swore to gun you down. Hey, but Say now that's different. I I expected him to be sort the gang Well, I didn't think he'd come gunning for me. Yeah, that's what he's doing Says he's gonna put a slug in your heart right in front of everybody That is unless you hot-tail it before he arrives. Oh, no, I couldn't do that. It did. You'd never have a gang again Look red will be here most any minute better get outside and meet him in the street where you have a chance. Yeah Yeah, yeah, that's what I'll do but What I know read an expert gunsling he sure is Faked is the gang a bit and the dread will be the leader again Say you already did All they do do they well, I'm not dead yet Wait for red and sweet wait. This must be your silver dollar. Yeah Yeah, thanks All right, let's go outside It's supposed to be such a good shot. I'll come you here to tell me about it. Well, that's where my luck comes in You see I stepped out of that cafe and found people already lying in the streets. That's how fast the work got around Well, I can tell you I wasn't feeling any too good seemed like everybody took it for granted that I was headed for Boothill I Remember a woman and a kid that was standing on the sidelines. I walk past You want him to hear I heard the button I heard every word he said Just a child he don't know what he's talking about. Mr. I do too mom pop says ready I'm worth gonna pull a bullet and Dave Logan's heart I heard pop say that on your old man's just shooting off his mouth kid. He don't know what he's talking about Oh, it does too. You already went over the liver Went to the livery stable but for Johnny. You just keep quiet now. No, let him talk. I Want to know why his old man went to the livery stable? What's that got to do with me? What? Attention You see Sam that's the way it was Even the undertaker was getting ready. Well, what happened? I walked out into the street Then I saw a red coming toward me walking real slow like We both had our shooting irons hosted and I knew when we got close enough red and move like lightning and plug me for sure Must have been plenty nervous. I was and it happened just like I said He drew fast me shot and miss now Now he didn't miss exactly But you see I'd slipped that silver dollar into my breast pocket It deflected the bullet into my shoulder and I had a chance to finish off a red Elmore Well, sir, I've carried that silver dollar ever since that's my luck charm That's why I think we're safe here at the hotel Listen Dave, maybe that silver dollar has brought you luck, but I don't go for that sort of stuff. You're too Shut up. I know what I'm doing, but the others are getting restless Dave and so am I Well, it'll make you feel any better all of you We leave town after supper time go to a shack. I know a back in the hills hide out there for a while Meet me out back with a horse about seven. All right. That's more like it. I'll go tell the others Sergeant Preston and the constable rode some distance south along the river then crossing over they rode back along the opposite bank The river trail led past a cabin where they stopped to ask questions Good afternoon, I'm Sergeant Preston we'd like to ask a few questions Oh People to her too. His name is King. This is my son Tommy My husband bought this claim about a month ago. He's out panting for gold right now. I see We stopped by a Mrs. Perry to ask if you've seen several men on horses going this way. We're trading an outlaw gang Oh No, very few people use the trail on this side of the river sergeant someday dad's gonna find a lot of gold sergeant I hope he does Tommy. I have a dollar. I want to see why he don't bother Sergeant Preston It's a plug silver dollar my husband gave Tommy when we were in white horse Yeah, if my daughter didn't have a hole in it, I'd buy something at the store to play with tell you what Tommy If you want me to I'll give you a good silver dollar for your plug one Well, yeah, I didn't you shouldn't I'd like to if you don't mind your Tommy Here's the plug thanks sergeant We'll move along now Mrs. Perry if you should catch sight of several horsemen up this way. Let us know will you yes After they left the cabin and we're riding the trail toward town the constable asked Why did you want that plug silver dollar? I heard that was a type of luck piece that Logan carries Jim I had the same thing. Do you think that dollar the boy had is the same one Logan? No, but I thought it might come in handy if we meet Logan and his gang. He's a very superstitious man If he thought I had his lucky piece, I see what you mean. We got back to town try to get a line on Logan. Let's hurry Following Logan's plan his gang met behind the hotel that evening and they rode to the river Soon they were riding along the same trail that sergeant Preston and the constable had taken when they returned to town What's that we haven't got any surprise That's right. What are we going to do about it money in town? It's risky for any of us to go back to the store Look to get to the shack that I told you about Take a branch trail a short distance down the river When we reach that branch trail you and the others wait there in the woods for me Where you go as a cabin not far along the river from there Well, I named Perry bought a new claim there not long ago. He told me about it. Yeah, that's right I saw Perry in the store by the weather supplied I asked about it I'm thinking it might be a prospect with a lot of gold. Hey, would you find out about it? Well, yes storekeeper said Perry spent practically all he had for the claim Came here with a wife and kid. It's your idea and go to the cabin David. Hold them up for supplies. It'll be risky with persons I don't worry. I'll smooth talk them into selling me some supplies What's up really pay for some Perfect thing. Yeah, I guess it'll work. All right We'll wait for you on that branch trail. Yeah, as soon as I get the supplies I'll come back there and join you then we'll head to that shack When the gang reached the branch trail the others stopped in the grove of trees to wait while Dave Logan rode on to the Perry cabin Within a short time. He stopped outside the cabin. Oh What can I do for you? Hi, Mr. I have a claim not far inland from here My wife is sick. I don't want to take time to go into town I I wonder if you could sell me a few supplies. Why sure I reckon so I can go to town and get more in the morning Come in, Mr. Thank you Mary yes, this fella has a sick wife who wants to buy some of our supplies We can let you have some coffee and some sugar and some condensed milk and with some fresh bread. I'd be sure and you can have bacon We have well, that's fine. I'll get the things together for you if you think maybe my wife could help out over there No, no, no, there'd be no need of that. Thank you. We'll get along all right Well, that's fine, sonny fine I'll go to the store in town with dad tomorrow and spend you said I could didn't you do this Tommy? Yes No, don't bother me. I have the things ready back here on the table. Well, that's enough to see us through for a short time I reckon how much over yet? Well, I'd say about ten dollars a cover. What's there, miss? And that's fair enough say There we are It's got a hole in it quiet Tom. Oh that plug-in. Oh, I'll take that back Yeah, here's a good one Tommy. I said be quiet. Yeah, I'll be getting along now Thanks for what you did The following morning Perry and his son Tommy went to the store in town Come to spend your dollar I'm Hank Perry Sergeant Tommy's father Mary told me you were at the cabin yesterday. That's right. I was here. What do you want, Hank? Don't tell me you run out of supplies already. No, not exactly Man stopped by last night and bought some of our supplies said his wife was sick and he didn't want to take time to come all the way to town Huh? Who that could have been did he say? Oh, he didn't say and I didn't ask him But he paid me so I came in for more stuff. You know what sergeant what he had that plug silver dollar You got for me. Oh, I saw but he took it back real quick. There are other plug silver dollars. Just a minute Hank What that man looked like why he was a big man sort of rough looking heavy black hair and bushy eyebrows Maybe yes, that's right You know who he is then have an idea Tommy if things turn out the way I hope they will you may be the one in your family to strike as rich come along King a Few minutes later is sergeant Preston entered the constable's office Jim, I think I have a line on Dave Logan at last Visit the Perry's cabins paying off. What do you mean? Did they see the gang? I'll tell you about it as we ride. Let's get our horses and head out to the Perry place right now. Come on, King The two Mounties didn't take long in reaching Perry's place Mary came out as they rode up and stopped Tommy and his father went to town. Yes. I know we met them at the store We're interested in that man of bought supplies from you last night, Mrs. Perry. Oh Well, he said he had a sick wife. I really should have insisted upon going I doubt his story We're going to pick up his trail and see where he went from here Well last night he left his horse right over there near that tree. Oh good Thank you Sergeant Preston walked away Dave had left his horse. He found hoof prints in the soft earth Pointing to the hoof marks Preston spoke to the great dog Yukon King. Find him fella. Follow the trail King In a shack in the hills Dave and his men were lounging about waiting for his next move Dave was saying He supplies will last us another day or so and we'll have to get more or move on I'm for moving on anyway Dave I don't like having that sergeant Preston so near he's got a reputation for getting the ones he goes at Sam's right Dave We've been lucky so far, but it's crazy to push our luck too far. Oh shut up. I know what I'm doing You're having luck because you're stringing along with me No reason to believe that Logan's luck is gonna run out But we can't waste our time man around a shack. We'll lay around this shack till I say we move Understand sure sure No need to get sore about it. Yeah, but what if that money in a console pick up our trail? How are they gonna know our trail from anybody else? There's lots of people hitch their horses behind that hotel in town lots of people ride the trails I guess they was right as usual. Yeah, you brought us through this fire Look if we lay low that money or think we have moved on then he'll leave town But what about those parries if they got suspicious and started talking about what about a prospect? Who came asking polite like for them to sell them a few supplies by that kind of thing happens often up here in the Yukon Folks don't think anything of it. There's no use worrying Sam. Dave's got all the answers dog gone right. I have You just rest easy and stop the gap. Don't get us any place Meantime sergeant Preston and the constable followed Dave's trail back to where he met the others on the branch trail They stopped for a moment Oh Marks of several horses looks like the gang waited here until Logan got the supplies Yes, and then they rode along the branch trail From here on it should be easy to follow their tracks to wherever they're hiding out Yeah, but we'll be only two against four or five certain I realize that if we have King with us to take them by surprise we ought to make it. That's right It's worth taking the risk. I knew you'd feel that way. It's got moving get up like When the two Mounties came with the inside of the shack they stopped in a grove of trees nearby and dismounted There's a shag Jim smoke coming from the chimney they must be there Go forward on foot if we keep to the woods we can reach the shack without being seen All right, I'm ready you make for the back of the shack The front King will go with me. Let's go. Come on, King Inside the shack the gang sat around the table playing cards to pass away the time Did it I won again with your luck Dave we can't beat sure Logan's luck still holds That's why we don't have to worry about those Mounties I Sergeant Preston fired at the outlaw who had tried to shoot him Dave Logan sprang to one side behind the heavy cast iron stove At the same time drawing his gun hold it Marty. Oh, I got you covered up your gun Drop it. Let him have it Dave. Oh, we'll take him alive. Just in case he brought others. We can use them as a hostage My luck is still holding out Oh Preston dropped the plugged silver dollar on the floor in front of him as he spoke Dave Logan not realizing it wasn't his cried out That's my luck piece Get it Sam get it make him drop his gun first up that gun Marty After Preston dropped his gun all eyes watch Sam as he moved forward to pick up the silver Yeah, pick it up Sam mean time the great dog Yukon King standing behind Preston in the shadows saw his master raise his hands King looked from Dave to Preston then realizing Preston was in danger Decided the time had come to act Moving like a shadow along the wall of the cabin the intelligent dog crept forward toward Dave Logan who was behind the stove I guess it's safe enough now to get that lucky coin Just as King reached a spot alongside the stove and behind Dave Sam bent over to pick up the coin King saw his master make a sudden dive towards Sam Dave Logan's gun was raised at Preston. He was just about to fire at the multi-leaked of Sam then King charge Sergeant Preston realizing that King had Logan occupied slammed the fist to the jaw of the stooping Sam Sam fell Preston quickly picked up his own gun and grabbed Sam's then he started over to where King was guarding Dave Logan Good work King good work way On your feet We are all of you and drop your guns the remaining two outlaws seeing the constable behind them in the doorway of the back room Realized the game was up and dropped their guns Get the guns Jim. I was because of that luck piece I must have lost it and you found it someplace if I don't have that you still have your plug coin Logan But this should prove to you that doesn't help you Good I got them back to town now constable Logan I arrest you and your gang in the name of the crown for robbery and murder. Let's get going That afternoon Sergeant Preston and the constable return to the Perry cabin after putting the Logan gang behind bars The sergeant was talking to Tommy Perry Tommy There's a reward for the information leading to the capture the Logan gang This will you that we finally caught up with him. You mean Tommy. I'll get a reward. I'm sure you will Mrs. Perry I'm putting in his name Dave Logan was superstitious enough to believe that a certain plug silver dollar brought him luck when he thought he didn't have it He lost his courage But if there's any such thing as luck Tommy your plug coin brought it to you, but I don't believe in luck I don't need it good for you. You make your own luck in this world Tommy. I've told Tommy that Sergeant I don't want him to be superstitious. I'm sure he won't be but because Dave Logan was he's going to hang and This case is closed We Now take you to Northwest mounted police headquarters in Dawson You sent for me inspector. Yes, Sergeant. I did as you know a little Joey Clayton inherited a valuable goldmine Now a man has come forward who claims to be Joey's lost father But Clayton you say claims to be does that mean you suspect him of being an imposter Well, there seems to be no reason to doubt his identity sergeant But as Joey's parent he stands to gain control of the mine so we'd better investigate him thoroughly I'm assigning you to the job. Very well, sir. I'll get busy right away. Come on Is the man who claims to be Bert Clayton really Joey's father or is he masquerading under a false identity to gain control of a rich goldmine? If so, he will undoubtedly resort to desperate measures to keep sergeant Preston from exposing him He may even plot the sergeant's death be sure to listen to this next exciting adventure Cal Dorset's air These radio dramas a 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 striker The part of Sergeant Preston is played by Paul Sutton They are brought to you once each week until September when we shall resume our regular Monday Wednesday and Friday broadcasts This is Fred boy wishing you goodbye and good luck until our next broadcast