 The challenge of the Yukon It's Yukon King Swiftest and strongest lead dog of the Northwest Placing the trail for Sergeant Preston of the Northwest 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 beat the challenge of the Yukon Red Manson had been an outlaw leader in Texas back in the States When the law broke up his gang he escaped to San Francisco There he heard about the gold strike in the Yukon territory Red took passage to Dawson City hoping to accumulate riches in a hurry But when he arrived there and discovered that the fine gold he'd have to put in hours of hard work Red decided against it. He drifted southward to Selkirk There he met others hoping to find easy money He met with four such men in his room at the Selkirk Hotel one night Red did most of the talking fellas. There's plenty of gold and cash to be had up here just for the take There's no use breaking your back digging for it to my way When I was in the Southwest territory down the state I had a gang We made plenty. Well, if you made so much red. Why did you come up here to the Yukon territory? Yeah, that's what I like to know Why'd you give up your gang down in the states? Oh, don't be a couple of dopes The gang was broken up by a sheriff and a posse. I escaped I headed for Frisco Didn't dare go back into the Southwest territory Because he put a price on my head. Yeah, what happened all the cash you collected when you had the gang some of it I managed to take with me, but most of it was taken by the posse when they made the raid on our hideout Lucky for me. I'd left camp and go into a nearby town. I was coming back when I heard the shooting sure we're lucky red Yeah, but I wasn't lucky in Frisco Lost a lot of my cash there couldn't make the right connection to get another gang going Well, anyway, I heard the talk about the big gold rush up this way and I decided that this was where I'd make a fresh start Look what cash I had left and bought a passage to Dawson. I suppose you thought you'd find gold lighting in the street All right It's about the way I figured it'd be when I got the Dawson. I had look around to find a street all night When I got here men were camping right in Main Street of Dawson City in 10th Man alive what a mess Well, anyway, that picking shovel way you're trying to get gold isn't in my line. No, I'm mine. Yeah, that's the way I feel well then like I said before Caching gold is to be had just for the taken if we get together and take it Look, I'm gonna form a new gang. You want to be part of it. All right. I was fair and square with my old gang We split everything we got equally You mean if we work for you as a gang you plan jobs and give us the same as you get that's right But you got to do just as I tell you or we'll forget the whole thing. Yeah, that's all right me ready Yeah, ready count me in to good. What about you other two men? I'll go along with you, right? Yeah, and it's settled now listen I Stake the claim up on out of Crick just as a blind as a deserted cabin as some trapper had up there on the claim We'll fix it up and use it for a meeting place in the hideout. That is if it's all right with the rest Good then meet me there tomorrow Don't leave town together Plan some jobs and next week. We'll start getting some of that loose golden cash After red and his gang were settled in the cabin on Otter Creek a series of robberies were carried out in the territory around Selkirk The first was a hold-up one night at the express office Hold up mister. Well, this gun will go up. You make one false move. I get over there and open that safe You'll soon find yourselves behind bars for this the mileage Up and get moving I'll open it. All right get those bags ready There so but good and this will keep it from getting the Mounties after us right away now All right Dave you and Sam clean out the safe make it quick. All right. Let's get busy Sam Hey, I think we have everything now let's clear out of here Following that robbery two prospectors were stopped and robbed along the main trail Yes, we have got five thousand dollar worth of gold in the saddlebag We've been my lucky this spring. Yep, if this keeps up, we'll make plenty before when your clothes is in again, huh? They look coming down the trailer five horsemen with hats pulled down. We're in bandana cross face Jumping catfish head the outlaws use your gun Pulling that gun was a bad idea mister get off your horses Dave goes to the saddlebag about Sam search of their pockets, right? We better hurry to come on Yeah, they haven't got anything in their pockets. All right Take the horses with us. Let's go The Manson gang's most recent crime was the most daring and caused much more excitement than the other two Dave and Sam boarded the boat the Yukon Bell in a point not far from Selker The boat docked at the Selkirk Wharf above sundown Red and the other two men waited in the shadows on the dock with the horses nearby After the crowd had left the boat Dave signaled to Red and his two companions Who carrying carpet bags went up the gangplank? No one questioned them and a few minutes later They stood talking to Dave and Sam in the deserted main lounge of the boat. What's the layout Dave? Captain first mate went to the cabin Purse and second mater in the purses office Putting new paper money into a bag to take to the bank Sam you stand guard outside the captain's cabin The rest of us will go get that dough. Come on Cautiously they made their way to the purses office Then red flung opened the unlocked door suddenly reach both of you You shot him and we'll shoot you too if you try anything Well, I see the cash is on that black bag. I'll take it. I don't need this carpet bag. All right boys I got the cash. Let's tie the purser and gag them. We lock the door on the way out and take the key Everybody will think that person mate when it's sure We'll have time for a getaway. You'll not get away with this. I think you killed the mate. You'll be hunted for murder Shut up. Yeah, come Dave right Now he's all set good. Now, let's go Saunter down the gang plank one or two at a time. Come on It was several hours later when the constable was called to the boat He stood in the purses office with the captain the man from the bank and the purser The constable was questioning the person how long was it before the crime was discovered and you were released Well, constable the men came in here at sundown I was bound and gagged and left in here with a dead mate Till the captain came back to the boat and was asked about the money shipment by this man from the bank Yes, sir, and the captain didn't know that you hadn't left the boat with the money ship Is that it? That's right constable The captain and the crew went ashore just after we docked He knew nothing about what had happened until he found the man from the bank waiting here to find out about the money That's right. We expected the shipment to be delivered to us at the bank and the cashier and I stayed there to receive it When it didn't arrive after a reasonable length of time. I came here to the boat. I see I waited for the captain to return Finally when he did come back He said the bunny was supposed to have been delivered right after the boat docked then the captain looked for me and Finding neither the mate nor me. He decided to force the locked door into the surface. That's what happened All right, and when we got inside we found the purser bound and gagged and the mate dead That's right. Did you get a good look at the crooks person? No constable. There were several men They covered their faces with bandanas and had their hats pulled down They've had several hours then to make a getaway Since the robbery and killing occurred about sundown. It's about it captain. Yes, constable I'll have to request that you delay your sailing for at least 24 hours until I have a chance to question the crew and Any others who might be able to throw some light on the crime. Yes, you'll come with me now We'll question some of the men who've already come aboard The rest will be questioned in the morning The following afternoon sergeant Preston arrived in Selkirk and drew rain in front of the constable's office Come along king Sergeant Preston, I'm sure glad to see you. Hello constable and king glad to see you too fella. I Didn't expect you down this way sergeant. That is not so soon. I knew you were on patrol duty There wasn't anything to keep me elsewhere constable thinking I've been making good time That's a piece of luck for me sergeant sit down. Won't you? Oh, thanks You look worried anything wrong plenty Three robberies within a week the last one at sundown yesterday The man was murdered during the last robbery. Oh, that's bad news seems to be a gang at work So far I haven't been able to get a line on them at all. Tell me about the robberies Briefly the constable told all that he knew about the crimes When he finished talking about the boat robbery and murder Preston asked how long before the person in the mate were found constable several hours Captain and crew went ashore and the captain returned to the boat a man from the bank was waiting to ask about the money Shipment I see naturally the captain became suspicious and looked for the purser Well, finally they broke into the locked office and found them along with the murdered mate The purser said there were several men who did it. No lead to the courts none So many people ride and walk near the docks that it was impossible. What about the other two robberies? Did you manage to pick up a trail? Yes, but their tracks separated and led in the town. I lost the trails there I'm telling where they went to hide out. You think then that the boat robbery was done by the men responsible for the other two Yes, I do General description of the men fits with those given by the prospectors and by the express clerk Of course the descriptions were vague since the crooks had their hats pulled down and bend down as across their faces in every instance I care to you that some of the crew might have been in on it. Yes when I investigated I found the crew all of them checked out to go ashore. I Spent the morning questioning them and found every man had a good alibi for the time during which the robbery took place Frankly sergeant. I'm satisfied that the same gang committed all three crimes. Yes, it looks that way. I Notice the boat's still docked here. I requested the captain to delay sailing for 24 hours He was most cooperative. Good. I want to look over the purses office. All right. I'll go along with you By the way, there's one thing every victim noticed. Huh? What was that? The crooks all wore new tan leather gloves That might lead to something. We'll stop at the general store on the way the dock and ask Mike a question or two All right, let's go one thing. Oh A few minutes later the two Maldives and Yukon King entered the general store Look who's here? Haven't seen you and King around here for some time sergeant King, and I've been north on patrol Mike Oh Say I suppose the gospel told you about the murder and robbery on the boat, huh? Yes, I did Mike Sergeant King came at just the right time Mike. Do you have some new tan leather gloves and stock sure do Got some mighty fine cowhide gloves that came in last week Light on the hands and fine for holding reins sold many of them Uh-huh sold about two dozen within two days after they came in maybe more Let broadens the field of 24 men Don't have to forget about the gloves sure and just what does that mean sergeant the members of the outlaw gang war new Tan leather gloves Mike, and they must have bought them here Great Saints. He made them killers were actually here in my store then. That's the way it looks Oh glory be I might have been killed no less Sure, and every time I see anyone coming in wearing them gloves. I Shiver in me boats like it's not don't worry Mike I have an idea the killers are not likely to stay around town this time. They'll know they're wanted for murder Let's go to the boat now constable. See you again Mike. So on Mike. Good. Bye Sergeant Preston and the constable left the store and went to the boat After interviewing the captain and presser they went to look over the presser's office Thanks one thing Every time I come in here. I I get the shakes and set hold of it. I understand I feel I Suppose people have been coming in and out of here continually since the killing well No one's allowed in here ordinarily Crew members removed the body of the mate some of the other members of the crew came in to look around out of curiosity I see The constable told me you'd been gagged. What happened to the hat if they use I have it It was my own one of the crooks took it from my pocket. Oh, I was hoping you used his own What difference would that have made Sergeant King could have taken the scent from it? Oh, yes I forgot about that But it didn't belong to one of the crooks then well something personal it would carry the scent of one of them King Has nothing to go on too many others have confused the sats they left. What's our next move sergeant? I'll go back to the office try to figure something out. I Incidentally pursue if you think of anything unusual about those men let us know right away, of course, sir I can't forget that they killed the first mate and got away with $20,000 in new bills that I was responsible. They'll do everything in our power to find them and get that money back They'll hang for killing the mate. Let's go constable. All right. Come on boy That afternoon in the cabin on Otter Creek red Dave and the two other outlaws waited for Sam Who had gone into town when Sam finally returned they were interested to learn what he's found out How they taking it in town Sam I bet we caused a big commotion. Yeah, we sure did red By the way, that first mate was killed when you shot him red killed Hey, that means we'll be hunted for murder All right, what of it they got no way to connect us with that killing in the meantime We got $20,000 in cash that's 4,000 a piece when we split it sure But I still think you shouldn't have been so hasty with that gun listen yet dope Did you want me to take his bullet? All you know it was him or me sure but you didn't have to kill him red Well, I did so what? Stop yapping about what can't be helped Lay low for a while, and we'll head south of Whitehorse and grab some more easy though when things quiet down If you ask me, I think we better head that way now. I saw a sergeant Preston riding in the town a while ago He's one hungry. We have reason to worry about Preston when I was in Dawson city in fact, I saw him a few times there I say he doesn't give up easy especially on the murder case. He had a big dog with him. I've heard plenty about that much Yeah That dog has a way of picking up a trail even when it's covered with snow. Maybe but I'm not stupid Dave I know that mutt has to have something to go on He has to be familiar with the scent before he can follow it. Yeah, I know that Well, how's he gonna pick up our scent out of all the others on the boat? Tell me that Lots of people walk the docks and plenty right around town on horseback. I say stop worrying and forget the money in the dog We got enough grub for a week here by that time Preston will be gone I'll make some coffee and we'll start a card game a car After they returned to the constables office sergeant Preston the constable talked over the situation Sergeant it looks to me as if we're stumped those killers. I made a clean getaway I admit we have nothing to go on right now constable, but I'll not admit that they haven't made a slip somewhere crooks always do That's why sooner or later the law catches up with them But that gang seems to have a very clever leader I don't believe there's any such a thing as a really clever crook constable The man's clever enough. He's able to get along much better going straight Well, I wish I could see some hope of catching that gang. Oh, here's the person from the boat Sergeant I brought this carpet bag over and I found it under the desk in my office on the boat. I noticed it in your office Isn't it yours Percy? No, sir the crook who shot the mate tossed under my desk when he picked up the money bag I noticed to the others were carrying carpet bags too. Oh, Mr. Carried them when they came aboard to avoid suspicion Constable, maybe this is the slip that crooks usually make. I'll open the bag. I looked inside, sir The bags empty Supply one of the little side pockets. Here it is Nothing but an old sock. This old sock may turn into a noose for the man who carried this bag and for his companions Sergeant, do you mean that sock will give you something to go on? Decidedly. King will get the man sent from this. But so many other people have been around that office and both In spite of that, King will be able to pick up this man's scent. Let's get back to the boat. Come on, King Leaving the purser to follow on foot, Sergeant Preston and the constable mounted their horses and rode to the dock They went aboard the Yukon Bell and entered the purser's office with the key which the purser had given to them Yes, I must see. King won't let us down, will you fellow? Taking the sock which had been found in Red Manson's carpet bag Sergeant Preston held it out to the intelligent dog King and spoke. Find him, King. Fine boy King stood a moment catching the scent and then he sniffed about the cabin Finally raised his head to signal his master that he had found it King spooked up the scent. All right, boy. Follow the trail. Find him Come on constable. If I'm not mistaken another crook's going to find out that crime does not pay The two Mounties followed King down the gangplank and into the shadows of a nearby shed Where Red and the others had left their horses Oof marks is where they mounted and headed back into town. Yes, but will King be able to follow the scent through town? Many have ridden the streets since it's been proven that a well-trained dog with a keen sense of smell is able to pick up the scent Even under those circumstances constable We'll get our horses and come back here and then we'll get on the trail of that gang. Wait here, King As the two Mounties followed King through town their progress was slow Because of the maze of sense from which the dog had to pick up the one he was trailing Finally at the edge of town King stopped and barked excitedly Constable King's trying to tell us the scent is stronger here. I see the hoof marks of only one horse I know the crooks probably scattered and left town separately. I'm sure this trail will lead us the others. All right, King find him For a while King led the two Mounties along the main north trail Then he followed a trail which branched off to the left as they rode Preston said this branch trail goes along out of Creek No, anyone prospecting up this way constable. No, I don't sergeant Matter of fact, I thought the few claims up here had been abandoned long ago. Oh, that makes sense The cooks could use one of those abandoned cabins as a hideout. That's right. I left to move carefully What we've learned there are four or five in that gang and their killers We're going against big odds sergeant two against five three against five constable. Don't forget King If we're able to catch them by surprise we ought to be able to handle things I'm willing to try since you are good We cite the first cabin will stop. Get up like it. Yeah, come on Before long King left the branch trail and turned along a path which went over a low hill Preston called the dog as the two Mounties halted Constable if I remember correctly there's a deserted trappers cabin on the other side of that hill near the creek That's right. There is sergeant that may be where the crooks are hiding out This is what I think The pines and the brush go quite close to that cabin from the sides and back unless somebody's cleared the land since I saw it It's still the same. I stopped there when I made my rounds this spring. That's a break for us We'll leave our horses ground hits right here steady We'll circle around and come up to the cabin through the woods on either side. I'll take King with me Seems to me. There's only one window to that cabin. That's right. There is It's on the left side. That's the side King and I'll cover then let's go and be careful. I'll be careful. Come on, King Be quiet boy Cautiously the two Mounties approached the cabin from either side Sergeant Preston and King made their way unnoticed to the cabin where the Mountie crouched under the window with drawn gun One of the small squares of glass was missing and he was able to hear the crooks talking inside Sergeant Preston waited listening intently your place My hand ha ha ha red bitch of that time Sam. Yeah, I'm one of hand. Yeah, I'm sick of playing anyway I keep thinking of that money in his dog. I saw come to town. Oh, I don't start beeping about that again I've heard enough about him hard to tell you there's nothing to worry. I can't help it red if you hadn't killed that made It wouldn't be so bad. I shut up mean the others want to play another round. All right Sergeant Preston with King at his side moved around behind the cabin and beckoned to the Constable who was on the other side waiting We found them Constable. I heard them discussing the murder of the meat I think we'll have a chance if we were some I'll have a better chance if there aren't so many in there Their horses are probably in that shed back there. They are. I heard them stopping a minute ago Let's go back there We stand just inside the shed door and had King worry the horses by growling at them They bring one or two of the men out here. Let's try it. Come on The door to the shed stood open the two Mounties took their places just inside the doorway on either side Then Preston spoke low to King growl King growl at the horses Inside the cabin red was about to deal the cards when he stopped and listen Something's bothering the horses out in this shed. They're setting up a rumpus. Yeah here Sam. You're not playing this round Go on out. See what's bothering them better take your gun along might be a bear or something Something to do With gun in hand the outlaw Sam walked back toward the shed As he approached the open doorway. He stopped a moment listening Horses get jittery at nothing at all Easy there easy now. He's right There's one accounted for a constable. I'll tie him and get him out of sight and I must see if someone comes looking for him Let's get busy right Ten minutes passed while the outlaws in the cabin gave their attention to the card game Then Dave suddenly asked. Hey, where Sam wonder what's keeping it? Yeah, everything seems to be quiet out back now Red I was thinking I think it what well Sam's been worrying a lot this afternoon You think he grabbed his horse and let out without letting us know say maybe he did it that he just like him I wouldn't be that big a fool. He's got $4,000 coming to him from that bank money Why don't you go out and see where he is Dave? In the shed Preston and the constable waited patiently Finally they heard footsteps approaching outside Quickly sergeant Preston held his hand over his mouth and in a changed muffled voice answered To down constable that's enough of this game when two don't come back the others will suspect something Let's tie him and gag him as we did Sam and will surprise the other three right It took only a few minutes to tie and gag the second outlaw and then the two Mounties and King headed for the cabin Inside red and the other two stopped playing as red said now where's Fred? He and Sam ought to be back here Oh, that's all go out and see what's going on As the three outlaws went for their guns sergeant Preston and the constable fired simultaneously Third outlaw Lou was momentarily prevented from shooting when red reeled and fell in front of me Look out Lou seeing there's two companions were wounded dropped his gun Fixed their wounds before we take them back to town As sergeant Preston hosted his gun and prepared to attend to the wounded outlaw Dave The great dog Yukon King saw red who had fallen to the floor with a leg wound Slyly pick up his gun the outlaw leader leaned on his elbow and without being noticed raised his gun to aim at Preston At that instance the intelligent dog went into action King sprang forward grabbing Red's gun Good for you fellow that was close well constable this time we have them all All right, you men you're all under arrest in the name of the crown for murder Oh, no, red's the one who killed the mate. I never killed anyone. You'll all hang We'll bind your wounds and get you to jail as soon as possible your third strike robbing the bolt Will be your last this case is closed In our next adventure Sergeant Preston is speaking to inspector Conrad in the latter's office at mounted police headquarters. It's an almost unbelievable story inspector You see there's a valley high in the mountains where a hundred men are being held prisoner held prisoner by an outlaw gang and forced to mine gold to work or be starved or beaten to death I Agree it seems unbelievable the man who just died in the hospital, sir Swear as it's true and you want to find the valley sergeant. Yes, sir, then what well, sir The next step would seem to be to arrest the outlaws and free the men But how can the sergeant and King accomplish such a task a man and a dog alone? Facing a band of desperate outlaws high in the mountains far from any help Can they even hope to reach the mysterious valley where a hundred men are being held as slaves? Don't miss this next exciting adventure 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 The challenge of the Yukon is brought to you every Saturday and Sunday This is Jay Michael wishing you goodbye and good luck until our next adventure This is the mutual broadcasting system