 The challenge of the Yukon! It's King, swiftest and strongest lead dog of the North Country, blazing the trail for Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Monod Police in his relentless pursuit of lawbreakers. One King, one new husband! Gold, gold discovered in the Yukon, a stampede to the Klondike in the greedy race for riches. Now back to the days of the gold rush, when Sergeant Preston and his wonder dog King battled through storm and snow to preserve law and order as they met the challenge of the Yukon! The crowded cafe in the Gold Strike Hotel in Selkirk was a setting for a strange scene one November evening. Old Padohera was collecting for a mission. As the genial Irishman went from table to table, the hat he held before him got heavier and heavier as the men threw partially-filled polks of gold dust into it. Good bet. Come on now, Timber Malley. You'd never get it to heaven if you don't do better than this. Well, I swear, Pat, I'd lost every other sin I had playing Pharoah. I'll give you more when I get it. That ain't promise, sure. All right. And don't think like me forgetting. And you've been hanging it. You were a big winner at poker tonight. That's right, Pat. There you are. Thank you, Ben. This will make St. Peter smile, I'm telling you. And you, Sandy, surely you brought in lots of gold from that rich claim of yours? I guess maybe you're forgetting that I'm a good Presbyterian, Pat. Any country I'll be doing will be going back to Scotland for mission at a work in Africa. Sure, and don't you care what happens to people right here in the Yukon? The Indians here are needing it much more than your Africans. That's again the principles to get another Kirk than me on. And what difference does it make, which path to heaven you take? The good Lord will open the gates just as wide. If he knows you were good enough to donate something to the Catholic mission and help Father McCarthy bring civilization to the poor Indians of the Yukon as he would if you helped your Presbyterians convert some cannibals someplace you never even heard about. He's right, Sandy. Come on, Sandy. You've got to be broad-minded. We all gave something. You've got to do it. Well, I guess there's no way, but it's again my principles. Yeah, yeah. Thanks to you, Sandy. And if I get to the Promised Land first, I'd have a gold stool all dusted off for you next to me. Just in case the Presbyterians don't remember you. Just in case. Hey, Peter. How are you, Jay? Fine, Pat. How's the collection coming? Yeah, it looks like you're doing pretty well. Oh, everybody's been generous. When Father McCarthy gets here, he'll have more than $5,000 to add to what he's got. You mean he's got more than this to start his mission? The Church in Ottawa has given him Pledge Eve. And every town in the Yukon has given something. It's one of the first missions to be started since the gold rush began. Is there going to be build around here somewhere? No, it's up near the Indian Village. Just this side of Dawson. Are you boys contributing? Well, I'll have to give you some tomorrow, I'm broke. Me too. Well, Father McCarthy won't be here from next week. There's better your time. Hey, there's Bill Crain. I've been wanting to see him. He won't catch me giving anything to the mission for me, neither. My hands in that hat full of gold is carrying him. Look, Bill Crain is putting a big poke of dust in it. Yeah, I'd like to shove it down his throat. You and Bill had quite a fight the other night, didn't you, Dad? Yeah. I made a nasty remark about that mangy dog he is, and he didn't like it. Bill's crazy about that dog. It's a vicious curve. It almost took my hand off the other day when I went too close to him. Half wolf, I guess. It's why he calls it Lobo. It'll do anything he wants it to, Bill. Yeah, someday I'm going to put a bullet through it. Better not let Bill hear you say that. I'm not through with him either. You better watch that temporal yours, Dick. Let's get out of here before you and Bill tangle again. You think I'm afraid of him? I know he won't. He hasn't even seen you. Anyway, I've got an idea. I want to talk over with you. Can't you talk here? No, it's about Father McCarthy and the collection. Come on. I think you'll be interested. It was a few days later that Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Monod Police stopped his dog team in front of Paddle Harrah's cabin. As he walked toward the door, his big lead dog, King, followed closer to his side. Well, King, I'm afraid you're going to miss that and we leave this territory on to him. Sergeant Preston, come in. And King is glad I have to see you. How are you, man? I'm fine and lazy as ever. Sit down, make yourself comfortable. Make us some tea and give King a bow and I'll go and save him for him just in case he's caught up. I'm afraid you spoil this dog of mine, Pad. Well, I'm not him. It's myself I'm thinking of. If ever anything happens, I want that dog to be in my side. You won't have to worry about that. Then I can't wait for Father McCarthy's season. Father McCarthy? Oh, sure, and I forgot you've been away. He's the new priest that's coming up here to start the mission at Cree's Cross. Oh, yes, I've heard about that. I knew Father McCarthy, not a while. He's one of the finest men I ever met. You and he will have a lot in common. He loves dogs and knows more about him than anyone I ever met. Sure, outside of yourself. That's rather unusual for a priest, isn't it? Father McCarthy is an unusual man. He'll be liking each other on site. When does he get here? He'll be here in about three or four days, I think. Oh, that's too bad. I'll miss seeing him. You mean you won't be here? I dropped in to tell you I've been transferred to Dawson, Pad. King and I came to say goodbye. Don't tell me that's the worst news I've had since I came up to the Yukon. You and King gone away. Well, that doesn't mean you'll never see us, Pad. We'll come back quite often. But you'll be able to see Father McCarthy. He'll be right near you when they build the mission. That's right, he will. I'll look him up. When are you leaving? Tomorrow. Sergeant, would you do me a favour? Of course, Pad. I've collected over five thousand dollars for the mission. I was going to let Father McCarthy take it up with him. But maybe it'd be safer with you. I'll be glad to take it up with me, Pad. The rest of the money is up there waiting for him. The money given by the church, I mean. Would you take this to Cree's Cross and leave it there? All right. The Air Don't May will keep it for him in the safe at his trading post. Oh, I know, Pierre. Yes, I'll take it for you, Pad. I'd leave the field to Father McCarthy if he isn't carrying a lot of money on the train. Everyone around here knows we took up a big collection. Never mind, King. I haven't forgotten you. I'd get that bone I promised right away. It was four days later, and Father McCarthy had arrived in Selkirk. He was tall, had a huge frame and unruly grey hair, and might well have been taken for a man who worked with his hands rather than a representative of the church. His eyes, however, were soft and understanding. They twinkled a little as they talked to Pad O'Hara in the lobby of the Goldstrike Hotel that evening. The lobby was empty, and they sat in a corner talking quietly. Yes, you're right, Pad. From the little I've seen of it, this is a rough country. But you know we men of the church aren't made of glass. We can take rough living as well as a next man. Well, he didn't mean you wouldn't be able to take it, Father, but I thought a bit of warning to you wouldn't come amiss. And I appreciate it, you may be sure. And then there's another thing I meant to warn you about. I know how much you love dogs. You still fool around with them as much as you used to. Yes. In my last parish, I was almost as much of a veterinarian as I was a priest. All the children used to bring their dogs to me for repairs. I believe I mended as many animals as I did souls. Well, the dogs up here are different. Lots of them are part wolf. And if you go near them or try to pat them, you'll likely end up with a handbison. There's a secret to handling dogs, Pad, but many people don't know. Yeah? A dog can sense fear in a man. If a man is afraid, he seems to give off a certain scent that a dog recognises. Dogs hate it. Because they know that where there's fear, there may be danger. They'll usually jump and if they know he's afraid of them. And now I never heard of that before. Oh, don't worry, Pad. I'm sure I'll get along with your vicious huskies as well as I will with the people in this territory. There's a lot of drinking in Gamblin. The average prospector ain't the kind of man you will meet in church. Well, even though a man may forget the church for a while, he often feels the need of God. Take John O'Rourke in Ottawa. He's the one who left $10,000 to start this mission near Dawson. So that's where you got the money to start it. John made a fortune up there. Sir, you're carrying a gun, so let's grab him. And mercy on us, what's that? Oh, probably just a fight. The bar's just two doors down. It ain't unusual. Come on, let's see what happens. He shot Bill Cranes. Where did that go? I don't know. What happened, boys? Bill Cranes been shot. Hey, look out, everybody. That's Cranes' lead dog. Be careful of that huskies vicious. Look, Father McCarthy, he's standing over Bill's body. Yes, I see. He won't let any of us go in here, Bill. Bill's unconscious. We're going to have to shoot that dog. We want to help Bill. Bill thinks as much of that dog as he does himself. Get away, Lobo! Oh, you'll never drive him off, Pad. Wait, better shoot, Lobo. Before Bill bleeds to death. I'm going to plug him. Wait a moment. Maybe I can help. Who are you? This is Father McCarthy, boys. He just came to Selkirk. Oh, I'm sorry, Father. I know how to handle dogs. Perhaps I can get him away from his master. But Lobo's a vicious husky father. He'll tear you to pieces. Please, don't touch him, Father. Let me shoot him. Let me try first. Father McCarthy, no! I'm not afraid. Steady, Lobo. We can't let your master lie here in the snow. Come on now, boy. We're not going to hurt you. That dog will take his hand. He's got more nerve than I am. All right, Lobo. You see? Here's my hand. Bite it if you will. We're going to help Bill. Now, you see? I won't hurt him, boy. Come on, off him, fellow. Yeah, let me take hold of your collar. Well, now, fellow, steady. Come on, Lobo. Bye. He's getting more. I've never seen anything like this. Sergeant Preston is the only other man who could ever do that. Come on, Lobo. Come along. We'll let you get back to him when it's time. All right, boys. Carry the man into the hotel. I'll hold his door. Bill's hurt bad, ain't he? Yeah, it looks like it. Dirk Mason better not show his face around this part of the country after doing this. Come on, boys. Let's get him into the hotel. Dirk Mason left town the night of the shooting. He headed north, his goal a small cabin isolated well off the Dawson Trail. It was the second night of his hiding out and his provisions were running low. He paced the floor nervously. What the? Jake, let me in. Jake, how did you know I was here? All right, boys, hurry to head after any trouble. I brought some grub for you. How's Bill Crain as he did it? He hasn't died yet, but he's hurt bad. I had too bad. I didn't fail. Crazy hothead. I don't know why you had a puller gun on him. Oh, because of a silly argument. I suppose he told. You fool, he didn't have to. But five people saw the fight. He dies. You're in bad trouble. You've got to get out of the country. Once the Monies get on your trail, you're through. Then how do you think I can get out of the country? I haven't got a nickel, and I know you haven't either. That's why I came here tonight. I figure we can both get plenty. Huh. Remember the collection they were taking up for Father McCarthy? Yeah. You thought maybe we could get it some way. We can. Father McCarthy is in Selkirk. He's leaving tomorrow for Dawson. He's coming up this way on the Dawson trail? Yeah. And he'll be carrying plenty of gold with him. All that he collected, plus the money he brought from Ottawa. It'll be a fortune. And if we can get it, we'll head for the border and get back to the States. After all, he is a priest. What's the difference? We're watching that trail starting tomorrow. It was late the following day that Jake and Dirk heard a dog team coming as they waited beside the trail leading to Dawson. The two men stood behind a thick clump of fir trees as the sled drew closer. I'll bet that's Father McCarthy. I heard him say he was getting an Indian to bring him up here. What are we going to do about the Indian? One less here in the Yukon won't be notice. Jake, be careful if we murder him. You're yelling a butt. You may have a murder charge against you right now, Bill Crain dies. I'll keep still. Here they are. Come on, Dirk. I'll take care of the Indian. You watch Father McCarthy. Stop that team! What do you mean what? Keep your hands up. I have no gun. Now get this on the sled. You'll not hurt Father McCarthy. Him priest. We won't hurt him. We just want to lighten your load a little bit, Father. We want the money you're taking up to Dawson for the mission. I have no money with me. Hey, what's this? A priest not telling the truth? It is the truth. We'll have to search him, Dirk. You better take him back to the cabin. It's dangerous here on the trail someone might come. You Indian. Drive that team ahead and turn off the trail between those trees. Jake, you lead the way. All right. Keep him covered with his gun. All right, Indian. Get that team going. Push! Push! Push! Nonga sat in a corner of the cabin securely tied. Father McCarthy faced Dirk and Jake quietly. I told you I have no money on me. But what's in this purse? He sure is not wearing a money belt. I searched him. There's nothing on the sled with supplies. All right, Padre. You better tell us where it is. Where's the money to start the mission in Dawson? Well, boys, I have lots of faith in human nature. And I'm not a timid man. But I know better than go around this country carrying that much money. It's waiting for me up there. What do you mean? In Dawson? Besides, much of this so-called money you speak of is in the form of supplies and things that can be traded to the Indians in return for their labor. We'll have to trade it for gold first before you get steeped. We should have known that's what they do. So now, if you let us be in our way... No, you don't sit down. We're not through with you. What do we do? Ah, we'd better let him go. I think that would be very wise. I'm not letting him go and have him squeal to the mounted police the minute he gets to Dawson. But I don't know who you are. There are many men with black beards and blue eyes like yours. Hey, my beard. Nobody would guess if I shaved it off. What are you talking about? Nobody in Dawson knows a part right here. And nobody in Dawson knows me. I'm changing clothes with him, Jake, and shaving off my beard. With the papers he's carrying, I can get my hands on the money and trade some of the supplies for gold. We can still do it. Turkey, out of your mind. We're the same size. His clothes will fit me. And I'm sure we can persuade Father McCarthy to tell us who is keeping the money and the supplies for him. I'm afraid you're wrong, ma'am. That money belongs to the church. It is my duty to protect it. I'll tell you nothing. And torturing me wouldn't help him. He's just the kind that wouldn't tell Dirk, no matter what you did to him. But, uh, he might be willing to tell to save Nanga. What? You give us the right information or you're going to see Nanga shot right here in front of you. You don't know what you're saying. You wouldn't murder an innocent man. He knows nothing about all this. You wouldn't want an innocent man to lose his life for a few dollars, would you, Father? Do not tell them, Father. It's going to be too bad for you if he doesn't. Please, leave him out of this. I'll ask you just once. Who is keeping the money and supplies and where is he? Will you promise not to hurt Nanga, if I tell you? Sure, I'll promise. The money is in Cree's crossing. The air door may be keeping everything for me until I get there. Cree's crossing? Oh, that's better than having it in Dawson. Maybe you could get away with it. I'll get away with it, all right. And, uh, what'll I do about these two? I think you'd better stay here and guard them. Father McCarthy may have given me the wrong information. I didn't lie to you. Sergeant Preston took the money they collected for me to be here just a few days ago. Have you ever met Sergeant Preston, Father? No. He left before I got there. So that money's up around Dawson. Dirk, do you know him? No, I've always kept out of his way. He's never seen me. We're safe there. We're safe, all right. He'll never suspect me. But you'd better hold those two here until I get back. We may need more information from Father McCarthy. I'll hold them here. Don't worry. And when you get your hands on that money and trade those supplies for gold, come back here as soon as you can. It was a few days later that Sergeant Preston drove his dog team to Cree's crossing and stopped at the trading post of Pierre Doné. Okay. Hello, your husband. Come along, King. Hello, Pierre. Sergeant Preston, bonjour. How are you, Pierre? And there is that fine dog King. How are you, boy? Remember, Pierre. Oh, uh, did Father McCarthy get here all right? We. He is here. You know him? No, but I'm very anxious, too. I hear he's a fine man. Oh. You don't sound very enthusiastic. Don't you like him? Well, me, uh, I don't like to say anything bad about man of God. But, uh, well, everybody is, uh, how do you say, uh, disappoint. Disappointed? We. The Bishop, he'll write us what fine man is Father McCarthy. Best man for North Country, he say. We expect maybe he understand all men are not plaster saints. You mean he isn't like that? No. He's silent man. Does not make fun. And another thing. Never has he said mass. Well, that's odd. I was prepared for someone altogether different. Where's he living? We have Cabin ready for him at the edge of town when he come. That's fine. I guess I run out and see him. It is last one on trail south of town. Uh, maybe you could tell him, Sergeant, that it is not good for him to keep money in Cabin. Better he should leave it here in my safe. You mean he took it away from here? Way. This morning I give it to him. He say, must have charge of money. Eh, it's not for me to say. I'll advise him to bring it back to you for safe keeping, Pierre. Oh, uh, by the way, is White Eagle in the village? Way. White Eagle, he come in store this morning. Good. I'm going on a patrol north and I need a guide. I'll find him after I call on Father McCarthy. Quiet, King. Quiet, boy. Yes. Father McCarthy, I'm Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mountain Police. What, uh, what do you want? Why, uh, Pat O'Hara and Selkirk told me to look you up. Oh, oh, yes, uh, come in. Thanks. One thing. As the big dog walked into the cabin beside his master, he caught the scent of the man before him. This man was tense and afraid. The scent of fear that King hated was in the air. When people were frightened and tense, it always meant danger for his master. The hair bristled on King's back and he bared his teeth and snarled at the man in the black robe of a priest. King, what's wrong with you? Stop it. Quiet, King. I, I hope you'll excuse him, Father McCarthy. I can't imagine what ails him. Would, uh, would you mind putting him outside, Sergeant? I'm not used to dogs and these huskies up here and you can make me very nervous. I'm, uh, sorry, Father. Put him outside at once. Come on, King. Outside, boy. You wait out there. I, uh, hope you don't mind. Why, no, not at all. I suppose being a priest, you're not used to dogs. That's right. We're, uh, we're too busy with our church duties to have, uh, time for pets. I see. Uh, sit down, Sergeant. Why, I really can't stay. I just dropped in to say hello. Are you, uh, going to be in town long? No, I'm just passing through. Oh, I see. You're going to have quite a job here in Crease Crossing, getting the mission started. It's quite a responsibility. How often do you get over here, Sergeant? Well, I'll probably be back in about a month. That's when I make my next patrol. And you're leaving this afternoon, you say? I'm getting an Indian guide to take North with me. Well, now I guess I'd better leave, Father. I have to take advantage of what little daylight there is. It was nice meeting you, Sergeant. Stop and see me again the next time you come to Crease Crossing. I'm sure we'll meet again, Father McCarthy. All right, King. Let's go, boy. Let's go, boy. It was evening, two days later. Father McCarthy sat near the big stove in the cabin with Jake watching him, a gun on the table before him. Nonga, the Indian guide, lay on a cot, his hands and feet tied. I just want to ask something, not for myself. It's for Nonga. We're not taking any chances. Turk and I have to make the border before anyone knows what happened. But if he does return with the church money, perhaps you could take Nonga with you to the border and free him there. Listen, Father. We're not bothering with the prisoner, and we'll be trying to get to the border. Then you do intend to kill him. I didn't say that. Come on, get over there now. Stop talking. Murder is a serious thing, Jake. Who said anything about murder? Maybe we'll just tie you up and leave you. Of course, if nobody finds you before you freeze to death, that'll be your hard luck. It's a gamble you'll have to take. Of course, Turk may have other ideas. Come on, get over there on that bed. Put that rope back. Turk, didn't hear you coming. You get the money. Sure, I didn't have any trouble. Nobody suspected me at all. And I don't need any more help from the pottery here. Good. What do we do now? We start packing right away. They may be looking for me now. I thought you said they didn't suspect me. The fine knife left in my cabin, they'll start looking for me. They'll be worried. They won't find I've gone for a day or two. I sent word to Pierre that I didn't want to be disturbed for a few days while I made plans for the mission. I don't see how they could have believed him. You'd be surprised how pious I can look, Father. I'm sure I look more like a priest in YouTube. There's evil written all over your face. Oh, there is, huh? Well, it's going to be the handwriting on the wall for you. We can't take any chances. Maybe we could just leave him tied up here, Turk. Him and the Indians. He's not going to be able to talk. The Mounties found out who did this. They chased us to China, if necessary. I'm not asking anything for myself. But let it long ago. He doesn't know who you are. Sorry, Father. I'd like to accommodate you, but we can't take any chances. Well, I'll tie him up until I get packed. Don't bother. We can't spare the time. Well, Father McCarthy, I guess this is the end. Do you want to use my gun? I got a gun right here. Love that gun! Get him clean! I'll get that door! No, you don't! Get him away from me! Get him away, you! Hey, come back, fella. I've got his gun. Get up, you. Watch him, King. I've got this one scanned. Good work. You are the Mountie. Yes, and you must be Father McCarthy. I am. I wasn't sure that wallop you just gave this man. I wasn't sure a priest could hit like that. He was about to shoot your dog. Sometimes even the church finds force necessary. That was a beautiful punch. He won't come due for quite a while. Your dog saved my life. I've never seen anything quite so fair. Get this dog away! You don't like dogs, do you? But that one is going to watch you, and if you're smart, you won't try to get away. How did you find me? It was because of King Father McCarthy that I knew this man was a fraud. Pat O'Hara had told me how you love dogs. And when I called in our prisoner here, King sent something wrong. He growled at him. He knew Dirk was afraid of you. And then Dirk made the bad mistake of saying he didn't like dogs and was afraid of them. But you didn't arrest him? Well, I had no definite proof, Father. Instead of going north as I'd planned, King and I camped near his cabin and kept watch. He left the cabin that night, and King had no trouble trailing him. He let us directly to you. Dirk seems to be coming too. I'll handcuff him now before he wakes up. And there take those ropes up. All right, Jake. Wake up. You're under arrest. What happened? Oh, you just got a little taste for the strong arm of the church. Get up. I'm arresting you and your partner for robbery and attempted murder. Is Nong all right, Father? Me all right. Good. You and Father McCarthy can help me get these prisoners back to Dawson. We'll be glad to, sir. If Father looks at that dog of yours, you won't need much help. He's a wonderful animal. I have a feeling you and here are going to be very good friends, Father. All right, King Old Boy, I'll take charge of the prisoners. Now, you go on over and get acquainted with Father McCarthy. This case is closed. The challenge of the Yukon, a copyrighted feature, is brought to you each week at this time and all characters, names and incidents used are fictitious. Listen again next week to another exciting adventure during the days of the Gold Rush. El Proul speaking, this program came to you from Detroit. One radio actor who puts his all into his role is Billy Redfield, star of the Willie Piper Show, which is heard over most of these ABC stations every Thursday night. Although he's well aware that the listening audience can't see him, Billy lavishes upon each line all the facial expressions and gestures that would be called for in voicing it before a live audience. While you chuckle through the humorous situations that arise in the Piper's New England household, you're never aware that someone is acting the Willie Piper role. Billy Redfield is Willie Piper. Only 20 years old, young Redfield is a veteran of 11 years experience on Broadway and in radio. As a matter of fact, all the characters of the Willie Piper Show are exceptionally well cast. So when you're tuned in to Thursday nights, tales of Willie Piper, you're sure of enjoying a delightful, well-acted comedy.