 wind, zackle across the snow-covered reaches of the Wild North West, the Quaker Roads Company, makers of Quaker Pop Wheat, and Quaker Pop Rice, the delicious cereal shot from guns, in cooperation with the Mutual Broadcasting System, present by special recording, Sergeant Preston of the Yukon. Yukon King, swift as the strongest lead dog of the Northwest, breaking the trail for Sergeant Preston of the Northwest mounted police, in his relentless pursuit of lawbreakers. And then, on your hands, King. 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, and the adventures of Sergeant Preston and his wonder dog, Yukon King, as they meet the challenge of the Yukon. Our adventure will begin in just a moment. There are lots of ways to save money. You still hear about people tucking it away under mattresses, putting it away in a favorite piggy bank or a cookie jar. But there's a much better way to save, and that's by buying United States savings bonds through the payroll savings plan. It's the real easy way of saving money. Your employer automatically sets aside a certain sum of money each payday, any amount you name. It's all done before you get your pay, so in that way you never miss it. When enough is accumulated, you receive a Series E savings bond, automatically too. There's no bookkeeping or budgeting problems for you. It's also the smart way of saving. Series E savings bonds pay back $4 for every three you put in, even more if you hold them past maturity. Yes, there are many ways of saving money, but today, while you're thinking about it, join the eight million other Americans who find it easier to save through the automatic payroll savings plan. This message is brought to you as a public service. Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police have been summoned to the inspector's office at police headquarters in Dawson City. The sergeant listened intently as the inspector spoke. Sergeant, there have been several robberies and a murder in the vicinity of Selkirk, the constable telegraph for help, saying that a strange band of gang is operating in that territory, terrorizing the people but leaving no trace. I want you to take King and go down there as soon as possible. Yes, sir, I, uh, I'll just say strange gang. What do you mean by that, Inspector? The members of the gang wear white robes every time that they strike. Their heads are covered by white hoods. They've become known as the ghost writers. I see. That's interesting. How soon can you start for Selkirk? Within an hour, sir. King and I'll do what we can to help bring in the ghost writers. Bye, sir. Come along, King. Woof, woof, woof. Later in Selkirk, but constable sat in his office facing several townsmen who had come in to discuss the situation. Judd Sparks spoke rather rasping voice. That's really it. This town banker here in Selkirk, after one demand, we have more protection against the bandits known as the ghost writers. Mr. Sparks, I admit that gang has me stumped. But I've sent the headquarters for help, and I'm sure in time the ghost writers will be caught. How many minutes are they sending you, guys? One. One minute. Now, just a minute, Sparks. Let me have a word, will you? That can you say that I haven't said, Luke Coach? That's more like I don't like a common cafe owner calling me Sparks. Uh, Mr. Sparks, do you, sir? Have it your way, Mr. Sparks. But I say give the constable a chance to show what he can do. Two mouties may be able to get further, and a mob of them running all over the place. Who's the ordinary men of those white robes? And the mouties sure have proved that they know how to handle all breaking men. You're right. Thanks, Luke. That is speech for a cafe owner. But all we know, that gang might even hang out in your cafe. Yes, it might have that. We have no way of knowing. But if you're insinuating it, then I'll take it easy. You men can't come here and act peaceful. You better not come here at all. No, he gets my coat, Constable. We've sent about all the rest to say at this gathering, men. Take my word for it. We'll do all we can to track down that gang of outlaws and put them behind bars. That evening, the constable entered the cafe. As he walked slowly through the crowd, he looked around for Luke Coach, the provider. Then he spoke to one of the waiters. Say, is Luke Coach around tonight? No, Luke and Jake went out a while ago. Said they were going down to the opera house to see the show. I see. Thanks. As the constable stood there a moment looking over the crowd, he was startled by a commotion outside. Hey, where's the constable? Hey, Constable! Go strut it. Hey, bust it into the bank or they'll get the way. That's not in my way. The following morning, that Sergeant Preston and King arrived in Selkirk, went directly to the constable's office. The constable told of the various crimes committed by the outlaw gang. And also told about the bank robbery the night before. Sergeant Preston listened intently and then spoke. Why didn't you pick up the trail while it was still fresh? By the time I came here and got my horse, about 20 towns were already after the gang. And others were pouring out of the cafe in the opera house to join them. I mean, they covered the trail. That's right, Sergeant. The gang headed through a heavily wooded area, then seemingly circled back into town where the trail was lost. They must have taken off their hoods and robes as they rode through the woods. They must have a clever leader who figured all that in advance. I thought of that. Some of the townsmen met here yesterday to discuss the situation. Banker Judge Sparks practically accused the cafe owner of Luke Coates not only of harboring the gang, but of being one of them, if not the leader. Do you think there's anything to Sparks suspicions? Well, Luke got sore and walked out with one of his men, a fellow named Jake Drew. And last night, Sparks Bank was robbed. I happen to know neither Luke or Jake were at the cafe when it happened. Do you have a talk with them afterwards? Yes. They both swear they went to the opera house, but no one remembers seeing them there. Well, that means they might have been a ghost, right? Sure. But still, they might have really been at the opera house. I'd need a lot more than just the lack of an alibi to accuse them. There were a lot of men at the show who probably couldn't prove it. Of course you're right. But Luke Coates and that fellow Jake might bear close watching them. I agree, Sergeant. Uh-oh. Here comes Bank of Sparks heading this way. I can see him through the window. Good. Let him come in. It's about time we became better acquainted. I'm afraid you'll hear a lot of yapping about the incompetence of the modded police. Oh. That's enough. Hey, Bank, it's Rob. Right after I have a run-in with that new good Luke coach. And you sit here with him. Yeah. Well, it's Sergeant Preston and his dog. Good morning, Mr. Sparks. Sure. This is the other marty you were expecting. Why didn't you say so, Constable? I didn't think it was necessary. Of course. If you'd been on your toes last night, perhaps you'd have caught those outlaws red-handed. Let me know, Matty. I'm sure the Sergeant and his famous dog will be of great help in tracking down the ghost riders. That's what we hope to do, don't we, King? Oh. I hope you realize, Mr. Sparks, that the citizens of this town hamper investigation of crimes by rushing to the scene and trying to act in place of the police. I never thought of that. But after all, I suppose there's no way to control what they do with that respect. That's right. There isn't. Frankly, my bank took a great loss, lads and lads, close to $20,000. And if you'd pay more attention, Constable, to the actions of Luke Colch, maybe you would soon solve these crimes. Careful, Mr. Sparks. Making accusations can get you into trouble. I'm not accusing him. Could I have a right to state my opinion? Maybe, but it isn't wise to cast suspicion upon another person without proof. Luke is mixed up in this affair. We'll find out before long. Where if the ghost writers manage to circle back and lose themselves in the crowd each time? How do you expect to trail them? They may be able to cover their trail from the police by that method, Mr. Sparks. But a well-trained dog like King won't be confused by it. He'll still be able to pick out their sense. Well, he's had a fight. Yeah, he didn't know that before. Didn't he? Hank, if you don't mind, I'm going to the cafe and eat, and then we'll make what plans we can toward finding the ghost writers. Let's go, King. I'll see you again, Mr. Sparks. Judd Sparks followed Sergeant Preston and King out of the constable's office. The banker stood him up and watching the mountain dog as they walked toward the cafe. And then he hurried to the bank. That noon, Judd, as usual, took the place of one of the tellers when the man went to lunch. By the time the bank was ready to close, four men who, at various times during the afternoon, had sauntered back to Judd's office unobserved were sitting across from Judd's desk as he spoke. My plan to have one of you stroll in every noon while I'm at the teller's window works out fine. It's a good way to tip you off when I want to meet with you. Why do you want to see us for this afternoon, Judd? Yes, please, Joe. The man who we sent here to help the constable, he charged impressions. Hey, he's dynamite. Yeah, we'll have to be careful. That's right. We'll have to be very careful. He has that famous dog of his with him. Who's afraid of a dog? Wes. Something Preston said drew my attention. Yeah? What? He said a well-trained dog like his won't be fooled if a trail is covered by the tracks of many others. The dog still follows the scent. I know something about dogs, Judd. You'd have to get that dog to the scene to pick up the scent before the others got there. Of course, if Preston does get him there when we pull our next job, it might be bad for him. Hey, Judd, didn't you say you got them suspecting Luke Coates and his friend, Jake Drew? Yeah, you see, don't admit it. But I'm sure those two muddies will be watching Luke and Jake. You still intend to grab the mine payroll at the express office of our night? Oh, gosh. You all have your robes and hoods in your set of bags. We'll meet in a grove behind the express office at 8 o'clock. Put on the robes, then we'll move in and take that payroll. Yeah, but what about Preston and the dog? I've thought of that, man. But somehow we have to lay our plans in such a way that by tomorrow night, Sergeant Preston's dog king will be missing for good. We'll continue our adventure in just a moment. Park when the lead-off man steps up to the plate. Have you been there to see the star players in person? See them wallop home runs? See the exciting double plays? Well, don't miss the fun another day. Come out to the ball game as guests of a major or minor league team. Walk right through the gate free if you are 12 years or younger and bring mom or dad or another paying adult. Yes, you can get a free baseball ticket. No mailing, no waiting. It's right inside a package of Quakerpuff wheat or Quakerpuff rice or Muffet Shredded Wheat or buy Quaker Pakotin and get two free baseball tickets. Names of teams and dates are on every ticket. Hurry to get your free baseball ticket in the special package of Quakerpuff wheat or rice, Muffet Shredded Wheat or Quaker Pakotin. To continue, the following afternoon, Judd Sparks made it a point to intercept Sergeant Preston and King as they walked along the main street. Well, King, we'll go back now to the cafe for a while. OK, sir. Sir, your question. Judd Sparks, I wonder what he wants. Hey, sir. Sir, you're passing across the street from the bank, so I heard you speak to him. Oh, are you Mr. Sparks? What's happened? Nothing's happened. I want to ask you if you would take supper in my place with me tonight. Why, uh, I'm sorry, Mr. Sparks, but since I'm here to investigate at the time. With charge, there are several important points I want to discuss, and we both have more time not to mention a particular note I received in regards to the bank robbery. No? Where is it? At home. At, um, first, I decided to overlook it, but I want to second that. I'll, uh, accept your invitation to supper, Mr. Sparks. All right, fine. We'll eat at 7. My police is not far from the Constable's cabin where you're stubby. I'll be there a little before 7. All right, all right. Over here. By the way, my new housekeeper, she's afraid of dogs. Perhaps you could leave your dog at the cabin. The Constable can come for you if anything occurs, and you can quickly get to the cabin for the dog. The Constable will be going to the cafe for supper about that time, so I'll leave King at the cabin, as you suggest. You don't mind, eh, fellow? Well, it would be, of course. If it weren't for the housekeeper, I wouldn't mind having King come along with you, eh? I understand. Well, I'll see you at my place in a supper time, eh? Goodbye, Mr. Lanzar. Goodbye. That evening, after locking King in the cabin, Sergeant Preston went to Judd Sparks' house. Sergeant, come in. Just make yourself at home, Sergeant. Thanks. I'm interested in what you have to tell me, and in that note you spoke of. Oh, yes, yes, of course. Oh, eh, Sergeant, this is my new housekeeper, Mrs. Guffey. Well, now bless my heart if it isn't Sergeant Preston himself. Mrs. Guffey, how are you? I wondered where you went when you left Dawson. Sure, and I came down here two months ago to run a boarding house. Then Mr. Sparks asked me to take care of his place, so here I am. Oh, glory be, it's good to see you. And tell me, how is King, bless his heart? King's fine. And why didn't you bring him with you? I'd like to know. Well, you see, hey, hey. I had the impression you didn't like Dawson, Mrs. Guffey, so I asked the Sergeant not to bring King with him. Oh, and for the life of me, I can't figure out how you got such an impression, sir. Well, eh, eh, come to think of it, eh, neither do I. But, eh, if Sergeant Preston wants us to hold this up while he goes back after King. No, neither does that, Mr. Sparks. I have to leave as soon as we eat, anyway. Well, then I'll hustle the vigils on the table, so as not to keep you waiting, sir. Right. Now, Sergeant, about that no dip. Oh, yes. Yeah, here it is. Now, look, it's pretty darned the stationery that's used at the hotel. The hotel connected with Luke Coach Cafe. Only one could have access to that, baby. Let's see. Mr. Sparks, we're not through with you yet. Maybe we'll get through, along with more of your bank's money, and next time, the ghost writers. Yeah. It's not very interesting. You're nervous about the threat it contains? No, I am not. I feel sure the Luke Coach is behind it. Now, notice the way Mr. is underlined. Well, when we argued in the Constable's office, I told him to call me Mr. Sparks, and he did. Stressing the word, Mr. You seem determined to connect Colts with that guy. It's evident to me that he is connected, even if you don't see it my way at the moment. We're now sufferers on the table, sir. Is that your column while it's on? Yes, yes, of course. There we come along, Sergeant Breaker. Meantime, after watching the Constable enter the cafe for supper, two of Judd's henchmen, Joe and Wes, went to the Mount East cabin where King was waiting and approached the side window. I'll take a look inside and try to see the dog. That is him. Lincoln, got a dim in there. I'll tap on the window to attract his attention. Get your gun ready. All right. I'm ready. He's jumping around in there. I'll try a shot. I did it. I saw him drop down below the window. Let's duck up the back way, then we'll join the crowd that will gather here in a few minutes. Come on, let's get going. After a quick supper, Sergeant Preston made his excuses and left Judd Sparks' house, heading for the cabin to get King. As he went up the street, he met the constable who had just come out of the cafe. Hello, Hague. Just on my way to the cabin. So am I, and we'd better hurry. I just heard there was shooting near our cabin. Come on. You're on the place. What's happened here? We heard a shot over here. Yeah, it looks like someone shot through the window. Let's get inside quickly. Right. I don't know. The gang's not barking. Something's wrong. There he is under the window. King, King boy. Well, it creased the top of his head. He's been stunned. He's coming too now. Oh, for a minute, I was afraid he was dead. I don't get this, Sergeant. I wonder who'd attempt to kill King. He must have been watching us closely to know you'd left him alone here. Something's beginning to quicken my mind, eh? Oh, bring a pound of water and a cloth. Sure, right away. You'll be all right, boy. Those people hadn't milled around out there. We'd soon find out who did this. Here's the water and a cloth, Sergeant. Oh, thanks. He'll be all right. He's getting up now. This will take away the sting, boy. There. Feeling better, King? Now, Hank, we're going to ask some questions. Something's happening up the street. Come on. Boring from the cabin with King once again himself and their side, Preston and the Constable ran up the main street to the express office where a crowd was already collecting. Hey, get off the express office. Get off the back way. Hey, where are the boats? Sergeant, we'd better get our horses. We won't need our horses. I have a fairly clear picture in mind of the man behind this. But who? Come on, I'll tell you later. Right. Where are we going? I'll head to the grove of trees behind the bank and hide in the brush there. I don't get it. You will. Let's hurry. Come on, King. We'll continue our adventure in just a moment. You should have been at the ball game today. I saw three home runs. And guess what? I got one of the home run balls. Fellows and girls, why don't you get a free baseball ticket? It's easy. Come out to the ball game as guest of a major or minor league team. Your free ticket is waiting for you right now inside packages of Quaker Pop Wheat, Quaker Pop Rice, Muffet Shredded Wheat and Quaker Pakotin, which has two free baseball tickets. Yes, if you are 12 years or younger, just bring mom or dad or another paying adult and see wonderful major or minor league baseball games free. Names of teams and dates are on every ticket. Get as many free tickets as you want. No mailing, no waiting. When mom buys breakfast cereal, just be sure she gets the kind with a free baseball ticket inside. That's Quaker Pop Wheat and Rice and Muffet Shredded Wheat. You get two free baseball tickets inside Quaker Pakotin. So don't miss out another day. See the star players wallop those home runs. To continue, a short time later, the two mouties and the dog were hidden in the tall brush back in the grove. Follow their usual plan, they'll circle back to town so I expect us to be here. You mean the ghost riders? Yes, I expect they'll come to this grove one at a time after they mixed with the crowd. What's the meaning of that? John Sparks invited me to suffer. He suggested I leave King of the Cabins saying his housekeeper didn't like dogs. Well, she turned out to be a woman I knew in Dawson, a Mrs. Guffey who definitely does like dogs. She said she never gave Sparks any such idea. But maybe he really did. That isn't all he's tried in every way to get us to suspect Luke Oates. He tried too hard, it seemed to me. I know. When he came to your office yesterday, he said if the ghost riders managed to circle back and lose themselves in the crowd each time, how do we expect them? Do you think Judd is with it? Yes, I do. We'll soon find out for sure. Quiet, King. Someone's coming. As the two mouties and the dog watched from their hiding place, a man rode into the grove and stopped. He dismounted and went to the back door of the bank, which opened into Judd's office. That isn't Judd's box. No, it doesn't work. He let himself into the cave. But how can we get proof? Quiet. That's Judd's Sparks. Once more, the two men and King watched quietly as Judd went into the back door. Then the constable became impatient. What are we going to do to find out? Wait until the rest get here, then. All right. I'm sure now we're watching a gathering of the ghost riders in Sparks' office. The mouties waited until three more had left their horses in the grove and entered the back door. Then the constables spoke. More reports there were five in the gang, Sergeant. That means they're all in there. Hank, I figure they haven't had time to get rid of their robes and hoods. That means they discarded them as they rode and put them in the saddlebags. Now we'll do some searching. Come on. Quickly, the two mouties went from horse to horse, finding in the saddlebags of each the white robes and hoods used by the gang. Then Preston spoke. The ghost riders are gathered in the Sparks' office. They're five against two and desperate to it. Get coats and a few of these men, bring them here, Hank. Then we'll move in on that gang. All right. Within a short time, the constable returned with Luke and the others. Without going into details, Preston told them he was sure the ghost riders were in the bank and told of a plan to capture them. Meantime, inside Judd's office, Judd and his men were having a discussion. Judd, I say, give me the payroll money right now. I'm sure. Well, that's all right. We'll divide it now. Put the second bills on the desk here, will you? With pleasure. I'll open the office door into the bank. Put that money sack in the door of my desk here, all right? It's Sergeant Preston. I'll try to get rid of him. Close this door. And if he starts coming back here, get out the back door fast. Yeah, you get rid of him. This is right. We must see you all minute. Yes, Dominic. What can I do for you? Let's step back to your office. I have a few things to say that will be of interest. Yeah, why not just sit here and talk, may I? This gets cluttered with private people. I don't need a desk, Mr. Sparks. I just want to say a few words to you where people passing by won't see us. Come on, we'll go back to your office. Meantime, inside the office, the others waited tensely. They heard the conversation between Judd and Sergeant Preston out front. When they heard steps coming toward the office, Joe exclaimed, Holy smoke, it's Preston. And he's coming back here to the office. What are we going to do now? We've got to get out of here quick. Come on, head out the back door. All right, come on. Read Sholian, the gospel and the posse. We're not sick. Don't give up. Shoot him. When Sergeant Preston and Judd Sparks opened the office door to weather, the commotion started just outside the open back door to which the other crooks had gone. Pretty, pretty easy. What's that mob doing here? She had to make door. The game's up, Sparks. Oh, no. Preston then struggled with him. Joe, one of the crooks turned and ran back into the office, aiming his gun at the maudee. Don't let them take me, maudee. But the great dog king just outside the door saw the danger to his master. And with a growl of anger, leaped at Joe's gun out. Good. I'll have a look in this desk. A cycle payroll of money from the express office. Gersh, imagine Sparks being with the gang. Yeah, he sure had us all fooled. Yeah, look here. You can't prove anything. Sparks with that money sacked stenciled with the express company name not to mention the robes and hoods we found. We have proof enough. Yeah, wait a minute. Listen to me. We arrest you and your gang in the name of the crown for robbery and murder. That dog, I thought he was dead. Oh, you did. So king picked out the very man who tried to kill him, eh? If you had killed him, my friend, I wouldn't be responsible for what I'd do to you. I thought the sergeant that didn't take long for you and King to catch up with the ghost riders. They'll really be ghost riders after the law finishes with them, Hank. Well, let's get them to jail. This case is closed. We'll return in just a moment with a word about our next exciting adventure. Your musical treat of the day waits for you throughout the week on Mutual. Each Tuesday and Thursday evening, it's time for Eddie Fisher and a session of music as everyone likes it. Young and old delight in Eddie Fisher's way with the song. And he's joined on every show by Fred Robbins as emcee, Alex Storto's orchestra and outstanding guest stars. Every Saturday, the teenager's favorite, Johnny Desmond, brings photogrammetine and a roundup of the newest and best in popular recordings. On Sundays, the Enchanted Hour presents favorite music from the world's best-loved composers. Every weekday also means time for Hawaii calls and authentic melodies of the islands. Music fills Mutual's air throughout the week. Here's the Eddie Fisher show, Johnny Desmond with photogrammetine and Enchanted Hour and Hawaii calls on Mutual throughout the week over most of these stations. Sergeant Preston. Sergeant Preston reporting, sir. Sergeant, I've just been talking with the minor from Goldhaven. There's a dangerous situation there. Huh? What's that, sir? The trail is then so bad that it's been impossible to ship any gold out. It's piling up in the express office. I see, sir. What's more, a number of questionable characters have been drifting into town. It's bound to be trouble. I want you to get to Goldhaven as fast as you can. Yes, sir. But the trail to Goldhaven is ankle deep in mud and rushing torrents must be crossed. The sergeant faces danger every foot of the way and at the end of the trail, a band of ruthless killers greedy for gold. Don't miss this next exciting adventure. These sergeant Preston of the Yukon Adventures are brought to you every Monday through Friday at this time by the Quaker Roads Company. Makers of Quaker Pop Week and Quaker Pop Rice. The delicious cereals shot from guns. A special recording in cooperation with the Mutual Broadcasting System. They are a copyrighted feature of Sergeant Preston of the Yukon Incorporated created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated and directed by Fred Flower Day. The part of Sergeant Preston is played by Paul Sutton. This is J. Michael, wishing you good-bye, good luck, and good health from Quaker Pop Wheat and Quaker Pop Rice. So long. This is Mutual Radio Network for All America.