Challenge of the Yukon: Bob Hite Announces (Audition)

A TON of Gold! These four words flashed over the nation's telegraph wires on July 17, 1897, and the Klondike Gold Rush was born. A little steamer from Alaska had nose its way through Puget Sound and docked its Seattle. The captain's declaration of his cargo electrified the world.

A TON of Gold! Within a few weeks countless thousands of men struck out for America's last and greatest frontier, the Klondike, through which flowed the mightiest river of the north, the Yukon. A year later the big rush was in full force. It brought every manner of man and woman into the frozen wilderness to meet the multiple challenge of adventure,

pioneering the unknown and most important gold. Law and order also came to the Yukon. There were many criminals and ordinary adventurers among the gold seekers who were surprised to defined that decency and justice had staunch guardians in the frozen north. The royal northwest mounted police, whose scarlet tunics and broad-brimmed hats symbolized law and order and protection

for honest citizens, kept to watchful eye over the vast stretches of uncharted land. From these outstanding soldiers of government, we created a young sergeant named William Preston. Because of his bravery, resourcefulness, and courage, Sergeant Preston rapidly became one of the best known and efficient policemen in the Yukon territory.

His friends were legion, and his only enemies were criminals. However, his greatest friend, companion, and helpmate was a dog. Not an ordinary dog in any sense of the word. This dog was a powerful animal, half husky and half shepherd, and possessed of almost human intelligence.

He served as a free lead to the team of huskies that carried Sergeant Preston sled over countless miles of frozen trails. The sergeant had raised him from a pup, and even then his proud head and lean muscular body gave the impression of regal strength.