About Chester – Gunsmoke (09-11-60)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "About Chester – Gunsmoke (09-11-60)"

Released on July 19, 2025 | Host: Andrew Rines | Source: OTRWesterns.com

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Introduction

In the "Gunsmoke" episode titled "About Chester," listeners are transported back to Dodge City, Kansas, during the tumultuous days of the American West settlement. Hosted by Andrew Rines, this episode delves into the complexities of law enforcement, personal relationships, and the moral dilemmas faced by those living on the frontier.

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Setting the Stage: Matt Dillon's Concern [00:00 - 00:57]

The episode opens with Marshal Matt Dillon (William Conrad) returning to his duties after attending to Kitty's (Georgia Ellis) concerns. Their conversation reveals underlying tensions and the challenges of maintaining order in Dodge City.

• Matt Dillon: "I'm back here, Kitty. I'll be right out." [02:01]

Kitty expresses worry about Doc Adams's unexplained absence, prompting Matt to take action.

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The Search for Doc Adams [02:58 - 05:18]

Matt and Kitty decide to investigate Doc Adams's disappearance by visiting Emmett Bowers (Harry Bartel) at the Clooney ranch.

• Kitty: "Matt, why don't you and I ride out to Emmett Bauer's place and find out where Doc was going when he left there." [02:41]

Upon meeting Emmett, they learn that Doc hasn't returned, heightening their concerns.

• Emmett Bowers: "Doc never did show up that day." [03:35]

Matt assigns Chester Proudfoot (Harley Bear) to cover additional ground, strategizing to split up and search ranches more effectively.

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Chester Proudfoot's Arrival and Introduction [05:18 - 07:10]

Chester Proudfoot, a local rancher, joins Matt and Chester in the search. Their interactions establish Chester as a trustworthy yet weary character.

• Chester Proudfoot: "I got me a kindly, funny feeling about Doc, Mr. Jones." [05:20]

The conversation underscores the urgency of finding Doc and introduces potential complications with Chester's injured horse.

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Tensions Rise: Encounter with Dak [07:10 - 12:38]

As Matt and Chester navigate the rugged terrain, they encounter Dak (possibly an antagonist) and his wife, Lily May (Vic Terran).

• Chester Proudfoot: "Are you Mr. Pope?" [07:12]

The tension escalates when Dak confronts them, revealing suspicions about horse thievery linked to Matt's investigations.

• Chester Proudfoot: "About the horse thieving." [07:35]

Dak's aggressive demeanor hints at underlying conflicts and sets the stage for impending confrontations.

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Confrontation and Climax [12:38 - 22:56]

Chester seeks refuge at Dak and Lily May's ranch, hoping to find Doc Adams. However, suspicions arise, leading to a tense standoff.

• Dak: "If he wanted something to eat, I would have given it to him." [12:24]

Lily May grows suspicious of Chester's intentions, especially asDak reveals their intent to flee due to horse theft accusations.

• Dak: "When we finish packing, we can take turns sleeping. I ain't gonna take a chance on Marshal that sneaking in here. If he so much as puts a foot on this ranch, I'll shoot him not to ask." [19:25]

Chester and Matt become ensnared in Dak's desperate plans, leading to a heated confrontation where loyalty and morality are tested.

• Lily May: "I ain't gonna do it. I'm tired of running, living like an animal." [22:02]

Chester intervenes to protect Lily May from Dak's violent intentions, showcasing his integrity.

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Resolution: Matt Dillon's Intervention [22:56 - 24:32]

As tensions peak, Matt Dillon arrives to defuse the situation. With his authoritative presence, he restores order and addresses the fallout of Dak's actions.

• Matt Dillon: "You think we'll have to start killing, and I'll be a murderer, too." [15:02]

Matt's strategic intervention ensures the safety of all parties involved and reaffirms his role as the steadfast protector of Dodge City.

• Matt Dillon: "Anybody in there?" [23:18]

Through calm negotiation and firm resolve, Matt resolves the conflict, ensuring justice is served without unnecessary bloodshed.

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Conclusion

"About Chester" is a compelling narrative that highlights the intricate dynamics of frontier life. Through Matt Dillon's unwavering dedication, Chester Proudfoot's moral compass, and the tensions introduced by Dak and Lily May, the episode masterfully explores themes of trust, loyalty, and justice. Notable for its rich character development and engaging plot twists, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of "Gunsmoke" in portraying the rugged spirit of the American West.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Dillon: "I think we'll split up here." [05:00]
• Chester Proudfoot: "I ain't make no track standing here, am I?" [05:24]
• Lily May: "I ain't gonna do it. I'm tired of running, living like an animal." [22:02]
• Dak: "I'd shoot him not to ask. It's him or me, Lily May." [19:25]

This episode encapsulates the essence of classic Western storytelling, blending suspense, character depth, and moral dilemmas to engage listeners from start to finish.

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Further Engagement

For more immersive storytelling and exclusive content, visit otrwesterns.com. Join the community on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel to become one of our ranch hands and unlock additional episodes and behind-the-scenes insights.

Transcript

[Matt Dillon]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now, let's get into this episode.

[William Conrad]

Around Dodge City and in the territory on West. There's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers, and that's with a U.S. marshal and the smell of gun smoke. Gun Smoke. Starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America and the story of a man who moved with it.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal. The first man they look for and the last they want to meet. It's a chancy job, and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely.

[Kitty]

Matt. Oh, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm back here, Kitty. I'll be right out.

[Kitty]

For a minute, I thought you'd left down.

[Matt Dillon]

No, but it's a good idea. I just released a couple of your hangovers from last night. Thought I better get the cells straightened up.

[Kitty]

Where's Chester?

[Matt Dillon]

At Delmonico's. I told him he got some food. He's awful puny.

[Kitty]

I tried to warn him and it.

[Matt Dillon]

Wouldn'T be so bad, Kitty, if you'd stopped selling that green beer.

[Kitty]

It's all I can get and you know it.

[Matt Dillon]

You want some coffee? Has Doc come back yet?

[Kitty]

No, and I don't like it. Map.

[Matt Dillon]

Don't worry about it, Kenny. He can take care of himself.

[Kitty]

I know, but this is the fourth day.

[Matt Dillon]

It has been four days, hasn't it?

[Kitty]

Yes. Matt, why don't you and I ride out to Emmett Bauer's place and find out where Doc was going when he left there.

[Matt Dillon]

How do you know he isn't still there? Bowers boy could have had complications with that broken arm.

[Kitty]

Well, at least we'd know something's wrong. Man, I can feel it.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Kitty.

[Emmett Bowers]

All right.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, have you had breakfast?

[Kitty]

No.

[Matt Dillon]

We better eat first. Come on, let's go over and join Chester, huh?

[Kitty]

All right, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Luck. Fine.

[Kitty]

Isn't that Emmett Bowers coming out of the Dodge House?

[Matt Dillon]

That sure is. Hey, Emmett, hold up.

[Emmett Bowers]

Hello, Marshall. I'm just coming over to see you. Morning, Miss Kitty.

[Kitty]

Hi.

[Matt Dillon]

We were just talking about you.

[Kitty]

He's Doc out at your place?

[Emmett Bowers]

No. No, he isn't. As a matter of fact, that's why I was coming over to see you.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, how's that?

[Emmett Bowers]

Well, Doc never did show up that day.

[Kitty]

What?

[Emmett Bowers]

That's right. I went up to his office this morning, but everything was locked up. I Thought maybe you knew where he was.

[Kitty]

I told you, Matt, something's wrong.

[Matt Dillon]

What about your boy, Emmett?

[Emmett Bowers]

Oh, he's getting along all right. I said he's armed myself, but I want a doc to take a look at it.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Well, Kitty, looks like you and I won't be making that trip today.

[Kitty]

Why not?

[Matt Dillon]

I better ride out with Chester. He and I can cover more ground.

[Kitty]

That's all right with me.

[Matt Dillon]

It's nice seeing you, Emmett.

[Emmett Bowers]

Yeah. Yeah. So I hope you find him all right.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sure we will. So on. Bye.

[Emmett Bowers]

Come on, Miss Kitty.

[Kitty]

Bye. You think Jester will feel like riding?

[Matt Dillon]

If he doesn't, he'll go anyway. I'll be good for him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Ms. Ketchum sure is a stingy old lady.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, how do you figure that, chester, my man.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Mr. Don, you think she would at least offered us a drink of water?

[Doc Adams]

Something just to be hospitable?

[Matt Dillon]

If you wanted water, you should have asked her. She'd have given you some.

[Chester Proudfoot]

That ain't the idea. It's just polite to offer folks something when they drop in on you.

[Matt Dillon]

You know, Chester, not many prairie people have the time to be polite.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Chester.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, hold up.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What's the matter?

[Matt Dillon]

I think we'll split up here.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I thought we was going on to Clooney Place.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, we are, but there's a couple of other ranches on the way that Doc could have visited. Now, we can cover more ground if we split up. The trail to the right leads by the Pope ranch. Want you to go by there, and I'll meet you at the Clooney place later. All right.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, how did I get to the.

[Matt Dillon]

Clunies after I leave the Pope's old man? Pope can tell you. Just follow the trail. The clunies are about 10 miles north of the Pope's.

[Chester Proudfoot]

All right. You know, I got me a kindly, funny feeling about Doc, Mr. Jonas.

[Matt Dillon]

Huh? How's that?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, you know how him and old man Cooney are such good checker buddies and they don't hardly ever get to see each other. Well, I just bet you Doc's been at him these past four days. Taking a little time off of playing checkers.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, Chester, that's not likely.

[Chester Proudfoot]

No, I guess I was just wishing.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Well, better get started. It'll be dark by the time we meet at the Clunies.

[Chester Proudfoot]

All right. But what if I find Doc?

[Matt Dillon]

You just bring him out of the Clunies with you. We can spend the night there and then head back to Dodge in the morning.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Been an awful long time Since I've been out this way, Mr. Jones, just.

[Matt Dillon]

Stick close to the trail. You won't get lost. Well, so long.

[Chester Proudfoot]

So long.

[Matt Dillon]

And don't waste any time visiting with the folks, huh?

[Doc Adams]

Yes, sir.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Get out. If I knew I was going to be riding all day, I wouldn't have drunk as much beer last night. How do?

[William Conrad]

Howdy.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Are you Mr. Pope?

[Dak]

That's right.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I'm Chester Proudfoot.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, I know that. I seen you in Dodge, Marshall. Couldn't come yourself, huh?

[Lily May]

Couldn't you?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Was you expecting Mr. Ellen?

[Matt Dillon]

Sure I was.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, is there something wrong, Mr. Pope?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, now, didn't my boy tell the marshal?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Tell him what?

[Matt Dillon]

About the horse thieving.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Horse thieving?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Boy went into town this morning to tell the marshal to get out here. I've lost three of my best broodmares within the last week. Stole right from under my nose.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Didn't know nothing about that. We left Dodge earlier this morning. I guess that was before your boy got there.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, what are you doing out here then?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, we're out looking for Doc Adams, see nobody. Ain't heard from him in four days and we've been awful worried.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I ain't seen him. Did you say the marshal was out with you?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yeah, he took the other trail at the fork about five mile back. I'm to meet him at the Cooney ranch later on.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you tell him about my mares. Something's got to be done.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, yes, sir, I sure will. Say, how far is it to the Cluny place?

[Matt Dillon]

Good nine or ten miles, right toward them clouds.

[Chester Proudfoot]

It is kind of black looking over there, ain't it? But I don't suppose a little rain will hurt me.

[Matt Dillon]

You can catch a good dose of fever soaking up rain.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I got my slicker.

[Matt Dillon]

You're gonna need it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I ain't making no track standing here, am I? I wish I had time to visit with you a little bit, Mr. Polt.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Don't you forget to tell the marshal about my h.

[Chester Proudfoot]

That limp ain't getting no better, that's for sure. Come on. I don't even see that foot. Easy, boy. Stone brute a bad one. Well, looks like you ain't gonna be no use to me at all if I ride anymore. You'll give out altog. I ain't sure how long. I'll ask if I have to walk to the coonies. Be a good five mile here. Well, come on, horse. I can't afford to leave you out here on ferret.

[Doc Adams]

Gonna walk.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Same with H. Me. I'm getting too old for such carrying on as this. Well, I do declare. Look at there. That's a cabin hiding in them trees. Come on, horse. I knew the good Lord wasn't going to leave us for the rain. Hey, get up and walk in here.

[Dak]

Come on, I said.

[Chester Proudfoot]

All right, all right, I'm coming. I ain't armed. Don't shoot.

[Dak]

I wanted to shoot you, I'd have hit you in the first place. That's far enough. What are you doing, traipsing on my lamp.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, I didn't know he wasn't allowed. Dad.

[William Conrad]

Yeah?

[Dak]

What you shooting at the stranger? Look, nobody just wanders up here.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I did, mister.

[Matt Dillon]

Why?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I was on the trail and my horse got a stone bruise about a mile or so back. When I seen your cabin, I figured I could ask you for cover before the rain started.

[Dak]

I got no shell let off for a stranger.

[Lily May]

Now, Dak, that's no way to be.

[Kitty]

He looks tired.

[Lily May]

Won't hurt us to be friendly.

[Dak]

Sometimes it don't pay to be friendly. Lily May, I don't cotton to a man wandering on to my place aimless like.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I ain't aimless. Mister, I'm not here for a good reason. See, I'm supposed to meet Marshall Dillon at the Clooney place. Now, that's about three miles from here, ain't it?

[Dak]

You say Marshal Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, sir, that's right.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I work with him in Dodge City.

[Doc Adams]

I'm Chester Proudfoot.

[Dak]

Well, a friend of the marshals ought to be welcome in our place.

[Lily May]

We ain't used to having visitors, Mr. Proudfoot, but we'd be pleased to have you join us for supper.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Why, thank you.

[Dak]

You're going in the house, Lily May, I'll put your horse in the shed. You'll stay dry.

[Chester Proudfoot]

All right. And thank you.

[Lily May]

Come on, Mr. Proudfoot.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Just call me Chester, ma'.

[Dak]

Am.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Most folks does.

[Kitty]

All right.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Bye. You folks sure do have an awful big crowd. Such a little ranch.

[Lily May]

Oh, Dad's in the horse business. He gets them wild off the prairie and gentles them, and then he sells them. Things ain't been going too well lately, though.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You've been living out here long?

[Lily May]

Not long. Come on in. Now, you sit down there at that table, and I'll pour you a cup of coffee. Coffee?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, thank you. I sure do appreciate you being so kind and all. Man, when I first walked up here, I. I thought I got into a hornet Smith.

[Lily May]

Well, that don't trust people as easy as he should.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, sometimes it's better that way, I suppose.

[Lily May]

Not for me, it ain't. I like to visit with people, have them around to talk to. I don't think I'll ever get used to living out here.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Do you by any chance know Doc Adams from Dodge?

[Lily May]

Doc Adams? Yup. Never heard of him.

[Kitty]

Why?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, I was just wondering.

[Emmett Bowers]

Yours will be all right.

[Dak]

I gave him some grain.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, thank you, Jerry. Say, I've been thinking. It's gonna take a few days for him to get over that bruise. Would you be willing to loan me one of your horses so that I can go on and meet Mr. Dillon tonight? I'll bring you back to you first thing in the morning.

[Dak]

Well, sure, sure. We can talk about it after supper. I better stoke up that fire a little, man.

[Lily May]

Thank you, dad. Looks like it's starting to rain. Maybe you ought to stay here with us tonight, Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, no, thank you. I guess not, ma'. Am. Mr. Dillon will get worried about me if I don't.

[Lily May]

Dick, you killed him.

[Dak]

He ain't dead.

[Lily May]

What guardian can you. Why'd you hit him?

[Dak]

It's a trap, Lily Mae.

[Lily May]

What do you mean, a trap?

[Dak]

Just that I suspected when he told.

[Matt Dillon]

Us who he was.

[Dak]

Marshall sent him in here to borrow one of the horses so they'd have proof to hang me. They're on to us.

[Lily May]

What are we gonna do?

[Dak]

Move out first thing in the morning. It'll take us most of the night to pack.

[Lily May]

Dak, we've been moving steady for three years. When does it start?

[Dak]

When I get enough money saved up to buy a decent farm.

[Lily May]

How many times have I heard that? What are you gonna do with him?

[Dak]

Tie him up and leave him here to rot.

[Lily May]

That's murder, Dick. Nobody ever comes around here.

[Dak]

Serve him right.

[Lily May]

You losing your senses? You gonna gonna start killing, And I'll be a murderer, too.

[Dak]

Sure, I'll do what I.

[Matt Dillon]

Sam. Hello, Mrs. Malloy.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Come in. Come in.

[Doc Adams]

Hey, what a nice job.

[Matt Dillon]

Is Chester here yet?

[Chester Proudfoot]

No.

[Doc Adams]

Is he coming too?

[Matt Dillon]

Hey, he's supposed to meet me here.

[Kitty]

Oh.

[Doc Adams]

Hang your slicker there.

[William Conrad]

Ah, thanks.

[Doc Adams]

Oh, say, what brings you out in this way?

[Matt Dillon]

Weather. Doc Adams. Have you seen him?

[Doc Adams]

Well, I reckon I have. Come on back to the kitchen where it's warm.

[Matt Dillon]

All right.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Matt.

[Emmett Bowers]

What?

[William Conrad]

Doc.

[Matt Dillon]

There he is.

[Doc Adams]

Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Doc, have you been here all this time?

[Doc Adams]

Ever since Monday.

[Matt Dillon]

What happened to you?

[Doc Adams]

Sit down, Marshall.

[Lily May]

Yeah.

[Doc Adams]

Get the load off.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You think?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, Chester was right.

[Doc Adams]

Chester was all right, huh? How's that?

[Matt Dillon]

He said you probably decided to take a few days off and come out here to play checkers with Clowny.

[Lily May]

Play.

[Doc Adams]

Oh, he did?

[Emmett Bowers]

Yeah.

[Doc Adams]

That ain't it exactly, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Looks pretty clear to me.

[Doc Adams]

Don't be too hasty. I didn't get these circles under my eyes just sitting here staring at this checkerboard for four days.

[Matt Dillon]

Now. Tell me you've been sick, Doc. You never been sick a day in your life.

[Doc Adams]

He sure was this time, Marshall. I seen it. He had the fever. If it hadn't been for the good care Clooney gave me, I'd still be late. There was those powders that snapped.

[Matt Dillon]

How did you end up out here anyway? You left to go to the bar's place, didn't you?

[Doc Adams]

I know, but I got caught in a thunderstorm. I got on the wrong trail. Next thing I knew, I was here. He was awful pitiable. Did you hear from Bowers, man?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. The boy will be all right. Bowers set the arm himself. Must not have been too bad.

[Doc Adams]

Thank goodness for that. I was going back to Dodge this afternoon, but when those clouds came up, I figured I'd best wait till morning. And I guess it's a good thing you did.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yeah.

[Doc Adams]

Oh, Marshall. You say Chester is going to meet you here, or Chester come out with you?

[Matt Dillon]

Uh huh. We've been scanning the whole countryside for you, Doc. Yeah, he took the east trail. He ought to be along anytime now as he decided to stay at the moors because of the rain.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, my head.

[Lily May]

Well, I'm glad to see you come out of it, and that's a fact.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What? What happened to my head? Why am I all tied up like this?

[Lily May]

Dak hit you on the head and he tied you up.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Why? Why in the world did he do that?

[Lily May]

Got you figured the marshal sent you in here to borrow one of our horses, didn't he?

[Chester Proudfoot]

No. What are you talking about?

[Lily May]

Don't lie to me, mister. I'm being nice to you. Almost got myself bruised up for being so nice.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I ain't lying. I don't know what you're saying.

[Lily May]

The marshal knows about Dax, knows he's wanted for horse thieves and he wanted proof, so he sent you here.

[Chester Proudfoot]

No, no, no, that ain't so. But if your husband is a horse thief, Mr. Dunn will catch up with.

[Doc Adams]

Him sooner or later.

[Lily May]

No, he won't. Gonna move on away from here.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What you gonna do with me?

[Lily May]

He's gonna leave you here tied up.

[Dak]

It ain't let up, honey. Oh, he come too, huh?

[Lily May]

Yeah. Maybe I ought to give him something to eat.

[Dak]

Forget that. We got work to do. I finished up in the barn. Now let's get started in here.

[Lily May]

You were gonna get any sleep tonight?

[Dak]

When we finish packing, we can take turns sleeping. I ain't gonna take a chance on Marshal that sneaking in here. If he so much as puts a foot on this ranch, I'll shoot him not to ask. It's him or me, Lily May. And it ain't going to be me.

[Lily May]

Yeah. What you want?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Could I have drink of water?

[Lily May]

I guess so.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Whereat your husband?

[Lily May]

He's outside loading the wagon.

[Doc Adams]

Here you are.

[Lily May]

Good. I'll hold it for you.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Thank you. How long has it been?

[Lily May]

Daylight, about a half an hour.

[Chester Proudfoot]

My head heard something fierce.

[Kitty]

You want any more?

[Chester Proudfoot]

No, thank you. You don't let him leave me tied here.

[Lily May]

I can't persuade him one way or another. If he makes up his mind, he never changes it.

[Doc Adams]

What about you?

[Lily May]

There's nothing I can do about it.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, there are.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You could cut me loose before he comes back in here. He won't know the difference. I'll make like I'm still tied up.

[Lily May]

He'd kill me and you too.

[Chester Proudfoot]

But he won't know the difference. I'll make sure he don't.

[Lily May]

No. No. I know I can't do it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You gotta do it. You gotta.

[Lily May]

I'll die.

[Matt Dillon]

Sure.

[Lily May]

You won't try to leave before we get out of here.

[Chester Proudfoot]

No, I won't. I give you my word.

[Lily May]

He'd kill you if you did.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I know that.

[Lily May]

Oh, I'll get mine. Just cut your arms. You can untie your feet after we leave.

[Chester Proudfoot]

That'll be fine.

[Matt Dillon]

There.

[Lily May]

Now you keep them behind you, or.

[Doc Adams]

We'Ll both be together.

[Dak]

There's a buggy down on the trail. Looks like that fool Marshall riding behind it. Come here after his friend. Get that rifle.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Wait a minute.

[Dak]

What do you got in your hand?

[Lily May]

Nothing.

[Matt Dillon]

I see that.

[Dak]

A knife.

[Lily May]

Why?

[Dak]

You was gonna cut him loose. You little wench.

[Lily May]

Don't. Jack, stop it.

[Dak]

Come to you later. Right now there's a marshal we gotta take care of. Grab that rifle over there and cover that window, you hear? No.

[Lily May]

No. I ain't gonna do it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What?

[Lily May]

I ain't gonna do it. I'm tired of running, living like an animal. Let that marshal come in.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What kind of talk is that?

[Dak]

You're in this as deep as I am.

[Lily May]

I didn't steal any horses. They won't hang me.

[Dak]

All right.

[Lily May]

No, Jack. Jack, please. No. No. Please.

[Chester Proudfoot]

HI D. Leave her alone. I got your rifle.

[Emmett Bowers]

What?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'll shoot you if you hit her again.

[Dak]

So she did cut you loose. Well, you really done it this time, Lily May.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Back over towards the door.

[Emmett Bowers]

What for?

[Matt Dillon]

Lose?

[Chester Proudfoot]

You'll be there when Mr. Jones comes in.

[Lily May]

Go on.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, sure. Hello.

[Lily May]

Jack.

[Matt Dillon]

He tried to grab the rifle.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I didn't want to shoot him. I'm sorry, ma'. Am.

[Lily May]

You don't have to be sorry, Chester. There's no reason for you to apologize. Suddenly it don't seem to matter.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, ma'.

[Dak]

Am.

[Matt Dillon]

Anybody in there?

[Chester Proudfoot]

It's me, Mr. John.

[Matt Dillon]

Esther.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Esther.

[Dak]

What in the world?

[Matt Dillon]

What's going on here?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Who's this? Well, see, I. I saw him, but he's gonna be all right. What about Mr. Dung?

[Emmett Bowers]

You.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You just won't believe it.

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe you better try me, huh? Yes, sir.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, see, I was riding along down the trail towards this place, and it seemed to me that my horse was getting kind of gimpy. So I got off. And sure enough, he had a real bad boom. So I had to start.

[Matt Dillon]

Sam.

[William Conrad]

Gun Smoke, produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Frank Terrace with editorial supervision by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Harry Bartel, Lynn Allen, Vic Terran and Bartlett Robinson. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc and Georgia Ellis's Kitty. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on Gun Smoke.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.