Dave’s Lesson | Gunsmoke (04-10-60)

Summary

Gunsmoke Podcast Episode Summary: "Dave’s Lesson"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Gunsmoke | OTRWesterns.com
• Host/Author: Andrew Rhines
• Episode: Dave’s Lesson | Gunsmoke (04-10-60)
• Release Date: May 3, 2025

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Introduction

In the "Dave’s Lesson" episode of the classic Western drama Gunsmoke, listeners are transported to Dodge City, Kansas, during the tumultuous settlement of the American West. Hosted by Andrew Rhines, this episode delves deep into themes of responsibility, mentorship, and the challenges of maintaining law and order in a rapidly evolving frontier town.

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Setting the Scene

The episode begins with Matt Dillon, the dedicated United States Marshal of Dodge City, grappling with personal loss. He receives the sad news that two old friends, Joe and Lyda, have succumbed to a fever, leaving behind a young boy. Matt, known for his solitary nature, is faced with the unexpected responsibility of caring for the orphaned teenager.

Matt Dillon (05:56): "The boy needs help."

This newfound responsibility sets the stage for the central narrative, highlighting Matt's internal struggle between his duty and his inherent reluctance to embrace familial bonds.

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Arrival of Dave Barrett

Enter Dave Barrett, the orphaned boy, whose arrival introduces a dynamic tension. Dave is eager to assist and prove himself, displaying a level of initiative that surpasses Matt’s expectations. His presence is met with a mixture of skepticism and hope from the townsfolk, particularly from Chester Proudfoot, who oversees the marshal’s office in Matt’s absence.

Chester Proudfoot (10:12): "The fat boy. Seems like folks bring mud on their boots all the way from Texas and the territory. Just so I can sweep up after 'em."

Dave’s enthusiasm and insistence on proving his worth set the foundation for the unfolding drama.

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Dave's Attempt to Help

Dave’s eagerness quickly leads him into overstepping boundaries. Despite Matt’s instructions to stay under Chester’s supervision, Dave ventures out to assert his capability. His attempt to assist Matt showcases both his bravery and naivety.

Dave Barrett (08:03): "Come on, Chester."

However, this initiative soon spirals out of control, leading to unintended consequences that challenge Matt’s ability to maintain order.

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The Shooting Incident

The pivotal moment occurs when Dave confronts Hob Frank, a local troublemaker, leading to a deadly encounter. Believing he is acting to protect Dodge City, Dave discharges his weapon, resulting in Hob Frank’s death.

Dave Barrett (19:58): "I told folks I could help the marshal and I done it."

This incident forces Matt to navigate the complexities of justice, mentorship, and the harsh realities of frontier law enforcement.

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Confrontation and Resolution

Matt confronts Dave about the shooting, emphasizing the importance of restraint and the value of dialogue over violence. Chester Proudfoot steps in, attempting to mediate the situation, but the damage is done.

Matt Dillon (25:43): "You don't know much if you think the only way to measure a man is according to whether he wears a gun or not."

Through this confrontation, Matt imparts a critical lesson to Dave about the true essence of being a lawman — one that prioritizes wisdom and compassion over brute force.

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Character Development

• Matt Dillon: Exhibits his steadfast dedication to duty while revealing a softer, more compassionate side as he takes on the role of a guardian.

• Dave Barrett: Represents youthful impulsiveness and the struggle to find one’s place in a harsh environment. His actions underscore the perils of unbridled enthusiasm without proper guidance.

• Chester Proudfoot: Acts as the voice of reason and stability within the marshal’s office, striving to maintain order amidst the chaos introduced by Dave.

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Themes and Insights

• Responsibility and Mentorship: The episode underscores the weight of responsibility that comes with mentorship, especially in environments where guidance is scarce.

• Justice vs. Vigilantism: Dave’s decision to take the law into his own hands highlights the thin line between seeking justice and falling into vigilantism, a recurring theme in Western narratives.

• Isolation vs. Community: Matt’s initial isolation is contrasted with the emerging sense of community responsibility, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in maintaining order.

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Notable Quotes

• Matt Dillon (05:56): "The boy needs help."

• Chester Proudfoot (10:12): "The fat boy. Seems like folks bring mud on their boots all the way from Texas and the territory. Just so I can sweep up after 'em."

• Dave Barrett (19:58): "I told folks I could help the marshal and I done it."

• Matt Dillon (25:43): "You don't know much if you think the only way to measure a man is according to whether he wears a gun or not."

These quotes encapsulate the core conflicts and character motivations that drive the narrative forward.

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Conclusion

"Dave’s Lesson" serves as a compelling exploration of the challenges faced by lawmen in the Old West. Through Matt Dillon’s interactions with Dave Barrett, the episode delves into the complexities of justice, the importance of mentorship, and the delicate balance between authority and empathy. As Matt navigates the repercussions of Dave’s actions, listeners are reminded of the enduring values that define true leadership and integrity.

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Final Thoughts

This episode of Gunsmoke masterfully intertwines personal loss with broader societal themes, offering listeners a rich and nuanced portrayal of frontier justice. Andrew Rhines successfully captures the essence of the original radio series, bringing to life the rugged landscapes and moral dilemmas that define the American West.

Transcript

[Chester Proudfoot]

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Oldtime 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 Sport 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 lone.

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[Kitty]

Well hello Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh hello Kitty.

[Kitty]

Something the matter? You look like you've lost your last friend.

[Matt Dillon]

And I could use a drink.

[Kitty]

Come on in, Sam. Bring Matt whiskey, will you?

[Matt Dillon]

Sure, Kenny.

[Kitty]

Sit down, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Kitty]

Now, what's the trouble?

[Matt Dillon]

I just got word that couple of.

[Kitty]

Old friends, something happened to him.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. They're dead.

[Kitty]

Oh, I'm sorry, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Here's your whiskey, Marshall. Thanks, Sam. Yeah. It's a tough one, Kitty. They both took the fever and they left a kid. Young boy.

[Kitty]

That's a terrible thing.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it is.

[Kitty]

Boy's parents both dying suddenly like that.

[Matt Dillon]

That's kind of funny in a way. Joe and Lyda could have been killed a lot of times. He was in the war. They were on a riverboat that was sunk one time. They'd been living on a ranch in Apache country.

[Kitty]

It was fever that finally killed him.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Kitty]

Were you close friends, man?

[Matt Dillon]

Joe and I rode together on the border with his brother Will. Yeah, we were close friends.

[Kitty]

I'm sorry. I hope there'll be somebody to watch out after the boy.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know about the rest of the time, but I know somebody will be riding hurt on him this summer.

[Kitty]

Somebody you know?

[Matt Dillon]

Mm. Me.

[Kitty]

You?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Will figures the boy oughta get clear away for a while.

[Kitty]

So you're gonna take him?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, he asked me to in this letter. Doesn't seem like a lot to do.

[Kitty]

How old's boy?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, 15. 16. Somewhere along there. He won't be any trouble.

[Kitty]

You're certainly changing your tune.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh? How's that?

[Kitty]

Seems to me you've always dodged being a family man up to now, kiddie.

[Matt Dillon]

The boy needs help.

[Kitty]

Sure, man. Of course he does. And I think you have it in you to be a real good father.

[Matt Dillon]

I always have, Kitty.

[Kitty]

I'm sorry, Matt. I couldn't resist it. I think it's fine.

[Matt Dillon]

Thanks. When does a boy come on tomorrow's stage?

[Kitty]

Well, Matt, let me know if there's anything I can do, huh? Who knows? I might be quite a mother if I had a chance.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I think you might. K How'd you have a good trip, Dave?

[Dave Barrett]

Weren't nothing to it at all. I'd rather a road.

[Matt Dillon]

You what?

[Dave Barrett]

Well, the stagecoach wasn't bad, but I'd rather rode my own horse in.

[Matt Dillon]

That was kind of a long way for that, wasn't it?

[Dave Barrett]

That's what my Uncle Will said, but I could have done it.

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe you could at that.

[Dave Barrett]

We're heading for your office, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Mm. That's where your headquarters will be most of the time. Might as well go there first.

[Dave Barrett]

Well, that's fine with me, Marshall. I Like to be around guns.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, we keep the guns locked up in the office all the time. Well, unless we're using them or cleaning them.

[Dave Barrett]

Oh, well, then I can help clean them.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, maybe you can.

[Dave Barrett]

I know how, Marshall. My PA learned me.

[Matt Dillon]

He knew how to teach you, all right. Your PA was a good man with a gun. I'm sorry about that, Dave, about what happened. You must miss him a lot, your ma and pa.

[Dave Barrett]

I guess I do. I ain't gonna let it bother me none, though.

[Matt Dillon]

Kinda hard not to, isn't it?

[Dave Barrett]

You know, a fella's gotta do his growing up, Marshall. He can't be thinking on his ma and pa.

[Matt Dillon]

I suppose not.

[Dave Barrett]

I wouldn't have stayed home much longer anyhow. You know, Marshall, Pa used to wear two guns.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I remember.

[Dave Barrett]

Why don't you, Marshal? Wear two?

[Matt Dillon]

I guess I figured one was heavy enough to pack around all the real.

[Dave Barrett]

Good men with a gun. Wear two? Why? Oh, I just meant you might get where you'd need to wear two sometime. I didn't mean.

[Matt Dillon]

No, that's all right, Dave. So far I just been lucky enough to get pie with one. Now here we are. Go on, walk in.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, hello, Mr. Dillon. And I guess this must be the boy.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Chester, this is Dave Barrett.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'm pleased to meet you, Dave.

[Matt Dillon]

Dave, this is Chester Proudfoot. He really runs things around the marshal's office. Well, Dylan, Chester will keep an eye on you for the next few days. I'm going to have to ride up to Hayes City.

[Dave Barrett]

I don't need nobody to watch out for me, Marshall.

[Chester Proudfoot]

No, it won't be no trouble. No trouble. Talk.

[Matt Dillon]

You show him around, Chester. I want to see Ed Brody before I go.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, sir, I sure will do that, Mr. Dillon.

[Dave Barrett]

Can't I go along with you, Marshall, instead of staying here with him?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Now don't you worry, boy. It won't be nothing at all for me to make you feel at home.

[Matt Dillon]

You better stay here this time, Dave. Maybe you can ride with me another time before you go.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Sure. A nice young fellow like you. You and me will get along just fine.

[Matt Dillon]

Thanks, Justin. You all right, Dave?

[Dave Barrett]

Me? I'm always all right.

[Matt Dillon]

Good. I'm glad to hear it. I'll see you later.

[Doc]

Excuse me, boy.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I gotta sweep under that chair you're sitting in. Just put your feet out there.

[Dave Barrett]

You sure do do a lot of sweepin around here.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Not there. The fat boy. Seems like folks brings mud on their boots all the way from Texas and the territory. Just so I can sweep up after em.

[Dave Barrett]

That ain't no job for a lawman.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, lawman's got a right to live clean just like anybody else.

[Dave Barrett]

Well, if I was helping the marshal, I'd do better things than that.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Now, Dave, I guess you do just about what the marshal wanted you to do.

[Dave Barrett]

Well, I reckon a body has to do what he's fit for.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Now, just hold on a minute there.

[Dave Barrett]

I mean, it ain't like you could be no help in the gun fighting or nothing like that.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Now, listen here to me, Dave. You're a nice young fellow, but you need a little straightening out on the way things is around here.

[Dave Barrett]

The marshal needs somebody around him that can shoot.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I can shoot. Don't you worry nothing about that.

[Dave Barrett]

You don't even wear a gun.

[Chester Proudfoot]

A man don't need to wear a gun all the time to know how to shoot. Besides, them guns on the wall ain't the wearing kind. These ways they look mighty comical on a man's hip.

[Dave Barrett]

I know how to wear a gun.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Ain't no cause to you to show off. Me?

[Dave Barrett]

Somebody around this office ought to be wearing one.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Now, see here, I don't want to catch you parading around wearing no gun.

[Dave Barrett]

I bet the marshal will let me wear one.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Ain't likely.

[Dave Barrett]

Can't see how good I can shoot. He'll lemmy.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, just don't let me catch you wearing one.

[Dave Barrett]

Well, you ain't the marshal.

[Chester Proudfoot]

No, I ain't. But he left me in charge of things for the next couple days. And one of the things he left me in charge of is you.

[Dave Barrett]

I can draw real fast.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I don't want to hear no more about it. I don't want to see you wearing no gun, and that's all there are to it. Now, move away from them windows so I can read up the rest of this office.

[Doc]

Well, I tell you, Dave, there's no particular trick to taking out a bullet.

[Dave Barrett]

Not so, Doc?

[Doc]

Nope. The trick is keeping the man alive afterwards.

[Dave Barrett]

Well, how you do that?

[Doc]

Well, if I knew the answer to that, Dave, I'd be the most famous doctor in the West. And the richest to boot.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Sure would be nice.

[Doc]

There's so many things to consider. The size of the wound, how much blood has been lost. Infection superation.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Doc, I ain't so sure it's a good idea to go on about things like that.

[Doc]

Why not?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, we're eating our dinner, Doc.

[Doc]

Oh, what's the matter, Chester? You getting squeamish?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Me? Well, I'm as un squeamish as they come, Doc. I can listen to your Talk, even though I am eating rhubarb pie.

[Doc]

Well, what's the trouble then?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, Doc gets to. It's the boy. He ain't used to hearing that kind of loose talk.

[Doc]

Oh. Oh, well, you. Yes, you may be right.

[Dave Barrett]

Ain't no cost to worry about me. I ain't squeamish.

[Doc]

Oh, no, no, no, of course you're not, but. But Chester's right. It's a matter of good manner.

[Dave Barrett]

Yes, that ain't no bother to me.

[Chester Proudfoot]

It ought to be, boy.

[Doc]

It ought to be.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Chester, where incarnation have you been? Well, I've been right here eating my dinner. More trees. I ain't exactly hiding out, you know. Well, seems there ought to be somebody taking care of things in the marshall's office. Oh, just ease off, Mordheim and taking care of things. What's all the caterwauling about, anyway? Well, they want you down at the telegraph office. Why didn't you say so? I had to find you first. They got a message that's got to be answered right away. All right, Mort, all right. Keep your braces up. I'm coming. I'll take care of it. All right. I'll see you back over at the office. Dave. Shouldn't take me very long to handle this.

[Dave Barrett]

Do I have to go right back to the office? Ain't it all right if I mosey around a little? Well, now you know.

[Doc]

Oh, give the boy his head, for heaven's sakes. He's no child, Chester.

[Dave Barrett]

I sure ain't.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I guess it'll be all right.

[Dave Barrett]

Come on, Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'm a coming. But mind you be back there for supper, boy, I hear.

[Dave Barrett]

Sure, sure, I'll be there.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Will you wander around all you like, Dave?

[Doc]

Chester gets more like a mother hen every day.

[Dave Barrett]

I don't need no mothering.

[Doc]

Crush it out sometimes, though. It seems Chester has more talent for that than for marshalling.

[Dave Barrett]

Yeah, it sure does. A horse kicked that down for you, huh?

[Doc]

Oh, hello, boy. Ah, some fool drove a rig right into the side of the door. Some folks rent a rig, just don't care what happens to it. Elsa just can't drive.

[Dave Barrett]

I can drive, that's all.

[Doc]

New boy in town, ain't you?

[Dave Barrett]

I'm visiting the marshall, Matt Dillon.

[Doc]

You better be good, boy, or he'll run you in.

[Dave Barrett]

I ain't afraid of him.

[Doc]

Better mind your manners just the same. I wouldn't want to start no nonsense with Matt.

[Dave Barrett]

I'm gonna help him.

[Doc]

Well, now, I'll bet he's glad about that. I wish I had Somebody to help me around this stable.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Hello, Feely.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Moss. Take care of the horse, will you?

[Doc]

You want us feed him?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, go ahead and feed him. I ain't fixing to be back for him till tomorrow.

[Doc]

Gonna make a night of it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Are you feeling?

[Matt Dillon]

I sure am. I gotta find the marshal first though. He ain't in his office.

[Doc]

Ask the boy where he is. He's staying with him.

[Matt Dillon]

Why? So you know where he is, boy?

[Dave Barrett]

Sure do. Up to Hays City for two days.

[Matt Dillon]

I might've knowed trouble.

[Doc]

Feely.

[Matt Dillon]

That's Hob Frank. He's out there at the old Prentice.

[Doc]

Place shooting everything inside. He better get Chester then.

[Dave Barrett]

He ain't there either.

[Matt Dillon]

I seen that he wasn't.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You know where he went off to?

[Dave Barrett]

No. I don't reckon he'll be back for a while though.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Ah, maybe I'll run into him.

[Matt Dillon]

Somebody ought to get on out there.

[Doc]

That'S for sure uncertain.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Chester Proudfoot]

See you later.

[Doc]

Go along. Come on, boy.

[Dave Barrett]

You know where the Prentice place is?

[Doc]

Sure. It's just south of the river about a mile. Got a big old falling down house on it. Nothing to see. What do you want to know for?

[Dave Barrett]

Why, I want to be able to tell Chester where it is. That's all.

[Matt Dillon]

Boy.

[Doc]

Chester knows the Prentice place. Everybody around Dodge knows it.

[Dave Barrett]

Yeah, sure. I should have known.

[Matt Dillon]

Here, boy, hold this.

[Doc]

Bridle.

[Dave Barrett]

Yeah. Say, mister, would you leave me have a horse?

[Doc]

I got only one rule about that, boy. I'll leave you have it if you can pay for it.

[Dave Barrett]

Oh, I can pay for it. I got money, see. Here.

[Doc]

Then you've got a horse. You can have that one in the back stall. You can ride him all right.

[Dave Barrett]

I can ride him all right. And I can do a lot of other things just as good.

[Chester Proudfoot]

All right, now you just standing here, boy. As soon as I see the old man Frank, I'll take you down forever for a drink.

[Matt Dillon]

Hob.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Could honey have chose a cooler day to start up Arucas?

[Matt Dillon]

Hob. Bob.

[Dave Barrett]

Frank.

[Chester Proudfoot]

All right, now don't you go playing no hiding games, old man. Not after I've rode all this way out here. And don't you start shooting off again neither. You'd ought to be ashamed of yourself. All a stirring up things the way you do. Well, I might have knowed. Liquored yourself up till you lost your senses.

[Dave Barrett]

Come on.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Gotta wake up some Hobble. Wake up so that I can ride you back to Dodge. Come on now. Oh, man, it's time again for you to spend a night or two in the lockup.

[Dave Barrett]

And then we'll get.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, my gracious mercy. You've been shot.

[Dave Barrett]

He's dead.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Dave, what in the world are you doing out here?

[Dave Barrett]

I told folks I could help the marshal and I done it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You done what?

[Dave Barrett]

Well, while you was lollygagging around town, I come out here and I rode right up through the gunshots and I took care of him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You shot Hob Frank?

[Dave Barrett]

I know you couldn't have done it, not wearing a gun and all. He was shooting something fierce when I rode up, but I just kept on coming.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You blame young fool.

[Dave Barrett]

It was him or me. That's the way it has to be with a gunfighter.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Hob Frank ain't no gunfighter.

[Dave Barrett]

He would. What do you mean?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Hob Frank never harmed nobody in his whole life. There may be self the shooting. He used to get his self liquored up regular every two or three months or so and take his old gun and shoot it off just to hear the noise of it. But he never done it where folks was around. He never pointed it at nobody.

[Dave Barrett]

But I thought.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, sir, you thought. You thought's all tarnation. Much as you just rode out here and killed a man.

[Dave Barrett]

I didn't mean.

[Chester Proudfoot]

It's too late to think about meaning. Come on now. Help me get him out of here.

[Dave Barrett]

No, no.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Come on now. Can't leave him. Just lay in here.

[Dave Barrett]

You ain't gonna take me in for no killing.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Go on in. Run away from the old man you killed. Right on running the rest of your life for all of me. All right, Hob. Pick you up sodas. Nice and decent for you. Nice and decent. I tell you the truth, Mr. Dillon, I think it's too good for him.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, what do you mean by that?

[Chester Proudfoot]

For that days you're telling that old Hob didn't die after all. That document pulled him through somehow.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, maybe you're right.

[Chester Proudfoot]

It was no thanks to him, and that's a certain fact. It just served him right to go on thinking he'd killed him.

[Matt Dillon]

And if we don't find him, he will go on thinking it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Mine's a sure we'd ought to find him. Spending all this time riding out here in this weather.

[Matt Dillon]

You'll live.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Just maybe I will. But I ain't at all sure we ain't just sending good money after bad, you might say.

[Matt Dillon]

That's enough, all right. But what I. I said that's enough, Chester. Now, you know we gotta find this boy.

[Doc]

Yes, sir.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I guess we do.

[Matt Dillon]

Then let's do it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah? What is it?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Ain't you veering some off the road?

[Matt Dillon]

I'm heading for that cave up there.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You think he's hid out there?

[Matt Dillon]

I know that if I was a boy running away, a cave would look pretty good to me as a place to hide.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Patrick.

[Matt Dillon]

Besides, this is the way his horse went. Yes, sir. All right, Chester, we'll stop here.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Want me to come up with you?

[Matt Dillon]

No, you stay with the horses.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'd admire to help.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll call you if I need you, Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes.

[Matt Dillon]

Dave. Marshall. Dillon. Come on out of there. You might as well come out, Dave. You left a plain trail.

[Dave Barrett]

I ain't coming.

[Matt Dillon]

Come on, Dave.

[Dave Barrett]

I ain't coming out. Never.

[Matt Dillon]

If I have to come in and get you, I'll do it.

[Dave Barrett]

I ain't gonna hang, Marshall. I ain't gonna hang.

[Matt Dillon]

No, you're not gonna hang. You're lucky.

[Dave Barrett]

Wha. What do you mean?

[Matt Dillon]

The old man didn't die. Now, come on out.

[Dave Barrett]

You. You ain't just trying to trick me?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't have to waste my time tricking a smart aleck kid like you. Now come out of there before I drag you out. All right, come on. All the way out. Now. Down here. Now, where's the gun?

[Dave Barrett]

I buried it back there ways.

[Matt Dillon]

You'll dig it up. It's one of mine, isn't it?

[Dave Barrett]

Yes, sir. I seen it hanging there in the back room.

[Matt Dillon]

And you stole it. I should have known better.

[Dave Barrett]

I was figuring to help.

[Matt Dillon]

You better explain that, Marshall.

[Dave Barrett]

When I heard about that fella shooting out at the Prentice place, I figured I'd need a gun, so I went back and got one.

[Matt Dillon]

Why didn't you tell Chester about it?

[Dave Barrett]

I. I didn't think he'd be no good taking care of it.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, why not?

[Dave Barrett]

What?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Chester.

[Dave Barrett]

He don't even wear no gun.

[Matt Dillon]

I see. I left him in charge of things, didn't I?

[Dave Barrett]

Yes. But Marshall, I didn't ever see him do nothing much but just sweep out. I can shoot. Yeah, I figured I could take care of that feller better than Chester could.

[Matt Dillon]

And you nearly killed him.

[Dave Barrett]

Well, he was shooting. I had to do something.

[Matt Dillon]

You know what Chester would have done?

[Dave Barrett]

No, sir, I don't.

[Matt Dillon]

He'd have walked right up to that man, shooting or not, and he'd have talked the gun away from him and he'd have brought him back into Dodge or he'd be safe.

[Dave Barrett]

I didn't know.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, you sure didn't know. You don't know much if you think the only way to measure a man is according to whether he wears a gun or not, you don't know much.

[Dave Barrett]

I. I guess maybe you're right.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I'm right.

[Dave Barrett]

Well, what you gonna do with me?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, until this circuit judge comes to town, I'm gonna turn you over to and I've got ready to do a lot of sweeping. A lot of sweeping.

[William Conrad]

Gun Smoke, produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman Macdonald stars William Conrad as Matt Dylan, U.S. marshal. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Marion Clark with editorial supervision by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Sam Edwards, Harry Bartel, Joseph Kearns, and Ralph Moody. Marley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc, and Georgia Ellis is 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 Technogod and Craig 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 Alike Copyright. For more information go to ot otrwesterns.com Copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Matt Dillon]

SA.