Emma’s Departure | Gunsmoke (07-05-59)

Summary

Gunsmoke - Episode Summary: "Emma’s Departure" (07-05-59)

Podcast Information:

• Title: Gunsmoke - OTRWesterns.com
• Host/Author: Andrew Rhynes
• Description: Gunsmoke is a long-running old-time radio and television Western drama set in Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The radio show first aired on April 26, 1952, and continued until June 18, 1961, on the CBS radio network.
• Episode: Emma’s Departure | Gunsmoke (07-05-59)
• Release Date: December 14, 2024

---

Introduction

In the episode titled "Emma’s Departure," hosted by Andrew Rhynes, listeners are transported to the rugged landscapes of Dodge City, Kansas. The narrative centers around the complexities of life on the prairie, interpersonal relationships, and the relentless pursuit of justice by U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon, portrayed by William Conrad.

Main Characters and Setting

• Matt Dillon: The steadfast U.S. Marshal dedicated to maintaining law and order in Dodge City. His role often isolates him, making him both respected and feared.
• Chester Proudfoot: An assistant to Marshal Dillon, providing support and often acting as a narrative device to convey Dillon's thoughts and actions.
• Emma Hyde: A resilient farmer grappling with the harsh realities of prairie life following the death of her husband, Ben Hyde.
• Ben Hyde: Emma’s husband, a farmer who embodies the struggles of sustaining a livelihood on the unforgiving prairie.
• Joe Bursi: A prisoner with a dubious record, whose release becomes a pivotal point in the episode.

Plot Overview

Arrival at Emma's Farm

The episode commences with Matt Dillon and his assistant, Chester Proudfoot, arriving at Emma Hyde’s farm seeking water:

• [02:58] Andrew Rines: "Oh, well, have plenty."
• [03:01] Emma Hyde: "I baked a pie."

Emma's invitation is both hospitable and purposeful, aiming to establish a connection beyond mere necessity. She expresses a desire for more meaningful interactions:

• [03:07] Emma Hyde: "It'd be nice if you could sit here and eat with me just once, Ben, and talk like folks do."

Discussion of Prairie Life

As the characters engage, Emma reveals the isolation and hardships of prairie living:

• [05:00] Emma Hyde: "It ain't living. It's just getting old and drying up and losing babies."

This poignant statement underscores the emotional and physical toll of life on the prairie, highlighting themes of loneliness and perseverance.

The Missing Money Box

A significant plot twist occurs when Emma shows Matt Dillon a box filled with money:

• [12:11] Emma Hyde: "Look in this box."
• [12:31] Matt Dillon: "My gracious alive, it's full of money."

This revelation introduces a layer of mystery, hinting at potential motives for criminal activity and setting the stage for conflict.

The Turning Point: Ben Hyde’s Death

Emma confesses her involvement in her husband's death, revealing a complex emotional struggle:

• [26:00] Emma Hyde: "It's a prairie that was killing the both of us. Eating away at us a bit at a time. Every day, taking its toll. Ben's free of it now."
• [26:11] Matt Dillon: "Was just a quicker killing. That's all it was."

Emma admits to ending her husband's suffering, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator, and showcasing the desperation born from relentless hardship.

Revelation and Departure

As the episode progresses, the disappearance of the money box leads to suspicions pointing towards Joe Bursi:

• [20:03] Matt Dillon: "Yeah, that sure cinches it, don't it, Mr. Jones?"
• [25:18] Matt Dillon: "You know he didn't take the money, Ms. Hyde. You also know that he didn't kill your husband."

Despite evidence suggesting innocence, Matt faces the dilemma of upholding justice versus understanding the extenuating circumstances Emma faced.

Emma ultimately decides to leave for Philadelphia, seeking solace and a fresh start away from the desolate prairie:

• [23:59] Emma Hyde: "It's a fact, Marshall. After all these years, I'm going home."
• [24:18] Matt Dillon: "A quicker killing."

Her departure signifies a quest for personal redemption and escape from the haunting memories of her past life.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [03:07] Emma Hyde: "It'd be nice if you could sit here and eat with me just once, Ben, and talk like folks do."

  Reflection: Highlights Emma’s yearning for companionship and normalcy amidst isolation.

• [05:00] Emma Hyde: "It ain't living. It's just getting old and drying up and losing babies."

  Reflection: Emphasizes the emotional desolation experienced on the prairie.

• [12:31] Matt Dillon: "My gracious alive, it's full of money."

  Reflection: Marks the discovery that propels the narrative into a suspenseful direction.

• [26:00] Emma Hyde: "It's a prairie that was killing the both of us. Eating away at us a bit at a time. Every day, taking its toll. Ben's free of it now."

  Reflection: Reveals the depth of Emma's despair and the lengths she went to alleviate suffering.

• [23:59] Emma Hyde: "It's a fact, Marshall. After all these years, I'm going home."

  Reflection: Signals Emma’s decision to leave behind a life burdened by loss and hardship.

Insights and Themes

1. Isolation and Loneliness: The episode delves deep into the theme of isolation, portraying how the vastness and desolation of the prairie can lead to emotional and psychological strain. Emma Hyde embodies this isolation, yearning for human connection and companionship.

2. Moral Ambiguity: Emma’s admission of killing her husband blurs the lines between right and wrong, challenging listeners to empathize with her plight. This moral complexity adds depth to her character and raises questions about justice and mercy.

3. Survival and Desperation: The struggle to survive in an unforgiving environment leads to desperate decisions. Emma’s actions are portrayed as a response to the relentless challenges posed by prairie life, highlighting the thin line between survival and ethical conduct.

4. Justice and Compassion: Marshal Dillon’s dilemma reflects the broader theme of balancing justice with compassion. His understanding of Emma’s suffering juxtaposes his duty to uphold the law, presenting a nuanced perspective on law enforcement in harsh conditions.

5. Change and Redemption: Emma’s decision to leave for Philadelphia represents a quest for change and redemption. It underscores the desire to break free from past traumas and seek a life of peace and renewal away from the prairie’s hardships.

Conclusion

"Emma’s Departure" is a compelling episode that masterfully intertwines themes of isolation, moral ambiguity, and the human spirit's resilience. Through the nuanced portrayal of Emma Hyde and the unyielding pursuit of Marshal Dillon, the narrative invites listeners to reflect on the profound impacts of environment and circumstance on human behavior. The episode stands as a testament to the enduring storytelling prowess of Gunsmoke, offering a rich and engaging exploration of life on the American frontier.

Transcript

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[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 episode is just one of over 80 episodes we release monthly. Now let's get into this episode. 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. Gunsmoke, starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America. And the story of a man who moved with it. 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.

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[Emma Hyde]

There, Ben. Some more coffee? Oh, I'll fetch some more meat and potatoes.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, well, have plenty.

[Emma Hyde]

I baked a pie.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah, I'll take some with me.

[Emma Hyde]

It'd be nice if you could sit here and eat with me just once, Ben, and talk like folks do.

[Andrew Rines]

You got to get the corn in, Emma.

[Emma Hyde]

Well, my land ought to have time to eat proper and at least speak to each other a time or two.

[Andrew Rines]

Well, farming ain't talking. Be in for supper.

[Emma Hyde]

Ben, look. Look down the road. There's somebody coming. Ben, didn't you hear me? Somebody's coming. They might be coming to call.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, they are?

[Emma Hyde]

Well, it ain't neighborly for you to just walk out into the field.

[Andrew Rines]

Time to be neighborly. I got work to do.

[Emma Hyde]

But Ben, there ain't nobody been here in a Month or Sunday.

[Andrew Rines]

And we ain't wasted no time neither. You better not waste none.

[Emma Hyde]

All right, Ben, go back to your field. But I ain't going to turn people away, I tell you that. Good day to you.

[Andrew Rines]

Hello, ma'am.

[Matt Dillon]

How do?

[Emma Hyde]

You're welcome to come right in.

[Andrew Rines]

We're just passing through, ma'am. We wondered if we could trouble you for a little water.

[Emma Hyde]

Oh, no trouble at all, but I can do better than that. I've got some fresh baked pie.

[Andrew Rines]

Well, we don't need to bother you, ma'am. Just a little water.

[Emma Hyde]

Oh, sure, it ain't no bother, Peach pie.

[Matt Dillon]

Go down, my good Mr. Dylan.

[Emma Hyde]

Why, sure it. Would you just leave your horses then and come on in?

[Andrew Rines]

Well, all right. Just for a little while, though.

[Emma Hyde]

Come on inside.

[Andrew Rines]

Thank you, ma'am.

[Emma Hyde]

Now you, you, you just make yourselves comfortable. I'll fetch the pie.

[Andrew Rines]

We're sure much obliged, man. Oh, my name's Matt Dillon and this is Chester Proudfoot.

[Matt Dillon]

How are you?

[Emma Hyde]

Well, I'm that pleased to meet you. I'm Emma Hyde. Me and Ben been farming this place for three years. I got to beg your pardon for Ben.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, how's that?

[Emma Hyde]

Well, he don't take no time for meeting up with folks. He's always in the field, sun up for sunset. Here, here's your pie.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, thank you.

[Matt Dillon]

Thank you, ma'am. It looks just licking good.

[Emma Hyde]

And here's some coffee.

[Matt Dillon]

Thank you.

[Andrew Rines]

Ah, that's fine, thank you. Now, that must have been your husband we saw as we rode up.

[Emma Hyde]

Yes, sir, that's who it was all right. Mr. Hyde. I tell you the truth, I've near forgot how to talk. It's a long between seeing folks.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, it's good you got a husband to talk to, though, or you'd be really bad off.

[Emma Hyde]

Well, Ben Hyde ain't one for talking. Just sleeping and eating and working. There ain't many words between us.

[Andrew Rines]

Now, Prairie living is hard work.

[Emma Hyde]

It ain't living. It's just getting old and drying up and losing babies. You want some more pie?

[Andrew Rines]

No, thank you, ma'am.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, now, to tell you the truth, I could have another piece.

[Emma Hyde]

Thank you, kind.

[Andrew Rines]

I'm afraid we don't have time, ma'am. We've got to be on our way.

[Emma Hyde]

Well, now, there ain't no sense in hurrying off right in the heat of the day. Why don't you just sit here and rest till suppertime and go on in the cool?

[Andrew Rines]

That's very kind of you, Ms. Hyde, but we can't do that.

[Emma Hyde]

Oh, you. You got Business.

[Matt Dillon]

We're on our way to pick up a prisoner.

[Emma Hyde]

Oh, I see.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, we've got to go, Mrs. Thank you again. Come on, Chester.

[Emma Hyde]

Wouldn't you be coming back this way?

[Andrew Rines]

Chances are we will in a day or two. Yes, ma'am.

[Emma Hyde]

Well, then you stop in, you hear? Maybe you can stay for a meal.

[Andrew Rines]

Well, I don't know, Ms. Hyde. You. But you better not count on us.

[Emma Hyde]

No. No, I won't. It's been a long time since I could count on any.

[Chester Proudfoot]

All right, we're all set for the party. I've trimmed the tree, hung the mistletoe, and paired all those weird shaped knives and forks with the appropriate cheeses. And I plugged in the Bartesian.

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[Chester Proudfoot]

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[Andrew Rines]

Wow.

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[Chester Proudfoot]

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[Matt Dillon]

Where are we going?

[Andrew Rines]

I got the horses, Percy.

[Matt Dillon]

You come a long way from me, didn't you, Marshall?

[Andrew Rines]

Far enough.

[Matt Dillon]

You gonna ride all the way back there with me when you let me go?

[Andrew Rines]

Don't you hold your breath.

[Matt Dillon]

I ain't just whistling, Marshall. I ain't the man you're looking for.

[Andrew Rines]

Sheriff thinks you are.

[Matt Dillon]

Sheriff don't know. Second I'm nowhere near that bank.

[Andrew Rines]

You haven't got him convinced. I will, though. Let me ask you something, Percy. You always whimper this much when you're caught?

[Matt Dillon]

Only when I'm right. All I gotta do is wait, Marshall. Soon my brother and his wife get to Dalhart.

[Andrew Rines]

They'll tell you. Tell me what?

[Matt Dillon]

That I was out to their place all that day, five miles out of town. Where are these horses, anyway?

[Andrew Rines]

Down the street at the livery stable. I didn't know you were gonna be in such a hurry to get to Dodge, Percy.

[Matt Dillon]

I ain't no hurry about getting nowhere, Marshall. Just in a hurry to stop walking.

[Andrew Rines]

You ought to get along just fine in jail. You don't walk much there. All right, Chester, you can bring the horses out now.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, sir, Mr. John. I won't be sorry to get shot of this place.

[Andrew Rines]

All right, Percy. Come on, mount up. We got a long ride to Dodge.

[Emma Hyde]

The coffee will be hot in just a minute. I swear to goodness, Marshall Dillon, I've been afraid to look out my window for fear I'd see you riding right on by.

[Andrew Rines]

We wanted to see how you were getting along, ma'am.

[Matt Dillon]

We wouldn't have rode by, Ms. Hyde.

[Andrew Rines]

Not if Chester had a chance at another piece of your pie.

[Emma Hyde]

Well, he sure is welcome to it. And the rest of you, too.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, well, you don't need to give no pie to Mercy, ma'am. We'll take care of feeding him.

[Emma Hyde]

Well, I feed any human being that's in my house.

[Matt Dillon]

Thank you, ma'am.

[Andrew Rines]

I didn't see your husband as we came in today.

[Emma Hyde]

He's over to a neighbor place selling a cow. Here's the coffee.

[Andrew Rines]

Thank you.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Thank you.

[Andrew Rines]

I didn't think you had any neighbors.

[Emma Hyde]

Might as well not. Mr. Hyde don't believe in socializing, only work. Stay on the place and work it every hour, every day.

[Andrew Rines]

It takes a lot to get started.

[Emma Hyde]

But we don't need to grub no more, Marshall. Dylan, I want to show you something. Look in this box.

[Matt Dillon]

My gracious alive, it's full of money.

[Emma Hyde]

Yeah, there's plenty there for us to live like folks ought to live. There's even enough to send me back to Philadelphia. Oh, I begged him to send me back to Philadelphia. Just for a little while. Just so's I could have people around me again.

[Andrew Rines]

It's a long way off, ma'am.

[Emma Hyde]

There ain't a place on earth that's as far off as it is right here, Marshall Dillon. Right here on the prairie. It ain't near to nothing.

[Andrew Rines]

What's the matter? You got the shakes, Chester?

[Matt Dillon]

Why, no, I ain't. Let me cask a thing like that.

[Andrew Rines]

Those dishes Aren't jumping around on that tray by themselves, you know.

[Matt Dillon]

No, no, no, of course they ain't. I guess I was just too riled up to watch them.

[Andrew Rines]

Prisoner causing you trouble?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, no, it ain't exactly trouble.

[Andrew Rines]

What's the matter then?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, Mr. Millner's like this. A body just ain't got no life of his own when we got somebody in that cell.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, how's that?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I have to fetch his food and carrot and clean up after him and keep a watch on him. It just don't leave me no free time.

[Andrew Rines]

It could be worse, you know.

[Matt Dillon]

How do you mean?

[Andrew Rines]

We never had anybody in jail. We'd be out of a job, wouldn't we?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, yes, I reckon you're right. I guess we would. Ah, Matt.

[Andrew Rines]

Huh?

[Matt Dillon]

I'm surprised to find you in your.

[Andrew Rines]

Office for a change. Chester, how you.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Doc.

[Andrew Rines]

I see. I couldn't find you and yours. Doug. You couldn't find. Oh, yes. Well, right now I'm running errands for the marshal's office. Oh, what do you mean, Matt?

[Matt Dillon]

I was down at the telegraph office.

[Andrew Rines]

And this wire came in for you. Oh, thanks.

[Matt Dillon]

Trouble, Mr. Dillon?

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah, it sounds like trouble to me. Chester. What is it, Matt? Our prisoner. Joe Bursi.

[Emma Hyde]

Percy.

[Andrew Rines]

Well, what about him? I gotta let him go.

[Matt Dillon]

Let him? After all the care I took of him?

[Andrew Rines]

Well, he can prove he wasn't in town the day of that holdup. Well, now, Matt, you wouldn't want to hold an innocent man, would you? No, Doc, I wouldn't. But with Bercy's record, it won't be long till I'll have to be after him again. All right, Chester, get the keys and let him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

All right, we're all set for the party. I've trimmed the tree, hung the mistletoe, and paired all those weird shaped knives and forks with the appropriate cheeses. And I plugged in the Bartesian.

[Wix AI]

Bartesian?

[Chester Proudfoot]

It's a home cocktail maker that makes over 60 premium cocktails. Plus a whole lot of seasonal favorites, too. I just got it for 50 off, so how about a Cosmopolitan or a Mistletoe margarita?

[Wix AI]

I'm thirsty.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Watch. I just pop in a capsule, choose my strength and.

[Andrew Rines]

Wow.

[Wix AI]

Beginning to feel more seasonal in here already.

[Chester Proudfoot]

If your holiday party doesn't have a bartender, then you become the bartender. Unless you've got a Bartesian, because Bartesian crafts every cocktail perfectly in as little as 30 seconds. And I just got it for $50 off.

[Wix AI]

Tis the season to be jollier.

[Andrew Rines]

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[Andrew Rines]

Did you look over that order, Kitty? Whiskey. Drummers do in here anytime now.

[Emma Hyde]

Looks all right to me, Sam. Ought to hold us through a few more cattle. Dried. If you think it's good whiskey.

[Andrew Rines]

It's plenty good enough for them fellows to get liquored up on. Tell the truth, Kitty, we don't get much call for anything real good.

[Emma Hyde]

Sometimes I wonder if those wild trail hands would behave any better if they were drinking the expensive stuff.

[Andrew Rines]

I doubt it. Hello, Kitty. Sam. Hello, Matt.

[Emma Hyde]

Want a drink?

[Andrew Rines]

No, thanks, Kitty. I was on my way to Delmonico's to eat. I thought maybe you might want to go with me.

[Emma Hyde]

That's as good an offer as I've had.

[Andrew Rines]

All right, let's go then.

[Emma Hyde]

All right. I'll be back in a little while, Sam.

[Andrew Rines]

Sure.

[Emma Hyde]

You'd better be careful, man.

[Andrew Rines]

What do you mean?

[Emma Hyde]

I'll be getting used to having you around. This is the fourth day in a row. Law business must be awful slow.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah, Kitty, it has been lately. You know, it's making Chester nervous. No prisoners.

[Emma Hyde]

You mean he misses him?

[Andrew Rines]

He's had that cell all shined up waiting for somebody all week. He's afraid we're gonna go out of business. He must have known we were gonna eat. Yeah. What is it, Chesser?

[Matt Dillon]

Mr. Dillon. You know that Hyde place where we stopped at?

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah, what about it?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, Ben, Hyde's been shot.

[Andrew Rines]

He has? Well, is he hurt bad?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know. The fellow who rode in just said he was shot.

[Andrew Rines]

Get dark, Chester. We'll go out there, huh?

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, I will.

[Andrew Rines]

Kitty, I'm sorry about the meal.

[Emma Hyde]

It's all right, Matt. To tell the truth, after four days, I was getting kind of tired of you.

[Andrew Rines]

We're much too late, Matty. He's been dead for a couple of days at least.

[Emma Hyde]

I know he was dead.

[Andrew Rines]

I'm sorry, Ms. Hyde.

[Emma Hyde]

Everything dies out here.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, well, would you. Would you like me to mix your powder, Mrs. Hyde? Does it kind of help your nerves, maybe?

[Emma Hyde]

I ain't got no nerves. They died, too.

[Andrew Rines]

Ms. Hyde, do you have any idea who might have done it?

[Emma Hyde]

Ben's dead. It's over.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah, but if you saw anything.

[Emma Hyde]

Ben's dead. Gone.

[Andrew Rines]

Ms. Hyde, do you still have that box, the one with the money in it?

[Emma Hyde]

It isn't there. The box money isn't there?

[Andrew Rines]

Yes. It won't do much good to question. You know, Matt, even if she did see anything, she's not likely to remember the Shock Hazard days. Yeah, I guess you're right, Doc. Will she come out of it? Oh, yes. I expect she'll be all right.

[Emma Hyde]

The money isn't there.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, that sure cinches it, don't it, Mr. Jones?

[Andrew Rines]

You're talking about Joe Bursi.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, he was here with us and seen the money, wasn't he? He was let out of jail just in time to get out here, wasn't he? And he could be halfway to Texas by now. Ain't that right?

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah, it could be right.

[Matt Dillon]

I declare, Mr. Dillon, I sure am sorry you let that fella go.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah, chester, so am.

[Matt Dillon]

McDonough sent that telegraph she rode out telling peace officers around the country to be on the lookout for Joe Bursi.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, well, thanks, Chester.

[Matt Dillon]

Sure do wish I had him back in that cell again. I bet I wouldn't beat him so good this time. I declare, I sure do wish you wouldn't have let him go, Mr. Dillon. Then there wasn't nothing else to do, was there? No. Sure does seem a shame, though, after seeing what all's happened. If we only kept. Yes, sir.

[Andrew Rines]

I don't want to hear any more about it.

[Emma Hyde]

Hmm.

[Wix AI]

Yes.

[Matt Dillon]

See? Well, anyway, it sure is nice that Ms. Hyde is doing so fine, ain't it?

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, who told you that?

[Matt Dillon]

I just seen Miss Kitty. She told me all about it.

[Andrew Rines]

How does Kitty know?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, she heard about it from that dressmaking lady, that Miss Cunningham. You know how old ladies talk.

[Andrew Rines]

All right, Chester, what did Kitty tell you?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, Ms. Hyde's going back to Philadelphia.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, well, that's what she's always wanted, I guess. When's she gone?

[Matt Dillon]

Next week sometime. She's gonna wait till her clothes is done. Mr. Dill. Ms. Kitty says she ordered enough new dresses to keep that Sewn lady. Busy night and day.

[Andrew Rines]

Chester. Where's Ms. Hyde stopping?

[Matt Dillon]

Or at the Dodge House.

[Andrew Rines]

I guess. I'll go see her.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, see, now, that's right thought of you, Mr. Dylan.

[Andrew Rines]

Well, I hope she thinks so, Chester. Hello, Marshall Dillon. Mr. Dobie. Is there Ms. Hyde staying here? Emma Hyde certainly is. She's got her best room, Marshall. That one right at the top of the stairs. Oh, is she in now? Yes, she is. She'd just come in from the dressmaker's. Good. Thank you. Oh, Marshall, you want me to ask Ms. Hyde to come down to the parlor? No, thanks, Dovey. I'll go up. If you think it's right. Yeah, I think it's right. Ms. Hyde. Ms. Hyde.

[Emma Hyde]

Why, hello, Marshall Dillon. Why, it's right nice of you to come to call.

[Andrew Rines]

May I come in?

[Emma Hyde]

Why, sure. You come right on in.

[Andrew Rines]

Thank you.

[Emma Hyde]

Sit down, Marshall. Just sit down if you can find a place. I got so much stuff lying around.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, this is fine right here. Chester tells me that you're going back to Philadelphia.

[Emma Hyde]

It's a fact, Marshall. After all these years, I'm going home. I just can't hardly believe it.

[Andrew Rines]

I understand you'll be here for a few days, though.

[Emma Hyde]

Yes, Marshall. I'm getting myself turned out nice, real nice. I don't want no one to know I was wearing my last dress when Ben Hyde was took.

[Andrew Rines]

I should think most ladies would rather buy their clothes in Philadelphia, though.

[Emma Hyde]

Oh, I'll buy some there, too. Marshall. I've been waiting a long time for this. I'll buy me lots more. But I ain't going back with no empty trunk, neither.

[Andrew Rines]

Now, did you sell the farm?

[Emma Hyde]

I just walked away from it. I don't want nothing more out of it. It can go right back to weeds and prairie dogs and coyotes. That's all it's fit for.

[Andrew Rines]

But your husband put a lot of his life into that place, ma'am.

[Emma Hyde]

And my life, too. I don't even want to think of it again.

[Andrew Rines]

I was wondering about the money.

[Emma Hyde]

The money?

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah, it seems like you'd need the money from the place to pay for all these things and this room and a train fare. Well, now, they told me around town that you've been paying straight cash.

[Emma Hyde]

Well, I had a bit put by.

[Andrew Rines]

In the black box, Ms. Hutton.

[Emma Hyde]

I didn't bring that old box, Marshall. Did you?

[Andrew Rines]

The money that was in it, though, did you bring that?

[Emma Hyde]

Well, Joe Bursley must have took the money. Everybody said so.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah, that's what they said. Then you let him say it. Didn't you? Marshall, I. Percy didn't come back, did he?

[Emma Hyde]

I never said. I said.

[Andrew Rines]

You know he didn't take the money, Ms. Hyde. You also know that he didn't kill your husband.

[Emma Hyde]

Marshall, please.

[Andrew Rines]

You know who did kill him, though.

[Emma Hyde]

Yes, Marshall, I know.

[Andrew Rines]

I'm sorry, ma'am.

[Emma Hyde]

It didn't hurt him none. I didn't want to hurt him none. I'm a good shot, Marshal.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah, I saw him.

[Emma Hyde]

Was just a quicker killing. That's all it was.

[Andrew Rines]

A quicker killing.

[Emma Hyde]

A prairie that was killing the both of us. Eating away at us a bit at a time. Every day, taking its toll. Ben's free of it now.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah. It's just too bad that you can't be free.

[Chester Proudfoot]

All right, we're all set for the party. I've trimmed the tree, hung the mistletoe, and paired all those weird shaped knives and forks with the appropriate cheeses. And I plugged in the Partisan.

[Wix AI]

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[Chester Proudfoot]

It's a home cocktail maker that makes over 60 premium cocktails. Plus a whole lot of seasonal favorites too. I just got it for 50 off. So how about a Cosmopolitan or a Mistletoe margarita?

[Wix AI]

I'm thirsty.

[Andrew Rines]

Watch.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I just pop in a capsule, choose my strength and wow, it's beginning to.

[Wix AI]

Feel more seasonal in here already.

[Chester Proudfoot]

If your holiday party doesn't have a bartender, then you become the bartender. Unless you've got a Bartesian because Bartesian crafts every cocktail perfectly in as little as 30 seconds. And I just got it for $50 off.

[Wix AI]

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[Andrew Rines]

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[Andrew Rines]

Gun Smoke Produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, US Marshal the story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Marion Clark with editorial supervision by John Meston. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on Gun Smoke. Gun Smoke has come to you through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcast trwesterns. You can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739. This episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Chester Proudfoot]

All right, we're all set for the party. I've trimmed the tree, hung the mistletoe, and pared all those weird shaped knives and forks with the appropriate cheeses. And I plugged in the Partisan.

[Wix AI]

Partisan.

[Chester Proudfoot]

It's a home cocktail maker that makes over 60 premium cocktails plus a whole lot of seasonal favorites too. I just got it for 50 off. So how about a Cosmopolitan or a Mistletoe Margarita?

[Wix AI]

I'm thirsty.

[Andrew Rines]

Watch.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I just pop in a capsule, choose my strength and wow, it's beginning to.

[Wix AI]

Feel more seasonal in here already.

[Chester Proudfoot]

If your holiday party doesn't have a bartender, then you become the bartender. Unless you've got a Bartesian because Bartesian crafts every cocktail perfectly in as little as 30 seconds. And I just got it for $50 off.

[Wix AI]

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[Andrew Rines]

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[Emma Hyde]

Traveling to the UK you will need an electronic travel authorization or ETA. It's quick and simple to apply via the ETA app or online. You'll need to apply for your ETA before travelling to the uk. Applicants will usually get a decision in.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Up to three working days.

[Emma Hyde]

Everyone travelling to the UK without a visa, whether visiting or passing through, will need one.

[Chester Proudfoot]

It lasts two years and is valid for multiple trips. To apply now, search UK Travel ETA Exemption Supply.