Hard Lesson | Gunsmoke (11-29-59)

Summary

Gunsmoke - OTRWesterns.com Episode: "Hard Lesson" (11-29-59) Release Date: February 23, 2025 Host: Andrew Rhines

---

Introduction

In the "Hard Lesson" episode of Gunsmoke, hosted by Andrew Rhines, listeners are transported back to Dodge City, Kansas, amidst the tumultuous expansion of the American West. The episode delves deep into themes of justice, family loyalty, and the personal struggles of living under the constant threat of lawlessness. Set against the backdrop of post-bank robbery tensions, the story revolves around Pete, a fugitive marshal pursuing his own moral compass amid family ties and legal obligations.

Plot Summary

Returning Home

The episode opens with Pete returning home, injured and seeking refuge. Upon his arrival, he confronts his brother, Joe Belvin, revealing the grim news:

Pete: "I come home hurt."
[03:45]

Joe, recognizing Pete but noting the significant changes since Pete left, informs him of their mother's passing:

Joe: "She. She's dead."
[04:27]

Pete reflects on his intentions:

Pete: "I always aimed to come home."
[04:57]

As Pete lies injured, Joe attempts to tend to his wounds, confessing his limitations without their mother's healing touch:

Pete: "It ain't no use. Ma could help me."
[05:43]

The Conflict Unfolds

Amidst the domestic turmoil, Pete discloses his predicament:

Pete: "I'm wanted. The law wants me."
[06:17]

He admits to a bank robbery, asserting his innocence in causing harm:

Pete: "We robbed a bank. I have never killed."
[07:33]

Joe grapples with the moral implications, suggesting redemption by returning the stolen money to avoid further legal pursuit:

Joe: "You could give it back and save the law a lot of hunting and tracking."
[07:43]

However, Pete resists, leading to heightened tensions between the brothers.

Joe's Proposition and Denver's Intervention

Determined to help, Joe decides to seek assistance outside their immediate environment, prompting him to enlist the aid of Matt Dillon, the steadfast U.S. Marshal of Dodge City:

Joe: "I'll see the marshal. I'll tell him you want to square things up."
[07:53]

Matt Dillon, embodying the law's impartiality, engages with Joe, probing the nuances of fair justice and the possibility of Pete's redemption.

Confrontation with Raleigh and Low

The plot thickens as Raleigh and Low, associates of Matt Dillon, enter the scene to address the escalating situation. A tense standoff ensues when Joe Belvin's intentions are questioned, revealing underlying alliances and the complexity of enforcing the law in a rugged frontier setting.

Matt: "Remember, you may not wear a gun, but I do."
[21:37]

This declaration underscores Matt's readiness to uphold the law, even amid personal connections and familial bonds.

Climactic Showdown

The episode reaches its peak as Raleigh and Low confront Joe Belvin, leading to a heated exchange about justice and retribution. The confrontation is marred by misunderstandings, resulting in a violent altercation where Joe Belvin is tragically killed despite his attempts to mediate.

Joe Belvin: "They shot my brother. He was hurt bad, and I brung in to help."
[28:41]

Matt Dillon reflects on the futility of Pete's resistance to lawful resolution:

Matt: "He'd have been better off with the law, Joe."
[29:03]

Key Discussions and Themes

Justice vs. Revenge

A central theme of "Hard Lesson" is the delicate balance between justice and revenge. Pete's refusal to return the stolen money pits his personal sense of honor against the unyielding stance of the law, as embodied by Matt Dillon.

Joe Belvin: "The law is supposed to help folks, ain't it?"
[13:06]

This dialogue highlights the moral dilemma faced by characters torn between familial loyalty and societal obligations.

Family Loyalty and Betrayal

The strained relationship between Pete and Joe Belvin serves as a microcosm for the broader conflict between individual desires and collective moral standards. Joe's attempt to mediate underscores the complexities of familial duty in the face of wrongdoing.

Joe Belvin: "I'll be moving on, Marshall, and thanks for nothing."
[14:22]

The Integrity of Law Enforcement

Matt Dillon's unwavering commitment to upholding the law, even against personal ties, emphasizes the importance of integrity in law enforcement. His interactions with Joe Belvin and the eventual tragic outcome reflect the challenges faced by those sworn to maintain order.

Matt Dillon: "I don't know what's on your mind, but I can tell you what's on mine. I'm not interested in things being easier."
[13:50]

Conclusions and Resolution

The episode concludes with a poignant reflection on the consequences of defying the law. Pete's fate remains uncertain, serving as a cautionary tale about the inescapable reach of justice and the personal costs of betrayal.

Matt Dillon: "He'd have been better off with a law, Joe. You'd have locked him up, but he'd have had a chance now."
[29:03]

Through "Hard Lesson," Gunsmoke underscores the enduring struggle between personal morality and legal duty, illustrating the profound impact of choices made in the shadow of the Old West's unforgiving landscape.

Notable Quotes

• Pete: "I'm wanted. The law wants me."
  [06:17]

• Joe Belvin: "You could give it back and save the law a lot of hunting and tracking."
  [07:43]

• Matt Dillon: "Remember, you may not wear a gun, but I do."
  [21:37]

• Joe Belvin: "They shot my brother. He was hurt bad, and I brung in to help."
  [28:41]

• Matt Dillon: "He'd have been better off with a law, Joe."
  [29:03]

Final Thoughts

"Hard Lesson" masterfully weaves a narrative that explores the intricate dance between justice, family, and the human condition. Through its compelling characters and morally charged plot, the episode invites listeners to ponder the true meaning of justice and the personal sacrifices it often demands.

---

Join Us Again

Thank you for delving into Gunsmoke with us. Be sure to like, rate, and subscribe to OTRWesterns.com on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive content. Support our show by becoming a ranch hand at otrwesterns.com or by contacting us directly.

---

Disclaimer: This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to capture all essential elements of the "Hard Lesson" episode for those who have not listened to it.

Transcript

[Indeed]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job post seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com Arts. Just go to Indeed.com Arts right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you.

[Andrew Rines]

Foreign 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. 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. Guns for 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.

[Indeed]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job posts seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to INDEED data, sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com Arts. Just go to Indeed.com Arts right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you.

[Andrew Rines]

Ma. Ma. March Pete, I come home. Like I said. Ma. You heard come home hurt. Ma.

[Joe Belvin]

Are you looking for somebody? What? It's Pete.

[Andrew Rines]

I'm looking for Ma Belvin. Please. Henness.

[Joe Belvin]

Pete, I'm your brother Joe. Don't you know me? Of course. I've grown some. You Ain't seen me since you left home.

[Andrew Rines]

Where's Matt?

[Joe Belvin]

She is. She ain't here, Pete.

[Andrew Rines]

Well, fetch her. I'm hurt bad.

[Joe Belvin]

I. I can't do that.

[Andrew Rines]

That's her. I rode hard for her. Elin.

[Joe Belvin]

She. She's dead.

[Andrew Rines]

Dead? Ma, she's dead.

[Joe Belvin]

A year ago. She went thin. She'd been ailing a long time.

[Andrew Rines]

I always aimed to come home. I told.

[Joe Belvin]

Come on, I'll help you down off that horse.

[Andrew Rines]

Ah.

[Joe Belvin]

Here in the back room. Now lay down there on the bed.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, it's bad.

[Joe Belvin]

I'll take a look. I ain't as good as Ma, but I've been right handed with the stock. You got a hole in you for fair.

[Andrew Rines]

It ain't no use. Ma could help me. Ma had healing hands. No use.

[Joe Belvin]

It ain't all that bad. I'll get the doc.

[Andrew Rines]

No doc.

[Joe Belvin]

He'll fix you up.

[Andrew Rines]

No, you ain't gonna bring no doc.

[Joe Belvin]

You talk lightheaded, Pete. A doc knows more about healing than Mars.

[Andrew Rines]

Bring the doc, you bring the law. The law? Leave it be.

[Joe Belvin]

You. You want it, Pete?

[Andrew Rines]

I said leave it be.

[Joe Belvin]

I gotta know.

[Andrew Rines]

All right, you gotta know. I'm wanted. The law wants me. What for? We robbed a bank. I got shot. I come home. I brung my share out in them saddlebacks. I come home from Ma's healing. I brung the money.

[Joe Belvin]

Glad she didn't know. Eat. Eat. Bring you some breakfast. You gotta try. You gotta keep your strength up. You worsen like this. I gotta do something, Pete. Now you just listen to me a little bit. I've been thinking. You ain't never killed nobody, have you?

[Andrew Rines]

No, I have never killed.

[Joe Belvin]

Then the law just wants you for the money you stole.

[Andrew Rines]

That's a plenty.

[Joe Belvin]

Yeah, but you could give it back.

[Andrew Rines]

No.

[Joe Belvin]

You could give it back and save the law a lot of hunting and tracking.

[Andrew Rines]

Crazy.

[Joe Belvin]

No, I ain't, Pete.

[Andrew Rines]

No, I ain't.

[Joe Belvin]

You gotta have help.

[Andrew Rines]

Now.

[Joe Belvin]

I'm gonna ride into Dodge for the doc. Don't you worry none. I'll see the marshal. I'll tell him you want to square things up. The. The law's supposed to be fair, ain't it? All right, then. Now you give back the money and it'll be all right, Pete. All right. You just stay there. Arrested. I'll get the dock. And I'm gonna hurry.

[Andrew Rines]

Peach.

[Joe Belvin]

I want to hurry.

[Indeed]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates Fast? Easy. Just use indeed. Stop struggling to get your job. Posts seen on other job sites. With Indeed Sponsored Jobs, your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, Sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility at Indeed.com Arts, just go to Indeed.com Arts right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need. Stay warm and save every day. All in the Fred Meyer app buy.

[Joe Belvin]

Two get two free on 12 packs.

[Andrew Rines]

Of Coca Cola, Pepsi or 7Up with.

[Joe Belvin]

Your card and we've lowered prices. You can save 15% or more on.

[Indeed]

Hundreds of items like Thomas mini bagels.

[Andrew Rines]

Campbell's SpaghettiOs and more.

[Indeed]

Shop these deals at your local Oregon.

[Andrew Rines]

Fred Meyer today or click the screen.

[Indeed]

Now to download the Fred Meyer app to save big today. Fred Meyer Fresh for Everyone. Prices and product availability subject to change restrictions apply. See site for details.

[Andrew Rines]

Here's good news for all of you folks who may be suffering from the minor pains of arthritis or rheumatism. There's a product that many people find quite effective called Mentholatum Deep Heat Rub. It's a greaseless stainless rub that you massage in wherever and whenever you wake. Unlike taking tablets, you don't have to wait for your system to digest it to get relief. Mentholatum Deep Heat Rub soaks right into your skin. Within 30 seconds, it starts to stimulate blood circulation, warming and soothing those painful areas you'll get fast safe relief right where you hurt so you can enjoy more of the wonderful things you like to do. So remember, for safe, effective, temporary relief from minor arthritic and rheumatic pains, use Mentholatum Deep Heat Rub often. It's greaseless and stainless and has a fresh, clean scent. Get the large economy sized tube today. Mentholatum Deep Heat Rub is available in both the United States and Canada. Here you are, Matt. Oh, thank you, Kenny. I thought Chester's Coffee would have ruined your taste for this stuff. Well, Sam's coffee isn't that much better, Kitty. Oh, don't let him hear you say that. I've said it to him a couple of times. What Sam say he said I could always drink whiskey. Well, he's right about how about that? You know, he may be making the coffee bad on purpose. Oh, well, now I don't know about. Yeah, right here Son.

[Joe Belvin]

I'd like to talk to you.

[Andrew Rines]

Why don't you sit down, son?

[Joe Belvin]

Well, thank you, ma'am, but I. I ain't just easy in a place like this. Would you come outside, Marshall?

[Andrew Rines]

All right, son. I'll see you later, Kitty. Sure, man. Now, what's your name, boy?

[Joe Belvin]

Joe. Joe Belvin.

[Andrew Rines]

Belvin. Your place is east of Tom, isn't it?

[Joe Belvin]

About 12 miles.

[Andrew Rines]

I haven't talked to you before, have I?

[Joe Belvin]

No, Marshall. I ain't spent much time in town. Ma didn't take to a man wasting himself in a town like Dodge.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, all right, Joe, we can talk. Here. What can I do for you? It.

[Joe Belvin]

Well, Marshall, it's about the law.

[Andrew Rines]

What about the law?

[Joe Belvin]

I've been figuring on a problem.

[Andrew Rines]

Well, go on.

[Joe Belvin]

The law is ripped. Supposed to be fair, ain't it?

[Andrew Rines]

Well, that's the general idea. Yeah.

[Joe Belvin]

It ain't just for locking up and hanging, is it?

[Andrew Rines]

Maybe you better tell me what you're driving at, Joe.

[Joe Belvin]

Well, it's like this, Marshall. Suppose a man done something wrong and then he squares it up. Wouldn't be no use to arrest him, now, would there?

[Andrew Rines]

That would depend on what he'd done.

[Joe Belvin]

Well, like robbing a bank.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, that'll be pretty hard to square, Joe.

[Joe Belvin]

But the way I figured, Marshall, a man, if he hadn't hurt nobody, could save the law a lot of trouble.

[Andrew Rines]

How's that?

[Joe Belvin]

Well, he could turn the money back, couldn't he?

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah, he could do that.

[Joe Belvin]

That's what I said. That's the way I seen it. He'd be square.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah, but he'd still have to stand trial.

[Joe Belvin]

Joe, what kind of law is that?

[Andrew Rines]

A law that was broken.

[Joe Belvin]

That ain't right, Marshall. The law's supposed to help folks, ain't it?

[Andrew Rines]

It's not supposed to help folks rob a bank, Joe.

[Joe Belvin]

But wouldn't it be easier for you if he got the money?

[Andrew Rines]

Now, listen to me. I don't know what's on your mind, but I can tell you what's on mine. I'm not interested in things being easier.

[Joe Belvin]

Getting hold of the money. Wouldn't make no difference.

[Andrew Rines]

Wouldn't make any difference.

[Joe Belvin]

It don't seem that the law help a man, and that's a fact. He could do better without it.

[Andrew Rines]

Joe, you get ideas like that in your head and you're bound for trouble.

[Joe Belvin]

You ain't offer me nothing but trouble. I'll be moving on, Marshall, and thanks for nothing. I won't be forgetting, neither.

[Andrew Rines]

I hope you won't, Joe.

[Joe Belvin]

Hello, Matt.

[Andrew Rines]

Huh? Oh, hello, Doc, here.

[Joe Belvin]

Matt, do me a favor, will you, please?

[Andrew Rines]

Sure, Doc. What is it?

[Joe Belvin]

Will you see that this letter gets the post office in time to get on stage? I just got a call to go out of town. I'd like to get started right now.

[Andrew Rines]

Sure. I'm headed that way anyway.

[Joe Belvin]

Thank you, Matthew.

[Andrew Rines]

Here it is. Must be pretty important.

[Joe Belvin]

Well, I'm sending for a new medical book. I'd like to get it as soon as I can.

[Andrew Rines]

Why, Doc, I thought you knew everything already.

[Joe Belvin]

Well, I may at that, but I like to give the new books a chance. So long, Max.

[Andrew Rines]

Where you headed for in such a hurry?

[Joe Belvin]

Out to the Belvin place.

[Andrew Rines]

The Belvin place? Well, who's sick out there? I don't know yet.

[Joe Belvin]

The board just said to hurry. So I'll see you later, man.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah, Doctor, I'll see you later.

[Joe Belvin]

It's a pretty long 12 mile gas knee.

[Andrew Rines]

You know, folks hear you talk like that, Chester, they'll say you're getting old.

[Joe Belvin]

Well, folks can just mind their own business.

[Andrew Rines]

I don't mind riding out no words.

[Joe Belvin]

When I know what I'm doing. But this don't make much sense to me. Mr. Dylan, I'm Frank to tell you.

[Andrew Rines]

That I'm sorry you don't approve.

[Joe Belvin]

Right.

[Andrew Rines]

Not here to see about somebody that's sick.

[Joe Belvin]

We don't even know who it is.

[Andrew Rines]

That's the Doc's job, ain't it? Well, I have a hunch it may be our job too. Now we turn in here. I didn't know nobody else lived out.

[Joe Belvin]

Here but that boy since the old lady died.

[Andrew Rines]

Must be somebody there now. We'll ride right up to the porch. All right, sir.

[Joe Belvin]

Well, Doc couldn't have stayed very long.

[Andrew Rines]

Buggy ain't here. Yeah, well, let's see who is here. Anybody home? Open up.

[Joe Belvin]

Well, there's a sick person in there.

[Andrew Rines]

He must be real bad off.

[Joe Belvin]

Not hear that.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah. Now, let's go in. Now, you look in the kitchen, Chester. I'll see to that room.

[Joe Belvin]

All right. Ain't nobody in the kitchen, Mr. John.

[Andrew Rines]

Nobody in the other room either.

[Joe Belvin]

Seemed mighty strange. What do you think you're doing walking into a man's house like. Oh, it's you, Marshall.

[Andrew Rines]

Hello, Joe.

[Joe Belvin]

You ain't got no call to come busting in here.

[Andrew Rines]

I was looking for Doc Adams. He said he was coming out here.

[Joe Belvin]

It was a mistake.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, he said somebody was sick.

[Joe Belvin]

It was a mistake. I tell you. There ain't nobody here.

[Andrew Rines]

Well, I can see that.

[Joe Belvin]

You can? Go on then.

[Andrew Rines]

I can see something else. Too. Joe. There's been quite a bit of blood spilled in that other room.

[Joe Belvin]

That ain't no business of yours.

[Andrew Rines]

Maybe not. But if it is my business, you'll save yourself a lot of trouble by telling me about it.

[Joe Belvin]

I told you, Marshall, I don't need no help from the law.

[Andrew Rines]

And I hope you're right, Joe. I just hope you're right. Who is that?

[Joe Belvin]

It's me, Pete. They've gone.

[Andrew Rines]

Didn't tell him nothing.

[Joe Belvin]

I didn't tell him nothing. And I ain't going to neither.

[Andrew Rines]

I. I told you. You're going to dodge that a lot beyond me.

[Joe Belvin]

They ain't found you. I even got you out of the house before the doctor.

[Andrew Rines]

But you should have listened to me.

[Joe Belvin]

You still got to have help.

[Andrew Rines]

Help? There ain't no help.

[Joe Belvin]

Well, sure there is, Pete. I'll find it.

[Andrew Rines]

I bet you Low and Raleigh laughing for faith Low and Raleigh?

[Joe Belvin]

They friends of yours?

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, sure they're friends. They're partners.

[Joe Belvin]

Where are they, Pete?

[Andrew Rines]

They sure would like to see me.

[Joe Belvin]

They're someplace near.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, they ain't far. They wouldn't be far.

[Joe Belvin]

Come on, Pete. Tell me where to find them.

[Andrew Rines]

They wouldn't be far.

[Joe Belvin]

Where would they be?

[Andrew Rines]

I rode off and left them. I come home from Ma's healing.

[Joe Belvin]

Where, Pete?

[Andrew Rines]

Ma? Ma, tell me where I rode off and left them. That shack near. Near the creek. Near Reed's Creek.

[Joe Belvin]

All right. You just lied.

[Andrew Rines]

Come on, Joe. Joe.

[Joe Belvin]

Yeah, Pete.

[Andrew Rines]

You ain't. Ain't gonna bring the law.

[Joe Belvin]

Don't you worry about that. We'll get help without the banged old law. You just fly easy. I'll be back.

[Indeed]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job posts seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed. And listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com Arts. Just go to Indeed.com Arts right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.

[Joe Belvin]

There. Your sure, mister.

[Andrew Rines]

Get off your horse now. Walk up here nice and slow and easy.

[Joe Belvin]

You don't need to worry none about me.

[Andrew Rines]

That's right. Sonny, I don't. You got a gun?

[Joe Belvin]

No, mister, I ain't. I ain't never believed much in shooting that nice. Your name? Raleigh or low.

[Andrew Rines]

You better come on in the house, Kid. Remember, you may not wear a gun, but I do.

[Joe Belvin]

Oh, I ain't got.

[Andrew Rines]

Just shut up till we get in there. Go on. Why didn't you finish him out there? Well, now, Raleigh, this young fella is kind of interesting. We ain't ought to take no chances. He knows both our names. How do you suppose he found that out? Yeah, who told you? Why, how do you suppose he knew right where to find us? You should have shot him. Plenty of time for that. First, though, I'd like to know a few answers.

[Joe Belvin]

Well, there ain't nothing.

[Andrew Rines]

I better make it good, Kid. Raleigh gets awful nervous when folks know where he is.

[Joe Belvin]

I'm trying to tell you. Pete sent me.

[Andrew Rines]

Pete sent you? Well, now, ain't that interesting? Let's hear the whole story, Kid.

[Joe Belvin]

Well, he didn't exactly send me, but he needs help, and he told me you're his partner, so I come.

[Andrew Rines]

So old Pete needs help, and we'll go find him. Where is he, Kid?

[Joe Belvin]

Why, he's at the place. The home place out of Dodge.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, Pete went home.

[Joe Belvin]

He come home shot.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah. Yeah, I know.

[Joe Belvin]

He figured Ma could heal him. But Ma's dead. I went for the doc, but the marshal wouldn't make no deal, so I hid him. I come to you for help.

[Andrew Rines]

The marshal wouldn't make no deal.

[Joe Belvin]

I just sounded him out some. But even if Pete gave back the money, the marshal said he'd have to stand trial.

[Andrew Rines]

You told the marshal about the money?

[Joe Belvin]

Oh, I didn't come right out and tell him. No, mister. I. I just. Well, I just wanted to find out if. If somebody gave the money back, would they go free?

[Andrew Rines]

Then what did you do?

[Joe Belvin]

Well, I rode back to the place and hid Pete and hid the money. And I come after you for help.

[Andrew Rines]

You hear that, Raleigh? The Kid come for our help. Yeah, and he knows where the money is. We better let him take us to old Pete, don't you think? Yeah, I guess we better.

[Joe Belvin]

Oh, it's you, Matt. Come in. Come in.

[Andrew Rines]

I just got a minute, Doc.

[Joe Belvin]

Sit down.

[Andrew Rines]

Now, what's on your mind? I was wondering about that call you got to go out to the Belvan place.

[Joe Belvin]

Well, you know, I was wondering about that, too.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, what do you mean? Well, when I got out there, Matt.

[Joe Belvin]

There wasn't anybody there.

[Andrew Rines]

No.

[Joe Belvin]

If anybody had been sick, he sure.

[Andrew Rines]

Got up and walked Away in a hurry. The Belvan boy asked you to go out there, huh?

[Joe Belvin]

Yeah, that's right. Just a few minutes before I saw you on Front Street.

[Andrew Rines]

Remember that? Uh huh. He said somebody needed a doctor bad. And you didn't see him at all.

[Joe Belvin]

No doubt that I didn't.

[Andrew Rines]

I did see him a little later though. How was that? Well, I drove on our little father to see old Lady Hite.

[Joe Belvin]

And on the way back I saw the boy running up from the stream bank.

[Andrew Rines]

Did you see where he went? Well, he headed for the barn and.

[Joe Belvin]

A few minutes later he passed me on the road and he was riding like the pony express.

[Andrew Rines]

Well, I didn't even so much as.

[Joe Belvin]

Wave to me as it went by. You think he's up to something?

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah, Doc, I'm afraid he is.

[Joe Belvin]

We can leave the horses here. It's just a short spell down to.

[Andrew Rines]

The cricket of money.

[Joe Belvin]

We can get that later, after we tend to Pete.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah, Riley, we ought to tend to Pete first off.

[Joe Belvin]

He's waiting for you right down here.

[Andrew Rines]

You won't be waiting long.

[Joe Belvin]

He's right down here in these bushes. I brung them, Pete. I'll bring you partners.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh no. That's right, Pete. The kid brung us right here. Rolled right up and got us and brung us here. I didn't mean it. You can have the money. Sure we can. And don't you worry none about that, Pete. Your kid brother's gonna tell us just where it is. I was gonna bring it back and. And split it up. Oh, but you won't have to do that now, will you? We're right here.

[Joe Belvin]

What are you all talking about? This ain't no time for join. Pete needs your help.

[Andrew Rines]

And I tell you, kid, we're gonna fix it so Pete won't never need no more help at all. Get out of the way, Kid. You.

[Joe Belvin]

You gonna shoot him?

[Andrew Rines]

Stand aside.

[Joe Belvin]

Why do you want to shoot him?

[Andrew Rines]

You know how the law wouldn't make no deal, Kid. Well, we won't either.

[Joe Belvin]

What do you mean?

[Andrew Rines]

He run off with the money. All right. All of it. He took our cut too.

[Joe Belvin]

But listen. And that ain't honest, Kid.

[Andrew Rines]

He's got answer for it. Please. No. Go ahead, Raleigh. No.

[Joe Belvin]

You killed him. I came to you for help and you killed him.

[Andrew Rines]

You wouldn't want to make the same mistake your brother made, would you? Now where's the money?

[Joe Belvin]

I ain't going to show you nothing.

[Andrew Rines]

Persuade him, my little Riley.

[Joe Belvin]

No.

[Andrew Rines]

You going to show us?

[Joe Belvin]

No, I ain't.

[Andrew Rines]

All right, Riley.

[Joe Belvin]

Leave him Alone.

[Andrew Rines]

Cop your law. Get him right now, Mr. Jones. Yeah. Come on. That big one's dead. Yeah. This other one's not going to live long. You all right, Joe?

[Joe Belvin]

Hey, I'm all right, Mr. John.

[Andrew Rines]

Look here. He's dead, too.

[Joe Belvin]

They shot my brother. He was hurt bad, and I brung in to help, and they shot him. He was my only kin, and they shot him.

[Andrew Rines]

I'm sorry, Joe.

[Joe Belvin]

He would have given the money back, Marshall. He said so. They didn't give him no chance.

[Andrew Rines]

He'd have been better off with a law, Joe. You'd have locked him up, but he'd have had a chance now. Come on, Chester. Let's get this one to Doc. I thought you said he was dying, Mr. Dylan. Yeah, but we got to give him his chance, too.

[Indeed]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job post seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, Sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com Arts, just go to Indeed.com Arts right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.

[Andrew Rines]

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 Marion Clark with editorial supervision by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Sam Edwards, Lawrence Dodkin, Harry Bartel and Vic Parron. Farley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc, and Georgia Hawkins as Kitty. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on gun smoke. Latest news follows. Then Mitch Miller with tonight's guest stars on the Sea. 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 the following ranch hand, Steve, 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 copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Indeed]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job posts seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, Sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com Arts, just go to Indeed.com Arts right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.