Man Hunter | Gunsmoke (05-27-56)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Gunsmoke | OTRWesterns.com
Episode: "Man Hunter" (05-27-56)
Release Date: August 11, 2025

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Introduction

In the "Man Hunter" episode of Gunsmoke, hosted by Andrew Rines, listeners are transported back to Dodge City, Kansas, where U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (portrayed by William Conrad) navigates the complexities of law enforcement in the tumultuous American West. This episode, which originally aired on May 27, 1956, delves into themes of friendship, duty, and moral ambiguity, offering a gripping narrative that underscores the challenges faced by those tasked with maintaining order in a frontier town.

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Plot Summary

Arrival of Deputy Sheriff Ben Quillen

The episode begins with Chester (played by Harley Bear) discussing the arrival of Deputy Sheriff Ben Quillen (John Dana) from Prescott, Arizona. Quillen presents a legal warrant for the arrest of Ike Abbott, a man suspected of murder. However, Matt Dillon recognizes Ike as Hank Young, a long-time friend and trusted member of the Dodge City community.

Notable Quote:

• [07:00] Ben Quillen: "He must have heard about it. Well, I guess I'll ride out and take him."
• [08:02] Ben Quillen: "Watch your step, Marshal. He's already killed one man."

Conflict of Loyalties

Matt Dillon faces an internal struggle between his duty as a marshal and his personal loyalty to Hank Young. Chester encourages Dillon to comply with Quillen's request, emphasizing the necessity of upholding the law regardless of personal relationships.

Notable Quote:

• [13:07] Ben Quillen: "That's a warrant for his arrest, Justin."
• [21:08] Ben Quillen: "You can find bigger game than him."

Confrontation and Deception

Quillen's aggressive pursuit creates tension, leading to a confrontation where Dillon refuses to hand over Hank without certainty. Quillen accuses Dillon of being emotionally compromised, suggesting that Dillon's friendship with Hank is clouding his judgment.

Notable Quote:

• [21:37] Matt Dillon: "I hate men like you who go out after other men just for the reward money. You're a professional manhunter, and that's the worst."

The Showdown

As Quillen becomes increasingly hostile, the situation escalates. Dillon cleverly questions the validity of the warrant, revealing inconsistencies that undermine Quillen's case. This strategic maneuver forces Quillen into a position of vulnerability.

Notable Quote:

• [21:10] Matt Dillon: "12 years is a long time, Quillen. I hate men like you."

Resolution and Reflection

The episode culminates with a tense standoff where Dillon's unwavering commitment to justice prevails. Quillen's relentless pursuit is thwarted, highlighting Dillon's integrity and the ethical dilemmas inherent in law enforcement.

Notable Quote:

• [24:19] Matt Dillon: "On the frontier, men fought for fool's reasons, like spilled drink. And they fought for good reasons, like fenced water. But next week, a man comes to Dodge who won't fight for any reason, still wins his battle. And that was the West. Good night."

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Character Analysis

Matt Dillon (William Conrad)
As the ever-resolute U.S. Marshal, Dillon embodies the archetypal Western hero—steadfast, principled, and often solitary. In "Man Hunter," his internal conflict between personal loyalty and professional duty is palpable, showcasing his depth as a character who must navigate the murky waters of morality in a lawless land.

Notable Quote:

• [10:22] Matt Dillon: "He had nothing special to do except get out of Dodge."

Ben Quillen (John Dana)
Quillen represents the archetype of the relentless lawman, whose rigid adherence to duty often blinds him to the nuances of individual cases. His pursuit of Hank Young exemplifies the tension between unwavering law enforcement and personal relationships.

Notable Quote:

• [21:37] Matt Dillon: "You can find bigger game than him."

Chester (Harley Bear)
Chester serves as Dillon's trusted companion, providing counsel and often acting as the voice of reason. His interactions with Dillon offer insights into the daily challenges faced by those living in Dodge City, highlighting themes of trust and camaraderie.

Notable Quote:

• [22:06] Matt Dillon: "I hear there weren't any witnesses to that murder 12 years ago. That wasn't no murder."

Hank Young/Ike Abbott
Hank's dual identity as both a friend and a fugitive underscores the complexities of frontier life, where past actions and present circumstances collide. His character arc in this episode raises questions about redemption and the possibility of change.

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Themes and Insights

Moral Ambiguity and Duty
"Man Hunter" delves deep into the moral dilemmas faced by lawmen in the Wild West. Matt Dillon's hesitation to arrest Hank Young highlights the blurred lines between personal loyalty and professional obligations, a recurring theme in Western narratives.

Friendship vs. Justice
The episode poignantly explores the conflict between maintaining friendships and upholding the law. Dillon's internal struggle emphasizes the personal cost of duty, portraying the often heartbreaking decisions that define a hero.

Corruption and Integrity
Through Quillen's character, the episode casts a critical eye on corruption within law enforcement. His willingness to manipulate the system for personal gain contrasts sharply with Dillon's unwavering integrity, raising questions about the true nature of justice.

Notable Quote:

• [21:08] Ben Quillen: "You can find bigger game than him."

Persistence and Strategy
Dillon's strategic questioning of the warrant showcases his ability to use intellect over force, reinforcing the idea that true strength lies in moral conviction and sharp wit, rather than mere physical prowess.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. [07:00] Ben Quillen: "He must have heard about it. Well, I guess I'll ride out and take him."
2. [08:02] Ben Quillen: "Watch your step, Marshal. He's already killed one man."
3. [13:07] Ben Quillen: "That's a warrant for his arrest, Justin."
4. [21:08] Ben Quillen: "You can find bigger game than him."
5. [21:10] Matt Dillon: "12 years is a long time, Quillen. I hate men like you."
6. [22:06] Matt Dillon: "I hear there weren't any witnesses to that murder 12 years ago. That wasn't no murder."
7. [24:19] Matt Dillon: "On the frontier, men fought for fool's reasons, like spilled drink. And they fought for good reasons, like fenced water. But next week, a man comes to Dodge who won't fight for any reason, still wins his battle. And that was the West. Good night."

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Conclusion

"Man Hunter" masterfully encapsulates the essence of the American Western genre, blending action, moral complexity, and profound character development. Matt Dillon's unwavering commitment to justice, juxtaposed against Quillen's rigid pursuit, offers listeners a compelling narrative that transcends its historical setting. Through its rich dialogues and intricate plot, the episode invites audiences to ponder the true meaning of duty and the sacrifices it entails.

For enthusiasts of classic Westerns, "Man Hunter" stands as a testament to the timeless allure of Gunsmoke, weaving tales that resonate with themes of honor, friendship, and the perpetual struggle between right and wrong on the untamed frontier.

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Additional Resources:

• Host Information: Andrew Rines, host of Old Time Radio Westerns, offers a multitude of episodes exploring various facets of the Western genre. For more content, visit otrwesterns.com or search "OTR Westerns" on your preferred podcast platform.

• Related Shows: Explore Andrew's sister podcast, Otnetcast (otnetcast.com), featuring mystery genres such as The Shadow, Escape, Suspense, and The Whistler.

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About the Production Team

"Gunsmoke" was produced and directed by Norman Macdonnell, with stories specially written by John Meston. The musical score was composed and conducted by Rex Corey, while sound patterns were crafted by Tom Hanley and Bill James. The cast featured prominent actors including Lawrence Dobkin, John Dana, and Ken Lynch, with Harley Bear as Chester and Georgia Ellis as Kitty.

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Final Thoughts

This episode not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the ethical quandaries faced by those in positions of authority. "Man Hunter" remains a poignant example of the rich storytelling that has cemented Gunsmoke as a cornerstone of American radio and television Westerns.

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For more summaries and episodes, visit otrwesterns.com.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and before we get into this episode, I wanted to do a little PSA and remind you that I put out multiple shows a week of Old Time Radio Westerns. You can check them out by going to OTRWesterns or looking up OTR Westerns on your podcast application of choice. We're releasing over 10 episodes a week so far, about a hundred a month. So definitely want you to check that out again otrwesterns.com and check it out. I also wanted to invite you to check out my sister podcast site otnetcast and that's Net C A S t so O T N E T C A s t netcast otnetcast.com we're currently releasing mystery genre shows and this is shows like the Shadow Escape, Suspense and the Whistler and we have plans on bringing other shows to the network for you guys to listen to. So it's my non western old time radio channel that I can kind of do other genres that not only I like, but hopefully you would like too. You can check us out by going to otnetcast.com or searching t N E T C A S T on your podcast app of choice. Now let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke Original. Enter dates May 27, 1956 and the title is Manhunter.

[Gunsmoke Narrator]

Gunsmoke Brought to you by Chesterfield. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed thanks to Accuray, they satisfy.

[Matt Dillon]

The most.

[Gunsmoke Narrator]

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.

[Chester]

Gun Smoke.

[Gunsmoke Narrator]

Gun Smoke Starring William Conrad. The transcribed story of the violence that moved west with young America and the story of a man who moved with him.

[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 well, what's your hurry?

[Chester]

Chess? Oh, hello, Mr. Dillon. I'm going over to stable. No.

[Gunsmoke Narrator]

What for?

[Matt Dillon]

You leaving town?

[Chester]

No, sir. Hank Young's over there. I got seen.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, I'm not doing anything. I'll go with you if you don't mind.

[Chester]

Well, good. I run into Mr. Bowers and he asked me to give Hank a message for him.

[Matt Dillon]

Darling.

[Chester]

Well, Hank is a real nice fellow, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I didn't say he wasn't, Jesse.

[Chester]

Yes, sir, I know, but I was just thinking there ain't many fellows around here steady and peaceable as he is.

[Matt Dillon]

I guess that's one reason bars has kept him working at the ranch for so long.

[Chester]

There he is. What? Cinching up his saddle with his back to us there. Oh, yeah, Mr. Jones, I'm going to surprise him. Walk easy, huh? Okay, gotcha.

[Matt Dillon]

Look out, Chester. Not take it easy, Hank.

[Ben Quillen]

Oh, Marshall.

[Chester]

I didn't know who it was.

[Matt Dillon]

You shouldn't come up on me like that, Chester.

[Chester]

For goodness, I guess I shouldn't. Now, where'd my gun. Oh, there's my gun.

[Matt Dillon]

It's a wonder it didn't go off.

[Chester]

You hitting at me that way, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

How come you weren't a gun, Hank? I don't think I ever saw you with one. I've wore guns before, Marc. No, I meant around here. No, maybe not around here.

[Chester]

Hank. Hank, Mr. Bower is going to be an hour or so longer than he thought is, huh?

[Matt Dillon]

All right, you tell him I'll see.

[Chester]

Him out the ranch.

[Ben Quillen]

We got work to do out there.

[Chester]

So long.

[Gunsmoke Narrator]

So long, Hank.

[Chester]

My, I guess I really upset him something. Sure has, Hank. Ain't never acted like that before. We're always kindly teasing each other.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I wouldn't worry about it, Dylan. Yeah?

[Chester]

I want to talk to you, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, go ahead.

[Ben Quillen]

My name's Quillen. Ben Quillen. I've only been here a few days. I've been meaning to get acquainted, but I thought I'd do a little scouting.

[Chester]

Around for myself first.

[Ben Quillen]

What's the name of that man you were just talking to, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Why?

[Ben Quillen]

Oh, he kind of fits a description of a fell I've been hunting. You see, I'm a deputy sheriff.

[Chester]

Huh?

[Ben Quillen]

There's my badge.

[Matt Dillon]

Deputy sheriff, Prescott, Arizona.

[Ben Quillen]

Yeah, I got papers to prove it, too.

[Matt Dillon]

You've come a long way, Colin.

[Ben Quillen]

I think it's going to be worth it. Marshall, Here, take a look at this.

[Matt Dillon]

What is it?

[Chester]

It's a warrant for Ike Abbott, Prescott.

[Matt Dillon]

Arizona, July 618 Something. It's kind of smudged.

[Ben Quillen]

You Read the description. Don't Ike Abbott sound like your friend who just left? Sure does to me. Same height, same build, same kind of face. Brown hair and eyes. Just about everything.

[Chester]

Is that true, Mr. John?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, fits generally, but what's he wanted for? It's a warrant for his arrest. Justin.

[Chester]

He's charged with murder, Hank.

[Ben Quillen]

He heard he was hiding out around Dodge somewhere. He's been here about three years, hasn't he?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, just about. Why didn't you make your arrest a few minutes ago, Quillen?

[Ben Quillen]

I wanted to be sure, Marshal. And I also want to talk to you first. After all, this is your territory.

[Matt Dillon]

Hank's wearing a gun, Quillen. Does he know you?

[Ben Quillen]

No, but I've been asking around about anybody from Arizona. He must have heard about it. Well, I guess I'll ride out and take him.

[Chester]

No. What?

[Matt Dillon]

Hank Young's ready to fight. I don't want to kill him. I'll go.

[Ben Quillen]

You mean you'll bring him in for me?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, if I'm sure he's the man you're after, then I think I can find out.

[Ben Quillen]

Okay. Watch your step, Marshal. He's already killed one man.

[Matt Dillon]

Don't worry, Cleveland.

[Chester]

So have I.

[Gunsmoke Narrator]

Introducing one of the country's best known jazz musicians and arrangers, Mr. Bobby Haggart. How about whistling along with him?

[Chester]

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[Gunsmoke Narrator]

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[Chester]

Chesterfield packs more pleasure Because Chesterfield's more.

[Gunsmoke Narrator]

Perfectly packed to the touch, to the taste Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed by Chesterfield Mild, yet they satisfy the most.

[Chester]

That's him sitting in the bunkhouse door, Mr. Dillon. I thought he said he had work to do.

[Matt Dillon]

He had nothing special to do except get out of Dodge.

[Chester]

You think he's gonna make trouble?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I hope not. Hello, Hank.

[Chester]

Marshall. Chester. Oh, Hank. Looking for me?

[Matt Dillon]

There are a couple of things I want to ask you, Hank. You go right ahead, Marshall. You've known me about three years, right? About that. And you know when I go after a man, I generally bring him back. So you do, Marshall. Is that why you put your gun away?

[Chester]

Well, I declare. He ain't armed no more, is he? No, I ain't.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you tell me the truth, Hank. You always dealt fair, Marshall. I'll tell you the truth. Well, there's a deputy sheriff in town named Ben Quillen. He's got an Arizona warrant for Ike Abbott's arrest. I thought so. Was it murder, Hank? That how that warrant reads, Marshall?

[Chester]

Mm. Mm.

[Matt Dillon]

Figured so. What else you want to know? You still haven't told me why you put your gun away. Done some thinking on the way back here. Knowed they'd sent somebody after me.

[Gunsmoke Narrator]

But if I killed him, I'd just.

[Chester]

Have to face you next.

[Matt Dillon]

I wouldn't be getting nowhere. All right, Hank.

[Chester]

Come on.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester, I must get Back to town.

[Chester]

Mr. Jon and me, we going to take Hank back.

[Matt Dillon]

I said let's go, Chester. Morning, chester.

[Chester]

Good morning, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Ben Quillen been here yet?

[Chester]

Well, I just got here myself.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, didn't you sleep here last night?

[Chester]

Well, see, no, sir, I didn't.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, I ain't never going to set.

[Chester]

Up all night playing poker again.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, I was kind of hoping you'd maybe outgrown poker.

[Chester]

I'm getting there.

[Ben Quillen]

Morning, Marshal.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester Clelland.

[Chester]

Morning, Clong.

[Ben Quillen]

Well, Marshal, did he put up a fight?

[Matt Dillon]

No, no, there was no trouble.

[Ben Quillen]

But he is the man I'm after. He's Ike Abbott, isn't he?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, he's a man.

[Ben Quillen]

Well, I sure do thank you, Marshall. Now, if you'll turn him over to me, we'll be on our way, and I won't be bothering you no more.

[Matt Dillon]

I didn't bring him in, Quillen.

[Chester]

Why not?

[Matt Dillon]

I guess maybe I didn't have the stomach to arrest a man who's been a friend, who's never caused any trouble around here.

[Ben Quillen]

That don't keep him from being a murderer. And I've got a legal warrant for him.

[Matt Dillon]

Then you go get him.

[Ben Quillen]

I thought you didn't want no killing.

[Matt Dillon]

He isn't armed.

[Ben Quillen]

You've caused me to waste a whole day, Morgan.

[Matt Dillon]

Why don't you go get your man Quillen and get him out of here? I don't want any part of it.

[Ben Quillen]

You admit he's a friend of yours, Marshall, I just hope you're not trying to trick me somehow, because I'll hold you responsible.

[Chester]

What's on your mind tonight, Matt?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, Kitty, it sure isn't drinking beer and sitting around the long branch.

[Chester]

You know, you sometimes act like you've been schooled in a slave market.

[Matt Dillon]

Drink your beer, Kitty. I'm by him.

[Chester]

Oh, you are? I take it all back. Oh, what? Here's Ben Quillen now. I know what's been bothering you.

[Ben Quillen]

Marshall. I want to talk to you.

[Matt Dillon]

What's your trouble, Quillen?

[Ben Quillen]

You gave me to believe there'd be no trouble with Hank Younger. Whatever you call him.

[Matt Dillon]

Wazir.

[Ben Quillen]

He wasn't armed, Marshall. At least he didn't lie about that.

[Matt Dillon]

And just what did I lie about, Cullen?

[Ben Quillen]

Bout them four friends of his.

[Matt Dillon]

What friends?

[Ben Quillen]

I don't like being made a fool of, Marshall. I don't like going after an unarmed man who is hiding behind four shotguns.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, I see.

[Ben Quillen]

You trying to tell me you didn't know about it.

[Matt Dillon]

No, Quillen, I didn't.

[Ben Quillen]

You swear to that?

[Matt Dillon]

You can take it or leave it.

[Ben Quillen]

All right, I'll believe you. Providing you ride out there with me. I can't face them men alone and be suicide.

[Matt Dillon]

It's your party, Quillen. I'm not getting paid to make your arrests.

[Ben Quillen]

You wouldn't be scared, would you, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

I think we've talked just about enough, Colin.

[Ben Quillen]

All right, now telegraph Prescott. I'll get me some authority for some deputies.

[Matt Dillon]

Wait a minute, Colin.

[Chester]

What?

[Matt Dillon]

You meet me at the stable in the morning. I'll go with you.

[Ben Quillen]

There they are, Marshall, waiting for us. How are we going to shoot it out against four men with shotguns, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

You just keep out of it.

[Chester]

Quite, gentlemen.

[Ben Quillen]

This here ain't my idea, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Boys just heard about everything.

[Chester]

I can't talk them out of a fight.

[Matt Dillon]

That's right, Marshall. Ain't nobody taking a friend of ours off to Arizona, warrant or no warrant. Now listen, you men. Hank Young's a friend of mine too. Isn't that right, Hank? I always thought so, Marshall. But you know me well enough. If any man needs taken in, I'll take him in. Kind of like walking into a cannon, won't it, Marshall? Maybe. But more than one of us will die. Now hold on.

[Ben Quillen]

I don't want a lot of blood spilled over me.

[Matt Dillon]

Just cause I killed a man 12.

[Gunsmoke Narrator]

Years ago is no reason any of.

[Matt Dillon]

You men should die. Now wait a minute, Quillen.

[Chester]

What?

[Matt Dillon]

You got that warrant with you? Of course I have. Let me see it now. Come on, let me see it.

[Ben Quillen]

Well, I don't know what for.

[Matt Dillon]

Give it to me.

[Ben Quillen]

You've seen it once.

[Chester]

What are you looking for?

[Ben Quillen]

Well, something wrong with it.

[Matt Dillon]

That's legal.

[Ben Quillen]

All right, give it back.

[Chester]

Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

Hank, I've changed my mind about taking you today.

[Ben Quillen]

Now wait.

[Matt Dillon]

Shut up, Quillen. Will you come into my office three days from now, Hank? We'll settle this thing then.

[Chester]

Okay, Marshall? Sure. It's okay, Hank.

[Matt Dillon]

We'll be right along with you, won't we, boy?

[Chester]

We'll be right. We ain't backing down one bit, Marshall. You better remember that.

[Gunsmoke Narrator]

Where are you listening to Gunsmoke in your favorite easy chair or out driving? Oh, there you are in the kitchen. Say, you want to make whatever you're doing more enjoyable. Have a Chesterfield. Enjoy. Chesterfield's better taste and mildness it stands to reason A cigarette made better and packed better smokes better, tastes better and Chesterfield is more perfectly packed by accuray this electronic miracle removes human error in cigarette manufacture. So Accuray Chesterfield is firm and pleasing to the lips. Mild, yet deeply satisfying yes, Chesterfield gives you something no other cigarette can give you.

[Chester]

Chesterfield packs more pleasure Because Chesterfield's more.

[Gunsmoke Narrator]

Perfectly packed to the touch, to the taste Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed by Chesterfield Mild, yet they satisfy the most.

[Chester]

SA Hey, John. I've been waiting for you.

[Matt Dillon]

Let's go, Chester.

[Chester]

Did you finally get your telegraph?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, just in time, it looks.

[Chester]

I know. That's quite a crowd waiting for you. Think there'll be trouble?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, there could be.

[Chester]

Anything you want me to do?

[Matt Dillon]

No, you better wait here.

[Chester]

All right, but you be careful now. Them friends, Hank, sure look like they mean business.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, sure. Well, Marshall, now come in like you said. I know you would, Hank.

[Ben Quillen]

How'd you get this over with, Marshall? I waited long enough.

[Matt Dillon]

You've waited too long, Quillen.

[Chester]

What?

[Matt Dillon]

Hank, I want your friends to wait across the street over there.

[Chester]

We ain't moving, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

All four of you go over there and wait. Will you do what he says, Jim?

[Chester]

Go on now, Jim, he ain't the.

[Gunsmoke Narrator]

Kind of trick nobody.

[Matt Dillon]

I mean it. Boys I got going.

[Chester]

Well, come on, man.

[Matt Dillon]

But we'll be watching. Quillen, let me see that warrant.

[Ben Quillen]

You've seen it twice.

[Chester]

Yeah?

[Ben Quillen]

Well, ain't you gonna look at it?

[Matt Dillon]

I should have looked at it the first time, huh? Close. I missed reading the date till Hank mentioned it was 12 years ago.

[Ben Quillen]

What that got to do with it?

[Matt Dillon]

12 years is a long time, Quillen.

[Ben Quillen]

That warrant's still legal, but it would.

[Matt Dillon]

Have been forgotten by now if you hadn't paid the sheriff in Prescott to go to the trouble to dig around and find it for you. And paid him something more to make you a deputy.

[Ben Quillen]

What do you say?

[Matt Dillon]

I hate men like you who go out after other men just for the reward money. You're a professional manhunter, and that's the worst.

[Ben Quillen]

So what are you?

[Matt Dillon]

I'm a lawman. I never collected a reward in my life.

[Ben Quillen]

Okay, do it your way. But I'M taking this man back.

[Matt Dillon]

I got word this morning from a friend of mine in Prescott. Quillen. So he says. What I thought about you. You don't often get back with your prisoners, huh? So much trouble, I guess. Too much expense. You'd shoot Hank here for trying to escape before you reach the Colorado line. But you'd still collect the reward.

[Ben Quillen]

You're getting a lot of ideas, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

I got a couple more, Hank.

[Chester]

Hear what, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

I hear there weren't any witnesses to that murder 12 years ago. That wasn't no murder.

[Chester]

Of course.

[Matt Dillon]

I had to run anyway. The sheriff was an enemy of yours. Well, I hear he's dead now.

[Chester]

Mm.

[Matt Dillon]

There'll be a circuit judge here next week. I think we'll let him decide all this.

[Ben Quillen]

No, you don't, Marshall. You don't cheat.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sorry, Quillen. You're gonna have to earn your money someplace else.

[Ben Quillen]

Marshall, I'm warning you.

[Matt Dillon]

This is the only copy of the warrant for Ike Abbott. There is, isn't it? You give me that, I'm gonna tear it up.

[Ben Quillen]

I'll kill you if you do.

[Matt Dillon]

Hank's only worth $500 to you, Quillen. You can find bigger game than him.

[Ben Quillen]

I said I'll kill you.

[Chester]

You tear up that warrant.

[Matt Dillon]

Even you're not that big a fool, Cullen.

[Ben Quillen]

Don't do it, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Somebody has to.

[Ben Quillen]

No.

[Matt Dillon]

You killed him, Marshall. I misjudged him, Hank. He was worse than I thought. What? He wouldn't only kill a man for $500. He was willing to die for it. Him.

[Gunsmoke Narrator]

In a moment, our star, William Conrad.

[Chester]

Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed.

[Gunsmoke Narrator]

A cigarette made better and packed better smokes better, tastes better. And Chesterfield is more perfectly packed by accuray. This electronic miracle removes human error in cigarette manufacture. So accurate. Chesterfield is firm and pleasing to the lips. Chesterfield mild, yet they satisfy the most.

[Matt Dillon]

You know, on the frontier, men fought for fool's reasons, like spilled drink. And they fought for good reasons, like fenced water. But next week, a man comes to Dodge who won't fight for any reason, still wins his battle. And that was the West. Good night.

[Gunsmoke Narrator]

Gun Smoke produced and Directed by Norman McDonald. Stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. Our story was specially written for Gunsmoke by John Meston, with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Sound patterns by Tom Hanley and Bill James. Featured in the cast were, literally Lawrence Dobkin, John Dana and Ken Lynch. Harley Bear is Chester and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. Live, modern smoke L and M. Live, modern smoke. L, M Only with L M can you enjoy the full extent exciting flavor.

[Chester]

Of today's finest tobaccos.

[Gunsmoke Narrator]

No other cigarette, plane or filter gives you the full exciting flavor you get through the pure white miracle tip. So light up, free up, let your taste come alive. Live Modern Smoke L M Join us again next week for another specially transcribed story on Gun Smoke.

[Chester]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

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.

[Granger Representative]

And send us.

[Andrew Rines]

An email podcast trwesterns.com 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]

Sam.