Smoking Out the Beedles – Gunsmoke (11-06-54)

Summary

Gunsmoke Episode Summary: "Smoking Out the Beedles" (Original Air Date: November 6, 1954)

Hosted by Andrew Rhines on OTRWesterns.com, this detailed summary captures the essence of the "Smoking Out the Beedles" episode from the classic Western series Gunsmoke. The episode delves into themes of land disputes, deception, and the relentless pursuit of justice in Dodge City, Kansas.

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Introduction

In "Smoking Out the Beedles," U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon faces a contentious land dispute that threatens to escalate into violence. The episode explores Dillon's unwavering commitment to law and order amidst deceit and stubbornness from the parties involved.

Plot Overview

The episode begins with Marshal Dillon receiving troubling news about Jim Beetle and his wife, who have occupied land owned by Pat Clay Marshall at Stone Point without official permission. Marshall, a landowner, pleads with Dillon to remove the Beetles, claiming they vowed to shoot anyone who approaches them again.

Key Dialogue:

• Pat Clay Marshall (04:28): "But they say they'll shoot me if I ever come near them again."

Dillon, understanding the gravity of the situation, agrees to investigate the claim. Upon visiting the Beetles' makeshift sod house, he finds it seemingly abandoned, which raises suspicions about the reality of their threat.

Rising Tension

As Dillon delves deeper, Pat Clay Marshall reveals that he initially allowed the Beetles to stay out of pity but now regrets the decision as they have overstayed their welcome. The absence of passengers on the stagecoach further complicates the situation, hinting at underlying troubles in Dodge City.

Notable Quote:

• Matt Dillon (05:02): "Well, I don't know, Chester, but the fewer people come to Dodge, the less trouble it means."

Dillon confronts the Beetles, presenting them with a court order to vacate the land. However, Jim Beetle denies any legitimate claim, insisting that they have purchased the land from Marshall. The lack of a registered deed complicates matters, as Dillon points out the necessity of legal proof for ownership.

Conflict Escalates:

• Jim Beetle (08:32): "I don't know nothing about all that. We ain't moored."
• Matt Dillon (09:04): "Well, do you have it?"

Strategic Maneuvers

Realizing that a direct confrontation could lead to violence, Dillon devises a plan with his deputy, Chester Proudfoot, to incapacitate the Beetles without causing harm. They decide to burn sulfur down the Beetles' stovetop, intending to force them out unarmed.

Strategic Dialogue:

• Matt Dillon (20:02): "We'll sneak around back of the hut and I'll help you up onto the roof."
• Chester Proudfoot (20:41): "This is going to make them awful mad."

Despite their careful planning, the Beetles become aware of the scheme, leading to a shootout that tragically results in the death of Pat Clay Marshall and Blaze Clay.

Climactic Resolution

In the aftermath of the confrontation, it is revealed that the land dispute was exploited by external interests, namely the Santa Fe Railroad, represented by Frank Keller. Keller's involvement indicates that the land at Stone Point holds significant value for the railroad's expansion plans.

Key Revelation:

• Jim Beetle (29:25): "We want to build a station at Stone Point."

Dillon confronts Keller, asserting his authority and emphasizing the need for rightful ownership. The episode concludes with Dillon reflecting on the complexities of justice and the unforeseen consequences of land disputes.

Closing Quote:

• Matt Dillon (30:31): "I'll go find Ms. Beetle and tell her that Stone Point belongs to her."

Themes and Insights

"Smoking Out the Beedles" underscores the challenges of upholding the law in the face of deception and personal vendettas. It highlights Matt Dillon's dedication to fairness and his strategic mind in resolving conflicts. The episode also touches upon the impact of external economic interests on individual land rights, a recurring theme in Western narratives.

Notable Insight:

• The interplay between personal integrity and institutional authority is evident as Dillon navigates the murky waters of legal ownership versus self-proclaimed rights.

Conclusion

This episode of Gunsmoke masterfully portrays the tension between law enforcement and unruly settlers, illustrating the delicate balance Matt Dillon maintains to preserve peace in Dodge City. "Smoking Out the Beedles" remains a testament to the timeless struggles of justice, ownership, and morality in the rugged American West.

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For those interested in exploring more episodes like "Smoking Out the Beedles," visit OTRWesterns.com for a vast collection of digitally restored old-time radio Westerns.

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 one of many released every month, totaling over 80 episodes so far. Each one is meticulously digitally restored and stored in the cloud for your convenience, a process that incurs costs. To help cover these expenses, you might hear some advertisements throughout the episode. While we do retain the original commercials for historical authenticity, may also encounter modern ads which help keep the lights on. If you prefer an ad free experience, we offer a couple options. You can listen to the episodes on YouTube. You can also support us by becoming a patron on our Patreon page. For more information, go to otrwesterns.com donate again otrwesterns.com donate I do want to emphasize that we are committed to providing this content to you for free, but also we have to be transparent about the financial realities to bringing this to you. Now let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke Original Air date is November 6, 1954 and the title is Smoking out the Beatles. Hope you enjoy.

[Narrator]

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[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 it.

[Matt Dillon]

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

[Chester Proudfoot]

Stage from Hayes got here, Mr. Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, that's good Chesu.

[Chester Proudfoot]

There wasn't nobody on it though.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, were you expecting somebody?

[Chester Proudfoot]

No, sir, but that ain't the point. Oh, how can they run a stage line without no passengers?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I don't know, Chester, but the fewer people come to Dodge, the less trouble it means.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, sir. But if people don't come here, you wouldn't have a job, Mr. Dunes.

[Matt Dillon]

You think everybody in Dodge right now is an honest, law abiding citizen, huh?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, no, sir. Is that what I said?

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Is this the marshal's office?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I'm the marshal. Come on in, mister.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

My name's Pat Clay Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

How do you do? That's Chester Proudfoot.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Chester Marshall, I got bad news for you.

[Matt Dillon]

Nobody ever came here with good news as far as I can remember.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

But what I got, well, it might get you killed.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, is that so?

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Now, don't get me wrong, not by me.

[Matt Dillon]

No.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

No, sir, I don't shoot people.

[Matt Dillon]

But you know somebody who does?

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Jim Beetle, that's who.

[Matt Dillon]

Jim Beetle.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Here, Marshall, read this. They told me to bring it to you.

[Matt Dillon]

Now this looks like a court order. Who signed it?

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Judge Miller. You know him?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know him. So Jim Beetle's squatting on some of your land you own up at Stone Point, is that it?

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Him and his wife, Marshall. You see, they moved into a side house I built and they won't leave.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, how come they did that? Where were you?

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Well, to tell the truth, I let him. I didn't need it for a while and he was homeless and so I took pity on him. But I told them only for two months and it's four months now. They won't leave, Marshall. And they say they'll shoot me if I ever Come near them again, you're.

[Matt Dillon]

Saying they'll shoot me too?

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Where do you meet them, Marshall? You'll see.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Clay. I'll ride out there tomorrow.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Look at that, Mr. Dillon. What was Clay talking about? A sod house. That's nothing more than a hut. It ain't even got windows I can see.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it isn't much, is it?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Hey, there's Beetle's wife now. Just come out, ya. What's she carrying a rifle for?

[Matt Dillon]

I guess Clay wasn't lying. Justin, I think this is far enough. We better get on. Ms. Beedle.

[Ms. Beetle]

Who are you? You know my name.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm Marshall Dillon, ma'am, from Dodge. And this is Chester Proud.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Pleased to meet you, Ms. Beetle.

[Ms. Beetle]

Who are you looking for?

[Matt Dillon]

Nobody, ma'am. I wanted to talk to you. And your husband, Is he around?

[Ms. Beetle]

He's inside.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, would you tell him that we're here?

[Ms. Beetle]

Mr. Beetle.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Ms. Beetle]

Come out here. Don't forget your rifle.

[Jim Beetle]

Where is that Claire Marshall from?

[Ms. Beetle]

Dodd?

[Jim Beetle]

What do you want, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Beadle, I've got a court order here that says that you've got to move out of that house and off this land.

[Jim Beetle]

Clay sent you?

[Matt Dillon]

No, Clay didn't send me. But he got the order and it's legal. Well, it's my job to carry it out.

[Jim Beetle]

I don't know nothing about all that. We ain't moored.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, you can find some land of your own somewhere. Why do you want to squat on somebody else's?

[Jim Beetle]

This is our land all around Stone Point.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Here's ours.

[Jim Beetle]

Bought and paid for.

[Matt Dillon]

What do you mean bought and paid for?

[Jim Beetle]

40 acres. Paid $1.5 acre for it. Not more than a land is worth before in the hut. And them hogs to boot.

[Matt Dillon]

Who did. Who'd you buy it from?

[Jim Beetle]

Clay's who around now. Saying we don't own it. Wants us off of it. I told him last time I'd shoot him he'd come near.

[Matt Dillon]

Clay says that he was letting you live here for a while, helping you out for $60.

[Jim Beetle]

Helping me out? I'm working this land. Marshall gonna farm me some crops here.

[Ms. Beetle]

It ain't very good land, but we'll make it.

[Matt Dillon]

Wait, if this is true, where is your deed for the place?

[Jim Beetle]

Deed?

[Ms. Beetle]

You know, Mr. Beetle, that's that paper Clay Giverson. We paid him the money.

[Jim Beetle]

Oh.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, do you have it?

[Jim Beetle]

No.

[Matt Dillon]

Where is it?

[Jim Beetle]

Well, he took it.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Jim Beetle]

He did?

[Matt Dillon]

What do you mean he took it?

[Jim Beetle]

Well, that was before he got mean about us moving off of here. Here's what happened a few Weeks back, Clay come by, said he'd be neighborly. He'd take a paper into Dodge and fix it up. The land office first, Something like that. Anyways, he took it.

[Matt Dillon]

I see. Then your deed hadn't been registered.

[Jim Beetle]

Marshall, I can't even read. I don't know what it was.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, do you have any proof that you paid him the money?

[Jim Beetle]

I don't need no proof other than I'm here and I'm going to stay.

[Matt Dillon]

Huh. Where did you get the $60, Beetle?

[Jim Beetle]

Work for it. Where'd anybody get money lest me steal it? Clay stole mine. This land ain't worth $20. It's poor land.

[Matt Dillon]

Then why did you buy it?

[Jim Beetle]

Oh, I don't know. Maybe kind of like the name Stone Point. But I ain't moving, Marshall. Not for Clay, nor for you, nor for nobody.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, if you can't prove it's yours, you're gonna have to move, Beetle.

[Jim Beetle]

Marshal, my old woman's as good a rifle shot as I am.

[Ms. Beetle]

Practice every day.

[Jim Beetle]

You don't know if I'm lying to you or not, do you, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

No, I don't.

[Jim Beetle]

Well, maybe you'll never know. But we ain't moving. Not alive, we ain't.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Beetle. I'll see what I can find at the land office. If your deed's been registered, then you're okay.

[Jim Beetle]

Don't make no mind to me about that, Marshal, or about who's lying or who ain't neither. But we'll kill us anybody comes to bother him. Now, you get on back to Dodge and you stay there.

[Matt Dillon]

It's no use talking, Chester. Let's go.

[Jim Beetle]

You tell Clay same thing, I'll shoot him on site.

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[Pat Clay Marshall]

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[Pat Clay Marshall]

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[Chester Proudfoot]

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[Pat Clay Marshall]

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[Pat Clay Marshall]

When do you think Marshall Dillon will be back, Chester?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, he went over to land office, Clay, looking up beetles deed. But he ought to be back most any time now.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

I should have told you them Beatles are nothing but liars. They sure fooled me when I first met him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

They are kindly hard to get along with, I'll say that.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

I'd do it again, though.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You would?

[Pat Clay Marshall]

I mean, help people out. Just cause I got in trouble with them don't mean I ain't never going to help nobody again. I ain't that small a man. Oh, hello, Marshall. What'd you find out?

[Matt Dillon]

There's nothing at the land office.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Well, of course there ain't.

[Matt Dillon]

I went up to see Judge Miller. He's riding circuit through here now.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What'd he say, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, the way things stand, the Beatles have got to move.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Well, I can't feel sorry for them the way they acted.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, sir?

[Matt Dillon]

I want you to ride out there and tell them they got a week. One week.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Okay, Mr. Dillon.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Well, that's settled. I sure hate to put you to all this trouble, Marshall, but a man can't lose his land.

[Matt Dillon]

No, no, of course not.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Even if it ain't the best land around. Well, I'll be going. I'll see you next week after they've got off.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, sure, Clay.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

So long.

[Matt Dillon]

So long.

[Chester Proudfoot]

That ain't gonna be easy, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

No, it isn't, Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Out in that flat country, you sure can't sneak up on nobody. And Clay says that sod hut's built like a fort. It's got no windows and the door is 4 inches thick and with a big bar on the inside. He says there's no way anybody busting in there.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it's solid, all right.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, sir, Mr. Dillon. Maybe Clay's lying. Maybe they did buy it from him.

[Matt Dillon]

That's a hard way to make $60, Chester. Sell some lying and then get hold of the deed and tear it up and then go to court and so on.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Yes, sir.

[Chester Proudfoot]

It sure don't make sense, especially since.

[Matt Dillon]

They all admit the land's not much good.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, somebody's lying.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, but there's no way of proving who. Anyway, the law is on Clay's side. Justin and I'll go with you. We'll tell them one week. And I hope nobody gets killed in this. Well, what are you doing in here, Kitty?

[Ms. Beetle]

Hello, Matt. Sit down.

[Matt Dillon]

I was supposed to meet Chester here. I thought I was in the wrong place when I saw you.

[Ms. Beetle]

I got tired of the Texas Trail. Matt thought the elephaganza might change my luck.

[Matt Dillon]

Are you going to work here from now on?

[Ms. Beetle]

From now on's a long time, Matt. Westchester just came in, huh?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, yeah. Well, I'll give him time for a beer.

[Ms. Beetle]

I was talking to him this afternoon. He says you're taking on the Beatles tomorrow.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, they've had their week, from what.

[Ms. Beetle]

I hear of my. Sure don't envy you that job.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm not looking forward to it, Kitty.

[Ms. Beetle]

I met Jim Beetle once. He's a tough old turkey.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I wish I knew whether he's a liar or not.

[Ms. Beetle]

Hard to tell with a man like that. He's a darn thin brain.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, he's still smart enough to be a liar.

[Ms. Beetle]

So is Clay.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Ms. Beetle]

Play's no killer, though. But I'll bet it wouldn't keep old Beetle awake night shooting somebody.

[Matt Dillon]

No, I don't think it would. But why all this trouble over some land that neither of them think is any good?

[Ms. Beetle]

Maybe they're both crazy.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm beginning to think they are.

[Narrator]

Kitty.

[Matt Dillon]

Hey. Hey, what's the matter, Kitty? You want some water, huh?

[Ms. Beetle]

No, I'll be all right.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, what started that?

[Ms. Beetle]

I don't know. Matt suddenly got a whiff or something. Like breathing the fumes up a match, you know?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Yeah, I know. Kenny, that's the best cough you ever had.

[Ms. Beetle]

Well, I'm glad you liked it.

[Matt Dillon]

No, I mean for me it was.

[Ms. Beetle]

Oh, that makes sense.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester's finished his beer. We got some work to do.

[Ms. Beetle]

Good luck with the Beatles tomorrow, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

I think we'll have it, Kitty. Thanks to you. So.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I sure do wish there was a moon tonight, Mr. Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

A man can get shot in the moonlight, Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, the Beatles ain't going to shoot us if we can't even find them.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, it's right ahead of us. We better go a foot from here.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

You got everything, Chester?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Got the bag of sulfur and saddle blanket, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Okay, now here's what we'll do. We'll sneak around back of the hut and I'll help you up onto the roof.

[Chester Proudfoot]

That ridge pole might not prove stout enough for me. And all that saw down it, too. What if it busts through, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, if it does, we're in trouble.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You mean I'm in trouble.

[Matt Dillon]

You're lighter than I am, Justin.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Okay, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, there are only two openings in that hut. The door and the stovepipe.

[Chester Proudfoot]

So far they is.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, if it's medals you want, Chester, you better go back to the army.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, forevermore. Can a man complain just a little?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, sure, but later, huh? Or wasting time. Now, when you get up on the roof, you crawl over to the stovepipe and pour that bag of sulfur down it. The coals in their stove will do the rest.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Then I'll cover the pipe with this saddle blanket and just make it worse for them.

[Matt Dillon]

That's right. I'll be waiting near the door for them. But you jump down and be ready to help me in case they come out fighting.

[Chester Proudfoot]

This is going to make them awful mad. Mr. Dillon, you know what burning sulfur does to you.

[Matt Dillon]

I know what it does to Kitty. Well, you all set?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Much as I'll ever be.

[Matt Dillon]

I helped Chester up onto the roof and then moved around to the door and waited. My biggest worry was whether the Beatles would have time and think fast enough to come out armed and ready for trouble. The only thing I was sure of was that they'd come out. Sulfur fumes could drive a she bear away from her young. I was thinking about that when I heard them inside. Okay, Chester. They left their rifles. Come on down. I can't see up be you and your wife. Stay right there. It's a marshal.

[Jim Beetle]

Clear.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

What?

[Matt Dillon]

An EM was on the roof.

[Jim Beetle]

Clar is getting a horse.

[Matt Dillon]

You don't have to run. Nobody's going to hurt you.

[Jim Beetle]

Come on, hurry.

[Matt Dillon]

Come on out of there. Chapter, you hurt?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I had leg caught, but I got loose. I knew that doggone thing wouldn't hold.

[Matt Dillon]

You're limping. How bad are you hurt?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, I just bruised it. It ain't nothing.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Where's the beetles?

[Matt Dillon]

That's them.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You mean they got away.

[Matt Dillon]

We weren't trying to arrest them, Chester. All I wanted was to get them outside unarmed so I could make them pack up and move out.

[Chester Proudfoot]

They've moved out. Caught with that roof all busted in. Oh, ain't it a mess.

[Matt Dillon]

We'll carry out what stuff of theirs we can and load it on that wagon. They can pick it up and dodge tonight. No, we'll camp here tonight. Do it in the morning.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I don't know about them beetles, Mr. Dillon. They ain't gonna quit this easy.

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe not, but at least we got them out in the open.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'm thinking it was more comfortable when they wasn't out in the open. Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

This is it.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

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[Matt Dillon]

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[Pat Clay Marshall]

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[Matt Dillon]

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[Ms. Beetle]

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[Ms. Beetle]

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[Clayvoisier]

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[Matt Dillon]

Matt. Oh, Matt. Oh, evening, Doc.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Sit down and help me watch Front Street, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Okay, Doc. I'll join you for a while.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Mat.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you got nothing better to do than sit out on the hotel porch here and stare at your fellow man, fella?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Man? Oh, not my fellow man.

[Matt Dillon]

All I have in common with most.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Of these thieves and scallywags is fingers.

[Chester Proudfoot]

And toes and bones and skin and things like that.

[Matt Dillon]

I thought doctors were supposed to like people. Oh, yeah?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, who told you that?

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Some hard rock miner? What does A miner know about doctors.

[Matt Dillon]

You make it tough, Doc. I make what to talk? Oh, I. Oh, I make.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Oh, I heard about how you talked the Beatles into getting off Clay's land.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Out at Stone Point. Oh, you did real fine there.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, we got them off anyway. They came at a dodge for their belongings this afternoon.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

I saw them, too. Oh, those poor. Oh, what are they gonna do now?

[Matt Dillon]

Find some land of their own? Maybe.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

You don't believe they started.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm an agent of the law, Doc. It doesn't matter whether I believe it or not. The law demands proof, and they didn't have any.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Oh, I understand, Matt. That's right down the street, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. You better come too, Doc.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Yes.

[Matt Dillon]

It's a little early in the evening.

[Chester Proudfoot]

For shooting, isn't it?

[Matt Dillon]

Who told you that, Doc? Some hard rock miner.

[Ms. Beetle]

Oh, well, I guess you're right, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, anyway, maybe it's just some cowboy trying to bring down the moon.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Well, there isn't any moon.

[Matt Dillon]

Besides, there's a crowd up there, too.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Helen.

[Matt Dillon]

What happened, Justin?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, I seen the whole thing. I wasn't 30ft off. I was standing back there talking to Mr. Green about his half inch. It's clay, Mr. Dillon. You better get up there, Doc. Looked like he was shot bad.

[Matt Dillon]

Who shot him?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Jim Beetle. He walked right up to him on the street there and pulled out a gun and shot him twice.

[Matt Dillon]

Where's Beetle now?

[Chester Proudfoot]

That first alley. He run up there.

[Matt Dillon]

Doc, go take care of Claire.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Oh, yes, yes, I'm going.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'm going.

[Matt Dillon]

You come with me, sister.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

All right. You wait here, Chester, unless he gets me.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Okay, Mr. Dylan.

[Jim Beetle]

Don't you come no closer, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

You killed one man, Beetle, that's enough.

[Jim Beetle]

Kill me a lot of men if I have to.

[Matt Dillon]

Be. Throw your gun out.

[Jim Beetle]

I told you, don't you come no closer.

[Matt Dillon]

I have to be. Now, wait there, Justin.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You get him, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I got him. Find a couple of men and go take him up to Doc's, will you?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Here's Doc now. Yes. Oh, somebody else been killed here, Beetle.

[Narrator]

Doc.

[Chester Proudfoot]

He tried to shoot Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Clay's dead, huh, Doc?

[Clayvoisier]

Yes.

[Chester Proudfoot]

He was killed instantly, Matt.

[Pat Clay Marshall]

Two bullets right through his chest.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I guess the law wasn't much help to him after all.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, you did what you could, Matt.

[Jim Beetle]

Marshall Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Jim Beetle]

My name's Keller, Marshall. I'm an agent for the Santa Fe Railroad.

[Matt Dillon]

Okay, Keller, but if you want to talk, come to see me at my office later. A couple of men have just been killed here.

[Jim Beetle]

It's Clay. I want to Talk about Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, yeah.

[Jim Beetle]

Here's land out of Stone Point.

[Matt Dillon]

What's your interest in Stone Point?

[Jim Beetle]

The railroad's planning ahead, Marshall. We want to build a station at Stone Point. I came out here to close the deal with Clay.

[Matt Dillon]

Close the deal? You mean you've already talked to Clay about this?

[Jim Beetle]

Oh, over a month ago, Marshall. I said he owned all but 40 acres and was going to get that back.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, I see.

[Jim Beetle]

We didn't want to buy his land. All we wanted from him was a free lease where the station will stand. Well, that was fair enough, don't you think? Station there. Stone Point land. It'll become pretty valuable.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Look, you come see me at noon tomorrow, Mr. Keller, and I'll. I'll have the rightful owner of that land in my office.

[Jim Beetle]

But I don't understand.

[Matt Dillon]

At noon tomorrow, huh?

[Jim Beetle]

Oh, okay, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Good night, Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

Let's go find Ms. Beedle and tell her that Stone Point belongs to her. I know it's too late, and I don't suppose it'll do any good, but I want to tell her how sorry I am.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, sir. That'd make me feel better, too, Mr. Dillon.

[Narrator]

And now, our star, William Conrad.

[Matt Dillon]

If you're smoking a filter tip cigarette, I'm certain you'll enjoy L and M filters. Either king size or regular. L Ms. Give you much more flavor, much less nicotine. They're just what the doctor ordered. Try them. King size or regular? Both at the same low price.

[Clayvoisier]

How do you feel when you switch to Geico and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says, happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So, yes, Happy Friday. Random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep. Switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with Geico. How do you feel when you switch to Geico and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says, happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So, yes, Happy Friday. Random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep. Switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with Geico.

[Narrator]

Gun Smoke Ranch under the direction of Norman Macdonald. Stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. Tonight's story was specially written for Gunsmoke by John Meston, with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Featured in the cast were Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartel, Jeanette Nolan and Joe Cranston. Harley Baer As Chester, Howard McNair as Doc and Georgia Ellis as Kitty. Join us again next week as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal fights to bring law and order out of the wild violence of the west in Gun Smoke Hear Gun Smoke every Saturday, this same time, this same station. Hear the great new Perry Como radio show every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:00pm Eastern Standard Time. Also on CBS Radio.

[Matt Dillon]

This is the CBS Radio Network.

[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 YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.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 OTR westerns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Clayvoisier]

How do you feel when you switch to GEICO and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says Happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes, Happy Friday. Random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with GEICO feels just like that. Get more with geico. How do you feel when you switch to GEICO and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says Happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes, Happy Friday. Random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with GEICO feels just like that. Get more with Geico.