The Imposter | Gunsmoke (07-24-60)

Summary

Podcast Title: Gunsmoke | OTRWesterns.com
Episode: The Imposter
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: June 22, 2025

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Overview

In the gripping episode titled "The Imposter", Gunsmoke delves into themes of identity, deception, and justice in the rugged landscape of Dodge City, Kansas. Hosted by Andrew Rines, this episode masterfully weaves a tale of suspense and moral ambiguity, showcasing the relentless pursuit of truth by U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon and his steadfast deputy, Chester. The narrative intricately explores the complexities of trusting appearances and the heavy burdens carried by those tasked with upholding the law.

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Characters

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The seasoned and principled U.S. Marshal of Dodge City, known for his unwavering dedication to justice.

• Chester (Harley Bear): Matt Dillon’s loyal and sometimes comical deputy, providing both assistance and levity.

• Miss Curtin (Georgia Ellis): A hardworking and strong-willed woman whose husband, Rob Curtin, plays a pivotal role in the unfolding drama.

• Rob Curtin (Rob Curtin): Miss Curtin’s husband, initially appearing as a supportive rancher but later revealed to harbor a dark secret.

• A.B. Stringer (Lawrence Dobkin): A seemingly trustworthy Sheriff from Miami, Texas, whose true intentions unfold as the story progresses.

• Doc Adams (Howard McNear): The town's doctor, offering a grounding presence amidst the tension.

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Plot Summary

A Mysterious Arrival

The episode commences with Matt Dillon and Chester receiving a telegram from Sheriff A.B. Stringer seeking assistance with a prisoner named Sam Frazier (07:44). Skeptical yet duty-bound, Matt agrees to investigate, bringing along Doc Adams to support their mission.

Encounter with Miss Curtin and Rob Curtin

As Matt and Chester attend to Miss Curtin’s wagon, their interactions reveal the community’s intertwined relationships. Miss Curtin extends a warm invitation for supper, hinting at underlying tensions (06:25). Rob Curtin appears as a diligent rancher, though subtle discrepancies in his behavior begin to arouse Matt’s suspicions later in the episode.

Suspicion Around Sheriff Stringer

Sheriff Stringer’s arrival introduces immediate tension. From the moment he reviews the telegram, doubts arise about his authenticity. Stringer mentions a fellow named Slim Ballou, hinting at previous conflicts and setting the stage for his concealed motives (08:07). His conversation with Matt reveals inconsistencies, particularly regarding the identity and whereabouts of Sam Frazier (12:09).

Unveiling Deception

The narrative reaches a turning point when Kitty, the town’s bartender, provides insights into Sheriff Stringer’s interactions, juxtaposing his seemingly benign demeanor with suspicious actions. Her observations lead Matt to question Stringer’s true intentions further (13:08).

Climactic Confrontation

The climax unfolds in Miss Curtin's barn when Stringer confronts Rob Curtin, revealing himself as Sam Fraser, the very man involved in a past bank robbery and murder. The revelation forces a harrowing confrontation where Rob is coerced into handing over money (20:43).

A Marshal’s Dilemma

As tensions escalate, Matt Dillon is faced with a moral quandary. In a desperate attempt to prevent further bloodshed, Matt intervenes, resulting in a fatal confrontation where he must shoot Stringer/Fraser to uphold the law and protect the innocent (24:11).

Emotional Fallout

In the aftermath, Miss Curtin grapples with the betrayal, realizing that her husband Rob was living a double life as Sam Fraser. Her emotional outburst underscores the profound personal costs of deception and the relentless demands of justice (25:13).

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Key Moments and Notable Quotes

Initial Suspicion

• Chester: "He just ain't Got a picture of Sam Fraser in your collection?" (12:15)

• Matt Dillon: "If he isn't in them, we'll have to try something else, I guess." (11:59)

Revealing the Imposter

• Stringer/Fraser: "You were bound to be, Marshall Dillon. Hey, we had an accident here." (23:33)

• Matt Dillon: "The only accident Was that I couldn't stop you in time. You gone to jail for murder." (23:37)

Moral Conflict

• Miss Curtin: "I lived with him night and day these two years. He was Rob Curtin. And that's all he was. There was no Sam Fraser about him." (25:41)

• Matt Dillon: "I'm terribly sorry." (26:07)

Final Confrontation

• Stringer/Fraser: "Well, Marshall, you just ain't Got a picture of Sam Fraser in your collection?" (12:15)

• Matt Dillon: "You're dying." (24:13)

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Conclusion

"The Imposter" masterfully captures the essence of Gunsmoke by balancing action with deep emotional and moral questions. Through Matt Dillon’s unwavering pursuit of justice and the harrowing revelations that challenge community bonds, the episode underscores the complexities of identity and the heavy toll of maintaining law and order in a frontier town. Not only does it provide thrilling narrative twists, but it also invites listeners to ponder the true cost of deception and the sacrifices made by those who serve to protect society.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Matt Dillon: "What? Have you seen Doc?" (04:35)

• Chester: "I just can't get it through my head that he ain't A.B. Stringer the way he's been saying." (19:18)

• Miss Curtin: "You're a Marshal. I know. Only question is, sorrow don't quite fix things, does it?" (26:30)

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Credits:
Gunsmoke is produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman Macdonald, featuring William Conrad as Matt Dillon, Lawrence Dobkin, Vic Paron, Jean Bates, Harley Bear as Chester, Howard McNear as Doc Adams, and Georgia Ellis as Kitty. The story was specially written by Kathleen Height with editorial supervision by John Meston.

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For more engaging episodes and exclusive content, follow OTRWesterns.com on Facebook and subscribe to their YouTube channel. Join the community and become one of their ranch hands to unlock additional content and interact with fellow Western enthusiasts.

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 is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[William Conrad]

Around Dodge City and in the territory on west, there's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers, and that's with a U.S. marshal and the smell of gun smoke. Gun Sport starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America and the story of a man who moved with it.

[Matt Dillon]

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

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[Matt Dillon]

You don't have to come with me, Chester.

[Chester]

I'm coming with John. Keeping up as best I can.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, if that's all the gumption you got, you're better off back at the office.

[Chester]

Well, just let me rest a little bit. But you don't.

[Matt Dillon]

What's the matter? Are you sick?

[Chester]

I. I just ain't got no spunk to me these days.

[Matt Dillon]

What? Have you seen Doc?

[Chester]

Oh, man, no. Last time I asked him you'd give me a tonic. He wanted to charge me a whole dollar for it, and at that, he wouldn't make no guarantee he'd cure me.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, Chester, I'm only going to the telegraph office. There's no need for you to come along now.

[Chester]

I don't want to shirk my job.

[Matt Dillon]

Will you go back to the office and lie down?

[Chester]

I couldn't do that, Mr. Stone.

[Matt Dillon]

Lying down is the best cure I know for being tired, Chester.

[Chester]

No, sir, it ain't. Pardon me. That's one of the worst things a body can do. Lay yourself down when he's tired.

[Matt Dillon]

It isn't.

[Chester]

Tis for me. I get to hear myself breathing so hard owing to how tired I am, and it just clean wears me out, listening to me breathe. Time, Dick. Well, no, I do declare.

[Matt Dillon]

What? What?

[Chester]

Look yonder. There's that nice little Miss Curtin loading her wagon over to Jonas's. Now, where at is Rob Curtin? And he ain't loading up his own wagon.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I don't know, Chester, but I.

[Chester]

Well, you may be able to stand by and watch a lady do a man's work, but it's something I just cannot buy. Poor little thing like that. Lifting and heftening. Them big heavy things. None of them, Miss Curtin. You just leave them feed sacks to us, Miss Curtin.

[Miss Curtin]

Marshall. Chester. Well, they are might heavy for a.

[Chester]

Little bit of a thing like you, maybe, but for me, I. Here, you want to grab the other end of that potato sack, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you can make it, can't you?

[Chester]

If you don't mind, you try. No, mister, that'd be better for you.

[Matt Dillon]

All right.

[Chester]

Here we go.

[Miss Curtin]

Well, I do thank you, and just wait till I tell Rob who gave me a hand.

[Chester]

Anything else to go in, Mrs. Curtin?

[Miss Curtin]

Oh, not that I know of, Chester.

[Matt Dillon]

How is Rob anyway?

[Miss Curtin]

Fine and silk, thank you, Marshall. Well, you can see for yourself. Look here, Rob, all the Nice help I've had.

[Rob Curtin]

Hello, Marshall.

[Chester]

Well, now, I didn't know, but what you was home ailing her, maybe working one or the other.

[Rob Curtin]

Guess you two took care of all the heavy stuff. I was waiting on Jonas. He went out back to fetch me these nails. I'm much obliged to you.

[Miss Curtin]

You folks just never get out our way. I'll be pleased if you'd come take supper with us sometime.

[Matt Dillon]

That's very kind of you, Ms. Curtin. We better be starting back.

[Rob Curtin]

Thanks again for the help.

[Matt Dillon]

Don't mention it, Rock.

[Chester]

I suppose it's worth a small mansion. All right.

[Miss Curtin]

We'll hope to see you soon now.

[Matt Dillon]

All right. Well, aren't you gonna wave to him, Jesse?

[Chester]

Well, I'd like to, Mr. Don. I declare, I am just clean played out. Matt, do you know the sheriff? This sheriff. What's his name, Matt?

[Matt Dillon]

Captain Stringer. Not. I don't know him by name.

[Miss Curtin]

Might know him by sight in Miami, Texas.

[Rob Curtin]

That's a new name earlier.

[Matt Dillon]

That's town on the panhandle. Last time I rode through, it was too small to have a sheriff. Guess the cattle drives will fatten it up some.

[Chester]

Let me see that telegram again, will you?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, yeah, sure.

[Chester]

Let me see here. It says, bringing prisoner in need your help meet afternoon stage. And it's signed, A.B.

[A.B. Stringer]

Stringer, Sheriff.

[Rob Curtin]

And it's Miami, Texas.

[Chester]

Yeah, that's what I thought. Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

Something wrong?

[Chester]

Well, it doesn't say anyone's wounded or doesn't say anyone needs a doctor.

[Matt Dillon]

No, but it says he needs help. If he's had trouble, somebody's likely to be hurt.

[Chester]

Well, that fellow there is the last passenger they had. I sure didn't see two men get off together.

[Matt Dillon]

I didn't either, but that one's wearing a star. You A.B. stringer, mister?

[A.B. Stringer]

Well, you're bound to be. Marshall Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, that's right. This is Doc Adams.

[A.B. Stringer]

Proud to meet you, sir.

[Rob Curtin]

Yes, sir.

[Chester]

How did you.

[Matt Dillon]

Sir. Well, where is he, Stringer? Where's who? The telegram here says you're bringing in a prisoner.

[A.B. Stringer]

Do you mind if I look at that?

[Matt Dillon]

No, go right ahead.

[A.B. Stringer]

Thank you. I declare. Oh, I do declare. Well, one thing. He got my name right. I got to give him that.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you sent this telegram, didn't you?

[A.B. Stringer]

Oh, I sent you a telegram, all right. Marshall Dillon. But know that fool Slim Ballou? You know him? Telegraph operator down to Dalhart?

[Matt Dillon]

Uh, no, no, I can't say.

[A.B. Stringer]

Well, I known him. I known him years. You know, we were jawing about me taking a fellow prisoner, all right. And I Guess that's what blew old Slim off of the track then.

[Matt Dillon]

You haven't got a prisoner then, huh?

[A.B. Stringer]

I not only haven't got him, Marshall, I'm counting on you to help me get him.

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[A.B. Stringer]

Well, now, they sure are a fierce looking crew, ain't they, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, some of them look mighty rough all right, Stringer.

[A.B. Stringer]

Of course, I say these wanted pictures, they serve their purpose. Looking through them Keep a man in out of the heat or the rain or the cold. Ain't worth dried beans to help a man find the no account he's looking for.

[Matt Dillon]

They start a pretty good fire on.

[A.B. Stringer]

A cold morning, don't they though?

[Matt Dillon]

You haven't come across your man in these?

[A.B. Stringer]

No. Wouldn't be the first time I went fishing into a mess of these and didn't get my catch. Course, might be ain't stayed one place long enough to get his picture took.

[Matt Dillon]

That name you gave me, Sam Frazier, it doesn't mean a thing to me.

[A.B. Stringer]

Well, changing your name is just like rolling over in bed, Marshall. Taint everything to it. Changing your face, that's another story that comes a mite harder.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, but I've seen them try.

[A.B. Stringer]

Oh, yeah, Many's a time then they get by with it now and again. You know, I found out a long time ago, if a man sets out to fool you and he's half bright about it, he can get the job done.

[Matt Dillon]

But you know this Frazier, you'd know him.

[A.B. Stringer]

Oh, and he'd know me.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, here's the latest batch of wanted posters.

[A.B. Stringer]

Thank you.

[Matt Dillon]

If he isn't in them, we'll have to try something else, I guess.

[A.B. Stringer]

Yeah, we're used to that, you and me. Is that a fact?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[A.B. Stringer]

Always trying something else.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, that's the job.

[A.B. Stringer]

No, sir, Marshall. No, sir. You just ain't Got a picture of Sam Fraser in your collection?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, if you're pretty sure he's in Dodge, you better have a look around, I guess.

[A.B. Stringer]

Now, Marshall, I didn't come all this way on pretty sure I know he's in Dodge. Or was.

[Matt Dillon]

Tall, sandy haired fellows, about 30.

[A.B. Stringer]

That Sam?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, and about half the other men in Dodge.

[A.B. Stringer]

Well, just this one tiny difference in Sam. Marshall, he robbed a bank and killed a man.

[Kitty]

I tell you, Matt, wouldn't hurt to study Abel Wild. He's the best natured law man I've ever seen.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, you got some kind of idea I'm not jovial, Kitty.

[Kitty]

You got some kind of idea you are.

[Matt Dillon]

No, no, I haven't.

[Kitty]

I'm about half serious though, Matt. Last night he was the last to walk out of here on his own two feet. Sam Noonan carried the other two out.

[Matt Dillon]

And who were they?

[Kitty]

Ruth Connors and Ed Crouch.

[Matt Dillon]

Stringer spent most of the evening with them. Did he?

[Kitty]

Didn't seem to me he was playing any favorites. One time or the other he played a hand of poker or had a drink with Evelyn here. Why?

[Matt Dillon]

I was just thinking. Rufe and Ed both fit the description of the man Stringer's trailing. Tall, Sandy haired, about 30.

[Kitty]

What had keed him from arresting one of them then?

[Matt Dillon]

Nothing, if he was the right man. Give me the name. Sam Fraser. Does that mean anything to you?

[Kitty]

Methodical. As long as I've lived here, I can't remember anyone named Fraser. Where's Ab today? He hasn't been in here.

[Matt Dillon]

He went off early this morning with Doc on some calls. Had an idea since he can't seem to find this Frazier in town, he might have hired on with some spread near here.

[Kitty]

Not a bad idea.

[Matt Dillon]

A man wanted for murder likely wouldn't stick in a town like Dodge too long.

[Kitty]

Well, I'll be done.

[Matt Dillon]

What's the matter?

[Kitty]

Rob Curtin just came in. I bet he hasn't been in here three times since he and Sarah got married.

[Matt Dillon]

Doesn't look like you'll make any money off of him. He's not stopping at the bar.

[Miss Curtin]

Hello, Rob.

[Kitty]

Oh, good to see you.

[Rob Curtin]

Ms. Kitty Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

How are you, Rob?

[Rob Curtin]

Sarah asked me to drop this by for you. Miss Kitty, Huh? It's that mending she was to do.

[Kitty]

Well, thanks very much for bringing it in. Will you have a beer with us?

[Rob Curtin]

Oh, thank you, no. I. I gotta get back home. Just came in to switch those nails I bought from Jonas the other day. Seeing I was coming, Sarah said I should bring you by.

[Kitty]

Well, you tell her I'll have more for her to do next time she comes in, if she's got the time.

[Rob Curtin]

Sarah makes time, Miss Kitty. I don't know how she manages. She says she just can't abide idle hands. She'll be coming into town tomorrow or the next day.

[Kitty]

Fine. Sam will pay you. Rob.

[Matt Dillon]

Much obliged to you, Rob. You don't have any new hands at the ranch by any chance, do you?

[Rob Curtin]

Same old hands. Marshall, mine and Sarah.

[Matt Dillon]

You run that spread alone now.

[Rob Curtin]

You see something wrong in that?

[Matt Dillon]

No, nothing, except the hard work of it.

[Rob Curtin]

Oh, we're willing for that, Sarah and me. Well, afternoon to you.

[Chester]

Oh, now you're funny. Me again. Abstract.

[A.B. Stringer]

Oh, that'd be a full thing for me to try. It's the truth, Chester. Just ask Marshall Dylan. He been all through that part of Texas.

[Chester]

You mean. Tell me the whole of that town is dug out storm cellar.

[A.B. Stringer]

There are two buildings in that town that stand above the ground. That's what I'm telling you, man. Riding through at night, I swear there's no town there at all. And riding through in the light of day, he'd be sure of it.

[Chester]

Well, that makes folks living like sacks of potatoes. Of course, that's cool living. Dug down in the earth that way.

[A.B. Stringer]

And a panhandle summer will give you cause to want cool living. But it's the winds, you know, it's the cyclones. That's how come they live that way.

[Chester]

Well, a cyclone can't blow away where it's not standing there in the first place. I can see that.

[A.B. Stringer]

Sure. Now some folks say that that's how come nobody can talk a Texan down. Cause you see, anybody learns to talk against the wind like that, he ain't going to be out talked by no mortal man.

[William Conrad]

Well now.

[Chester]

You. You got me. So I don't know what's joshing in.

[A.B. Stringer]

Well, that don't really bother you, does it, Jim?

[Chester]

Oh, Moser, I can admire it. All this laughing and fun and seeing you got trouble you're hiding.

[A.B. Stringer]

Well, everybody's got troubles right enough.

[Chester]

Yeah, but you just ain't one bit closer to finding that Sam Fraser now are you?

[A.B. Stringer]

Well, I haven't found him yet. But now, you know, with all this looking behind me, I must be getting closer now, wouldn't you say?

[Chester]

My dude, you got away seeing the bright side for sure.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sorry.

[Chester]

Oh, Miss Curtain. Oh, I am sorry.

[Miss Curtin]

My fault. Chester. Rob says if I don't quit backing out of doors, I'll get trampled one day.

[Chester]

Let me gather up your goods for you. Oh, Miss Curtin, this here is Mr. A.B. stringer.

[Miss Curtin]

Well, you're mighty kind to help, Mr. Stringer.

[A.B. Stringer]

I'm very pleased to meet you. It's Mrs. Curtin, is it?

[Miss Curtin]

Yes, sir.

[Chester]

Mrs. Curtin, won't we should just put these parcels in your wagon for you, ma' am.

[Miss Curtin]

Well, if you don't mind. Seems like you load my wagon more than Rob does lately, Chester.

[Chester]

Oh, he ain't with you today, huh?

[Miss Curtin]

No, he's at the ranch. I had just these few things to get and some errands to run. Rob says there wasn't any man's work to it. Now, you tell the marshal I was serious as could be about you taking supper with us just anytime you're out our way.

[Chester]

Oh, yes, ma' am.

[A.B. Stringer]

I'll do that.

[Chester]

I'll remind him.

[A.B. Stringer]

Sure.

[Miss Curtin]

Oh, and I thank you kindly for your help, Mr. Stringer.

[A.B. Stringer]

I'm glad to oblige you, lady. Ma' am. Here, allow me give you a hand up.

[Miss Curtin]

Thank you.

[Chester]

Here's your lines, man.

[Miss Curtin]

Next thing you know, you'll be driving me home. Goodbye to you.

[Matt Dillon]

Goodbye to miss.

[Chester]

Bye. I declare, if we don't get back to office, Mr. Young will think we walk seen out of town.

[A.B. Stringer]

You go on, Chester. I'm just going over to the stable for spell.

[Chester]

Well, now, you ain't thinking of riding off and leaving us now?

[A.B. Stringer]

If I told you, Chester, you'd swear I was fun on you again.

[Chester]

Well, I'd have told you sooner, but you and Clay was talking first along Mr. Jones.

[Matt Dillon]

That's not your fault, Chester. And we don't know if he followed Sarah Curtin. We just think he did swear.

[Chester]

I just can't get it through my head that he ain't abstringer the way he's been saying.

[Matt Dillon]

Clay says he can't be. And he ought to know. He's just up from Texas. He was there when they found Abstringer's buddy.

[Chester]

And they're pretty sure this fella we've been calling Ab is the one who killed him.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, Ab Stringer was bringing in a prisoner. And this man we know showed me Ab's credentials. So he must have killed him and stole his papers.

[Chester]

Just don't see how it could be. I swear I never met a nicer fella. And I sure never laugh so much.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, he's kept us all laughing, Chester. Maybe a little too.

[Miss Curtin]

In the name of heaven, what is this all about?

[Rob Curtin]

You shouldn't be out here in the barn, Sarah.

[Chester]

He'll kill you too.

[A.B. Stringer]

All you've Got to do is throw out the money. Sam, I don't have to kill you.

[Miss Curtin]

He keeps calling you, Sam. Tell him you're not who he thinks you are. Bob, tell him.

[A.B. Stringer]

You.

[Rob Curtin]

You spare my wife, I'll give you the money.

[A.B. Stringer]

Ain't got nothing against her.

[Rob Curtin]

I'm coming out. You wait where you are. It'll take me a minute to fetch the money.

[A.B. Stringer]

One minute. And then I start shooting again.

[Miss Curtin]

Sam. Bob Curtin, will you tell me what this is about? What money is there? Why does he call you Sam?

[Rob Curtin]

Well, it is Sam. A long time ago, before you, Sarah, I was Sam Fraser in this month. It's not mine.

[Miss Curtin]

Well, if it's his, why do they have to have a gun to get it from him?

[Rob Curtin]

It's not his, Sarah.

[Miss Curtin]

Rob, Then why? What is it? I don't understand.

[Rob Curtin]

Sarah, there isn't time. Maybe later. Maybe I can help you understand. Now, you stay here. You lie down flat while I take it to him.

[Miss Curtin]

I want to help you, Rob. Let me help you, then.

[Rob Curtin]

You stay there. Sarah.

[A.B. Stringer]

Sure sliced that minute kind of thing. Sambo.

[Rob Curtin]

I thought you were dead.

[A.B. Stringer]

Now, what kind of greeting is that? Between old friends, of course. I can see you'd a lot rather I was dead. You could have kept all that money.

[Rob Curtin]

You got your share years ago.

[A.B. Stringer]

Well, you was always more frugal than me, Sam. When I got to running again, I knew I could count on you. How come you still got it?

[Rob Curtin]

Most of it's there, but not all. I. I've been working. My wife's been working. I. I was gonna send it all.

[A.B. Stringer]

Back to the bank we robbed.

[Rob Curtin]

I got a life. I wanted to live it clean.

[A.B. Stringer]

And taking your ma's name, hiding behind it, that's your idea? Living clean?

[Rob Curtin]

It helped. Till now.

[A.B. Stringer]

Well, Sam, we killed a man.

[Rob Curtin]

I know I'm paying for that every day and night of my life.

[A.B. Stringer]

Minute I heard. Heard that name, meeting your woman, I knew my worries was done and gone.

[Rob Curtin]

You can live with what's passed, can't you? The killing, the.

[Chester]

The taking of the life.

[A.B. Stringer]

I got more killings than that to fret me, but I can live with them all fine. Now, I got this money. There's blood on it, but not enough. Sam, the way you're thinking, you're going to worry yourself to death. And I got to spare you that.

[Rob Curtin]

I haven't even got a gun.

[A.B. Stringer]

Well, I see, Sam boy.

[William Conrad]

So I see.

[A.B. Stringer]

Goodbye, Sam boy.

[Matt Dillon]

Here, hold it right there.

[A.B. Stringer]

Well, Marshall Dillon. Hey, we had an accident here.

[Matt Dillon]

I saw the whole thing, Ab. Oh, the only accident Was that I couldn't stop you in time. You gone to jail for murder.

[A.B. Stringer]

Now look here, Marshall. Rob Curtin.

[Matt Dillon]

I said you're going to jail. Now get your hands up.

[A.B. Stringer]

Not hardly. You. You got bright in a hurry, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Not hurry enough.

[A.B. Stringer]

No.

[Matt Dillon]

You're dying.

[A.B. Stringer]

Well, I ain't lingering long. Marshall. You was helpful, you and Chester. Mind I told you, if a man sets out to fool you and he's half bright about it, he can get the job done. And.

[Chester]

Mr. Dillon, look yonder.

[Matt Dillon]

What? Sarah, you shouldn't have come out here.

[Miss Curtin]

Leave me be. I've seen it all. Yeah, they're both dead.

[Matt Dillon]

Sorry I was too late.

[Miss Curtin]

No matter. Not now anyway.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll take care of Rob for you.

[Miss Curtin]

You'll do no such thing. You good has killed him. You'll not touch him now.

[Matt Dillon]

But you can't manage it, sir.

[Miss Curtin]

Oh, you come here now is more gall than I understand. And telling me what I can manage. You got no idea that Marshall, Sir, I'm.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sorry. I. I didn't know who he was. I lived three miles from Rob and didn't know who he was. These two years now.

[Miss Curtin]

I lived with him night and day these two years. He was Rob Curtin. And that's all he was. There was no Sam Fraser about him.

[Matt Dillon]

He had that money.

[Miss Curtin]

He offered it back. Your friend, Chester's friend. You're good as let him kill my rod. You're good as give him your leave.

[Matt Dillon]

It's not gonna be easy living with it, sir.

[Miss Curtin]

I hope it isn't. I hope you crawl with it the rest of your days.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sorry, sir. I'm terribly sorry.

[Miss Curtin]

You're a Marshall. I know. Only question is, sorrow don't quite fix things, does it?

[William Conrad]

Gun Smoke produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman Macdonald stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Kathleen Height with editorial supervision by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Lawrence Dobkin, Vic Paron and Jean Bates. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc, and Georgia Ellis is Kitty.

[Matt Dillon]

Foreign.

[William Conrad]

This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on Gun Smoke.

[Chester]

SA.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of OTRWesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Technogod who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[A.B. Stringer]

It.