The Mortgage | Gunsmoke (10-18-59)

Summary

Gunsmoke - "The Mortgage" Episode Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Gunsmoke - OTRWesterns.com
• Host/Author: Andrew Rhynes
• Episode: The Mortgage | Gunsmoke (10-18-59)
• Release Date: February 2, 2025

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Introduction

In the "The Mortgage" episode of Gunsmoke, listeners are transported to Dodge City, Kansas, during the tumultuous settlement of the American West. Hosted by Andrew Rhynes, this episode delves into the moral and ethical challenges faced by Matt Dillon, the steadfast U.S. Marshal, as he navigates the complexities of enforcing the law while grappling with personal compassion.

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The Mortgage Foreclosure

The episode opens with Matt Dillon being summoned to serve a court order of foreclosure and eviction against Ed Blake, a hardworking farmer deeply indebted to Caleb Andrews, the bank proprietor. The initial confrontation sets the stage for the central conflict of the episode.

Notable Quote:

Matt Dillon [02:26]: "Amount of the mortgage, $420. What do you need with $420? You own half of Ford county right now."

This exchange underscores Matt's skepticism about the necessity of the foreclosure, hinting at underlying issues affecting Ed Blake's ability to repay the loan.

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Matt Dillon's Dilemma

Matt Dillon is portrayed as a man torn between his duty as a marshal and his empathy for the Blakes' plight. Through conversations with his deputy, Chester Proudfoot, and interactions with the Blakes, Matt's internal struggle becomes evident.

Notable Quotes:

Matt Dillon [07:22]: "Well, it's just things in general, Kenny. You know, sometimes you get to wondering if it's all worth it."

Matt Dillon [07:53]: "Yeah, I guess so. But, you know, when you have to go out and boot somebody like the Blakes off their land and out of their home, then you just start wondering what's right and what's wrong."

These reflections reveal Matt's contemplative nature and his discomfort with the rigid application of the law when it results in personal suffering.

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Community Support and Intervention

As Matt wrestles with the decision to foreclose, the community's response becomes a pivotal element. Characters like Kitty Russell and Jack, along with other townsfolk, emerge as sources of support, demonstrating solidarity with the Blakes against the oppressive actions of Caleb Andrews.

Notable Quotes:

Kitty Russell [16:22]: "Then I don't know if this will make sense, but the thing is, I left home when I was 10 years old and I've been drifting ever since."

Jack [16:30]: "Here's $50, if that'll help."

Kitty and Jack's contributions symbolize the collective resistance against unjust financial practices, highlighting themes of community and mutual aid.

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The Confrontation and Resolution

The tension peaks when Jimmy Blake, Ed and Martha's son, confronts Matt with a rifle, intent on retaliating against Caleb Andrews. Matt's unwavering resolve and persuasive demeanor prevent the situation from escalating into violence.

Notable Dialogue:

Jimmy Blake [13:37]: "Matt, I know how you feel. I don't like Caleb either. But killing him is no answer."

Matt Dillon [14:43]: "Take that rifle back to the jail, put it in a rack and you go to bed."

Matt's successful de-escalation of the confrontation emphasizes his role as a mediator who prioritizes peace over conflict.

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The Foreclosure Sale and Resolution

In a dramatic turn, Chester Proudfoot steps forward with substantial funds, significantly exceeding the original mortgage amount. This act not only saves the Blakes from losing their farm but also exposes Caleb Andrews' unscrupulous practices.

Notable Moment:

Chester Proudfoot [22:25]: "Don't you worry then, Mr. Andrews. I got it right here. Now let's see. There's eight thousand in five hundred dollar bills and here's the four hundred twenty."

Chester's intervention showcases the power of community solidarity and highlights the potential for individuals to effect positive change against larger, more oppressive forces.

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Conclusion and Themes

"The Mortgage" masterfully blends elements of Western drama with profound ethical dilemmas. Matt Dillon's journey through duty, compassion, and community support underscores enduring themes of justice, integrity, and the human spirit's resilience. The episode not only entertains but also prompts listeners to reflect on the balance between enforcing the law and understanding individual hardships.

Final Notable Quote:

Martha Blake [24:01]: "Matt, I don't know how we can ever thank you for what you've done."

Matt's humility in receiving gratitude from the Blakes encapsulates his character's dedication to serving not just the letter of the law but also the spirit of justice and community well-being.

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Overall, "The Mortgage" stands out as a compelling narrative that intertwines personal conflict with broader societal issues, making it a memorable installment in the Gunsmoke series.

Transcript

[Caleb Andrews]

Foreign.

[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.

[Narrator]

Around Dodge City and in the territory on west, there's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers, and.

[Doc]

That'S with a U.S. marshal.

[Narrator]

And the smell of gun smoke. Gunboat, 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 lone.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, Mr. Dillon. Ain't this a fine morning, though? Little nippy maybe, but just fine.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Indian summer hanging on, winter holding off. You know, Chester, this time of year I wouldn't trade western Kansas for everything east of the Mississippi. Oh, good morning, Caleb.

[Caleb Andrews]

I've been waiting in this jail office for a full two hours. What time do you start work? Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Chester, you know Caleb Andrews, don't you?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, yes, sir. How are you, Mr. Andrews?

[Caleb Andrews]

Marshal, I have an order here from the U.S. district Court. I believe it's your job to serve such orders.

[Matt Dillon]

It is. I don't get them often, though. Now, order of foreclosure and eviction on Ed Blake. Caleb, why are you doing this to Ed?

[Caleb Andrews]

The man borrowed money from me and gave me a mortgage on his farm and household effects. He can't pay it.

[Matt Dillon]

It only came due three days ago. You sure didn't waste any time.

[Caleb Andrews]

Well, I'm not interested in your opinions. Marshall Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Amount of the mortgage, $420. What do you need with $420? You own half of Ford county right now.

[Caleb Andrews]

Marshall, it's not your place.

[Matt Dillon]

You know as well as I do why Ed Blake can't pay this off. His horse rolled on him last spring and broke his leg. And then his wife and kid nearly broke their backs trying to get a crop out.

[Caleb Andrews]

I didn't come here to listen to him.

[Matt Dillon]

If you'd let this ride on through the winter, you'd get your money out of it. But if you go ahead and foreclose now, you're gonna wipe him out.

[Caleb Andrews]

Marshall, I already have foreclosed.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, you'd break a man for $420 that you don't even need.

[Caleb Andrews]

As I said, your opinions don't interest me. All I expect from you is to Serve those papers.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, I'll serve them.

[Caleb Andrews]

You'll notice they're to be served today.

[Matt Dillon]

I said I'd serve them. Now get out.

[Caleb Andrews]

What? Sire?

[Matt Dillon]

This office belongs to the United States government. And as far as I know, that's one thing you've got no mortgage on. So get out.

[Caleb Andrews]

You may find I have some influence in Washington, Marshal Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Let's see if you can get me a decent salary for this rotten job I've got.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Sure was A fine morning, Ms. Dunn.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it sure was. All right, Chester, let's saddle. I didn't feel.

[Chester Proudfoot]

There's one job I sure wish we didn't have to do, Mr. Dillon. Yeah, he sure is a nice farm. Ed and Martha put in a lot of work here the last four years.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester, we don't have any choice. Yes, sir.

[Kitty Russell]

I know.

[Chester Proudfoot]

It's a down.

[Martha Blake]

Hey, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, boy. Well, hello, Jimmy.

[Jimmy Blake]

Look, you know what I got, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Looks to me like a mighty dead coyote.

[Jimmy Blake]

He's been killing my chicken. So last night I hid out behind the barn. I got him with one shot, Marshall, and there wasn't even a full move.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, that's fine, Jimmy.

[Jimmy Blake]

Matt Dillon.

[Martha Blake]

How are you?

[Matt Dillon]

Morning, Martha.

[Jimmy Blake]

And Chester, too.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Ms. Blake.

[Martha Blake]

Glad to see you. Get down and come on in.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, thank you, Jimmy.

[Martha Blake]

Now that you showed that thing to Marshall, Dylan, take it away somewhere.

[Jimmy Blake]

All right, Mar.

[Martha Blake]

He's real proud of those chickens of his, and he's done fine with them. Oh, here I am, though, keeping you standing out here in the yard. Come on, let's go inside.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, we really can't stay, Martha.

[Kitty Russell]

Oh, nonsense.

[Martha Blake]

You don't get out here once in a kunze.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know, but.

[Martha Blake]

And you're just in time. Your favorite dish, Matt. I was just about to take it out of the oven when you rolled butter Cornbread.

[Matt Dillon]

Buttermilk cornbread.

[Martha Blake]

Right. Ed's not here. But you will stay, won't you?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, Ed's away?

[Martha Blake]

Yes, he's in town. Matt, you're not yourself. What is it?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, Martha, I suppose I ought to talk to Ed about this, but maybe it'd be better if he hears it from you.

[Martha Blake]

You?

[Matt Dillon]

I've got a court order here. Has to do with that mortgage of Caleb Andrews. It's an order of foreclosure and eviction. And sale.

[Kitty Russell]

No.

[Caleb Andrews]

Oh, no.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, here it is.

[Martha Blake]

We were so sure he'd extended. So sure. Matt, how. How long before we have to get out?

[Matt Dillon]

Five days.

[Martha Blake]

So soon? You were right, Matt. It is better that Ed hears it from me. Coming on top of Everything else.

[Matt Dillon]

Martha, if there's anything I can do, you know, you just let me know.

[Martha Blake]

Matt, I don't blame you for this. I understand. Come on in now and have some cornbread with us.

[Matt Dillon]

I couldn't. I'm sorry. Thanks anyway, Martha, but I. I'm just not very hu.

[Kitty Russell]

Matt, you've looked low all week.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, it's just things in general, Kenny. You know, sometimes you get to wondering if it's all worth it.

[Jack]

It's the Blakes that's bothering you, isn't it, Matt?

[Matt Dillon]

Chester was telling me Chester talks too much.

[Kitty Russell]

That's not your fault, Matt. Somebody had to serve the orders.

[Matt Dillon]

And somebody has to be a hangman, too.

[Jack]

Life's never all good, Matt.

[Caleb Andrews]

There's always a little bad in it.

[Matt Dillon]

And in my job, it's more than a little, Doc.

[Kitty Russell]

Try making your living sometime as a dance hall girl.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I guess so. But, you know, when you have to go out and boot somebody like the Blakes off their land and out of their home, then you. You just start wondering what is right and what is wrong.

[Kitty Russell]

Well, if you find out, Matt, that means.

[Caleb Andrews]

Oh, here you are, Marshall. I. I stopped by the jail.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Caleb. What's on your mind?

[Caleb Andrews]

That Blake family, they were supposed to vacate today, and they haven't done it. I rode by there a little while ago.

[Matt Dillon]

According to the court order, they got until sundown.

[Caleb Andrews]

Now, look, Marshall, I believe I prefer to discuss our business elsewhere than in the presence of this. This woman.

[Matt Dillon]

Just a minute, Caleb.

[Kitty Russell]

Matt, I'll go.

[Matt Dillon]

No, Caleb. You're going to apologize to Ms. Russell right now.

[Kitty Russell]

Matt, no.

[Caleb Andrews]

Apologize? I'm not going to apologize to any cheap little.

[Kitty Russell]

Matt, you shouldn't have done it.

[Matt Dillon]

Sam. Yeah? Take him outside and throw some water on him, will you? Sure. Sure, Matt. Charlie, come here.

[Caleb Andrews]

He'll do everything he can to harm you. Now, Matt. He'll take it out on the Blakes, too.

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe. Look, I just got an idea. I'.

[Caleb Andrews]

Now, Matt, the mere fact a man runs a bank doesn't always mean he has a free hand in everything he does. Bank has stockholders, board of directors. I have to listen to them.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I think they'd approve the loan, Mr. Bakken.

[Caleb Andrews]

Another thing. Caleb Andrews is the biggest account I've got. He's out to get that Blake farm. I crossed him by making this loan you suggest. Matt, he'd break me.

[Matt Dillon]

I see. All right, Mr. Bogdan. Forget it.

[Kitty Russell]

Matt.

[Caleb Andrews]

I realize I'm under obligation to you. You saved my life that time. The James brothers held me up Saved the bank too.

[Matt Dillon]

In fact, that was part of my job. That's no obligation. I was just asking you as a friend to help out another friend.

[Caleb Andrews]

Matt, I'd like to do it, but I just can't. Don't you see?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, sure. Forget it.

[Caleb Andrews]

I've got to think of my wife and the two girls.

[Matt Dillon]

Of course you have.

[Caleb Andrews]

It's not that I don't want to help.

[Matt Dillon]

I understand, Mr. Buckin. Forget it.

[Jimmy Blake]

There.

[Chester Proudfoot]

That ought to hold it a while. That fire feels kind of good, Mr. Dunn. Getting chilly so tonight.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Caleb Andrews]

Yes, sir.

[Chester Proudfoot]

When winter sets in, it always makes you feel good to know you got a warm place to hold up. Be mighty rough to.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I was thinking of the same thing.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Chester, you reckon they vacated this afternoon?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know. We were right out there in the morning. Let's find out. Yeah. Come in. Can we bother you, Ed? Come on in, Martha. Hello, Jimmy. Come on up. The stove? Yeah. Fact is, Matt, we kind of like to impose on you for tonight. We don't have any place to go, no money and well wondered. We could sleep in the jail. Sure, sure. Chester, will you get a fire going back there?

[Caleb Andrews]

Yes, mister.

[Matt Dillon]

And take some blankets out of the store room, huh?

[Caleb Andrews]

Yes, sir.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Wanna come help me, Jimmy?

[Doc]

Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

You're going along with Chester, son. Ed, we may as well get your stuff out of the wagon. Well, there ain't any wagon, Matt. We walked into town, but you walked. Well, that lake wagon, the stock, all the household goods, they're all covered in that mortgage, you see, so we didn't take anything. Clothes on our backs. Ah, Ed, so help me, I.

[Martha Blake]

It's all right, Matt. We know how you feel. After all, we started with nothing before and we can do it again.

[Matt Dillon]

There's no reason you should have to.

[Martha Blake]

We do have to, though.

[Kitty Russell]

And that's that.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Mr. Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, what is it, Chester?

[Caleb Andrews]

It's Jimmy.

[Chester Proudfoot]

He grabbed a rifle from the rack.

[Caleb Andrews]

And took out the back way I could stop.

[Martha Blake]

Where on earth is he going?

[Matt Dillon]

I know where he's going. And heaven help him if we don't catch him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

That's old Caleb's house here on the corner.

[Matt Dillon]

Looks dark. Yeah. He may not be at home.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Ain't no sign of the boy around.

[Matt Dillon]

But it's 10 to 1 this is where he headed for. Ah, Chester, there's somebody back of that tree there at the left.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, yeah. Reckon it's him?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know. Just keep on walking. Jimmy, it's me, Matt Dillon.

[Jimmy Blake]

Go away, Marshall. You better go away now.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I can't do that, Jimmy. You're a friend of mine. And I figure you're waiting here to do something you'd be sorry for, and I can't let you do that.

[Jimmy Blake]

Nothing you can do about it. Marshall. I got a gun here, and I'm gonna kill him. You go away and leave me alone.

[Matt Dillon]

Jimmy, I know how you feel. I don't like Caleb either. But killing him is no answer.

[Jimmy Blake]

Stop. Marshall. Stay where you are. Don't come any closer.

[Matt Dillon]

I have to, Jimmy. It's my job. So if you're gonna go through with this, I guess you're gonna have to kill me first.

[Jimmy Blake]

Stay back.

[Matt Dillon]

Sorry, Jimmy. I don't have a choice.

[Caleb Andrews]

But you do, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Now give me the rifle.

[Jimmy Blake]

I couldn't shoot you, Marshall. You know that.

[Matt Dillon]

Sure.

[Jimmy Blake]

I kept waking up nights and hearing mom crying. Dad had sat up all night without the lamp lit and no fire.

[Caleb Andrews]

Not saying anything, just sitting.

[Matt Dillon]

Take it easy now.

[Jimmy Blake]

Why is he doing it to us, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

Jimmy, will you do something for a friend?

[Jimmy Blake]

If you say so.

[Caleb Andrews]

All right.

[Matt Dillon]

Take that rifle back to the jail, put it in a rack and you go to bed.

[Caleb Andrews]

You promise?

[Jimmy Blake]

I promise, Mr. Dillon. I'm sorry. I'll do like you say.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Jimmy. Good night, son.

[Kitty Russell]

Well, I could have told you Mr. Botkin wouldn't do anything, Matt. He wouldn't dare. He'd be scared Caleb would take his money out of the bank.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, that's about what he. I don't know, Kitty. I've done everything I can think of.

[Kitty Russell]

Now, the worst of it is everybody in town is just as scared of Caleb as Mr. Botkin is. I doubt if they'll even have the nerve to bid against him at the sale.

[Matt Dillon]

I know they probably got the place at. Not much more than the amount of the mortgage.

[Kitty Russell]

$420. Matt, I've seen more than that change hands across the poker table in one deal. And to think that's all it takes to get. Oh, yeah. Jack.

[Matt Dillon]

Jack.

[Jack]

I'm not usually one to drop on people, but I have been listening to you, too. The reason I butted in, Miss Kitty, I heard you talking about these people losing their home. I don't know this fellow Blake. He's never done any business over my blackjack table and probably never will.

[Kitty Russell]

No, I don't think he's ever been in here.

[Jack]

Then I don't know if this will make sense, but the thing is, I left home when I was 10 years old and I've been drifting ever since.

[Caleb Andrews]

But when I see somebody like this.

[Jack]

Blake, that Sticks it out and works and fights and then gets a law deal. Well, when I'm getting at. Here's $50, if that'll help Many.

[Kitty Russell]

Well, this is pretty decent of you, Jack. Thanks.

[Jack]

Sure.

[Kitty Russell]

Matt, I said a while ago that nearly everyone in town was afraid of Caleb. Well, it looks like there's some who aren't like Jack and the other dealers and the girls and the bartenders. Matt, I can raise $420 right here.

[Matt Dillon]

Branch, I think maybe you could, Kitty.

[Kitty Russell]

And do as well as Jack, too. Here's 50 for me, boys. Everybody listen to me for a minute. Now, quiet down. Quiet down. I got something to say.

[Matt Dillon]

Ali's sure taking his time getting here, Chester.

[Caleb Andrews]

Well, I told him what you said.

[Matt Dillon]

Mr. Dillon ought to bring him to the office on a run if anything will. Anytime Caleb figures he's about to lose a dollar or two. It's hitting him where it hurts.

[Chester Proudfoot]

The Blake's turned in for the night, Hadley?

[Matt Dillon]

I guess so. It's quiet back there.

[Caleb Andrews]

Marshall, what's this all about?

[Matt Dillon]

Shut the door, Caleb.

[Caleb Andrews]

Would you mind telling me why I've been called here at this time of night?

[Matt Dillon]

Sure. Here's $420. Blake's want to pay off that mortgage.

[Caleb Andrews]

Oh. Oh, they do, do they?

[Matt Dillon]

The court costs? Up to now, I'll probably run about $10. I'll pay that myself.

[Caleb Andrews]

That's mighty generous of you. Good night, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

It's a deal then.

[Caleb Andrews]

I'm not the least bit interested in having that mortgage paid off, Marshal Dillon. The Blake farm is worth about $2,000 now. In five years, it'll be worth three times as much. Land's going up in Ford county, so I don't want the money. I want the farm. When it's put up for sale, I'll get it at my own price. That foreclosure still goes, I see. Oh. Good night, gentlemen.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I guess that's that.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know why I ever thought he'd take the money. The Blakes won't get a cent out of the sale. He'll scare everybody off and bid it in a few dollars over the amount of the mortgage. And nobody in town will even try to steal. I didn't finally even try to.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Try to what, Mr. Jones?

[Matt Dillon]

Chester, I'm going over and wake up Mr. Buck. And I got an idea. And if it works, we'll hold that sale at noon tomorrow.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, that's pretty short notice to find an auctioneer.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't need an auctioneer, Chester. This one I'm going to run Myself. All right, all right. All of you know what we're here for. This is a foreclosure sale of the property and the household effects of Edward and Martha Blake. Ordered by the court at the request of that fine spirited, good hearted public benefactor, Caleb Andrews.

[Caleb Andrews]

All right, all right, get on with it. Get on with the sale.

[Matt Dillon]

All right. Now the first item I'm offering is a breadboard.

[Caleb Andrews]

Marshall Dillon, may I suggest you lump the household effects together and offer them as one bulk item.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sorry, Caleb, I'd rather offer them one at a time. Unless of course you'd care to waive all claim to the household effects and withdraw them from the order of foreclosure.

[Caleb Andrews]

I waive the claim. The household goods are withdrawn. Now get onto the house and land.

[Matt Dillon]

So ordered. Now, the Item offered is 160 acres of tillable land, a four room house and a barn. Now, I won't read through this description. You all know the property. It's a good farm. The amount of the mortgage is $420 held by Caleb Andrews. All right, the bidding's open. What have I offered?

[Caleb Andrews]

$450.

[Matt Dillon]

I have $450 from Caleb Andrews. Do I hear another bid? Now the farm's worth 2,000. You gonna let him have it for 450? How about another bidder, Mr. Dillon? Yes, what is it, Chester?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I have been thinking some lately of getting me a little place like this and settling down. I'll bid a thousand dollars.

[Matt Dillon]

I have $1,000 from Chester Proudfoot. Do I hear another bid?

[Caleb Andrews]

Why, it's a trick. He doesn't want this place.

[Matt Dillon]

1000.

[Caleb Andrews]

1200.

[Matt Dillon]

Caleb Andrews bids 1200. What do you say, Chester?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I think I kindly like this farm. 1500.

[Matt Dillon]

The bid is $1500. Going once.

[Caleb Andrews]

Going 1600.

[Matt Dillon]

1600 from Mr. Andrews, Mr. Proudfoot.

[Chester Proudfoot]

$8420.

[Caleb Andrews]

He never had that much money in his whole life.

[Matt Dillon]

Do I hear another bid? What do you say, Caleb?

[Caleb Andrews]

Do you think I'm a fool?

[Matt Dillon]

Going once, going twice. Sold to chester Proudfoot for $8,420. The buyer will come forward and complete the sale.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Don't you worry then, Mr. Andrews. I got it right here. Now let's see. There's eight thousand in five hundred dollar bills and here's the four hundred twenty.

[Caleb Andrews]

Where did you ever get that much in cash?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I save my pay, Mr. Andrews. And then of course I only drink mostly beer and it adds up after a while.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, Caleb. I guess $420 of this is yours. That takes care of the mortgage. Well, Ed, looks like you made a pretty fair profit on the place. A lot better than I expected, Matt. But I'd still rather have the farm than the month.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, Ed, I have been sort of thinking it over. Maybe I kind of lost my head. When you come right down to it, I don't know what I would do with a farm. So if you'd like to buy it, I'll take a $420 loss and sell it back to you for 8,000 cash.

[Matt Dillon]

That's done.

[Doc]

And.

[Matt Dillon]

And here's the money.

[Caleb Andrews]

Unheard of. They can't do it, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

As far as I know, there's no law against a man selling his own property. And now, the way I see it it. Mr. Andrews, right this minute, you're a trespasser on my property.

[Caleb Andrews]

So come on now, let's go. You care about this? Please. You mean. And stop pushing me.

[Matt Dillon]

You better get that $8,000 back to the bank. Mr. Botkin's probably worrying himself into a breakdown for fear somebody will find out he let us have it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yeah. All right, Mr. Dillon. I'll. I'll see you in town later.

[Matt Dillon]

All right.

[Jimmy Blake]

Matt.

[Martha Blake]

Matt, I don't know how we can ever thank you for what you've done.

[Matt Dillon]

Not me, Martha. Thank the bunch that work at the Long Branch. They're bums and drifters, most of them. But when Kitty told them the story, they really came true.

[Martha Blake]

We'll pay it back, Matt. Every cent of it. And that girl, Kitty. I guess I've said some hard things about her in the past, but. Matt, will you ask her to come out to dinner some afternoon? I'd like to thank her myself.

[Matt Dillon]

Sure, I'll ask her. My foot. I think she'll appreciate that even more than you know.

[Doc]

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 Les Crutchfield with editorial supervision by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Gene Bates, Joseph Kearns, Dick Beals, Jack Moyles, Lawrence Dobkin and James Musser. Marley Baer As Chester, Howard McNear as Doc and Georgia Ellis as Kitty. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story of the western frontier. When Matt Dillon, Chester Proudfoot, Doc and Kitty, together with all the other hard living citizens of Dodge, will be with you once more. It's America growing west in the 1870s. It's gun smok.

[Jimmy Blake]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

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