Gunsmoke 52-12-20 (035) Xmas Story

Summary

---

Gunsmoke 52-12-20 (035) Xmas Story

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Date: December 22, 2025

---

Episode Overview

This special episode of Gunsmoke, originally aired in December 1952, offers a heartfelt Christmas story set on the Western frontier. As Marshal Matt Dillon journeys back to Dodge City for Christmas, an unexpected turn leads him to spend Christmas Eve with a solitary drifter, Amos Cowley, out on the cold Kansas plains. The episode reflects on the warmth, community, and small joys of the holiday in a harsh land, offering a powerful meditation on companionship and healing during the festive season.

---

Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

1. A Lonely Christmas Journey Begins

• Matt Dillon is forced to shoot his injured horse, leaving him stranded "about a mile north of the Cimarron" with a long, cold trek back to Dodge City. (02:07)
  • “It made me feel awful bad. I didn’t feel any better thinking about the walk ahead of me—close to 40 miles to Dodge and carrying my saddle all the way.” — Matt Dillon (02:10)
• He encounters Amos Cowley, a dour but kind stranger riding a tired nag, who offers him a ride. Tobacco and food are exchanged. (03:02–04:06)
  • “Not saying this beast won’t drop dead from the shock, but do you want to climb on behind? Save your piece of boot leather for a while anyway.” — Amos Cowley (03:59)

---

2. Conversations on the Road: Loneliness and Christmas Memories

• As they ride, Cowley asks Matt about Dodge City, curious about people and the nature of Christmas in town. (06:39–08:11)
  • “What’s it like in Dodge? What does any town look like at Christmas? Same as it used to be?” — Amos Cowley (07:36)
• Matt reflects on the meaning of Christmas in Dodge and describes the preparations, the children’s festivities, and the warmth of the community. (08:15–09:47)
  • “There’s something pretty special about any place at Christmas time.” — Matt Dillon (05:50)

---

3. Small Town Celebration: Community and Connection

• Flashback to the previous Christmas in Dodge:
  • John Bumby, the usually reserved handyman, excitedly plans to propose to Mrs. McNish, a sweet moment showing the humanity of everyday townsfolk. (09:40–10:55)
    • “Tonight, I’m asking Mrs. McNish to become Mrs. Bumby.” — John Bumby (09:42)
  • Matt recalls how even minor greetings of "Merry Christmas" foster warmth and goodwill among men hardened by frontier living. (10:55)
    • “Men say it to each other and, well, it makes them feel kind of good.” — Matt Dillon (10:55)

---

4. Life on the Trail: Sharing Stories and Sorrows

• Cowley reveals that he hasn't been to church for years, prompting Matt to share a story about stopping by the Dodge church on Christmas Eve, savoring its peace. (19:16)
• They visit Mr. Hightower, the depot and print shop man, bringing him a holiday bottle of whiskey—showcasing the bonds of even the loneliest in town. (20:49)
  • “Well, say, we brought you over a bottle of Irish, for company. Jameson’s.” — Matt Dillon (20:49)

---

5. Christmas Eve Reflections and Revelations

• Matt describes past Christmases—Kitty decorating a rare pine tree in the Texas Trail, gathering with Chester and Doc to sing carols. (15:26–16:00, 23:21)
  • “There was a glow in the stove in the middle of the room and frosty windows...” — Matt Dillon (23:32)
• The atmosphere is sentimental; small gifts are exchanged, and Chester delivers a heartfelt toast:
  • “I just wanna say, Miss Kitty, Doc, you Mr. Dillon... I just wanna say this is the best doggone Christmas I ever had.” — Chester (24:55)

---

6. Amos Cowley’s Confession & Desire for Belonging

• As they make camp, Cowley finally opens up about his tragic past at sea—having lost his wife, child, and others in a shipwreck—explaining his years of wandering and avoidance of people. (27:39–28:52)
  • “One night we hit dirty weather off New Jersey... We piled up on the rocks and knocked the bottom out. There was 18 passengers aboard... We never saw ’em again. And my own wife, my kid, went down too.” — Amos Cowley (27:57–28:22)
• The exchange is gentle and understanding, bridging their two solitary experiences:
  • “Maybe I wouldn’t need to drift no more. Maybe I could drop anchor, you know.” — Amos Cowley (29:12)
  • “Yeah, you might at that.” — Matt Dillon (29:25)

---

7. A Simple Christmas on the Plains

• The episode closes with Matt and Amos sitting by their fire, two lonely men finding comfort in each other's company on Christmas Eve. Amos expresses a wish to meet the people of Dodge and perhaps find a place to belong.
  • “Merry Christmas, Marshal.” — Amos Cowley (29:36)
  • “Merry Christmas, Mr. Cowley.” — Matt Dillon (29:41)

---

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On the hardship of the West:
  • “It made me feel awful bad. I didn’t feel any better thinking about the walk ahead of me—close to 40 miles to Dodge and carrying my saddle all the way.” — Matt Dillon (02:10)
• On generosity among strangers:
  • “Not saying this beast won’t drop dead from the shock, but do you want to climb on behind?” — Amos Cowley (03:59)
• On Christmas in Dodge:
  • “There’s something pretty special about any place at Christmas time.” — Matt Dillon (05:50)
  • “I just wanna say... this is the best doggone Christmas I ever had.” — Chester (24:55)
• On grief and healing:
  • “My own wife, my kid went down too... I didn't want nothing to do with ships or the sea. And I started to drift out this way... especially kids, to remind me.” — Amos Cowley (28:08)
  • “Maybe I wouldn't need to drift no more. Maybe I could drop anchor, you know.” — Amos Cowley (29:12)

---

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Matt’s misfortune and chance meeting with Cowley: 02:07–05:08
• Reflecting on Dodge’s Christmas spirit: 07:01–10:55
• Flashback to last year’s Christmas Eve and moments at the Texas Trail: 15:26–16:39
• Visit with Mr. Hightower at the depot: 20:31–21:43
• Christmas carols and gift exchange at Doc’s: 23:21–24:55
• Cowley’s confession and hope for belonging: 27:39–29:41

---

Tone and Style

The episode is rich in nostalgia and gentle sentimentality, investing ordinary holiday moments with deep emotional resonance. The dialogue between Matt and Amos is understated, reflective, and often tinged with melancholy, but ultimately hopeful about the redemptive power of human connection during the holidays.

---

Summary

Gunsmoke’s "Xmas Story" is a classic piece of Golden Age radio that deftly weaves together the frontier hardships with the enduring warmth of the Christmas spirit. Through shared memories, unexpected companionship, and the possibility of new beginnings, the episode reminds listeners that community and kindness can flourish in even the loneliest and toughest places.

---

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

Starting a business can be overwhelming. You're juggling multiple roles, designer, marketer, logistics manager, all while bringing your vision to life. But for millions of businesses, Shopify is the ultimate partner. Shopify is the commerce platform behind millions of businesses around the world and 10% of all e commerce in the US from household names like Mattel and Gymshark to brands just getting started. Build a stunning online store with Shopify's ready to use templates. Build content with AI powered product descriptions, page headlines and enhanced photography. Marketing is easy with built in tools for email and social media campaigns. Plus, Shopify simplifies everything from inventory to shipping and returns. If you're ready to sell, you're ready for Shopify. Turn your big business idea into With Shopify on your side, sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com try go to shopify.com try shopify.com.

[Radio Host/Announcer]

Around Dart City and in the territory on west, there's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers, and that's with the U.S. marshal and the smell of gun smoke. Gun Smoke Starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America. The story of a man who moved with it. Matt Dillon, United States Marsh.

[Matt Dillon]

Everything was all right until about a mile north of the Cimarron. That's when my horse got a hoof caught in a frozen dog hole and broke his leg. So I had to shoot him. It made me feel awful bad. I didn't feel any better thinking about the walk ahead of me, close to 40 miles to Dodge and carrying my saddle all the way. Guess I'd been on the trail about an hour. Near as I could figure, it was around three in the afternoon and I had to ease the saddle off my shoulders for a rest and a smoke. And that's when I saw the stranger riding up. From the way I'd come, he was tall and thin and his horse was taller and even thinner. They made quite a pair of. Hi, how are you?

[Amos Cowley]

You lost?

[Matt Dillon]

No, my horse busted his leg away back. I am on my way to Dodge.

[Amos Cowley]

That's your horse, huh? I saw it.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Amos Cowley]

On your way to Dodge? Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, that's right.

[Amos Cowley]

You got any more of that tobacco now?

[Matt Dillon]

Sure. Here you are.

[Amos Cowley]

Thanks. Thanks a lot.

[Matt Dillon]

That's okay.

[Amos Cowley]

A big walk you got ahead, ain't it?

[Matt Dillon]

Kinda.

[Amos Cowley]

I'm gonna be dark soon. You figure? Making camp?

[Matt Dillon]

That's the idea.

[Amos Cowley]

Well, it's too bad.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Amos Cowley]

You need any food?

[Matt Dillon]

No, no, no thanks. I. I got enough.

[Amos Cowley]

Well, I thank you for the Tobacco?

[Matt Dillon]

Sure, anytime. Hey, Yarn.

[Amos Cowley]

Not saying this beast won't drop dead from the shock, but do you want to climb on behind? Save your piece of boot leather for a while anyway.

[Matt Dillon]

Why, I'd be much obliged if you think that animal of yours can carry it.

[Amos Cowley]

Well, she won't mind. Should have been dead a long time ago, except she don't know it. She don't mind.

[Matt Dillon]

Okay.

[Amos Cowley]

Thanks.

[Matt Dillon]

Here, will you hold my saddle till I got up? Huh?

[Amos Cowley]

Yeah, Give it to him.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Amos Cowley]

All right. Can you manage this saddle?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, Give it him. Yeah, I got it now.

[Amos Cowley]

Let's go.

[Matt Dillon]

You heading for Dodge, too?

[Amos Cowley]

Not in particular. Just north.

[Matt Dillon]

Uh huh.

[Amos Cowley]

This beast will do about 10 knots with the wind behind her, but we ain't gonna get more than five with this load. You ain't in no hurry, are you?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I was kind of hoping to get back tonight. Christmas Eve, you know.

[Amos Cowley]

Oh, yeah, that's right, ain't it?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Amos Cowley]

That backbone of hers sticking into you.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, no, it's okay. Thanks.

[Amos Cowley]

Notice that tin dojigger tied to you? You with the law?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Yeah, I'm a. I'm a U.S. marshal. My name's Matt Dillon.

[Amos Cowley]

That's all. I never seen a marshal on foot.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, it happens sometimes.

[Amos Cowley]

How is it you're down this way? Isn't it to mite off your course? Mm. Say, you marshal down here as well as Dodge?

[Matt Dillon]

No. No, I. I just took a prisoner across the Cimarron into Oklahoma territory. Turned him over to the army there.

[Amos Cowley]

Did.

[Matt Dillon]

And then he shot up tight. We must have ridden a couple of miles without a word. I got to thinking about Dodge and Chester and Doc and Kitty and the rest of them. You know, there's something pretty special about any place at Christmas time. The backbone. Stranger's nag was just about to split me in two when he talked up.

[Amos Cowley]

My name is Cowley, Alice Cowley. Better heave to a spell. She's breathing mighty hard. All right. Hold up.

[Matt Dillon]

It's getting a little chilly, isn't it?

[Amos Cowley]

Yeah. Did I trouble you for another smoke?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, sure, sure. Here you are.

[Amos Cowley]

I thank you. Same. What's it like in Dodge? What? Dodge, what's it like?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, it's like any other town, I guess.

[Amos Cowley]

Pretty big, huh?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, yeah, I guess so.

[Amos Cowley]

Not so big as New York, though.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh. Oh, no, no, no, no. Not as big as that.

[Amos Cowley]

You know, I haven't been in a big town now for more than 10 years.

[Matt Dillon]

How is that so?

[Amos Cowley]

No. Been down the territories drifting. Thought I'd move up north this time. Maybe go back East.

[Matt Dillon]

You're from the east, huh?

[Amos Cowley]

Sometime back. Say, what's it like?

[Radio Host/Announcer]

What?

[Amos Cowley]

Well, Dodge. Any town at Christmas. Same as it used to be. Why?

[Matt Dillon]

I guess so.

[Amos Cowley]

What do you do?

[Matt Dillon]

Same as most people, I guess. What most people do at Chris.

[Amos Cowley]

Well, that ain't saying a lot. What are the folks like and what does it look like? I just. I'd just kind of like to know.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I don't know. Well, there's Front Street. That's most of Dodge right now. Of course, it's getting bigger all day.

[Amos Cowley]

Do you have any kids? No.

[Matt Dillon]

No, I'm not married.

[Amos Cowley]

Kids have fun Christmas?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, they do, that's certain. And Dodge, they sometimes have a party for the kids a couple of days before Christmas. Kids like that. And then everybody gets feeling good. Looking forward to Christmas Eve like last. There was snow on the ground, but the sky was clear. You could even see the stars. I was going down the street to the Texas Trail to meet Doc and Chester. Chester? He's my deputy. Doc's a doctor in town. We had some work to do. Later on in the evening. You could see the light shining behind the curtained windows. And almost everybody had a sprig of holly berries hanging up. They got some from the East. A couple. Couple of days earlier, I remember running into John Bumby. He's a kind of general handyman in Dodge. Never says much, but he sure had a lot to say that night. Oh, hello, Marshall. Oh, hi, John. Lovely night for Christmas Eve, isn't it? It certainly is, John. Yeah. Pretty fine night. Peace on earth. Good will to man, Mr. Dillon. Yeah, that's the way it should be, John. You know, Marshall, this is going to be quite a night for me. Yes, sir. Oh, is that so?

[Amos Cowley]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

Tonight I'm asking Mrs. McNish to become Mrs. Bumby.

[Amos Cowley]

What?

[Matt Dillon]

Why, John, I didn't know that. I know it's been a mighty fast secret, but I. I'm popping the question tonight. Well, I wish you a lot of luck, John. Hey, I'll tell you what. Come by to the Texas Trail later and we'll have a drink on it.

[Radio Host/Announcer]

I will.

[Matt Dillon]

I really will, Marshall. You're good and kind, Marshall. Good and kind. Merry Christmas, Marshall Dillon. Merry Christmas. The same to you, John. That may sound kind of funny to you, but John Bumby's a good man. A little peculiar sometimes, but good as they come. And they don't make enough like him. Of course, most everybody in Dodge Suspected Doc and Ms. McNish were sweet on each other, but it just goes to show you I'll tell you about John and Ms. McNish a little later. So I went on down the street. You know, it's a funny thing about those words. Merry Christmas. Men say it to each other and, well, it makes them feel kind of good.

[Amos Cowley]

I know what you mean. Used to be a seafaring man myself. When you're on the sea and it comes Christmas, things like that can. They can count a lot.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Amos Cowley]

We might as well get underway again, huh?

[Matt Dillon]

Sure. All right. Hey, you want to take my saddle?

[Amos Cowley]

Give it here.

[Matt Dillon]

Okay. Give it a minute.

[Amos Cowley]

Okay. I guess. I guess you'll miss it in Dodge tonight. I mean, won't you?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, if you could get a little more out of this nag of yours, we might make it tonight.

[Amos Cowley]

No, there's not a chance. She'll be on her beam ends pretty quick. She's been on a long reach since sun up. Ah, mighty bear. Country up this way.

[Matt Dillon]

Depends on what you're used to.

[Amos Cowley]

Mighty bare where I've been, too. It's not like the sea. That's always different.

[Matt Dillon]

How come you left it? I always heard a sailor doesn't ever get it out of his blood or the sea.

[Amos Cowley]

I guess you can get it out of your blood all right.

[Matt Dillon]

You got the right reason.

[Amos Cowley]

You can.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Amos Cowley]

Hey, you trying to get something out of me?

[Matt Dillon]

But no.

[Radio Host/Announcer]

Get what?

[Matt Dillon]

I was just reminded you want to ride with me.

[Amos Cowley]

I don't want any talk about the sea.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you brought it up. Get it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This podcast is supported by the Real Real. Meet Christine. She loves shopping. And this is the sound of fashion overload. Too many fabulous things, not enough space. So Christine started selling with the RealReal. I've always loved collecting designer pieces, Gucci bags, Prada heels. But my style keeps evolving. Selling with the RealReal. Game changer. I earn more. And they do everything. Seriously. Just drop off your items or schedule a pickup. We handle the photos, descriptions, pricing, even shipping. You just sit back and watch your items sell fast to our 38 million members. And I get peace of mind knowing I earn more selling with the RealReal than anywhere else. Exactly this. That's the sound of your closet working for you. The Real real Earn more, save time, sell fast. And right now, you can get an extra $100 site credit when you sell for the first time. Go to therealreal.com to get your extra hundred dollars. Therealreal.com that's therealreal.com.

[Matt Dillon]

If you're an H Vac technician and a call comes in, Grainger knows that.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You need a Partner that helps you find the right product fast and hassle free. And you know that when the first.

[Matt Dillon]

Problem of the day is a clanking.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Blower motor, there's no need to break a sweat. With Grainger's easy to use website and.

[Matt Dillon]

Product details, you're confident you'll soon have.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Everything humming right along. Call 1-800-GRAINGER clickgrainger.com or. Or just stop by Granger for the.

[Matt Dillon]

Ones who get it done.

[Radio Host/Announcer]

We will return for the second act of Gun Smoke in just a moment. But first, tomorrow night, Jack Benny and his whole fun making gang make a personal appearance at Long Beach, California Veterans Hospital. It's going to be a Christmas they'll never forget as Benny and the bunch cut loose while they assist the folks at the hospital in trimming their Christmas tree. Be sure to join the fun tomorrow night on CBS Radio when it's Jack Benny time all across America now for the second act of Gun sm.

[Matt Dillon]

Amos Cowley sulked his way along the trail for the next while. And then it was almost like he couldn't stand the quiet. Or maybe he had things on his mind. He turned his head.

[Amos Cowley]

Go on.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Amos Cowley]

Go on, tell me some more.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, about Dodge?

[Amos Cowley]

Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I. I don't know.

[Amos Cowley]

Well, you try some more, huh?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, they got a little pine tree in the Texas Trail. Yeah. Come down a long way from the north. Kitty Russell, she. She's a hostess in the Texas Trail. Well, she. She got a lot of ribbon and GE gaws and made it look real nice. That was last Christmas.

[Amos Cowley]

A star at the top.

[Matt Dillon]

A star?

[Amos Cowley]

Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I think so. It looked like a star, I guess. It sure looked pretty. And there was a. Well, a difference in the place that day. Everybody was celebrating and feeling real good. The doors had swing open and somebody had come in and you know, maybe somebody you just knew to nod at. But because it was Christmas Eve, he'd come right up and say hello. Maybe that's a good reason.

[Amos Cowley]

Maybe not.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right.

[Matt Dillon]

Anyhow, it was still kind of early. Kitty and Chester were standing off looking at the tree. Hi, Matt. Good evening, Mr. Dylan. Hi, Kitty. Chester.

[Narrator/Announcer]

How do you like it? Matt?

[Matt Dillon]

Christmas tree. That's yours. Oh, that's real pretty. Only tree but one in the whole town. Yeah, Kate's got one over the Alphaganza. Oh, well, I'll have to see it later. Where's Sam?

[Amos Cowley]

I don't know.

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe he started celebrating too soon.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Doc's taking over the bar.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, that's right. You want a drink, Kelly? Sure. Oh, Right away. I'll get you a drink. You haven't forgotten anything, have you, Mr. Dylan? Forgotten what? Just there. What did I tell you, Miss Kitty? I knew just as sure as my nose.

[Radio Host/Announcer]

Oh, that.

[Matt Dillon]

No, no, I hadn't forgotten you.

[Amos Cowley]

Oh.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I thought as soon as he gets Sam sober enough to take care of the customers, we could go on over to Doc's like we planned. Sure, we'll do that, Chester. Here you are, Matt. Ah, thanks, Doc.

[Amos Cowley]

Oh.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, still snowing out? No, no, it's not. Where you going, Kitty? Oh, I just want to look outside.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ah.

[Matt Dillon]

Real pretty.

[Amos Cowley]

Man.

[Matt Dillon]

Thinks of a lot of funny things that don't mean much. Kitty standing at the door, sniffing the cold air and the warmth inside. And the whiskey. It was a good feeling. And then Chester and I decided to take a bottle over to Mr. Hightower. He's the telegraph operator over at the depot. He runs a printing shop on the side. Say, Mr. Dillon. Yeah, Chester? Do you mind if I stop by the church for a minute? No, I don't mind. I just feel kind of right tonight. Mr. Dillon figure out how to thank somebody for it. Sure. So we stopped by the church. I've never been much of a man for a church, I guess, but I went along with Chester. Wasn't anybody else there? Just the two of us. Guess we sat for 10 minutes in that place. Chester a little way off with his head bowed. You know, there's a lot of peace in a church. Maybe. Maybe it's the quiet. Maybe. Maybe it's the good that people find in there. Whatever it was, it made a man feel glad about pretty much everything.

[Amos Cowley]

I haven't been in a church since I don't know when.

[Matt Dillon]

How is that so heavenly?

[Amos Cowley]

Well, she's becalmed again, mister.

[Matt Dillon]

Okay.

[Amos Cowley]

She sure wasn't built for it, I'll tell you. Ever see anything like that?

[Matt Dillon]

She is kind of old.

[Amos Cowley]

I've had her going on eight years. She hasn't changed her mite. Eats like a pig and looks like a four legged mizzamist.

[Matt Dillon]

Smoke?

[Amos Cowley]

Don't mind. Hey, what about that, that fella Hightower? Did you get that bottle to him?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, sure, sure. Yeah, I guess it was lonely over in the depot all alone. He was glad for the company. There was a wood fire burning in the stove, but it didn't keep out. Well, how are you, gents? Merry Christmas. Well, how's it going, Mr. Hightower? Oh, slow, Marshall, slow. Bit of excitement. About an hour back, though. That so?

[Amos Cowley]

Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

9:15, got stuck between here and Hutchinson. Lots of Snow back there. They getting her out? Sure, they're trying. But I'm sure glad I'm not on it. It's going to be a cold night on that train. Well, it's kind of chilly in here, isn't it, Mr. Hightower? Any warmer and I'm going to sleep.

[Amos Cowley]

Well, say, we brought you over a.

[Matt Dillon]

Bottle of Irish for company. Jameson's. Well, I declare. I was just thinking about a top before you boys come in. Now, that's real friendly. Will you have a drink with me? We sure will. Let's open her up, huh? A couple of glasses up on the shelf there, Chester. Get them down, Will. I don't know if you get an idea about the folks in Dodge or not. They're not any different than any other people or the town either, I guess.

[Radio Host/Announcer]

Maybe.

[Matt Dillon]

It's a pretty small place at that. The depot, the hall, a few stores, a church, Doc's office, a Texas Trail ala fraganza. My office. Not much. But, hey, it's where you live, you know.

[Amos Cowley]

Sounds all right. I lived in a town once, back east. Small. I know what you mean.

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe you'll be going back.

[Amos Cowley]

Maybe. Say, kids, they still believe in St. Nick?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, sure might.

[Amos Cowley]

A few kids down where I've been, Indian kids, they don't believe in St. Nick.

[Matt Dillon]

No reason they should, I guess.

[Amos Cowley]

I used to believe in it. You know that.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I guess most people did one time or another. Hey, you figure we come maybe 10 miles?

[Amos Cowley]

Maybe.

[Matt Dillon]

It's getting dark. Yeah.

[Amos Cowley]

Well, come on. You want to. You want to ride the saddle for a bit?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, no, no, that's okay.

[Amos Cowley]

Well, and okay.

[Matt Dillon]

We rode on. And I thought about last year. About Kitty, Doc and Chester and me going over to Doc's place after Doc caught tired, attended bar at the Texas Trail. It was about a quarter to midnight, and we stood around and sang Christmas carols. I remember how it sounded that night. How it looked. The glow in the stove in the middle of the room and frosty windows.

[Amos Cowley]

Nowhere, nowhere Nowhere Nowhere Born is the.

[Matt Dillon]

King of Israel say, that was fine. That was just fine. Yes, it was.

[Amos Cowley]

Oh, gee.

[Matt Dillon]

Say now, what do you say? Listen.

[Amos Cowley]

Huh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Huh?

[Amos Cowley]

Oh.

[Matt Dillon]

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. I feel sentimental. That's exactly what I feel. I feel sentimental. I know what you mean, Doc. I surely know. Okay, Doc, bring him out. And I remember how Doc scuttled over to the bureau and brought out some packages. The presents weren't much, but it didn't matter what they were. And when we'd finished opening them, it was Chester who said what we were all thinking? I just. I just want to say, Miss kitty, Doc. You, Mr. Dillon. I just want to say that this is the best doggone Christmas I ever had. And that's what I want to say.

[Amos Cowley]

Say, he was going to tell me about that fellow John was caught in that woman. What was her name?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, yeah, Ms. McNish.

[Amos Cowley]

That's right.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, she said yes. And you've never seen two happier people in your whole life. Yeah, she's Ms. McNish. Bumpy.

[Amos Cowley]

Now, that's good.

[Matt Dillon]

You know, you might settle for a bit in Dodger. You could get work there.

[Amos Cowley]

Sure would be fine if you could get back tonight, wouldn't it?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, it can't be helped. It'd be a lot further away and a sight more tired if you hadn't come along.

[Amos Cowley]

Now, listen, how far do you figure before there's a place you might pick up a horse?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, I don't know. 15 miles or so, maybe.

[Amos Cowley]

I'm not going to make any 15 miles in this nag tonight, that's for sure.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, that's all right.

[Amos Cowley]

Now, I tell you what. You go on alone, you see?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, no, forget you go on alone.

[Amos Cowley]

She'd hold out with one man on her. And then you get a fresh horse and you ride into Dodge tonight.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, thanks. That's very good.

[Amos Cowley]

I'm telling you, I want you to go. I'll be fine. I've walked before. Probably make it almost as quick as you look.

[Matt Dillon]

It's real nice of you, Mr. Collie, but no, thanks.

[Amos Cowley]

Christmas don't mean nothing to me. You got friends waiting for you.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I'll see them tomorrow.

[Amos Cowley]

Ah, you're a fool.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, that may be.

[Amos Cowley]

All of them nice folks. We're gonna make them feel pretty bad.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, I'll stay if you want to go on along. Thanks for the ride.

[Amos Cowley]

Well, might as well make camp then.

[Matt Dillon]

I guess so.

[Amos Cowley]

And listen, you want to tell me some more about what you was telling me before we turn in?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, sure.

[Amos Cowley]

I take it kindly, mister. I'll get yourself settled. I got some stuff in my pack. We can eat and maybe get a fire going. Then after we eat, you can tell me some more.

[Matt Dillon]

We made a fire and then shared what we had for supper. He seemed to soften up after that, and we talked for a couple or three hours. Was like he was starved for news of people, everyday things and just plain company. And that's how we spent Christmas Eve together out on the plane. And then when the fire was dying down and I was about ready for sleep, he said.

[Amos Cowley]

Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah?

[Amos Cowley]

I want to tell you something. I've been needing to tell it for a long time. Do you mind?

[Matt Dillon]

Of course I don't mind.

[Amos Cowley]

Well, then I'll tell you. A few years ago, I was skipper of a little schooner. Used to sail up and down the east coast, you know, Boston, New York.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Amos Cowley]

Well, one night we hit dirty weather off New Jersey, Real dirty. Blew us off course. And we piled up on the rocks and knocked the bottom out.

[Matt Dillon]

That's too bad.

[Amos Cowley]

There was 18 passengers aboard, Marshall. Four of them was kids. We never saw him again. And my own. My own wife, my kid went down too.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sorry.

[Amos Cowley]

Well, now, something must have happened to me after that. I didn't want nothing to do with ships or the sea. And I started to drift out this way. I couldn't forget, though, do you know? And I didn't want to be near folks, especially kids, to remind me, do you know? Yeah. It's. How come I've been slewing around ever since.

[Matt Dillon]

Sure, I understand.

[Amos Cowley]

Just kind of wanted to get it off my chest.

[Matt Dillon]

Sure.

[Amos Cowley]

Marshall, I'd like to ride into Dodge with you tomorrow. You think I might meet some of them folks you was telling about?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I don't see why not that.

[Amos Cowley]

It'D be all right. Maybe I wouldn't need to drift no more. Maybe I could drop anchored, you know.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, you might at that.

[Amos Cowley]

Yes. Well, good night.

[Matt Dillon]

Good night.

[Amos Cowley]

Merry Christmas, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Merry Christmas, Mr. Cowley.

[Radio Host/Announcer]

Gunsmoke, under the direction of Norman MacDonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. Tonight's story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Anthony Ellis with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Featured in the cast were Lawrence Dobkin with Harry Bartel and John Dana Parley. Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. Gun smoke is heard by our troops overseas through the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. 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 Smok. Tomorrow night, Edgar Bergen's real life daughter Candy pays him and you a visit on the Edgar Bergen show with Charlie McCarthy. Candy and Charlie hit it off fine, but Edgar has caused to regret his hasty decision to invite his six year old daughter into the show. Especially when she starts throwing her voice. Sounds like fun. Tomorrow night on most of these same stations when CBS Radio presents the Edgar Bergen show with Charlie McCarthy. This is Roy Rowan speaking. And remember, Eve Arden is our Miss Brooks teaches you how to laugh every Sunday on the CBS radio network.

[Matt Dillon]

Sam, I want a new beginning for our family on January 9th. The sequel to Greenland is so massive you have to see it on the big screen. A Promise against the Safety.

[Amos Cowley]

Starring Gerard Butler and Marina Baccarin.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, my God.

[Matt Dillon]

Hang on.

[Radio Host/Announcer]

Greenland 2 migration.

[Matt Dillon]

Rated PG 13.

[Radio Host/Announcer]

All right, remember, the machine knows if you're lying. First statement. Carvana will give you a real offer on your car. All online.

[Narrator/Announcer]

False.

[Radio Host/Announcer]

True. Actually, you can sell your car in minutes.

[Narrator/Announcer]

False. That's gotta be true again.

[Radio Host/Announcer]

Carvana will pick up your car from your door. Or you can drop it off at one of their car vending machines.

[Matt Dillon]

Sounds too good to be true. So true.

[Radio Host/Announcer]

Finally caught on. Nice job. Honesty isn't just their policy, it's their entire model. Sell your car today too, Carvana. Pickup fees may apply.